5-year OS Research Articles

Survival outcomes associated with first-line PCV or temozolomide in combination with radiotherapy in IDH-mutant 1p/19q-codeleted grade 3 oligodendroglioma.

2004 Background: Patients with IDH-mutant 1p/19q-codeleted grade 3 oligodendroglioma (O3IDHmt/Codel) benefit from adding alkylating chemotherapy to radiotherapy (RT). However, the optimal chemotherapy regimen between Procarbazine, CCNU, and Vincristine (PCV) and Temozolomide (TMZ) remains unclear given the lack of randomized trial data comparing both regimens. Methods: The objective was to assess the overall (OS) and progression-free (PFS) survival associated with first-line PCV/RT versus TMZ/RT in patients diagnosed with O3IDHmt/Codel. We included patients with histologically-proven O3IDHmt/Codel (according to WHO criteria) from the French national prospective cohort study POLA. All tumours underwent central pathological review. OS and PFS from surgery were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model. Results: 305 newly-diagnosed O3IDHmt/Codel patients treated with RT and chemotherapy between 2008 and 2022 were included. 67.9% of patients (n=207) were treated with PCV/RT and 32.1% with TMZ/RT (n=98). Median follow-up was 78.4 months (IQR=44.3-102.7). Median OS was not reached (95%CI: NR-NR) and 140 months (95%CI: 110-NR) in the PCV/RT and TMZ/RT groups, respectively (log-rank P<0.0001). On univariable analysis, there was a significant difference in favor of PCV/RT in both 5-year (PCV/RT: 89%, 95%CI: 85-94; TMZ/RT: 75%, 95%CI: 66-84) and 10-year OS (PCV/RT: 72%, 95%CI: 61-85; TMZ/RT: 60%, 95%CI: 49-73), which was confirmed in the multivariable Cox model adjusted for age, type of surgery, gender, ECOG performance status and CDKN2A homozygous deletion (HR 0.53 for PCV/RT, 95%CI: 0.30-0.92, P=0.025). Conclusions: In patients with newly-diagnosed O3IDHmt/Codel from the POLA cohort, first line PCV/RT was associated with better OS outcomes compared to TMZ/RT. Our data suggest that the improved safety profile associated with TMZ comes at the cost of inferior efficacy in this population. Further investigation using prospective randomized studies is warranted.

Characteristics and outcomes of plasmablastic lymphoma in a predominantly Hispanic population.

e19079 Background: Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and is frequently associated with immunosuppression. PBL displays immunoblastic morphology and a plasma cell immunophenotype. Data regarding patient characteristics, outcomes, and optimal treatment for this disease is limited. The reported prognosis of patients with PBL has been historically poor, with median overall survival ranging from 6 to 18 months. A recent publication of the SEER/NCDB database found a significantly improved OS in the Hispanic population (HR 0.7, p=0.014). This study investigates demographic, treatment, and survival outcomes for a primarily Hispanic PBL population. Methods: We identified 42 cases of pathologically confirmed PBL at two high volume tertiary care centers in Southern California between March 2010 and June 2023. Chart review was used to collect data on clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes. Results: Median age of patients at diagnosis was 46 years (range 17-91 years) and 90% were male. Hispanic patients represented 81% of the total cohort. Predisposing immunosuppression was identified in 60%, and 50% of the total cohort were HIV-positive. Pathologic analysis showed EBV positivity by EBER in situ hybridization in 67%. 76% of patients presented with advanced disease (Stage III/IV). The most common regimens were EPOCH (27%) and V-EPOCH (49%). Response rates and CR rates were 63% and 50% respectively. Median follow-up was 10.5 months. OS was 72% at 1-year and 60% at 2-years. Conclusions: Our cohort demonstrated a 1-year OS of 72% compared to the 56% 1-year OS for PBLs in the SEER/NCDB database. There was no statistically significant difference in survival between the Hispanic and Non-Hispanic cohorts in our study. However, this is likely due to the small sample size in the latter. Notably, our patient population had more advanced disease at presentation (76% Stage III/IV) than the SEER/NCDB cohort (60% Stage III/IV). This improved survival is likely multifactorial, but could represent ethnic differences in PBL biology, high EBV positivity, and the frequent utilization of higher intensity regimens (EPOCH/V-EPOCH = 76%). Further studies are needed to better characterize this disease in the Hispanic population. [Table: see text]

Adjuvant icotinib of 12 months or 6 months versus observation following adjuvant chemotherapy for resected EGFR-mutated stage II–IIIA non-small-cell lung cancer (ICTAN, GASTO1002): A randomized phase 3 trial.

8004 Background: The efficacy, safety and ideal treatment duration of adjuvant icotinib (first-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor) for patients with completely resected EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after adjuvant chemotherapy were not known in 2014, when this study was initiated. This phase 3 trial investigated whether icotinib following adjuvant chemotherapy improves clinical outcomes compared with observation in stage II-IIIA NSCLC harboring EGFR mutation. Methods: This is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase 3 trial. From July 2014 to December 2021, patients with completely resected, EGFR-mutated, stage II-IIIA NSCLC after platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled. Patients were assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive icotinib (125mg, three times daily) for 12 months, icotinib for 6 months or to observation. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS) in the intention-to-treat population. Results: This trial was terminated early due to slow accrual.A total of 251 patients were randomized, with 84 patients in the 12-month icotinib group, 84 patients in the 6-month icotinib group, and 83 patients in the observation group. Baseline characteristics were balanced between the groups. After a median follow-up of 61.4 months, 6 months of icotinib significantly improved DFS (HR: 0.41, 95% CI, 0.27-0.62; P = 0.000025) and overall survival (OS, HR: 0.56, 95% CI, 0.32-0.98; P = 0.041) compared with observation. Adjuvant icotinib of 12 months also significantly improved DFS (HR: 0.40, 95% CI, 0.27-0.61; P = 0.000014) and OS (HR: 0.55, 95% CI, 0.32-0.96; P = 0.035) compared with observation. Adjuvant icotinib of 12 months did not improve DFS (HR: 0.97; P = 0.89) and OS (HR: 1.00; P = 0.99) compared with 6 months of this drug. Median DFS was 61.8 months (95% CI, 43.3 to 80.3) for the 12-month icotinib group, 63.2 months (95% CI, 44.8 to 81.6) for the 6-month icotinib group compared with 23.7 months (95% CI, 16.5 to 30.9) for the observation group. The 5-year DFS and OS for the 12-month icotinib, 6-month icotinib and observation groups were 51.3%, 50.1% and 24.8%; and 74.5%, 74.0% and 65.1%; respectively. No differences in efficacy pertaining to icotinib duration were found in any of the subgroups. Rates of adverse events of grade 3 or higher were 8.3%, 5.9% and 2.4% for the 12-month icotinib, 6-month icotinib and observation groups, respectively. The safety profile remained similar to the previous reports for icotinib. Conclusions: Adjuvant icotinib for 12 months and 6 months provide a significant DFS and OS benefit compared with observation in patients with completely resected EGFR-mutated stage II-IIIA NSCLC with a manageable safety profile. Nevertheless, 12 months of icotinib had no additional benefit compared with 6 months. Clinical trial information: NCT01996098 .

Bi-institutional spline curve analysis of lymph node mapping in gallbladder cancer operated over 12 years: Impact of location and number of lymph nodal stations.

e16274 Background: Current staging system for gallbladder cancers (GBC) takes into account only the number of metastatic lymph nodes without addressing their location. The current study evaluates the prognostic impact of lymph node mapping (number and location) in node positive GBCs. Methods: Prospectively maintained operative database of GBC patients with positive lymph nodes were analysed from two tertiary cancer care centers in a retrospective cohort study design between April 2010 till March 2022. Nodal burden was assessed including both, the number of metastatic nodes and the lymph node station. Impact of lymph node ratio (LNR) and log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) was evaluated using regression and spline curve analysis. Results: Amongst 1312 operated GBC patients, 272 patients with node positive disease were included. The median nodal yield was 8. The median LNR and LODDS was 0.222 and -0.48 respectively. The 5-year DFS and OS for patients with only cystic node metastases was 52.3% and 50.8% respectively (median: not reached), as compared to 24.6% and 35.2% for involvement of regional nodal stations beyond cystic nodes. Higher LODDS was associated with inferior DFS and OS when compared to the LNR. On multivariate analysis, multi-station involvement was the only factor associated with inferior DFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Station wise pathological assessment of lymph nodal involvement could potentially provide superior prognostic information, in addition to number of involved nodes. Involvement of cystic lymph node alone has relatively superior prognosis as compared to multi-station involvement.

P-GEMOX with sequential or sandwiched radiotherapy for early-stage extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma.

7075 Background: Combined modality therapy (CMT), namely chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy, has been recommended for patients with localized extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). However, the optimal CMT has not been fully clarified. As chemotherapy is more easily accessible than immediate radiotherapy in the routine clinical practice, the “chemotherapy-first” CMT including sequential or sandwiched radiotherapy deserves further exploration. In addition, the optimal non-anthracycline-based regimen needs to be confirmed. Methods: The P-GEMOX regimen was administrated as follows: pegaspargase 2000 IU/m2 intramuscular on day 1, gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 intravenous on day 1 and 8, oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 intravenous on day 1 and was repeated every 21 days. Patients who achieved at least stable disease (SD) subsequently underwent involved field radiotherapy (IFRT). The dose of IFRT ranged from 50 to 55 Gy. Performing sequential radiotherapy (4 cycles of CT+RT) or sandwich radiotherapy (2 cycles of CT+RT+2 cycles of CT) is determined by the clinician based on the patients' conditions. The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR) after 2 cycles of chemotherapy, and secondary study endpoints were CR, PFS, and OS. Safety was also evaluated. Results: From August 2020 to April 2023, thirty-seven patients (23 men, 14 women; median age: 55, 26-76 years) with stage I/II ENKTL who had received P-GEMOX were collected. 14 patients were stage IE and 23 were IIE. ALL patients completed at least 2 cycles of P-GEMOX, which resulted in 94.6% (35/37) of ORR including 30 patients with CR and 5 patients with PR. Among the patients in remission, 15 patients received sequential radiotherapy, 15 received sandwich radiotherapy, 4 were waiting for or in the process of radiotherapy, and 1 patient progressed before radiotherapy. With a median follow-up of 14.8 months (range: 2.6-38.1 months), the 3-year PFS and OS were 87.2% (95%CI 69.3%-95%) and 90.6% (95%CI 72%-97.1%), respectively. Sandwich radiotherapy had an obvious trend for longer PFS than sequential radiotherapy (18moths-PFS 100% vs. 78%; P=0.073). During the treatment, 21.6% (8/37) of the patients experienced grade 3–4 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). The most grade 3–4 hematological TEAEs were neutropenia (7/37, 18.9%) and thrombocytopenia (4/37, 10.8%). As for grade 3–4 non-hematological TEAEs, elevated aminotransferase, hyperbilirubinemia and hypofibrinogenemia were 16.2%, 10.8% and 8.1%, respectively. The adverse events of this CMT were well-tolerated and manageable. No treatment-related death occurred. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that CMT consisted of P-GEMOX showed favorable efficacy with acceptable toxicity, and sandwich radiotherapy (CT+RT+CT) seems give more favorable PFS than sequential radiotherapy. The CMT protocol could be an effective treatment option for early-stage ENKTL patients.

Combination of pirtobrutinib and lentiviral transduced bispecific anti-CD20/CD19 (LV20.19) CAR T-cell therapy to improve outcomes in patients with relapsed/refractory lymphoma.

7043 Background: Combination trials of BTK inhibitors (BTKi) with CAR-T have suggested potential synergistic benefit by improving CAR-T immunophenotype and clinical outcomes but are limited by increased toxicity. We report immunophenotype, cytokine profile, and patient outcomes with the new non-covalent BTKi, pirtobrutinib (pirto) when given prior to LV20.19 CAR-T and compare the final CAR product to pts who did not receive pirtobrutinib prior to CAR. Methods: Pts received LV20.19 CAR-T as part of a phase 1/2 trial (NCT04186520). Only pts who received pirto £4 weeks prior to apheresis were included. To determine the impact of pirto on LV20.19 CAR-T, we calculated both polyfunctionality (PFA) and polyfunctional strength index (PSI) for each product using the Isoplexis. Descriptive statistics, t-tests and Kaplan-Meier method were used as appropriate. Results: 11 pts received pirto prior to LV20.19 CAR-T (Table). Median age was 65 (50-80) yrs and median prior lines of therapy were 4 (2-8). There were 4 MCL pts, 5 Richter’s (RT)/CLL, 1 MZL and 1 DLBCL. Median duration of pirto was 4 (1-20) mo. Pts were on pirto for a median of 12 (1-22) days prior to apheresis. All except 1 pts received target CAR-T dose. The day 28 ORR was 82% (CR=7, PR=2). After a median follow up of 13 mo, 3 pts died (PD, Covid, Guillain Barre). The median PFS and OS were both 30.8 mo while the 1-year PFS and OS rates were 9 and 15 mo respectively. 9 pts had CRS and 2 had ICANS, all grades 1-2, while 4 had IEC-HS. One pt had afib recurrence and 1 pt had CMV viremia within 30 days of CAR-T. Among the pts with immunophenotypic data (n=10), there were no differences in naïve or more differentiated T-cell percentages in apheresis and final CAR-T products when compared to pts who did not receive pirto before LV20.19 CAR-T (n=57). Although not statistically significant, both PFA (CD4=61.8 vs 59, CD8= 49.8 vs 46.9) and PSI (CD4= 1752 vs 1608, CD8=1299 vs 1079) were higher with pirto pre-treated pts, suggesting a potential trend towards improved CAR-T functionality. Conclusions: These data represent the largest experience of pirto prior to CAR-T apheresis and demonstrate that pirto can be safely used as a bridge to LV20.19 CAR-T without negatively impacting their immunophenotype and potentially improving functionality. These data support our planned phase 1 clinical trial to assess the safety of pirto as bridging and maintenance therapy with LV20.19 CAR-T (NCT05990465). [Table: see text]

Revisiting beta-2 microglobulin as a prognostic marker in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Several clinical prognostic models for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have been proposed, including the most commonly used International Prognostic Index (IPI), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network IPI (NCCN-IPI), and models incorporating beta-2 microglobulin (β2M). However, the role of β2M in DLBCL patients is not fully understood. We identified 6075 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL treated with immunochemotherapy registered in the Danish Lymphoma Registry. A total of 3232 patients had data available to calculate risk scores from each of the nine considered risk models for DLBCL, including a model developed from our population. Three of four models with β2M and NCCN-IPI performed better than the International Prognostic Indexes (IPI, age-adjusted IPI, and revised IPI). Five-year overall survival for high- and low-risk patients were 43.6% and 86.4% for IPI and 34.9% and 96.2% for NCCN-IPI. In univariate analysis, higher levels of β2M were associated with inferior survival, higher tumor burden (advanced clinical stage and bulky disease), previous malignancy and increased age, and creatinine levels. Furthermore, we developed a model (β2M-NCCN-IPI) by adding β2M to NCCN-IPI (c-index 0.708) with improved discriminatory ability compared to NCCN-IPI (c-index 0.698, p < 0.05) and 5-year OS of 33.1%, 56.2%, 82.4%, and 96.4% in the high, high-intermediate, low-intermediate and low-risk group, respectively. International Prognostic Indices, except for NCCN-IPI, fail to accurately discriminate risk groups in the rituximab era. β2M, a readily available marker, could improve the discriminatory performance of NCCN-IPI and should be re-evaluated in the development setting of future models for DLBCL.

The impact of metformin on clinical outcomes of metastatic colorectal cancer with known molecular profile treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitor.

e15580 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the US, with a dismal 5-year OS of 13% in mCRC. Concomitant metformin with chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) revealed improved outcomes in various cancers. Metformin's anti-cancer effects stem its effects on cancer metabolism, cell cycle modulation, cancer stem cells, gut microbiota, immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this retrospective study was to study the impact of concomitant metformin use with the type of systemic therapy (chemotherapy or ICIs) in CRC. Methods: CRC tumors were analyzed by NGS of DNA (592-gene) and RNA (whole transcriptome) at Caris Life Sciences. MSS was assessed by NGS, with MSI-H and MSS patients subcategorized by concomitant metformin use with ICI or with chemotherapy, respectively. Real-world OS, derived from insurance claims data, was calculated from the time of CRC sample collection to the last contact. Hazard ratio (HR) was calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model, with p values calculated using the log-rank test. Results: The study cohort included 31,083 CRC cases (male: female = 1.2, age: 80% &gt; = 50 years). Common molecular alterations included TP53 (73.6%), APC (77.6%), KRAS (47.4%), CTNNB1 (2.0%), and HER2 amplification (1.7%). 1,503 patients were MSI-H (4.83%), 21,330 as MSS (68.6%), and 8,250 indeterminate. MSI-H patients receiving concurrent ICI/metformin had similar OS (52.7 vs. 55.4 months, HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.41 – 1.51, p = 0.462). Conversely, OS was increased in MSS patients on concomitant chemotherapy and metformin (38.1 vs 31.1 months, HR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.69 – 0.86, p &lt; 0.00001). In comparing real-world OS between left-sided and right-sided colorectal cancer (CRC), regardless of metformin use, multivariate analysis incorporating molecular alterations revealed longer OS for left-sided MSS CRC compared to right-sided (HR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.76 – 0.84, p &lt; 0.00001). However, further improvement in OS was associated with concurrent metformin use in both right-sided and left-sided tumors. Conclusions: In this retrospective analysis of real-world clinical outcomes, patients receiving concomitant metformin and cytotoxic chemotherapy had improved clinical outcomes in MSS CRC compared to those not on concurrent metformin. However, the concurrent use of metformin with ICIs in MSI-H CRC did not show an impact on clinical outcomes given low sample size. These results add to the existing body of literature on the potential benefits of metformin in the context of MSS CRC and underscore the importance of a prospective controlled study of concurrent metformin use with systemic chemotherapy in metastatic CRC. Limitations of this study involves the potential inclusion of cases with prior metformin use, small sample size, retrospective analyses, and the lack of control for the patients with type II DM.

Clinical significance of HER2 expression between primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes in patients with extramammary Paget's disease.

e21568 Background: HER2 has been reported to be a potential oncogene and therapeutic target in extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD). However, the expression of HER2 in EMPD, especially in matched metastatic lymph nodes (LNs), is limited. Here, we investigated the heterogeneity of HER2 expression between primary tumors and positive nodes and its clinical significance in advanced EMPD patients and detected the efficacy of HER2-targeted antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) in EMPD. Methods: A total of 170 patients with pathologically confirmed EMPD of the scrotum and/or penis treated at SYSUCC from 2003 to 2023 were included. HER2 IHC staining (anti-HER2/neu (4B5), Ventana) and scoring were performed according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) 2023 guidelines. Outcome relationships were explored using Cohen's kappa coefficient, multivariate Cox regression and log-rank analysis. Results: A total of 102 primary tumor and 32 metastatic specimens were ultimately subjected to HER2 IHC staining. HER2 high-expression (IHC: 2/3+) was detected in 71.6% (0: 9.8%, 1+: 18.6%, 2+: 40.2% and 3+: 31.4%) and 68.8% (0: 21.9%, 1+: 9.4%, 2+: 28.1% and 3+: 40.6%) of the primary tumors and metastatic LNs, respectively. HER2-high EMPD patients experienced poorer outcomes, with a 5-year OS of 56.5%, than did HER2-low patients (P = 0.032). A multivariate Cox regression model showed that a positive lymph node (HR 15.39, 95% CI 3.79~62.43; P &lt; 0.001) and HER2 high-expression in primary tumors (HR 3.68, 95% CI 1.49~9.09; P = 0.005) were independent poor prognostic factors. Notably, in 31 paired samples, 35.5% (n = 11) of patients had inconsistent HER2 expression between primary tumors and corresponding lymph node metastases. Six (19.4%) patients exhibited a shift from high expression of HER2 in primary tumors to low expression of HER2 in the lymph nodes, and 5 (16.1%) patients exhibited the reverse change. Advanced EMPD patients with HER2 high-expression were treated with Disitamab Vedotin (RC48), for which the ORR was 80% and the DCR was 100% (n = 5). No adverse events (AEs) above grade 3-4 were observed. Conclusions: HER2 was highly expressed in both primary and metastatic LNs in EMPD patients. However, there was some heterogeneity in HER2 expression between paired primary and corresponding metastatic LNs. The expression status of HER2 should be evaluated in both primary tumors and corresponding lymph node metastases. A positive lymph node and HER2 high-expression are poor prognostic factors in patients with EMPD. RC48 demonstrated significant efficacy in treating patients with HER2-high advanced EMPD and has promising potential that requires further validation.

Clinical features and outcomes of patients with follicular lymphoma grade 3A: A real-world study in single center.

e19058 Background: Follicular lymphoma (FL) was classified into three grades based on the number of centroblasts (FL1-2, FL3A, and FL3B). Guidelines suggest that FL1-2 should be treated according to the treatment recommendations for classical FL. FL3B is usually treated as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).There is no consensus yet on the management of FL3A. In order to explore the relationship between clinical features and outcomes of FL3A, we conducted this study. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of newly diagnosed FL patients who were admitted to our hospital from January 2013 to December 2022. The data were collected from the hospital electronic medical record system, including but not limited to: demographic characteristics, pathological information, clinical features at diagnosis, treatment, and efficacy evaluation. The survival curve was calculated through Kaplan-Meier method and compared with Log Rank test.The prognostic factors of PFS was compared by COX regression analysis. Results: There were 253 FL3A patients admitted, accounting for 27.55% of all FL patients. After screening, a total of 223 FL3A patients were included in this study. Among 223 patients, the male to female ratio was close to 1:1; The median age is 57 years old. At diagnosed, 33 patients in early stage and 190 in advanced stage. Among advanced patients, 144 had no treatment indications according to the GELF criteria. 86.1% (192/223) of patients received systemic treatment, with the majority of rituximab contained regimens. The overall response rate (ORR) was 96%, and 62.9% of patients who responded to chemotherapy received maintenance therapy with CD20 monoclonal antibody. A median follow-up of 41 months, with an estimated 5-year OS of 91.3% and 5-year PFS of 73%. The PFS of advanced FL patients treated with RCHOP regimen (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) was significantly longer than that of non-RCHOP regimen patients (P&lt;0.05). The PFS of patients receiving maintenance treatment was better than that of those not (P&lt;0.05). Conduct prognostic analysis on advanced FL3A patients. Univariate analysis showed that treatment plan selection, maintenance of treatment, PET scan of FDG metabolic maximum uptake value (SUVmax), Ki-67, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), white blood cell count (WBC), IgA, IgM, all significantly affected PFS; Multivariate analysis shows SUVmax ≥ 15 and platelet count&lt;100 × 109/L and LDH&gt;210U/L are all correlated with poor PFS. Conclusions: This study found that FL3A accounts for 27.55% of all FLs, with a median age of 57 years old and mostly in the advanced stage. FL3A has a long survival period, with a 5-year PFS of 73%. COX regression analysis showed that SUVmax, platelet count, and LDH were all associated with PFS in advanced FL3A patients.Those may explore new clinical prognosis prediction models.

A comparative study of double track anastomosis and tubular esophagogastric anastomosis in laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy for upper gastric carcinoma.

e16117 Background: For the upper gastric cancer, especially adenocarcinoma at the esophagogastric junction, the optimal surgical method is still controversial. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety and clinical effect of double track (DT) anastomosis in laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy (LRPG). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted involving 243 patients who underwent LRPG in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from Jan. 2017 to Dec. 2020. Patients were divided into tubular esophagogastric (TG) anastomosis group and double track (DT) anastomosis group, according to the digestive tract reconstruction. Their intraoperative conditions, perioperative recovery and postoperative follow-up were compared. Patients were divided into ≥60 and &lt; 60 groups according to age, to analysis the pros and cons of the two surgical methods in different age groups. According to whether or not indocyanine green (ICG) tracer technology was used during the operation, DT group was also divided into ICG group and non-ICG group. Results: Compared with the TG group, the DT group had less volume of gastric tube drainage, shorter gastric tube drainage time and proton pump inhibitors application time, and lower reuse rate of proton pump inhibitors. However, the DT group had more total operation time and lymph node dissection time. The median follow-up time of the patients was 36.0 months. At the end of study, the 1-year OS rate and DFS rate were 94.2% and 92.6% in the TG group and 95.8% and 93.7% in the DT group. The 3-year OS rate and DFS rate were 90.2% and 85.2% in the TG group and 91.9% and 87.7% in the DT group. And there was no significant difference in survival outcomes between the two groups. The DT group had a lower anastomotic stenosis at 3rd month after surgery. Moreover, the incidence of reflux esophagitis and Gerd Q score in the DT group were lower compared with the TG group at 3rd month, 1st year and 3rd year after surgery. In addition, elderly patients had a higher incidence of short-term complications in DT group compared with TG group. In the ICG analysis, the ICG DT group had significantly shorter total operation time and lymph node dissection time, less intraoperative blood loss and more lymph nodes obtained compared with the non-ICG DT group. Conclusions: DT anastomosis is a safe and effective way in LRPG for upper gastric carcinoma. Although the operation time of it is longer than that of TG anastomosis, it has a better anti-reflux effect and reduces the incidence of dysphagia and anastomotic stenosis. In elderly patients, it is important to minimize operative time and better to use TG anastomosis. The application of ICG tracer technique in LRPG has positive significance.

Updated results from ALTER-S002: A single-arm multicenter trial of the combination of anlotinib with chemotherapy in patients with stage IIB classic osteosarcoma of the extremity.

11529 Background: The overexpression of multiple tyrosine kinase receptors in osteosarcoma indicated a promising therapy targeting these receptors. Anlotinib is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that potentially inhibits tumor angiogenesis. The combination of anti-angiogenic drugs with chemotherapeutic agents is proposed to act synergistically to achieve favorable tumor control, especially as the neoadjuvant therapy. We had reported the neoadjuvant therapy data of anlotinib in combination with chemotherapy for treatment-naive stage IIB classical osteosarcoma of the extremity in the 2023 ESMO congress. Here we report an update on the effectiveness and safety of the follow-up. Methods: In this open-label, single-arm, multicenter phase II clinical trial. Eligible patients(pts) were aged 12-40 years with histologically confirmed primary localized extremity classic osteosarcoma, stage IIB, operable. Pts received anlotinib (10mg, po, d1-14, q3w), doxorubicin (A) (20-25mg/m2 iv, d1-3, q3w) and cisplatin (P) (70-90mg/m2, iv, d1, q3w) for the first nine weeks. Pts underwent radical surgery after the exclusion of contraindications at week 10. After surgery, pts received A+P at weeks 12-14, and anlotinib plus A+P at weeks 15-20 with the drug dose unchanged. Since week 21, anlotinib (12mg, po, d1-14, q3w) monotherapy was maintained until week 104 or the occurrence of an EFS event. The primary endpoint was 24-month EFS rate, secondary endpoints were 36-month EFS rate, local recurrence rate, lung metastasis rate, 3-year OS rate and safety. Results: From May 2020 to Apr 2022, 52 eligible pts were enrolled, while 51 pts underwent surgery after 3 cycles of neoadjuvant therapy. At the data cut-off date (Oct. 2023), the median EFS was not reached, 12 and 24-month EFS rates were 84.18% (95% CI :70.82, 91.77) and 73.43% (95% CI :57.40, 84.21), respectively. The stratified analysis of EFS showed that the length and diameter of the target lesion are independent prognostic factors. The median OS was not reached, the 24-month OS rate was 95.92% (95% CI :84.65, 98.96). Among the 51 pts who underwent surgical treatment, 12(23.53%, 95% CI: 12.79, 37.49) pts experienced recurrence or metastasis. Most treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were grade 1-2. Grade 3/4 TRAEs (≥20%) included neutropenia (51.92%), leukopenia (38.46%), thrombocytopenia (36.54%) and anemia (32.69%). Conclusions: The updated results suggested that anlotinib combined with doxorubicin and cisplatin in the perioperative period showed favorable efficiency and manageable adverse events in Stage IIB classic osteosarcoma of the extremity. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR 2000033298.

Neoadjuvant treatment with camrelizumab in combination with doxorubicin and ifosfamide: A phase II clinical study of high-risk soft tissue sarcoma.

e23548 Background: Surgery remains the cornerstone in the management of non-metastatic soft tissue sarcomas. However, high rate of recurrence and metastasis are not uncommon in patients(pts) with high-risk soft tissue sarcoma. Although doxorubicin plus ifosfamide resulted in better tumor shrinkage which facilitate surgical resection, approaches of reducing recurrence and metastasis are still needed. Chemotherapy combined with PD-1 antibodies showed promising activity in several tumors. To date, there is no study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy for high-risk Soft Tissue Sarcoma. Methods: This is a phase II, open-label single-arm study (NCT04606108), aimed to include pts aged 14-65 with histopathologically confirmed high risk soft tissue sarcoma and ECOG 0-1, at least one measurable lesion. One course of treatment every three weeks (camrelizumab 200 mg on day 1, doxorubicin 37.5 mg/m2 or liposomal doxorubicin 25 mg/m2 on days 1-2, and ifosfamide 3 g/m2 on days 1-3). After completing the 2nd course of chemotherapy, the drug will be stopped for 14 days, and surgery or the next stage of treatment will be carried out according to the efficacy of the treatment. Six courses of preoperative chemotherapy will be administered 2 weeks ± 5 days after surgery based on the effectiveness, followed by radiotherapy (50 Gy in 25 fractions or 60 Gy in 30 fractions.) within 3 months after surgery. The primary objective is the Objective response rate (ORR). Using the Simon minimax 2 stage design, planned sample size is 62 pts with 80% power and alpha of 5% to detect an increase in ORR from 27% to 42%. Interim analysis requiring at least 9 confirmed responses in the first 30 pts to proceed to full accrual. Results: 35 pts completed neoadjuvant therapy and surgery, 30 pts received postoperative adjuvant therapy and 1 patient achieved partial response (PR). Median age was 36.4 years (14-61), 62.8% were females, and 57.1% were ECOG-PS 0. Surgery was performed in 35 pts including 16/35 Synovial Sarcoma (SS), 5/35 Liposarcoma (LPS), 2/35 Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS), 2/35 Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), 1/35 Leiomyosarcoma (LMS), 5/35 Malignant mesenchymal tumors and 4/35 other pathologic subtype. The 2-year PFS rate was 84.9%, the 2-year OS rate was 96.77%, and the 2-year RFS rate was 72.6%. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events included leukopenia (37.7%), Neutrophil count decreased (37.7%), Platelet count decreased (20.0%), Blennisthmia (3.1%), and Aspartate aminotransferase increased (0.8%). Conclusions: Camrelizumab combined with doxorubicin, liposomal doxorubicin, and ifosfamide in the perioperative treatment of soft tissue sarcoma pts were safe and tolerable. Survival follow-up is still ongoing to analyze the effect of perioperative immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy on long-term outcomes of pts with soft tissue sarcoma. Clinical trial information: NCT04606108 .

Tislelizumab combined with nab-paclitaxel single-agent chemotherapy plus bevacizumab for patients with EGFR-TKIs-resistant advanced NSCLC with ECOG PS 0-2.

e20138 Background: Treatment options are limited for EGFR-TKIs-resistant advanced NSCLC. A retrospective study from our center showed that ICIs plus platinum-free, single-agent chemotherapy provided progression-free survival, overall response rate benefit, and a low rate of severe AEs in such pts. Meanwhile,there were many NSCLC patients after treatment failure with EGFR-TKIs who ECOG performance status was 2 ,they were excluded from existing prospective studies. This study was designed to further explore the efficacy and safety of Tis plus nab- paclitaxel and Beva foradvancedNSCLCpts with ECOG ps 0-2 failed to EGFR-TKIs. Methods: This is a single-arm, phase II study (NCT04310943). Pts with EGFR mutations who had failed to prior EGFR-TKIs accepted Tis (200mg, d1) ,nab-paclitaxel (100mg/m2, d1,8,15) and Beva (15mg/kg, d1) Q3W for up to 4 cycles, followed by Tis plus Beva (7.5mg/kg) maintenance therapy. Primary endpoints are 6m-PFS% and safety, secondary endpoints include ORR and 1-year OS rate. The planned sample size was 24 with unacceptable control of 25%, an expected value of 55%, a one-sided α of 0.05, and a power of 80%, Simon's two-stage design. Results: The median age was 57 (range: 30-70). Thirteen pts (54.2%) harbored EGFR exon 19del and 9 pts (37.5%) had exon 21 L858R at the initial diagnosis. There were 9 pts (37.5%) with ECOG ps 2 and18 pts (75%) with clinical stage IVB. Twelve pts (50%) had stable brain metastases. Fifteen pts (63.6%) progressed on both 1st/2nd and 3rd EGFR-TKIs. As of Dec30, 2023, The median follow-up time was 22.2 m (95%CI 0-51.1). Among the 21pts in the efficacy analysis set, the median PFS was 6.3 m(95%CI 5.5-7.1), the 6m-PFS % was 61.6%, the 6m-PFS% of pts with ECOG ps 2 was18.1%. The ORR was 61.9%, the median DOR was 4.4 m (95%CI 2.1-6.7), DCR was 100.0%. The median OS was 15.4 (95%CI 10.1-20.7) and 1y-OS% was 59.7%. The safety was manageable: the incidence of ≥grade 3 TRAE was 25%. Conclusions: Tislelizumab combined with nab-paclitaxel plus bevacizumab is effective with a manageable safety profile for EGFR-TKIs resistant NSCLC patients with ECOG ps 0-2. Clinical trial information: NCT04310943 . [Table: see text]

Encorafenib plus cetuximab in patients with metastatic, BRAF V600E-mutated, colorectal carcinoma: First effectiveness data of the European multi-centric, multi-national, non-interventional study—BERING-CRC.

3551 Background: Targeted treatment with encorafenib plus cetuximab (E+C) represents the standard of care for patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer after prior systemic therapy. The approval was based on the data from the BEACON CRC trial; updated data of the trial showed a median progression free survival (mPFS) of 4.3 months and a median overall survival (mOS) of 9.3 months for the treatment with E+C compared to a mPFS of 1.5 months and a mOS of 5.9 months with chemotherapy plus cetuximab (hazard ratio [HR], 0.61 [95% CI, 0.48 to 0.77]) and an objective response rate (ORR) of 20% compared to 2%. The tolerability profile was consistent with the known safety profile of each agent and was generally well tolerated. As data from controlled clinical trials are based on a selected patient population, the non-interventional study (NIS) BERING CRC investigates the use of E+C at real-world conditions in a broader patient population. Methods: BERING CRC is an ongoing multi-national, multi-centric, prospective, longitudinal NIS. It represents the first NIS to investigate the real-world use of E+C in BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The study aims to enroll 300 patients (pts) from 124 sites, treated according to the label. The primary study objective is to assess the 1-year OS rate. Secondary endpoints include effectiveness outcomes, quality of life, safety and tolerability of the treatment. The influence of prognostic factors on efficacy, as well as safety and tolerability will also be assessed. Results: Here we present the first planned effectiveness analysis based on the initial 100 enrolled pts (95 treated / 95 evaluable; median observation time: 5.9 mo). This analysis set showed an older patient population compared to the BEACON trial with a median age of 67 yrs (BEACON: 61 yrs) and fewer ECOG PS 0 patients (0/1/2/3: BERING 36/50/8/2 % vs BEACON 51/47/2/0 %). 96% presented with distant metastases (liver: 54%), with an involvement of ≥3 organ systems in 14%. E+C was mainly administered after one prior systemic therapy (73%). ORR was 24%, mPFS 5.3 months and mOS 10.3 months. Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE) were reported in 73% of pts (grade 3/4: 38%). Main TEAE (≥10%, all grades) were: rash (12%) and nausea (11%). Conclusions: This first effectiveness analysis of BERING CRC shows the use of E+C in a real-world population. Despite the older study population and less ECOG PS 0 patients as compared to the pivotal study, the observed treatment effectiveness and safety profile are consistent with data from the BEACON CRC study. The recruitment of this study is ongoing and future analysis of the study will include an additional analysis of subgroups, effectiveness and QoL. Clinical trial information: NCT04673955 .

Roginolisib, an oral, highly selective and allosteric modulator of phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor delta (PI3Kδ) in patients with uveal melanoma and advanced cancers.

9597 Background: The highly selective, oral allosteric modulator of PI3Kδ, roginolisib (IOA-244), blocks the activity of PI3Kδ-dependent signaling, in both tumor cells and Tregs. Methods: Continuous daily dosing of roginolisib at 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg in patients (pts) with pretreated solid tumours and Follicular Lymphoma (FL) were evaluated (Part A). Part B consists of a dose confirmation cohort in uveal melanoma (UM) pts of 2 parts, B.1 and B.2. Primary objective: safety of the anticipated biologically effective dose (BED). Secondary objectives: PK; PD (e.g., inhibition of CD63 expression on basophils, changes in immune cell subsets in peripheral blood); RECIST 1.1 or Lugano-based responses; PFS and OS. Exploratory studies: phenotypic changes in circulating immune cells by mass cytometry (i.e., CyTOF); response assessments by radiomics; analysis of circulating protein signatures via Olink proteomics. Results: Part A Solid Tumour (completed): Sixteen pts were treated in 4 cohorts of 4 pts each. Pts characteristics: uveal melanoma (9/16; 56%), cutaneous melanoma (5/16; 31%) and pleural mesothelioma (2/16; 13%). Only Grade 1 and 2 AEs by CTCAE v.5 were observed, including 2 cases of transient (lasting &lt; 24 hrs) diarrhoea and 2 of AST/ALT elevation. Part A FL Cohort (completed): 8 pts were treated at 20 mg (n=4) and 80 mg (n=4). Grade 3 toxicities were transient and observed in 2/8 (25%) pts. 2/4 pts (50%) at the 80 mg had PR as per Lugano criteria. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) did not result in study drug discontinuation, immune-related toxicity, or dose-limiting toxicity in either the solid tumor or hematological patients. UM pts (Part A and Part B)&gt;: 29 pts (Part A: 9 pts; Part B.1: 7 pts, Part B.2: 13 pts), of which 23 were treated at 80 mg QD (RP2D). Mean time on treatment: 10.7 mo (range: 1.5-39.6 mo). ORR (RECIST 1.1): PR: 1/29 (3%); SD: 21/29 (72%). Median OS for Part A: 20.8 mo (5/9 with 4 pts alive); Part B.1 20.1 (4/7 with 3 pts alive); Part B.2 not determined; 1-year OS rate: Part A 66.7%; Part B.1 71%; Part B.2 immature. Exploratory Investigations: At 3.7 mo (Cycle 5), there were 2 groups: one with SD (13/29; 45%) and the other with PD (16/29; 55%). At 6 mo, this split continued with 38% (11/29) showing SD and 62% having PD (18/29). Volumetric changes matched durable SDs while having higher sensitivity in the 15 analyzed patients. Interestingly, tumor burden reduction in mediastinal lymph nodes was indicative of SD and 70% of pts had volumetric spleen size reduction. Volumetric and radiomic changes were matched with peripheral changes in plasma proteins and immune cell changes. Conclusions: Roginolisib is well tolerated at 80 mg, demonstrates efficacy, and induces phenotypic changes in circulating immune cells. At the RP2D, the most robust anti-tumour activity was observed in FL (50% PR) and UM pts (3% PR; 72% SD). Clinical trial information: NCT04328844 .

Prognostic factors for survival in NSCLC treated with immunotherapy: An institutional analysis.

e20591 Background: Immune check point inhibitors (ICIs) are the cornerstone of treatment for patients with advanced NSCLC. However, not all patients benefit from ICIs and some develop significant immune-mediated toxicities. There is limited data regarding prognostic factors in NSCLC patients treated with ICIs. Imaging features can complement clinical variables in predicting response to ICIs. This study aims to evaluate CEA, blood leukocyte markers, and novel CT-derived radiomic features as factors predictive of survival in this patient population. Methods: In this retrospective study, clinical data from patients with advanced stage NSCLC treated with ICIs at Stony Brook University Hospital from 2016 to 2021 were collected. Baseline and subsequent CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), ANC (absolute neutrophil count), ALC (absolute lymphocyte count), NLR (neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio), AEC (absolute eosinophil count), and AMC (absolute monocyte count) were evaluated as independent prognostic factors. 3-D segmentation of ipsilateral lung lobe was obtained using U-Net and radiologist report of tumor location. 600 stable IBSI-standardized features were extracted from the region using PyRadiomics. The discriminative ability of clinical and image-derived variables was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results: This study included 80 patients. Objective response rate (ORR) was 25.0% with 1-year OS of 58.0%. PD-L1 expression ≥ 50% was significantly associated with survival (p &lt; 0.02). Decrease in CEA (p &lt; 0.01) and 5% increase in AEC (p = 0.027) significantly correlated with survival. Age, sex, clinical stage, ANC, ALC, NLR, AMC did not significantly predict survival. Three image biomarkers that correlated with median enhancement of tissue on chest CT, and degree of tissue heterogeneity were significant predictors of mortality (p &lt; 0.02). A multivariable model with clinical inputs outperformed one with radiomic features only (C-index 0.70 vs. 0.64). Clinical and radiomic inputs together performed well in predicting survival (C-index 0.76). Conclusions: Changes in CEA and AEC were the strongest predictors of survival in advanced NSCLC patients treated with ICIs. This study suggests that combined clinical and radiomic biomarkers (quantifying local lobar heterogeneity) can identify patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapy. [Table: see text]

Ponatinib as a Prophylactic or Pre-Emptive Strategy to Prevent Cytological Relapse after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Transplanted in Complete Cytological Remission.

The administration of TKIs after Allo-SCT in Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph + ALL) remains controversial, and the TKI approach (prophylactic, pre-emptive or salvage) is still heterogeneous in transplant centers. In this context, very little is known about the feasibility and safety of third-generation TKIs. In this paper, we analyze the efficacy and safety of ponatinib (PONA) administered after Allo-SCT to prevent cytologic relapse of Ph + ALL. This is a multicenter observational study including 48 patients (pts) with Ph + ALL (median age 49 years) who received PONA after Allo-SCT while in complete cytological remission (cCR); 26 (54%) had positive minimal residual disease (MRD pos) before Allo-SCT. PONA was administered after Allo-SCT prophylactically (starting with MRD neg) in 26 pts or pre-emptively (starting with MRD pos post-SCT and without hematological relapse) in 22 pts. Patients treated prophylactically with PONA started treatment earlier, at a median of 4.3 months (range 1.5-6) after Allo-SCT, than those treated pre-emptively, who started PONA at a median of 7.4 months (range 2-63) after Allo-SCT (p = 0.01). The median starting dose of PONA was 30 mg/day (range 15-45). A dose reduction was required in 10/48 (21%) of cases, but a permanent discontinuation of PONA, due to toxicity, was required in only 5/48 pts (10.5%). No deaths due to PONA-related adverse events (AEs) were reported. The median follow-up time after Allo-SCT was 34 months (range 7.7-118). At the last follow-up, the median duration of PONA therapy was 22 months (range 2-100). The 5-year OS and RFS after Allo-SCT were 92% and 71%, respectively. The 5-year RFS after Allo-SCT of pts who received PONA prophylaxis was 95%, and it was 57% for those who received PONA pre-emptively (log-rank p = 0.02). In conclusion, this multicenter analysis of 48 patients with Ph + ALL undergoing Allo-SCT while in CcR, although with the caution of the retrospective data, supports the feasibility of PONA maintenance strategy after Allo-SCT with a low rate of discontinuations (10.5%) due to PONA-related AE.

Imatinib with intensive chemotherapy in AML with t(9;22)(q34.1;q11.2)/BCR::ABL1. A DATAML registry study

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(9;22) (q34.1; q11.2)/BCR::ABL1, a distinct entity within the group of AML with defining genetic abnormalities, belong to the adverse-risk group of the 2022 ELN classification. However, there is little data on outcome since the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Among 5819 AML cases included in the DATAML registry, 20 patients with de novo BCR::ABL1+AML (0.3%) were identified. Eighteen patients treated with standard induction chemotherapy were analyzed in this study. Imatinib was added to chemotherapy in 16 patients. The female-to-male ratio was 1.25 and median age was 54 years. The t(9;22) translocation was the sole chromosomal abnormality in 12 patients. Main gene mutations detected by NGS were ASXL1, RUNX1 and NPM1. Compared with patients with myeloid blast phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-BP), de novo BCR::ABL1+AML had higher WBC, fewer additional chromosomal abnormalities, lower CD36 or CD7 expression and no ABL1 mutations. Seventeen patients (94.4%) achieved complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete hematologic recovery. Twelve patients were allografted in first remission. With a median follow-up of 6.3 years, the median OS was not reached and 2-year OS was 77% (95% CI: 50–91). Four out of five patients who were not transplanted did not relapse. Comparison of BCR::ABL1+AML, CML-BP, 2017 ELN intermediate (n = 643) and adverse-risk patients (n = 863) showed that patients with BCR::ABL1+AML had a significant better outcome than intermediate and adverse-risk patients. BCR::ABL1+AML patients treated with imatinib and intensive chemotherapy should not be included in the adverse-risk group of current AML classifications.

HPV overtakes smoking as the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer in Ireland: experience of a head and neck surgery tertiary referral centre

BackgroundWorldwide, the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus, is increasing. This increase has yet to be demonstrated in an Irish cohort.AimsTo evaluate the number of OPSCC presentations locally, to stratify cases by HPV status and to estimate if any changes in the patient population had occurred over a 10-year period.MethodsA STROBE-compliant, retrospective evaluation of patients with OPSCC at St James’s Hospital between 2012 and 2022 was performed. Patients with non-SCC histology, undocumented HPV status and residual or recurrent tumours were excluded.ResultsWe included 294 patients with a mean age of 60.4 years (95% CI 59.2–61.5 years) and 175 (59.5%) patients had HPV+ OPSCC. The number of new OPSCC diagnoses increased from 115 patients (39.1%) between 2012 and 2016 to 179 patients (60.9%) between 2017 and 2021. This was associated with an increased proportion of HPV-linked OPSCC (50.4% 2012–2016 vs. 65.4% 2017–2021, p = 0.011). Over time, more patients had a functionally limiting comorbidity (p = 0.011). The mean age of HPV+ OPSCC cases increased by 3.6 years (p = 0.019). Patients with HPV+ OPSCC had greater 2-year OS (83.9% vs. 54.9%; p < 0.001) and 2-year DFS (73.5% vs. 45.6%; p < 0.001). The 2-year OS and DFS did not change over time for HPV+ or HPV− patients.ConclusionsIn our institution, the number of patients with OPSCC is increasing due to an escalation in cases associated with HPV. Population-level interventions such as vaccination programs may alter the current increase in the incidence of these tumours.