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1.
Lancet Reg Health West Pac ; 47: 101114, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39022747

ABSTRACT

Cancer is a leading cause of death among children in the Philippines, a low-middle-income country of over 110 million people. In this Comment, we describe how financial toxicity affects families of pediatric patients with cancer in the Philippines. We explore direct costs of care, indirect costs such as transportation and lodging, and psychosocial sequelae, in the Filipino medical system and sociocultural contexts. We present examples of successful interventions in the Philippines and in similarly resourced settings, with the goal of galvanizing further research, clinical interventions, and policy-level changes, aimed at mitigating family financial toxicity for pediatric patients with cancer in the Philippines and globally.

2.
J Natl Compr Canc Netw ; 22(2D)2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38862004

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may be a risk factor for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The association between risk of developing HCC and treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) is currently unknown. This study aimed to compare the risk of new-onset HCC in patients treated with SGLT2i versus DPP4i. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with T2DM in Hong Kong receiving either SGLT2i or DPP4i between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020. Patients with concurrent DPP4i and SGLT2i use were excluded. Propensity score matching (1:1 ratio) was performed by using the nearest neighbor search. Multivariable Cox regression was applied to identify significant predictors. RESULTS: A total of 62,699 patients were included (SGLT2i, n=22,154; DPP4i, n=40,545). After matching (n=44,308), 166 patients (0.37%) developed HCC: 36 in the SGLT2i group and 130 in the DPP4i group over 240,269 person-years. Overall, SGLT2i use was associated with lower risks of HCC (hazard ratio [HR], 0.42; 95% CI, 0.28-0.79) compared with DPP4i after adjustments. The association between SGLT2i and HCC development remained significant in patients with cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis (HR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.04-0.41), hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.17-0.59), or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22-0.80). The results were consistent in different risk models, propensity score approaches, and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: SGLT2i use was associated with a lower risk of HCC compared with DPP4i use after adjustments, and in the context of cirrhosis, advanced fibrosis, HBV infection, and HCV infection.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors , Liver Neoplasms , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors , Humans , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/epidemiology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/etiology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/virology , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors/adverse effects , Liver Neoplasms/epidemiology , Liver Neoplasms/etiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications , Male , Female , Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors/adverse effects , Retrospective Studies , Middle Aged , Aged , Risk Factors
3.
JCO Oncol Pract ; 20(7): 879-882, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38626365

ABSTRACT

Dee, Ng, Shamash, and Nguyen respond to the work of Potosky et al, highlighting the importance of global quality of life in prostate cancer care. Factors such as companionship and spirituality must be considered in providing equitable and whole-person care.


Subject(s)
Global Health , Prostatic Neoplasms , Quality of Life , Humans , Male , Prostatic Neoplasms/psychology , Prostatic Neoplasms/therapy , Survivorship , Cancer Survivors/psychology
4.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38657744

ABSTRACT

Patients with cancer have elevated cardiovascular risks compared to those without cancer. As cancer incidence increases and cancer-related mortality decreases, cardiovascular diseases in patients with a history of cancer will become increasingly important. This in turn is reflected by the exponentially increasing amount of cardio-oncology research in recent years. This narrative review aims to summarize the key existing literature in several main areas of cardio-oncology, including the epidemiology, natural history, prevention, management, and determinants of the cardiovascular health of patients with cancer, and identify relevant gaps in evidence for further research.

6.
Front Med (Lausanne) ; 10: 1256712, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38046416

ABSTRACT

Objective: Monoclonal antibody (Mab) treatments have significantly improved the quality and quantity of life, but they are some of the most expensive treatments, resulting in a degree of hesitancy to introduce new Mab agents. A system for estimating the effect of Mab drugs, in general, would optimally inform health strategy and fully realize how a single scientific discovery can deliver health benefits. We evaluated such a method with several well-established Mab regimens. Methods: We selected five different Mab regimens in oncology and rheumatology in England. We carried out two systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses to assess health outcomes (Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index for rheumatoid arthritis; overall mortality for melanoma) from real-world data and compared them to the outcomes from randomized control trials (RCTs). We applied economic modeling to estimate the net monetary benefits for health outcomes for the estimated patient population size for each Mab regimen. Results: Meta-analyses of 27 eligible real-world data (RWD) sets and 26 randomized controlled trial (RCT) sets found close agreement between the observed and expected health outcomes. A Markov model showed the net positive monetary benefit in three Mab regimens and the negative benefit in two regimens. However, because of limited access to NHS data, the economic model made several assumptions about the number of treated patients and the cost of treatment to the NHS, the accuracy of which may affect the estimation of the net monetary benefit. Conclusion: RCT results reliably inform the real-world experience of Mab treatments. Calculation of the net monetary benefit by the algorithm described provides a valuable overall measure of the health impact, subject to the accuracy of data inputs. This study provides a compelling case for building a comprehensive, systematized, and accessible database and related analytics, on all Mab treatments within health services.

7.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38049634

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: While the cardiovascular risks of androgen receptor pathway inhibitors have been studied, they were seldom compared directly. This study compares the risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) between enzalutamide and abiraterone among prostate cancer (PCa) patients. METHODS: Adult PCa patients receiving either enzalutamide or abiraterone in addition to androgen deprivation therapy in Hong Kong between 1 December 1999 and 31 March 2021 were identified in this retrospective cohort study. Patients who switched between enzalutamide and abiraterone, initiated abiraterone used without steroids, or experienced prior cardiac events were excluded. Patients were followed-up until 30 September 2021. The primary outcomes were MACE, a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), Heart failure (HF), or all-cause mortality and a composite of adverse cardiovascular events (CACE) not including all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were individual components of MACE. Inverse probability treatment weighting was used to balance covariates between treatment groups. RESULTS: In total, 1015 patients were analyzed (456 enzalutamide users and 559 abiraterone users; mean age 70.6 ± 8.8 years old) over a median follow-up duration of 11.3 (IQR: 5.3-21.3) months. Enzalutamide users had significantly lower risks of 4P-MACE (weighted hazard ratio (wHR) 0.71 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.86], p < 0.001) and CACE (wHR 0.63 [95% CI: 0.42-0.96], p = 0.031), which remained consistent in multivariable analysis. Such an association may be stronger in patients aged ≥65 years or without diabetes mellitus and was independent of bilateral orchidectomy. Enzalutamide users also had significantly lower risks of MI (wHR 0.57 [95% CI: 0.33-0.97], p = 0.040) and all-cause mortality (wHR 0.71 [95% CI: 0.59-0.85], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Enzalutamide was associated with lower cardiovascular risks than abiraterone in PCa patients.

9.
Cancer Med ; 2023 Dec 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38140773

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the associations between the use of statins concurrent with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and the risks of mortality in Asian patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: Adult patients (≥18 years old) diagnosed with PCa who were receiving any form of ADT and were being treated at public hospitals in Hong Kong from December 1999 to March 2021 were retrospectively identified, with follow-up conducted until September 2021. Patients who had received medical castration for <180 days without subsequent bilateral orchidectomy, those who had used statins concurrently with ADT for <180 days, and those with missing baseline total cholesterol levels were excluded. Statin users were defined as individuals who had used statins for ≥180 days concurrent with ADT, while non-users were those who had not used any statins. PCa-related mortality was the primary outcome, while all-cause mortality served as the secondary outcome. Inverse probability treatment weighting was employed to balance the covariates. RESULTS: A total of 4920 patients were included, consisting of 2578 statin users and 2342 non-users (mean age 76.1 ± 8.2 years). Over a mean follow-up period of 4.2 ± 3.3 years, it was observed that statin users had significantly lower risks of both PCa-related mortality (weighted hazard ratio [wHR] 0.56 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48, 0.65], p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (wHR 0.57 [95% CI 0.51, 0.63], p < 0.001), regardless of the type of ADT used. Notably, these associations were more pronounced among patients with less advanced PCa, as indicated by the absence of androgen receptor antagonist or chemotherapy usage (p value for interaction <0.001 for both outcomes). CONCLUSION(S): The use of statins concurrent with ADT was associated with reduced mortality risks among Asian patients with PCa. These findings suggest the need for additional research to explore the potential role of statins in the treatment of PCa patients.

10.
BMJ Open ; 13(11): e070391, 2023 11 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38011968

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Head and neck cancer is the eighth most common cancer in the UK. Current standard of care treatment for patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell head and neck carcinoma (HNSCC) is platinum-based chemotherapy combined with the anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) monoclonal antibody, cetuximab. However, most patients will have poor median overall survival (OS) of 6-9 months despite treatment. HNSCC tumours exhibit an immune landscape poised to respond to immunotherapeutic approaches, with most tumours expressing the immunosuppressive receptor programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). We undertook the current study to determine the safety and efficacy of avelumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the interaction between PD-L1 and its receptor on cytotoxic T-cells, in combination with cetuximab. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a multi-centre, single-arm dose de-escalation phase II safety and efficacy study of avelumab combined with cetuximab; the study was to progress to a randomised phase II trial, however, the study will now complete after the safety run-in component. Up to 16 participants with histologically/cytologically recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (including HNSCC) who have not received cetuximab previously will be recruited. All patients will receive 10 mg/kg avelumab and cetuximab (500, 400 or 300 mg/m2 depending on the cohort open at time of registration) on days 1 and 15 of 4-week cycles for up to 1 year, (avelumab not given cycle 1 day 1). A modified continual reassessment method will be used to determine dose de-escalation. The primary objective is to establish the safety of the combination and to determine the optimum dose of cetuximab. Secondary objectives include assessing evidence of antitumour activity by evaluating response rates and disease control rates at 6 and 12 months as well as progression-free and OS. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approval granted by City and East REC (18/LO/0021). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03494322.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , Head and Neck Neoplasms , Humans , Cetuximab/therapeutic use , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/drug therapy , B7-H1 Antigen , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy , Antibodies, Monoclonal , Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , United Kingdom , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Multicenter Studies as Topic , Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic
11.
Cancer Med ; 12(16): 17056-17060, 2023 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37455552

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This population-based study examined the association between baseline uric acid (UA) and prostate cancer (PCa)-related mortality amongst PCa patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). METHODS: Adults with PCa who received ADT in Hong Kong between December 1999 and March 2021 were identified. Patients with missing baseline UA were excluded. Patients were followed up until September 2021. The outcome was PCa-related mortality. RESULTS: Altogether, 4126 patients (median follow-up 3.1[interquartile range 1.4-6.0] years) were included. A J-shaped association was observed between baseline UA level and PCa-related mortality risk, with a direct association in those with mean(0.401 mmol/L) or above-mean baseline UA levels (hazard ratio (HR) per standard deviation-increase 1.35 [95% confidence interval 1.21,1.51], p < 0.001), and an inverse association in those with below-mean baseline UA levels (HR 0.78[0.67,0.92], p = 0.003). The former remained significant on competing risk regression, but not the latter. CONCLUSIONS: A J-shaped relationship between baseline UA level and PCa-related mortality risk was identified. This study was mainly limited by potential unmeasured and residual confounders. Further validation studies are warranted.


Subject(s)
Prostatic Neoplasms , Male , Adult , Humans , Uric Acid , Androgen Antagonists/adverse effects , Androgens , Cohort Studies
12.
Clin Teach ; 20(4): e13598, 2023 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37354017

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Medical research is important for professional advancement, and mentoring is a key means by which students and early-career doctors can engage in research. Contrasting international research collaborations, research mentoring programmes are often geographically limited. As the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased use of online technology for classes and conferences, a virtual, international approach to medical research mentoring may be valuable. APPROACH: We hereby describe our experience at the Cardiovascular Analytics Group, a virtual international medical research mentoring group established in 2015. We make use of virtual platforms in multi-level mentoring with peer mentoring and emphasise active participation, early leadership, an open culture, accessible research support and a distributed research workflow. EVALUATION: With 63 active members from 14 different countries, the Group has been successful in training medical students and early-career medical graduates in academic medicine. Our members have led over 100 peer-reviewed publications of original research and reviews since 2015, winning 13 research prizes during this time. IMPLICATIONS: Our accessible-distributed model of virtual international medical research collaboration and multi-level mentoring is viable and efficient and caters to the needs of contemporary healthcare. Others should consider building similar models to improve medical research mentoring globally.


Subject(s)
Biomedical Research , COVID-19 , Mentoring , Humans , Pandemics , Mentors
13.
Oncol Ther ; 11(3): 291-301, 2023 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37358792

ABSTRACT

This article was co-authored by a patient's relative describing their experiences of receiving a diagnosis and subsequent clinical management of a rare form of prostate cancer, neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). The difficulty of receiving this diagnosis, particularly as this was terminal with no options for systemic treatment, and experiences throughout this process are detailed. The relative's questions regarding the care of her partner, NEPC and clinical management are answered. The treating physician's perspective regarding clinical management is enclosed. Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancer diagnoses, with small-cell carcinoma (SCC) of the prostate representing 0.5-2% of these. Prostatic SCC frequently develops in patients previously treated for prostate adenocarcinoma, more rarely arising de novo. Diagnosis and management present clinical challenges owing to its rarity, frequently aggressive disease course, lack of specific diagnostic and monitoring biomarkers, and treatment limitations. Current pathophysiological understanding of prostatic SCC, genomics and contemporary and evolving treatment options in addition to current guidelines are discussed. Written principally from the patient's relatives and physician experience with discussion of current evidence, diagnostic and treatment options, we hope this piece is informative for both patients and healthcare professionals alike.

14.
Ann Rheum Dis ; 82(8): 1059-1067, 2023 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37247942

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the association of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) with the incidence of malignancy, compared with placebo, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors (TNFi) and methotrexate. METHODS: Systematic searches of databases were performed, to December 2022, to identify phase II/III/IV randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and long-term extension (LTE) studies of JAKi (tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib, filgotinib, peficitinib) compared with placebo, TNFi or methotrexate, in adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, axial spondyloarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or atopic dermatitis. Network and pairwise meta-analyses were performed to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for malignancy between JAKi and comparators. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias-2 tool. RESULTS: In 62 eligible RCTs and 16 LTE studies, there were 82 366 person-years of exposure to JAKi, 2924 to placebo, 7909 to TNFi and 1074 to methotrexate. The overall malignancy incidence rate was 1.15 per 100 person-years in RCTs, and 1.26 per 100 person-years across combined RCT and LTE data. In network meta-analyses, the incidence of all malignancies including non-melanomatous skin cancers (NMSCs) was not significantly different between JAKi and placebo (IRR 0.71; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.15) or between JAKi and methotrexate (IRR 0.77; 95% CI 0.35 to 1.68). Compared with TNFi, however, JAKi were associated with an increased incidence of malignancy (IRR 1.50; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.94). Findings were consistent when analysing NMSC only and when analysing combined RCT/LTE data. CONCLUSIONS: JAKi were associated with a higher incidence of malignancy compared with TNFi but not placebo or methotrexate. Cancers were rare events in all comparisons. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022362630.


Subject(s)
Antirheumatic Agents , Arthritis, Rheumatoid , Janus Kinase Inhibitors , Neoplasms , Adult , Humans , Methotrexate/therapeutic use , Janus Kinase Inhibitors/adverse effects , Antirheumatic Agents/adverse effects , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/epidemiology , Neoplasms/chemically induced , Neoplasms/epidemiology , Neoplasms/drug therapy
15.
Cancer Med ; 12(11): 12299-12315, 2023 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37148547

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer is currently the second leading cause of death globally. There is much uncertainty regarding the comparative risks of new-onset overall cancer and pre-specified cancer for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients on sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2I) versus DPP4I. METHODS: This population-based cohort study patients included patients who were diagnosed with T2DM and administered either SGLT2 or DPP4 inhibitors between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020 in public hospitals of Hong Kong. RESULTS: This study included 60,112 T2DM patients (mean baseline age: 62.1 ± 12.4 years, male: 56.36%), of which 18,167 patients were SGLT2I users and 41,945 patients were dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor (DPP4I) users. Multivariable Cox regression found that SGLT2I use was associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.84-0.99; p= 0.04), cancer-related mortality (HR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.42-0.80; p ≤ 0.001) and new diagnoses of any cancer (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.59-0.84; p ≤ 0.001). SGLT2I use was associated with a lower risk of new-onset breast cancer (HR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.32-0.80; p ≤ 0.001), but not of other malignancies. Subgroup analysis on the type of SGLT2I, dapagliflozin (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.64-0.95; p = 0.01) and ertugliflozin (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.43-0.98; p = 0.04) use was associated with lower risks of new cancer diagnosis. Dapagliflozin use was also linked to lower risks of breast cancer (HR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.27-0.83; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor use was associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality, cancer-related mortality and new-onset overall cancer compared to DPP4I use after propensity score matching and multivariable adjustment.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Aged , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications , Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors/adverse effects , Cohort Studies , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome , Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use , Breast Neoplasms/complications , Glucose , Sodium , Retrospective Studies
16.
Int J Cancer ; 153(4): 756-764, 2023 08 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37183319

ABSTRACT

Our study investigated how adverse cardiovascular outcomes are impacted by cardiovascular comorbidities in patients with prostate cancer treated by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Using prospective, population-based data, all Hong Kong patients with prostate cancer who received ADT during 1 January 1993 to 3 March 2021 were identified and followed up for the endpoint of cardiovascular hospitalization/mortality until 31 September 2021, whichever earlier. Multivariable competing risk regression was used to compare the endpoint's cumulative incidence between different combinations of major cardiovascular comorbidities (heart failure [HF], myocardial infarction [MI], stroke and/or arrhythmia), with noncardiovascular death as competing event. Altogether, 13 537 patients were included (median age 75.9 [interquartile range 70.0-81.5] years old; median follow-up 3.3 [1.5-6.7] years). Compared to those with none of prior HF/MI/stroke/arrhythmia, the incidence of the endpoint was not different in those with only stroke (subhazard ratio [SHR] 1.06 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92-1.23], P = .391), but was higher in those with only HF (SHR 1.67 [1.37-2.02], P < .001), arrhythmia (SHR 1.63 [1.35-1.98], P < .001) or MI (SHR 1.43 [1.14-1.79], P = .002). Those with ≥2 of HF/MI/stroke/arrhythmia had the highest incidence of the endpoint (SHR 1.94 [1.62-2.33], P < .001), among whom different major cardiovascular comorbidities had similar prognostic impacts, with the number of comorbidities present being significantly prognostic instead. In conclusion, in patients with prostate cancer receiving ADT, the sole presence of HF, MI or arrhythmia, but not stroke, may be associated with elevated cardiovascular risks. In those with ≥2 of HF/MI/stroke/arrhythmia, the number of major cardiovascular comorbidities may be prognostically more important than the type of comorbidities.


Subject(s)
Prostatic Neoplasms , Male , Humans , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Prostatic Neoplasms/complications , Prostatic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Prostatic Neoplasms/epidemiology , Androgen Antagonists/adverse effects , Androgens , Prognosis , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Risk Assessment
17.
Br J Cancer ; 128(12): 2253-2260, 2023 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37076564

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is associated with cardiovascular risks, the extent and temporal trends of cardiovascular burden amongst patients with prostate cancer receiving ADT are unclear. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed adults with PCa receiving ADT between 1993-2021 in Hong Kong, with follow-up until 31/9/2021 for the primary outcome of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; composite of cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure), and the secondary outcome of mortality. Patients were stratified into four groups by the year of ADT initiation for comparisons. RESULTS: Altogether, 13,537 patients were included (mean age 75.5 ± 8.5 years old; mean follow-up 4.7 ± 4.3 years). More recent recipients of ADT had more cardiovascular risk factors and used more cardiovascular or antidiabetic medications. More recent recipients of ADT had higher risk of MACE (most recent (2015-2021) vs least recent (1993-2000) group: hazard ratio 1.33 [1.11, 1.59], P = 0.002; Ptrend < 0.001), but lower risk of mortality (hazard ratio 0.76 [0.70, 0.83], P < 0.001; Ptrend < 0.001). The 5-year risk of MACE and mortality for the most recent group were 22.5% [20.9%, 24.2%] and 52.9% [51.3%, 54.6%], respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular risk factors were increasingly prevalent amongst patients with prostate cancer receiving ADT, with increasing risk of MACE despite decreasing mortality.


Subject(s)
Prostatic Neoplasms , Male , Adult , Humans , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Androgen Antagonists/adverse effects , Androgens , Cohort Studies , Retrospective Studies
18.
Cancer Med ; 12(8): 9128-9132, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36734312

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), used increasingly in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa), negatively influences glycemic control in diabetes and is associated with an increased risk of diabetes complications where hospitalization commonly ensues. Metformin could decrease the metabolic consequences of ADT and enhance its effect. This study examined the association of metformin use with healthcare resources utilization among diabetic, PCa patients receiving ADT. METHODS: Diabetic adults with PCa on ADT in Hong Kong between December 1999 and March 2021 were identified. Patients with <6 months of concurrent metformin and ADT use were excluded. All included patients were followed up until September 2021. The outcomes were hospital attendances and related costs. RESULTS: In total, 1,284 metformin users and 687 non-users were studied. Over 8,045 person-years, 9,049 accident and emergency (A&E), and 21,262 inpatient attendances, with 11,2781 days of hospitalization were observed. Metformin users had significantly fewer A&E attendances (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.61 [95% confidence interval 0.54-0.69], p < 0.001), inpatient attendances (IRR: 0.57 [0.48-0.67], p < 0.001), and days of hospitalization (IRR: 0.55 [0.42-0.72], p < 0.001). Annual attendance costs were lower for metformin users than non-users (cost ratio: 0.28 [0.10-0.80], p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Metformin use was associated with decreased hospital attendances, days of hospitalization, and associated costs, which could help reduce healthcare resource utilization following ADT in the treatment of PCa.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus , Metformin , Prostatic Neoplasms , Male , Humans , Prostatic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Prostatic Neoplasms/complications , Metformin/therapeutic use , Androgen Antagonists/adverse effects , Androgens , Cohort Studies , Diabetes Mellitus/drug therapy , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Hospitals
19.
Expert Rev Anticancer Ther ; 23(2): 127-134, 2023 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36648077

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The success in the management of germ cell tumors has encouraged researchers to pay more attention on long-term side effects and other survivorship issues. The de-escalation of treatment is intended to reduce side effects but must be balanced against any compromise of efficacy. Cisplatin-based therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for germ cell tumors. However, they can result in acute and long-term side effects, including ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and increased risk of second malignancies. AREAS COVERED: This review discusses approaches of de-escalation including biomarker-directed treatment using microRNAs, surveillance for immature teratoma, the use of carboplatin monotherapy for seminoma, and the option of non-cisplatin-based approaches in relapsed germ cell tumors. EXPERT OPINION: While the results with the current standard options in terms of cancer control are very good, the price being paid in terms of long-term side effects is considerable.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal , Testicular Neoplasms , Male , Humans , Testicular Neoplasms/pathology , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal/drug therapy , Cisplatin , Carboplatin/therapeutic use
20.
Cancer Med ; 12(7): 8144-8153, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36647331

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly established cancer therapeutics, but they are associated with new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM). Such risks have not been adequately quantified, and between-class and -sex differences remain unexplored. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of cancer patients receiving any ICI in Hong Kong between 2013 and 2021. Patients with known DM were excluded. Due to few patients using other ICIs, only programmed cell death 1 inhibitors (PD-1i) and programmed death ligand 1 inhibitors (PD-L1i) were compared, alongside between-sex comparison. When comparing PD-1i against PD-L1i, patients with the use of other ICIs or both PD-1i and PD-L1 were further excluded. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to minimize between-group covariate imbalances. RESULTS: Altogether, 3375 patients were analyzed (65.2% males, median age 62.2 [interquartile range 53.8-69.5] years old). Over a median follow-up of 1.0 [0.4-2.4] years, new-onset DM occurred in 457 patients (13.5%), with a 3-year risk of 14.5% [95% confidence interval 13.3%, 15.8%]. IPTW achieve acceptable covariate balance between sexes, and between PD-1i (N = 622) and PD-L1i (N = 2426) users. Males had significantly higher risk of new-onset DM (hazard ratio 1.35 [1.09, 1.67], p = 0.006), while PD-1i and PD-L1i users did not have significantly different risks (hazard ratio vs PD-L1i 0.81 [0.59, 1.11], p = 0.182). These were consistent in those with at least 1 year of follow-up, and on competing risk regression. CONCLUSION: Users of ICI may have a substantial risk of new-onset DM, which may be higher in males but did not differ between PD-1i and PD-L1i.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological , Diabetes Mellitus , Neoplasms , Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects , Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use , Prospective Studies , Cohort Studies , Neoplasms/chemically induced , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/epidemiology , B7-H1 Antigen
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