5-year Survival Estimates Research Articles

Efficacy and Safety of Venetoclax Plus Azacitidine for Patients With Treatment-Naive High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes.

Patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR MDS) have a median survival of ~1.5 years with azacitidine, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is their only curative option. Therefore, improved therapies are needed. This phase 1b study investigated safety and efficacy of venetoclax, a selective BCL-2 inhibitor, at the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D: 400 mg for 14 days/28-day cycle), in combination with azacitidine (75 mg/m2 for 7 days/28-day cycle) for treatment-naive HR MDS (NCT02942290). Safety was the primary outcome, and complete remission (CR) rate was the primary efficacy outcome. Secondary outcomes included rates of modified overall response (mOR), hematologic improvement (HI), overall survival (OS), and time to next treatment (TTNT). As of May 2023, 107 patients received venetoclax and azacitidine combination at the RP2D. Best response of CR or marrow CR was observed in 29.9% and 50.5% of patients (mOR, 80.4%). Median OS was 26.0 months, with 1-year and 2-year survival estimates of 71.2% and 51.3%, respectively. Of 59 patients who were red blood cell and/or platelet transfusion-dependent at baseline, 24 (40.7%) became transfusion-independent on study, including 11 (18.6%) who also achieved CR. Fifty-one (49.0%) of 104 evaluable patients achieved HI. Median TTNT excluding transplantation was 13.4 months. Adverse events reflected known safety profiles for venetoclax and azacitidine, including constipation (53.3%), nausea (49.5%), neutropenia (48.6%), thrombocytopenia (44.9%), febrile neutropenia (42.1%), and diarrhea (41.1%). Overall, venetoclax plus azacitidine at the RP2D was well tolerated and had favorable outcomes. A phase 3 study (NCT04401748) is ongoing to confirm survival benefit of this combination.

The prognostic value of histological grade determined after neoadjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer

Histological grade is a validated prognostic factor of breast cancer but may show alterations following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Its reporting after NACT is recommended by several guidelines, but evidence of its retained prognostic impact is scarce. Patients treated with NACT followed by surgery and having sufficient residual tumour for the determination of grade were analysed for the survival effects of posttreatment grade (yG). Kaplan-Meier analyses and the log-rank test were applied, followed by the univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. The cohort comprised 355 patients with known yG, and 320 of them had also a pretreatment grade available. Pretreatment grade changed in 99/320 (31 %) cases following NACT, and downgrading was more common (n=78/320, 24 %) than upgrading (21/320, 7 %). Among 355 breast cancer patients, those with yG3 (poorly differentiated) tumours (n=155) had worse 5-year relapse-free and overall survival estimates than those with yG2 (n=169) or yG1 (n=31) tumours. This was also substantiated by univariable analysis; however, yG lost its significance in the multivariable model. Post-NACT histological grade has a prognostic impact, but does not seem to be an independent prognosticator in the post-NACT setting; however, these results lend support for its reporting by pathologists after primary systemic treatment.

Recurrences and Subsequent Treatments After Curative-Intent Surgery for Localised and Locally Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma.

There is a lack of evidence concerning recurrent patterns and treatment of repeat recurrences for surgically treated renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Thus, the objective was to describe patterns of recurrences and subsequent treatments in patients with recurrent RCC. We identified 525 patients who received surgical treatment for RCC at our institution in 2010-2015. The treatment of recurrences was classified as no active treatment, treatmentwith the aim to achieve no evidence of disease (NED) or systemic oncological treatment (OT). Relationships were analysed using multivariable Cox regression and log-rank analysis. The median follow-up was 7.8 [interquartile range (IQR 6.5-9.4)] years. Ninety-one patients experienced a first recurrence, of which 49 received NED-aimed treatment-47 of these patients had their recurrence more than 2 years after surgery. Thirty patients experienced a second recurrence with 17 patients undergoing NED-aimed treatment. Eight patients had a third recurrence with four undergoing NED-aimed treatment. The most common locations of recurrence were pulmonary, local or multiple sites-30% and 38% of patients experienced a second or third recurrence in the same location, respectively. The 3-year overall survival estimates for patients receiving NED-aimed treatment for their first recurrence were 83.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 72.3-93.8%] and 79.3% (95% CI 58.4-100%) for patients receiving NED following a second recurrence. Treatments aimed at achieving NED seem to provide good oncological control and in repeat recurrences, 50% or more were managed with repeat NED-aimed treatments.

Incidence and survival of patients with malignant pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms in Germany, 2009–2021

BackgroundDue to the rarity of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms, only few population-representative studies on incidence and survival have been conducted. The aim was to provide up-to-date nationwide incidence and relative survival estimates of neuroendocrine (NE) neoplasms overall, NE tumors (NETs), NE carcinomas (NECs), and mixed NE neoplasms (MiNEN). MethodsWe distinguished between pancreatic NETs (functioning versus non-functioning), NECs and mixed NE neoplasms and analyzed data from 2009 through 2021 from all German cancer registries covering a population of more than 80 million. We calculated crude and age-standardized incidence rates and 5-year relative survival estimates (RS). ResultsOverall 6474, 4217, and 243 patients with pancreatic NETs, NECs, and mixed NE neoplasms, respectively were registered. While the age-standardized incidence of NETs has increased (+16.4 % per year, 95 %CI 12.2;20.7), the incidence of NEC has fallen (about −6.4 % per year, 95 %CI −8.0; −4.8). The crude RS was 77.7 % (standard error [SE] 0.9) for non-functioning NETs, 90.3 % for functioning NETs (SE 3.9), and 18.5 % (SE 3.9) for MiNEN. Large and small cell NECs had a low RS (9.1 % and 6.9 %, respectively). RS for G1 NETs was 88.2 %, while it was only 36.6 % for G3 NETs. Localized NETs had a RS of 92.8 %, while distant metastatic NETs had a RS of 45.0 %. ConclusionsThe incidence of pancreatic NETs has increased markedly in Germany in the period 2009–2021. Subgroups of NETs (G1 grading or localized stage) have an excellent prognosis. RS of MiNEN is more similar to NECs than NETs.

Incidence and clinical course of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension with or without a history of venous thromboembolism in Denmark

BackgroundA considerable number of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) lack a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE). ObjectivesWe aimed to examine the annual incidence and prevalence of CTEPH in Denmark and to compare the rates of VTE, bleeding, and mortality between CTEPH patients with and without a history of VTE. MethodsThe Danish National Patient Registry covering all Danish hospitals was used to identify all CTEPH cases between 2009 and 2018, based on combinations of discharge diagnoses using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes for CTEPH and relevant diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions. Incidence rates of CTEPH per 100 000 person-years, rates of VTE and bleeding, and 5-year survival estimates were calculated. ResultsIn total, 509 CTEPH patients were identified, of whom 82% had a history of VTE. The yearly incidence rate of CTEPH was 0.5 to 0.8 per 100 000 person-years during the study period. Patients with a history of VTE experienced a 2.5-fold rate of VTE compared with those without prior VTE (2571 vs 980 per 100 000 person-years), while the rate of bleeding events was lower (5008 vs 7139 per 100 000 person-years). The 5-year survival of CTEPH patients with a VTE history was 65% (95% CI, 58%-71%) compared with 45% (95% CI, 31%-58%) in patients without a history of VTE. ConclusionThe Danish incidence rate of CTEPH was comparable with that of other European countries. We identified notable differences in the prognosis of patients with CTEPH with or without a history of VTE. These findings may support generation of hypotheses regarding the pathophysiology of CTEPH and inform current patient care.

Contemporary treatment and outcome of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma: A meta-analysis.

Induction chemotherapy (IC) recently gained importance for treatment of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC). We analyzed our SNUC cases and performed a meta-analysis with focus on survival-rates stratified by treatment. SNUC cases at our institution were retrospectively evaluated. A systematic literature review was conducted to analyze treatment and outcome of SNUC. To calculate 5-year and 2-year overall survival (OS), individual patient data (IPD) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimators and Cox proportional hazard regression to identify associations between types of therapy and survival. A random effects model for pooled estimates of 5-year survival was applied to studies without IPD data. Five-year OS of our SNUC cases (n = 9) was 44.4%. The IPD analysis (n = 192) showed a significantly better 5-year OS for patients who received induction chemotherapy (72.6% vs. 44.5%). The pooled 5-year OS of 13 studies identified in the literature search was 43.8%. IC should be considered in every patient diagnosed with SNUC.

Outcomes for children with recurrent/refractory atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor: A single-institution study with molecular correlation.

Survival data for recurrent pediatric atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) and its association to molecular groups are extremely limited. Single-institution retrospective study of 64 children less than 21years old with recurrent or treatment-refractory (progressive disease [PD]) ATRT treated at St. Jude Hospital from January 2000 to December 2020. Demographic, clinicopathologic, treatment, molecular grouping (SHH, TYR, and MYC) and germline data were collected. Progression-free survival (PFS2: time from PD to subsequent first progression) and overall survival (OSpostPD: time from PD to death/last follow-up) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Median age at and time from initial diagnosis to PD were 2.1years (range: 0.5-17.9years) and 5.4months (range: 0.5-125.6months), respectively. Only five of 64 children (7.8%) are alive at median follow-up of 10.9 (range: 4.2-18.1) years from PD. The 2/5-year PFS2 and OSpostPD were 3.1% (±1.8%)/1.6% (±1.1%) and 20.3% (±4.8%)/7.3% (±3.5%), respectively. Children with TYR group (n=10) had a better OSpostPD compared to those with MYC (n=11) (2-year survival estimates: 60.0%±14.3% vs. 18.2%±9.5%; p=.019), or those with SHH (n=21; 4.8%±3.3%; p=.014). In univariate analyses, OSpostPD was better with older age at diagnosis (p=.037), female gender (p=.008), and metastatic site of PD compared to local or combined sites of PD (p<.001). Two-year OSpostPD for patients receiving any salvage therapy (n=39) post PD was 33.3%±7.3%. Children with recurrent/refractory ATRT have dismal outcomes. Older age at diagnosis, female gender, TYR group, and metastatic site of PD were associated with relatively longer survival in our study.

The influence of gender on outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

This study aimed to compare gender-related differences in short- and long-term outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for severe aortic stenosis (AS) from September 2017 to December 2022 were enrolled. The primary endpoint was 5-year all-cause mortality. The secondary endpoints were 30-day mortality and the incidence of post-procedural complication. Patients were separated according to gender before statistical analysis. To compare patients with similar baseline characteristics, we performed a propensity matching. A total of 704 patients [females, 361 (51.3%); males, 343 (48.7%)] were enrolled. Compared to women, men had a higher incidence of smoking (40.5% vs. 14.7%, p < 0.001), diabetes (32.9% vs. 25.1%, p < 0.025), peripheral artery disease (35.8% vs. 18.3%, p < 0.001), and previous cardiac surgery (13.7% vs. 7.2%, p = 0.006) and a lower ejection fraction [56.6 (9.3) vs. 59.8 (7.5), p = 0.046]. Female patients were frailer at the time of the procedure [poor mobility rate, 26% vs. 11.7%, p < 0.001; CCI (Charlson comorbidity index) 2.4 (0.67) vs. 2.32 (0.63), p = 0.04]. Despite these different risk profiles, no significant differences were reported in terms of post-procedural outcomes and long-term survival. Propensity score matching resulted in a good match of 204 patients in each group (57.9% of the entire study population). In the matched cohort, men had a significantly higher incidence of new pacemaker implantation compared to women [33 (16.2%) vs. 18 (8.8%)]. The Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival estimate was 82.4% for women and 72.1% for men, p = 0.038. Female gender could be considered as a predictor of better outcomes after TAVI.

Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty using hybrid glenoid fixation with a porous-coated titanium post. Two- to ten-year follow-up of 256 cases with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis

BackgroundAnatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is one of the recommended surgical treatments for severe glenohumeral osteoarthritis, providing good pain relief and function. Aseptic loosening of the glenoid component, however, is a major cause for revision. Hybrid components have been introduced, combining traditional cemented fixation with porous titanium bone ingrowth to improve fixation. The purpose of this study was to report our midterm to longterm experience using such a component, including clinical outcomes and implant survival. MethodsWe reviewed all patients who were operated for primary osteoarthritis during the period 2011-19, leaving a minimum of 2-year follow-up. The severity of the osteoarthritis was graded using Samilson-Prieto score, while glenoid morphology was graded using the modified Walch classification. Clinical outcomes included Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) index, EQ-5D-5L, and Constant-Murley score. Postoperative radiographs were analyzed for radiolucent lines. Patient records were studied for complications including revisions. Supplementary data for revision and outcome were obtained from the Danish Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry. Kaplan-Meier estimates for implant survival were calculated. ResultsA total of 256 arthroplasties in 224 patients were included (mean age: 69 years ± 9 years, 149 females). 81% of cases were graded radiographically as severe osteoarthritis, according to Samilson-Prieto. Walch type B1 was most commonly followed by B2 (29% and 28% respectively). The mean follow-up time was 49 months (range 24-127). The response rate for patient reported outcomes was 91%. The median WOOS index was 94% (81%-99%), the median EQ-5D-5L was 0.87 (0.69-0.95), and the mean Constant-Murley score was 75 (SD 17.7). 13 cases (6%) had a WOOS index below 50%. 8.2% had complications related to surgery. A radiolucent line had developed around the central post in six cases and at the bone-cement interface in three cases at follow-up. Six cases had been revised (2.3%); three due to aseptic loosening of the glenoid. The 10-year survival estimate was 95.6 % (95% CI: 87.9%-98.5%). ConclusionAnatomic total shoulder arthroplasty with hybrid glenoid fixation provides excellent clinical outcome with a low complication rate in patients, with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. The 10-year survival rate is high and comparable to that reported for the best- performing all-polyethylene components. Longer observation is needed to see if hybrid fixation will outperform standard all-cemented components.

Cause Specific survival analysis of Gynaecological Cancers among Non-White Population: A SEER based Study.

Gynaecological cancers are the most prevalent cancers in women, making them a major public health concern for decades. Health disparities and inequalities in access to care among different racial groups have been a major concern in the US healthcare system. This study was aimed at investigating cause-specific survival rates among non-white women with gynaecological cancer and to identify risk factors associated with gynaecological cancer mortality by race. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate 5-year survival estimates and various risk factors for gynaecological cancer among non-white women were analysed using Cox proportional hazard model. The findings of this study highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve access to care and reduce health disparities for non-white women with gynaecological cancer.

Clinical Outcomes for BRCA Pathogenic Variant Carriers With Breast Cancer Undergoing Breast Conservation

Although most women with BRCA-associated breast cancer choose bilateral mastectomy, current guidelines support breast-conserving therapy as an option. As the indications for genetic testing expand and targeted therapies emerge, understanding the outcomes of breast-conserving therapy in the population of patients choosing breast conservation is important. To describe the clinical outcomes of women with BRCA-associated breast cancer who were treated with breast-conserving therapy, including the risks of ipsilateral and contralateral cancer events and bilateral mastectomy-free survival. This cohort study conducted at a single-institution academic national comprehensive cancer center included 172 women identified from a prospectively maintained database who had pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants and were treated with breast-conserving therapy from January 1, 1977, to December 31, 2021. Clinical and pathologic characteristics for patients with BRCA1 and BRCA2 were compared, and estimates of overall survival, bilateral mastectomy-free survival, distant disease-free survival, risk of ipsilateral breast cancer, and risk of contralateral cancer were computed. The cohort included 172 women (mean [SD] age, 47.1 [11.7] years), with 42 (24.4%) receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer prior to 40 years of age. Compared with BRCA2 variant carriers (80 [46.5%]), women with BRCA1 variants (92 [53.5%]) were younger at breast cancer diagnosis and tended to have more advanced tumors, which were more likely to be hormone receptor negative and higher grade. At a median follow-up of 11.8 years (IQR, 5.7-18.2 years), estimates of 10-year survival and risk were: overall survival, 88.5% (95% CI, 83.1%-94.2%); bilateral mastectomy-free survival, 70.7% (95% CI, 63.3%-78.9%); risk of an ipsilateral breast cancer event, 12.2% (95% CI, 5.8%-18.2%); and risk of contralateral cancer, 21.3% (95% CI, 13.3%-28.6%). Risks continued to increase after 10 years of follow-up. In this cohort study, although women with breast cancer and pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants treated with breast-conserving therapy had above-average risks of ipsilateral and contralateral breast cancer events, most did not have another cancer event and remained bilateral mastectomy free. These findings may be useful for informing patients with BRCA variants choosing breast conservation.

Real-world outcomes of lobectomy, segmentectomy and wedge resection for the treatment of stage c-IA lung carcinoma.

To determine safety and survival outcomes associated with lobectomy, segmentectomy and wedge resection for early-stage lung cancer by quiring the French population-based registry EPIdemiology in THORacic surgery (EPITHOR). Retrospective analysis of 19 452 patients with stage c IA lung carcinoma who underwent lobectomy, segmentectomy or wedge resection between 2016 and 2022 with curative-intent. Main outcome measures were 90-day mortality and 5-year overall survival estimates. Proportional hazards regression and propensity score matching were used to adjust outcomes for key patient, tumour and practice environment factors. The treatment distribution was 72.2% for lobectomy, 21.5% for segmentectomy and 6.3% for wedge. Unadjusted 90-day mortality rates were 1.6%, 1.2% and 1.1%, respectively (P = 0.10). Unadjusted 5-year overall survival estimates were 80%, 78% and 70%, with significant inter-group survival curves differences (P < 0.0001). Multivariable proportional hazards regression showed that wedge was associated with worse overall survival [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR), 1.23 (95% confidence interval 1.03-1.47); P = 0.021] compared with lobectomy, while no significant difference was disclosed when comparing segmentectomy to lobectomy (1.08 [0.97-1.20]; P = 0.162). The three-way propensity score analyses confirmed similar 90-day mortality rate for wedge resection and segmentectomy compared with lobectomy (hazard ratio: 0.43; 95% confidence interval 0.16-1.11; P = 0.081 and 0.99; 0.48-2.10; P = 0.998, respectively), but poorer overall survival (1.45; 1.13-1.86; P = 0.003 and 1.31; 1-1.71; P = 0.048, respectively). Wedge resection was associated with comparable 90-day mortality but lower overall survival when compared to lobectomy. Overall, all types of sublobar resections may not offer equivalent oncologic effectiveness in real-world settings.

Aneurysm sac shrinkage at 1 year after fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair of complex aortic aneurysms offers mid-term survival advantage

ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of 1-year changes in aneurysm sac diameter on patient survival after fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. MethodsWe reviewed the clinical data of patients enrolled in a prospective nonrandomized study investigating FB-EVAR (2013-2022). Patients with sequential follow up computed tomography scans at baseline and 6 to 18 months after FB-EVAR were included in the analysis. Aneurysm sac diameter change was defined as the difference in maximum aortic diameter from baseline measurements obtained in centerline of flow. Patients were classified as those with sac shrinkage (≥5 mm) or failure to regress (<5 mm or expansion) according to sac diameter change. The primary end point was all-cause mortality. Secondary end points were aortic-related mortality (ARM), aortic aneurysm rupture (AAR), and aorta-related secondary intervention. ResultsThere were 549 patients treated by FB-EVAR. Of these, 463 patients (71% male, mean age, 74 ± 8 years) with sequential computed tomography imaging were investigated. Aneurysm extent was thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms in 328 patients (71%) and abdominal aortic aneurysms in 135 (29%). Sac shrinkage occurred in 270 patients (58%) and failure to regress in 193 patients (42%), including 19 patients (4%) with sac expansion at 1 year. Patients from both groups had similar cardiovascular risk factors, except for younger age among patients with sac shrinkage (73 ± 8 years vs 75 ± 8 years; P < .001). The median follow-up was 38 months (interquartile range, 18-51 months). The 5-year survival estimate was 69% ± 4.1% for the sac shrinkage group and 46% ± 6.2% for the failure to regress group. Survival estimates adjusted for confounders (age, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and aneurysm extent) revealed a higher hazard of late mortality in patients with failure to regress (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-2.52; P = .005). The 5-year cumulative incidences of ARM (1.1% vs 3.1%; P = .30), AAR (0.6% vs 2.6%; P = .20), and aorta-related secondary intervention (17.0% ± 2.8% vs 19.0% ± 3.8%) were both comparable between the groups. ConclusionsAneurysm sac shrinkage at 1 year is common after FB-EVAR and is associated with improved patient survival, whereas sac enlargement affects only a minority of patients. The low incidences of ARM and AAR indicate that failure to regress may serve as a surrogate marker for nonaortic-related death.

Technical and Clinical Outcomes After Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair of Mitral Regurgitation in Male and Female Patients: Is Equality Achieved?

Currently, no clear impact of sex on short- and long-term survival following transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) is evident, although no data are available on postprocedural life expectancy. Our aim was to assess sex-specific differences in outcomes of patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) treated by TEER. Short-term and 5-year outcomes in men and women undergoing TEER between 2011 and 2018 who were included in the large, multicenter, real-world MitraSwiss registry were analyzed. Outcomes were compared stratified by sex and according to MR cause (primary versus secondary). The impact of TEER on postprocedural life expectancy was estimated by relative survival analysis. Among 1142 patients aged 60 to 89 years, 39.8% were women. They were older, with fewer cardiovascular risk factors and lower functional capacity compared with men. Thirty-day mortality was higher in men than in women (3.3% versus 1.1%; odds ratio, 3.16 [95% CI, 1.16-10.7]; P=0.020). Five-year survival was comparable in both sexes (adjusted hazard ratio for 5-year mortality in men, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.90-1.44], P=0.275). Both men and women with either primary or secondary MR showed similar clinical efficacy over time. TEER provided high relative survival estimates among all groups, and fully restored predicted life expectancy in women with primary MR (5-year relative survival estimate, 97.4% [95% CI, 85.5-107.0]). TEER is not associated with increased short-term mortality in women, whereas 5-year outcomes are comparable between sexes. Moreover, TEER completely restored normal life expectancy in women with primary MR. A residual excess mortality persists in secondary MR, independently of sex.

Trends in lung cancer survival in the Nordic countries 1990–2016: The NORDCAN survival studies

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate if the previously reported improvements in lung cancer survival were consistent across age at diagnosis and by lung cancer subtypes. Materials and methodsData on lung cancers diagnosed between 1990 and 2016 in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden were obtained from the NORDCAN database. Flexible parametric models were used to estimate age-standardized and age-specific relative survival by sex, as well as reference-adjusted crude probabilities of death and life-years lost. Age-standardised survival was also estimated by the three major subtypes; adenocarcincoma, squamous cell and small-cell carcinoma. ResultsBoth 1- and 5-year relative survival improved continuously in all countries. The pattern of improvement was similar across age groups and by subtype. The largest improvements in survival were seen in Denmark, while improvements were comparatively smaller in Finland. In the most recent period, age-standardised estimates of 5-year relative survival ranged from 13% to 26% and the 5-year crude probability of death due to lung cancer ranged from 73% to 85%. Across all Nordic countries, survival decreased with age, and was lower in men and for small-cell carcinoma. ConclusionLung cancer survival has improved substantially since 1990, in both women and men and across age. The improvements were seen in all major subtypes. However, lung cancer survival remains poor, with three out of four patients dying from their lung cancer within five years of diagnosis.

Long-term survival for lymphoid neoplasms and national health expenditure (EUROCARE-6): a retrospective, population-based study

Management of lymphoid malignancies requires substantial health system resources. Total national health expenditure might influence population-based lymphoid malignancy survival. We studied the long-term survival of patients with 12 lymphoid malignancy types and examined whether different levels of national health expenditure might explain differences in lymphoid malignancy prognosis between European countries and regions. For this observational, retrospective, population-based study, we analysed the EUROCARE-6 dataset of patients aged 15 or older diagnosed between 2001 and 2013 with one of 12 lymphoid malignancies defined according to International Classification of Disease for Oncology (third edition) and WHO classification, and followed up to 2014 (Jan 1, 2001-Dec 31, 2014). Countries were classified according to their mean total national health expenditure quartile in 2001-13. For each lymphoid malignancy, 5-year and 10-year age-standardised relative survival (ASRS) was calculated using the period approach. Generalised linear models indicated the effects of age at diagnosis, gender, and total national health expenditure on the relative excess risk of death (RER). 82 cancer registries (61 regional and 21 national) from 27 European countries provided data eligible for 10-year survival estimates comprising 890 730 lymphoid malignancy cases diagnosed in 2001-13. Median follow-up time was 13 years (IQR 13-14). Of the 12 lymphoid malignancies, the 10-year ASRS in Europe was highest for hairy cell leukaemia (82·6% [95% CI 78·9-86·5) and Hodgkin lymphoma (79·3% [78·6-79·9]) and lowest for plasma cell neoplasms (29·5% [28·9-30·0]). RER increased with age at diagnosis, particularly from 55-64 years to 75 years or older, for all lymphoid malignancies. Women had higher ASRS than men for all lymphoid malignancies, except for precursor B, T, or natural killer cell, or not-otherwise specified lymphoblastic lymphoma or leukaemia. 10-year ASRS for each lymphoid malignancy was higher (and the RER lower) in countries in the highest national health expenditure quartile than in countries in the lowest quartile, with a decreasing pattern through quartiles for many lymphoid malignancies. 10-year ASRS for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the most representative class for lymphoid malignancies based on the number of incident cases, was 59·3% (95% CI 58·7-60·0) in the first quartile, 57·6% (55·2-58·7) in the second quartile, 55·4% (54·3-56·5) in the third quartile, and 44·7% (43·6-45·8) in the fourth quartile; with reference to the European mean, the RER was 0·80 (95% CI 0·79-0·82) in the first, 0·91 (0·90-0·93) in the second, 0·94 (0·92-0·96) in the third, and 1·45 (1·42-1·48) in the fourth quartiles. Total national health expenditure is associated with geographical inequalities in lymphoid malignancy prognosis. Policy decisions on allocating economic resources and implementing evidence-based models of care are needed to reduce these differences. Italian Ministry of Health, European Commission, Estonian Research Council.

Front-line Management of Follicular Lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the second most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in Western countries. Most patients have an indolent disease course with 10-year survival estimates of 80% among all patients in the rituximab era. However, risk stratification schema can identify subgroups of patients at higher risk of early death and/or progression following front-line therapy. In addition, histologic transformation to an aggressive NHL occurs in approximately 2% of patients per year. Many patients can initially be observed, but ultimately, most will be treated with multiple lines of therapy during their lifetimes. Current Health Canada-approved systemic treatment options include chemoimmunotherapy and lenalidomide plus rituximab. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors were initially approved but were later withdrawn because of toxicity considerations. Newer therapies likely to impact care in Canada include bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy.

A retrospective analysis of outcomes and complications of living- and deceased-donor split-liver transplantation in Johannesburg, South Africa.

South African transplant centres are faced with significant challenges in meeting the need for liver transplantation, owing to the low and ever-decreasing number of deceased-donor organs. To increase organ utility, deceased-donor split-liver transplant (DDSLT) and living-donor liver transplant (LDLT) programmes were initiated in the Wits Transplant Unit. To evaluate outcomes of the LDLT and DDSLT programmes. A retrospective analysis of de-identified recipient and donor variables from all adult and paediatric DDSLTs and LDLTs conducted between 2013 and 2021 was performed. Comparison of categorical study variables between graft types was done with the χ2 test. Continuous variables were compared by means of the independent samples t-test. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to examine the effect of graft type on recipient and graft survival. All comparisons were made unadjusted, and adjusted for recipient age, recipient ethnicity, donor sex, and graft-weight-to-recipient-weight ratio (GWRWR) (for the paediatric cohort); and for donor age and GWRWR (for the adult cohort). A total of 181 paediatric and 48 adult liver transplants have been performed since the inception of the two programmes. Chronic liver failure, specifically intra- and extrahepatic cholestatic disease, was our main indication for liver transplantation in both cohorts. There were no significant differences between the DDSLTs and LDLTs in respect of pre- or post-discharge intervention, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and recipient or graft survival within both the paediatric and adult groups. Our overall 1- and 3-year survival estimates (95% confidence intervals) were 77% (70% - 83%) and 71% (64% - 78%) for the paediatric cohort, and 77% (62% - 87%) and 66% (50% - 78%) for the adult cohort, respectively. The results of this study demonstrate comparable outcomes between DDSLT and LDLT, indicating that both methods are effective approaches to optimise organ utilisation for liver transplantation within our setting.

Long-term outcome of peripheral T-cell lymphomas: Ten-year follow-up of the International Prospective T-cell Project.

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of haematological cancers with generally poor clinical outcomes. However, a subset of patients experience durable disease control, and little is known regarding long-term outcomes. The International T-cell Lymphoma Project (ITCLP) is the largest prospectively collected cohort of patients with PTCLs, providing insight into clinical outcomes at academic medical centres globally. We performed a long-term outcome analysis on patients from the ITCLP with available 10-year follow-up data (n = 735). The overall response rate to first-line therapy was 68%, while 5- and 10-year overall survival estimates were 49% and 40% respectively. Most deaths occurred prior to 5 years, and for patients alive at 5 years, the chance of surviving to 10 years was 84%. However, lymphoma remained the leading cause of death in the 5- to 10-year period (67%). Low-risk International Prognostic Index and Prognostic Index for T-cell lymphoma scores both identified patients with improved survival, while in multivariate analysis, age >60 years and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 2-4 were associated with inferior outcomes. The favourable survival seen in patients achieving durable initial disease control emphasizes the unmet need for optimal front-line therapeutic approaches in PTCLs.

Perioperative factors associated with survival following surgery for pancreatic cancer – a nationwide analysis of 473 cases from Denmark.

BackgroundPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal cancers worldwide, with an overall 5-year survival rate of only 5%. The effect of perioperative treatment factors including duration of surgery, blood transfusions as well as choice of anesthesia and analgesia techniques on overall survival (OS) following pancreatic resections for PDAC, is currently not well known. We hypothesized that these perioperative factors might be associated with OS after pancreatic resections for PDAC.MethodsThis is a retrospective study from a nationwide cohort of patients who underwent surgery for PDAC in Denmark from 2011 to 2020. Kaplan-Meier 1, 2 and 5-year survival estimates were 73%, 49% and 22%, respectively. Data were obtained by joining the national Danish Pancreatic Cancer Database (DPCD) and the Danish Anaesthesia Database (DAD). Associations between the primary endpoint (OS) and perioperative factors including duration of surgery, type of anesthesia (intravenous, inhalation or mixed), use of epidural analgesia and perioperative blood transfusions were assessed using Hazard Ratios (HRs). These were calculated by Cox regression, controlling for relevant confounders identified through an assessment of the current literature. These included demographics, comorbidities, perioperative information, pre and postoperative chemotherapy, tumor staging and free resection margins.ResultsOverall, data from 473 resected PDAC patients were available. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that perioperative blood transfusions were associated with shorter OS (HR 2.53, p = 0.005), with survival estimates of 8.8% in transfused vs. 28.0% in non-transfused patients at 72 months after surgery. No statistically significant associations were identified for the duration of surgery or anesthesia/analgesia techniques.ConclusionIn this study, the use of perioperative blood transfusions was associated with shorter OS.