Quality of life in a randomized trial comparing two neoadjuvant regimens for locally advanced rectal cancer-INCAGI004.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (neoCRT) followed by surgery is the standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), but the emergence of different drug regimens may result in different response rates. Good clinical response translates into greater sphincter preservation, but quality of life (QOL) may be impaired after treatment due to chemoradiotherapy and surgical side effects. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the impact of clinical response and surgical resection on QOL in a randomized trial comparing two different neoCRT regimens. METHODS: Stage II and III rectal cancer patients were randomized to receive neoCRT with either capecitabine (group 1) or 5-Fu and leucovorin (group 2) concomitant to long-course radiotherapy. Clinical downstaging was accessed using MRI 6-8 weeks after treatment. EORTCs QLQ-C30 and CR38 were applied before treatment (T0), after neoCRT (T1), after rectal resection (T2), early after adjuvant chemotherapy (T3), and 1 year after the end of treatment or stoma closure (T4). The Wexner scale was used for fecal incontinence evaluation at T4. A C30SummaryScore (Geisinger and cols.) was calculated to compare QOL results. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were assigned to group 1 and 31 to group 2. Clinical downstaging occurred in 70.0% of group 1 and 53.3% of group 2 (p = 0.288), and sphincter preservation was 83.3% in group 1 and 80.0% in group 2 (p = 0.111). No significant difference in QOL was detected when comparing the two treatment groups after neoCRT using QLQ-C30. However, the CR38 module detected differences in micturition problems (15.3 points), gastrointestinal problems (15.3 points), defecation problems (11.8 points), and sexual satisfaction (13.3 points) favoring the capecitabine group. C30SummaryScore detected significant improvement comparing T0 to T1 and deterioration comparing T1 to T2 (p = 0.025). The mean Wexner scale score was 9.2, and a high score correlated with symptoms of diarrhea and defecation problems at T4. CONCLUSIONS: QOL was equivalent between groups after neoCRT except for micturition problems, gastrointestinal problems, defecation problems, and sexual satisfaction favoring the capecitabine arm after. The overall QOL using the C30SummaryScore was improved after neoCRT, but decreased following rectal resection, returning to basal levels at late evaluation. Fecal incontinence was high after sphincter preservation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03428529.

Trifluridina/cloridrato de tipiracila no tratamento de pacientes com carcinoma colorretal metastático politratados: uma análise de custo-efetividade na perspectiva de pagadores privados no Brasil / Trifluridine/tipiracil hydrochloride in the treatment of polytreated metastatic colorectal carcinoma: a cost-effectiveness analysis in the private payer perspective in Brazil

Objetivo: Avaliar a custo-efetividade da trifluridina/cloridrato de tipiracila (FTD/TPI) em comparação ao melhor cuidado de suporte (sigla em inglês BSC, best supportive care) e ao regorafenibe para o tratamento em pacientes com câncer colorretal metastático (CCRm) politratados (terceira linha ou linhas posteriores) sob a perspectiva de pagadores privados no Brasil. Métodos: Foi construído um modelo de sobrevida particionado considerando três estados de saúde. A efetividade foi medida em anos-vida ganhos e Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY). Os custos foram obtidos a partir da perspectiva do sistema de saúde privado brasileiro considerando um horizonte temporal de cinco anos. Também foram realizadas análises de sensibilidade univariada e probabilística para avaliar a robustez do modelo. Resultados: A utilização de FTD/TPI pode gerar melhores desfechos clínicos versus BSC e economia de recursos versus regorafenibe. FTD/TPI proporcionou mais 0,098 anos de vida por paciente e uma qualidade de vida incremental de 0,072, comparada ao BSC. Já em relação ao regorafenibe, a FTD/TPI apresentou redução de R$ 2.088,49 nos custos por paciente e benefícios clínicos com incremento marginal. Conclusão: FTD/TPI representa uma opção de tratamento de CCRm custo-efetiva, comparada ao regorafenibe, na perspectiva de pagadores privados no Brasil

Objective: To determine the cost-effectiveness analysis of trifluridine/tipiracil chloridrate (FTD/TPI) compared to best supportative care (BSC) and regorafenib for the treatment of polytreated metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC) (3rd line or later lines) in the private payer perspective in Brazil. Methods: A partitioned survival model was developed based on three health states. Effectiveness was measured in life-years gained and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). Costs were obtained from the perspective of the supplementary healthcare system in Brazil considering a time horizon of five years. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the model. Results: The use of FTD/TPI may generate better clinical outcomes versus BSC and resource savings versus regorafenib. FTD/TPI provided more 0,098 years of life per patient and an incremental quality of life of 0,072 compared to BSC. Regarding regorafenib, FTD/TPI provided a cost reduction of R$ 2.088,49 per patient and similar clinical benefits. Conclusion: FTD/TPI represents a cost-effective treatment option for mCRC compared to regorafenib from the perspective of the supplementary healthcare system in Brazil

Treatment Patterns Among Patients with Metastatic and/or Unresectable Gastric Cancer in Brazil.

PURPOSE: In Brazil, patients with gastric cancer have not been systematically followed-up and evaluated, thus data regarding patterns of care and outcomes are scarce or missing. The objective of this study was to evaluate patterns of care of advanced gastric cancer in standard practice in Brazil. METHODS: This was an observational, multicenter, retrospective study, which included patients with metastatic and/or unresectable gastric cancer (MGC) who underwent at least one line of treatment. RESULTS: We analyzed data on 155 patients diagnosed with MGC, most are men (57.4%), with mean age of 61.9 years at diagnosis, with 99 (63.9%) from the public healthcare system and 56 (36.1%) from the private setting. Platinum- and/or fluoropyrimidine-containing regimens prevailed as first-line therapy, while irinotecan was the most used regimen in the second and in the third lines. More than 40% of patients underwent only one line of systemic therapy, of which around 40% either died during the treatment or went on to best supportive care (BSC) only. The remaining patients received further treatment lines. A fifth of the patients in the study died within two months after discontinuation of the first-line treatment. Adverse events, use of concomitant medications, support procedures, outpatient visits, and hospitalizations were reported for most patients, especially in the first and second lines of treatment and during exclusive BSC. CONCLUSIONS: Survival during or after the first-line chemotherapy remains poor among patients with MGC. Adverse events and health resource use were common in the first and second lines of treatment and in exclusive BSC. These results suggest that there is space for improvement in the treatment of MGC in Brazil.

GUIDELINE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF BILE DUCT CANCERS BY THE BRAZILIAN GASTROINTESTINAL TUMOR GROUP.

The Brazilian Gastrointestinal Tumor Group developed guidelines for the surgical and clinical management of patients with billiary cancers. The multidisciplinary panel was composed of experts in the field of radiology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiotherapy, endoscopy and pathology. The panel utilized the most recent literature to develop a series of evidence-based recommendations on different treatment and diagnostic strategies for cholangiocarcinomas and gallbladder cancers.

Guideline for the management of bile duct cancers by the brazilian gastrointestinal tumor group

ABSTRACT The Brazilian Gastrointestinal Tumor Group developed guidelines for the surgical and clinical management of patients with billiary cancers. The multidisciplinary panel was composed of experts in the field of radiology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiotherapy, endoscopy and pathology. The panel utilized the most recent literature to develop a series of evidence-based recommendations on different treatment and diagnostic strategies for cholangiocarcinomas and gallbladder cancers.

RESUMO O Grupo Brasileiro de Tumores Gastrointestinais desenvolveu diretrizes de tratamento cirúrgico e clínico de pacientes com tumores de vias biliares. O painel multidisciplinar foi composto de especialistas nas áreas radiologia, oncologia, cirurgia, radioterapia, endoscopia e anatomia patológica. O painel utilizou literatura atual para desenvolver recomendações baseadas em evidência científica para as diferentes estratégias terapêuticas e diagnósticas dos colangiocarcinomas e tumores de vesícula biliar.

Survival and prognostic factors in patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer treated in private health care / Sobrevida e fatores prognósticos em pacientes com câncer de pulmão de células não pequenas assistidos na saúde suplementar

INTRODUCTION: Outcomes data on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) are scarce with regard to the private health care in Brazil. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics, treatments performed, and the survival of patients with NSCLC in a Brazilian private oncologic institution. METHODS: Medical charts from patients treated between 1998 and 2010 were reviewed, and data were transferred to a clinical research form. Long-term follow-up and survival estimates were enabled through active surveillance. RESULTS: Five hundred sixty-six patients were included, and median age was 65 years. Most patients were diagnosed in advanced stages (79.6% III/IV). The overall survival was 19.0 months (95%CI 16.2 - 21.8). The median survival was 99.7, 32.5, 20.2, and 13.3 months for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively (p < 0.0001). Among patients receiving palliative chemotherapy, the median survival was 12.2 months (95%CI 10.0 - 14.4). CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes described are favorably similar to the current literature from developed countries. Besides the better access to health care in the private insurance scenario, most patients are still diagnosed in late stages. .

INTRODUÇÃO: Dados de desfechos em câncer de pulmão de células não pequenas (CPCNP) são escassos no contexto da saúde suplementar no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as características, tratamentos realizados e a sobrevida desses pacientes em uma instituição oncológica privada brasileira. MÉTODOS: Foram revisados os prontuários de pacientes atendidos entre 1998 e 2010 com diagnóstico de CPCNP. Os dados foram transferidos para uma ficha clínica individual e posteriormente analisados. Pacientes ou familiares foram contatados a fim de otimizar o seguimento e a estimativa da sobrevida. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 566 pacientes, com idade mediana de 65 anos. Predominaram os diagnósticos em estádios avançados (79,6% III/IV). A sobrevida mediana foi de 19,0 meses (IC95% 16,2 - 21,8), sendo de 99,7, 32,5, 20,2 e de 13,3 meses nos estádios I, II, III e IV, respectivamente (p < 0,0001). Entre os pacientes que receberam quimioterapia paliativa, a sobrevida mediana foi de 12,2 meses (IC95% 10,0 - 14.4). CONCLUSÕES: Os desfechos encontrados se assemelham aos de países desenvolvidos. Apesar do maior acesso médico em pacientes com cobertura de planos de saúde, a maioria dos diagnósticos ocorre tardiamente. .

Survival and prognostic factors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated in private health care.

INTRODUCTION: Outcomes data on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) are scarce with regard to the private health care in Brazil. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics, treatments performed, and the survival of patients with NSCLC in a Brazilian private oncologic institution. METHODS: Medical charts from patients treated between 1998 and 2010 were reviewed, and data were transferred to a clinical research form. Long-term follow-up and survival estimates were enabled through active surveillance. RESULTS: Five hundred sixty-six patients were included, and median age was 65 years. Most patients were diagnosed in advanced stages (79.6% III/IV). The overall survival was 19.0 months (95%CI 16.2 - 21.8). The median survival was 99.7, 32.5, 20.2, and 13.3 months for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively (p < 0.0001). Among patients receiving palliative chemotherapy, the median survival was 12.2 months (95%CI 10.0 - 14.4). CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes described are favorably similar to the current literature from developed countries. Besides the better access to health care in the private insurance scenario, most patients are still diagnosed in late stages.

Randomized phase III trial of single-agent pemetrexed versus carboplatin and pemetrexed in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2.

PURPOSE: To compare single-agent pemetrexed (P) versus the combination of carboplatin and pemetrexed (CP) in first-line therapy for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) of 2. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a multicenter phase III randomized trial, patients with advanced NSCLC, ECOG PS of 2, any histology at first and later amended to nonsquamous only, no prior chemotherapy, and adequate organ function were randomly assigned to P alone (500 mg/m(2)) or CP (area under the curve of 5 and 500 mg/m(2), respectively) administered every 3 weeks for a total of four cycles. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 205 eligible patients were enrolled from eight centers in Brazil and one in the United States from April 2008 to July 2011. The response rates were 10.3% for P and 23.8% for CP (P = .032). In the intent-to-treat population, the median PFS was 2.8 months for P and 5.8 months for CP (hazard ratio [HR], 0.46; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.63; P < .001), and the median OS was 5.3 months for P and 9.3 months for CP (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.83; P = .001). One-year survival rates were 21.9% and 40.1%, respectively. Similar results were seen when patients with squamous disease were excluded from the analysis. Anemia (grade 3, 3.9%; grade 4, 11.7%) and neutropenia (grade 3, 1%; grade 4, 6.8%) were more frequent with CP. There were four treatment-related deaths in the CP arm. CONCLUSION: Combination chemotherapy with CP significantly improves survival in patients with advanced NSCLC and ECOG PS of 2.

Câncer colorretal metastático: papel atual dos anticorpos monoclonais e a individualização de seu uso / Monoclonal therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer

INTRODUÇÃO: Apesar dos poucos casos de cura no câncer colorretal metastático, a última década foi marcada por avanços na disponibilidade de novos fármacos com mecanismos de ação distintos e aplicabilidade em várias linhas de tratamento. De fato, a sobrevida mediana de pacientes com câncer colorretal metastático praticamente dobrou ao longo dos últimos 10 anos, e parte dessa mudança se deve à introdução dos anticorpos monoclonais, capazes de reconhecer antígenos com importância patogênica em tumores.OBJETIVO: Apresentar revisão dos resultados obtidos com os anticorpos monoclonais usados em câncer colorretal.MÉTODOS: Revisão de 29 trabalhos publicados e obtidos nas fontes atuais de busca virtual. Foram revisados o papel do Bevacizumabe - anticorpo contra o VEGF; o Cetuximabe e Panitumumabe - anticorpos contra o EGFR e o oncogene K-Ras na resposta ao tratamento.CONCLUSÃO: Sugere-se ao final algoritmo de tratamento com anticorpos monoclonais.

INTRODUCTION: Although the metastatic stage of any cancer is difficult to handle, the last decades brought hope with the use of new medications among them the monoclonal antibodies.METHOD: To update the concepts and use of Bevacizumabe - against VEGF; Cetuximab and Panitumumab - against EGFR and K-Ras oncogene.CONCLUSION: An algorythm is proposed to better do the treatment.

Uso de topotecan no tratamento do tumor epitelial de óvario refratório à platina: experiência do INCA / Topotecan for tratment of platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer: the experience at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute

Introdução: O câncer de ovário é a principal causa de morte entre os tumores malignos ginecológicos nos Estados Unidos. Apesar dos avanços da terapia inicial, a maioria das pacientes apresentará recaída e necessitará de tratamento adicional. Topotecan é um agente quimioterápico estabelecido para o tratamento de câncer de ovário refratário à platina e foi utilizado como droga de escolha no Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA) para essas pacientes. O presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever estes casos. Metodologia: Estudo de seguimento, retrospectivo edescritivo realizado através de revisão dos prontuários das pacientes, com diagnóstico de câncer epitelial de ováriorefratário à platina, que receberam tratamento com topotecan no INCA, no período de janeiro de 2003 a dezembrode 2005. Resultados: Trinta e uma pacientes preencheram critérios para inclusão no estudo. Com seguimentomediano de 12 meses (3-36), o tempo mediano livre de progressão foi de quatro meses (IC 95%; 2,1-5,8) e amediana estimada de sobrevida global foi de 14 meses (IC 95%; 5,1-22,8). A progressão locorregional foi a maiscomum, descrita em 22 (81,5%). Foram encontradas: taxas de resposta clínica de 22,6%, resposta bioquímica de25,8% e resposta radiológica de 20%. Conclusão: O presente estudo evidencia o benefício do tratamento comtopotecan na população estudada, com taxa de resposta, tempo livre de progressão e sobrevida global, que estão de acordo com os da literatura

Estudo anatomotopográfico do canal arterial em fetos natimortos dirigido para sua abordagem por videotoracoscopia / Anatomotopographic study of ductus arteriosus in newborn cadavers directed for its videotoracoscopic approach

Este trabalho objetiva realizar um estudo anatomotopográfico do Canal Arterial em fetos natimortos enfatizando o seu comprimento e seu diâmetro de acordo com o tamanho de cada feto. Além de que, descrevemos as distâncias entre este e pontos de reparo importantes para sua abordagem por videotoracoscopia. Estudamos dezesseis fetos natimortos, sendo que oito eram do sexo masculino. O tamanho do feto e os perímetros torácico e cefálico variaram de 42-57, 26-35 e 29-35,5 cm, respectivamente. A média de comprimento e diâmetro foram 11,06 e 5,56 cm. Distâncias entre o Canal e as seguintes estruturas: clavícula-22,13mm, segunda costela-20,75mm, esterno-33,88mm e a.subclávia esquerda-5,30mm. Acreditamos que as medidas apresentadas podem facilitar a abordagem do canal por videotoracoscopia.