Follow-up Of Cancer Patients Research Articles

Evaluation of manual and automated approaches for segmentation and extraction of quantitative indices from [18F]FDG PET-CT images

Utilisation of whole organ volumes to extract anatomical and functional information from computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) images may provide key information for the treatment and follow-up of cancer patients. However, manual organ segmentation, is laborious and time-consuming. In this study, a CT-based deep learning method and a multi-atlas method were evaluated for segmenting the liver and spleen on CT images to extract quantitative tracer information from Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) PET images of 50 patients with advanced Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Manual segmentation was used as the reference method. The two automatic methods were also compared with a manually defined volume of interest (VOI) within the organ, a technique commonly performed in clinical settings. Both automatic methods provided accurate CT segmentations, with the deep learning method outperforming the multi-atlas with a DICE coefficient of 0.93 ± 0.03 (mean ± standard deviation) in liver and 0.87 ± 0.17 in spleen compared to 0.87 ± 0.05 (liver) and 0.78 ± 0.11 (spleen) for the multi-atlas. Similarly, a mean relative error of −3.2% for the liver and −3.4% for the spleen across patients was found for the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) using the deep learning regions while the corresponding errors for the multi-atlas method were −4.7% and −9.2%, respectively. For the maximum SUV (SUVmax), both methods resulted in higher than 20% overestimation due to the extension of organ boundaries to include neighbouring, high-uptake regions. The conservative VOI method which did not extend into neighbouring tissues, provided a more accurate SUVmax estimate. In conclusion, the automatic, and particularly the deep learning method could be used to rapidly extract information of the SUVmean within the liver and spleen. However, activity from neighbouring organs and lesions can lead to high biases in SUVmax and current practices of manually defining a volume of interest in the organ should be considered instead.

Low miR-936-mediated upregulation of Pim-3 drives sorafenib resistance in liver cancer through ferroptosis inhibition by activating the ANKRD18A/Src/NRF2 pathway.

Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, is currently the standard treatment for advanced liver cancer. However, its application has become limited by the development of drug resistance. We intended to explore the mechanisms underlying the development of sorafenib resistance, therefore identifying an effective strategy to overcome sorafenib resistance remain challenges. Here, the follow-up of liver cancer patients undergoing sorafenib therapy, as well as animal tumor challenge and treatment were performed. The sorafenib-resistant liver cancer cell lines Huh7/SOR and HepG2/SOR were also established. miRNA and mRNA microarray analyses, TargetScan prediction, dual luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down assay, co-mmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and pull-down assays, a transcription factor-specific NRF2 assay, an iron detection assay, a lipid peroxidation quantification assay, a ROS measurement assay, and GSH/GSSG and GSH-px standard quantitative assays were used. We showed that upregulation of the provirus-integrating site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 3 (Pim-3) predicted poor response and unsatisfactory prognosis in sorafenib-treated liver cancer patients. Similarly, Pim-3 expression was positively associated with sorafenib resistance in liver cancer cells. Furthermore, microRNA-936 (miR-936) targeted the 3'-noncoding region (3'-UTR) of Pim-3 but exhibited lower expression in sorafenib-resistant liver cancer cells than in their parental cells. The high expression of Pim-3 mediated by miR-936 insufficiency activated the ANKRD18A/Src/NRF2 pathway which rearranged the expression of the indicated markers involved in iron distribution and lipid peroxidation homeostasis. MiR-936 overexpression and GV102-Pim-3-shRNA significantly attenuated the activity of the ANKRD18A/Src/NRF2 pathway to decrease the expression of Ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein 18A (ANKRD18A), Src, and Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2), especially decreasing NRF2 nuclear retention and transcriptional activity. The transcriptional activity of NRF2 prompted cell ferroptosis because the transfection of miR-936 mimics, GV102-Pim-3-shRNA and GV102-NRF2-shRNA plasmid increased the expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) but decreased the expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), thus facilitating the accumulation of intracellular Fe2+, lipid peroxides, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) but reducing the glutathione (GSH) level. Moreover, the elevated expression of Pim-3, resulting from the absence of miR-936 enhances sorafenib resistance in liver cancer by inhibiting cell ferroptosis. Pim-3 can be regarded as a target in the treatment of sorafenib-resistant liver cancer.

Treatment of malignant diseases with phytocannabinoids: promising observations in animal models and patients

Amazingly, almost 50 years after the first demonstration of anticancer effects of cannabinoids in vitro and in vivo, well-designed clinical trials that definitively prove tumour-inhibiting effects in man are still missing. Whereas a large number of preclinical studies exist that describe tumour-inhibiting effects of cannabinoids, alone or in combination, but also in the form of medical cannabis or natural extracts in vitro, the number of in vivo studies is still limited. Even more limited are well-documented experiences in man. Most animal studies and experience with cannabinoids in man concern brain tumours. This review summarises the effects of phytocannabinoids in brain, breast, colorectal, head and neck, haematological, liver, lung, pancreatic, ovarian, prostate, and skin cancers in animal models and, if available, in patients. The large majority of animal studies demonstrate tumour-inhibiting effects of cannabinoids, thus confirming in vitro data. Experiences in cancer patients are almost exclusively limited to individual case reports and case series without a control group. Many questions are currently unanswered such as the role of pure cannabinoids compared to combinations, cannabinoids as the eventual sole cancer therapy, optimal dosages, or duration of treatment. Pure cannabidiol (CBD) seems to be superior to pure delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in experimental settings. The role of medical cannabis or extracts is less clear as they vary in their phytochemical composition. In conclusion, cannabis/cannabinoids may slow the progression of tumours. However, the hope that cannabinoids could eventually cure cancer as often spread in social media, is, at present, wishful thinking. Above all, well-designed clinical trials paired with long-term follow-up of cancer patients are needed.

A large-scale study integrating nutritional indicators and clinicopathological parameters to evaluate prognosis, follow-up, and postoperative chemotherapy decisions in rectal cancer patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of nutritional indicators and clinicopathological parameters in predicting the progression and prognosis for pathological stage II-III rectal cancer (RC) patients without neoadjuvant radiotherapy. In addition, we sought to explore the high-risk population who may require postoperative chemotherapy. A total of 894 consecutive RC patients were enrolled in this study. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were performed to identify the independent risk factors for PFS and OS. The nomogram and calibration curves were conducted according to multivariable analysis result. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were performed for different groups. Finally, random survival forest (RSF) model was developed to predict the probability of progression. Our results revealed that CEA level, pathological stage, tumor deposit, and PNI were independently associated with PFS in RC patients. Similarly, the results indicated that CEA level, pathological stage, tumor deposit, PNI, and NRI were independently associated with OS. RSF model revealed that group 1 had the highest risk of progression at the 12th month of follow-up, group 2 had the highest risk of progression at the 15th month of follow-up, while group 3 had the highest risk of progression at the 9th month of follow-up. Besides, subgroup analysis suggested that the high-risk group needs postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, while patients in the low- and moderate-risk groups may not need postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Finally, we validated our results with the SEER database. In conclusion, we demonstrated that preoperative nutritional indicator and clinicopathological parameters could act as auxiliary prognostication tools for RC patients without neoadjuvant radiotherapy. We also established follow-up strategies for different groups of patients. Collectively, incorporating nutritional assessment into risk stratification for RC resection is crucial and should be an integral part of preoperative planning.

Abstract 17274: Frequency of Cardiology Follow-Up in Childhood Cancer Patients

Background: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk of early or late-stage cardiotoxicity, the third leading cause of death in CCS. American Heart Association Scientific statement stresses the importance of timely follow-up of CCS. Children's Oncology Group (COG) has also recommended serial cardiac testing based on therapy doses. However, compliance of cardiac follow-up is not known. Hypothesis: Cardiology follow-up in CCS is poor and needs improvement. Goal: Our goal is to identify factors that limit timely cardiology follow-up. Methods: We retrospectively cross-referenced patients from the oncology clinic with our echocardiogram database, focusing on solid tumor survivors from 1996-2018 that received anthracyclines or cardiac field radiation. Excluding patients not requiring cardiac monitoring, we collected demographic, oncology history and treatment, and cardiac evaluation related data. Based on COG guidelines, we determined if each patient maintained their expected cardiology follow up. We then assessed whether follow up was associated with median household income, medical insurance type, gender, and age at diagnosis using chi square or t-test. Results: A total of 49 patients (24F/25M) met inclusion criteria included. Timely cardiology follow up was only seen in 50% of the patients, regardless of how far out the patients were from treatment. There was no correlation between follow up and median household income, medical insurance, gender, or age of diagnosis (p values >0.05). Conclusions: This data demonstrates there is a major gap in providing key cardiac care to CCS, as 50% of patients did not maintain expected follow up. This finding was irrespective of socioeconomic status or age at diagnosis. This suggests a greater emphasis must be placed on educating families about potential cardiac risks and the need for appropriate follow up care. This can be established through a stronger collaboration between cardiology and oncology programs.

Understanding colorectal cancer patient follow-up: a qualitative interview study.

There are increasing numbers of patients who have been treated for colorectal cancer (CRC) who struggle with ongoing physical and psychological symptoms. 'Cancer survivor' is often used to describe these patients but this terminology remains controversial. This study sought to understand the follow-up experience of CRC patients in the UK and identify the terminology they prefer following diagnosis and treatment. Purposeful sampling of patients from specialist CRC follow-up clinics was performed until data saturation was achieved. Two 1:1 semi-structured qualitative interviews were performed for each participant. Data were analysed thematically. Seventeen participants, median age = 62, 53% male were interviewed. Several themes were identified. Of note, fear of cancer recurrence dominates patients' agendas at follow-up appointments. There are also clinical and administrative barriers to discussing symptoms including being embarrassed, feeling that their symptoms were not relevant or not having enough time to discuss issues. However, there are several methods which may improve this, such as through the use of video consultations and questionnaires. In addition, patients identified inadequate holistic support despite significant psychological and social distress. Our data suggest that labelling a diverse group of patients as 'cancer survivors' can be problematic. It is important that clinicians systematically screen patients for symptoms that are known to occur following treatment. Clinicians and patients should have routine access to pathways and programmes that can support patients in navigating their life after cancer therapy.

Clinical Challenge of Two Competing Targetable Mutations in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report.

The development of therapeutic agents targeting products of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements has improved survival in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. EGFR and ALK mutations are generally regarded as mutually exclusive, and the presence of one in lieu of another influences the response to targeted therapy. We herein present an interesting case following the course of progression of a patient with synchronous lung cancers with a discordant mutation profile. The importance of this modality in the follow-up of lung cancer patients is illustrated, and the therapeutic implications of coexisting oncogenic drivers are briefly discussed.

Long-Term Follow-up of Pancreatic Cancer Patients with Lung Metastasis Using Integrated Cancer Treatment: A Case Report

Objective: This long-term case report details a case of pancreatic cancer with lung metastasis suppressed by integrative cancer medicine (IMT).Methods: A 64-year-old woman diagnosed with pancreatic cancer visited a Korean medicine hospital complaining about the side effects of chemotherapy for lung metastasis. She received IMT involving Korean traditional medicine and Western immunotherapy from May 2017 to June 2023. Tumor dimensions were assessed through computed tomography (CT) and positron-emission tomography/CT scans, while tumor markers and safety were monitored by laboratory tests.Results: IMT suppressed the progression of cancer, as observed by imaging and laboratory tests. The patient achieved 5-year survival, even after discontinuing chemotherapy.Conclusion: This case presents a potential therapeutic alternative for patients who are ineligible for chemotherapy or surgical interventions.

Usefulness of COL11A1 as a Prognostic Marker of Tumor Infiltration.

Determining the infiltration of carcinomas is essential for the proper follow-up and treatment of cancer patients. However, it continues to be a diagnostic challenge for pathologists in multiple types of tumors. In previous studies (carried out in surgical specimens), the protein COL11A1 has been postulated as an infiltration marker mainly expressed in the extracellular matrix (ECM). We hypothesized that a differential expression of COL11A1 may exist in the peritumoral stroma of tumors that have acquired infiltrating properties and that it may be detected in the small biopsies usually available in normal clinical practice. In our study, we performed immunohistochemical staining in more than 350 invasive and noninvasive small samples obtained via core needle biopsy (CNB), colonoscopy, or transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) of breast, colorectal, bladder, and ovarian cancer. Our results revealed that COL11A1 immunostaining had a sensitivity to classify the samples into infiltrative vs. noninfiltrative tumors of 94% (breast), 97% (colorectal), >90% (bladder), and 74% (ovarian); and a specificity of 97% (breast), 100% (colorectal), and >90% (bladder). In ovarian cancer, the negative predictive value (0.59) did not present improvement over the usual histopathological markers. In all samples tested, the cumulative sensitivity was 86% and the specificity 96% (p < 0.0001). COL11A1-positive immunostaining in small biopsies of breast, colon, bladder and ovarian cancer is an accurate predictive marker of tumor infiltration that can be easily implemented in daily clinical practice.

The application of radiofrequency ablation in pancreatic cancer liver-only recurrence after radical pancreatectomy.

To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and survival benefit of radiofrequency ablation in liver-only recurrence pancreatic cancer patients after radical pancreatectomy. The data and follow-up of pancreatic cancer patients who suffered liver-only recurrence after radical pancreatectomy from 2015 to 2021 were retrospectively collected. Finally, 19 liver metastases radiofrequency ablation patients were assigned to radiofrequency ablation group, and 41 patients were to systemic treatment group. (1) the baseline, perioperative characteristics, and pathological outcomes were well-balanced. (2) Recurrence pattern showed there were more multiple (> 3) recurrence tumors in systemic treatment patients (multiple one vs. 19, P = 0.005). (3) Median radiofrequency ablation operation time was 30.0min, median blood loss was 1.0ml, 4 (21.05%) patients suffered postoperative complications, and 94.74% liver metastases tumors got complete necrosis. The first efficacy evaluation showed a significantly better effect of radiofrequency ablation, complete and partial response rate 72.22% vs. 27.78%, P < 0.001. Overall survival from the initial surgery and after liver recurrence was significantly longer in the radiofrequency ablation group (43.0 vs. 22.0months, 29.0 vs. 14.0months, P = 0.003, 0.006, respectively). Progression-free survival after treatment was longer in the radiofrequency ablation group (6.0 vs. 5.0months, P = 0.029). For liver recurrence tumor ≤ 3, overall survival from the initial surgery and after liver recurrence was significantly longer in radiofrequency ablation patients (43.0 vs. 22.0months, 29.0 vs. 14.0months, P = 0.011, 0.013, respectively). Progression-free survival after treatment was longer in the radiofrequency ablation group (7.0 vs. 4.0months, P = 0.042). Radiofrequency ablation could get a curative purpose for patients with liver-only recurrence after pancreatectomy, improve progression-free survival and overall survival, and with minor surgery damage and risk.

What do patients and oncologists think about the evaluation and management of cancer-related anorexia-cachexia? The Quasar_SEOM study.

Cancer patients often suffer from malnutrition and early detection and raising awareness of nutritional issues is crucial in this population. The Spanish Oncology Society (SEOM) conducted the Quasar_SEOM study to investigate the current impact of the Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome (ACS). The study employed questionnaires and the Delphi method to gather input from both cancer patients and oncologists on key issues related to early detection and treatment of ACS. A total of 134 patients and 34 medical oncologists were surveyed about their experiences with ACS. The Delphi methodology was used to evaluate oncologists' perspectives of ACS management, ultimately leading to a consensus on the most critical issues. Despite widespread acknowledgement of malnutrition in cancer as a significant issue by 94% of oncologists, the study revealed deficiencies in knowledge and protocol implementation. A mere 65% of physicians reported being trained to identify and treat these patients, with 53% failing to address ACS in a timely manner, 30% not monitoring weight, and 59% not adhering to any clinical guidelines. The lack of experience was identified as the primary hindrance to the use of orexigens in 18% of cases. Furthermore, patients reported concerns and a perception of inadequate attention to malnutrition-related issues from their physicians. The results of this study point to a gap in the care of this syndrome and a need to improve education and follow-up of cancer patients with anorexia-cachexia.

Clinical and social importance of follow-up assessment of family members of patients with BRCA mutations.

10621 Background: The identification of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes mutations are of paramount importance in the treatment and follow-up of hereditary cancer patients. When a pathogenic variant (PV) is identified in one of these genes, the surveillance for new primary tumors becomes individualized. When a pathogenic mutation is identified other family members may also be at high risk for developing tumors. Then the investigation should become familiar. Methods: This study reports the experience of a public oncogenetics service with the identification and follow-up of relatives of patients with BRCA mutations. Of the 1505 patients registered, 773 are probands, of which 71 had a mutation in one of the BRCA genes. A total of 503 family members were evaluated, with an average of 13 relatives per proband. Results: Of the 353 relatives with a BRCA1 mutation, 132 had the familial mutation, and only 18 had cancer diagnosis. The mean age of the evaluated family members was 37 years, lower than the mean age at diagnosis of the probands, which was approximately 41 years, two founder mutations in BRCA1 (NM_007300.4:c.3331_3334del and NM_007300.4:c.211A &gt; G) were more recurrent among index cases, which is associated with the ancestral background of the local population. For the BRCA2 gene, 148 family members were evaluated, of which 77 had a mutation and 23 had a previous cancer diagnosis. The mean age of family members evaluated for BRCA2 mutation was 43 years, similar to the mean age at diagnosis of the proband: 41 years. The NM_000059.4:c.1389_1390del and NM_000059.4:c.7124T &gt; G variants was the most frequent in BRCA2. Conclusions: This data reinforces the importance of genetic counseling and testing of family members when a pathogenic variant is identified in a cancer patient. It is clear that early initiation of surveillance protocols, with screening and prophylactic surgeries are very effective tools for those high risk patients, they just have to be early diagnosed with the PV to benefit from this strategies. In addition, this assessment helps in understanding the mutational profile of the population in order to improve the planning of services in oncogenetics.

Bladder metastasis from epidermal growth factor receptor mutant lung cancer: A case report

Bladder metastasis from lung cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of bladder metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutation. A 53-year-old female patient was diagnosed with advanced lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR exon 19 deletion. Multiple nodules on the bladder wall were found by regular examination of the pelvic cavity through computed tomography during targeted therapy. Further cystoscopy and histological examination of bladder biopsy tissues confirmed the bladder metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, genetic analysis of the bladder metastasis revealed EGFR T790M mutation. The patient achieved a good response to a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. During routine follow-up of lung cancer patients, imaging examination of the pelvic cavity should be performed to avoid missing bladder metastasis. The ultimate diagnosis of bladder metastasis sill depends on the pathological result of biopsy tissues.

Androgen Deprivation and Radiotherapy with or Without Docetaxel for Localized High-risk Prostate Cancer: Long-term Follow-up from the Randomized NRG Oncology RTOG 0521 Trial

BackgroundIntensification of therapy may improve outcomes for patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer. ObjectiveTo provide long-term follow-up data from phase III RTOG 0521, which compared a combination of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) + external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) + docetaxel with ADT + EBRT. Design, setting, and participantsHigh-risk localized prostate cancer patients (>50% of patients had Gleason 9–10 disease) were prospectively randomized to 2 yr of ADT + EBRT or ADT + EBRT + six cycles of docetaxel. A total of 612 patients were accrued, and 563 were eligible and included in the modified intent-to-treat analysis. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisThe primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Analyses with Cox proportional hazards were performed as prespecified in the protocol; however, there was evidence of nonproportional hazards. Thus, a post hoc analysis was performed using the restricted mean survival time (RMST). The secondary endpoints included biochemical failure, distant metastasis (DM) as detected by conventional imaging, and disease-free survival (DFS). Results and limitationsAfter 10.4 yr of median follow-up among survivors, the hazard ratio (HR) for OS was 0.89 (90% confidence interval [CI] 0.70–1.14; one-sided log-rank p = 0.22). Survival at 10 yr was 64% for ADT + EBRT and 69% for ADT + EBRT + docetaxel. The RMST at 12 yr was 0.45 yr and not statistically significant (one-sided p = 0.053). No differences were detected in the incidence of DFS (HR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.73–1.14), DM (HR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.73–1.14), or prostate-specific antigen recurrence risk (HR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.74–1.29). Two patients had grade 5 toxicity in the chemotherapy arm and zero patients in the control arm. ConclusionsAfter a median follow-up of 10.4 yr among surviving patients, no significant differences are observed in clinical outcomes between the experimental and control arms. These data suggest that docetaxel should not be used for high-risk localized prostate cancer. Additional research may be warranted using novel predictive biomarkers. Patient summaryNo significant differences in survival were noted after long-term follow-up for high-risk localized prostate cancer patients in a large prospective trial where patients were treated with androgen deprivation therapy + radiation to the prostate ± docetaxel.

Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer: A Step Toward Precision Medicine for Real-Time Monitoring of Metastasis

Tumor metastasis involves the dissemination of malignant cells into the basement membrane and vascular system contributes to the circulating pool of these markers. In this context our aim has been focused on development of a non-invasive score based on degradation of glycosaminoglycans in the extracellular matrix for assessment of metastasis in patients with breast cancer. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent a unique liquid biopsy carrying comprehensive biological information of the primary tumor. Herein, we sought to develop a novel score based on the combination of the most significant CTCs biomarkers with and routine laboratory tests for accurate detection of Metastases in patients with breast cancer. Cytokeratin 18 (CK18), Cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and CA15.3 were assayed in metastatic breast cancer patients (88), non-metastatic breast cancer patients (129) and healthy control (32). Areas under receiving operating curve (AUCs) were calculated and used for construction on novel score. A novel score named CTC-MBS = CA15.3 (U/L) × 0.08 + CK 18 % × 2.9 + CK19 × 3.1. CTC-MBS score produces AUC of 1 for differentiate patients with metastatic breast cancer from those with non-metastatic breast cancer with sensitivity and specificity of a cut-off 0 (i.e., less than 0 the case is considered metastatic, whereas above 0 it is considered non-metastatic. CTC-MBS score is a novel, non-invasive and simple can applied to discriminate patients with metastatic breast cancer and could replace CA15.3 during screening and follow-up of breast cancer patients.

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Circulating Tumour Cells: Challenges for the Clinical Setting.

Over the last decade, liquid biopsy has gained much attention as a powerful tool in personalized medicine since it enables monitoring cancer evolution and follow-up of cancer patients in real time. Through minimally invasive procedures, liquid biopsy provides important information through the analysis of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and circulating tumour-derived material, such as circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), circulating miRNAs (cfmiRNAs) and extracellular vehicles (EVs). CTC analysis has already had an important impact on the prognosis, detection of minimal residual disease (MRD), treatment selection and monitoring of cancer patients. Numerous clinical trials nowadays include a liquid biopsy arm. CTC analysis is now an exponentially expanding field in almost all types of solid cancers. Functional studies, mainly based on CTC-derived cell-lines and CTC-derived explants (CDx), provide important insights into the metastatic process. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest findings on the clinical significance of CTCs for the management of cancer patients, covering the last four years. This review focuses on providing a comprehensive overview of CTC analysis in breast, prostate and non-small-cell lung cancer. The unique potential of CTC single-cell analysis for understanding metastasis biology, and the importance of quality control and standardization of methodologies used in this field, is also discussed.

Echocardiographic Study of Left Ventricular Pressure-Strain Loop in Evaluating Changes in Left Ventricular Myocardial Work in Breast Cancer Patients After Chemotherapy.

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the left ventricular (LV) myocardial work (MW) in breast cancer patients following chemotherapy by left ventricular pressure-strain loop (LVPSL).A total of 50 patients with newly breast cancer undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy containing anthracycline were selected. Echocardiography was performed before the treatment (T0), the second (T2) and fourth (T4) cycles of chemotherapy, and 3 (P3 m) and 6 (P6 m) months after the end of chemotherapy. The standard dynamic images of the required sections were collected. After off-line analysis, the routine, global myocardial strain, and global MW parameters were obtained, and the average regional MW index (RMWI) and regional MW efficiency (RMWE) at three levels of LV were calculated.Compared with those at T0 and T2, the global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global work efficiency (GWE), and global longitudinal strain (GLS) gradually decreased and global wasted work (GWW) gradually increased at T4, P0, and P6 m. The mean RMWI and RMWE of the three levels of LV exhibited a gradually decreasing trend at T4, P0, and P6 m compared with those at T0 and T2. The GWI, GCW, GWE, mean RMWI, and RMWE (basal, medial, and apical) were negatively correlated with the GLS (r = -0.76, -0.66, -0.67, -0.76, -0.77, -0.66, -0.67, -0.59, and -0.61, respectively), whereas the GWW was positively correlated with the GLS (r = 0.55).The mean RMWI and RMWE are effective parameters to reflect the cardiotoxicity of LV, and LVPSL has certain value in the evaluation of the left ventricular myocardial work (LVMW) during anthracycline treatment and follow-up in breast cancer patients.

Patient Safety Management Practices by Community Pharmacy Pharmacists～Telephone Follow-up by Community Pharmacy Pharmacists in Cancer Drug Therapy～

As a patient safety management practice in outpatient cancer drug therapy at community pharmacies, continuous follow-up after the dispensing of medication is required. In 2013, QOL Pharmacy Kohoku and its affiliated stores started the "Telephone Follow-up for Cancer Patients" program, which utilizes telephones and information communication devices to communicate with patients and provide information to hospitals. Specifically, follow-up, including phone calls, is used to ascertain medication status and side effects before the next visit to the hospital, and feedback is provided to the prescribing source using trace reports. In some cases, this initiative has led to an early detection of side effects, reduction in the usage of anticancer drugs, and enhancement of supportive care, leading to patient safety and security. In addition, on August 1, 2021, a new pharmacy accreditation system was launched with two new functional categories, namely "Community Cooperative Pharmacies" and "Specialty Medical Institution Cooperative Pharmacies." Specialty medical institution-linked pharmacies are defined as pharmacies that can provide specialized and more advanced pharmacological management and dispensing of medications in cooperation with other pharmacies and medical institutions for patients who require specialized pharmacological management, such as in the case of cancer. Following our certification as a specialized medical institution collaborative pharmacy, we intend to continue the efforts we have invested to date and create a community that can assume a prevailing role in patient safety management.

Abstract P5-08-04: Mammo-50: Mammographic surveillance in early breast cancer patients aged over 50 years – patient reported outcomes 3 years post diagnosis

Abstract Introduction: There is a lack of evidence or consensus on the optimum frequency and duration of mammographic surveillance and follow-up for breast cancer patients aged 50 years and older at diagnosis. Mammo-50 will provide clinicians with valuable, risk-adjusted information to guide their future practice and is due to report December 2023. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed in a sub-study of the main trial. Methods: A multi-centre, randomised controlled, phase III trial of annual mammography versus 2-yearly for conservation surgery and 3-yearly for mastectomy patients with an observational cohort to explore reasons for non-participation. The trial randomised 5235 women between April 2014 and September 2018 and a further 915 registered in the cohort; 90% of women agreed to participate in the QoL sub-study. QoL questionnaires were completed at trial entry (3 years post-surgery) and then annually for up to 10 years. The distress thermometer was used as a patient reported measure of distress and concerns throughout the trial. The trial team contacted the patient’s clinical care team informing them of the reasons causing patients’ high levels of distress. Results: A total of 4521 (74%) women completed the distress thermometer at baseline. Of these, 289 (6.4%) reported high levels of distress (score 8-10), 825 (18.2%) medium levels of distress (score 5-7), 2033 (45.0%) low levels of distress (1-4) and 1374 (30.4%) reported no distress. Levels of distress were similar across clinical characteristics including surgery type, disease type and ER status, but differed for hormone therapy use (p=0.004). Women who had stopped hormone therapy tended to have higher levels of distress than those who had never had hormone therapy or for whom hormone therapy was ongoing. The most common reasons for causing high levels of distress (score, 8-10) in the 289 patients were sleep problems and/or nightmares (135 (47%)), fatigue, exhaustion or extreme tiredness (132 (46%)), worry, fear or anxiety (111 (38%)), hot flushes (94 (33%)), pain (89 (31%)), memory or concentration (84 (29%)) and sadness or depression (84 (29%)) of patients. Conclusions: Within the Mammo-50 trial, 6.4% of women reported high levels of distress upon trial entry. A quarter of women reported high/medium levels of distress with sleep, fatigue, worry, hot flushes, memory and sadness/depression being the main concerns. Levels of distress were highest in those women who had stopped hormone therapy. These results have been fed back to the UK NCRI breast cancer symptom management group whose remit it is to identify and provide guidelines for supporting women with unmet needs. Acknowledgement and disclaimer: This study is funded by the NIHR HTA programme (project ref. 11/25/03). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. Citation Format: Amy F. Campbell, Andrea Marshall, Janet A. Dunn, Peter K. Donnelly, Andy J. Evans, Nada I. Elbeltagi, David A. Cameron, Riccardo A. Audisio, Lesley Turner, Eila Watson, Sophie J. Gasson, Annie M. Young, Alastair M. Thompson, Mammo-50 Trial Management Group. Mammo-50: Mammographic surveillance in early breast cancer patients aged over 50 years – patient reported outcomes 3 years post diagnosis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-08-04.

Electrochemotherapy with intravenous bleomycin for heavily pre-treated vulvar cancer patients

ObjectiveThe management of vulvar cancer recurrences is complicated by patients’ advanced age and comorbidities. Bleomycin-based electrochemotherapy is a potential treatment option in this setting. However, no data on long-term outcomes...