Fluoropyrimidine type, patient age, tumour sidedness and mutation status as determinants of benefit in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with EGFR monoclonal antibodies: individual patient data pooled analysis of randomised trials from the ARCAD database

BACKGROUND

KRAS mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are used as predictive biomarkers to select therapy with EGFR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Other factors may be significant determinants of benefit.

METHODS

Individual patient data from randomised trials with a head-to-head comparison between EGFR mAb versus no EGFR mAb (chemotherapy alone or best supportive care) in mCRC, across all lines of therapy, were pooled. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between groups. Treatment effects within the predefined KRAS biomarker subsets were estimated by adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj) and 95% confidence interval (CI). EGFR mAb efficacy was measured within the KRAS wild-type subgroup according to BRAF and NRAS mutation status. In both KRAS wild-type and mutant subgroups, additional factors that could impact EGFR mAb efficacy were explored including the type of chemotherapy, line of therapy, age, sex, tumour sidedness and site of metastasis.

RESULTS

5675 patients from 8 studies were included, all with known mCRC KRAS mutation status. OS (HRadj 0.90, 95% CI 0.84-0.98, p = 0.01) and PFS benefit (HRadj 0.73, 95% CI 0.68-0.79, p < 0.001) from EGFR mAbs was observed in the KRAS wild-type group. PFS benefit was seen in patients treated with fluorouracil (HRadj 0.75, 95% CI 0.68-0.82) but not with capecitabine-containing regimens (HRadj 1.04, 95% CI 0.86-1.26) (pinteraction = 0.002). Sidedness also interacted with EGFR mAb efficacy, with survival benefit restricted to left-sided disease (pinteraction = 0.038). PFS benefits differed according to age, with benefits greater in those under 70 (pinteraction = 0.001). The survival benefit was not demonstrated in those patients with mutations found in the KRAS, NRAS or BRAF genes. The presence of liver metastases interacted with EGFR mAb efficacy in patients with KRAS mutant mCRC (pinteraction = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

The benefit provided by EGFR mAbs in KRAS WT mCRC is associated with left-sided primary tumour location, younger patient age and absence of NRAS or BRAF mutations. Survival benefit is observed with fluorouracil but not capecitabine. Exploratory results support further research in KRAS mutant mCRC without liver metastases.

Impact of KRASG12 mutations on survival with trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer: post hoc analysis of the phase III SUNLIGHT trial

BACKGROUND

In metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), KRAS mutations are often associated with poorer survival; however, the prognostic impact of specific point mutations is unclear. In the phase III SUNLIGHT trial, trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) plus bevacizumab significantly improved overall survival (OS) versus FTD/TPI alone. We assessed the impact of KRASG12 mutational status on OS in SUNLIGHT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the global, open-label, randomized, phase III SUNLIGHT trial, adults with mCRC who had received no more than two prior chemotherapy regimens were randomized 1 : 1 to receive FTD/TPI alone or FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab. In this post hoc analysis, OS was assessed according to the presence or absence of a KRASG12 mutation in the overall population and in patients with RAS-mutated tumors.

RESULTS

Overall, 450 patients were analyzed, including 302 patients in the RAS mutation subgroup (214 with a KRASG12 mutation and 88 with a non-KRASG12RAS mutation). In the overall population, similar OS outcomes were observed in patients with and without a KRASG12 mutation [median 8.3 and 9.2 months, respectively; hazard ratio (HR) 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87-1.4]. Similar OS outcomes were also observed in the subgroup analysis of patients with a KRASG12 mutation versus those with a non-KRASG12RAS mutation (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.76-1.4). FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab improved OS compared with FTD/TPI alone irrespective of KRASG12 mutational status. Among patients with a KRASG12 mutation, the median OS was 9.4 months with FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab versus 7.2 months with FTD/TPI alone (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48-0.93), and in patients without a KRASG12 mutation, the median OS was 11.3 versus 7.1 months, respectively (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.43-0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a KRASG12 mutation had no detrimental effect on OS among patients treated in SUNLIGHT. The benefit of FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab over FTD/TPI alone was confirmed independently of KRASG12 status.

Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with gastric cancer

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with gastric cancer (GC), published in late 2022 and the updated ESMO Gastric Cancer Living Guideline published in July 2023, were adapted in August 2023, according to previously established standard methodology, to produce the Pan-Asian adapted (PAGA) ESMO consensus guidelines for the management of Asian patients with GC. The adapted guidelines presented in this manuscript represent the consensus opinions reached by a panel of Asian experts in the treatment of patients with GC representing the oncological societies of China (CSCO), Indonesia (ISHMO), India (ISMPO), Japan (JSMO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), the Philippines (PSMO), Singapore (SSO), Taiwan (TOS) and Thailand (TSCO), coordinated by ESMO and the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology (JSMO). The voting was based on scientific evidence and was independent of the current treatment practices, drug access restrictions and reimbursement decisions in the different Asian regions represented by the 10 oncological societies. The latter are discussed separately in the manuscript. The aim is to provide guidance for the optimisation and harmonisation of the management of patients with GC across the different regions of Asia, drawing on the evidence provided by both Western and Asian trials, whilst respecting the differences in screening practices, molecular profiling and age and stage at presentation. Attention is drawn to the disparity in the drug approvals and reimbursement strategies, between the different regions of Asia.

Exploratory study of cold hypersensitivity in Japanese women: genetic associations and somatic symptom burden

Temperature perception is essential for humans to discern the environment and maintain homeostasis. However, some individuals experience cold hypersensitivity, characterized by a subjective feeling of coldness despite ambient environmental temperatures being normal, the underlying mechanisms of which are unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between subjective cold symptoms and somatic burden or single nucleotide polymorphisms to understand the causes of cold hypersensitivity. We conducted an online questionnaire survey [comprising 30 questions, including past medical history, subjective symptoms of cold hypersensitivity, and the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8)]. Respondents were 1200 Japanese adult female volunteers (age: 20-59 years), recruited between April 21 and May 25, 2022, who were customers of MYCODE, a personal genome service in Japan. Among the 1111 participants, 599 (54%) reported cold hypersensitivity. Higher cold hypersensitivity severity was positively associated with the SSS-8 scores. Additionally, a genome-wide association study for cold hypersensitivity was conducted using array-based genomic data obtained from genetic testing. We identified 11 lead variants showing suggestive associations (P < 1 × 10-5) with cold hypersensitivity, some of which showed a reasonable change in expression in specific tissues in the Genotype-Tissue Expression database. The study findings shed light on the underlying causes of cold hypersensitivity.

Patient prognosis and prediction model for taking Kampo formulas in dysmenorrhea: An observational study

Two representative Kampo formulas, keishibukuryogan and tokishakuyakusan, are frequently prescribed for patients with dysmenorrhea. We previously constructed a model that could predict which of these 2 formulas was most suitable, which is based on 4 subjective symptoms and 3 objective signs. To evaluate the prognosis of patients with dysmenorrhea using the established prediction model and assess the treatment outcomes between those treated in accordance with the prediction model and those who received various other treatments. In this retrospective, observational study, we included patients with menstrual pain who visited the Kampo Clinic at the Keio University Hospital for the first time between October 2014 and December 2020. These patients were monitored over a 90-day follow-up period. Participants were categorized into 2 groups: model-accordance and various-options. The progression of visual analogue scale (VAS) values was evaluated by determining the slopes from regression analysis between these 2 groups, with changes corroborated by the medical records. The study comprised 57 patients: 37 in the model-accordance group and 20 in the various-options group. Notably, the various-options group reported a significantly higher number of subjective symptoms (P = .03). The VAS value showed a decline, as indicated by the negative slope value of the regression line, across both groups - irrespective of their classification. There were no significant differences in the occurrence of adverse events between the 2 groups. The prognosis of patients with dysmenorrhea and the incidence of adverse events remained consistent, regardless of whether the treatment approach was in accordance with the prediction model or varied. Further studies are warranted to assess the prognosis when Kampo formulas are chosen based on the prediction model in the various-options population.

Different prognostic values of KRAS exon 2 submutations and BRAF V600E mutation in microsatellite stable (MSS) and unstable (MSI) stage III colon cancer: an ACCENT/IDEA pooled analysis of seven trials

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of KRAS and BRAFV600E mutations in stage III colon cancer (CC) remains controversial and has never been clearly analyzed in patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors due to sample size limitations. Data are also lacking for KRAS submutations and prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We examined clinicopathological variables and prognosis in patients with surgically resected stage III CC who participated in seven clinical trials from the ACCENT/IDEA databases. Associations between KRAS exon 2 and BRAFV600E mutations and time to recurrence (TTR), overall survival (OS), and survival after recurrence (SAR) were assessed using a Cox model. We also analyzed the prognostic value of KRAS exon 2 submutations.

RESULTS

Among 8460 patients, 11.4% had MSI-H status. In the MSI-H group, BRAFV600E, KRAS exon 2 mutants, and double-wild-type statuses were detected in 40.6%, 18.1%, and 41.3%, respectively, whereas and in the microsatellite stable (MSS) group, these were detected in 7.7%, 38.6%, and 53.8%, respectively. In the MSS group, 5-year TTR rates of 61.8%, 66.3%, and 72.9% were observed among patients with BRAFV600E, KRAS exon 2 mutants, and those who were DWT, respectively [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.58 and 1.31, both P < 0.001]. In the MSI-H group, 5-year TTR rates did not differ significantly among the mutated subgroups. Similar results were found for OS. However, survival after relapse was significantly shorter in the KRAS exon 2- and BRAFV600E-mutated patients in both MSS (adjusted HR = 2.06 and 1.15; both P < 0.05) and MSI-H (adjusted HR = 1.99 and 1.81; both P < 0.05) groups. In the MSS group, KRAS exon 2 mutations were associated with TTR, but only p.G12C, p.G12D, and p.G13D were associated with poor outcomes after disease recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Testing for both KRAS and BRAFV600E mutations in stage III patients should be considered as they can better define individual patient prognosis, and may also enable patient selection for (neo)adjuvant trials dedicated to specific molecular subtypes with poor prognosis.

Contribution of traditional Japanese Kampo medicines, kakkonto with shosaikotokakikyosekko, in treating patients with mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019: Further analysis of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial

We previously reported the finding of symptom relief in a randomized controlled trial with the combined use of kakkonto and shosaikotokakikyosekko added to conventional treatment in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). For further evaluation, we performed post hoc analysis focused on symptom disappearance without recurrence, to determine a clearer effect of Kampo medicine. Patients with mild and moderate COVID-19 were randomly allocated to a control group receiving symptomatic therapy or a Kampo group receiving kakkonto (2.5 g) with shosaikotokakikyosekko (2.5 g) three times daily in addition to symptomatic therapy. The data of 161 patients (Kampo group, n = 81; control group, n = 80) were analyzed post hoc for the time to symptom disappearance. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard estimates of disappearance of symptoms showed that all and each symptom targeted in this study disappeared faster in the Kampo group than in the control group, although not statistically significant (all symptomatic cases; hazard ratio [HR] 3.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46-29.98, log-rank p = 0.1763). In a supplemental assessment using covariate adjustment and competing risk analysis, fever disappeared faster in the Kampo group than in the control group (all symptomatic cases, HR 1.62, 95% CI 0.99-2.64, p = 0.0557; unvaccinated cases, HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.00-2.83, p = 0.0498) and shortness of breath disappeared significantly faster in Kampo group than in control group (all symptomatic cases, HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.07-3.42, p = 0.0278; unvaccinated cases, HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.17-3.96, p = 0.0141). These results demonstrate the advantages of Kampo treatment for acute COVID-19.

Development of a novel drug information provision system for Kampo medicine using natural language processing technology

BACKGROUND

Kampo medicine is widely used in Japan; however, most physicians and pharmacists have insufficient knowledge and experience in it. Although a chatbot-style system using machine learning and natural language processing has been used in some clinical settings and proven useful, the system developed specifically for the Japanese language using this method has not been validated by research. The purpose of this study is to develop a novel drug information provision system for Kampo medicines using a natural language classifier® (NLC®) based on IBM Watson.

METHODS

The target Kampo formulas were 33 formulas listed in the 17th revision of the Japanese Pharmacopoeia. The information included in the system comes from the package inserts of Kampo medicines, Manuals for Management of Individual Serious Adverse Drug Reactions, and data on off-label usage. The system developed in this study classifies questions about the drug information of Kampo formulas input by natural language into preset questions and outputs preset answers for the questions. The system uses morphological analysis, synonym conversion by thesaurus, and NLC®. We fine-tuned the information registered into NLC® and increased the thesaurus. To validate the system, 900 validation questions were provided by six pharmacists who were classified into high or low levels of knowledge and experience of Kampo medicines and three pharmacy students.

RESULTS

The precision, recall, and F-measure of the system performance were 0.986, 0.915, and 0.949, respectively. The results were stable even with differences in the amount of expertise of the question authors.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a system using natural language classification that can give appropriate answers to most of the validation questions.

Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), published in late 2022, were adapted in December 2022, according to previously established standard methodology, to produce the Pan-Asian adapted (PAGA) ESMO consensus guidelines for the management of Asian patients with mCRC. The adapted guidelines presented in this manuscript represent the consensus opinions reached by a panel of Asian experts in the treatment of patients with mCRC representing the oncological societies of China (CSCO), Indonesia (ISHMO), India (ISMPO), Japan (JSMO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), the Philippines (PSMO), Singapore (SSO), Taiwan (TOS) and Thailand (TSCO), co-ordinated by ESMO and the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology (JSMO). The voting was based on scientific evidence and was independent of the current treatment practices, drug access restrictions and reimbursement decisions in the different Asian countries. The latter are discussed separately in the manuscript. The aim is to provide guidance for the optimisation and harmonisation of the management of patients with mCRC across the different countries of Asia, drawing on the evidence provided by both Western and Asian trials, whilst respecting the differences in screening practices, molecular profiling and age and stage at presentation, coupled with a disparity in the drug approvals and reimbursement strategies, between the different countries.

Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, staging and treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer

The most recent version of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, staging and treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) was published in 2021. A special, hybrid guidelines meeting was convened by ESMO and the Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO) in collaboration with nine other Asian national oncology societies in May 2022 in order to adapt the ESMO 2021 guidelines to take into account the differences associated with the treatment of MBC in Asia. These guidelines represent the consensus opinions reached by a panel of Asian experts in the treatment of patients with MBC representing the oncological societies of China (CSCO), India (ISMPO), Indonesia (ISHMO), Japan (JSMO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), the Philippines (PSMO), Singapore (SSO), Taiwan (TOS) and Thailand (TSCO). The voting was based on the best available scientific evidence and was independent of drug access or practice restrictions in the different Asian countries. The latter were discussed when appropriate. The aim of these guidelines is to provide guidance for the harmonisation of the management of patients with MBC across the different regions of Asia, drawing from data provided by global and Asian trials whilst at the same time integrating the differences in genetics, demographics and scientific evidence, together with restricted access to certain therapeutic strategies.

The Integration of Traditional Medicine with Conventional Biomedicine: A Narrative Review of the Japanese Perspective

Objectives: This is a narrative review of the integration of traditional medicine with conventional biomedicine in present day Japan, whose aging population is considered one of the largest globally. Design: It is focused on the aging population because this age group most avails of healthcare. We also tried to describe the unique Japanese medical situations, clinical outcome of Japanese traditional medicine (Kampo medicine) which may include acupuncture, and education of Kampo medicine workforce. Results: Conventional schools of medicine in Japan are required to teach Kampo medicine, and most Japanese physicians (>80%) prescribe traditional medicine, especially in primary care settings. The universal national healthcare system covers Kampo medicine prescribed by physicians and treatment by acupuncturists (they sometimes refer patients who may need evaluation by physicians), enhancing access to primary healthcare. Additionally, pharmacists who graduated from conventional schools of pharmacy also select and sell Kampo medicine as over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Kampo medicine available as prescription drugs and OTC is effective, and has been proven to be economically beneficial in several clinical settings. Conclusions: An aging population is a global concern for both developed and developing countries. Japan, having a significantly-large aging population, integrates conventional biomedicine and traditional medicine in its universal national healthcare coverage, through its biomedically-trained physicians and pharmacists who also learned traditional medicine, as well as the acupuncturists. By reviewing the current situation in Japan, the authors hope to introduce the future of the global contribution of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine in primary care.

Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with endometrial cancer

The most recent version of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with endometrial cancer was published in 2022. It was therefore decided, by both the ESMO and the Indian Society of Medical and Paediatric Oncology (ISMPO), to convene a virtual meeting in July 2022 to adapt the ESMO 2022 guidelines to take into account the variations in the management of endometrial cancer in Asia. These guidelines represent the consensus opinion of a panel of Asian experts representing the oncological societies of China (CSCO), India (ISMPO), Indonesia (ISHMO), Japan (JSMO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), the Philippines (PSMO), Singapore (SSO), Taiwan (TOS) and Thailand (TSCO). Voting was based on scientific evidence and was conducted independently of the current treatment practices and treatment access constraints in the different Asian countries, which were discussed when appropriate. The aim of this guideline manuscript is to provide guidance for the optimisation and harmonisation of the management of patients with endometrial cancer across the different regions of Asia, drawing on the evidence provided by Western and Asian trials whilst respecting the variations in clinical presentation, diagnostic practices including molecular profiling and disparities in access to therapeutic options, including drug approvals and reimbursement strategies.

Comprehensive clinical and molecular characterization of claudin 18.2 expression in advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer

BACKGROUND

We conducted comprehensive clinical and molecular characterization of claudin 18.2 expression (CLDN18.2) in advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with advanced GC/GEJC who received systemic chemotherapy from October 2015 to December 2019 with available tumor specimens were analyzed. We evaluated clinicopathological features of CLDN18.2 expression with four molecular subtypes: mismatch repair deficient, Epstein-Barr virus-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive, and others. In addition, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS), genomic alterations, and the expression of immune cell markers were assessed. Clinical outcomes of standard first- or second-line chemotherapy and subsequent anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) therapy were also investigated according to CLDN18.2 expression.

RESULTS

Among 408 patients, CLDN18.2-positive (moderate-to-strong expression in ≥75%) was identified in 98 patients (24.0%) with almost equal distribution in the four molecular subtypes or CPS subgroups. CLDN18.2-positive was associated with Borrmann type 4, KRAS amplification, low CD16, and high CD68 expression. Overall survival with first-line chemotherapy was not significantly different between CLDN18.2-positive and -negative groups [median 18.4 versus 20.1 months; hazard ratio 1.26 (95% confidence interval 0.89-1.78); P = 0.191] regardless of stratification by PD-L1 CPS ≥5. Progression-free survival and objective response rates of first- and second-line chemotherapy, and anti-PD-1 therapy also showed no significant differences according to CLDN18.2 status.

CONCLUSIONS

CLDN18.2 expression in advanced GC/GEJC was associated with some clinical and molecular features but had no impact on treatment outcomes with chemotherapy or checkpoint inhibition. CLDN18.2-positive also had no impact on overall survival. This information could be useful to interpret the results from currently ongoing clinical trials of CLDN18.2-targeted therapies for advanced GC/GEJC and to consider a treatment strategy for CLDN18.2-positive GC/GEJC.

Conventional and Kampo Medicine Treatment for Mild-to-moderate COVID-19: A Multicenter, Retrospective, Observational Study by the Integrative Management in Japan for Epidemic Disease (IMJEDI Study-observation)

Objective Patients in whom coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was suspected or confirmed between January 1, 2020, and October 31, 2021, were enrolled from Japanese hospitals in this multicenter, retrospective, observational study. Methods Data on the treatment administered (including conventional and Kampo medicine) and changes in common cold-like symptoms (such as fever, cough, sputum, dyspnea, fatigue, and diarrhea) were collected from their medical records. The primary outcome was the number of days without a fever (with a body temperature <37°C). The secondary outcomes were symptomatic relief and the worsening of illness, defined as the presence of a condition requiring oxygen inhalation. The outcomes of patients treated with and without Kampo medicine were compared. Patients We enrolled 962 patients, among whom 528 received conventional and Kampo treatment (Kampo group) and 434 received conventional treatment (non-Kampo group). Results Overall, after adjusting for the staging of COVID-19 and risk factors, there were no significant between-group differences in the symptoms or number of days being afebrile. After performing propensity score matching and restricting the included cases to those with confirmed COVID-19 who did not receive steroid administration and initiated treatment within 4 days from the onset, the risk of illness worsening was significantly lower in the Kampo group than in the non-Kampo group (odds ratio=0.113, 95% confidence interval: 0.014-0.928, p=0.0424). Conclusion Early Kampo treatment may suppress illness worsening risk in COVID-19 cases without steroid use. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm the clinical benefit of Kampo medicine for COVID-19.

Pooled safety analysis from phase III studies of trifluridine/tipiracil in patients with metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) showed clinical benefit, including improved survival and manageable safety in previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal (mCRC) or gastric/gastroesophageal junction (mGC/GEJC) cancer in the phase III RECOURSE and TAGS trials, respectively. A pooled analysis was conducted to further characterize FTD/TPI safety, including management of haematologic toxicities and use in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Adults with ≥2 prior regimens for advanced mGC/GEJC or mCRC were randomized (2 : 1) to FTD/TPI [35 mg/m² twice daily days 1-5 and 8-12 (28-day cycle); same dosage in both trials] or placebo plus best supportive care. Adverse events (AEs) were summarized in the safety population (patients who received ≥1 dose) and analysed by renal/hepatic function.

RESULTS

TAGS and RECOURSE included 335 and 533 FTD/TPI-treated and 168 and 265 placebo-treated patients, respectively. Overall safety of FTD/TPI was similar in TAGS and RECOURSE. Haematologic (neutropenia, anaemia) and gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhoea) AEs were most commonly observed. Laboratory-assessed grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 37% (TAGS)/38% (RECOURSE) of FTD/TPI-treated patients (median onset: 29 days/55 days), and 96% (TAGS)/97% (RECOURSE) of cases resolved regardless of renal/hepatic function. Supportive medications for neutropenia were received by 17% (TAGS) and 9% (RECOURSE); febrile neutropenia was reported in 2% and 4%, respectively. Overall grade ≥3 AEs were more frequent in patients with moderate renal impairment [81% (TAGS); 85% (RECOURSE)] versus normal renal function (74%; 67%); anaemia and neutropenia were more common in patients with renal impairment. FTD/TPI safety (including haematologic AEs) was consistent across patients with normal and mildly impaired hepatic function.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support FTD/TPI as a well-tolerated treatment in patients with mGC/GEJC or mCRC, with a consistent safety profile. Safety was largely similar in patients with normal or mildly impaired renal/hepatic function; however, patients with renal impairment should be monitored for haematologic toxicities.

Corrigendum: Identification of an alternative glycyrrhizin metabolite causing liquorice-induced pseudohyperaldosteronism and the development of ELISA system to detect the predictive biomarker

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.688508.].

Multicenter, randomized controlled trial of traditional Japanese medicine, kakkonto with shosaikotokakikyosekko, for mild and moderate coronavirus disease patients

The traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicine, kakkonto with shosaikotokakikyosekko, has antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. In this randomized trial, patients with mild and moderate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were randomly allocated to the control group receiving conventional treatment for symptom relief such as antipyretics and antitussives or the Kampo group receiving mixed extract granules of kakkonto (2.5 g) and shosaikotokakikyosekko (2.5 g) three times a day for 14 days in addition to conventional treatment. The main outcome was the number of days until total symptom relief. The secondary outcome was the number of days until each symptom's relief and whether the disease progressed to respiratory failure. We enrolled a total of 161 patients (Kampo group, n = 81; control group, n = 80). The results from Kaplan-Meier estimates of symptom relief showed that there are no significant differences between the groups. However, covariate-adjusted cumulative incidence of fever relief considering competitive risk showed that the recovery was significantly faster in the Kampo group than in the control group (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.03-3.01). Additionally, the risk of disease progression to moderate COVID-19 requiring oxygen inhalation was lower in the Kampo group than in the control group (Risk Difference -0.13, 95% CI -0.27-0.01). No significant drug-related side effects were observed. Kakkonto with shosaikotokakikyosekko is effective for fever relief with suppression of disease progression in COVID-19 patients. Clinical Trial Registration: https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCTs021200020, identifier [jRCTs021200020].

Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with prostate cancer

The most recent version of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of prostate cancer was published in 2020. It was therefore decided, by both the ESMO and the Singapore Society of Oncology (SSO), to convene a special, virtual guidelines meeting in November 2021 to adapt the ESMO 2020 guidelines to take into account the differences associated with the treatment of prostate cancer in Asia. These guidelines represent the consensus opinions reached by experts in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer representing the oncological societies of China (CSCO), India (ISMPO), Japan (JSMO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), Singapore (SSO) and Taiwan (TOS). The voting was based on scientific evidence and was independent of the current treatment practices and drug access restrictions in the different Asian countries. The latter were discussed when appropriate. The aim is to provide guidance for the optimisation and harmonisation of the management of patients with prostate cancer across the different regions of Asia.

Effect of KRAS codon 12 or 13 mutations on survival with trifluridine/tipiracil in pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis

Background

KRAS gene mutations can predict prognosis and treatment response in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Methods

We undertook a meta-analysis of three randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RECOURSE, TERRA and J003) to investigate the impact of KRAS mutations in codons 12 or 13 on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival in patients receiving trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) for refractory mCRC.

Results

A total of 1375 patients were included, of whom 478 had a KRAS codon 12 mutation and 130 had a KRAS codon 13 mutation. In univariate analyses, the absence of a KRAS codon 12 mutation was found to significantly increase the OS benefit of FTD/TPI relative to placebo compared with the presence of the mutation {hazard ratio (HR), 0.62 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53-0.72] versus 0.86 (0.70-1.05), respectively; interaction P = 0.0206}. Multivariate analyses showed that taking confounding factors into account reduced the difference in treatment effect between the presence and the absence of KRAS codon 12 mutations, confirming that treatment benefit was maintained in patients with [HR, 0.73 (95% CI: 0.59-0.89)] and without [HR, 0.63 (95% CI: 0.54-0.74)] codon 12 mutations (interaction P = 0.2939). KRAS mutations in codon 13 did not reduce the OS benefit of FTD/TPI relative to placebo, and, furthermore, KRAS mutations at either codon 12 or codon 13 did not affect the progression-free survival benefit.

Conclusions

Treatment with FTD/TPI produced a survival benefit, relative to placebo, regardless of KRAS codon 12 or 13 mutation status in patients with previously treated mCRC.

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KRAS mutations are associated with negative outcomes in patients with mCRC; codon 12 and 13 mutations are the most common.

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FTD/TPI was associated with longer median overall survival vs placebo both in patients with wild-type KRAS and mutant KRAS.

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FTD/TPI produced a survival benefit, relative to placebo, regardless of KRAS codon 12 or 13 mutation status in this patient group.

Quality of life with encorafenib plus cetuximab with or without binimetinib treatment in patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer: patient-reported outcomes from BEACON CRC

Background

In the BEACON CRC study (NCT02928224), encorafenib plus cetuximab with binimetinib {9.3 versus 5.9 months; hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.60 [0.47-0.75]} or without binimetinib [9.3 versus 5.9 months; HR (95% CI): 0.61 (0.48-0.77)] significantly improved overall survival (OS) compared with the previous standard of care (control) in patients with BRAF V600E metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Quality of life (QoL) was a secondary endpoint, assessed using validated instruments.

Patients and methods

BEACON CRC was a randomized, open-label, phase III study comparing encorafenib plus cetuximab with or without binimetinib and the investigator’s choice of irinotecan plus cetuximab or FOLFIRI plus cetuximab (chemotherapy control) in patients with previously treated BRAF V600E mCRC. Patient-reported QoL assessments included the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Colorectal (FACT-C). The primary outcome for these tools was time to definitive 10% deterioration.

Results

Encorafenib plus cetuximab, both with and without binimetinib, was associated with longer median times to definitive 10% deterioration versus the control group in the EORTC Global Health Status scale [HR (95% CI): 0.65 (0.52-0.80) versus 0.61 (0.49-0.75), respectively] and the FACT-C functional well-being subscale [HR (95% CI): 0.62 (0.50-0.76) versus 0.58 (0.47-0.72), respectively]. Consistent results were observed across all subscales of the EORTC and FACT-C instruments. QoL was generally maintained during treatment for the global EORTC and FACT-C scales.

Conclusions

In addition to improving OS, encorafenib plus cetuximab with or without binimetinib delays QoL decline in previously treated patients with BRAF V600E-mutant mCRC.

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BEACON CRC compares encorafenib + cetuximab ± binimetinib to chemotherapy in previously treated BRAF V600E mCRC.

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Encorafenib + cetuximab had longer time to 10% deterioration versus control in QoL and functional well-being scales.

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Encorafenib + cetuximab ± binimetinib delays QoL decline in previously treated patients with BRAF V600E mCRC.

Exploring Standardized Scales and Serum Biomarkers to Evaluate Changes in Pruritus due to Eczema after Japanese Kampo Treatment: A Prospective Case Series

BACKGROUND

We aimed to explore standardized scales and serum biomarkers for tracking changes in the symptoms and severity of pruritus due to eczema in patients treated with Kampo formulas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective, single-arm, pre-post comparison case series recruited patients with pruritus mostly due to eczema who consulted the Kampo Clinic at the Keio University Hospital from June 2019 to March 2020. The participants were prescribed a personalized Kampo formula for 12 weeks. Patient profiles and symptoms were assessed every four weeks using the visual analog scale (VAS), patient-oriented eczema measure (POEM) scale, 5-D itch scale (5D), Skindex-16, and eczema area and severity index (EASI). Blood biomarkers and intestinal permeability indicators were measured at the first consultation and 12 weeks later.

RESULTS

Pruritus and eczema severity improved significantly over time. The VAS, POEM, 5D, and Skindex-16 scores were well-correlated. The serum interleukin-31 levels decreased significantly after a 12-week intervention. Changes in the interleukin-31 level correlated with the diamine oxidase level at week 0, suggesting the involvement of the Th2 immune system and intestinal permeability in the mechanism of Kampo formulas.

CONCLUSION

The evaluated scales are suitable for evaluating subjective symptoms and eczema severity after Kampo treatment; further studies are required to verify study findings.

Oral Astragalus Root Supplementation for Mild to Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease: A Self-Controlled Case-Series

In this self-controlled case series, we aimed to investigate the variation in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after taking astragalus-containing preparations in patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) by retrospectively reviewing their charts in our clinic. We set the inclusion criteria as first-visit patients aged 20 years or older presenting to our clinic between 1 October 2014, and 31 June 2019, and who were prescribed astragalus-containing herbal preparations for any reason. We calculated the mean eGFR from the readings taken 6 months before (pre) and after (post) the intake of astragalus-containing preparations for each participant. Among the 37 patients included in our final analysis, we found a statistically significant improvement in the eGFR after prescribing astragalus-containing preparations (pre, 66 ± 12 ml/min/1.73 m² vs. post, 70 ± 14 ml/min/1.73 m²; p < 0.001 by paired t-test). Our results were consistent regardless of age, sex, CKD stage of the participants (G2 or G3), daily dosage of astragalus root, or duration of astragalus-containing preparations. No severe adverse reactions were recorded in the charts of the study participants. Our results suggest that there is eGFR improvement after taking astragalus-containing preparations in mild to moderate CKD cases as reported previously. The findings should be considered with caution due to major limitations such as small sample size without optimum control, short follow-up period, and incomplete data. Further adequately powered and designed studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of the long-term use of astragalus root in patients with mild to moderate CKD.

Relationship Between Conventional Medicine Chapters in ICD-10 and Kampo Pattern Diagnosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: The newest revision to the International Classification of Diseases, the 11^th edition (ICD-11) includes disease classifications from East Asian medicine, including traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo medicine). These disease classifications allow for comparisons between disease classifications from conventional medicine and Kampo medicine.

Design/Location/Subjects/Interventions: This is an exploratory, cross-sectional study exploring the relationship between conventional medicine diagnoses and Kampo medicine diagnoses at a large Kampo clinic in Japan. Patients were seen from October 1st, 2014 to June 30th, 2019 and were 20 years of age or older.

Outcome measures: Patients presented with one or more conventional medicine ICD-10 codes into the clinic and were given one descriptor from the ICD-11 within the heat-cold module, excess-deficiency module, and an optional body constituents module. The distribution of these Kampo medicine codes was examined in relation to conventional medicine chapters.

Results: 1,209 patients were included in our final analysis. Patient number, ages, sex ratio, and BMI varied within conventional medicine ICD-10 chapters and Kampo medicine descriptor codes. Certain conventional medicine chapters are related to specific Kampo medicine descriptor codes, such as chapter IV (endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases) with excess, heat, and kidney qi deficiency.

Conclusion: The advent of the ICD-11 allows for systematic, standardized comparisons between Kampo medicine, and contemporary medicine. In this exploratory study, our findings support the independence of Kampo medicine pattern descriptors with ICD-10 conventional medicine chapters. Code overrepresentations in relation to conventional medicine diseases and by age and sex should be an area of future investigation to best understand how to synergize and improve patient care.

Management of adverse events from the treatment of encorafenib plus cetuximab for patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer: insights from the BEACON CRC study

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with a 5-year relative survival of 14% in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Patients with BRAF V600E mutations, which occur in ∼10%-15% of patients with mCRC, have a poorer prognosis compared with those with wild-type BRAF tumours. The combination of the BRAF inhibitor encorafenib with the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor cetuximab currently represents the only chemotherapy-free targeted therapy approved in the USA and Europe for previously treated patients with BRAF V600E-mutated mCRC. As a class, BRAF inhibitors are associated with dermatologic, gastrointestinal, and renal events, as well as pyrexia and secondary skin malignancies. Adverse event (AE) profiles of specific BRAF inhibitors vary, however, and are affected by the specific agents given in combination. In patients with mCRC, commonly reported AEs of cetuximab monotherapy include infusion reactions and dermatologic toxicities. Data from the phase III BEACON CRC study indicate that the combination of encorafenib with cetuximab has a distinct safety profile. Here we review the most frequently reported AEs that occurred with this combination in BEACON CRC and best practices for managing and mitigating AEs that require more than standard supportive care.

Pan-Asian adaptation of the EHNS-ESMO-ESTRO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

The most recent version of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity, larynx, oropharynx and hypopharynx was published in 2020. It was therefore decided by both the ESMO and the Korean Society of Medical Oncology (KSMO) to convene a special, virtual guidelines meeting in July 2021 to adapt the ESMO 2020 guidelines to consider the potential ethnic differences associated with the treatment of SCCs of the head and neck (SCCHN) in Asian patients. These guidelines represent the consensus opinions reached by experts in the treatment of patients with SCCHN (excluding nasopharyngeal carcinomas) representing the oncological societies of Korea (KSMO), China (CSCO), India (ISMPO), Japan (JSMO), Malaysia (MOS), Singapore (SSO) and Taiwan (TOS). The voting was based on scientific evidence and was independent of the current treatment practices and drug access restrictions in the different Asian countries. The latter was discussed when appropriate. This manuscript provides a series of expert recommendations (Clinical Practice Guidelines) which can be used to provide guidance to health care providers and clinicians for the optimisation of the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with SCC of the oral cavity, larynx, oropharynx and hypopharynx across Asia.

Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with renal cell carcinoma

The most recent version of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of renal cell carcinoma was published in 2019 with an update planned for 2021. It was therefore decided by both the ESMO and the Singapore Society of Oncology (SSO) to convene a special, virtual guidelines meeting in May 2021 to adapt the ESMO 2019 guidelines to take into account the ethnic differences associated with the treatment of renal cell carcinomas in Asian patients. These guidelines represent the consensus opinions reached by experts in the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma representing the oncological societies of China (CSCO), India (ISMPO), Japan (JSMO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), Singapore (SSO) and Taiwan (TOS). The voting was based on scientific evidence and was independent of the current treatment practices and drug access restrictions in the different Asian countries. The latter were discussed when appropriate.

Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis treatment and follow-up of patients with localised colon cancer

The most recent version of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of localised colon cancer was published in 2020. It was decided by both the ESMO and the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology (JSMO) to convene a special virtual guidelines meeting in March 2021 to adapt the ESMO 2020 guidelines to take into account the ethnic differences associated with the treatment of localised colon cancer in Asian patients. These guidelines represent the consensus opinions reached by experts in the treatment of patients with localised colon cancer representing the oncological societies of Japan (JSMO), China (CSCO), India (ISMPO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), Singapore (SSO) and Taiwan (TOS). The voting was based on scientific evidence and was independent of the current treatment practices and drug availability and reimbursement situations in the different Asian countries.

Clinical Risk Factors of Licorice-Induced Pseudoaldosteronism Based on Glycyrrhizin-Metabolite Concentrations: A Narrative Review

Licorice, the dried root or stolon of Glycyrrhiza glabra or G. ularensis, is commonly used worldwide as a food sweetener or crude drug. Its major ingredient is glycyrrhizin. Hypokalemia or pseudoaldosteronism (PsA) is one of the most frequent side effects of licorice intake. Glycyrrhizin metabolites inhibit type 2 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βHSD2), which decomposes cortisol into inactive cortisone in the distal nephron, thereby inducing mineralocorticoid receptor activity. Among the several reported glycyrrhizin-metabolites, 18β-glycyrrhetyl-3-O-sulfate is the major compound found in humans after licorice consumption, followed by glycyrrhetinic acid. These metabolites are highly bound to albumin in blood circulation and are predominantly excreted into bile via multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2). High dosage and long-term use of licorice are constitutional risk factors for PsA. Orally administered glycyrrhizin is effectively hydrolyzed to glycyrrhetinic acid by the intestinal bacteria in constipated patients, which enhances the bioavailability of glycyrrhizin metabolites. Under hypoalbuminemic conditions, the unbound metabolite fractions can reach 11βHSD2 at the distal nephron. Hyper direct-bilirubin could be a surrogate marker of Mrp2 dysfunction, which results in metabolite accumulation. Older age is associated with reduced 11βHSD2 function, and several concomitant medications, such as diuretics, have been reported to affect the phenotype. This review summarizes several factors related to licorice-induced PsA, including daily dosage, long-term use, constipation, hypoalbuminemia, hyper direct-bilirubin, older age, and concomitant medications.