Dose Chemotherapy Research Articles

Studies to Assess the Utility of Serum Neurofilament Light Chain as a Biomarker in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most common and disabling dose-limiting toxicities of chemotherapy. We report here the results of two separate non-interventional studies (49 patients), which evaluated blood neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a biomarker of CIPN in breast cancer patients treated with paclitaxel. All patients underwent a standard treatment protocol that was established independently of the present studies. NfL was measured in serum using an ultrasensitive single-molecule array and compared with the self-administered European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-CIPN twenty-item scale (CIPN20) and Total Neuropathy Score clinical version (TNSc), a clinician-reported measure of neuropathy progression. The TNSc increased with cumulative dose compared with baseline, and the NfL concentrations were also strongly associated with the cumulative dose of chemotherapy. The analysis showed a correlation between TNSc and NfL. Both TNSc and NfL showed weak to moderate associations with CIPN20 subscores, with a better association for the CIPN20 sensory compared with motor and autonomic subscores. Data from the two studies provide evidence that serum NfL has the potential to be used as a biomarker to monitor and mitigate CIPN. However, studies with additional patients planned in the ongoing clinical trial will determine the universal application of NfL as a biomarker in CIPN.

Midostaurin plus daunorubicin or idarubicin for young and older adults with FLT3-mutated AML: a phase 3b trial

AbstractThe pivotal RATIFY study demonstrated midostaurin (50 mg twice daily) with standard chemotherapy significantly reduced mortality in adult patients (<60 years) with newly diagnosed (ND) FLT3mut acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Considering that AML often present in older patients who show poor response to chemotherapy, this open-label, multicenter phase 3b trial was designed to further assess safety and efficacy of midostaurin plus chemotherapy in induction, consolidation, and maintenance monotherapy in young (≤60 years) and older (>60 years) patients with FLT3mut ND-AML. Compared with RATIFY, this study extended midostaurin treatment from 14 days to 21 days, substituted anthracyclines (idarubicin or daunorubicin), and introduced variation in standard combination chemotherapy dosing (“7+3” or “5+2” in more fragile patients). Total 301 patients (47.2% >60 years and 82.7% with FLT3-ITDmut) of median age 59 years entered induction phase. Overall, 295 patients (98.0%) had at least 1 adverse event (AE), including 254 patients (84.4%) with grade ≥3 AE. The grade ≥3 serious AEs occurred in 134 patients. No difference was seen in AE frequency between age groups, but grade ≥3AE frequency was higher in older patients. Overall, complete remission (CR) rate including incomplete hematologic recovery (CR + CRi) (80.7% [95% confidence interval, 75.74-84.98]) was comparable between age groups (≤60 years [83.5%]; >60 to ≤70 years [82.5%]; in patients >70 years [64.1%]) and the type of anthracycline used in induction. CR + CRi rate was lower in males (76.4%) than females (84.4%). Overall, the safety and efficacy of midostaurin remains consistent with previous findings, regardless of age, sex, or induction regimen. The trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03379727.

Association of chemotherapy dose intensity and age with outcomes in patients with Ewing's family sarcoma.

Ewing's family sarcoma (EFS) is an aggressive malignancy with a peak incidence in adolescents. Multimodal treatment involves surgery and/or radiotherapy, and chemotherapy typically with VDC/IE (vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide alternating with ifosfamide and etoposide). There is a paucity of data for the treatment of adults, with protocols extrapolated from the pediatric setting. This study aimed to assess patterns of care, chemotherapy tolerability across age groups, and outcomes from four Australian sarcoma centers. ANZSA ACCORD sarcoma database and medical records were used to identify and collect data of patients aged≥10 years with EFS who received VDC/IE between 2010 and 2020. Survival outcomes were analyzed based on chemotherapy received dose intensity (RDI). Clinical predictors of RDI were explored using logistic regression. Of 146 patients with EFS, 76 received VDC/IE. The majority had localized disease (65%). Seventy-one percent completed scheduled chemotherapy, with some requiring dose reduction (29%), delay>7 days (65%), or cycle omission (4%). Hematological toxicity was the main reason for dose reduction/delay. Fifty-seven percent patients achieved an acceptable RDI ≥85%. Compared to those aged 10-19, the odds ratio for acceptable RDI aged 40-59 was 0.20 (95% CI 0.04-0.86, p=0.04). RDI was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival, after accounting for age, gender, Ewing's type, primary site, and stage (adjusted HR 0.25 [95% CI 0.10-0.63], p=0.004). Survival outcomes in EFS were associated with chemotherapy RDI. Older adults more commonly required dose reduction or early cessation of treatment due to toxicity. VDC/IE chemotherapy should be carefully tailored in adults>40 years.

Paclitaxel Induces Neurotoxicity by Disrupting Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Metabolic Balance in the Mouse Hippocampus.

It is well known that paclitaxel (PTX)-induced neurotoxicity seriously affects the quality of life of patients and is the main reason for reducing the dose of chemotherapy or even stopping chemotherapy. The current data are limited, and further information is required for practice and verification. The aims of this study were to clarify the molecular mechanism underlying PTX-induced neurotoxicity by combining in vivo and in vitro metabolomics studies and provide new targets for the prevention and treatment of PTX-induced neurotoxicity. In the in vivo study, a PTX-induced neurotoxicity mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of PTX (6 mg/kg every three days) for two consecutive weeks. After verification by water maze tests and HE staining of pathological sections, hippocampal metabolites were measured and the differential metabolites and related metabolic pathways were identified by multivariate statistical analysis. In the in vitro study, we investigated the effects of PTX on mouse hippocampal neuron cells, assessing the concentration and time of administration by MTT assays. After modeling, the relevant metabolites in the TCA cycle were quantified by targeted metabolomics using stable isotope labeling. Finally, the key enzymes of the TCA cycle in tissues and cells were verified by RT-PCR. Administration of PTX to model mice resulted in neurological damage, shown by both water-maze tests and hippocampal tissue sections. Twenty-four metabolites and five associated metabolic pathways were found to differ significantly between the hippocampal tissues of the model and control groups. These included metabolites and pathways related to the TCA cycle and pyruvate metabolism. Metabolomics analysis using stable isotope labeling showed significant changes in metabolites associated with the TCA cycle compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Finally, RT-PCR verified that the expression of key enzymes in the TCA cycle was changed to different degrees in both hippocampal tissues and cells. Our results showed that PTX neurotoxicity in hippocampal tissue and neuron cells was associated with inhibition of the TCA cycle. This inhibition leads to brain insufficiency and impaired metabolism, resulting in various neurotoxic symptoms.

Can AI-based body composition assessment outperform body surface area in predicting dose-limiting toxicities for colonic cancer patients on chemotherapy?

Gold standard chemotherapy dosage is based on body surface area (BSA); however many patients experience dose-limiting toxicities (DLT). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of BSA, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) body composition (BC) measurements derived from Lumbar 3 vertebra (L3) computed tomography (CT) slices, in predicting DLT in colon cancer patients. 203 patients (60.87 ± 12.42 years; 97 males, 47.8%) receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (Oxaliplatin and/or 5-Fluorouracil) were retrospectively evaluated. An artificial intelligence segmentation model was used to extract 2D and 3D body composition measurements from each patients' single mid-L3 CT slice as well as multiple-L3 CT scans to produce a 3D BC report. DLT was defined as any incidence of dose reduction or discontinuation due to chemotherapy toxicities. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed on BSA and individual body composition measurements to demonstrate their predictive performance. A total of 120 (59.1%) patients experienced DLT. Age and BSA did not vary significantly between DLT and non-DLT group. Females were significantly more likely to experience DLT (p = 4.9 × 10-3). In all patients, the predictive effectiveness of 2D body composition measurements (females: AUC = 0.50-0.54; males: AUC = 0.50-0.61) was equivalent to that of BSA (females: AUC = 0.49; males: AUC = 0.58). The L3 3D skeletal muscle volume was the most predictive indicator of DLT (AUC of 0.66 in females and 0.64 in males). Compared to BSA and 2D body composition measurements, 3D L3 body composition measurements had greater potential to predict DLT in CRC patients receiving chemotherapy and this was sex dependent.

Clinical implications of drug-metabolizing genes CYP3A4 and GSTP1 single nucleotide polymorphisms in oral cancer patients undergoing induction chemotherapy.

95 Background: Despite well-established induction chemotherapeutics for advanced-stage oral cavity cancer (OCC), there are no reliable markers to detect drug-induced toxicity and clinical efficacy. The presence of genetic polymorphisms can cause certain enzymes to behave differently in various populations, which can lead to varied outcomes. Thus, we analyzed the effect of metabolizing (CYP3A4) and detoxifying (GSTP1) genes involved in taxane/platinum/5-fluorouracil (TPF) or paclitaxel/carboplatin (PC) metabolism and their clinical outcomes in OCC patients. Methods: The current study included 121 OCC patients who received fixed dose of TPF or PC-based chemotherapy. PCR-RFLP was used to assess the polymorphism of the metabolising gene. SNPs were tested for toxicity and progression-free survival. Results: The grade ≥2 patients (47.9%) having higher fever (33.8%) and vomiting (34.7%) as a result of chemotherapy, showed significant association with the gene CYP3A4 (rs2687105) in both the PM and IM genotypes. For PM genotypes, the odd ratio (OR) of CYP3A4 for fever was 2.33E8 (95% CI: 4.702E7-1.154E9, p = 0.000), and for IM genotypes, it was 6.99E8 (95% CI: 1.89E8-2.581E9, p = 0.000). Meanwhile, the patients with grade ≥2 (58.6%) having anaemia (11.5%) and nausea (32.2%) also found to be significantly associated with GSTP1 (rs749174) in PM genotypes; the odds ratio was (OR: 8; 95%CI:1. 1001-63.963; p=0.05) and (OR: 2.667; 95%CI:1.043-6.815; p=0.04). Moreover, patients with these SNPs showing poor survival rate, however there was no significant association observed between the genotypes of each SNPs with progression-free survival (PFS). Conclusions: In conclusion, our data showed that the rs2687105 in CYP3A4 and the rs749174 in GSTP1 were associated with adverse events of TPF or PC chemotherapeutic regimens among the oral cancer patients. Therefore these genes might be used as predictive markers for minimising the adverse effects caused by chemotherapy and for optimization of drug dose in oral cancer patients.

Autophagy Inhibition via Hydroxychloroquine or 3-Methyladenine Enhances Chemotherapy-Induced Apoptosis in Neuro-Blastoma and Glioblastoma.

Neuroblastoma is the most common tumour in children under 1 year old, accounting for 12-15% of childhood cancer deaths. Although current treatments are relatively efficacious against this cancer, associated adverse effects could be detrimental to growth and development. In contrast, glioblastoma accounts for 52% of brain tumours and has an extremely poor prognosis. Current chemotherapeutics include temozolomide, which has numerous negative side-effects and a low-effective rate. Previous studies have shown the manipulation of autophagy to be a promising method for targeting cancers, including glioblastoma. We sought to determine the effects of autophagic alterations in combination with current chemotherapies in both neuroblastoma and glioblastoma. Supplementing cisplatin or temozolomide with autophagy activator rapamycin stabilized cancer cell mitochondria, despite having little effect on apoptosis or oxidative stress. Autophagy inhibition via 3-methyladenine or hydroxychloroquine alongside standard chemotherapies enhanced apoptosis and oxidative stress, with 3-methyladenine also disrupting mitochondrial health. Importantly, combining hydroxychloroquine with 0.5 µM cisplatin or 50 µg/mL temozolomide was as or more effective than 2 µM cisplatin or 100 µg/mL temozolomide alone. Analyzing these interesting results, a combined treatment of autophagy inhibitor with a standard chemotherapeutic agent could help to improve patient prognosis and reduce chemotherapy doses and their associated side-effects.

A Retrospective Clinico-Pathologic Study of 35 Dogs with Urethral Transitional Cell Carcinoma Undergoing Treatment.

Chemotherapy and cyclooxygenase inhibitors (COXi) are primary treatments for canine urethral transitional cell carcinoma (uTCC), a tumor known for its aggressiveness and poor prognosis. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinico-pathological characteristics, treatment modalities, and prognostic factors of 35 dogs with confirmed uTCC that received chemotherapy and COXi. Upon admission, urethral obstruction (UO) and urinary tract infection (UTI) were observed in seven (20%) dogs each. Gemcitabine (n = 20; 57.1%) and vinblastine (n = 10; 28.6%) were commonly used as first-line therapies, with four dogs also receiving radiation therapy. Based on RECIST, one (2.9%) dog achieved complete remission, nine (25.7%) partial remission, 20 (57.14%) showed stable disease, and five (14.3%) progressed. Among dogs with UO, six (85.7%) showed resolution or improvement after the first chemotherapy dose. The median time to local progression was 171 days (range: 107-235), and the median survival time was 333 days (range: 158-508). Dogs with UO upon admission had a higher risk of local progression, while both UO and UTI were associated with an increased risk of overall disease progression and tumor-related death. Additionally, gemcitabine significantly improved metastatic control. This study identified UO and UTI as negative prognostic factors, highlighting the importance of a multimodal approach in managing uTCC.

High-dose chemotherapy sensitizes locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma to PD-1 blockade for a higher pathological complete response rate and survival

BackgroundPD-1 inhibitor and chemotherapy demonstrated durable antitumor activity with a manageable safety profile as the first-line treatment in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors plus different dose intensity neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced ESCC. MethodsPatients with locally advanced but resectable thoracic ESCC, staged as T3 or T4a, N0–3, and M0 or M1 lymph node metastasis (confined to the supraclavicular lymph nodes), were enrolled in this study. The eligible patients received tislelizumab plus different dose intensity chemotherapy for a 21-day cycle with repeated 2–4 cycles before surgery. The primary endpoints are pathological complete response (pCR) and major pathological response (MPR), and the secondary endpoints are objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and disease-free survival (DFS). ResultsFrom November 2019 to February 2022, 122 cases received at least two cycles neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy and were evaluated by imaging examination. Subsequently, 99 patients underwent surgery and were evaluated by pathological evaluation. According to chemotherapy dose intensity, the patients were divided into three cohorts: cohort 1 (<80% dose intensity), cohort 2 (80–90% dose intensity), cohort 3 (90–100% dose intensity). All surgery patients underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). The average pCR was identified in 22.22%; 16% had pCR in cohort 1, 17.65% had pCR in cohort 2, and 30.00% had pCR in cohort 3. MPR was observed in 9 (36.00%) patients in cohort 1, 18 (52.94%) patients in cohort 2, 22 (55.00%) patients in cohort 3. In univariable and multivariable analysis, dose intensity was significantly associated with MPR (p = 0.048) in patients who underwent esophagectomy. For surviving patients, the median follow-up was 13.76 months after esophagectomy. Compared to cohort 1, cohorts 2 and 3 had better DFS (p = 0.056). In addition, the prognosis of patients with MPR was better than that of patients without MPR (p = 0.014). ConclusionsThe robust antitumor activity of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy for locally advanced but resectable thoracic ESCC was confirmed. More than 80% of chemotherapy dose intensity combined with immunotherapy resulted in a high pCR rate and prolonged DFS.

Hypersensitivity Reaction and Rapid Drug Desensitization with Chemotherapeutics: A Tertiary Reference Center Experiences

Introduction: Chemotherapy drugs have been in our lives for a long time, and all agents have the potential to develop hypersensitivity. Rapid drug desensitization is an option when hypersensitivity develops. The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics, diagnostic processes, and treatment results of patients with chemotherapeutic agent hypersensitivity who applied to our tertiary reference center. Methods: Patients who applied to our tertiary allergy outpatient clinic between January 2016 and September 2022 due to chemotherapy-induced drug hypersensitivity were examined. Demographic data of the patients, cancer diagnoses, chemotherapy regimens, skin tests, premedication scheme, desensitization cycle were evaluated. We applied a 16-step desensitization in patients with index reaction anaphylaxis or positive skin tests. If the index reaction was not anaphylaxis or skin tests were negative, we applied a 12-step desensitization. If the prick test with chemotherapeutic drugs was negative especially with taxanes, premedication was administered. We used the montelukast, cetirizine, and methylprednisolone for premedication. Results: Fifty-one patients were evaluated; 35 (68.6%) were female. The most common malignancy was colorectal cancer in 17 (33.3%) patients. The most common agent responsible for hypersensitivity was oxaliplatin in 17 (33.3%) patients, followed by paclitaxel in 13 (25.4%). When the symptoms of immediate reaction to chemotherapeutic drugs were analyzed as described in the EAACI position paper, only skin and mucosal involvement was seen in 24 (46.8%) patients; only respiratory system involvement or back pain was seen in 3 (6.2%) patients; multisystem involvement meeting the criteria for anaphylaxis was seen in 24 (47%) patients. Skin test was positive in 17 (56.6%) of 30 patients who developed a reaction with platin. Prolonged anaphylaxis was developed in 1 patient, and desensitization was not performed again. Fifty of 51 patients were able to receive the target chemotherapy dose by desensitization. In total, a 172-step desensitization was applied to 51 patients. Conclusion: If completing the cycle is considered a treatment success, this was achieved in 98% (50/51) patients with rapid drug desensitization. This gives us the opportunity to use first-line chemotherapy agents.

Hodgkin lymphoma patient presenting as superior vena cava syndrome in a patient suffering from myotonia congenita: A rare case scenario

A 14-year-old male who was a known case of myotonia congenital (MC) (SCN4A mutation related) on Tab phenytoin therapy presented with progressive shortness of breath, swelling of face, and intermittent fever for 2 months. On investigation, a middle mediastinal mass was diagnosed and histopathological examination along with immunohistochemistry revealed it to be Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). The patient was started on Inj. dexamethasone for superior vena cava syndrome followed by doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, and prednisolone chemotherapy and phenytoin dose adjustment. The patient responded well to treatment. This case summarizes the management in patients of HL presenting as superior vena cava syndrome in a background of MC on enzyme inducer therapy.

Long-term Recurrence Rates of Low-risk Non–muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer—How Long Is Cystoscopic Surveillance Necessary?

BackgroundWhile low-risk non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (LR-NMIBC) has a low propensity to progress, the risk of recurrence remains high (50% within 4 yr). Guidelines recommend cystoscopic surveillance after resection, but the necessary duration of follow-up is debated. ObjectiveTo determine the risk of recurrence beyond 5 yr after diagnosis in patients with LR-NMIBC, and to identify risk factors of recurrence. Design, setting, and participantsIn this multicenter retrospective observational study, patients who received their first transurethral bladder tumor resection before 2016 for LR-NMIBC were included. Low risk was defined as a primary, solitary, low grade, Ta bladder tumor measuring <3 cm. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisThe primary endpoint was determination of the recurrence rates at 1, 2, and 5 yr. The secondary endpoints included overall recurrence-free survival (RFS) and high-risk RFS. A univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess the risk factors for recurrence over the study period. Results and limitationsThe median age of the 577 patients was 70.9 yr, and 126 (21.8%) patients were female. The median follow-up was 69.6 (interquartile range: 58.4) mo, and recurrence was observed in 236 (40.9%) patients. The 1-, 2-, and 5-yr RFS rates were 81.6% (95% confidence interval 78.4–84.9), 72.4% (68.7–76.3), and 59.2% (55–63.8), respectively. Recurrence after 5 yr was observed in 13.1% (28/213). High-risk recurrence, defined as the first recurrence of a high-grade and/or ≥T1 tumor, occurred in 6.2% (36/579) overall and 2.8% (6/213) after 5 yr. The lack of a single postoperative dose of chemotherapy and tumor size >2 cm were prognostic factors of recurrence. ConclusionsThe risk of recurrence in patients with LR-NMIBC decreases progressively after the 1st year and remains low beyond 5 yr. Discontinuation of endoscopic surveillance after 5 yr in patients with LR-NMIBC can be discussed. Treatment with postoperative chemotherapy and tumor size <2 cm may be relevant variables to identify patients who will benefit from cystoscopic follow-up as short as 12 mo. Patient summaryIn this study, we observed that 13% of patients who did not have a recurrence during the first 5 yr following the diagnosis of low-risk non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer will recur after this time point. Discontinuation of cystoscopic surveillance can be discussed after 5 yr in these patients.

Does timing of neoadjuvant chemotherapy influence the prognosis in patients with early triple negative breast cancer?

PurposeFor patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), the optimal time to initiate neoadjuvant chemotherapy (TTNC) is unknown. This study evaluates the association between TTNC and survival in patients with early TNBC.MethodsA retrospective study using data from of a cohort of TNBC patients diagnosed between January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2018 registered in the Tumor Centre Regensburg was performed. Data included demographics, pathology, treatment, recurrence, and survival. Interval to treatment was defined as days from pathology diagnosis of TNBC to first dose of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression methods were used to evaluate the impact of TTNC on overall survival (OS) and 5 year OS.ResultsA total of 270 patients were included. Median follow up was 3.5 years. The 5-year OS estimates according to TTNC were 77.4%, 66.9%, 82.3%, 80.6%, 88.3%, 58.3%, 71.1% and 66.7% in patients who received NACT within 0–14, 15–21, 22–28, 29–35, 36–42, 43–49, 50–56 and > 56 days after diagnosis. Patients who received systemic therapy early had the highest estimated mean OS of 8.4 years, while patients who received systemic therapy after more than 56 days survived an estimated 3.3 years.ConclusionThe optimal time interval between diagnosis and NACT remains to be determined. However, starting NACT more than 42 days after diagnosis of TNBC seems to reduce survival. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to carry out the treatment in a certified breast center with appropriate structures, in order to enable an adequate and timely care.

Ataxia-telangiectasia and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma: A case report

ABSTRACT Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by ataxia, cutaneous and ocular telangiectasia, impaired immunity with susceptibility to sino-pulmonary infections, radiation sensitivity, and cancers particularly of hemato-lymphoid origin. Liver function tests abnormalities and elevated alfa feto-protein have been reported in A-T; however, there is no reported case of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) in literature. These tumors should be treated in similar fashion as in general population; however, reduction of chemotherapy dose might be helpful in decreasing chemo-toxicity.

The relationship between body mass index and clinical properties/survival in patients with breast cancer

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate relationship between body mass index (BMI) and recurrence/survival and to determine whether body mass index is a risk factor. Methods: A retrospective study of 125 patients with breast cancer was performed. Age, sex, menopausal situation, body mass index, tumor size, axillary lymph node involvement and number, tumor degree, hormone receptor situation, cerbB-2 overexpression, tumor grade, chemotherapy dose and treatments, radiotherapy, metastasis, comorbidity, total survival and time of death were evaluated. Patients were compared as BMI &amp;lt; 30 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Kaplan-Meier method and Log Rank test was utilized for the overall survival of patients. Results: In these 72 patients, 57.6% of patient’s body mass index BMI &amp;lt; 30 kg/m2 (non-obese) while 53 of the group (42.4%) BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (obese) were found in the group. The median follow-up was 158.32 months (95% CI: 130.45 to 186.19). The mean follow-up was 146 ± 46 months (95% Cl: 55.36-236.63) and 144 ± 28 months (95% CI: 88.19-199.81) for non-obese patients and obese patients respectively. Kaplan Meier plots were drawn for determination of the effect of body mass index in total survival. No significant difference was found statistically between two groups. Conclusions: No significant difference was found statistically between BMI and recurrence/death. The future studies with long term follow up are needed to investigate the effect of body mass index on recurrence and survival in patients with breast cancer.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Post-chemoembolization Syndrome After Chemo-Embolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Thailand.

The data regarding the incidence of post-embolization syndrome after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma in Thailand are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of post-embolization syndrome after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma in Thailand. This retrospective study collected data from patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization for five years. Post-embolization syndrome was defined as fever and/or abdominal pain, and/or nausea or vomiting that occurred within three days after the transarterial chemoembolization procedure for hepatocellular carcinoma or hospital discharge. Pre-defined predictors for post-embolization syndrome were explored using Poisson regression analysis. Of the 298 patients and 739 transarterial chemoembolization procedures, the incidence of post-embolization syndrome was 68.1% (203/298) and the incidence density was 53.9% (398/739). Tumor size, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages, and dose of chemotherapy showed no association with the occurrence of PES. However, a model for end-stage liver disease score was the only predictor for post-embolization syndrome [adjusted IRR 0.91 (0.84-0.98); p = 0.01]. There were three patients developing fever after transarterial chemoembolization due to infection. Post-embolization syndrome was common in patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with a lower model for end-stage liver disease scores were at increased risk of post-embolization syndrome. This study highlights the burden of post-embolization syndrome among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving transarterial chemoembolization.

Can You Establish the Cause of This Patient's Shortness of Breath?

Mr. B is a 56-year-old man diagnosed with metastatic HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. He received front-line leucovorin, 5-fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) and trastuzumab for 10 months before restaging imaging revealed progressive disease. He then received second-line trastuzumab deruxtecan. His treatment was complicated by several admissions felt to be unrelated to his cancer therapy. He was discharged after an episode of pneumonia on a steroid taper with prophylactic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Once he recovered, he was given a fourth dose of chemotherapy. About a week later, wheezes were noticed on physical exam, and he was given a 5-day course of levofloxacin. Around the same time, he also finished his steroid taper. Twelve days after his dose of chemotherapy, he presented to the emergency room with 3 to 4 days of progressive shortness of breath and dry cough following the completion of levofloxacin without symptom improvement. A CT scan showed increasing airspace opacities and multifocal areas of consolidation. Blood, nasal, and sputum cultures were negative. A bronchoscopy was performed that did not reveal findings concerning for capillaritis. He was ultimately diagnosed with drug-induced pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease (ILD). Mr. B continued to experience worsening hypoxic respiratory failure despite continuous IV steroids. He was discharged to an inpatient hospice facility where he passed away 2 weeks later. Drug-induced pneumonitis/ILD should be considered in all patients receiving trastuzumab deruxtecan who develop progressive shortness of breath or other respiratory complaints.

Comparison of Safety and Efficacy of Two Different Chemotherapy Dosing Schedules Used in Concurrent Chemoradiation of Head and Neck Cancer: A Retrospective Experience from a Tertiary Cancer Care Institute of Eastern India

Introduction: Concurrent chemoradiation has shown improvements in local control and survival in various multi-institutional trials and been the standard of care for locally advanced head and neck cancers. Platinum-based chemotherapy has shown the maximum benefit without any significant difference between mono- or polychemotherapy. Despite a general consensus that platinum-containing regimens are optimal, the actual dose schedule remained open questions. Our study aimed to assess the efficacy and toxicity of concurrent weekly cisplatin with radical radiotherapy and compare two different chemotherapy dosing schedules of concurrent chemoradiation in head and neck cancer. Materials and methods: The records of 62 eligible patients of locally advanced (T3-4a, N1-2) squamous cell carcinoma of oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx registered between 2016 to 2020 at a regional cancer centre in India were analysed from the hospital database after approval of the Institutional Ethical Committee and informed consent taken from all the eligible patients.One group of patients (Group A) received Concurrent Chemo-radiation with injection Cisplatin 40 mg/m2 weekly with Radiotherapy to a dose of 66 Gy delivered in 33 fractions for six &amp; half weeks and the patients of the other group (Group B) received injection Cisplatin 100 mg/m2 in three weekly schedule on Days 1, Day 22 &amp; Day 43 along with the same radiation schedule. Results: There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the two groups (p value≥0.05). Though the complete response occurred more in 3 weekly group compared to weekly cisplatin group at follow up of 6 weeks (67.7% vs 61.3%), 6 months (80.6% vs. 67.7%) and 12 months from the completion of CCRT (78.9% vs 65%), it was not statistically significant (p value≥0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in terms of both the acute toxicities (anaemia, leukopenia, mucositis, dermatitis, UGI toxicities, dysphagia) and late toxicities (laryngeal edema, dryness of mouth and edema of skin of neck) when weekly concurrent chemoradiotherapy was compared to three weekly chemoradiotherapy (p value ≥ 0.05).Conclusion: Weekly chemotherapy regimen can be delivered safely on a day care basis and can be helpful in a set up with limited logistics and considerable patient burden.&#x0D;

Cost-effectiveness of extended DPYD testing before fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer in the UK.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ToxNav©, a multivariant genetic test, to screen for DPYD followed by personalized chemotherapy dosing for metastatic breast cancer in the UK compared with no testing followed by standard dose, standard of care. In the main analysis, ToxNav© was dominant over standard of care, producing 0.19 additional quality-adjusted life yearsand savings of £78,000 per patient over a lifetime. The mean additional quality-adjusted life years per person from 1000 simulations was 0.23savings(95% CI: 0.22-0.24) at £99,000 (95% CI: £95-102,000). Varying input parameters independently by range of 20% was unlikely to change the results in the main analysis. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed ~97% probability of the ToxNav©strategy to be dominant.

Follow-up of patients diagnosed with germinal testicular tumors (seminomas and non-seminomatous) treated with bone marrow transplant and high dose of chemotherapy

Introducción: Germinal testicular tumors are the most common malignant neoplasm in men around 20 to 34 years. Even though they are unusual, they have increased incidence in the last decade; they have an excellent prognosis and overall survival at five years, approximately 95%. Divergent data exists regarding treatment options in patients with first, second, and third relapses with conventional therapy. Some studies describe the possible benefit of using high-dose chemotherapy associated with a bone marrow transplant with variable results