Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Score Research Articles

Efficacy of anlotinib in advanced soft tissue sarcoma by age, gender, and ECOG performance status.

e23562 Background: ALTER0203 was a randomized phase IIB trial (NCT02449343) that demonstrated single-agent activity of anlotinib in advanced STS (aSTS). The primary endpoint progression-free survival (PFS) was met and presented as an oral presentation in 2018 ASCO. We evaluated the relationship between age, gender and ECOG performance status. Methods: Median PFS was analyzed in subgroups of age (≤40 y; > 40 y), gender (male; female) and ECOG performance status score (0; 1). All analyses were exploratory and required cautious interpretation. Results: A total of 158 patients received anlotinib in the ALTER0203 study. 79 patients (50.0%) were > 40 y. Median PFS was longer in patients of age > 40 y than ≤40 y (7.43 vs 5.43 months, P = 0.40). In patients receiving anlotinib, 76 patients (48.1%) were female and median PFS was longer in female than male (9.80 vs 4.43 months, P = 0.002). All enrolled patients had a Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) of 0 or 1. 107 patients (67.7%) were with poor PS (ECOG PS = 1). The median PFS was longer in PS of 1(8.43 vs 4.73, P = 0.53) than PS of 0. Conclusions: In patients receiving anlotinib, longer mPFS was observed in patients of age > 40 y, ECOG PS = 1 and female. Clinical trial information: NCT02449343 .

Factors associated with response to Androgen Deprivation Therapy in patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer at the University Teaching Hospital Lusaka, Zambia

Background: Prostate cancer in most cases is dependent on the presence of androgens (testosterone) produced either by the testis or adrenal gland. The major risk factors for development include aging, ethnicity and genetic predisposition. Organ confined prostate cancer is curable by surgery or radiotherapy while metastatic disease is treated by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). ADT can be achieved medically (gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists or antagonists) or surgically (bilateral orchiectomy). A decrease in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) is used as a marker of response to ADT. Metastatic prostate cancer has been found to be the most common cause of death in the urology department at the University Teaching Hospitals – Adult Hospital even after ADT, therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the pre-treatment factors that can be used to determine the response to ADT.
 Methodology: This was a cross section study conducted at the University Teaching Hospitals- Adult Hospital and Cancer Diseases Hospital. It was carried out between December 2017 and September 2018. Patients with metastatic prostate cancer were recruited. Socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentation and histopathological findings were elicited by detailed history and file review. PSA and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status score were obtained prior to ADT commencement. ADT was done and patients were scheduled for a three month post ADT review where PSA and ECOG performance status score were reobtained.
 Results: 50 patients were recruited into the study. The total patient retention was 88% (n=44). The average age was 71. Majority, 89% (n=39) had some level of education; 98% (n=43) had lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS); 11% (n=5) had paraplegia. 98% (n=43) had bone metastasis. Duration of symptoms at presentation was > 6 months in 75% (n=33) patients. ECOG score was above 1 in 75% (n=33). Initial PSA was above 100ng/ml in 75% (n=38). All patients had Gleason scores above 7. All patients had a drop in PSA after ADT. The average PSA percentage drop in men below 60 years was 80.5% whereas the average percentage drop in PSA with regards to other factors was 91.19%.
 Conclusion: All patients had androgen dependant cancers. These patients also had high risk prostate cancer with initial PSA values above 100ng/ml and Gleason scores above 7. Of all the factors analysed, age below 60 years was found to be the only clinically significant factor associated with poor response to ADT.

Treatment strategies for and outcomes of older patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that have a significant impact on decision making regarding treatment strategies and on the resultant outcomes in older patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). To define fit, vulnerable, and frail patients, as well as treatment strategies/outcomes, in patients 75 years of age and older with primary OSCC were retrospectively reviewed from the medical records. Among patients with stage I and II tumors, those with a Geriatric 8 (G8) score of 11.5 or greater had favorable outcomes and those with a score less than 11.5 had acceptable outcomes (5-year self-reliance [SR] rates: 80.8 and 53.5%, respectively). Among patients with stage III and IV tumors, those with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-Performance status (ECOG-PS) score less than 2 and/or a G8 score 11.5 or greater mainly received standard therapy, had favorable outcomes (5-year SR rate: 66.7%). The 5-year SR rates of stage IV patients with an ECOG-PS score 2 or greater and those with a G8 score less than 11.5 were poor regardless of any treatment strategy. Although the 5-year SR rate of patients with standard therapy was 73.4%, that of patients receiving other curative therapies was 0%. In patients with stage III/IV, ECOG-PS 2 or greater, and/or G8 score less than 11.5, treatment was difficult, and the prognosis was poor.

Factors associated with response to Androgen Deprivation Therapy in patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer at the University Teaching Hospital Lusaka, Zambia

Background: Prostate cancer in most cases is dependent on the presence of androgens (testosterone) produced either by the testis or adrenal gland. The major risk factors for development include aging, ethnicity and genetic predisposition. Organ confined prostate cancer is curable by surgery or radiotherapy while metastatic disease is treated by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). ADT can be achieved medically (gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists or antagonists) or surgically (bilateral orchiectomy). A decrease in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) is used as a marker of response to ADT. Metastatic prostate cancer has been found to be the most common cause of death in the urology department at the University Teaching Hospitals – Adult Hospital even after ADT, therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the pre-treatment factors that can be used to determine the response to ADT.
 Methodology: This was a cross section study conducted at the University Teaching Hospitals- Adult Hospital and Cancer Diseases Hospital. It was carried out between December 2017 and September 2018. Patients with metastatic prostate cancer were recruited. Socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentation and histopathological findings were elicited by detailed history and file review. PSA and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status score were obtained prior to ADT commencement. ADT was done and patients were scheduled for a three month post ADT review where PSA and ECOG performance status score were reobtained.
 Results: 50 patients were recruited into the study. The total patient retention was 88% (n=44). The average age was 71. Majority, 89% (n=39) had some level of education; 98% (n=43) had lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS); 11% (n=5) had paraplegia. 98% (n=43) had bone metastasis. Duration of symptoms at presentation was > 6 months in 75% (n=33) patients. ECOG score was above 1 in 75% (n=33). Initial PSA was above 100ng/ml in 75% (n=38). All patients had Gleason scores above 7. All patients had a drop in PSA after ADT. The average PSA percentage drop in men below 60 years was 80.5% whereas the average percentage drop in PSA with regards to other factors was 91.19%.
 Conclusion: All patients had androgen dependant cancers. These patients also had high risk prostate cancer with initial PSA values above 100ng/ml and Gleason scores above 7. Of all the factors analysed, age below 60 years was found to be the only clinically significant factor associated with poor response to ADT.

High mortality and poor treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with severe grade checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis in non-small cell lung cancer.

BackgroundThe treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and clinical outcomes in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who develop severe grade checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis (CIP) are unclear. Here, we report on the treatment efficacy of ICI and prognosis in NSCLC patients with severe grade CIP.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, CIP severity, CIP‐related mortality, and ICI efficacy in 71 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with ICIs were evaluated. Data was obtained from the patients’ medical charts.ResultsAll grade and severe grade CIP were observed in 22 and 11 patients, respectively. The CIP‐related mortality rate was 22.7% (N = 5). An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (PS) score of ≥2 and pre‐existing interstitial lung disease (ILD) were significantly associated with the development of severe grade CIP (P = 0.001 and P = 0.035, respectively). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly shorter in patients with severe grade CIP than in those without severe grade CIP (PFS 1.0 month, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5–2.0 vs. 3.5 months, 95% CI 2.0–5.0 months, P = 0.003; OS 3.0 months, 95% CI 0.5–13 vs. 12.7 months, 95% CI 8.0–21.0 months, P = 0.011).ConclusionCIP is a serious complication with a poor prognosis associated with high mortality. The efficacy of ICI is significantly worse in patients with severe grade CIP than in those without severe grade CIP. Whether ICIs should be administered to patients with CIP risk factors, such as an ECOG PS score of ≥2 or pre‐existing ILD, should be carefully assessed.

Pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy for previously untreated, PD-L1-expressing, locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (KEYNOTE-042): a randomised, open-label, controlled, phase 3 trial

First-line pembrolizumab monotherapy improves overall and progression-free survival in patients with untreated metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer with a programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) tumour proportion score (TPS) of 50% or greater. We investigated overall survival after treatment with pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with a PD-L1 TPS of 1% or greater. This randomised, open-label, phase 3 study was done in 213 medical centres in 32 countries. Eligible patients were adults (≥18 years) with previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer without a sensitising EGFR mutation or ALK translocation and with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status score of 0 or 1, life expectancy 3 months or longer, and a PD-L1 TPS of 1% or greater. Randomisation was computer generated, accessed via an interactive voice-response and integrated web-response system, and stratified by region of enrolment (east Asia vs rest of world), ECOG performance status score (0 vs 1), histology (squamous vs non-squamous), and PD-L1 TPS (≥50% vs 1-49%). Enrolled patients were randomly assigned 1:1 in blocks of four per stratum to receive pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 35 cycles or the investigator's choice of platinum-based chemotherapy for four to six cycles. Primary endpoints were overall survival in patients with a TPS of 50% or greater, 20% or greater, and 1% or greater (one-sided significance thresholds, p=0·0122, p=0·0120, and p=0·0124, respectively) in the intention-to-treat population, assessed sequentially if the previous findings were significant. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02220894. From Dec 19, 2014, to March 6, 2017, 1274 patients (902 men, 372 women, median age 63 years [IQR 57-69]) with a PD-L1 TPS of 1% or greater were allocated to pembrolizumab (n=637) or chemotherapy (n=637) and included in the intention-to-treat population. 599 (47%) had a TPS of 50% or greater and 818 patients (64%) had a TPS of 20% or greater. As of Feb 26, 2018, median follow-up was 12·8 months. Overall survival was significantly longer in the pembrolizumab group than in the chemotherapy group in all three TPS populations (≥50% hazard ratio 0·69, 95% CI 0·56-0·85, p=0·0003; ≥20% 0·77, 0·64-0·92, p=0·0020, and ≥1% 0·81, 0·71-0·93, p=0·0018). The median surival values by TPS population were 20·0 months (95% CI 15·4-24·9) for pembrolizumab versus 12·2 months (10·4-14·2) for chemotherapy, 17·7 months (15·3-22·1) versus 13·0 months (11·6-15·3), and 16·7 months (13·9-19·7) versus 12·1 months (11·3-13·3), respectively. Treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or worse occurred in 113 (18%) of 636 treated patients in the pembrolizumab group and in 252 (41%) of 615 in the chemotherapy group and led to death in 13 (2%) and 14 (2%) patients, respectively. The benefit-to-risk profile suggests that pembrolizumab monotherapy can be extended as first-line therapy to patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer without sensitising EGFR or ALK alterations and with low PD-L1 TPS. Merck Sharp & Dohme.

A Prognostic Nomogram and Survival Analysis in Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients

BackgroundThe clinical course of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is variable. Although the prognostic markers and models have been developed and adapted in DLBCL, prognostic indices in relapse and refractory (r/r) DLBCL remain unclear. In order to better guide clinical practice, this study aimed to develop a prognostic nomogram in r/r DLBCL.Patients and methodsAmong 1858 DLBCL patients treated in National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital in China, between 2006 and 2016, 682 were r/r DLBCL, of which 573 patients were treated with enough cycles of first-line anthracycline-based chemotherapy. The clinical data were reviewed and evaluated. Progression free survival (PFS) was defined as the time from first treatment administration to disease progression/relapse. Relapse was defined as progression after initial complete or partial remission, and refractory disease was defined as achieving less than a partial response in the first-line setting. Cell of origin (COO) was assessed at diagnosis via Hans algorithm. The concordance index (C-index) and a calibration curve were used to determine and compare their predictive and discriminatory capacity.ResultsOverall, the median age at diagnosis was 54 (range 10-91) years old. Among all the patients, 325 (56.7%) were male and 248 (43.3%) were female. There were 255 (45.1%) patients categorized as stage I-II and 310 (54.9%) categorized as stage III-IV at diagnosis. Of all the patients, 145 (27.0%) were germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) and 393 (73.0%) were non-GCB. According to the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) score, the majority of patients had a good performance, with 457 (79.8%) of cases presenting with an ECOG PS score of 0-1; 89 (15.5%) presenting with ECOG PS of 2; 27(4.7%) scored ≥3. In the entire group, 563 (98.3%) patients received CHOP or CHOP-like regimen and 301 (52.5%) received rituximab treatment in the first-line setting. There were 200 patients (34.9%) had refractory disease; 203 (35.4%) had relapse in the first year from treatment commence; 91 (15.9%) had relapse in the second year; and 79 (13.8%) had relapse after the first 2 years. The median overall survival (OS) from diagnosis were 12, 17, 46 and 66 months, respectively in the above four groups, and OS in the entire group was shown in Figure 1. A total of 437 patients with complete clinical information were further divided into the primary (n=300) and validation (n=137) cohorts. Based on a multivariate analysis of the primary cohort, four independent prognostic factors including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level at diagnosis; response to the first-line treatment (CR with not CR); progression free survival and recurrence location (original with new with both) were identified and entered the nomogram (Figure 2). The calibration curve showed the optimal agreement between nomogram prediction and actual observation. In addition, the C-index of the nomogram for OS prediction was 0.743. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was 0.75 in the internal validation and 0.84 in the external validation. Four risk groups depending the nomogram were further developed and OS were presented in Figure 3.ConclusionsIndependent predictors of survival in r/r DLBCL have been identified and 4 indicators were used to create a nomogram. This proposed nomogram help with assess individual risks and decide on second-line treatment in clinical practice. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Interconversion of two commonly used performance tools: An analysis of 5844 paired assessments in 1501 lung cancer patients

AIMTo establish the Karnofsky performance status (KPS) categories which would facilitate the interconversion of the KPS scale to the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) scale.METHODSThis was a retrospective analysis of all patients attending the lung cancer clinic at a tertiary care center over a 5-year period (September 2009 to August 2014). All patients were assessed with both KPS and ECOG PS scales at each visit. Correlation between KPS and ECOG PS was assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. KPS categories equivalent to ECOG PS scores were compared using hit rate and weighted kappa (κw).RESULTSA total of 1501 patients were assessed over the study period, providing 5844 paired KPS and ECOG PS assessments. The study cohort had a mean (standard deviation; SD) age of 58.4 (10.8) years, with the majority being current or ex-smokers (76.9%) and males (82.3%). Non-small cell lung cancer was the most common histological type (n = 1196, 79.7%) with the majority having advanced (stage IIIB/IV) disease (83.4%). Mean baseline KPS and ECOG PS scores were 77.6 (SD = 14.4) and 1.5 (SD = 1) respectively. The most frequent KPS score was 80 (29%), and the most frequent ECOG PS score was 1 (43%). The overall correlation between KPS and ECOG PS was good (Spearman r = -0.84, P < 0.0001) but ranged from -0.727 to -0.972 between visits. KPS categories derived from our cohort [10-40 (ECOG 4), 50-60 (ECOG 3), 70 (ECOG 2), 80-90 (ECOG 1), 100 (ECOG 0)] performed better [hit rate 78.1%, κw = 0.749 (0.736-0.762) P < 0.0001] than those suggested in the past literature.CONCLUSIONThe current study provides the largest set of paired KPS-ECOG assessments to date. We suggest that the KPS categories 10-40, 50-60, 70, 80-90, and 100 are equivalent to ECOG PS categories of 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0 respectively.

P2.01-77 Interconversion of Two Commonly Used Performance Tools: An Analysis of 5844 Paired Assessments in 1501 Lung Cancer Patients

Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scale and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale are the most commonly used performance status (PS) tools worldwide. The current study aimed to assess correlation between KPS and ECOG PS in a large cohort from a lung cancer (LC) clinic database and to determine KPS categories which were most equivalent to ECOG PS scores. All patients attending LC clinic at a tertiary care centre over a 5-year period were assessed with both KPS and ECOG PS scales at each visit. Correlation between KPS and ECOG PS was assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Different KPS categories equivalent to ECOG PS were compared using hit rate and weighted kappa (κw). A total of 1501 patients were assessed over study period providing 5844 paired KPS and ECOG PS assessments. The cohort had a mean (standard deviation SD) age of 58.4 (10.8) years with majority being current/ex-smokers (76.9%) and males (82.3%). NSCLC was commonest histological type (n=1196, 79.7%) with majority having advanced (stages IIIB/IV) disease (83.4%). Mean baseline KPS and ECOG PS scores were 77.6 (SD=14.4) and 1.5 (SD=1) respectively. Overall correlation between KPS and ECOG PS was good [Spearman r = (-)0.84, P<0.0001] but ranged from -0.727 to -0.972 between visits. KPS categories derived from our cohort (10-40 [ECOG 4], 50-60 [ECOG 3], 70 [ECOG 2], 80-90 [ECOG 1], 100 [ECOG 0]) performed better (hit rate 78.1%, κw = 0.749 [0.736-0.762] P<0.0001) than those suggested in the past literature. The current study provides largest set of paired KPS-ECOG assessments till date. Although both PS tools had good correlation, the performance of the KPS categories previously suggested as being equivalent to ECOG PS categories was found to be highly variable. Cancer clinics should develop and validate their own population-specific KPS categories for interconversion of KPS to ECOG PS.

153Sm-EDTMP and 177Lu-EDTMP are equally safe and effective in pain palliation from skeletal metastases

Summary Introduction: Bone pain from multifocal blastic or mixed lytic-blastic metastatic lesions can be effectively addressed with radiopharmaceuticals with high affinity for such foci. 153Sm-ethylene diamine tetramethylene phosphonic acid (153Sm-EDTMP) and 177Lu-ethylene diamine tetramethylene phosphonic acid) (177Lu-EDTMP) are two such radiopharmaceuticals. The aim of this study was to make a comparison of efficacy between 153Sm-EDTMP and 177Lu-EDTMP in terms of palliation of commonly encountered symptoms in cancer patients, functional status, and pain intensity as measured by Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, and numeric rating scale (NRS) respectively. This study was a double blind randomized clinical trial conducted in a setting of three university hospitals. Materials and Methods: In a randomized double-blind clinical trial 50 patients will with documented painful bone metastases of blastic or mixed lytic-blastic nature were randomly allocated into two groups; group receiving 153Sm-EDTMP and group receiving 177Lu-EDTMP. Radiopharmaceuticals were given at a dose of 37.0 MBq / kg body weight in both groups. Scores on ESAS, ECOG performance status and NRS were recorded before the intervention and following the intervention at 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks. Hematologic toxicity was evaluated by monitoring hematologic parameters at the baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 8 weeks after the intervention.Results: Fifty patients, 31 (62 %) females and 19 (38 %) males with the mean age of 66.08 ± 4.53 years were recruited. The baseline means and standard deviations for pain intensity as measured by the NRS were 8.4 ± 1.47 and 8.36 ± 1.43 in 153Sm-EDTMP- and 177Lu-EDTMP-treated subjects respectively. Patients of both groups showed significant alleviation of pain observed from the 2nd week (first follow up session) and continuing to the 12th week after treatment . No difference in response to the two radiopharmaceuticals were seen regarding their efficacy in pain alleviation (P &lt; 1.0). Baseline “symptom distress scores” drawn from the ESAS-r in 153Sm-EDTMP- and 177Lu-EDTMP-treated groups were 5.5 ± 2.1 and 5.4 ± 2.1, respectively. The scores significantly improved in both groups with the most marked rate of improvement achieved within the first two weeks after treatment. The scores continued to improve until the 12th week of follow-up (P &lt; 1.0, non-significant [ns]). Functional status as measured by ECOG performance status scores improved in both groups over the follow up period. Baseline scores on ECOG performance status in 153Sm-EDTMP- and 177Lu-EDTMP-treated groups were 2.5 ± 1.3 and 2.5 ± 1.3 (mean ± standard deviation). At 3 months post-treatment scores improved to 1.6 ± 0.6 and 1.6 ± 0.6 respectively (P &lt; 1.0, n.s.). Conclusions: 153Sm-EDTMP and 177Lu-EDTMP are safe and effective radiopharmaceuticals in palliation of cancer pain from multiple skeletal metastases of blastic and mixed lyticblastic nature.

Multiline Chemotherapy for Elderly Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Single Center Experience.

Introduction: Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the third leading cancer in the world, the prevalence of which increases with age. Although the treatment principles for metastatic CRC are similar in elderly and younger patients, chemotherapy toxicity requires consideration because of age-related physiological and functional changes and comorbidities. Thus, a combination of chemotherapy and biological drugs is recommended for the treatment of healthy elderly patients, as in younger patients. While young patients are more suitable for multiline treatment, older patients are typically under-treated. We aimed to elucidate whether multiline chemotherapy prolongs survival in patients aged ≥ 70 years with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score of 0 or 1 by maintaining treatment as long as tolerated and to investigate treatment approaches in elderly patients by assessing factors that affect survival. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 136 patients (age ≥ 70 years) who presented to our clinic between May 2009 and January 2018. We assessed the OS using the Kaplan–Meier method and evaluated the difference in the survival time between the groups using the log-rank method. Results: The median OS was 13.1 months for patients receiving one to two line(s) of chemotherapy and 34.1 months for those receiving >2 lines of chemotherapy; the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). Conclusion: This study suggests maintaining palliative systemic therapy in patients with an ECOG performance status score of 0 or 1, as it exhibits a significant difference in survival rates.

Pretreatment nutritional risk scores and performance status are prognostic factors in esophageal cancer patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy.

This study evaluated the prognostic effects of nutritional risk scores and performance status (PS) on unresectable locally advanced esophageal cancer (LAEC) patients who were treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (dCRT). A total of 202 LAEC patients from four different cancer centers were retrospectively reviewed. Nutritional risk and PS were measured using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) scores and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scales. Outcomes were clinical response rate, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Multivariate analysis of predictive factors of response to dCRT and survival were performed using a logistic regression and a Cox model, respectively. The majority of patients (71.8%) had an ECOG PS score of 0-1, and 52.5% (n=106) of patients were identified as having nutritional risk (NRS-2002 ≥3) upon treatment initiation. There was no correlation between NRS-2002 scores and ECOG PS (Spearman's ρ=0.046; P=0.516). In multivariate analysis, NRS-2002 scores (P=0.002, HR 2.805, 95%CI: 1.445-5.446) and ECOG PS (P=0.015, HR 2.719, 95%CI: 1.218-6.067) were independent prognostic factors for the response to dCRT. NRS-2002 scores (OS: HR 1.530, 95%CI 1.059-2.209; P=0.023; PFS: HR 1.517, 95%CI 1.105-2.082; P=0.010) and ECOG PS (OS: HR 1.729, 95%CI 1.185-2.522; P=0.005; PFS: HR 1.678, 95%CI 1.179-2.387; P=0.004) were both independent prognostic factors for OS and PFS. In conclusions, NRS-2002 scores and ECOG PS scales both have prognostic effects on clinical response and survival in LAEC, but a significant association of NRS-2002 scores and ECOG PS were not observed.

PROGNOSIS IN ADVANCED NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY EXAMINING ECOG PERFORMANCE STATUS SCORES OF PATIENTS

Objective: Increasing prevalence and poor survival of advanced incurable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) make it a major health problem globally, especially in developing countries. This awakens need for identification of the strongest prognostic factor that helps in the selection of appropriate treatment and hence palliates symptoms and improves survival. Lung cancer treatment guidelines advise performance status (PS) as the most established prognostic factor in advanced NSCLC patients. This study investigated the prognostic significance of PS.Methods: An observational study was done for 163 advanced NSCLC adult Malaysian patients in Radiotherapy and Oncology Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Kaplan-Meier test was used to measure median overall survival (OS) and Cox proportional hazard model to calculate the hazard ratio for different categories of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) PS.Results: The mean age and body weight were 56.7±10.1 years old and 57.42±13.5 kg, respectively. Majority patients were male (68.7%), Stage IV NSCLC (65.0%), and ECOG PS score of 2 (41.1%). ECOG PS had a significant association with age and body weight. Median OS was least for ECOG PS score of 4 (253 days) and was statistically significant (p=0.003). ECOG PS was a significant independent prognostic factor for survival in advanced NSCLC patients (p&lt;0.001).Conclusion: PS is a strong prognostic factor in advanced NSCLC.

Prognostic factors in patients with skeletal-related events at non-small-cell lung cancer diagnosis.

The aim of the present study was to detect prognostic factors in patients with skeletal-related events (SREs) and bone metastasis at the time of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) diagnosis. A total of 85 NSCLC patients were retrospectively enrolled, 47 (55.2%) of whom presented with SREs at the time of NSCLC diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified squamous cell carcinoma as a risk factor for SRE. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that there was no difference in the overall survival between the SRE and no SRE groups. Cox hazard model revealed that a higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) score was a risk factor for poor prognosis, while surgery for bone metastasis and molecular-targeted therapy were factors for better prognosis in patients with SREs at the time of NSCLC diagnosis. Multivariate analysis revealed that a higher ECOG PS score and metastasis to the adrenal gland were risk factors for poor prognosis, while surgery for bone metastasis and molecular-targeted therapy were factors for better prognosis. Thus, while surgical treatment and molecular-targeted therapy appear to improve the prognosis of patients with bone metastasis at the time of NSCLC diagnosis, those with a higher ECOG PS score and adrenal metastasis may benefit more from radiotherapy or supportive care.

Preoperative nomogram to predict the likelihood of complications after radical nephroureterectomy.

To construct a nomogram based on preoperative variables to better predict the likelihood of complications occurring within 30 days of radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). The charts of 731 patients undergoing RNU at eight academic medical centres between 2002 and 2014 were reviewed. Preoperative clinical, demographic and comorbidity indices were collected. Complications occurring within 30 days of surgery were graded using the modified Clavien-Dindo scale. Multivariate logistic regression determined the association between preoperative variables and post-RNU complications. A nomogram was created from the reduced multivariate model with internal validation using the bootstrapping technique with 200 repetitions. A total of 408 men and 323 women with a median age of 70 years and a body mass index of 27 kg/m2 were included. A total of 75% of the cohort was white, 18% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≥2, 20% had a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score >5 and 50% had baseline chronic kidney disease (CKD) ≥ stage III. Overall, 279 patients (38%) experienced a complication, including 61 events (22%) with Clavien grade ≥ III. A multivariate model identified five variables associated with complications, including patient age, race, ECOG performance status, CKD stage and CCI score. A preoperative nomogram incorporating these risk factors was constructed with an area under curve of 72.2%. Using standard preoperative variables from this multi-institutional RNU experience, we constructed and validated a nomogram for predicting peri-operative complications after RNU. Such information may permit more accurate risk stratification on an individual cases basis before major surgery.

Predictive Factors for Severe Outcomes in Ischemic Colitis.

Background/AimsIschemic colitis includes a wide clinical spectrum ranging from mild to severe forms. This study aimed to determine the factors that are related to the occurrence of severe ischemic colitis.MethodsThis multicenter study was conducted retrospectively in Korea. The patients were divided into mild and severe groups. This study surveyed clinical characteristics, blood tests, endoscopic findings, and imaging studies.ResultsIn the comparison of comorbidities, the severe group had a higher ratio of chronic kidney disease than the mild group (p=0.001). In the blood test, the severe group had a reduced number of platelets (p=0.018) and a higher C-reactive protein value (p=0.001). The severe group had a higher ratio of involvement of the right colon (p=0.026). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status score of the patients showed that the severe group had higher scores than the mild group (p=0.003). A multivariate analysis showed that chronic kidney disease and high ECOG performance status scores were significant risk factors.ConclusionsIf patients diagnosed with ischemic colitis are also treated for chronic kidney disease or have poor performance status, more attention and early intervention are necessary.

Renal cell carcinoma in patients with end-stage renal disease is associated with more favourable histological features and prognosis

Objective. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with acquired cystic kidney disease are at higher risk of developing renal cell carcinoma (RCC) than the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and histopathological differences between ESRD patients and the general population with RCC. Materials and methods. Data were retrospectively collected from all nephrectomies performed for localized RCC from 2000 to 2010. Age at nephrectomy, gender, race, symptoms, baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, Charlson Comorbidity Index score and histological data were extracted. Independent-samples t test and Mann–Whitney test were used for quantitative data, while chi-squared (two-sided) and Fisher’s exact tests were used for qualitative data. Results. This study included 627 patients: 73 with and 554 without ESRD. The majority of patients were Chinese. The male to female ratio of 2:1 was identical in both groups. Baseline ECOG performance status and Charlson Comorbidity score were higher in the ESRD group. RCC in ESRD patients was more frequently asymptomatic (56.2% vs 44.9%, p = 0.071), diagnosed earlier (53.6 ± 11.8 years vs 57.9 ± 12.2 years, p = 0.004) and of lower stage (p < 0.001). The ESRD cohort had a higher proportion of the papillary histological subtype (21.9% vs 9.7%, p < 0.001). Importantly, there was a trend towards more favourable outcomes in ESRD patients in terms of cancer-specific (p = 0.203) and relapse-free survival (p = 0.096). Conclusion. This study suggests that RCC in ESRD patients is associated with more favourable clinical and histological features and oncological outcome compared with that in patients with normal renal function.

Predictors of functional capacity in colorectal cancer patients.

The aim of this study is to determine the predictors of functional capacity and explore the relationship between functional capacity, performance status, fatigue, quality of life, anxiety, and depression in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Forty-two patients diagnosed as stage II-III CRC according to tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) classification were included the study. Functional capacity, performance status, fatigue, quality of life, anxiety, and depression of CRC patients were assessed using six-minute walk distance (6MWD) in the six-minute walk test (6MWT), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS), Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), respectively. A multiple linear regression model was used to identify independent predictors of functional capacity. The six-minute walk distance (6MWD) was intermediately and negatively correlated with ECOG-PS score (p = 0.001, r = -0.415), BFI-impact of fatigue on daily functioning score (p = 0.013, r = -0.379), and age (p = 0.040, r = -0.319). An intermediate and positive correlation was found between 6MWD and FACT-C score (p = 0.016, r = 0.369). The multiple regression analysis revealed that only ECOG-PS score was significant and independent predictor of the 6MWD, accounted for 34.8 % of the variance. Performance status was found to be the only significant predictor of functional capacity in this study. Assessing performance status may have an essential role in order to predict functional capacity in CRC patients. Future studies that include a larger sample size would more clearly elucidate the predictors and relationships of functional capacity.

Changes in patient-reported outcomes in patients diagnosed with and treated for multiple myeloma in the Connect MM registry.

8586 Background: Little is known about the impact of treatment on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients (pts). The change in PROs of MM pts between baseline and 1 year was assessed relative to their baseline International Staging System (ISS) stage and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) score. Methods: Connect MM is a prospective US registry of MM pts initiated in 2009. Clinicians reported pt demographics, ECOG PS score, and ISS stage. PROs were collected at baseline and at 1 year utilizing the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-MM, EQ-5D, and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Changes in FACT-MM, EQ-5D, and BPI scores were analyzed by ISS stage and ECOG PS score in 636 pts meeting CRAB criteria from 189 centers. Results: Most pts were male (58%) and white (84%). Mean age was 66 years (± 11). Pts were treated in community (81%), academic (17%), or veterans/military (2%) settings. ISS stages of pts were: I (29%), II (35%), and III (35%). ECOG PS scores were 0 (37%), 1 (49%), 2 (11%), and 3 (3%). Improvements in overall HRQoL as shown by the FACT-MM and FACT-General (G) total scores, were observed across all ISS stages (P = 0.03 to &lt; 0.0001) with no significant differences between stages. Improvements in FACT-MM and FACT-G total scores were observed with ECOG PS scores 1–3 (P = 0.03 to 0.005). Pts with poorer ECOG PS scores tended to have greater improvement in EQ-5D domains of mobility, self-care, and usual activities. HRQoL/functional ability improved in 4 of 5 FACT domains (except social/family; all others P &lt; 0.0001), and in 4 of 5 EQ-5D domains (except pain/discomfort; all others, P = 0.01 to &lt; 0.0001). BPI showed that overall average pain improved (P &lt; 0.0005) over 1 year, but statistically significant differences by ISS stage or ECOG PS score were not observed. Conclusions: Connect MM data showed that overall HRQoL of MM pts improved between baseline and 1 year, with a consistent benefit observed across pts with different ISS stages and ECOG PS scores. Additional analysis should examine which disease- and treatment-related factors are associated with these HRQoL improvements.

Prevalence of Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Their Influence on Nutritional State and Performance Status in Patients With Different Primary Tumors Receiving Palliative Care

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms, nutritional balance, and performance status in patients receiving palliative care for advanced cancers originating in different sites. We studied a total of 105 patients. Upper gastrointestinal symptoms, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status score (ECOG-PS), dietary intakes, anthropometric measures, and some serum proteins were determined. Unintentional weight loss, alterations in anthropometric measures, and highest number of symptoms were greater in patients with lung and stomach cancer. No differences were found in ECOG-PS according to cancer site. Patients with gastric or lung cancer have most evidence of protein-calorie malnutrition and a higher prevalence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. The performance status is not affected by tumor site. Early nutritional support should be planned for all patients with cancer, especially for patients with gastric or lung cancer.