Impact of an Etoposide Chemotherapy Shortage on Patients With Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Results of a Natural Experiment.

PURPOSE: A shortage of essential intravenous (IV) etoposide lasted from 2018 until 2020 in Ontario, Canada, allowing for a natural experiment in which external factors (IV etoposide availability) dictated patients' treatment assignment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of this IV etoposide shortage (IVES) on patient care outcomes. METHODS: Individuals with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) treated during a pre-IVES (November 2017-October 2018) and IVES (November 2018-October 2019) time intervals were retrospectively reviewed at the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre. We investigated the association of the shortage on health care utilization and survival using a time-to-event analysis, Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression modeling. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients with ES-SCLC were assessed, 49 in the pre-IVES interval and 70 in the IVES interval. The median age was 68 (IQR, 62-74) years, 48% (n = 57) were male, 33% (n = 39) had CNS metastases, and 69% (n = 82) received first-line systemic therapy. Alternate regimens used for IVES cohort included IV platinum-oral (PO) etoposide, IV platinum-IV irinotecan, and PO etoposide monotherapy. An adjusted multivariable model demonstrated a significant increase in hospitalization (odds ratio, 2.30 [95% CI, 1.01 to 5.24]; P = .047) and shorter progression-free survival (PFS; hazard ratio, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.19 to 2.68]; P = .005) during the IVES. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated increased hospitalization, and decreased PFS, among patients with ES-SCLC treated with alternate chemotherapy regimens during an IVES. The impact of cancer drug shortages can be harmful, and optimizing a more secure drug supply with mitigation strategies is warranted.

Radiotherapy Versus Transoral Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Final Results of the ORATOR Randomized Trial.

Radiotherapy (RT) and transoral robotic surgery (TORS) are both curative-intent treatment options for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Herein, we report the final outcomes of the ORATOR trial comparing these modalities, 5 years after enrollment completion. We randomly assigned 68 patients with T1-2N0-2 OPSCC to RT (with chemotherapy if node-positive) versus TORS plus neck dissection (± adjuvant RT/chemoradiation). The primary end point was swallowing quality of life (QOL) assessed with the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). Secondary end points included overall and progression-free survival (OS, PFS), adverse events (AEs), and other QOL metrics. The primary end point has been previously reported (Nichols 2019). In this report, the median follow-up was 5.1 years (IQR, 5.0-5.3 years). MDADI total scores converged by 5 years and were not significantly different across the follow-up period (P = .11). EORTC QLQ-C30 and H&N35 scores demonstrated differing profiles, including worse dry mouth in the RT arm (P = .032) and worse pain in the TORS arm (P = .002). Grade 2-5 AE rates did not differ between arms (91% [n = 31] v 97% [n = 33] respectively, P = .61), with more neutropenia and hearing loss in the RT arm, and more dysphagia and other pain in the TORS arm based on grades 2-5 (all P < .05). There were no differences in OS or PFS. In conclusion, toxicity and QOL profiles differ in some domains between RT and TORS, but oncologic outcomes were excellent in both arms. Choice of treatment should remain a shared decision between the patient and their providers.

Treatment patterns and outcomes in KRASG12C-positive advanced NSCLC patients previously treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A Canada-wide real-world, multi-center, retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: KRAS mutations, particularly KRASG12C, are prevalent in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been a frontline treatment, but recently developed KRASG12C-selective inhibitors, such as sotorasib, present new therapeutic options. We conducted a multi-center retrospective cohort study to gain insights into real-world treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with KRASG12C-positive advanced NSCLC receiving systemic therapy post-ICI treatment. METHODS: From the CAnadian CAncers With Rare Molecular Alterations-Basket Real-world Observational Study (CARMA-BROS), a cohort of 102 patients with KRASG12C-positive advanced NSCLC across 9 Canadian centers diagnosed between 2015 and 2021 was analyzed. Clinico-demographic and treatment data were obtained from electronic health records. Survival outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: The patients (median age 66 years; 58 % female; 99 % current/former tobacco exposure; 59 % PD-L1 ≥ 50 %), exhibited heterogeneous treatment patterns post-ICI. Most patients received ICIs as a first-line therapy, with varying subsequent lines including chemotherapy and targeted therapy. In patients receiving systemic therapy post-ICI, median overall survival was 12.6 months, and real-world progression-free survival was 4.7 months. KRASG12C-selective targeted therapy post-ICI (n = 20) showed longer real-world progression-free survival compared to single-agent chemotherapy (aHR = 0.39, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: This study contributes valuable real-world data on KRASG12C-positive advanced NSCLC post-ICI treatment. The absence of a standard treatment sequencing post-ICI underscores the need for further investigation and consensus-building in the evolving landscape of KRASG12C-targeted therapies.

Personalized Treatment of Recurrent, Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer Guided by Patient-Derived Xenograft Models.

Recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RMHNSCC) is associated with a poor prognosis and short survival duration. There is an urgent need to identify personalized predictors of drug response to guide the selection of the most effective therapy for each individual recurrence. We tested the feasibility of patient-derived xenografts (PDX) for guiding their RMHNSCC salvage treatment. Fresh tumor samples from eligible, consented patients were implanted into mice. Established tumors were expanded in mouse PDX cohorts to identify responses to candidate salvage drug treatments in parallel testing. Patients alive and suitable for chemotherapy were treated based on responses determined by PDX testing. Nine patient tumors were successfully engrafted in mice with an average time of 89.2±41.7 days. Four patients' PDX models underwent parallel drug testing. Two patients received PDX-guided therapy. In one of these patients, single agents of cetuximab and paclitaxel demonstrated the best responses in the PDX model, and this patient exhibited sequential partial responses to each drug, including a 17-month clinical response to cetuximab. The main limitation of PDX testing for RMHNSCC was the time delay in obtaining testing results. Despite this, parallel PDX testing may be feasible for a subset of patients and appears to correlate with clinical benefit.

Therapy for Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline, Version 2023.3.

PURPOSE: To provide evidence-based recommendations for patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer with driver alterations. METHODS: This ASCO living guideline offers continually updated recommendations based on an ongoing systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), with the latest time frame spanning February to October 2023. An Expert Panel of medical oncology, pulmonary, community oncology, research methodology, and advocacy experts were convened. The literature search included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials. Outcomes of interest include efficacy and safety. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations. RESULTS: This guideline consolidates all previous updates and reflects the body of evidence informing this guideline topic. Eight new RCTs were identified in the latest search of the literature to date. RECOMMENDATIONS: Evidence-based recommendations were updated to address first, second, and subsequent treatment options for patients based on targetable driver alterations.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/living-guidelines.

Therapy for Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Without Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline, Version 2023.3.

PURPOSE: To provide evidence-based recommendations for patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without driver alterations. METHODS: This ASCO living guideline offers continually updated recommendations based on an ongoing systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), with the latest time frame spanning February to October 2023. An Expert Panel of medical oncology, pulmonary, community oncology, research methodology, and advocacy experts were convened. The literature search included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials. Outcomes of interest include efficacy and safety. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations. RESULTS: This guideline consolidates all previous updates and reflects the body of evidence informing this guideline topic. Ten new RCTs were identified in the latest search of the literature to date. RECOMMENDATIONS: Evidence-based recommendations were updated to address first, second, and subsequent treatment options for patients without driver alterations.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/living-guidelines.

A Case of Li-Fraumeni Associated Thymoma.

Thymomas are among the most common cancers of the anterior mediastinum. They rarely occur in patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), a hereditary syndrome that predisposes individuals to cancer and is characterized by mutations in the tumor suppressor encoding gene TP53. Here we describe a case of primary thymoma in a woman diagnosed with LFS. We cover the initial presentation and diagnosis, radiological findings, histopathological examination, and management of thymoma. In addition, we review p53 physiology and LFS pathophysiology to explore how TP53 expression might differ between the majority of thymomas and in thymomas associated with LFS. This altered pathophysiology may affect management and prognosis due to emerging evidence of increased resistance to conventional treatment, which suggests a need for close monitoring and consideration of novel treatment strategies such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors.

The quality of life in neoadjuvant versus adjuvant therapy of esophageal cancer treatment trial (QUINTETT): Randomized parallel clinical superiority trial.

BACKGROUND: We compared the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients undergoing trimodality therapy for resectable stage I-III esophageal cancer. METHODS: A total of 96 patients were randomized to standard neoadjuvant cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy plus radiotherapy (neoadjuvant) followed by surgical resection or adjuvant cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and epirubicin chemotherapy with concurrent extended volume radiotherapy (adjuvant) following surgical resection. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the functional assessment of cancer therapy-esophageal (FACT-E) total scores between arms at 1 year (p = 0.759) with 36% versus 41% (neoadjuvant vs. adjuvant), respectively, showing an increase of ≥15 points compared to pre-treatment (p = 0.638). The HRQOL was significantly inferior at 2 months in the neoadjuvant arm for FACT-E, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-OG25), and EuroQol 5-D-3 L in the dysphagia, reflux, pain, taste, and coughing domains (p < 0.05). Half of patients were able to complete the prescribed neoadjuvant arm chemotherapy without modification compared to only 14% in the adjuvant arm (p < 0.001). Chemotherapy related adverse events of grade ≥2 occurred significantly more frequently in the neoadjuvant arm (100% vs. 69%, p < 0.001). Surgery related adverse events of grade ≥2 were similar in both arms (72% vs. 86%, p = 0.107). There were no 30-day mortalities and 2% vs. 10% 90-day mortalities (p = 0.204). There were no significant differences in either overall survival (OS) (5-year: 35% vs. 32%, p = 0.409) or disease-free survival (DFS) (5-year: 31% vs. 30%, p = 0.710). CONCLUSION: Trimodality therapy is challenging for patients with resectable esophageal cancer regardless of whether it is given before or after surgery. Newer and less toxic protocols are needed.

Functional Lung Avoidance for Individualized Radiation Therapy: Results of a Double-Masked, Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To determine whether functional lung avoidance based on 3He magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves quality of life (QOL) for patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (or oligometastatic disease treated with curative intent) undergoing CCRT with at least a 10 pack-year smoking history were eligible. Patients underwent pretreatment 3He MRI to measure lung ventilation and had 2 radiation therapy (RT) plans created before randomization: a standard plan, which did not make use of the 3He MRI, and an avoidance plan, preferentially sparing well-ventilated lung. All participants were masked to assignment except the physicist responsible for exporting the selected plan. The primary end point was patient-reported QOL measured at 3-months post-RT by the FACT-L lung cancer subscale (LCS); secondary end points included other QOL metrics, toxicity, and survival outcomes. Target accrual was 64. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were randomized before the trial was closed due to slower-than-expected accrual, with 11 randomized to the standard arm and 16 to the avoidance arm. Baseline patient characteristics were well-balanced. At 3 months post-RT, the mean ± SD LCS scores were 17.4 ± 2.8 versus 17.3 ± 6.1 for the standard and avoidance arms, respectively (P = .485). A clinically meaningful, prespecified decline of ≥3 points in the LCS score was observed in 50% (4/8) in the standard arm and 33% (4/12) in the avoidance arm (P = .648). Two patients in each arm developed grade ≥2 radiation pneumonitis, with no grade ≥4 toxicities. CONCLUSIONS: Although this trial did not reach full accrual, QOL scores were very similar between arms. Due to the scarcity of 3He MRI, other, more commonly available methods to measure functional lung, such as 4-dimensional computed tomography ventilation mapping, may be considered in the assessment of functional lung avoidance RT, and a larger, multicenter approach would be needed to accrue sufficient patients to test such approaches.

Assessment of Toxic Effects and Survival in Treatment Deescalation With Radiotherapy vs Transoral Surgery for HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The ORATOR2 Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The optimal approach for treatment deescalation in human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) is unknown. Objective: To assess a primary radiotherapy (RT) approach vs a primary transoral surgical (TOS) approach in treatment deescalation for HPV-related OPSCC. Design, Setting, and Participants: This international, multicenter, open-label parallel-group phase 2 randomized clinical trial was conducted at 9 tertiary academic cancer centers in Canada and Australia and enrolled patients with T1-T2N0-2 p16-positive OPSCC between February 13, 2018, and November 17, 2020. Patients had up to 3 years of follow-up. Interventions: Primary RT (consisting of 60 Gy of RT with concurrent weekly cisplatin in node-positive patients) vs TOS and neck dissection (ND) (with adjuvant reduced-dose RT depending on pathologic findings). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was overall survival (OS) compared with a historical control. Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), quality of life, and toxic effects. Results: Overall, 61 patients were randomized (30 [49.2%] in the RT arm and 31 [50.8%] in the TOS and ND arm; median [IQR] age, 61.9 [57.2-67.9] years; 8 women [13.6%] and 51 men [86.4%]; 31 [50.8%] never smoked). The trial began in February 2018, and accrual was halted in November 2020 because of excessive toxic effects in the TOS and ND arm. Median follow-up was 17 months (IQR, 15-20 months). For the OS end point, there were 3 death events, all in the TOS and ND arm, including the 2 treatment-related deaths (0.7 and 4.3 months after randomization, respectively) and 1 of myocardial infarction at 8.5 months. There were 4 events for the PFS end point, also all in the TOS and ND arm, which included the 3 mortality events and 1 local recurrence. Thus, the OS and PFS data remained immature. Grade 2 to 5 toxic effects occurred in 20 patients (67%) in the RT arm and 22 (71%) in the TOS and ND arm. Mean (SD) MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory scores at 1 year were similar between arms (85.7 [15.6] and 84.7 [14.5], respectively). Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial, TOS was associated with an unacceptable risk of grade 5 toxic effects, but patients in both trial arms achieved good swallowing outcomes at 1 year. Long-term follow-up is required to assess OS and PFS outcomes. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03210103.

Randomized Trial of Radiotherapy Versus Transoral Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Long-Term Results of the ORATOR Trial.

PURPOSE: The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has risen rapidly, because of an epidemic of human papillomavirus infection. The optimal management of early-stage OPSCC with surgery or radiation continues to be a clinical controversy. Long-term randomized data comparing these paradigms are lacking. METHODS: We randomly assigned patients with T1-T2, N0-2 (≤ 4 cm) OPSCC to radiotherapy (RT) (with chemotherapy if N1-2) versus transoral robotic surgery plus neck dissection (TORS + ND) (with or without adjuvant therapy). The primary end point was swallowing quality of life (QOL) at 1-year using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory. Secondary end points included adverse events, other QOL outcomes, overall survival, and progression-free survival. All analyses were intention-to-treat. Herein, we present long-term outcomes from the trial. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were randomly assigned (n = 34 per arm) between August 10, 2012, and June 9, 2017. Median follow-up was 45 months. Longitudinal MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory analyses demonstrated statistical superiority of RT arm over time (P = .049), although the differences beyond 1 year were of smaller magnitude than at the 1-year timepoint (year 2: 86.0 ± 13.5 in the RT arm v 84.8 ± 12.5 in the TORS + ND arm, P = .74; year 3: 88.9 ± 11.3 v 83.3 ± 13.9, P = .12). These differences did not meet the threshold to qualify as a clinically meaningful change at any timepoint. Certain differences in QOL concerns including more pain and dental concerns in the TORS + ND arm seen at 1 year resolved at 2 and 3 years; however, TORS patients started to use more nutritional supplements at 3 years (P = .015). Dry mouth scores were higher in RT patients over time (P = .041). CONCLUSION: On longitudinal analysis, the swallowing QOL difference between primary RT and TORS + ND approaches persists but decreases over time. Patients with OPSCC should be informed about the pros and cons of both treatment options (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01590355).

A Canadian Study of Cisplatin Metabolomics and Nephrotoxicity (ACCENT): A Clinical Research Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin, a chemotherapy used to treat solid tumors, causes acute kidney injury (AKI), a known risk factor for chronic kidney disease and mortality. AKI diagnosis relies on biomarkers which are only measurable after kidney damage has occurred and functional impairment is apparent; this prevents timely AKI diagnosis and treatment. Metabolomics seeks to identify metabolite patterns involved in cell tissue metabolism related to disease or patient factors. The A Canadian study of Cisplatin mEtabolomics and NephroToxicity (ACCENT) team was established to harness the power of metabolomics to identify novel biomarkers that predict risk and discriminate for presence of cisplatin nephrotoxicity, so that early intervention strategies to mitigate onset and severity of AKI can be implemented. OBJECTIVE: Describe the design and methods of the ACCENT study which aims to identify and validate metabolomic profiles in urine and serum associated with risk for cisplatin-mediated nephrotoxicity in children and adults. DESIGN: Observational prospective cohort study. SETTING: Six Canadian oncology centers (3 pediatric, 1 adult and 2 both). PATIENTS: Three hundred adults and 300 children planned to receive cisplatin therapy. MEASUREMENTS: During two cisplatin infusion cycles, serum and urine will be measured for creatinine and electrolytes to ascertain AKI. Many patient and disease variables will be collected prospectively at baseline and throughout therapy. Metabolomic analyses of serum and urine will be done using mass spectrometry. An untargeted metabolomics approach will be used to analyze serum and urine samples before and after cisplatin infusions to identify candidate biomarkers of cisplatin AKI. Candidate metabolites will be validated using an independent cohort. METHODS: Patients will be recruited before their first cycle of cisplatin. Blood and urine will be collected at specified time points before and after cisplatin during the first infusion and an infusion later during cancer treatment. The primary outcome is AKI, defined using a traditional serum creatinine-based definition and an electrolyte abnormality-based definition. Chart review 3 months after cisplatin therapy end will be conducted to document kidney health and survival. LIMITATIONS: It may not be possible to adjust for all measured and unmeasured confounders when evaluating prediction of AKI using metabolite profiles. Collection of data across multiple sites will be a challenge. CONCLUSIONS: ACCENT is the largest study of children and adults treated with cisplatin and aims to reimagine the current model for AKI diagnoses using metabolomics. The identification of biomarkers predicting and detecting AKI in children and adults treated with cisplatin can greatly inform future clinical investigations and practices.

CONTEXTE: Le cisplatine, un agent utilisé en chimiothérapie pour traiter les tumeurs solides, entraîne de l'insuffisance rénale aiguë (IRA); un facteur de risque connu de néphropathie chronique et de mortalité. Le diagnostic de l'IRA repose sur des biomarqueurs qui ne sont mesurables qu'après l'apparition d'une lésion rénale et d'une déficience fonctionnelle; ce qui empêche le diagnostic et le traitement précoce de la maladie. La métabolomique s'efforce d'établir le profil des métabolites impliqués dans le métabolisme des tissus cellulaires en relation avec des facteurs liés à la maladie ou au patient. Une étude canadienne portant sur la métabolomique et la néphrotoxicité du cisplatine (ACCENT) s'est amorcée, elle explore la puissance de la métabolomique dans l'identification de nouveaux biomarqueurs permettant de prédire le risque de néphrotoxicité du cisplatine et d'en distinguer la présence. L'objectif étant de mettre en œuvre des stratégies d'intervention précoce, dès l'apparition de l'IRA, et de limiter la gravité de la maladie. OBJECTIFS: Décrire la conception et la méthodologie de l'étude ACCENT. Cette étude vise à établir et à valider des profils métabolomiques, dans l'urine et le sérum, associés au risque de néphrotoxicité médiée par le cisplatine chez les enfants et les adultes. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Étude de cohorte prospective. CADRE: Six centres canadiens d'oncologie (trois centres pédiatriques, un centre pour adultes et deux centres mixtes). SUJETS: L'étude porte sur 300 adultes et 300 enfants pour qui un traitement par cisplatine est prévu. MESURES: L'IRA sera confirmée par mesure de la créatinine et des électrolytes dans le sérum et l'urine au cours de deux cycles de perfusion de cisplatine. De nombreuses variables relatives au patient et à la maladie seront recueillies prospectivement avant et pendant le traitement. Les analyses métabolomiques des échantillons de sérum et d'urine seront effectuées par spectrométrie de masse. Une approche métabolomique non ciblée sera utilisée pour analyser les échantillons avant et après les perfusions de cisplatine pour identifier les biomarqueurs candidats d'une IRA découlant du traitement par cisplatine. Les métabolites candidats seront validés dans une cohorte indépendante. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les patients seront recrutés avant le premier cycle de cisplatine. Le sang et l'urine seront recueillis à des moments précis, soit avant et pendant le traitement; plus précisément lors de la première perfusion, puis d'une perfusion subséquente au cours du traitement contre le cancer. Le principal critère d'évaluation est la présence d'IRA, laquelle sera établie selon la définition classique fondée sur la mesure de la créatinine sérique et d'une autre définition fondée sur les anomalies électrolytiques. Un examen des dossiers trois mois après la fin du traitement par cisplatine sera effectué afin de documenter la santé rénale et la survie des patients. LIMITES: Il pourrait être impossible de corriger tous les facteurs confusionnels mesurés et non mesurés lors de l'évaluation de la prédiction de l'IRA à l'aide de profils de métabolites. La collecte de données sur plusieurs sites sera un défi. CONCLUSION: ACCENT est la plus vaste étude portant sur des enfants et des adultes traités avec le cisplatine; cette étude tente de revoir le modèle actuel en utilisant la métabolomique pour diagnostiquer l'IRA. L'identification de biomarqueurs permettant de prédire et de détecter l'IRA chez les enfants et les adultes traités par cisplatine pourrait grandement éclairer les futures études et pratiques cliniques. RENSEIGNEMENTS SUR L'ENREGISTREMENT DE L'ESSAI CLINIQUE: ClinicalTrials.gov, insuffisance rénale induite par le cisplatine, NCT04442516.

Modern treatment outcomes for early T-stage oropharyngeal cancer treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy at a tertiary care institution.

BACKGROUND: Transoral surgery (TOS), particularly transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become the preferred modality in the United States for the treatment of early stage oropharyngeal cancer, largely due to assumptions of fewer toxicities and improved quality of life compared to primary radiotherapy (RT). However, these assumptions are based on retrospective analysis, a subset of which utilize primary RT groups not limited to T1-2 stage tumors for which transoral robotic surgery is FDA approved. Thus, there is potential for underestimating survival and overestimating toxicity, including treatment related mortality, in primary RT. METHODS: Consecutive cases of early T-stage (T1-T2) oropharyngeal cancer presenting to the London Health Sciences Centre between 2014 and 2018 treated with RT or chemoradiation (CRT) were reviewed. Patient demographics, treatment details, survival outcomes and toxicity were collected. Toxicities were retrospectively graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events criteria. RESULTS: A total of 198 patients were identified, of which 82% were male and 73% were HPV-positive. Sixty-eight percent of patients experienced a grade 2 toxicity, 48% a grade 3 and 4% a grade 4. The most frequent toxicities were dysphagia, neutropenia and ototoxicity. The rates of gastrostomy tube dependence at 1 and 2 years were 2.5% and 1% respectively. There were no grade 5 (fatal) toxicities. HPV-positive patients experienced improved 5-year overall survival (86% vs 64%, p = 0.0026). CONCLUSIONS: Primary RT or CRT provides outstanding survival for early T-stage disease, with low rates of severe toxicity and feeding tube dependence. This study provides a reference for comparison for patients treated with primary transoral surgery.

Preservation of swallowing in resected oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: examining radiation volume effects (PRESERVE): study protocol for a randomized phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with resected oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) are often treated with adjuvant radiation (RT) ± concomitant chemotherapy based on pathological findings. Standard RT volumes include all surgically dissected areas, including the tumour bed and dissected neck. RT has significant acute and long-term toxicities including odynophagia, dysphagia, dermatitis and fibrosis. The goal of this study is to assess the rate of regional failure with omission of radiation to the surgically dissected pathologically node negative (pN0) hemi-neck(s) compared to historical control, and to compare oncologic outcomes, toxicity, and quality of life (QoL) profiles between standard RT volumes and omission of RT to the pN0 neck. METHODS: This is a multicentre phase II study randomizing 90 patients with T1-4 N0-2 OCSCC with at least one pN0 hemi-neck in a 1:2 ratio between standard RT volumes and omission of RT to the pN0 hemi-neck(s). Patients will be stratified based on overall nodal status (nodal involvement vs. no nodal involvement) and use of concurrent chemotherapy. The primary endpoint is regional failure in the pN0 hemi-neck(s); we hypothesize that a 2-year regional recurrence of 20% or less will be achieved. Secondary endpoints include overall and progression-free survival, local recurrence, rate of salvage therapy, toxicity and QoL. DISCUSSION: This study will provide an assessment of omission of RT to the dissected pN0 hemi-neck(s) on oncologic outcomes, QoL and toxicity. Results will inform the design of future definitive phase III trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03997643 . Date of registration: June 25, 2019, Current version: 2.0 on July 11 2020.

Oncology education for family medicine residents: a national needs assessment survey.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the current state of oncology education in Canadian family medicine postgraduate medical education programs (FM PGME) and examine opinions regarding optimal oncology education in these programs. METHODS: A survey was designed to evaluate ideal and current oncology teaching, educational topics, objectives, and competencies in FM PGMEs. The survey was sent to Canadian family medicine (FM) residents and program directors (PDs). RESULTS: In total, 150 residents and 17 PDs affiliated with 16 of 17 Canadian medical schools completed the survey. The majority indicated their programs do not have a mandatory clinical rotation in oncology (79% residents, 88% PDs). Low rates of residents (7%) and PDs (13%) reported FM residents being adequately prepared for their role in caring for cancer patients (p = 0.03). Residents and PDs believed the most optimal method of teaching oncology is through clinical exposure (65% residents, 80% PDs). Residents and PDs agreed the most important topics to learn (rated ≥4.7 on 5-point Likert scale) were: performing pap smears, cancer screening/prevention, breaking bad news, and approach to patient with increased cancer risk. According to residents, other important topics such as appropriate cancer patient referrals, managing cancer complications and post-treatment surveillance were only taught at frequencies of 52, 40 and 36%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Current FM PGME oncology education is suboptimal, although the degree differs in the opinion of residents and PDs. This study identified topics and methods of education which could be focussed upon to improve FM oncology education.

Treatment de-escalation for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with radiotherapy vs. trans-oral surgery (ORATOR2): study protocol for a randomized phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPC) have substantially better treatment response and overall survival (OS) than patients with HPV-negative disease. Treatment options for HPV+ OPC can involve either a primary radiotherapy (RT) approach (± concomitant chemotherapy) or a primary surgical approach (± adjuvant radiation) with transoral surgery (TOS). These two treatment paradigms have different spectrums of toxicity. The goals of this study are to assess the OS of two de-escalation approaches (primary radiotherapy and primary TOS) compared to historical control, and to compare survival, toxicity and quality of life (QOL) profiles between the two approaches. METHODS: This is a multicenter phase II study randomizing one hundred and forty patients with T1-2 N0-2 HPV+ OPC in a 1:1 ratio between de-escalated primary radiotherapy (60 Gy) ± concomitant chemotherapy and TOS ± de-escalated adjuvant radiotherapy (50-60 Gy based on risk factors). Patients will be stratified based on smoking status (< 10 vs. ≥ 10 pack-years). The primary endpoint is OS of each arm compared to historical control; we hypothesize that a 2-year OS of 85% or greater will be achieved. Secondary endpoints include progression free survival, QOL and toxicity. DISCUSSION: This study will provide an assessment of two de-escalation approaches to the treatment of HPV+ OPC on oncologic outcomes, QOL and toxicity. Results will inform the design of future definitive phase III trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03210103. Date of registration: July 6, 2017, Current version: 1.3 on March 15, 2019.

Radiotherapy versus transoral robotic surgery and neck dissection for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (ORATOR): an open-label, phase 2, randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with concurrent neck dissection has supplanted radiotherapy in the USA as the most common treatment for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), yet no randomised trials have compared these modalities. We aimed to evaluate differences in quality of life (QOL) 1 year after treatment. METHODS: The ORATOR trial was an investigator-initiated, multicentre, international, open-label, parallel-group, phase 2, randomised study. Patients were enrolled at six hospitals in Canada and Australia. We randomly assigned (1:1) patients aged 18 years or older, with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scores of 0-2, and with T1-T2, N0-2 (≤4 cm) OPSCC tumour types to radiotherapy (70 Gy, with chemotherapy if N1-2) or TORS plus neck dissection (with or without adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, based on pathology). Following stratification by p16 status, patients were randomly assigned using a computer-generated randomisation list with permuted blocks of four. The primary endpoint was swallowing-related QOL at 1 year as established using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) score, powered to detect a 10-point improvement (a clinically meaningful change) in the TORS plus neck dissection group. All analyses were done by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01590355) and is active, but not currently recruiting. FINDINGS: 68 patients were randomly assigned (34 per group) between Aug 10, 2012, and June 9, 2017. Median follow-up was 25 months (IQR 20-33) for the radiotherapy group and 29 months (23-43) for the TORS plus neck dissection group. MDADI total scores at 1 year were mean 86·9 (SD 11·4) in the radiotherapy group versus 80·1 (13·0) in the TORS plus neck dissection group (p=0·042). There were more cases of neutropenia (six [18%] of 34 patients vs none of 34), hearing loss (13 [38%] vs five [15%]), and tinnitus (12 [35%] vs two [6%]) reported in the radiotherapy group than in the TORS plus neck dissection group, and more cases of trismus in the TORS plus neck dissection group (nine [26%] vs one [3%]). The most common adverse events in the radiotherapy group were dysphagia (n=6), hearing loss (n=6), and mucositis (n=4), all grade 3, and in the TORS plus neck dissection group, dysphagia (n=9, all grade 3) and there was one death caused by bleeding after TORS. INTERPRETATION: Patients treated with radiotherapy showed superior swallowing-related QOL scores 1 year after treatment, although the difference did not represent a clinically meaningful change. Toxicity patterns differed between the groups. Patients with OPSCC should be informed about both treatment options. FUNDING: Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute Grant (#701842), Ontario Institute for Cancer Research Clinician-Scientist research grant, and the Wolfe Surgical Research Professorship in the Biology of Head and Neck Cancers grant.

Predictors of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity and survival in chemoradiation treated head and neck cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity is a common permanent consequence of curative chemoradiation for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Predictors of ototoxicity in HNSCC were examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, observational cohort study, 206 adult HNSCC patients underwent audiometric testing at baseline, during and after treatment with cisplatin-based chemoradiation. Ototoxicity was defined as ≥grade 2 audiometric change from baseline (CTCAE v4.02). Relationships between clinical and pharmacogenetic (TPMT, COMT, ACYP2, CTR1, OCT2, MATE1, ABCC2, ABCC3, and ABCG2) covariates and ototoxicity, progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed by Cox regression. RESULTS: Weekly cisplatin resulted in lower ototoxicity risk while PFS and OS were similar compared to high dose cisplatin (P = 0.00035; HR = 0.18; 95% CI, 0.07-0.46). COMT (rs9332377) carriers had higher ototoxicity risk (P = 0.00556; HR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.17-2.52) while MATE1 (rs2289669) A/A carriers were protected from ototoxicity (P = 0.01062; HR = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.26-0.84). Absence of the protective MATE1 allele among those who carry the risk allele in COMT predicted increased ototoxicity risk, (P = 0.00414; HR = 3.22; 95% CI, 1.45-7.17 and P = 0.00022; HR = 4.89; 95% CI, 2.11-11.36). Survival outcomes did not differ between carriers of protective or risk alleles. CONCLUSIONS: Weekly cisplatin dosing, COMT and MATE1 are predictors of ototoxicity without affecting treatment efficacy. COMT and MATE1 genotyping and weekly dosing may be a potential strategy for mitigating cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in HNSCC.

Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) IND211: A randomized trial of pelareorep (Reolysin) in patients with previously treated advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer receiving standard salvage therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Pelareorep (reolysin), a Dearing strain of reovirus serotype 3, has demonstrated oncolytic activity as single agent and synergy with chemotherapy. We evaluated pelareorep, combined with standard second-line chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized phase II trial enrolled patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC after first line chemotherapy. After a safety run-in, patients were randomized 1:1 to chemotherapy (pemetrexed [500 mg/m2, non-squamous], or docetaxel [75 mg/m2], day 1 every 21 days]) +/- pelareorep (4.5 × 1010 TCID50, days 1-3 every 21 days), stratified by EGFR mutation status. The primary outcome was progression free survival (PFS) of patients randomized to chemotherapy + pelareorep vs. chemotherapy alone. Secondary outcomes included overall survival, objective response rate and exploratory translational analyses. RESULTS: Between October 2012 and August 2015, 166 patients were enrolled (14 to the safety run in). Pelareorep did not improve the PFS vs. single agent chemotherapy (median PFS 3.0 months, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.6-4.1) vs. 2.8 months (95% CI 2.5-4.0), hazard ratio (HR) 0.90 (95% CI 0.65-1.25), P = 0.53). Neither KRAS or EGFR mutation was associated with improved PFS, but STK11 mutations did appear to have an association with improved PFS (HR 0.29 [0.12-0.67); as did PIK3CA mutation (HR 0.45 [0.22-0.93]). The combination was tolerable, although associated with increased rates of neutropenic fever. CONCLUSION: The addition of pelareorep to second-line chemotherapy did not improve the PFS of patients with NSCLC. The three-day pelareorep schedule was tolerable. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential benefit in molecular subtypes of NSCLC.

Clinical impact of mutation fraction in epidermal growth factor receptor mutation positive NSCLC patients.

BACKGROUND: We examined clinical outcomes in a population-based cohort of EGFR mutant advanced NSCLC patients, exploring the potential role of factors including tumour EGFR mutation fraction and cellularity in predicting outcomes. METHODS: A cohort of patients with EGFR mutant advanced NSCLC was identified (N =2 93); clinical outcomes, pathologic and treatment details were collected. Tumour response was determined from radiology and clinical notes. Association between demographic and pathologic variables EGFR TKI response, time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS) was examined using logistic regression and proportional hazards regression. EGFR TKI response rates were summarised by percent mutation fraction to explore their association. RESULTS: Higher mutation fraction was associated with greater EGFR TKI response rate (odds ratio 1.58, 95% CI = 1.21-2.07, P = 0.0008), longer TTF (hazard ratio 0.80, 95% CI = 0.68-0.92, P = 0.003) and better OS (hazard ratio 0.81, 95% CI = 0.67-0.99, P = 0.04). However, even in patients with ⩽ 5% mutation fraction, response rate was 34%. Females had longer TTF (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: EGFR mutation fraction in tumour samples was significantly associated with response, TTF and OS. Despite this, no lower level of mutation fraction was detected for which EGFR TKI should be withheld in those with activating EGFR mutations.