Chemotherapy Regimens Research Articles

Ifosfamide-Induced Encephalopathy Managed Successfully with Methylene Blue in a Child with Wilms Tumor: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction: Ifosfamide is a crucial element in various chemotherapy protocols for the treatment of diverse solid tumors in both children and adults. Despite its efficacy, ifosfamide is associated with a rare yet severe adverse effect known as ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy (IIE), with a spectrum of signs and symptoms spanning from mild lethargy to coma or death. While approximately 13% of pediatric patients undergoing ifosfamide treatment experience IIE, consensus regarding its management remains controversial. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 4-year-old girl with stage 4 Wilms tumor and lung metastases who underwent radical nephrectomy followed by UH-1 chemotherapy. Imaging post-chemotherapy initially showed tumor clearance but later revealed relapse and lung metastasis. Following the initiation of the adjusted ICE protocol (ifosfamide, etoposide), the patient developed IIE, which was successfully treated with methylene blue. Conclusions: We strongly advise pediatric oncologists and hematologists to proactively consider the potential occurrence of IIE. Before starting ifosfamide therapy, patients should be assessed for possible risk factors associated with IIE. Considering methylene blue as a prophylactic measure is recommended for patients with significant risk factors. In cases where IIE manifests, using Methylene Blue to alleviate and reverse its signs and symptoms should be considered. Moreover, we highly encourage further research endeavors to validate methylene blue's effectiveness and determine its optimal dosage range, especially concerning pediatric patients.

Efficacy and safety of multi-day antiemetic treatment for patients undergoing multi-day chemotherapy: a systematic review of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Antiemesis 2023 from Japan Society of Clinical Oncology.

A standardized multi-day antiemetic regimen for multi-day chemotherapy remains elusive. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of multi-day antiemetic regimens in patients undergoing multi-day intravenous chemotherapy. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Ichushi-Web databases for relevant studies published from January 1990 to December 2020. We included studies comparing multi-day and single-day antiemetic regimens for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. No studies directly comparing multi-day versus single-day antiemetic regimens were found. Despite expanding control group criteria beyond "single-day antiemetic therapy" limited high-quality studies and variations in cancer types, chemotherapy regimens, and antiemetic treatments precluded meta-analysis. Among the included studies, some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on complete response and vomiting rates. Two studies comparing two- and three-drug combinations reported higher complete response and no-vomiting rates with the three-drug regimen. Limited RCTs explored "nausea control" and "cost," and assessing "adverse events" proved challenging due to inconsistent reporting. The research on multi-day antiemetic therapy is limited, necessitating further investigation. Nonetheless, our findings suggest that three-drug combination therapy, including aprepitant, may offer superior antiemetic efficacy compared to two-drug regimens. Multi-day antiemetic therapy is strongly recommended during multi-day intravenous administration of cytotoxic anticancer drugs.

Clinical diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer combined with interstitial lung disease

Lung cancer and interstitial lung disease have similar risk factors and pathogenesis. The incidence of lung cancer associated with interstitial lung disease is increasing, and the problem of comorbidity has gradually attracted attention. Early diagnosis of lung cancer associated with interstitial lung disease is difficult, there are many factors influencing treatment, and the prognosis is poor. Interstitial lung disease affects the treatment options for lung cancer in comorbid patients, and lung cancer treatment will increase the risk of acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease in comorbid patients. For patients with early-stage lung cancer complicated with interstitial lung disease who have surgical indications, the surgical method and extend of resection should be determined on the basis of MDT according to tumor stage and lung function. For patients with early-stage lung cancer combined with interstitial lung disease who are not suitable for surgery, the benefits and risks of complications of the radiotherapy should be weighed, and the appropriate radiotherapy regimen and dose should be selected. Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with advanced lung cancer complicated with interstitial lung disease. Some chemotherapy regimens cause acute progression of interstitial lung disease, and the choice of chemotherapy regimen is particularly important. For lung cancer patients with interstitial lung disease who are positive for driver gene mutations, targeted drugs with low pulmonary toxicity should be selected. Patients with lung cancer combined with interstitial lung disease may benefit from immunotherapy, but the risk of immune-related pneumonia is increased. The occurrence of adverse reactions should be closely monitored during immunotherapy. In the future, more prospective clinical trials are needed to formulate reasonable and effective treatment regimens for lung cancer combined with interstitial lung disease to achieve a better prognosis.

Prediction model of male reproductive function damage caused by CHOP chemotherapy regimen for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

ObjectiveThe CHOP combined chemotherapy regimen (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) is commonly used to treat non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). While these drugs are effective for cancer treatment, they may have side effects on the reproductive system that are poorly studied. This study used a mouse model to investigate the mechanisms of reproductive function impairment induced by the CHOP regimen and developed a predictive model for assessing reproductive damage with a non-invasive procedure.MethodsFrom 2022 to 2023, we statistically analyzed the changes of reproductive function of NHL patients before and after receiving CHOP regimen in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University. The NHL mouse model was established and divided into CHOP treatment group and control group. The weight of testis and epididymis, sperm quality and motility were compared between the two groups. Histopathological examination of testicular tissue was performed to determine pathological changes. ELISA was used to measure the expression of cytokines and cytokine pathways in serum, protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and protein and mRNA levels of cytokines and pathways were evaluated by Western blotting and qPCR. Using stepwise regression method to select important factors, a prediction model of reproductive system damage was constructed.ResultsFifty-two NHL patients included in the questionnaire showed significant reproductive system damage after CHOP regimen treatment. The weight of testis and epididymis, as well as the number and vitality of sperm in the mouse model treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Serum LH, FSH, estradiol and progesterone levels decreased significantly, while inhibin B levels increased significantly. There was no significant change in testosterone or prolactin levels. Inflammatory markers such as CSF-1, IL-1, IL-6, TGF-β1 and GDNF increased significantly, while the level of SOD1 decreased significantly. Immunohistochemical staining analysis showed that CAMP, Caspase3, CSF-1, GDNF, IL-1, IL-6, PRKACB, TGF-β1 and TXNDC5 were all expressed in spermatocytes, and the expression of therapeutic histones was significantly higher than that of the control group. Western blot analysis further detected the protein expression, and QPCR detected the mRNA content. The results showed that the expression of histone and mRNA in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Stepwise regression method determined that estradiol (E2) was the most important variable in the prediction model, and the AUC for predicting reproductive damage was 1.ConclusionsThe CHOP regimen induces male reproductive toxicity, potentially mediated through alterations in hormone levels and increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Using E2 as the sole predictor in the model accurately predicts the extent of reproductive damage, offering a non-invasive method for detecting reproductive system damage.

Evaluation of the efficacy of PD‑1/PD‑L1 inhibitor plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with driver gene‑negative advanced‑stage lung adenocarcinoma: A retrospective cohort study.

Driver gene-negative advanced-stage lung adenocarcinoma is associated with a poor prognosis and insufficient treatment options. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of a programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 inhibitor plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy (PBC) regimen for the treatment of patients with driver gene-negative advanced-stage lung adenocarcinoma under real-world clinical conditions. Data from 65 patients with advanced-stage lung adenocarcinoma without sensitizing epidermal growth factor receptor, ALK receptor tyrosine kinase or ROS proto-oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase mutations who received a PBC regimen or only a BC regimen were reviewed in the present retrospective cohort study. The results revealed that the objective response rate was higher (70.4 vs. 47.4%; P=0.065) in the PBC group compared with that in the BC group, while not reaching statistical significance. Progression-free survival (PFS) time was longer in the PBC group than in the BC group [median PFS: 10.8 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 7.2-14.4) vs. 7.6 months (95% CI, 5.0-10.2); P=0.016], while overall survival (OS) exhibited a non-significant trend to be longer in the PBC group compared with that in the BC group [median OS: 20.6 months (95% CI, 16.8-24.4) vs. 15.9 months (95% CI, 11.8-20.0); P=0.115]. Following adjustment by multivariate Cox analysis, the PBC (vs. BC) regimen was found to be independently associated with an improved PFS time (P=0.045). The common adverse events in the PBC group were neutropenia, alopecia, leukopenia, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, anemia and peripheral neuropathy. Moreover, the incidence of each adverse event did not differ significantly between the PBC and BC groups. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the PBC regimen serves as a superior treatment option for patients with driver gene-negative advanced-stage lung adenocarcinoma; however, further verification of its efficacy is still required.

Optimal hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy regimen for advanced and peritoneal metastatic gastric cancer: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Peritoneal metastasis is one of the most common modes of spread of gastric cancer. Currently, surgical treatment combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and systemic chemotherapy has demonstrated promising outcomes in both the treatment and prevention of peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer. However, various HIPEC drug regimens are in clinical use, and their efficacy remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different HIPEC drug regimens in patients with advanced gastric cancer to determine the optimal therapeutic approach. This study conducted a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. Patients in the experimental group underwent surgery combined with HIPEC and chemotherapy. The search period covered literature from database inception to June 1, 2024. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate overall survival (OS) as the primary outcome. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were used to assess overall disease recurrence, peritoneal recurrence, and postoperative morbidity as secondary outcomes. To ensure scientific rigor and transparency, this study has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024533948). A total of 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1092 patients were included. Compared to surgery combined with chemotherapy, the regimens of cisplatin (HRs = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.38-0.73), mitomycin C (HRs = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.55-1.79), cisplatin plus fluorouracil (HRs = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.38-0.95), and oxaliplatin plus 5-fluorouracil (HRs = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.36-0.78) all demonstrated benefits in OS. The cisplatin (ORs = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.03-0.60) and mitomycin C (ORs = 0.03, 95% CI: 0-0.71) regimens also showed advantages in reducing peritoneal recurrence, with no impact on postoperative morbidity. Importantly, the cisplatin regimen was superior to other regimens in terms of OS and overall disease recurrence, achieving a balance between efficacy and safety. Compared to chemotherapy alone, HIPEC treatment shows significant benefits in OS without a notable disadvantage in postoperative morbidity. Although no single HIPEC regimen demonstrated clear benefits across all outcomes, the cisplatin regimen performed well in multiple aspects, indicating its potential for further research and clinical application. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=533948, identifier CRD42024533948.

QLTI-20. BRIDGING THE GAP: UNDERSTANDING THE CURRENT TREATMENT RESPONSES TO ENHANCE THE STANDARD OF CARE AND OUTCOMES FOR MALIGNANT PERIPHERAL NERVE SHEATH TUMORS

Abstract Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) are a rare and aggressive cancer that make up 5-10% of all sarcomas. There is currently no effective targeted therapy to treat MPNST and surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment, though often not feasible due to location, size of the tumor, or presence of metastases. Evaluation of MPNST treatment response to palliative chemotherapy regimens could serve as a reference point for target response rates in clinical trials going forward. We performed a retrospective electronic health record analysis of patients with biopsy-proven diagnoses of MPNST at Washington University and Johns Hopkins University. We evaluated tumor characteristics along with treatment response, overall survival (OS), and progression free survival (PFS) rates for different chemotherapeutic regimens. The cohort comprises 140 patients, with ages at diagnosis ranging from 21 to 40 years. Most patients had tumors located in the extremities, with sizes ranging from 5-10 cm at the time of diagnosis. We identified 66 patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, 44 received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 28 did not receive any chemotherapy. We will present objective response rate (ORR) and clinical benefit rate (CBR) for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Among patients with metastatic disease (n=53), 12 chemotherapy regimens were assessed. All regimens other than gemcitabine-docetaxel chemotherapy regimen performed better than the median PFS of 1.77 months which has been observed in clinical trials of targeted agents to date with the most compelling response to vincristine-irinotecan-temozolomide regimen. Despite advancements in our understanding of MPNST pathogenesis, these tumors carry a poor prognosis. Our study has identified several systemic therapies which should be further evaluated prospectively to improve treatment options and outcomes for patients with this aggressive sarcoma. These results can serve as a benchmark for future clinical trials.

NCMP-27. NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS IN LUNG CANCER THERAPIES: UNVEILING THE ELEVATED RISKS IN CHEMOTHERAPY AND TARGETED TREATMENT APPROACHES

Abstract BACKGROUND Neurological complications due to lung cancer treatments are a common side effect, with prevalence ranging from 19% to over 80% depending on the drug administered. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common manifestation of chemotherapy associated neurotoxicity, but there are potential central nervous system impacts as well, such as seizures, dementia, and generalized cognitive impairment. Occurrence of similar effects is less commonly reported with targeted gene therapy for cancer, however the exact prevalence has not been determined. DESIGN/METHODS We searched the US Collaboration network through TriNetX for all cases of lung cancer, identified by ICD-10 code C34. Cohort A was defined as adults 18-70 years old that had lung cancer treated with cisplatin or etoposide. Cohort B was defined as adults 18-70 that had lung cancer treated with crizotinib, alectinib, or epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Outcomes were evaluated from 1 day to 5 years after the indexed event. RESULTS We reported 15,268 patients with lung cancer that were prescribed chemotherapy agents matched with 6,490 patients with lung cancer that were prescribed tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Patients prescribed chemotherapy agents were at significantly higher risk for neurological complications post treatment when compared to those treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Patients diagnosed with lung cancer on chemotherapy 18-70 years old displayed higher associated risk of various neurological disorder diagnoses. Patients undergoing chemotherapy should be educated about this increased risk and talk with their providers about alternative treatments. Further research should be conducted on the range of potential neurological complications associated with chemotherapy regimens.

INNV-24. CONGENITAL EMBRYONAL TUMOR WITH MULTILAYERED ROSETTES AND TREATMENT IN A NEWBORN

Abstract BACKGROUND Embryonal Tumor with Multilayered Rosettes (ETMR) is a rare but deadly pediatric brain tumor with no standard of care treatment. We present a unique case of congenital ETMR and treatment strategy using intrathecal topotecan and no radiation therapy. Case report: A term baby was admitted to NICU at 12 hours of life with respiratory arrest requiring intubation. CT of the brain revealed a 4.2x3.9x3.5cm left posterior fossa hyperdense hemorrhagic mass with moderate hydrocephalus. She underwent posterior fossa craniotomy for biopsy and evacuation at two days of life. Pathology was consistent with an ETMR. MRI brain after first resection was not concerning. She underwent re-resection at 3 months of age due to re-growth (2x3x3cm). She was then treated as per Head Start 4 chemotherapy regimen with vincristine, cisplatin, etoposide, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate, followed by consolidation with three tandem auto-hemopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) with carboplatin and thiotepa conditioning. Maintenance treatment consisted of intrathecal topotecan every four weeks (0.2mg per dose <1 year old, 0.25mg per dose when ≥1 year old) for 12 doses. She also received oral vorinostat (100mg PO QD) and isotretinoin (80mg/m2 divided BID) during maintenance for 1 year. No radiation was given. The treatment course was complicated by mucositis, febrile neutropenia, pseudomonas sepsis and an episode of respiratory arrest secondary to choking from epistaxis. The patient is currently doing well and continues to remain in remission for over seven months after end of treatment. CONCLUSION We present a case of congenital ETMR with a unique treatment option and strategy using Head Start 4 therapy with three tandem auto-HSCT as consolidation, followed by 12 months of maintenance therapy with intrathecal topotecan, oral vorinostat, and isotretinoin, without any radiation, leading to sustained remission.

QLTI-03. REAL-WORLD PARADIGM FOR TREATMENT OF PRIMARY CNS LYMPHOMA PATIENTS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Abstract Although high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) is the foundation of induction therapy for primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL), a gold-standard regimen has yet to be established. A 10-case-based survey, to assess the practice patterns at key decision-points in adult PCNSL management outside of clinical trials, was distributed through IPCG, HOVON, and AAN Neuro-Oncology Section. Eighty-five responses were collected from North American (N=42), European (N=33), Asian (N=7), and other countries (N=3) from neurologist neurooncologists (N=35), hem-onc neurooncologists (N=24), hematologist-oncologists (N=18), neurosurgeons (N=5), radiation-oncologist (N=2), and hematopathologist (N=1). The most common first-line induction regimen was R-MP+/-V: rituximab, HD-MTX, procarbazine, +/-vincristine (N=28) followed by MATRix: HD-MTX, cytarabine, thiotepa, rituximab (N=23), then R-MT: rituximab, HD-MTX, temozolomide (N=19). For elderly patients, R-MP+/-V remained most common (N=32). The majority preferred to omit intra-CSF chemotherapy (N=50). The most preferred consolidation after complete response was high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation (HDC-ASCT, N=57), or high-dose cytarabine (N=17) in elderly patients. In cases of partial response, the most common approach was still HDC-ASCT (N=24). For stable disease, participants would move to various salvage chemotherapy (N=33), continue additional induction (N=39), or to move to radiotherapy (N=10). If early progression was noted, the most preferred approach was non-methotrexate chemotherapy (N=31). For recurrences after previous complete response and HDC-ASCT consolidation, the majority preferred to try chemotherapy before moving to radiotherapy in scenarios < 1 year (N=64) or > 1 year from consolidation (N=68), and even if the performance status was poor (N=57). Close to half (N=34) participants felt there is a role for stereotactic radiosurgery in various clinical settings. This survey noted clear consensus to use multi-drug MD-MTX based chemotherapy, and common induction regimens, however, highlighted a great variety of treatment preferences after first-line therapy even amongst disease experts through clinical consortiums, suggesting likely wider range of treatments and disease response in larger community settings.

Dual effects of DLG5 (disks large homolog 5 gene) modulation on chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia and nausea/vomiting via the hippo signalling pathway.

The CAPEOX (combination of oxaliplatin and capecitabine) chemotherapy protocol is widely used for colorectal cancer treatment, but it can lead to chemotherapy-induced adverse effects (CRAEs). To uncover the mechanisms and potential biomarkers for CRAE susceptibility, we performed whole-genome sequencing on normal colorectal tissue (CRT) before adjuvant chemotherapy. This is followed by in vivo and in vitro verifications for selected gene and CRAE pair. Our analysis revealed specific germline mutations linked to Grade 2 (or higher) chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) and nausea/vomiting (CINV). Notably, both CRAEs were associated with mutations in the DLG5 gene. We found that DLG5 mutations related to CIT were associated with increased gene expression, while those associated with CINV were linked to suppressed gene expression, as indicated by the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEX) database. In megakaryocytes, overexpression of human DLG5 suppressed the hippo signalling pathway and induced YAP expression. In zebrafish, overexpression of human DLG5 not only reduced platelet production but also inhibited thrombus formation. Subsequent qPCR analysis revealed that DLG5 overexpression affected genes involved in cytoskeleton formation and alpha-granule formation, which could impact the normal generation of proplatelets. We identified a series of germline mutations associated with susceptibility to CIT and CINV. Of particular interest, we demonstrated that induced and suppressed DLG5 expression is respectively related to CIT and CINV. These findings shed light on the involvement of the hippo signalling pathway and DLG5 in the development of CRAEs, providing valuable insights into potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

NCOG-43. THE APPLICATION OF INDUCTION CHEMOTHERAPY COMBINED WITH RADIOTHERAPY IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH CNS GERM CELL TUMORS

Abstract BACKGROUND Central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors are rare brain neoplasms, accounting for approximately 0.3-0.5% of all CNS tumors. A combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is the standard of care (SOC) in pediatric patients. However, there is no SOC for young adult or adult patients. This study evaluates a regimen of induction chemotherapy followed by radiation in treating young adults with CNS germ cell tumors. METHOD Nine young adult patients diagnosed with pure CNS germinomas were identified in our institution. They underwent a treatment regimen of induction chemotherapies that were planned for four cycles and consisted of bleomycin (three doses per cycle), cisplatin (five doses per cycle) and etoposide (five doses per cycle) followed with whole brain and/or ventricular radiotherapy. The patients’ overall survival (OS), neurological function (including cognition), and adverse events (AE) were analyzed. RESULT Among the nine patients (seven males and two females), the median age is 20 years (range: 17-33 years). They received bleomycin, cisplatin and etoposide (median: two cycles, range: 1-4), and subsequent radiotherapy with plans based on tumor location by radiation oncologists, with a median radiotherapy dose of 45 Gy (range: 36-50.4). Seven patients had a complete response after chemotherapy. The median OS is 53 months (range: 39-121). There is no identifiable cognitive impairment by neurological exam. All patients experienced at least one, reversible, grade 3 AE of myelosuppression. All patients return to their normal baseline including employment. Results of neuropsychological evaluation and all AEs will be presented at the conference. CONCLUSION Induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy is potentially safe and effective with manageable and reversible side effects from chemotherapy without cognitive and functional impairment in the nine young adult patients with CNS germ cell tumors. A prospective study of this approach in a clinical trial setting is warranted.

Comparison of the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FLOT regimen and adjuvant chemotherapy with XELOX/FOLFOX regimen in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer: A retrospective study

Background. To date, there is no consensus on the preferred sequence of combined treatment in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (perioperative chemotherapy – POCT or primary surgical treatment). No direct comparison of these approaches had been conducted before. Aim. To compare, in retrospective analysis, 3-year relapse-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients receiving POCT FLOT or adjuvant chemotherapy XELOX/FOLFOX for locally advanced gastric cancer. Materials and methods. The assessment included 153 patients who underwent POCT FLOT and 171 patients who underwent surgical treatment at the first stage. When evaluating the initial characteristics, it was shown that patients with ECOG (The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) stage 1-2, clinical stage cT4a-b, cN2-3 and Bormann type 4 to were significantly more common in the POCT group. Morphological characteristics: grade, presence of signet cell carcinoma, HER2/neu overexpression, microsatellite instability, sensitivity to immunotherapy (Combined Positive Score) didn't differ. Results. With a median follow-up of 40 months, it was shown that the long-term results assessed in all included patients were better in the group with primary surgical treatment: 3-year RFS was 55 and 40% (risk ratio – RR 1.33, 95% confidence interval – CI 1.08–1.64; р=0.007). 3-year OS was 68 and 56% (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.02–1.8; р=0.04), respectively. However, when evaluating patients who received surgical treatment in the POCT group (n=121, 79%), the results did not differ: 3-year RFS 55 and 50% (RR 0.9, 95% CI 0.71–1.16; р=0.97), 3-year OS 68 and 63% (RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.84–1.59; р=0.97). Insufficient volume of adjuvant chemotherapy (75% of the dose) significantly worsened long-term results (3-year OS 43 and 71%; p=0.002). Conclusion. The obtained data of a retrospective analysis did not reveal the advantages of any of the approaches provided that the surgical stage was performed in patients receiving POCT. To obtain more objective results, it is necessary to conduct randomized multicenter studies in the high volume centers, providing the necessary sample capacity, quality of diagnosis and treatment. Thus, the design of future studies should be based on the hypothesis of non-inferiority, which inevitably entails a significant increase in the required number of observations to obtain reliable sampling power.

CTIM-01. OUTCOMES AND IMMUNE RESPONSES AFTER PEPTIDE VACCINATION TARGETING HUMAN CYTOMEGALOVIRUS ANTIGEN PP65 IN CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH RECURRENT HIGH-GRADE GLIOMA AND MEDULLOBLASTOMA: RESULTS OF A PHASE 1 TRIAL

Abstract INTRODUCTION The human cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigen pp65 is ubiquitously expressed in high-grade glioma (HGG) and medulloblastoma but not in adjacent brain. The primary objective of this phase I trial (NCT03299309) was to assess the safety and feasibility of a novel peptide vaccine targeting pp65 (PEP-CMV) in children/young adults with recurrent medulloblastoma and HGG. METHODS PEP-CMV is comprised of a synthetic long peptide of 26 amino acids and is administered as an emulsion in Montanide ISA 51. Patients receive a 5-day course of temozolomide to induce lymphopenia, tetanus/diphtheria toxoid site preconditioning to promote dendritic cell migration, then PEP-CMV intradermally in the groin every two weeks for 3 doses, then monthly. RESULTS 42 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 23.2 ± 9.3 years. 55% of patients were male. The median KPS was 80. The median number of prior chemotherapy regimens was 4 (range 1-15). Of the 38 patients who received PEP-CMV, the maximum grade adverse events (AE) possibly, probably, or definitely related to PEP-CMV were: 17 (45%) Grade 1 AEs, 16 (42%) Grade 2 AEs, 2 (5%) Grade 3 AEs (encephalopathy and pyramidal tract syndrome), and one (3%) Grade 4 AE (cerebral edema). One patient developed cytokine release syndrome (Grade 2). The median PFS was 2.5 months (95% CI:2.2, 3.2) and median OS was 6.4 months (95% CI:3.4, 7.9). The 12-month OS was 26.6% (95% CI:14, 41.1%). Of the 21 patients with evaluable immune monitoring data (received ≥3 vaccines/known CMV status), T cell reactivity on IFNγ pp65 ELISpot was increased after PEP-CMV delivery (median 2 vs 22, P=0.01). PFS and OS were significantly better in patients with low levels of CD56brightCD16dim phenotype NK cells: P=0.029 and P=0.047, respectively. Patients with naïve CD8+ counts over the median had significantly better PFS (P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS PEP-CMV is well-tolerated and elicits an antigen-specific immune response in heavily pretreated, multiply recurrent patients with a 12-month OS of 26.6%.

EPID-36. CLINICAL FEATURES OF 614 PRIMARY INTRACRANIAL GERM CELL TUMORS: AN 15-YEAR EXPERIENCE OF A SINGLE CENTER IN CHINA

Abstract Incidence of primary intracranial germ cell tumors (ICGCT) in Asian countries is higher than Western countries. This study aims to describe the characteristics of ICGCT patients in China. Data on all patients with ICGCT who were seen at the Department of Neuro-oncology, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University from 2007 to 2022 were collected retrospectively. Patient demographics, disease characteristics and treatment outcomes were analyzed. A total of 614 patients were identified, with 309 germinomas and 305 non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCT). The median age at diagnosis was 12.8 years. The male-female ratio is 2.4 to 1. The primary disease sites were mainly pineal gland and suprasellar region. Adults (age≥23) were more likely to develop germinomas (65.3%). 78% patients received radiotherapy after initial diagnosis. In M0 patients, whole brain radiotherapy was the most common approach, while in M+ was craniospinal radiotherapy. Whole ventricle radiotherapy was uncommon (4%). The most common chemotherapy regimen for germinoma was a combination of bleomycin, cisplatin and etoposide/tenipside; while for the NGGCT was ifosfamide combined with carboplatin/cisplatin and etoposide. For germinoma, the median recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were 150.3 months and 222 months; the 10 year RFS and OS were 58.2% and 85.1%, respectively. For NGGCT, the median RFS and OS were 80.4 months and 166.7 months; the 10 year RFS and OS were 46.9% and 60.5%. At relapse, four (0.65%) developed secondary malignancies. Seven (1.14%) developed extracranial dissemination. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy could improve the RFS and OS. Higher radiation dose was associated with better prognosis. The prognosis of focal radiotherapy alone was poor. M0 germinoma treated with focal radiotherapy alone were more likely relapse. This study suggested that treatment outcomes of our ICGCT patients are comparable with those in Western centers. Adjuvant chemotherapy and whole brain/craniospinal radiotherapy are pivotal treatment.

NCOG-41. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MORTALITY AND SHORT-TERM SIDE EFFECTS IN PATIENTS WITH GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME TREATED WITH TEMOZOLOMIDE VERSUS TEMOZOLOMIDE PLUS BEVACIZUMAB CHEMOTHERAPY

Abstract INTRODUCTION Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor in adults with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy is the standard treatment for GBM, but alternative therapies have shown limited success. Bevacizumab (BEV), a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is used to restrict GBM growth and spread. This study evaluates the efficacy of combining TMZ with BEV compared to TMZ alone in managing GBM. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted using TriNetX database data, focusing on patients diagnosed with GBM and receiving chemotherapy. Cohorts were defined by treatment: TMZ plus BEV versus TMZ alone. Propensity-score matching balanced baseline characteristics, including demographics and health conditions. Primary outcomes included mortality rates and short-term side effects within the first year of treatment, such as cognitive communication deficits, headache, dizziness, insomnia, and nausea/vomiting. RESULTS After matching, 922 patients were included in each cohort. There were no significant demographic differences post-matching. The mortality rate was higher in the TMZ plus BEV group compared to TMZ alone (51.30% vs. 36.98%, RR: 1.387, 95% CI: 1.249-1.541). However, TMZ plus BEV was associated with a lower incidence of cognitive communication deficits (1.95% vs. 4.34%, RR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.26-0.779) and dizziness (7.27% vs. 10.52%, RR: 0.691, 95% CI: 0.513-0.93). No significant differences were found in headache, insomnia, or nausea/vomiting rates between the groups. CONCLUSION This study indicates that combining bevacizumab with temozolomide may increase mortality in GBM patients but reduce certain side effects such as cognitive deficits and dizziness. These findings emphasize the need to carefully consider the benefits and risks of different chemotherapy regimens for GBM and highlight the necessity for further research to optimize treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.

CTNI-38. SINGLE-CENTER COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ABOUT OUTCOMES OF MULTI-AGENTS CHEMOTHERAPY FOR PRIMARY CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM LYMPHOMA; R-MPV SHOWED A FAVOR RESULT

Abstract BACKGROUND Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a malignant tumor in the brain, spinal cord, and eyes. Radiotherapy may cause delayed leukoencephalopathy so that the first-line treatment is methotrexate (MTX)-based multi-agent chemotherapy. We had used the Bonn protocol based on MTX and cytarabine, but since 2020, we have adopted the R-MPV protocol. This study analyzes the outcomes of patients treated initially at our institution. METHODS AND RESULTS We reviewed 57 out of 88 newly diagnosed PCNSL patients treated with chemotherapy alone between December 2005 and January 2023. Initial treatments included the Bonn protocol in 25 patients (12 with rituximab, forming R-Bonn) and R-MPV in 26 patients. High-dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) was given as consolidation in 4 Bonn and 9 R-MPV patients. The Bonn protocol was completed by 20 patients (80%) with a complete response (CR) in 19 (76%). The R-MPV protocol was completed by 23 patients (88%) with CR in 22 (85%). Post-treatment outcomes were compared using survival analysis. Median progression-free survival (mPFS) had not been reached in the R-MPV group and was significantly better than 33.1 months in the Bonn protocol and 58.6 months in the R-Bonn protocol (log-rank test; p=0.0296, 0.0036). Overall survival (OS) did not show significant differences. PBSCT’s impact on outcomes suggested improvement in PFS and OS after R-MPV, but this was not statistically significant. DISCUSSION We examined the efficacy of different chemotherapy regimens for PCNSL at our institution. The R-MPV protocol showed superior completion rates, response rates, and treatment efficacy. Consolidation with PBSCT may improve outcomes, though further investigation with more cases and longer observation is necessary.

Malignant sarcomatous transformation of calvarial fibrous dysplasia: illustrative case.

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a nonheritable genetic disorder characterized by abnormal osteogenesis, resulting in benign bone lesions in one or multiple bones. Despite their predominantly benign nature, these lesions can transform into malignant neoplasms, resulting in pain, swelling, disfigurement, and even death. The authors report a case of malignant sarcomatous transformation in an adult patient with a history of craniofacial FD. A 61-year-old male with a history of systemic FD presented with a rapidly enlarging cranial mass that had recently started becoming painful to touch. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain displayed extensive FD changes throughout the calvarium and a large dysplastic mass in the right parietal bone with extension into the underlying epidural space, resulting in severe mass effect. The patient subsequently underwent radical resection and complex soft tissue reconstruction. The pathology confirmed high-grade undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, for which the patient subsequently underwent an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen. Malignant sarcomatous transformation of craniofacial FD most often results in the formation of an osteosarcoma in the maxilla, with the temporal and sphenoid bones also being common sites of such transformations. Although treatment begins with radical resection, the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation remains controversial. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24537.

Malignant Esophageal Glomus Tumor With CARMN::NOTCH2 Fusion: An Additional Tumor Underscoring the Frequent Tendency of Esophageal Glomus Tumors for Aggressive Behavior.

Malignant glomus tumors are rare tumors of pericytic origin with a propensity to develop in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Hereby we demonstrate a tumor of a 20-year-old man, who presented with dysphagia and an exophytic esophageal mass. Histologic examination of the resected mass revealed a multinodular tumor in the esophageal wall composed of epithelioid cells showing nesting and monomorphic atypia, staghorn vessels and scanty stroma. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were positive for SMA, and H-caldesmon, while desmin was negative. Collagen IV and laminin decorated a dense intercellular basal membrane meshwork. RNA-sequencing using TruSight RNA Pan-Cancer Panel revealed a CARMN::NOTCH2 fusion, that is a recurrent, frequently described and so far specific genetic alteration in glomus tumors. In spite of the adjuvant chemotherapy regimens, the patient died of disseminated metastatic disease 2 years after the diagnosis. Our patient presentation and the previous reports in the literature highlight the frequently aggressive behavior of glomus tumors arising in the esophagus.

Features of the pathogen and efficacy of drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 10.6 million new cases of tuberculosis were detected in 2022, indicating an increase of 3.5 % from the reported 10.3 million in 2021. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of tuberculosis increased by 3.9 % from 2020 to 2022. According to the latest regulatory documents, multidrug-resistant pathogen is diagnosed when any bacteriologic or molecular genetic methods reveal drug resistance of M. Tuberculosis complex at least to isoniazid and rifampicin regardless of resistance to other antituberculosis drugs.With a wide range of virulence genes, the tuberculosis pathogen expresses genes in different phases of infection. Some genes are “switched on” in the early phases and are important for overcoming immune defenses and spreading the pathogen in the host, while others are important for survival in the latent phase. These characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis determine the need for correct and adequate selection of therapy. The problem of diagnostics and treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis remains extremely urgent. Despite the introduction of new tests for rapid determination of drug susceptibility spectrum of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the problem of timely and adequate prescription of chemotherapy regimen remains. When selecting therapy, the problem of prescribing a combination of antituberculosis drugs with proven efficacy against M. tuberculosis remains. The need to assess the patient’s comorbid status, which affects the effectiveness of treatment and the occurrence of relapses, remains relevant.Despite the introduction of new tests for rapid determination of the drug susceptibility spectrum of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the problem of timely and adequate prescription of chemotherapy remains relevant. The problem of prescribing a combination of antituberculosis drugs with proven efficacy against M. tuberculosis remains in the selection of therapy. Currently, the introduction of bedaquiline in therapy regimens is important for improving the effectiveness of tuberculosis treatment. In addition, studies are underway to shorten the duration of therapy for MDR-TB and XDR-TB, which is particularly important for maintaining patient adherence to treatment.