An observational study of dose dense chemotherapy with lipegfilgrastim support in early breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant diseases in women. The development of dose dense chemotherapy regimens has improved clinical outcomes but has been associated with increased hematological toxicity. Currently there is a paucity of data on the use of lipegfilgrastim in dose dense AC treatment in early breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of lipegfilgrastim in the treatment of early breast cancer and to examine the incidence of treatment-related neutropenia during the dose dense AC phase and subsequent paclitaxel treatment. METHODS: This was a single arm, non-interventional, prospective study. The primary endpoint was to determine the rate of neutropenia defined as ANC of < 1.0 × 109/L, during four cycles of dose dense AC with lipegfilgrastim support. The secondary endpoints were the incidence of febrile neutropenia, (temperature > 38 °C and ANC < 1.0 × 109/L), treatment delays, premature treatment cessation and toxicity. RESULTS: Forty-one participants were included in the study. Of the 160 planned dose dense AC treatments, 157 were administered, and 95% (152/160) of these were given on time. The rate of treatment delay was 5% (95% CI 2.2 to 9.9%) due to infection (4) and mucositis (1). Four (10%) patients developed febrile neutropenia. The most frequently occurring adverse event was grade 1 bone pain. CONCLUSION: Lipegfilgrastim is an effective option in the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, and its use in everyday anti-cancer treatment can be considered.

Exhaled Breath Condensate (EBC) analysis of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) using a lung cancer specific UltraSEEK oncogene panel.

INTRODUCTION: Small diagnostic tissue samples can be inadequate in testing an expanding list of validated oncogenic driver alterations and fail to reflect intratumour heterogeneity (ITGH) in lung cancer. Liquid biopsies are non-invasive and may better reflect ITGH. Most liquid biopsies are performed in the context of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in plasma but Exhaled Breath Condensate (EBC) shows promise as a lung-specific liquid biopsy. METHODS: In this prospective, proof-of-concept study we carried out targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) on diagnostic tissue samples from 125 patients with lung cancer and compared results to plasma and EBC for 5 oncogenic driver mutations (EGFR, KRAS, PIK3CA, ERBB2, BRAF) using an ultrasensitive PCR technique (UltraSEEK™ Lung Panel on the MassARRAY® System, Agena Bioscience, San Diego, CA, USA). RESULTS: There was a significantly higher failure rate due to unamplifiable DNA in tissue NGS (57/125, 45.6%) compared to plasma (27/125, 21.6%, p < 0.001 and EBC (26/125,20.8%, p ≤ 0.001. Consequently, both plasma and EBC identified higher number of mutations compared to tissue NGS. Specifically, there were significantly higher numbers of mutations detected in EGFR, KRAS and PIK3CA in plasma (p = 9.82 × 10-3, p = 3.14 × 10-5, p = 1.95 × 10-3) and EBC (p = 2.18 × 10-3, p = 2.28 × 10-4,p = 0.016) compared to tissue NGS. There was considerable divergence in mutation profiles between plasma and EBC with 34/76 (44%) mutations detected in plasma and 37/74 (41.89%) in EBC unique to their respective liquid biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that EBC is effective in identifying clinically relevant alterations in patients with lung cancer using UltraSEEK™ and has a potential role as an adjunct to plasma testing.

The cost of cancer care: how far would you go for a trial?

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials are often considered the gold standard in cancer care. However, patients face barriers in trial participation including distances to cancer centres and personal costs including changing employment status, cost of medications, inpatient admissions, and parking tariffs. AIM: Our aim was to compare the distances patients travelled for clinical trials compared to those receiving standard systemic anticancer therapy (SACT). We also investigated the additional costs associated with this. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of electronic patient medical records. The distance from the patients' home address to Beaumont was calculated as a one-way journey in kilometres. Patients attending for clinical trials were compared to those receiving standard of care SACT. RESULTS: A total of 271 patients receiving standard SACT over a 5-day period and 111 patients enrolled on 24 clinical trials were included. The median one-way distance travelled by patients enrolled in clinical trials was 41.4 km, compared to 14 km in those patients' receiving standard of care SACT. The median estimated cost was €13 vs €4.20 for those enrolled on clinical trials compared to those receiving standard of care treatment, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients enrolled on clinical trials often travel more than twice as far to receive their anti-cancer treatment compared to those receiving standard of care SACT and incur an increased cost of travel expenses.

Delivery of systemic anti-cancer therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Ireland was on February 29th 2020. From March until late April, the number of cases increased exponentially. The delivery of anti-cancer therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic was extremely challenging. In order to balance the benefits of continuing anti-cancer therapy with the associated increased hospital visits, combined with the risk of COVID-19 infection, we undertook a series of system changes in the delivery of cancer care. METHODS: Patients who attended our dayward over a 4-month period were included. Data were obtained from patient and chemotherapy prescribing records. Patients were screened for symptoms of COVID-19 at two separate timepoints: prior to their visit via telephone, and using a symptom questionnaire on arrival at the hospital. If patients displayed COVID-19 symptoms, they were isolated and a viral swab arranged. RESULTS: A total of 456 patients attended from January 1st to April 30th. The numbers of visits from January to April were 601, 586, 575, and 607, respectively. During this period, there were 2369 patient visits to the dayward and 1953 (82%) intravenous regimens administered. Of the 416 visits that did not lead to treatment, 114 (27%) were scheduled non-treatment review visits, 194 (47%) treatments were held due to disease-related illness, and 108 (26%) treatments were held due to treatment-related complications. Screening measurements were implemented on March 18th due to rising COVID-19 prevalence in the general population. Overall, 53 treatments were held due to the screening process: 19 patients (36%) elicited COVID-19 symptoms via telephone screening; 34 patients (64%) were symptomatic in our pre-assessment area and referred for swabs, of which 4 were positive. Those with a negative swab were rescheduled for chemotherapy the following week. CONCLUSIONS: With careful systematic changes, safe and continued delivery of systemic anti-cancer therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic is possible.

One year of procarbazine lomustine and vincristine is poorly tolerated in low grade glioma: a real world experience in a national neuro-oncology centre.

BACKGROUND: Following optimal local therapy, adjuvant Procarbazine, Lomustine and Vincristine (PCV) improves overall survival (OS) in low-grade glioma (LGG). However, 1 year of PCV is associated with significant toxicities. In the pivotal RTOG 9802 randomised control trial, approximately half of the patients discontinued treatment after 6 months. As patients on clinical trials may be fitter, we aimed to further explore the tolerability of PCV chemotherapy in routine clinical practice. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study between 2014 and 2018 at a National Neuro-Oncology centre. Patients who had received PCV during this time period were included. The primary objective was to assess tolerability of treatment. Secondary objectives included evaluation of treatment delays, dose modifications and toxicities. RESULTS: Overall, 41 patients were included, 24 (58%) were male and 21 (51%) aged ≥40 years. 38 (93%) underwent surgical resection and all patients received adjuvant radiotherapy prior to chemotherapy. The median number of cycles completed was 3,2,4 for procarbazine, lomustine and vincristine respectively. Only 4 (10%) completed all 6 cycles of PCV without dose modifications. There was a universal decline in dose intensity as cycles of chemotherapy progressed. Dose intensity for cycle 1 versus cycle 6 respectively: procarbazine (98% versus 46%), lomustine (94% versus 48%) and vincristine (93% versus 50%). Haematological toxicities were common. Six (14%) patients experienced Grade III-IV thrombocytopaenia and 13 (31%) experienced Grade III-IV neutropaenia. CONCLUSION: Toxicities are frequently observed with the PCV regimen in clinical practice. It might be preferable to adjust doses from the start of chemotherapy to improve tolerability or consider alternative chemotherapy, particularly in older patients with LGG.

Chemotherapy in the Covid-19 era: the patient's perception.

BACKGROUND: The Covid-19 pandemic poses significant challenges for the management of patients with cancer. In our institution, we adapted our delivery of outpatient systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) by introducing a number of 'risk-reducing' measures including pre-assessment screening. AIMS: We sought to evaluate the experience and perceptions of patients with cancer undergoing SACT during the Covid-19 pandemic. METHODS: Patients on SACT during the Covid-19 pandemic were eligible for participation. Data were collected by anonymous survey over a 1 week period during the most intensive phase of government restrictions. Patients were asked questions under three headings: perceived risk of infection exposure, changes to treatment plan and psychological impact of Covid-19. RESULTS: One hundred patients were assessed, 60% were male, 41% were > 65 years of age and 67% had advanced cancer. Eleven percent of patients were living alone. Fifty-seven percent reported feeling at increased risk in general of contracting Covid-19. Sixty-eight percent of patients did not feel worried about contracting Covid-19 in the hospital. Ninety-two percent of patients reported wanting to continue on SACT as originally planned. Fifty-eighty percent felt isolated and 40% reported increased anxiety. CONCLUSION: Though patients on active treatment for cancer during the Covid-19 pandemic reported increased anxiety and feelings of isolation due to Covid-19, the majority of patients wanted to continue SACT as originally planned. Patients would benefit from enhanced psycho-oncological supports in the event of a prolonged Covid-19 pandemic.

Lack of familiarity with genetic testing among patients in Ireland with Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cancer gene panel testing is available in Ireland. The need for a clear strategy to deal with patient information generated from tumour genomic testing is recognised as a challenge in the National Cancer Strategy. However, the public's attitude and opinions regarding these results is not known in Ireland. AIMS: This prospective questionnaire study assessed the knowledge and opinions of patients in a national oncology centre, surrounding cancer gene panel testing. METHODS: An anonymised modified validated questionnaire was completed by volunteering patients in the medical oncology department. It comprised 14 questions which assessed patient's familiarity, intention, benefits and concerns associated with tumour genetic testing using a four-point Likert scale. Patients recorded their primary cancer diagnosis and family cancer history. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients completed the questionnaire with 77 (92%) patients declaring their primary cancer diagnosis. The median age was 56 (range 26 to 83) years. Overall, 42% (n = 35) of oncology patients were familiar/somewhat familiar with testing and 90% (n = 76) stated they would avail of genetic testing if available. Patients with breast cancer were no more likely to avail of genetic testing when compared with the non-breast cancer cohort (n = 21 vs. 56, p = 0.58) though they identified concerns with potential discrimination. CONCLUSION: This is the first prospective Irish study to assess opinions surrounding cancer gene results. Addressing patient's lack of information as regards genetic testing is the first step in establishing a national cancer genetics testing programme in Ireland.

Use of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in the diagnosis of SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19).

False negatives from nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) using reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) in SARS-CoV-2 are high. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) contains lower respiratory droplets that may improve detection. We performed EBC RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 genes (E, S, N, ORF1ab) on NPS-positive (n=16) and NPS-negative/clinically positive COVID-19 patients (n=15) using two commercial assays. EBC detected SARS-CoV-2 in 93.5% (29/31) using the four genes. Pre-SARS-CoV-2 era controls (n=14) were negative. EBC was positive in NPS negative/clinically positive patients in 66.6% (10/15) using the identical E and S (E/S) gene assay used for NPS, 73.3% (11/15) using the N/ORF1ab assay and 14/15 (93.3%) combined.

Genomic and Transcriptomic Characterisation of Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

Standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT), followed by surgical resection. However, >70% of patients do not achieve a complete pathological response and have higher rates of relapse and death. There are no validated pre- or on-treatment factors that predict response to NACRT besides tumour stage and size. We characterised the response of 33 LARC patients to NACRT, collected tumour samples from patients prior to, during and after NACRT, and performed whole exome, transcriptome and high-depth targeted sequencing. The pre-treatment LARC genome was not predictive of response to NACRT. However, in line with the increasing recognition of microbial influence in cancer, RNA analysis of pre-treatment tumours suggested a greater abundance of Fusobacteria in intermediate and poor responders. In addition, we investigated tumour heterogeneity and evolution in response to NACRT. While matched pre-treatment, on-treatment and post-treatment tumours revealed minimal genome evolution overall, we identified cases in which microsatellite instability developed or was selected for during NACRT. Recent research has suggested a role for adaptive mutability to targeted therapy in colorectal cancer cells. We provide preliminary evidence of selection for mismatch repair deficiency in response to NACRT. Furthermore, pre-NACRT genomic landscapes do not predict treatment response but pre-NACRT microbiome characteristics may be informative.

Similar overall survival with reduced vs. standard dose bevacizumab monotherapy in progressive glioblastoma.

INTRODUCTION: Bevacizumab has demonstrated activity in glioblastoma (GBM), but the true benefits and optimal dose-schedule are debated. A lower dose-schedule than standard-dose bevacizumab (10 mg/kg 2-weekly) might offer similar benefits with lower costs. At our Institution, patients are randomly assigned at time of primary diagnosis to Neuro-Oncologists, who have varying practices in terms of bevacizumab dose-schedule upon progression. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis we examined overall survival (OS), measured from first administered bevacizumab dose until death, according to dose-schedule. Patients with de novo WHO Grade IV GBM who received standard- or reduced-dose (5 mg/kg 2-weekly) bevacizumab were included. MGMT methylation status and time from diagnosis to bevacizumab start were examined as prognostic variables. Clinical benefit and a comparative cost analysis were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 1127 bevacizumab doses were administered to 118 patients [Median: 7, Range: 1-44]. Median OS (mOS) was 5.8 months. 69 (59%) patients received standard-dose bevacizumab (mOS: 5.97 months) and 49 patients received reduced-dose (mOS: 5.7 months). No statistically significant difference in OS between dosing schedule was seen (HR: 1.11, P-value: .584). Patients with MGMT methylated tumors (43%) had improved OS compared to those with unmethylated tumors; 7.03 vs 4.97 months (HR: 0.61, P-value: .027). If all patients were treated with reduced-dose bevacizumab, an estimated €2.4M cost reduction would be observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study, reduced-dose bevacizumab schedule resulted in similar OS to standard-dose bevacizumab monotherapy with substantial cost savings. MGMT methylation appears to convey a survival benefit in the setting of bevacizumab treatment for progressive GBM.

An uncommon complication of vertebroplasty: the role of anticoagulation.

Vertebroplasty is a well-established treatment for both pathological and painful osteoporotic fractures. It is a frequently performed and generally low risk, but severe complications can occur. We report on a patient with metastatic breast cancer requiring vertebroplasty for pain relief who suffered an unusual complication: a pulmonary cement embolism. We describe our management of the case and the controversies related to the use of anticoagulation. In addition, we carried out a brief literature review of common practices in relation to this complication. This case highlights the difficulty of managing anticoagulation in the complex setting of cancer and the need for greater awareness among clinicians of this uncommon, but possibly catastrophic complication.

Absence of thyroid transcription factor-1 expression is associated with poor survival in patients with advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Adenocarcinoma is the commonest histologic subtype of lung cancer and is often identified by immunohistochemical staining for thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1). However, up to 20% of lung adenocarcinomas do not express TTF-1, and there is uncertainty regarding the significance of this. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic effect of TTF-1 expression status on survival in patients treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy for advanced adenocarcinoma of the lung. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy for stage IIIB/IV lung adenocarcinoma, who had known TTF-1 expression status. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from medical records. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences in survival between groups assessed using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were identified with documented TTF-1 expression: 35 with TTF-1-positive and 9 with TTF-1-negative disease. Patients in the TTF-1-negative group had poorer performance scores than those in the TTF-1-positive group (ECOG 2: 67 vs 20%, p = 0.008), and received less chemotherapy (median cycles 2 vs 4, p = 0.009), and were fewer in treatment with doublet regimens (22 vs 69%, p = 0.013). OS was significantly shorter in the TTF-1-negative group than in the TTF-1-positive group (2.4 vs 11.5 months, HR 8.38, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this group of patients treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy for advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma, absence of TTF-1 expression was associated with an aggressive tumor phenotype, poorer performance status, and poor survival. This subgroup of patients should be recognized as having a distinct clinical course, with limited benefit from standard chemotherapy.

Brief Report on the Detection of the EGFR T790M Mutation in Exhaled Breath Condensate from Lung Cancer Patients.

The EGFR T790M somatic mutation is the most common mechanism of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in NSCLC. Patients with advanced disease are not always amenable to repeat biopsy for further molecular analysis. Developing noninvasive methods to detect T790M in cell-free DNA in the absence of tissue is being actively investigated. Unfortunately, the low sensitivity of plasma for detection of T790M has limited its clinical use. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is an easily collected sample that is known to harbor cell-free DNA, including lung cancer mutations. This report details the potential utility of exhaled breath condensate in the detection of the EGFR T790M mutation.

Increased platelet reactivity in patients with late-stage metastatic cancer.

Platelet hyperreactivity is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. Cancer patients are at an increased risk of thrombosis, a risk that increases with disease progression. While cancer patients show evidence of platelet activation in vivo, few studies have extensively assessed whether these patients display platelet hyperreactivity. We hypothesized that patients with metastatic cancer would display platelet hyperreactivity, reflecting their associated high risk of thrombosis. In a cohort of patients with metastatic cancer (n = 13), we assessed platelet function using well-established assays of platelet reactivity (agonist-induced platelet aggregation, spontaneous platelet aggregation, and agonist-induced P-selectin expression). In comparison with healthy controls (n = 10), patients with metastatic cancer displayed global platelet hyperreactivity. Agonist-induced platelet aggregation responses to ADP (adenosine diphosphate), epinephrine, collagen, arachidonic acid, and PAR-1 (protease-activated receptor-1) activating peptide, as well as spontaneous platelet aggregation, were significantly increased in patients with metastatic cancer. Furthermore, agonist-induced platelet P-selectin expression was also significantly increased within the patient cohort. We demonstrate that patients with metastatic cancer are characterized by global platelet hyperreactivity, a factor that may contribute to their increased risk of thrombosis.

Emergence of MRSA in positive blood cultures from patients with febrile neutropenia--a cause for concern.

GOALS OF WORK: Febrile neutropenia (FN) causes considerable morbidity in patients on cytotoxic chemotherapy. Recently, there has been a trend towards fewer Gram-negative and more Gram-positive infections with increasing antibiotic resistance. To assess these patterns, data from a supra-regional cancer centre in Ireland were reviewed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 5-year review of all positive blood cultures in patients undergoing anti-cancer chemotherapy was carried out. MAIN RESULTS: Eight hundred and ninety-four patients were reviewed. The mean incidence of FN was 64.2 cases per year. Eight hundred and forty-six blood culture specimens were taken and 173 (20.4%) were culture positive. The isolated organisms were Gram positive (71.1%), Gram negative (27.8%) and fungal (1.1%). Of the Gram-positive organisms, 75.6% were staphylococci. Of these, 67.8% were coagulase-negative staphylococci and 30.1% were Staphylococci aureus. Amongst the S. aureus, 89.3% were methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Vancomycin-resistant enterococci were not identified as a cause of positive blood cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Amongst patients with cancer who develop FN in our hospital, Gram-positive bacteria account for the largest proportion. The high proportion of MRSA as a cause of positive blood cultures is of concern.