Cycles Of Palliative Chemotherapy Research Articles

Case report: Regression after low-dose glucocorticoid therapy in a case of acute immune myocarditis induced by anti-PD-1 therapy for NSCLC

BackgroundPD-1 inhibitors exhibit efficacy in managing unresectable/metastatic driver gene-negative NSCLC, albeit with potential immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Among these, immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis (ICI-M) is rare yet lethal. This study presents the initial successful instance of ICI-M in a lung cancer patient, rescued by low-dose glucocorticoids post-deterioration during treatment.Case summaryA 78-year-old male with a medical history of stage IV pT3N2M1 NSCLC underwent four cycles of palliative chemotherapy, resulting in stable disease (SD). Subsequent to declining further chemotherapy, the patient was transitioned to a targeted therapy regimen comprising Anlotinib in conjunction with PD-1 inhibitor immunotherapy. On the 26th day post-administration of the PD-1 inhibitor, the patient manifested Grade 2 immune-mediated myocarditis. Treatment encompassing 1mg/kg methylprednisolone combined with immunoglobulin shock therapy was initiated for 3 days, achieving symptomatic control. Nonetheless, upon tapering methylprednisolone dosage to 4–8mg/3–4d, the condition deteriorated, necessitating transfer to the intensive care unit. Methylprednisolone dosage was escalated to 80mg/day for 3 days, followed by gradual reduction by one-third to two-thirds weekly, culminating in the patient’s safe discharge from the hospital.ConclusionImmune-related myocarditis linked to checkpoint inhibitors is often managed effectively with high-dose glucocorticoid therapy. However, in Asian populations, low-dose glucocorticoids are increasingly utilized for salvage therapy, yielding favorable outcomes and improving prognosis compared to European populations.

CDH3 Is an Effective Serum Biomarker of Colorectal Cancer Distant Metastasis Patients.

Few robust biomarkers are available for distant metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Aberrant high expression of CDH3 has been reported in advanced CRC patients, but the value of CDH3 as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of distant metastatic CRC patients remains to be evaluated. In this study, we explored the serum levels of CDH3 in different stages of CRC patients and sought to determine whether serum CDH3 serves as an independent biomarker for distant metastatic CRC patients. We analyzed the serum CDH3 levels by ELISA in a cohort of CRCs (n=96) and normal controls (n=28). We compared the serum CDH3 levels between normal controls and different stages of CRCs. As a potential diagnostic marker of distant metastatic CRC, the specificity and sensitivity of serum CDH3 were evaluated. Multivariate analysis was also performed to determine whether serum CDH3 was an independent risk factor. Moreover, the changes of serum CDH3 levels were monitored and analyzed before and after palliative chemotherapy. Serum levels of CDH3, CA24-2, CA19-9, CA72-4, and CEA were significantly elevated in distant metastatic CRCs. CA24-2 (r=0.24, P=0.01), CA19-9 (r=0.20, P=0.03), CA72-4 (r=0.64, P<0.0001), and CEA (r=0.31, P=0.0012) all had a certain correlation with CDH3. After three cycles of palliative chemotherapy, levels of CDH3, CA24-2, CA19-9, CA72-4, and CEA of partial response CRCs were reduced to 38.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.95%-53.77%), 57.73% (95% CI: 2.085%-73.83%), 50.33% (95% CI: 9.935%-79.42%), 74.74% (95% CI: 25.21%-88.00%), and 59.16% (95% CI: 12.65%-83.56%) of baseline, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of CDH3, CA24-2, CA19-9, CA72-4, and CEA with chemotherapy response were 0.900, 0.597, 0.635, 0.608, and 0.507, respectively. Serum CDH3 is an effective serum biomarker for the diagnosis of distant metastatic CRCs and monitoring response to palliative chemotherapy in distant metastatic CRCs.

Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration in a patient with metastatic endometrial cancer developed after two cycles of palliative chemotherapy: a clinical case

A clinical case of an atypical course of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration that occurred during chemotherapy in a patient with an established diagnosis of metastatic endometrial cancer is presented.

Leptomeningeal Metastases in Carcinoma Rectum with Extensive Skeletal Metastasis - A Case Report

Incidence of rectal carcinoma has been rising in younger people in recent decades. Skeletal metastasis without other organ metastasis from primary rectal carcinoma is very rare, spine and the pelvis are the first sites of bony metastasis. Leptomeningeal Metastases (LM) is a very rare complication of solid tumour progression and its incidence in colorectal carcinoma is far less. A nineteen-year-old male presented in the OPD with rectal bleeding and low back pain with colonoscopic biopsy proving rectal carcinoma. MRI of pelvis revealed multiple osseous metastases to vertebrae and pelvic bones. After four cycles of palliative chemotherapy, he developed lower back pain. Repeat MRI revealed multiple lesions in the vertebrae and long bones for which he received palliative external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Subsequently seven months later he developed meningeal metastases and received whole brain radiation and supportive care. LM in patients with primary colorectal cancer (CRC) remains an exceedingly rare complication of metastatic disease progression in CRC.&#x0D; Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women.[1] The incidence of it has been rising in young adults.[2] The common metastatic sites of CRC include the liver (57.6%), abdominal lymph nodes (48.3%), lungs (37.6%) and Peritoneum.[3,4,5] Skeletal metastasis without other organ metastasis is very rare. Bone metastasis is seen in 4.7% to 10.9% in clinical cases and often indicates advanced disease with a poor prognosis with 5-year survival rate less than 5%,[6] leading to significantly high rate of morbidity and mortality.&#x0D; Leptomeningeal Metastases (LM) or neoplastic meningitis, is an uncommon metastatic complication of solid tumour progression. Most commonly arising from breast, non-small-cell lung cancer, and melanoma with a frequency of 5% to 25%.[7] The incidence of LM in colorectal cancer (CRC) is far less than 1%.[8]&#x0D; Here we report a case of rectal carcinoma, with extensive skeletal metastases and their pattern of bone involvement, who later presented with meningeal metastases.

SAT572 Concomitant Metastatic Hurthle Cell Carcinoma And Rectal Cancer, Challenges In Diagnosis And Management

Abstract Disclosure: D. Khurram: None. R. Pansare: None. S.L. Mokshagundam: None. Hurthle cell carcinomas (HCC) are aggressive tumors and account for 5% of follicular cell thyroid malignancies. Tumor size, extra-thyroid extension and distant metastases indicate poor prognosis. 20-30% of HCCs have mets at initial diagnosis, frequent sites being lungs and bones. Metastatic HCCs are exceedingly difficult to manage. Detecting two primary cancers concomitantly is uncommon and poses additional challenges in diagnosis and management. We present an interesting case of HCC with mets to the manubrium, vertebrae, lungs and concomitant rectal adenocarcinoma. A 69-year-old male had MRI spine for back pain which showed multiple lytic osseous lesions within T3 and L1 vertebrae. Further imaging revealed a large lesion in the manubrium. Manubrial mass biopsy was positive for poorly differentiated carcinoma, immunohistochemical staining for CAM5.2, cytokeratin, CD 138, CD56 and TTF-1 (weak). He underwent 6 cycles of palliative chemotherapy with carboplatin and Taxol for carcinoma of unknown origin. PET scan following chemotherapy showed a large heterogenous thyroid mass with intense FDG uptake, along with a suspicious rectal mass. Left thyroid nodule FNA reported Bethesda IV follicular neoplasm, Hurthle cell type. Rectal mass biopsy reported moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Histology after total thyroidectomy showed unifocal oncocytic HCC, with lymphovascular invasion but no extrathyroidal extension. Molecular markers showed low TMB, stable microsatellite status, negative PDL-1, negative NTRK fusion and positive ATM E839. He received suppressive dose levothyroxine. Radio-iodine ablation was postponed owing to prioritization of radiation therapy for rectal cancer. Thyroglobulin level increased from 53 ng/ML to 216 ng/ML. He received 149 milli Curies of I131 after Thyrogen stimulation. There was mild radioiodine uptake in the thyroid bed, but the metastatic lesions were not radioiodine avid. Follow-up scans showed multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules with worsening osseous mets. Endoscopic biopsy was consistent with HCC, TTF-1 and PAX8 positive. He was started on Lenvatinib but developed diarrhea, hence switched to Pembrolizumab. Thyroglobulin level improved on Pembrolizumab but was complicated by adrenal insufficiency. For rectal cancer, he received radiation therapy and capecitabine. Our case is interesting for several reasons. Firstly, although bone mets are commonly seen in HCC, manubrial mets, especially as the presenting feature is rare. Secondly, concomitant rectal cancer delayed the treatment of the thyroid cancer. Thirdly, there is no major consensus regarding management of HCC, especially metastatic HCC. HCCs are often not radioactive iodine avid. Combination therapy with Lenvatinib and Pembrolizumab is currently under trial for aggressive thyroid malignancy. It will be interesting to follow the clinical outcomes in this individual. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Cost-effective analysis of rotational intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (RIPAC) in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

e17585 Background: We developed RIPAC, which improves distribution and penetration compared to pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC). To introduce this newly developed device in the real world, we analyzed the cost-effectiveness of rotational intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (RIPAC) device to improve quality of life (QoL) compared to conventional palliative chemotherapy for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients. Methods: A decision tree was designed to compare the quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and cost consisting of RIPAC and palliative chemotherapy regimens, such as pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD), gemcitabine (GEM), and topotecan (TOP). Also, to reflect the clinician’s variable preferred regimens for palliative chemotherapy, the average direct and indirect medical costs of belotecan, docetaxel, vinorelbine, and vinblastine were also considered in addition to the three regimens (ANY). The model included quality of life which was measured by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-Quality of life Questionnaire 30 (QLQ-C30) data gathered from previous clinical trial reports on PIPAC and palliative chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at US$40,000 per quality-adjusted life year saved. Results: To complete three cycles of palliative chemotherapy using PLD, GEM, TOP, and ANY, the total medical costs were US$15,267, US$9,013, US$16,144, and US$12,631, respectively, and the corresponding QALYs for each regimen were 0.633, 0.553, 0.783, and 0.65. Since RIPAC has not yet been introduced into the medical market, when the maximum RIPAC cost is calculated from ANY considering WTP, the cost of RIPAC excluding the ward, outpatient, and anesthesia-related costs among direct medical costs was estimated to be up to US$4,391. Conclusions: The cost-effective analysis results for the palliative treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer implied that RIPAC could be a cost-effective strategy to improve the QoL of platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer patients.

Deficient state-supported cancer care: A source of deep concern

Deficient state-supported cancer care: A source of deep concern

Megestrol Acetate in the Treatment of Post COVID-19 Fatigue in a Patient of Advanced Cancer: A Case Report and Mini Review of Literature

AbstractMegestrol acetate is one of the pharmacological agents used for cancer-associated fatigue. To date, there are no studies on its use in the treatment of post-COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) fatigue. So, we report a case of metastatic carcinoma lung with a partial response with three cycles of palliative chemotherapy. He was contracted with mild COVID-19 infection post three cycles of his chemotherapy. Post this episode, fatigue was his main and most troublesome symptom. After a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and investigations, type 2 post-COVID-19 syndrome was diagnosed. After explaining the risks and benefits, we started the patient on low-dose megestrol acetate (160 mg/d per oral) with low to moderate benefits. However, upon increasing the dose to 480 mg/d, the benefit on the subjective quality of life was significant. Studies with a larger sample and randomized controlled trials have to be conducted to substantiate the hypothesis and actual effect of megestrol acetate in the treatment of post-COVID-19 fatigue.

Primary epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma of the lung

Epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) of the lung is a rare neoplasm, constituting about 0.1%–1% of all primary lung cancers. EMC usually has an indolent course with occasional distant metastasis. A 52-year-old male presented with an unresectable lesion in the upper lobe of the right lung with mediastinal lymph nodes. Bronchoscopic biopsy and detailed histopathological examination revealed an EMC of the lung. Due to advanced disease and poor performance status of the patient, he was treated with palliative radiation followed by palliative chemotherapy. However, the patient succumbed to the disease after two cycles of palliative chemotherapy. Experience with EMC of the lung is limited and optimal treatment protocols have not been defined, with current treatment mainly extrapolated from EMC of the salivary glands from the head and neck. We add another case to the limited literature of EMC of the lung.

Addition of chemoradiotherapy to palliative chemotherapy in de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a real-world study

BackgroundTo determine whether concurrent chemotherapy is necessary during locoregional radiotherapy (RT) after palliative chemotherapy (PCT) in patients with de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC).MethodsA total of 746 patients with mNPC from 2000 to 2017 at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 355 patients received PCT followed by RT. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), including locoregional progression-free survival (LRPFS) and distant progression-free survival (DPFS) were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test. Cox proportional-hazards models, landmark analyses, propensity score matching, and subgroup analyses were used to address confounding.ResultsOf the patients included in our study, 192 received radiotherapy alone after PCT (PCT + RT), and 163 received concurrent chemoradiotherapy after PCT (PCT + CCRT). The prognosis of PCT + CCRT was significantly better than that of PCT + RT (5 year OS, 53.0 vs 36.2%; P = 0.004). After matching, the 5 year OS rates of the two groups were 55.7 and 39.0%, respectively (P = 0.034) and the median DPFS were 29.4 and 18.7 months, respectively (P = 0.052). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that PCT + CCRT was an independent favorable prognostic factor (P = 0.009). In addition, conducting concurrent chemoradiotherapy after 4–6 cycles of PCT or conducting concurrent chemotherapy with single-agent platinum was associated with significant survival benefit in the matched cohort (5 year OS rate, 60.4 or 57.4%, respectively). The survival difference between groups remained significant when evaluating patients who survived for ≥ 1 year (P = 0.028).ConclusionsThe optimal treatment strategy of mNPC is the combination of PCT followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. More specifically, concurrent chemoradiotherapy with single-agent platinum after 4–6 cycles of PCT is suggested.

Optimizing the treatment mode for de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma with bone-only metastasis

BackgroundNo standard radiotherapy regimens have been established for the treatment of de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC) with bone-only metastasis. The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of palliative chemotherapy (PCT) plus locoregional radiotherapy (LRRT) with or without local radiotherapy (RT) for metastatic bone lesions in mNPC.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed 131 de novo patients with mNPC who had bone-only metastasis and received at least two cycles of PCT with LRRT. The difference in survival was evaluated by the log-rank test. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed by Cox regression.ResultsThe median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 33.0 months and 24.0 months, respectively. Patients with five or fewer metastatic bone lesions had significantly longer OS (72.0 months vs. 23.0 months, Hazard ratios (HR) = 0.45, p < 0.001) and PFS (48.0 months vs. 15.0 months, HR = 0.52, p = 0.004) than those who had more than five metastatic bone lesions. Patients who received four or more cycles of chemotherapy were associated with significantly longer OS (unreached vs. 19.0 months, HR = 0.27, p < 0.001) and PFS (66 months vs. 16.0 months, HR = 0.32, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that fewer bone metastases (≤ 5) and more chemotherapy cycles (≥ 4) were favourable prognostic factors for OS. Subgroup analysis revealed that RT to metastatic bone lesions tended to prolong OS (83.0 months vs. 45.0 months) and PFS (60 months vs. 36.5 months) in patients with five or fewer metastatic bone lesions than in those without RT to metastatic bone lesions (p > 0.05). Patients who received a RT dose > 30 Gy had neither better OS (63.5 months vs. 32.0 months, p = 0.299) nor PFS (48.0 months vs. 28.0 months, p = 0.615) than those who received a RT dose ≤30 Gy.ConclusionsLocal RT to bone metastases may not significantly improve survival in patients with de novo mNPC with bone-only metastasis who have already received PCT plus LRRT. Receiving four or more cycles of chemotherapy can significantly prolong survival and is a favourable independent protective factor.

Optimizing the Treatment Pattern for De Novo Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients: A Large-Scale Retrospective Cohort Study.

ObjectivesTo investigate the optimal treatment pattern in patients with de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).MethodsWe assessed 502 consecutive and unselected de novo metastatic NPC patients in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) from November 2006 to October 2016 in our study. All patients were treated with palliative chemotherapy (PCT) and 308 patients received locoregional radiotherapy (LRRT) subsequently. Our primary study endpoint was overall survival (OS).ResultsThe patients treated with LRRT were associated with improved survival on univariate analysis (3-year OS rate 63.7% vs. 31.8%, P < 0.001) and multivariate analysis (HR 0.52, 95%CI 0.40–0.68, P < 0.001). The overall survival benefit of more than 4 PCT cycles was significant in female (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24–0.86, P = 0.016) and patients with multiple metastatic sites (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.26–0.66, P < 0.001). The application of concurrent chemotherapy (CCT) was not associated with better survival among patients receiving LRRT (HR 1.31, 95% CI 0.92–1.86, P = 0.141).ConclusionLRRT prolonged survival in de novo metastatic NPC. For patients treated with multiple metastatic sites, more than 4 cycles of PCT is necessary. CCT does not improve survival in de novo metastatic NPC patients.

S2942 Rare Case of Primary Gastric Small Cell Carcinoma in a Renal Transplant Recipient

INTRODUCTION: Small cell carcinoma is a rapidly progressive, poorly differentiated neuroendocrine cancer that most often originates in the lungs; however, an estimated 2.5-5% of cases originate elsewhere. Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (ESCC) arising from the stomach is rare. Cases occurring in renal transplant recipients are even more uncommon. Here we present a case of metastatic ESCC from a gastric primary in a renal transplant recipient. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 52-year-old Vietnamese male presented with 1 week of epigastric pain. He had a history two renal transplantations requiring multiple thymoglobulin inductions and long-term immunosuppression. Vital signs were normal. Physical exam revealed hepatomegaly. Labs were significant for Hgb 10.0 g/dL, ALP 155 U/L, AST 71 U/L, ALT 21 U/L. CT scan of the abdomen revealed hepatomegaly, innumerable hepatic masses up to 9 cm in diameter, retroperitoneal and portal lymphadenopathy and splenic and portal varices. MRI of the abdomen revealed suspicious circumferential gastric antral wall thickening up to 2.4 cm with adjacent nodularity (Figure A). Liver core biopsy was diagnostic for metastatic small cell carcinoma. Subsequent EGD revealed a large circumferential, infiltrative, fungating and ulcerated mass in the gastric antrum (Figure B) with biopsy confirming the diagnosis of primary gastric small cell carcinoma (GSCC). The patient completed 4 cycles of palliative chemotherapy and transitioned to hospice due to lack of significant response and severe neutropenic complications. DISCUSSION: Primary GSCC are rare, representing 0.1% of extrapulmonary small cell cancers and < 0.1% of all gastric cancers. These often present with early, widespread metastasis with a 5-year survival rate of 13-20%. An increased risk of de novo cancer and gastric cancers in renal transplant recipients has been well-described, however the overwhelming majority presenting as gastric adenocarcinomas. Extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas in renal transplant patients are also rare with most cases arising from genitourinary primaries, often from the donor kidney. There are reported cases of gastrointestinal primaries from the rectum, appendix, and duodenum. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of metastatic GSCC in a renal transplant patient that sheds a light on the association between immunosuppression and cancer risk. The absence of well-established epidemiological data, prognostic factors and treatment guidelines necessitates reporting these rare GSCC cases.Figure 1.: Hepatic masses with 2.4cm circumferential gastric antral wall thickening (red arrow).Figure 2.: Gastric antral mass.

Clinical Evaluation of Serum Tumor Markers in Patients With Advanced-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Palliative Chemotherapy in China.

Aim: This study aims to analyze the prognostic value of seven tumor makers and also investigate the response of palliative chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC patients with advanced disease.Methods: Medical records of 278 advanced NSCLC Chinese patients who received six cycles of palliative chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed under ethical approval (JSCH2019K-011). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed using SPSS 24 to find the clinical value of these tumor markers and to identify the factors that were associated with progression-free survival (PFS), as well as the response to palliative chemotherapy.Results: In baseline characteristic, the high levels of CEA, CA-125, CA-199, AFP, NSE, CYFRA21-1, and CA15-3 were detected in 209 (75.18%), 139 (50.0%), 62 (22.30%), 18 (6.47%), 155 (55.75%), 176 (63.30%), and 180 (64.74%) patients, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that patients with high vs. normal levels of all tumor markers had an increased risk of poor prognosis. In the multivariable Cox regression model, the patient with (high vs. normal) CYFRA21-1 levels (HR = 1.454, P = 0.009) demonstrated an increased poor PFS. However, patients with (high vs. normal) CA19-9 levels (HR = 0.524, P < 0.0001) and NSE levels (HR = 0.584, P < 0.0001) presented a decreased risk of PFS. Also, patients receiving 3-drugs regimen had better PFS compared to those on 2-drugs regimen (P = 0.043).Conclusions: The high levels of CYFRA21-1 was correlated with a poor prognostic factor of PFS for Advanced NSCLC patients. However, the high levels of CA19-9 and NSE were associated with a better prognostic factor of PFS. Additionally, smoking habits and tumor status had a poor prognostic factor of PFS. Moreover, we found that antiangiogenic therapy has high efficacy with first-line chemotherapy and longer PFS of NSCLC patients.

Huge Cutaneous Metastases from Gastric Adenocarcinoma: Report of a Rare Case

: Cutaneous metastases from gastric cancer are quite rare, accounting for only 6% of all skin metastases in males and 1% in females. In case of occurrence, they are usually a sign of advanced disease and poor prognosis. This report presents a rare case of a 27-year-old male with gastric cancer who developed huge skin metastases and surprisingly, had a few visceral metastases. After four cycles of palliative chemotherapy, he discontinued the treatment and started to consume some herbal medicine. As he had a few visceral metastases, we presume that he passed away due to septic complications of the skin lesions rather than visceral crisis.

Circulating Tumor Cells in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Clinical Applications and Future Possibilities

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have gained importance as an emerging biomarker in solid tumors in the last two decades. Several detection assays have been introduced by various study groups, with EpCAM-based CellSearch system being the most widely used and standardized technique. In breast cancer, detection of CTCs correlates with clinical outcome in early and metastatic settings. CTC persistence beyond first cycle of palliative chemotherapy indicates poor response to treatment in metastatic situation. Beyond prognostication and therapy monitoring, CTC counts can guide treatment decisions in hormone receptor positive HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. Furthermore, CTC-based therapy interventions are currently under investigation in clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the current state of knowledge and possible clinical applications of CTC diagnostics in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Colorectal adenocarcinoma metastasis to palatine tonsil as the first presentation: A case report and literature review

AbstractMetastases account for only 0.8% of all tonsillar malignancies and the lung, breast, kidney and melanoma are the commonest primary sites. Metastasis of colorectal carcinoma to the palatine tonsil is rare. We report of a 73‐year‐old man who presented with metastatic colorectal carcinoma in the right tonsil as the first presentation; the primary colorectal adenocarcinoma was diagnosed retrospectively. On magnetic resonance imaging, a 3.45 cm tumour was identified in the right oropharynx with associated lymphadenopathy. Tonsillectomy histology confirmed metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. On further imaging, an 8cm mass was identified in the sigmoid colon and a biopsy confirmed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient received two cycles of palliative chemotherapy but died 5 months following presentation. Literature review identified 13 case reports in the English scientific literature and clinicopathological analysis of these is presented. The mean age was 55.21 years (age range – 37–81) with male predominance. Half of the patients had a primary tumour in the rectum. Tonsillar involvement was either primary presentation or has been present at the time of diagnosis of primary colorectal tumour in five cases; in all of these, the differentiation of tumour was poor and 3/5 had signet ring morphology. These tumours showed poor prognosis and the life expectancy was 6–15 months irrespective of the type of treatment. This case highlights the importance of considering metastatic carcinoma in the differential diagnosis even at unlikely sites.

Clinicopathological features of pancreatic cancer-related diabetes.

675 Background: Epidemiological studies suggest pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) may be strongly interrelated with diabetes. However, little is known about the clinicopathological features of pancreatic cancer related diabetes. Methods: A retrospective chart review was undertaken of all patients with advanced PDAC treated with at least one cycle of palliative chemotherapy at BC Cancer, Vancouver between Jan 2012- Dec 2015. Diagnosis of diabetes was determined by consultation documentation and/or fasting glucose &gt; 7mmol/L or HbA1c &gt; 48mmol/L. Peripancreatic diabetes is defined as diabetes diagnosis &lt; 3 years prior to PDAC diagnosis. Results: 578 patients were identified with median age 66 (49-81), 54.6% male, 39.5% non-smoker and 63.5% ECOG 0/1. 27.3% confirmed diabetics, of which 75.8% (119/157) have peripancreatic diabetes. At initial diagnosis, 11.2% were deemed upfront resectable, 44.0% borderline/locally advanced, and 55.1% metastatic. Median overall survival (OS) for the cohort based on stage of disease at initial diagnosis for borderline, locally advanced and metastatic was 22 months (16.1-27.9), 12 months (10.1-13.9) and 6 months (5.0-7.0) respectively. There was no association with diabetes status and OS noted (p = 0.58). Statistical differences were noted in BMI (24.1 v 26.1, p = 0.003), and proportion of Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) of 2 (2.2 v 88.3%, p &lt; 0.01) between non-diabetic and diabetic patients respectively. Statistical difference between peripancreatic diabetes compared to long-term diabetes were noted in resectable status (18.6 v 7.6%, p = 0.048), weight loss &gt; 2kg (78.6 v 60.5%, p = 0.035), hypertension (25.9 v 59.8%, p = 0.002) and dyslipidemia (18.5 v 42.7%, p = 0.024). Conclusions: The majority of patients diagnosed with advanced PDAC with diabetes appeared to develop diabetes within 3 years prior to diagnosis. Further studies to assess the potential role of pancreatic cancer screening investigations in newly diagnosed diabetics are warranted.

THE ROLE OF IMMUNOINFLAMMATORY MARKERS IN THE PROGNOSIS AND RESECTABILITY OF PANCREATIC ADENOCARCINOMA.

ABSTRACT Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma has a high mortality rate. A prognostic tool is essential for a better risk stratification. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and adaptations and the platelet/lymphocyte ratio seem promising for this purpose. Aim: Evaluate the prognostic value of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, derived neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio, analyze the ideal cutoff values and investigate their utility in predicting resectability. Methods: Data were collected of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma in Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre between 2003 and 2013. The studied ratios were determined by blood count collected at hospital admission and after two cycles of palliative chemotherapy. Results: Basal neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, derived neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio did not have prognostic impact in survival (p=0.394, p=0.152, p=0.177 respectively). In subgroup analysis of patients submitted to palliative chemotherapy, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, derived neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio determined after two cycles of chemotherapy were prognostic for overall survival (p=0.003, p=0.009, p=0.001 respectively). The ideal cutoff values found were 4,11 for neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (sensitivity 83%, specificity 75%), 2,8 for derived neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (sensitivity 87%, specificity 62,5%) and 362 for platelet/lymphocyte ratio (sensitivity 91%, specificity 62,5%), Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, derived neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio were not able to predict resectability (p=0.88; p=0.99; p=0.64 respectively). Conclusions: Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, derived neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio are useful as prognostic markers of overall survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma submitted to palliative chemotherapy. Its use as resectability predictor could not be demonstrated.

An onco-geriatric approach to select older patients for optimal treatments of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma affects mainly older patients. Surgery is indicated for localized tumors while chemotherapy alone is proposed in advanced or metastatic tumors. To evaluate the feasibility of standard of care oncologic treatments in this population, the accuracy of the geriatric evaluation to predict the ability of patients to tolerate the recommended treatments and to identify specific geriatric prognosis factors. We included, between 2007 and 2014, all consecutive patients over 70 years of age with a pathologically diagnosed pancreatic cancer. The patients underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment before therapeutic decision in a multidisciplinary team meeting. We analyzed factors independently associated with all-cause mortality with Cox survival analysis. Seventy-three patients (median age = 77.9 years) were prospectively included. Among them, 42 patients underwent surgery whereas the 31 other patients not eligible for surgical treatment received chemotherapy (n = 22) or best supportive care alone (n = 9). Almost 62% of operated patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. In the non-surgical group, a mean of 9 cycles of palliative chemotherapy per patients were administrated. Median overall survival was 21.3 months in the surgical group and 6.1 months in the palliative group (p = 0.0001). Most of oncologic parameters were found to be independent survival predictors. Age was not associated with the survival, but a significant impact of Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) impairment (IADL<4) (HR = 5.0, p = 0.047), Cumulative Index Rating Scale-Geriatric (CIRS-G) ≥2 (HR = 19, p = 0.035) and weight loss >10% (HR = 4.6, p = 0.03) on survival was detected. Surgery was the only factor independently predictive of survival in multivariate analysis (p < 0.001). Almost 90% of selected older pancreatic patients with cancer (64 out of 73 patients) may benefit from the same standard treatments as younger patients. IADL impairment of patients, CIRS-G ≥2, and weight loss >10% constitute survival prognostic factors which should be added to the oncological criteria in the therapeutic decision-making process.