Precursor-free eruption triggered by edifice rupture at Nyiragongo volcano.

Classical mechanisms of volcanic eruptions mostly involve pressure buildup and magma ascent towards the surface1. Such processes produce geophysical and geochemical signals that may be detected and interpreted as eruption precursors1-3. On 22 May 2021, Mount Nyiragongo (Democratic Republic of the Congo), an open-vent volcano with a persistent lava lake perched within its summit crater, shook up this interpretation by producing an approximately six-hour-long flank eruption without apparent precursors, followed-rather than preceded-by lateral magma motion into the crust. Here we show that this reversed sequence was most likely initiated by a rupture of the edifice, producing deadly lava flows and triggering a voluminous 25-km-long dyke intrusion. The dyke propagated southwards at very shallow depth (less than 500 m) underneath the cities of Goma (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Gisenyi (Rwanda), as well as Lake Kivu. This volcanic crisis raises new questions about the mechanisms controlling such eruptions and the possibility of facing substantially more hazardous events, such as effusions within densely urbanized areas, phreato-magmatism or a limnic eruption from the gas-rich Lake Kivu. It also more generally highlights the challenges faced with open-vent volcanoes for monitoring, early detection and risk management when a significant volume of magma is stored close to the surface.

Seroconversion rate after vaccination against COVID-19 in patients with cancer-a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected >210 million people worldwide. An optimal therapeutic approach for COVID-19 remains uncertain, to date. Since the history of cancer was linked to higher mortality rates due to COVID-19, the establishment of a safe and effective vaccine coverage is crucial in these patients. However, patients with cancer (PsC) were mostly excluded from vaccine candidates' clinical trials. This systematic review aims to investigate the current available evidence about the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines in PsC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All prospective studies that evaluated the safety and efficacy of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were included, with immunogenicity after the first and the second dose as the primary endpoint, when available. RESULTS: Vaccination against COVID-19 for PsC seems overall safe and immunogenic after well-conducted vaccination schedules. Yet the seroconversion rate remains lower, lagged or both compared to the general population. Patients with hematologic malignancies, especially those receiving B-cell-depleting agents in the past 12 months, are the most at risk of poor seroconversion. CONCLUSION: A tailored approach to vaccination may be proposed to PsC, especially on the basis of the type of malignancy and of the specific oncologic treatments received.

Iron deficiency during first-line chemotherapy in metastatic cancers: a prospective epidemiological study.

PURPOSE: Anemia is common in oncology and negatively impacts quality of life. However, there is lack of knowledge about iron deficiency (ID) epidemiology. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess iron status in patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancer beginning chemotherapy. METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter cohort study, anemia and ID were evaluated in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors and lymphoma before starting chemotherapy. Blood samples were collected at inclusion (W0), 6 weeks (W6), and 12 weeks (W12). Prevalence was evaluated in the general population, according to tumor location and was correlated with tumor response. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-nine patients were enrolled between 2013 and 2015; 119 had solid tumors and 10 lymphomas. At W0, there were no significant difference between locations with a prevalence around 50-60% (range 47.2-70.4%) and only a trend for colorectal cancer (70.4%, P = 0.069) due to a higher prevalence of absolute ID (18.5%). Prevalence of ID+ decreased between W0 and W6 and remained stable until W12 due to the proportion of patients with ID and without anemia. However, anemia prevalence increased during W0 and W6 and remained stable to W6 from W12 due to patients with anemia but without ID. A significant correlation between tumor response and ID prevalence was found (P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: We confirm the high prevalence of ID and anemia in cancer patients. ID status is correlated to tumor response providing a strong rationale for iron monitoring during cancer management.

Metastatic NSCLC: Clinical, molecular, and therapeutic factors associated with long-term survival.

BACKGROUND: Patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who survive more than 2 years are considered long-term survivors (LTSs). The present study examined factors associated with long-term survival and collected information for future comparison. METHODS: Clinical, molecular, and therapeutic data were collected from patients followed for primary stage IV (7th TNM classification) NSCLC within 2 years from diagnosis in the respiratory medicine departments of 53 French non-teaching hospitals. LTS and non-LTS records were compared. Factors associated with long-term survival were examined by univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Vital status at least 2 years after diagnosis was known for 1977 stage IV NSCLC patients; 220 (11.1%) were LTSs. On multivariate analysis, independent positive factors comprised: TTF-1(+) immunochemistry, EGFR-mutation, surgery, rescue radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. Independent negative factors comprised: prediagnosis weight loss>5kg, ECOG performance status>1, and primary radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular biology and targeted therapy were decisive for long-term survival. With their development and their widespread implementation in clinical practice, the percentage of LTSs is expected to grow. Factors determining long-term survival found in this study should be taken into account when considering treatment options for patients with stage IV NSCLC.

Classic biphasic pulmonary blastoma: A case report and review of the literature.

Pulmonary blastomas represent about 0.5% of primary pulmonary malignancies. The prognosis is poor. Standard treatment consists of surgical excision. There are no published series on which to judge the efficacy of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. We describe an unusual case of classic biphasic pulmonary blastoma (CBPC), with long-term survival despite numerous and varied cancer-related events and review the literature. Our 71-year-old Caucasian woman presented with history of blood in sputum in 2009. Right lower lobectomy yielded a diagnosis of sarcomatoid carcinoma (pneumoblastoma). Unusually, our patient is still alive 7 years after initial surgery, despite metastatic first relapse after 2 years. Metastatic progression was confirmed histologically on three separate occasions during the disease course. The patient received a combination of cisplatin (or carboplatin) and etoposide on three separate occasions. Molecular biology studies of CBPC are needed to identify effective treatments, and a patient registry should be created.

Prognostic factors in 401 elderly women with metastatic breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with metastatic breast cancer have a prognosis and outcome that may be dependent on a host of factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 401 female breast cancer patients who developed metastatic disease after the age of 70 years in order to define potential prognostic factors for specific survival at the time of first recurrence. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 60 months from the time of recurrence, the median specific survival was 21.0 months (95% CI 17.0-23.0). In multivariate analysis we demonstrated that negative hormonal receptor status (p = 0.002), presence of positive lymph nodes at initial cancer diagnosis (hazard ratio, HR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.07-1.75; p = 0.01), site of metastasis (p < 10(-4)) and metastasis-free interval (HR = 0.99; 95% CI 0.95-0.99; p = 0.008) constituted unfavorable independent prognostic factors able to predict specific survival from the time of metastatic occurrence. Age at initial diagnosis, Scarff-Bloom Richardson grade and adjuvant treatments were significant only in univariate analysis. CONCLUSION: These survival prognostic factors associated with the use of a specific geriatric questionnaire to assess frailty may assist physicians in evaluating the patient's survival potential and choose a tailored treatment to this cancer population.

Experience of multidisciplinary assessment of elderly patients with cancer in a French general hospital during 1 year: a new model care study.

OBJECTIVES: Our main aim was to describe and explore a multidisciplinary approach to the management of elderly patients with cancer, who constitute a heterogeneous population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study was performed between October 2009 and September 2010. Patients with cancer ≥ 70 years of age were included. Some underwent a simplified multidimensional geriatric assessment with a Charlson score administered by an oncologist, and the evaluation was submitted to a geriatrician who decided whether or not a complete a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) (n=54) should be done. Another group of patients directly underwent a CGA (n=49), and a few patients included in a specific trial underwent a geriatric assessment (n=8). Each patient was classified as fit, vulnerable, or frail by a multidisciplinary team. RESULTS: 111 patients were included (median age: 81 years [range: 65-96]; 60 males). The most frequent types of cancer were lung (n=29), gastrointestinal (n=20) and head and neck (n=14). Median Charlson score was 2.1 [range: 0-9]. Standard therapy was given to 37/41 (90%) fit, 19/41 (42%) vulnerable, and 6/29 (21%) frail patients. Thirteen frail patients received best supportive care. A social worker was mobilized for 2/41 (5%) fit, 14/41 (34%) vulnerable, and 11/29 (38%) frail patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study outlines the possibilities of cooperation between geriatricians and oncologists in a general hospital. This collaboration could modify therapeutic schedules especially in frail and vulnerable patients.

A phase I study of UFT-oral vinorelbine in metastatic breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Despite current treatment options, metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains essentially incurable, requiring research on new drugs or combinations to improve survival and quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This phase I study was designed to define the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and recommended dose of all-oral tegafur-uracil (UFT)/folinic acid combined with vinorelbine as chemotherapy for MBC. Starting doses were 40 mg/m(2)/week of oral vinorelbine administered continuously and 250 mg/m(2)/day of UFT plus 90 mg/day of folinic acid from day 1 to day 28, followed by a 1-week rest period. RESULTS: Ten patients were included. Eight were evaluable for toxicity and antitumor response. The second dose level was shown to be the MTD. At this dose, 2 out of 5 patients receiving oral vinorelbine at 40 mg/m(2)/week and UFT at 300 mg/m(2)/day developed DLT consisting of grade 3 asthenia and grade 3 nausea despite standard prophylaxis. Other toxicities were grade 1 diarrhea and anemia. There were no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The recommended dose for this combination seems to be the first dose level. A stable response was observed for 6 patients (average 33 weeks). This combination appears to be well-tolerated and offers an alternative to intravenous chemotherapy.

Acceptance of the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza vaccine among hospital workers in two French cancer centers.

The aim of the study was to determine predictive factors influencing the acceptance of the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza vaccination among hospital workers (HW) in two French cancer centers. A standardized, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was sent to HW of two cancer centers. The survey response rate was 26.2% (n=506). Main reasons for A(H1N1) vaccination acceptance were "to protect my relatives" (30.3%), "to protect myself" (30.3%). Main reasons for A(H1N1) vaccination refusal were the fear of side effects (43.1%), doubt about the vaccine's efficacy (25.8%). Vaccinated HW were more influenced by the institutional campaign (p<0.001) or colleagues' advice (p<0.001) whereas non-vaccinated HW were influenced by their family physician's advice (p=0.03), personal conviction (p<0.001) or the media (p<0.001). A multivariate analysis revealed age (>35 vs ≤ 35), prior seasonal influenza vaccination, professional category and source of information to be predictive factors of vaccination. Future vaccination campaigns will need to focus on young HW (≤ 35-year old), with no prior influenza vaccination and HW who are in contact with patients and who reported low seasonal influenza vaccination rates.

[CYP2D6 polymorphisms and tamoxifen: therapeutic perspectives in the management of hormonodependent breast cancer patients]. / Polymorphismes du CYP2D6 et tamoxifène : perspectives thérapeutiques dans la prise en charge des cancers du sein hormonodépendants.

Tamoxifen is a prodrug mainly metabolized by the CY2D6 cytochrome. More than 80 variants of the CYP2D6 gene have been identified. They predict four different enzymatic phenotypes: ultra-rapid metabolizers (UM), extensive metabolizers (EM), intermediate metabolizers (IM) and poor metabolizers (PM). Six retrospectives studies suggest a link between some polymorphisms of the CYP2D6 and tamoxifen efficacy and two studies have found no statistically significant data. Today, level of proof remains insufficient to recommend the testing of a patient's genotype before tamoxifen prescription. Designing prospective studies is necessary before considering therapy strategies based on pharmacogenetics data. In pre-menopausal breast cancer PM or IM patients, an increase in dosage of tamoxifen or a treatment with LH-RH analogues with aromatase inhibitors (AI) may be beneficial instead of the actual recommendations of a 5-year tamoxifen therapy. In postmenopausal EM patients, tamoxifen may be as efficient as AI. In post-menopausal PM patients, a switch strategy may be inferior to a 5-year IA strategy, which would therefore be the standard of care.

[Prospective evaluation of antibiotic combinations in a general hospital]. / Evaluation prospective des associations antibiotiques d'un centre hospitalier général.

INTRODUCTION: We previously reported a 30% rate of inadequate antibiotic therapy in a general hospital with optimal organization. This data led to implement a systematic weekly infectious diseases consultation. We report an evaluation of antibiotic combinations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The infectious diseases consultation was scheduled half-a-day per week. Antibiotic combinations were collected by the pharmacist via computerized prescriptions. Discussion with the managing physician was systematic in order to evaluate the adequacy of the treatment both in terms of diagnosis and therapy. RESULTS: For 9 months, 381 patients were prescribed 486 antibiotic combinations, among which 116 were evaluated. The infectious diseases specialist suggested a similar diagnosis in 71 antibiotic treatments (61%), the diagnosis appeared doubtful in 36 cases (31%), and a true diagnostic discordance was noted in nine cases. The discussion between specialist and managing physician suggested that the antibiotic combination was justified in 35%, of limited usefulness in 22%, and inadequate in 43% of the cases. There was a significant correlation between the result of the discussion and the accuracy of the antibiotic combination (p<0.001). Respiratory infections were the main reason for inadequate or limited usefulness of antibiotic combinations (30/49, 61%). CONCLUSION: Computerized prescriptions allow the evaluation of antibiotic therapy even when the infectious diseases specialist intervention is short. The discussion with the managing physician on diagnosis and treatment appears to play a central role for a better use of antibiotherapy.

[New influenza A (H1N1) pandemia and cancer patients: what do we do?]. / Nouvelle pandémie de grippe A (H1N1) : que faire pour les patients atteints d'un cancer ?

The new swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) strain (S-OIV) pandemia may expose immunodepressed cancer patients under chemotherapy to an increased risk of mortality. Here, we put into perspective available antiviral treatments and influenza vaccination efficacy in cancer patients and consider that recommendations for seasonal influenza vaccination for these patients are applicable for the upcoming S-OIV vaccines. We recommend a triple vaccination in cancer patients (seasonal influenza, S-OIV, streptococus pneumoniae), if possible at least two weeks before beginning chemotherapy. In case of an influenza-like illness under chemotherapy, the care will depend on the neutrophilic level. If neutrophil count is under 500 units/mm3, hospital admission is recommended with adapted isolation measures and the prescription of an antiviral treatment with oseltamivir 75 mg twice a day for 5 days, if the onset of symptoms occurred within 48 hours. In case of a sign of severity, antiviral treatment should be started regardless of time of the onset of symptoms. Probabilistic antibiotics should also be introduced. In the absence of neutropenia, home care should be favored, by explaining recommended hygienic measures and by starting an antiviral treatment with the same modalities as described previously. Hospital admission is indicated if a sign of severity is present. Patients under chemotherapy, if not vaccinated, who have had a contact with an infected person should receive a prophylactic antiviral treatment with oseltamivir 75 mg once a day for 10 days.

[State of the art and advances in radiotherapy for bladder cancer]. / Techniques et innovations en radiothérapie pour le traitement conservateur des cancers infiltrants localisés de vessie.

Radical cystectomy is the treatment of choice for nonmetastatic, muscle-infiltrating bladder cancer. However, bladder-sparing approaches can be discussed in carefully selected patients. Bladder-preservation protocols aim to guaranty local control and survival with a functional bladder and a good quality of life. Such strategies include combinations of transurethral resection and radiochemotherapy, partial cystectomy and brachytherapy, radiotherapy-cystotomy and electrontherapy. Strict selection criteria and close follow-up are mandatory. New irradiation techniques hold the promise to improve local control by selectively boosting the dose to the tumor while better sparing the organs at risk. Such advances include the use of multimodal imaging, image-guided radiotherapy, concomitant boost with conformal irradiation+/-intensity modulated radiation therapy. Brachytherapy, either high-dose or pulsed-rate, is a promising technique for selected cases. Highly-conformal irradiation with tumor tracking using the Cyberknifetrade mark technology may also provide opportunities to boost the tumor while reducing toxicities. Specific innovative irradiation techniques are discussed.