Stage II-IV Colorectal Cancer Research Articles

Redefining the prognostic significance of RAS and BRAF V600E mutations on disease free survival in patients with colorectal cancer in the era of ct-DNA defined minimal residual disease: Results from the MD Anderson INTERCEPT Program.

196 Background: In patients (pts) with resected colorectal cancer (CRC), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is an emerging tool for the detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) following the completion of curative intent therapy. The presence of MRD is highly prognostic, with MRD+ pts having worse disease-free survival (DFS). Prior to the advent of ctDNA, the modest negative prognostic implications of BRAF and RAS mutations (mt) on DFS were established in some studies. However, it is unclear if these previously noted prognostic effects of RAS/BRAF mts will be maintained with the information provided with ctDNA testing for MRD. Methods: As part of the INTERCEPT program, pts with Stage II-IV CRC treated with curative intent at MD Anderson Cancer Center were evaluated with a tissue-informed ctDNA assay (Signatera). This ctDNA testing was performed along with routine surveillance visits (post-operatively and Q3 months). A cohort of patients from the INTERCEPT program also had correlative analysis performed including whole exome sequencing called by GATK-Mutect2 to assess for BRAFV600E and RAS mt. Results: Within the INTERCEPT program, 265 pts had whole exome sequencing and were included for this analysis, with RAS mutations in 44% (n=116) and BRAF V600E in 3.8% (n=10). After a median follow up of 16-m, the median was DFS 7.93-m (95% CI 5.52 – 10.33-m) in ctDNA+ vs not reached in ctDNA-ve. There was no significant difference between ctDNA+ rates in RAS mt vs RAS wt pts (χ2 p=0.41); 217 pts were ctDNA-ve with a DFS HR=1.81 for RAS mut vs wt (95% CI 0.57-5.73, p=0.30). The 12-m DFS in this cohort was 95.2% in RAS mt vs 97.9% in RAS wt (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.4-4.4, p=NS). 48 pts were ctDNA+, with no difference in DFS by RAS mt status with HR=1.42 (95% CI 0.76 – 2.64, p = NS), which was unchanged after excluding those with radiographically evident disease at or shortly after the finding of ctDNA+. In a multivariate model, after controlling for ctDNA status, there was no prognostic impact of RAS on DFS in the larger population with HR 1.51 (95% CI 0.88 – 2.60; p = NS). While the number of pts with BRAF V600E mt was low, there was no evidence of a prognostic effect after controlling for ctDNA status. Conclusions: In CRC pts treated with curative intent, positive ctDNA at any point post-operatively or during surveillance is highly predictive of disease recurrence. In these pts, RAS mt status was not associated with DFS. Moreover, RAS mt pts are not more likely to be ctDNA+ve. Thus, our data suggest that the presence of ctDNA defined MRD has greater prognostic value than the presence or absence of RAS or BRAF V600E mt.

Tumor-Informed Circulating Tumor DNA for Minimal Residual Disease Detection in the Management of Colorectal Cancer.

Recurrence after curative-intent treatment occurs in 20%-50% of patients with stage II-IV colorectal cancer (CRC), underscoring the need for early detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Here, we examined the pattern of use of a tumor-informed ctDNA assay in CRC MRD monitoring in routine clinical practice at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. We conducted a retrospective analysis of health records of patients with CRC who had at least one tumor-informed ctDNA assay from May 2019 through July 1, 2022. Recurrence was defined as radiographic evidence of disease. Descriptive characteristics of the cohort, ctDNA results, and subsequent interventions were recorded. Of the 120 patients included, the median age at diagnosis was 67 years, 46% were female, and 94% were White. At diagnosis, 10 patients had stage I, 23 stage II, 60 stage III, and 25 stage IV disease. Of 476 ctDNA assays performed, 70% were performed in patients who had recurrent disease most commonly to monitor the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and 16% resulted in a change in clinical decision making. There were 110 recurrences identified in 62 patients, as some patients experienced more than one recurrence over time. Compared with serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels, ctDNA results correlated better with radiologic imaging. Routine ctDNA monitoring for MRD detection has been adopted in clinical practice; however, 84% of ctDNA assays performed did not result in a change in clinical management. This suggests the need for further clinical research data to guide routine clinical use of ctDNA MRD testing in CRC.

Recurrence-free survival dynamics following adjuvant chemotherapy for resected colorectal cancer: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Several cytotoxic chemotherapies have demonstrated efficacy in improving recurrence-free survival (RFS) following resection of Stage II-IV colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the temporal dynamics of response to such adjuvant therapy have not been systematically quantified. The Cochrane Central Register of Trials, Medline (PubMed) and Web of Science were queried from database inception to February 23, 2023 for Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where there was a significant difference in RFS between adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery only arms. Summary data were extracted from published Kaplan-Meier curves using DigitizeIT. Absolute differences in RFS event rates were compared at matched intervals using multiple paired t-tests. The initial search yielded 1469 manuscripts. After screening, 18 RCTs were eligible (14 Stage II/III; 4 Stage IV), inclusive of 16,682 patients. In the absence of adjuvant chemotherapy, the greatest rate of recurrence was observed in the first year (mean RFS event rate; 0-0.5 years: 0.22 ± 0.21; 0.5-1 years: 0.20 ± 0.09). Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with significant decreases in the RFS event rates for the intervals 0-0.5 years (0.09 ± 0.09 vs. 0.22 ± 0.21, p < 0.001) and 0.5-1 years (0.14 ± 0.11 vs. 0.20 ± 0.09, p = 0.001) after randomization, but not at later intervals (1-5 years). In Stage IV trials, RFS event rates significantly differed for the interval 0-0.5 years (p = 0.012), corresponding with adjuvant treatment durations of 6 months. In Stage II/III trials, which included therapies of 6-24 months duration, there were marked differences in the RFS event rates between surgery and chemotherapy arms for the intervals 0-0.5 years (p < 0.001) and 0.5-1 years (p < 0.001) with smaller differences in the RFS event rates for the intervals 1-2 years (p = 0.012) and 2-3 years (p = 0.010). In a systematic review of positive RCTs comparing adjuvant chemotherapy to surgery alone for Stage II-IV CRC, observed RFS improvements were driven by early divergences that occurred primarily during active cytotoxic chemotherapy. Late recurrence dynamics were not influenced by adjuvant therapy use. Such observations may have implications for the use of chemotherapy for micrometastatic clones detectable by cell-free DNA-based methodologies.

Postoperative circulating tumor DNA-based molecular residual disease in patients with BRAF V600E and MSI-H colorectal cancer: Updated results from GALAXY study in the CIRCULATE-Japan.

32 Background: Postoperative circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based molecular residual disease (MRD) is reported to be associated with a high risk of recurrence. Here, we present an updated analysis of MRD detection and correlations with BRAF and MSI status in radically resected, stage II-IV colorectal cancer (CRC) from the observational GALAXY study (UMIN000039205). Methods: Serial ctDNA was analyzed using personalized tumor-informed assay (Signatera bespoke multiplex-PCR NGS assay) at 1 (4-week MRD time point), 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery or until recurrence (whichever comes first). CT scans were conducted every 6 months. BRAF and MSI status were determined by central assessment until September 2021 and per the standard of care after October 2021. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS), defined as the time between the date of surgery and date of diagnosis with relapse or death due to any cause. Results: Among 3,615 CRC patients (pts) who were enrolled between May 2020 and April 2022 in GALAXY study, 2,083 pts that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The median follow-up period was 16.3 months. Of 2,083 pts included in the analysis, 60 pts (2.9%) had BRAF V600E mutant and MSS tumors, 100 pts (4.8%) had BRAF wt and MSI-H tumors, and 115 patients (5.5%) had BRAF V600E mutant and MSI-H tumors. In the overall population, 286 (14%) were ctDNA-positive at the 4-week MRD time point and 1,797 (86%) were ctDNA-negative. Pts with ctDNA-positivity at the 4-week demonstrated inferior DFS and were 12 times more likely to recur, compared to ctDNA-negative pts (HR: 12, 95%CI: 9.1-15%; p&lt;0.001). Pts with BRAF wt and MSI-H tumors had significantly better DFS compared to pts with BRAF wt and MSS tumors (HR: 4.14, 95 %CI: 1.3-12.9, p=0.015). Pts with BRAF V600E mutant and MSI-H tumors had significantly better DFS compared to pts with BRAF wt and MSS tumors (HR: 4.80, 95 %CI: 1.5-15, p=0.007). On the other hand, ctDNA-positivity was associated with significantly shorter DFS in pts with BRAF V600E mutant and MSS tumors (HR: 2.33, 95%CI: 1.03-5.3, p=0.043) and BRAF V600E mutant and MSI-H tumors (HR:7.54, 95%CI:2.37-24, p&lt;0.001) compared to pts with BRAF wt and MSS tumors. Multivariate analysis in DFS showed that ctDNA positivity was significantly associated with poor prognosis (HR: 11.68, 95%CI: 8.61-15.85, p&lt;0.001), outperforming other clinicopathologic factors such as BRAF and MSI status. Conclusions: ctDNA status at the postoperative MRD time point is the most prognostic risk factor of DFS regardless of BRAF V600E or MSI-H status. Pts with positive postoperative ctDNA should be examined carefully due to a high risk of recurrence. ctDNA-guided adjuvant strategies will further be established by the ongoing randomized VEGA and ALTAIR studies in CIRCULATE-Japan. Clinical trial information: UMIN000039205 .

Validation of Genetic Markers Associated with Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated with Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy.

Associations between candidate genetic variants and treatment outcomes of oxaliplatin, a drug commonly used for colorectal cancer patients, have been reported but not robustly established. This study aimed to validate previously reported prognostic and predictive genetic markers for oxaliplatin treatment outcomes and evaluate additional putative functional variants. Fifty-three SNPs were selected based on previous reports (40 SNPs) or putative function in candidate genes (13 SNPs). We used data from 1,502 patients with stage II-IV colorectal cancer who received primary adjuvant chemotherapy, 37% of whom received oxaliplatin treatment. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models for overall survival and progression-free survival were applied separately in stage II-III and stage IV patients. For predictive SNPs, differential outcomes according to the type of chemotherapy (oxaliplatin-based vs. others) were evaluated using an interaction term. For prognostic SNPs, the association was assessed solely in patients with oxaliplatin-based treatment. Twelve SNPs were predictive and/or prognostic at P < 0.05 with differential survival based on the type of treatment, in patients with stage II-III (GSTM5-rs11807, ERCC2-rs13181, ERCC2-rs1799793, ERCC5-rs2016073, XPC-rs2228000, P2RX7-rs208294, HMGB1-rs1360485) and in patients with stage IV (GSTM5-rs11807, MNAT1-rs3783819, MNAT1-rs4151330, CXCR1-rs2234671, VEGFA-rs833061, P2RX7-rs2234671). In addition, five novel putative functional SNPs were identified to be predictive (ATP8B3-rs7250872, P2RX7-rs2230911, RPA1-rs5030755, MGMT-rs12917, P2RX7-rs2227963). Some SNPs yielded prognostic and/or predictive associations significant at P < 0.05, however, none of the associations remained significant after correction for multiple testing. We did not robustly confirm previously reported SNPs despite some suggestive findings but identified further potential predictive SNPs, which warrant further investigation in well-powered studies.

Prognostic Factors of Colorectal Cancer: A Comparative Study on Patients With or Without Liver Metastasis

BackgroundRadical or palliative surgery with subsequent adjuvant therapy is the routine treatment for stage II/III colorectal cancer(CRC) and some stage IV CRC patients. This study aimed to clarify the prognostic clinicopathological and genetic factors for these patients.MethodsFifty-five stage II-IV CRC patients undergoing surgery and adjuvant therapy were recruited, including patients without liver metastasis(5 at stage II, 21 at stage III) and with liver metastasis(29 at stage IV). Genetic alterations of the primary cancer tissues were investigated by whole exome sequencing(WES). Patients were followed up to 1652 days(median at 788 days).ResultsThe mutational landscape of primary CRC tissue of patients with or without liver metastasis was largely similar, although the mutational frequency of TRIM77 and TCF7L2 was significantly higher in patients with liver metastasis. Several main driver gene co-mutations, such as TP53-APC, APC-KRAS, APC-FRG1, and exclusive mutations, such as TP53-CREBBP, were found in patients with liver metastasis, but not in patients without liver metastasis. No significant difference was found between the two groups in aberrant pathways. If stage II-IV patients were studied altogether, relapse status, SUPT20HL1 mutations, Amp27_21q22.3 and Del8_10q23.2 were independent risk factors(P<0.05). If patients were divided into two groups by metastatic status, surgery types and Amp6_20q13.33 were independent risk factors for patients without liver metastasis(P<0.05), while TRIM77 mutations were the only independent risk factor for patients with liver metastasis(P<0.05).ConclusionsSurgery types and Amp6_20q13.33 were independent risk factors for CRC patients without liver metastasis, and TRIM77 mutations were the independent risk factor for CRC patients with liver metastasis.

Expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers E-cadherin and ZEB1 in colorectal cancer

Purpose of the study. Evaluation of expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers E-cadherin and ZEB1 in patients with stage II-IV colorectal cancer (CRC).Materials and methods. The study included operational material obtained from 299 patients aged 42–86 years (mean age 64.2±1.7 years) with stage II-IV CRC treated at National Medical Research Centre for Oncology in 2013-2017. Stage II CRC (T3-4 N0 M0 ) was diagnosed in 110 patients, stage III (T1-4 N1-2 M0 ) – in 88 patients, stage IV (T1-4 N0-2 M1 ) – in 101 patients. Polyclonal rabbit antibodies to ZEB1 (Biorbyt Ltd., UK) and mouse monoclonal antibodies to E-cadherin (Diagnostic BioSystems, USA) were used for an IHC analysis. The intensity and degree of tumor cell staining, percentage of stained tumor cells in the sample and the number of patients with positive and negative marker expression were determined. Groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test and the Pearson's chi-square test.Results. Positive expression of E-cadherin was found in 64.5 % (193 of 299 patients), ZEB1 – in 80.6 % (241 of 299 patients). The number of patients with E-cadherin-positive tumors statistically significantly decreased (χ2 =15.888 at p&lt;0.001) from stage II to stage IV, while for ZEB1, on the contrary, it statistically significantly increased (χ2 =43.912 at p&gt;&lt;0.001) from stage II to stage IV. The mean values of expression in positively stained cells were: in stage II – E-cadherin 55.3±6.8 %, ZEB1 43.0±5.9 %; in stage III – E-cadherin 38.4±5.8 %, ZEB1 77.0±5.5 %; in stage IV – E-cadherin 14.7±4.7 %, ZEB1 76.9±3.5 %. Significant differences were observed between the mean values of ZEB1 expression in stages III and IV compared to stage II, as well as between the mean values of E-cadherin expression in stages II and III compared to stage IV (p&gt;&lt;0.05). No significant differences were found in the mean values of ZEB1 and E-cadherin expression in stages III and IV, II and III respectively.Conclusions. The study demonstrated statistically significant relationship between tumor stages and expression of E-cadherin and ZEB1 in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The loss of the E-cadherin expression in tumor cells of patients from stage II to stage IV and increased expression of ZEB1 in the studied groups were statistically significant (p&lt;0.05).

Peripheral blood levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with colorectal cancer.

e15510 Background: Tumor is a structure where malignant cells interact, among others, with cells of the adaptive and innate immune systems largely determining the tumor microenvironment. The role of TILs in the disease prognosis has been shown. The amount of CTCs is one of the factors that significantly affect the risk and rate of metastasis. The purpose of the study was to assess an association between TILs and CTCs in the peripheral blood of patients with various stages of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: The study included 299 patients (aged 42-86 years, mean age 64.2±1.7) with stage II-IV CRC T1-4N0-2M0-1. TILs were identified in tumor material after standard histological processing. Lymphocytes were counted per 100 epithelial cells in 5 fields of view at a magnification of x400; the result was expressed as a percentage ( &lt; 5% weak, 5-30% moderate, &gt;30% strong). The numbers of CTCs were measured in the peripheral blood using the Veridex CellSearch system (Janssen), taking into account the expression of epithelial cell adhesion markers EpCAM, cytokeratins 8,18,19 and absence of the CD45 expression. The blood sample was evaluated according to the following criteria: 0 CTCs, 1-3 CTCs, and more than 3 CTCs. Statistical analysis of results was performed in the Statistica 13.0 program (StatSoftInc., USA). Results: Weak lymphocytic infiltration was detected in 32.8%, moderate - in 48.1%, strong - in 19.1% of cases. CTCs were detected in 62.9% cases (in 188 of 299 patients). The percentages of patients with 1-3 CTCs and with &gt;3 CTCs were equal - 50% (94 of 188). CTCs were not registered in 37.1% cases (111 of 299). The absence of CTCs was noted equally often in moderate and strong lymphocytic infiltration – 43.7% and 43.8%. The presence of tumor cells in the peripheral blood was most often detected in weak lymphocytic infiltration, being 1.4 times more frequent than in moderate and strong infiltration (76.5% vs. 56.3% and 56.2%) (p = 0.019, c2= 11.890). Conclusions: The study demonstrated a significant relationship between the level of CTCs and the intensity of lymphocytic infiltration in the tumor (p≤0.05), which can be used as a new prognostic approach.

Association between cancer stem cell marker ALDH1 and clinical and morphological factors of colorectal cancer prognosis.

3522 Background: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) capable of self-sustaining and multipotent differentiation are considered among the most important factors limiting treatment effectiveness. ALDH1 is a marker of colorectal cancer (CRC) CSCs; it is involved in cell differentiation and proliferation, determines resistance to alkylating chemotherapeutic agents, and also induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which increases the invasive and metastatic potential of tumors. The purpose of the study was to assess the association between the expression of the ALDH1 CSC marker in tissues of CRC of different stages and clinical and morphological factors of the disease prognosis. Methods: The study included 299 patients (aged 42-86 years, mean age 64.2±1.7) with stage II-IV CRC T1-4N0-2M0-1; histologically verified G1-G3 adenocarcinoma in all patients. Tissues of surgically removed tumors were studied with IHC analysis using mouse monoclonal anti-ALDH1 antibodies (clone B-5, Santa Cruz Biotechnology) diluted 1:1800 and the Reveal Polyvalent HRP-DAB Detection System. The percentage of cells positively stained for ALDH1 among all tumor cells was assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using the STATISTICA 13.0 program (StatSoftInc., USA). Results: Positive ALDH1+ expression was registered in 52.5% of all patients, negative expression – in 47.5%. Statistically significant association was observed between the ALDH1 expression and the CRC stage, since the ALDH1+ expression increased from stage II to stage IV (p = 0.003). The ALDH1 expression was statistically significantly associated with the depth of tumor invasion (p = 0.018) and the presence of distant metastases (p &lt; 0.001). No significant relationship was observed between the ALDH1 expression and regional lymph node metastasis (p = 0.788). Statistically significant association was registered between the ALDH1 expression and the tumor grade (p &lt; 0.001), perineural invasion (p = 0.010) and lymphocytic infiltration (p &lt; 0.001). No significant relationship was observed between the tumor histological structure (p = 0.979), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.772) and ALDH1 expression. Tumor site was not statistically significantly associated with ALDH1 expression (p = 0.349). Conclusions: The study demonstrated statistically significant association between the ALDH1 expression and clinical and morphological characteristics of CRC, determining invasive and metastatic potential of the tumor, and ALDH1 may be an independent prognostic factor and a new therapeutic target for the regulation of the progression process.

ZEB1 expression in different stages of colorectal cancer.

e15526 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common cancers. The leading cause of high mortality is tumor progression developed due to the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). The ZEB1 protein is one of the critical regulators of this process. In this regard, our study aimed to assess the ZEB1 expression in different stages of colorectal cancer. Methods: This study included samples of 206 patients with stage II-IV CRC aged 42 to 86 years (mean age 64.2±1.7). All patients were divided into three groups: group 1 - patients with T3-4 N0 M0 (stage II) with high-risk factors for recurrence, n = 6; group 2 - patients with T1-4 N1-2 M0 (stage III), n = 88; group 3 - patients with T1-4 N0-2 M1 (stage IV), n = 58. IHC study was performed using polyclonal rabbit antibodies to ZEB1 (Biorbyt Ltd.) diluted 1:200 and a Reveal Polyvalent HRP-DAB Detection System. The staining percentage and intensity were assessed: 0, 1+ weak, 2+ moderate, 3+ strong. The nuclear reaction of the ZEB1 protein was considered positive when staining was detected in more than 10% (cut-off) of tumor cells with intensities of 2+ and 3+. Statistical analysis of the results was carried out using the STATISTICA 13.0 software (StatSoft Inc., USA). Results: A positive nuclear reaction for ZEB1 was detected in 80.6% (166 of 206 patients), while negative in 19.4% (40 of 206 patients). The maximal percentage of patients with positive staining for ZEB1 was among those with stage IV (94.8%), the minimal percentage - stage II (60%). The prevalence of ZEB1+ in patients with stages III and IV significantly increased the risk of tumor progression by 3.5 (95% CI 1.8-8.4) and 12.2 (95% CI 3.4-43.6) times, respectively, compared with stage II patients. No statistical significance was observed in the comparison between patients with stages III and IV (95% CI 0.9-11.7). The percentage of ZEB1+ samples increased in more advanced tumors. The ratio of ZEB1+/ZEB1- tumors in stage II was 1.5, in stage III - 5.8, in stage IV - 18.3 (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The immunohistochemical study revealed the features of ZEB1 expression in different stages of colorectal cancer, which can serve as prognostic factors that determine the disease progression.

Comparison of prognostic impact between positive intraoperative peritoneal and lavage cytologies in colorectal cancer.

The prognostic value of positive intraoperative peritoneal cytology and lavage cytology, including the differences in their prognostic impact, in colorectal cancer is controversial. We aimed to investigate the prognostic values of positive peritoneal cytology and lavage cytology findings for colorectal cancer and compare their prognostic impact. We retrospectively evaluated 592 clinical stage II-IV colorectal cancer patients who underwent peritoneal cytology (n = 225) or lavage cytology (n = 367) between November 1993 and December 2018. The prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival were identified, and the differences in cancer-specific survival were examined between the patients. The cytology-positive rate was 10.8% (64/592), 17.8% (40/225), and 6.5% (24/367) in the overall, peritoneal cytology, and lavage cytology groups, respectively. Both positive peritoneal cytology (hazard ratio: 2.196) and lavage cytology (hazard ratio: 2.319) were independent prognostic factors. The peritoneal cytology-positive group showed significantly poorer cancer-specific survival than the cytology-negative group (5-year: 3.5% vs. 59.5%; 10-year: 3.5% vs. 46.1%, p < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for lavage cytology (5-year: 14.1% vs. 73.9%; 10-year: 4.7% vs. 63.5%, p < 0.001). The cancer-specific survival was not significantly different between the peritoneal cytology-positive and lavage cytology-positive groups (p = 0.058). Both positive peritoneal and lavage cytology were associated with poorer cancer-specific survival across all colorectal cancer stages. Positive peritoneal and lavage cytology are associated with worse cancer-specific survival in colorectal cancer. The prognostic impact was comparable between positive lavage and peritoneal cytology. Thus, cytology should be a standard assessment modality for colorectal cancer.

Drug-Drug Interactions and Pharmacogenomic Evaluation in Colorectal Cancer Patients: The New Drug-PIN® System Comprehensive Approach.

Drug–drug interactions (DDIs) can affect both treatment efficacy and toxicity. We used Drug-PIN® (Personalized Interactions Network) software in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients to evaluate drug–drug–gene interactions (DDGIs), defined as the combination of DDIs and individual genetic polymorphisms. Inclusion criteria were: (i) stage II-IV CRC; (ii) ECOG PS (Performance status sec. Eastern coperative oncology group) ≤2; (iii) ≥5 concomitant drugs; and (iv) adequate renal, hepatic, and bone marrow function. The Drug-PIN® system analyzes interactions between active and/or pro-drug forms by integrating biochemical, demographic, and genomic data from 110 SNPs. We selected DDI, DrugPin1, and DrugPin2 scores, resulting from concomitant medication interactions, concomitant medications, and SNP profiles, and DrugPin1 added to chemotherapy drugs, respectively. Thirty-four patients, taking a median of seven concomitant medications, were included. The median DrugPin1 and DrugPin2 scores were 42.6 and 77.7, respectively. In 13 patients, the DrugPin2 score was two-fold higher than the DrugPin1 score, with 7 (54%) of these patients experiencing severe toxicity that required hospitalization. On chi-squared testing for any toxicity, a doubled DrugPin2 score (p = 0.001) was significantly related to G3–G4 toxicity. Drug-PIN® software may prevent severe adverse events, decrease hospitalizations, and improve survival in cancer patients.

Comparing dietary intake at cancer diagnosis to recommendations and actual need

Rationale: Provision of optimal nutrition is a cornerstone for survivorship, yet malnutrition is frequently observed in cancer (1). This research explored adequacy of protein and energy intakes compared to ESPEN recommendations and actual need in people with newly diagnosed stage II-IV colorectal cancer (2, 3).

CELL MEDIATED IMMUNITY IN PATIENTS WITH STAGE II–IV COLORECTAL CANCER WITH OR WITHOUT CIRCULATING TUMOR CELLS

Nowadays, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are considered to be one of the most important mechanisms of tumor dissemination. Detection of CTCs in patients` blood is estimated as a prognostic factor for various tumors including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, CTCs may also be a source of tumor antigens capable of inducing both immune response and tolerance and participating in «immmunoediting». The aim of the study was to assess the parameters of cell-mediated immunity in patients with stage IIIV CRC with respect to the presence or absence of CTCs. Materials and Methods . We studied the parameters of cell-mediated immunity in 60 patients with stage IIIV CRC with respect to the presence or absence of CTCs. Before treatment, we evaluated the CTC levels in patients’ blood using CellSearch System™ and lymphocyte subsets: Т-В-NК-cells, T-reg, CD4+ and CD8+ expressing markers of activation (CD69+, СD38+, CD25+, HLA-DR+ СD95+); naïve and memory T-lymphocytes (CD45RA-/CD45RO+); NК-cells expressing CD335, perforin and granzyme B using flow cytometry (FACSCantoII, BD). Results . A difference in the immunologic parameters between patients with CTCs and without CTCs depending on the stage of CRC was found. In СTС-positive patients with locally-advanced CRC, increase in the parameters of innate immunity (CD335+ NK-cells, neutrophils` respiratory burst) and activated Th (CD38+, CD25+, HLA-DR+) was found, while in СTС-positive patients with generalized CRC, suppression of cytotoxic lymphocytes of both innate (CD56/16+) and adaptive (CD8+CD25+) immunity was observed, which is, apparently, an unfavorable prognostic factor. Conclusion . The presence of CTC in CRC patients is accompanied by some immunologic changes rather stimulating Thlink and innate immunity factors in II-III stages and doubtlessly suppressive in patients with IV stage.

Presence of circulating tumor cells is more significant than tumor stage in characterizing cellular local immunity in colorectal cancer.

e16073 Background: The purpose of the study was a correlation analysis of parameters of local immunity and markers of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with stage II-IV colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: The study included 60 patients newly diagnosed with stage II-IV CRC. CTCs were detected with the Cell Search System (Janssen Diagnostics, LLC) prior to surgery. CTC≤3 were considered negative, CTC &gt; 3 – positive. After surgery, IHC analysis of tumor infiltration with immune system cells was performed with monoclonal antibodies for human CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20 and CD56; expression of EMT-associated proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin) was measured. All patients were informed of the goal of the study and provided informed consent. Results: CTC-negative patients with later cancer stages showed the loss of connection between the local levels of CD4+ and CD8+, and in stage IV - between CD3+ and CD4+. Starting from stage III, a negative correlation was observed between the expressions of E- and N-cadherin, not associated with the studied indices of local cellular immunity. The presence of CTCs in all 3 investigated stages of CRC, apparently, causes the loss of many connections between the indicators of the 3 units of local cellular immunity. While negative correlations were revealed between T-, B- and NK-cells in CTC-negative status, in CTC+ their number decreased to 1. An important positive correlation was between local levels of CD3+ and CD8+, indicating the predominance of cytotoxic T cells in the tumor and detected at all stages in CTC-negative patients, losing significance in the presence of CTCs regardless of the stage. In stage II, the only correlation (inverse one) was observed between the parameters of local (CD4+) immunity and the expression of cadherins (E-cadherin), which probably reflected the presence of immunosuppressive and growth-stimulating Tregs fraction among these cells. Conclusions: In general, the presence of CTCs was more significant for the number and nature of interconnections of cellular parameters of the local immunity than the tumor stage.

Development and Utility of the Observational Research in Oncology Toolbox: Cancer Medications Enquiry Database-Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS).

Health-care claims are of increasing utility as a rich, real-world data resource for conducting treatment-related cancer research. However, multiple dynamic coding nomenclatures exist, leading to study variability. To promote increased standardization and reproducibility, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) developed the Cancer Medications Enquiry Database (CanMED)-Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) within the Observational Research in Oncology Toolbox. The CanMED-HCPCS includes codes for oncology medications that a) have a US Food and Drug Administration-approved indication for cancer treatment or treatment-related symptom management; b) are present in National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines; or c) carry an orphan drug designation for treatment or management of cancer. Included medications and their HCPCS codes were primarily identified based on Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services annual HCPCS Indices (2012-2018). To demonstrate the utility of the CanMED-HCPCS, use of systemic treatment for stage II-IV colorectal cancer patients included in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data (2007-2013) was assessed. The CanMED-HCPCS (v2018) includes 332 HCPCS codes for cancer-related medications: chemotherapy (156), immunotherapy (74), hormonal therapy (54), and ancillary therapy (48). Observed treatment trends within the NCI Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data were as expected; utilization of each treatment type increased with stage, and immunotherapy was largely confined to use among stage IV patients. The CanMED-HCPCS provides a comprehensive resource that can be used by the research community to facilitate systematic identification of medications within claims or electronic health data using the HCPCS nomenclature and greater reproducibility of cancer surveillance and health services research.

Ultrasound Acupuncture for Oxaliplatin-induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Study.

Oxaliplatin is frequently used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. However, peripheral neuropathy is a severe adverse effect of oxaliplatin that may persist and impact quality of life. To assess the potential effects of ultrasound acupuncture for the alleviation of symptoms related to oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Prospective cohort pilot study. Education and research hospital. Patients with a diagnosis of stage II-IV colorectal cancer undergoing oxaliplatin-based treatment regimens who experienced OIPN symptoms (n = 17). Pulsed therapeutic ultrasound (1 MHz) at bilateral acupuncture points of PC6, PC7, BL60, and KI1 was administered for 5 minutes per point daily for 12 days. Pain Quality Assessment Scale (PQAS), Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (CINQ), quantitative touch-detection threshold, cold-trigger pain withdrawal latency, and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) were measured at baseline (day 0), pre-intervention (day 12, post wash-out period), post-intervention (day 24), and final follow-up (day 54). A P value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant. Scores of PQAS and CINQ significantly improved after ultrasound acupuncture at post-intervention and follow-up compared to both baseline and pre-intervention. Similar trends were also observed for the quantitative sensory testing, where touch-detection threshold significantly decreased and cold-trigger pain withdrawal latency significantly increased after ultrasound acupuncture. Patients also showed an improvement on quality of life outcomes as measured by QLQ-C30 post-intervention and at follow-up. Ultrasound acupuncture could be an effective intervention for OIPN symptoms for patients with colorectal cancer. However, larger and randomized clinical trials with placebo controls are needed to confirm such effects.

Immunoscore and its introduction in clinical practice.

Current cancer classification is based on intrinsic tumor parameters such as characteristic of tumor cells, tumor progression, tumor invasion and the presence of distant metastases, as summarized by the AJCC/UICC-TNM stratification system. There is currently no immune-based classification of cancer. We provided evidence that the immune contexture, as defined by the type, density, functional immune orientation and the location of immune cells within tumor, strongly influences the outcome of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. To translate this information to the clinic, we developed an immunohistochemistry and digital pathology-based assay named Immunoscore that allows the quantification of two T cell subsets (CD3 and CD8) in two tumor regions (core and invasive margin of tumors). We have demonstrated that the standardized consensus Immunoscore has a prognostic value superior and independent to the one of the traditional TNM system in an international study in stage I-III colon cancer patients, therefore validating the Immunoscore as the first immune-based scoring system. In additional analyses, we showed the prognostic value of Immunoscore for stage II-IV CRC patients, as well as the predictive value of Immunoscore in stage III colon cancer patients. The Immunoscore may help predict and stratify patients who will benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Moreover, the Immunoscore allows the classification of tumors from hot to cold categories, and could consequently guide clinical decision for the choice of treatment.

Characteristics of colorectal patients who discontinued oxaliplatin therapy.

e15155 Background: The 3rd generation platinum-based drug, Oxaliplatin, is indicated for treatment of stage II-IV colorectal cancer (CRC). Oxaliplatin combination with Fluorouracil and Leucovorin (FOLFOX) yields a 5-year disease free survival rate of 78%. Oxaliplatin use is limited by dose-limiting side effects such as neurotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, and hepatotoxicity. Between 60 and 95% of Oxaliplatin treated patients experience neurotoxicity. The incidence of neuropathy varies between 4 and 98%, and of hepatotoxicity between 10 and 50%. There are few effective treatments to prevent or modulate neurotoxicity although infusions of calcium and magnesium may be beneficial. We sought to understand the factors that influence the discontinuation of Oxaliplatin. Objectives: 1) Determine the characteristics of CRC patients who discontinued chemotherapy involving Oxaliplatin; and 2) Examine metabolic panel monitoring among CRC patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review of newly-diagnosed adult patients with CRC stages II, III, and IV at Sanford Health. We used SAS v.9.4 to analyze demographic and clinical data. All P were two-sided, and P &lt; .05 were considered significant. IRB approval was obtained from Sanford Health and the University of North Dakota. Results: Data for 197 patients who received chemotherapy involving Oxaliplatin were studied. The mean [SD] age at diagnosis was 58.4 [± 12.9]. The majority 117 (59%) were male and 188 (96%) were White. 48% of patients had stage III and 35% had stage IV disease. 167 (85%) of patients received FOLFOX therapy. 56 (30%) discontinued Oxaliplatin. The median [range] number of cycles of chemotherapy completed before discontinuing Oxaliplatin was 8 [1-16]. Relative to patients who did not discontinue, patients who discontinued were significantly more likely to have of the descending colon (46% vs. 38%; P=0.023). Discontinuers were significantly more likely to experience moderate to severe symptoms (42% vs. 25%; P=0.032). Only 25 (13%) of patients had serum magnesium measured prior to starting chemotherapy. However, the median [range] serum potassium was significantly lower among discontinuers prior to starting chemotherapy (3.9 [3.2-5.3] vs. 4.1 [2.8-8.1]; P=0.023). Among patients (92%) who developed some form of peripheral neuropathy, the mean [SD] serum calcium was significantly lower among discontinuers (9.22 ± 0.52 vs. 9.40 ± 0.49; P=0.044). Conclusions: This study showed that serum potassium and calcium were significantly lower among patients who discontinued Oxaliplatin. Magnesium was measured rarely.

Rational targeting of population groups and residential areas for colorectal cancer screening

BackgroundSociodemographic and spatial disparities in incidence and mortality burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) are important to consider in the implementation of population screening, in order to achieve expected benefit and not increase health inequities. Analytic methods should be adapted to provide rational support for targeted interventions. MethodsCRC incidence rates by tumor stage (I-IV) and location (colon vs. rectum) were analyzed for the time period 2008–2016 within a screening-relevant age interval of 55–74 years for the population of South and West Sweden, where screening is planned for. The study population was stratified by sex, country of birth, educational level (for Swedish-born citizens) and residential area. We also estimated disparities in excess mortality from CRC across groups of patients accordant to relevant population groups. ResultsThe analyses were based on 8961 patients with a first CRC diagnosis. There were marked socioeconomic gradients in the stage II-IV CRC incidence rates among Swedish-born men and women. Compared to men with high educational level, the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of stage II, III, and IV CRC in men with low educational level were 1.38 (95% confidence interval 1.18, 1.62), 1.09 (0.95, 1.26), and 1.18 (1.02, 1.37), respectively. In women, the corresponding figures were 1.26 (1.06, 1.51), 1.19 (1.01, 1.39), and 1.45 (1.20, 1.80). The groups of patients with low educational level showed relatively high excess mortality burdens from CRC. ConclusionsOur analytic approach provided rational support for targeted intervention when implementing CRC screening, aiming at optimizing participation in groups with low educational level.