SAFESTEREO: phase II randomized trial to compare stereotactic radiosurgery with fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases.

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a frequently chosen treatment for patients with brain metastases and the number of long-term survivors is increasing. Brain necrosis (e.g. radionecrosis) is the most important long-term side effect of the treatment. Retrospective studies show a lower risk of radionecrosis and local tumor recurrence after fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (fSRS, e.g. five fractions) compared with stereotactic radiosurgery in one or three fractions. This is especially true for patients with large brain metastases. As such, the 2022 ASTRO guideline of radiotherapy for brain metastases recommends more research to fSRS to reduce the risk of radionecrosis. This multicenter prospective randomized study aims to determine whether the incidence of adverse local events (either local failure or radionecrosis) can be reduced using fSRS versus SRS in one or three fractions in patients with brain metastases. METHODS: Patients are eligible with one or more brain metastases from a solid primary tumor, age of 18 years or older, and a Karnofsky Performance Status ≥ 70. Exclusion criteria include patients with small cell lung cancer, germinoma or lymphoma, leptomeningeal metastases, a contraindication for MRI, prior inclusion in this study, prior surgery for brain metastases, prior radiotherapy for the same brain metastases (in-field re-irradiation). Participants will be randomized between SRS with a dose of 15-24 Gy in 1 or 3 fractions (standard arm) or fSRS 35 Gy in five fractions (experimental arm). The primary endpoint is the incidence of a local adverse event (local tumor failure or radionecrosis identified on MRI scans) at two years after treatment. Secondary endpoints are salvage treatment and the use of corticosteroids, bevacizumab, or antiepileptic drugs, survival, distant brain recurrences, toxicity, and quality of life. DISCUSSION: Currently, limiting the risk of adverse events such as radionecrosis is a major challenge in the treatment of brain metastases. fSRS potentially reduces this risk of radionecrosis and local tumor failure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClincalTrials.gov, trial registration number: NCT05346367 , trial registration date: 26 April 2022.

Higher healing rate after meniscal repair with concomitant ACL reconstruction for tears located in vascular zone 1 compared to zone 2: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the percentage of completely healed meniscal tears after arthroscopic repair combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) for the different vascular zones of the meniscus. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library and Emcare were searched on 19 May 2020 for articles reporting healing rates after arthroscopic meniscal repair with concomitant ACLR for the different meniscal vascular zones as assessed by second-look arthroscopy. Data on meniscal tears were extracted as located in zones 1, 2 or 3, according to the Cooper classification. Studies were graded in quality using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled analyses were performed utilizing a random-effects model. Meta-analyses were performed using R version 3.6.2 and SPSS statistical software version 25.0. The study was registered with PROSPERO (ID:CRD42020176175). RESULTS: Ten observational cohort studies met the inclusion criteria, accounting for 758 meniscal tear repairs in total. The pooled overall proportion of healing was 78% (95% CI 72-84%). The mean weighted proportion of healing was 83% (95% CI 76-90%) for studies (n = 10) reporting zone 1 tears and 69% (95% CI 59-79%) for studies (n = 9) reporting zone 2 tears. No study reported healing rates for zone 3 tears. The pooled overall odds ratio was 2.5 (95% CI 1.00-6.02), indicating zone 1 tears as 2.5 times more likely to heal than zone 2 tears. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that meniscal tears localized in vascular zone 1 were more likely to heal than those in zone 2. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Study protocol: DexaDays-2, hydrocortisone for treatment of dexamethasone-induced neurobehavioral side effects in pediatric leukemia patients: a double-blind placebo controlled randomized intervention study with cross-over design.

BACKGROUND: Dexamethasone, a highly effective drug in treating pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), can induce serious neurobehavioral side effects. These side effects are experienced by patients and parents as detrimental with respect to health related quality of life (HRQoL). Based on previous studies, it has been suggested that neurobehavioral side effects are associated to cortisol depletion of the mineralocorticoid receptor in the brain. Our previously reported randomized controlled trial, the Dexadagen study (NTR3280), suggests that physiological hydrocortisone addition during dexamethasone treatment may overcome clinically relevant neurobehavioral problems in patients who experience these problems during dexamethasone treatment. With our current study, we aim to replicate these results in a targeted larger sample before further implementing this intervention into standard of care. METHODS: In a national center setting, pediatric ALL patients between 3 and 18 years are enrolled in an Identification study, which identifies patients with clinically relevant dexamethasone-induced neurobehavioral side effects using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Contributing factors, such as genetic susceptibility, dexamethasone pharmacokinetics as well as psychosocial and family factors are studied to determine their influence in the inter-patient variability for developing dexamethasone-induced neurobehavioral side effects. Patients with clinically relevant problems (i.e. a rise of ≥ 5 points on the SDQ Total Difficulties Score after 5 days of dexamethasone) are subsequently included in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial with a cross-over design. They receive two courses placebo followed by two courses hydrocortisone during dexamethasone treatment, or vice versa, each time at least 16 days without study medication in between. The primary endpoint is change in SDQ score. The secondary endpoints are sleep (measured with actigraphy and the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children) and HRQoL (Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire). DISCUSSION: The results of our current study may contribute to the management of future ALL patients who experience dexamethasone-induced neuropsychological problems as it may improve HRQoL for patients who suffer most from dexamethasone-induced neurobehavioral side effects. Furthermore, by investigating multiple risk factors that could be related to inter-patient variability in developing these side effects, we might be able to identify and treat patients who are at risk earlier during treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Medical Ethical Committee approval number: NL62388.078.17. Affiliation: Erasmus Medical Centre. Netherlands Trial Register: NL6507 ( NTR6695 ). Registered 5 September 2017.

The evaluation of red blood cell folate and methotrexate levels during protocol M in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: After High-Dose Methotrexate (HD-MTX), folinic acid rescue therapy (Leucovorin) is administered to reduce side effects in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. Leucovorin and MTX are structural analogues, possibly competing for cellular transport and intracellular metabolism. We hypothesize that Leucovorin accumulates during consecutive courses, which might result in a lower MTX uptake. METHODS: We prospectively measured red blood cell (RBC) folate and MTX levels during four HD-MTX and Leucovorin courses in 43 patients treated according the DCOG ALL-11 protocol with 2-weekly HD-MTX (5 g/m2/dose) and Leucovorin (15 mg/m2/dose) using LC-MS/MS. We estimated a linear mixed model to assess the relationship between these variables over time. RESULTS: Both RBC MTX-PG and folate levels increased significantly during protocol M. MTX-PG2-5 levels increased most substantially after the first two HD-MTX courses (until median 113.0 nmol/L, IQR 76.8-165.2) after which levels plateaued during the 3d and 4th course (until median 141.3 nmol/L, IQR 100.2-190.2). In parallel, folate levels increased most substantially after the first two HD-MTX courses (until median 401.6 nmol/L, IQR 163.3-594.2) after which levels plateaued during the 3d and 4th course (until median 411.5 nmol/L, IQR 240.3-665.6). The ratio folate/MTX-PG decreased significantly over time, which was mostly due to the relatively higher increase (delta) of MTX-PG. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the increase in RBC folate levels does not seem to have a large effect on RBC MTX levels. Future studies, assessing competition of Leucovorin and MTX on other cellular mechanisms which might negatively affect treatment efficacy, are necessary.

Individual risk evaluation for local recurrence and distant metastasis in Ewing sarcoma: A multistate model: A multistate model for Ewing sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of surgical margins, histological response, and radiotherapy on local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (DM), and survival in Ewing sarcoma. PROCEDURE: Disease evolution was retrospectively studied in 982 patients with Ewing sarcoma undergoing surgery after chemotherapy using a multistate model with initial state surgery, intermediate states LR, pulmonary metastasis (DMpulm), other DM ± LR (DMother), and final state death. Effect of risk factors was estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 7.6 years (95% CI, 7.2-8.0). Risk factors for LR are pelvic location, HR 2.04 (1.10-3.80), marginal/intralesional resection, HR 2.28 (1.25-4.16), and radiotherapy, HR 0.52 (0.28-0.95); for DMpulm the risk factors are <90% necrosis, HR 2.13 (1.13-4.00), and previous pulmonary metastasis, HR 4.90 (2.28-8.52); for DMother are 90% to 99% necrosis, HR 1.56 (1.09-2.23), <90% necrosis, HR 2.66 (1.87-3.79), previous bone/other metastasis, HR 3.08 (2.03-4.70); and risk factors for death without LR/DM are pulmonary metastasis, HR 8.08 (4.01-16.29), bone/other metastasis, HR 10.23 (4.90-21.36), and <90% necrosis, HR 6.35 (3.18-12.69). Early LR (0-24 months) negatively influences survival, HR 3.79 (1.34-10.76). Once DMpulm/DMother arise only previous bone/other metastasis remain prognostic for death, HR 1.74 (1.10-2.75). CONCLUSION: Disease extent and histological response are risk factors for progression to DM or death. Tumor site and surgical margins are risk factors for LR. If disease progression occurs, previous risk factors lose their relevance. In case of isolated LR, time to recurrence is important for decision-making. Radiotherapy seems protective for LR especially in pelvic/axial. Low percentages of LR in extremity tumors and associated toxicity question the need for radiotherapy in extremity Ewing sarcoma.

Systematic review of mortality risk prediction models in the era of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has reduced perioperative mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery. The objective of this systematic review was to assess existing mortality risk prediction models, and identify which are most useful for patients undergoing AAA repair by either EVAR or open surgical repair. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted for perioperative mortality risk prediction models for patients with AAA published since 2006. PRISMA guidelines were used; quality was appraised, and data were extracted and interpreted following the CHARMS guidelines. RESULTS: Some 3903 studies were identified, of which 27 were selected. A total of 13 risk prediction models have been developed and directly validated. Most models were based on a UK or US population. The best performing models regarding both applicability and discrimination were the perioperative British Aneurysm Repair score (C-statistic 0·83) and the preoperative Vascular Biochemistry and Haematology Outcome Model (C-statistic 0·85), but both lacked substantial external validation. CONCLUSION: Mortality risk prediction in AAA surgery has been modelled extensively, but many of these models are weak methodologically and have highly variable performance across different populations. New models are unlikely to be helpful; instead case-mix correction should be modelled and adapted to the population of interest using the relevant mortality predictors.

Quality of life after bone sarcoma surgery around the knee: A long-term follow-up study.

It remains unclear if quality of life (QoL) improvements could be expected in young patients after malignant bone tumour surgery after 2 years. To assess the course of QoL over time during a long-term follow-up, malignant bone tumour survivors of a previous short-term study were included. Assessments were done at least 5 years after surgery. QoL was measured with Short-form (SF)-36, TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult's Quality of Life (TAAQOL) and Bone tumour (Bt)-DUX. QoL throughout the follow-up was analysed by linear mixed model analysis. From the original cohort of 44 patients; 20 patients were included for this study, 10 males; mean age at surgery 15.1 years and mean follow-up 7.2 years. Twenty-one patients of the initial cohort (47%) deceased. Fifteen patients (75%) underwent limb-salvage and five (25%) ablative surgery. QoL improved significantly during follow-up at Physical Component Summary Scale scale of the SF-36 and TAAQOL and all subscales of the Bt-DUX (p < .01). No significant differences were found between current evaluations and previous evaluations at 2 years after surgery (p = .41-.98). Significant advantages after limb-salvage were seen at the PCS scale of the SF-36 (MD 13.7, p = .05) and the cosmetic scale of the Bt-DUX (MD 17.7, p = .04).

Clinical outcomes of definitive chemoradiotherapy using carboplatin and paclitaxel in esophageal cancer.

Patients with nonmetastatic esophageal cancer not suitable for surgery can be treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy with curative intent. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of definitive chemoradiotherapy using carboplatin and paclitaxel. Medical records were reviewed of patients treated for nonmetastatic squamous cell or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus between January 2009 and December 2013 in two collaborating institutes. Treatment consisted of external beam radiotherapy (28 fractions of 1.8 Gy) and 6 weekly courses of carboplatin (AUC = 2) and paclitaxel (50 mg/m2). Data on survival, progression, toxicity, and effect on dysphagia were recorded. Sixty-six patients were included. Median overall survival (OS) was 13.1 months (95% CI 4.7-21.5 months) and a 2-year OS was 30% (95% CI 18%-42%). At 2 years, 26% of patients developed local progression (95% CI 15%-37%) and 49% developed distant metastases (95% CI 36%-64%). Acute toxicity grade ≥3 was observed in 47% of patients. Late adverse events grade ≥3 were seen in 20%, mostly esophageal stenoses. Of patients with available data 3 months after treatment, 70% had relief of dysphagia. Definitive chemoradiotherapy led to a median OS of 13 months. Toxicity was common, mostly due to hematological toxicity. Given the relatively short median survival, an adequate selection of patients for this intensive treatment is required.

LUMiC® Endoprosthetic Reconstruction After Periacetabular Tumor Resection: Short-term Results.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of periacetabular defects after pelvic tumor resection ranks among the most challenging procedures in orthopaedic oncology, and reconstructive techniques are generally associated with dissatisfying mechanical and nonmechanical complication rates. In an attempt to reduce the risk of dislocation, aseptic loosening, and infection, we introduced the LUMiC® prosthesis (implantcast, Buxtehude, Germany) in 2008. The LUMiC® prosthesis is a modular device, built of a separate stem (hydroxyapatite-coated uncemented or cemented) and acetabular cup. The stem and cup are available in different sizes (the latter of which is also available with silver coating for infection prevention) and are equipped with sawteeth at the junction to allow for rotational adjustment of cup position after implantation of the stem. Whether this implant indeed is durable at short-term followup has not been evaluated. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What proportion of patients experience mechanical complications and what are the associated risk factors of periacetabular reconstruction with the LUMiC® after pelvic tumor resection? (2) What proportion of patients experience nonmechanical complications and what are the associated risk factors of periacetabular reconstruction with the LUMiC® after pelvic tumor resection? (3) What is the cumulative incidence of implant failure at 2 and 5 years and what are the mechanisms of reconstruction failure? (4) What is the functional outcome as assessed by Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score at final followup? METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of every patient in whom a LUMiC® prosthesis was used to reconstruct a periacetabular defect after internal hemipelvectomy for a pelvic tumor from July 2008 to June 2014 in eight centers of orthopaedic oncology with a minimum followup of 24 months. Forty-seven patients (26 men [55%]) with a mean age of 50 years (range, 12-78 years) were included. At review, 32 patients (68%) were alive. The reverse Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate median followup, which was equal to 3.9 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.4-4.3). During the period under study, our general indications for using this implant were reconstruction of periacetabular defects after pelvic tumor resections in which the medial ilium adjacent to the sacroiliac joint was preserved; alternative treatments included hip transposition and saddle or custom-made prostheses in some of the contributing centers; these were generally used when the medial ilium was involved in the tumorous process or if the LUMiC® was not yet available in the specific country at that time. Conventional chondrosarcoma was the predominant diagnosis (n = 22 [47%]); five patients (11%) had osseous metastases of a distant carcinoma and three (6%) had multiple myeloma. Uncemented fixation (n = 43 [91%]) was preferred. Dual-mobility cups (n = 24 [51%]) were mainly used in case of a higher presumed risk of dislocation in the early period of our study; later, dual-mobility cups became the standard for the majority of the reconstructions. Silver-coated acetabular cups were used in 29 reconstructions (62%); because only the largest cup size was available with silver coating, its use depended on the cup size that was chosen. We used a competing risk model to estimate the cumulative incidence of implant failure. RESULTS: Six patients (13%) had a single dislocation; four (9%) had recurrent dislocations. The risk of dislocation was lower in reconstructions with a dual-mobility cup (one of 24 [4%]) than in those without (nine of 23 [39%]) (hazard ratio, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.01-0.89; p = 0.038). Three patients (6%; one with a preceding structural allograft reconstruction, one with poor initial fixation as a result of an intraoperative fracture, and one with a cemented stem) had loosening and underwent revision. Infections occurred in 13 reconstructions (28%). Median duration of surgery was 6.5 hours (range, 4.0-13.6 hours) for patients with an infection and 5.3 hours (range, 2.8-9.9 hours) for those without (p = 0.060); blood loss was 2.3 L (range, 0.8-8.2 L) for patients with an infection and 1.5 L (range, 0.4-3.8 L) for those without (p = 0.039). The cumulative incidences of implant failure at 2 and 5 years were 2.1% (95% CI, 0-6.3) and 17.3% (95% CI, 0.7-33.9) for mechanical reasons and 6.4% (95% CI, 0-13.4) and 9.2% (95% CI, 0.5-17.9) for infection, respectively. Reasons for reconstruction failure were instability (n = 1 [2%]), loosening (n = 3 [6%]), and infection (n = 4 [9%]). Mean MSTS functional outcome score at followup was 70% (range, 33%-93%). CONCLUSIONS: At short-term followup, the LUMiC® prosthesis demonstrated a low frequency of mechanical complications and failure when used to reconstruct the acetabulum in patients who underwent major pelvic tumor resections, and we believe this is a useful reconstruction for periacetabular resections for tumor or failed prior reconstructions. Still, infection and dislocation are relatively common after these complex reconstructions. Dual-mobility articulation in our experience is associated with a lower risk of dislocation. Future, larger studies will need to further control for factors such as dual-mobility articulation and silver coating. We will continue to follow our patients over the longer term to ascertain the role of this implant in this setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Meta-analysis of internal herniation after gastric bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to provide a systematic and quantitative summary of the association between laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and the reported incidence of internal herniation (IH). The route of the Roux limb and closure of mesenteric and/or mesocolonic defects are described as factors of influence. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched for relevant literature, references and citations according to the PRISMA statement. Two independent reviewers selected studies that evaluated incidence of IH after LRYGB and possible techniques for prevention. Data were pooled by route of the Roux limb and closure/non-closure of the mesenteric and/or mesocolonic defects. RESULTS: Forty-five articles included data on 31 320 patients. Lowest IH incidence was in the antecolic group, with closure of all defects (1 per cent; P < 0·001), followed by the antecolic group, with all defects left open and the retrocolic group with closure of the mesenteric and mesocolonic defect (both 2 per cent; P < 0·001). The incidence of IH was highest in the antecolic group, with closure of the jejunal defect, and in the retrocolic group, with closure of all defects (both 3 per cent). CONCLUSION: The present systematic review includes a random-effects meta-analysis. The antecolic procedure, with closure of both the mesenteric and Petersen defects, has the lowest internal herniation incidence following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

The association between comorbidities and pain, physical function and quality of life following hip and knee arthroplasty.

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between comorbidities and pain, physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A cross-sectional retrospective survey was conducted including 19 specific comorbidities, administered in patients who underwent THA or TKA in the previous 7-22 months in one of 4 hospitals. Outcome measures included pain, physical functioning, and HRQoL. Of the 521 patients (281 THA and 240 TKA) included, 449 (86 %) had ≥1 comorbidities. The most frequently reported comorbidities (>15 %) were severe back pain; neck/shoulder pain; elbow, wrist or hand pain; hypertension; incontinence of urine; hearing impairment; vision impairment; and cancer. Only the prevalence of cancer was significantly different between THA (n = 38; 14 %) and TKA (n = 52; 22 %) (p = 0.01). The associations between a higher number of comorbidities and worse outcomes were stronger in THA than in TKA. In multivariate analyses including all comorbidities with a prevalence of >5 %, in THA dizziness in combination with falling and severe back pain, and in TKA dizziness in combination with falling, vision impairments, and elbow, wrist or hand pain was associated with worse outcomes in most of the analyses. A broad range of specific comorbidities needs to be taken into account with the interpretation of patients' health status after THA and TKA. More research including the ascertainment of comorbidities preoperatively is needed, but it is conceivable that in particular, the presence of dizziness with falling, pain in other joints, and vision impairments should be assessed and treated in order to decrease the chance of an unfavorable outcome.

Micafungin twice-a-week for prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus infections in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: A controlled cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Invasive Aspergillus infections during the early phase of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment come with morbidity and mortality. The interaction with vincristine hampers first-line azole prophylaxis. We describe the efficacy of an alternative twice-a-week micafungin regimen for Aspergillus prophylaxis. METHODS: Newly diagnosed paediatric patients with ALL treated according to the ALL-11 protocol received micafungin twice-a-week (9 mg/kg/dose [max. 300 mg]) during the induction course (first 35 days of treatment) as part of routine care. A historical control cohort without Aspergillus prophylaxis was used. During the first consolidation course (day 36-79), standard itraconazole prophylaxis was used in both groups. The percentage of proven/probable Aspergillus infections during the induction/first consolidation course was compared between the cohorts. The cumulative incidence of proven/probable Aspergillus infections was estimated using a competing risk model. For safety evaluation, liver laboratory chemistry values were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 169 and 643 paediatric patients with ALL were treated in the micafungin cohort (median age: 4 years [range 1-17]) and historical cohort (median age: 5 years [range 1-17]). The percentage of proven/probable Aspergillus infections was 1·2% (2/169) in the micafungin cohort versus 5·8% (37/643) in the historical cohort (p=0.013; Fisher's exact test). The differences in estimated cumulative incidence were assessed (p=0·014; Gray's test). Although significantly higher ALT/AST values were reported in the micafungin cohort, no clinically relevant side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Twice-a-week micafungin prophylaxis during the induction course significantly reduced the occurrence of proven/probable Aspergillus infections in the early phase of childhood ALL treatment.

The CATERPILLAR-study: An assessor blinded randomized controlled trial comparing a taurolidine-citrate-heparin lock solution to a heparin-only lock solution for the prevention of central-line associated bloodstream infections in paediatric oncology patients.

BACKGROUND: Taurolidine-citrate(-heparin) lock solutions (TCHL) are suggested as a promising and safe method for the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). AIM: To investigate the efficacy TCHL for the prevention of CrLABSI in paediatric oncology patients. METHODS: An assessor blinded randomized controlled trial at the Princess Máxima Centre for paediatric oncology, the Netherlands, was performed from 2020-2023. Paediatric oncology patients receiving a tunnelled central venous access device (CVAD) were eligible. A total of 462 patients was required to compare the TCHL to the heparin-only lock (HL). Patients were followed-up for the first 90 days after CVAD insertion. The primary outcome was the incidence of the first CLABSI from CVAD insertion until the end of follow-up. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed. FINDINGS: In total, 232 were randomized in the HL and 231 in the TCHL-group. A total of 47 CLABSIs were observed. The intention-to-treat analysis showed that a CLABSI was observed in 26 (11.2%) of the HL-group patients versus 21 (9.1%) of the TCHL-group patients; incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 0.81 (CI95%0.46-1.45), in favour of the TCHL-group. The per-protocol analysis showed that a CLABSI was observed in 10 (7.9%) of the HL-group patients versus 6 (4.8%) of the TCHL-group patients; IRR of 0.59 (CI95%0.21-1.62) in favour of the TCHL-group. Adverse events were more common in the TCHL-group but rarely reported. CONCLUSION: No difference was detected between the TCHL and HL in the incidence of CLABSI in paediatric oncology patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05740150.

Quality of Life Analysis of Patients Treated with Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion for Uveal Melanoma Liver Metastases.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan (M-PHP) is a minimally invasive therapy with proven efficacy in patients with uveal melanoma (UM) liver metastases. M-PHP is associated with a short hospital admission time and limited systemic side effects. In this study, we assessed quality of life (QoL) in UM patients treated with M-PHP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, single-center study including 24 patients treated with M-PHP for UM metastases to the liver. QoL questionnaires were collected at baseline, on day 2/3 after M-PHP, and on day 7 and day 21 after M-PHP, according to study protocol. The results were scored according to EORTC-QLQ C30 global health status (GHS), functional scales, and symptom scales. The difference in scores at baseline and subsequent time points was analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and multiple testing Bonferroni correction. Adverse events (AE) were registered up to 30 days after M-PHP according to CTCAE v5.0. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (14 males; median age 63.0 years) completed 96 questionnaires. Most scores on all scales declined on day 2/3 after M-PHP. On day 21 after M-PHP, 12 out of 15 scores returned to baseline, including median GHS scores. Three variables were significantly worse on day 21 compared to baseline: fatigue (6-33; p = 0.002), physical functioning (100 vs 86.7; p = 0.003), and role functioning (100 vs 66.7; p = 0.001). Grade 3/4 AEs consisted mainly of hematological complications, such as leukopenia and thrombopenia. CONCLUSION: M-PHP causes fatigue and a decline in physical and role functioning in the 1st weeks after treatment, but GHS returns to baseline levels within 21 days. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3: Cohort study.

Hospital variation in failure to rescue after colorectal cancer surgery: results of the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative mortality is frequently used in hospital comparisons as marker for quality of care. Differences in mortality between hospitals may be explained by varying complication rates. A possible modifying factor may be the ability to let patients with a serious complication survive, referred to as failure to rescue (FTR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate how hospital performance on postoperative mortality is related to severe complications or to FTR and to explore the value of FTR in quality improvement programs. METHODS: All patients operated for colorectal cancer from 2009 to 2011, registered in the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit, were included. Logistic regression models were used to obtain adjusted mortality, complication, and FTR rates. Hospitals were grouped into 5 quintiles according to adjusted mortality. Outcomes were compared between quintiles. RESULTS: A total of 24,667 patients were included. Severe complications ranged from 19 % in the lowest to 25 % in the highest mortality quintile (odds ratio 1.5, 95 % confidence interval 1.37-1.67). Risk-adjusted FTR rates showed a marked difference between the quintiles, ranging from 9 % to 26 % (odds ratio 3.0, 95 % confidence interval 2.29-3.98). There was significant variability in FTR rates. Seven hospitals had significantly lower FTR rates than average. CONCLUSIONS: High-mortality hospitals had slightly higher rates of severe complications than low-mortality hospitals. However, FTR was three times higher in high-mortality hospitals than in low-mortality hospitals. In quality improvement projects, feedback to hospitals of FTR rates, along with complication rates, may illustrate shortcomings (prevention or management of complications) per hospital, which may be an important step in reducing mortality.

Failure-to-rescue after colorectal cancer surgery and the association with three structural hospital factors.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the association between structural hospital characteristics and failure-to-rescue (FTR) after colorectal cancer surgery. A growing body of evidence suggests a large hospital variation concerning mortality rates in patients with a severe complication (FTR) in colorectal cancer surgery. Which structural hospital factors are associated with better FTR rates remains largely unclear. METHODS: All patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery from 2009 through 2011 in 92 Dutch hospitals were analysed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models, including casemix, hospital volume, teaching status, and different levels of intensive care unit (ICU) facilities, were used to analyse risk-adjusted FTR rates. RESULTS: A total of 25,591 patients from 92 hospitals were included. The FTR rate ranged between 0 and 39 %. In univariate analysis, high hospital volume (>200 vs. ≤200 patients/year), teaching status (academic vs. teaching vs. nonteaching hospitals) and high level of ICU facilities (highest level 3 vs. lowest level 1) were associated with lower FTR rates. Only the higher levels of ICU facilities (2 or 3 compared with level 1) were independently associated with lower failure-to-rescue rates (odds ratio 0.72; 95 % confidence interval 0.65-0.88) in multivariate analysis. DISCUSSION: Hospital type and annual hospital volume were not independently associated with FTR rates in colorectal cancer surgery. Instead, the lowest level of ICU facilities was independently associated with higher rates. This suggests that a more advanced ICU may be an important factor that contributes to better failure-to-rescue rates, although individual hospitals perform well with lower ICU levels.

Risk factors for survival of 106 surgically treated patients with symptomatic spinal epidural metastases.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of risk factors for survival in patients surgically treated for symptomatic spinal epidural metastases (SEM). METHODS: One hundred and six patients who were surgically treated for symptomatic SEM in a 10-year period in two cooperatively working hospitals were retrospectively studied for nine risk factors: age, gender, site of the primary tumor, location of the symptomatic spinal metastasis, functional and neurologic status, the presence of visceral metastases and the presence of other spinal and extraspinal bone metastases. Analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, univariate log-rank tests and Cox-regression models. RESULTS: Overall median survival was 10.7 months (0.2-107.5 months). Overall 30-day complication rate was 33 %. Multivariate Cox-regression analysis showed that fast growing primary tumors (HR 3.1, 95 % CI 1.6-6.2, p = 0.001), the presence of visceral metastases (HR 1.7, 95 % CI 1.0-2.9, p = 0.033) and a low performance status (HR 2.7, 95 % CI 1.1-6.6, p = 0.025) negatively influenced the survival. CONCLUSION: Primary tumor type, presence of visceral metastases and performance status are significant predictors for survival after surgery for symptomatic SEM and should be evaluated before deciding on the extent of treatment. More accurate prediction models are needed to select the best treatment option for the individual patient.

The oncological outcomes of isolated limb perfusion and neo-adjuvant radiotherapy in soft tissue sarcoma patients - A nationwide multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with locally extensive high-grade extremity soft tissue sarcomas (eSTS) are often presented in multidisciplinary teams to decide between ablative surgery (amputation) or limb-salvage surgery supplemented with either neo-adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) or induction isolated limb perfusion (ILP). In The Netherlands, ILP typically aims to reduce the size of tumors that would otherwise be considered irresectable, whereas neo-adjuvant RT aims mainly at improving local control and reducing morbidity of required marginal margins. This study presents a 15-year nationwide cohort to describe the oncological outcomes of both pre-operative treatment strategies. METHODS: All consecutive patients with locally extensive primary high-grade eSTS surgically treated between 2000 and 2015 at five tertiary sarcoma centers that received neo-adjuvant ILP or RT were included. 169 patients met the inclusion criteria (89 ILP, 80 RT). Median follow-up was 7.3 years. RESULTS: Limb salvage was achieved in 84% of cases in the ILP group (80% for patients with amputation indication) and 96% of cases in the RT group. 5-Year overall survival was 47% in the ILP group, 69% in the RT group. 5-Year local recurrence rate was 14% in the ILP group, 10% in the RT group. Distant metastasis rate was 55% in the ILP group, 36% in the RT group. CONCLUSION: We find oncological outcomes and limb salvage rates in line with existing literature for both treatment modalities. Whether the tumor was locally advanced with an indication for induction therapy to prevent amputation or morbid surgery appeared to be the main determinant in choosing between neo-adjuvant ILP or RT.

The efficacy of taurolidine containing lock solutions for the prevention of central-venous-catheter-related bloodstream infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The incidence of central venous catheter (CVC)-related bloodstream infections is high in patients requiring a long-term CVC. Therefore, infection prevention is of the utmost importance. The aim of this study was to provide an updated overview of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of taurolidine containing lock solutions (TL) to other lock solutions for the prevention of CVC-related bloodstream infections in all patient populations. On 15th February 2021, PubMed, Embase and The Cochrane Library were searched for RCTs comparing the efficacy of TLs for the prevention of CVC-related bloodstream infections with other lock solutions. Exclusion criteria were non-RCTs, studies describing <10 patients and studies using TLs as treatment. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. A random effects model was used to pool individual study incidence rate ratios (IRRs). Subgroup analyses were performed based on the following factors: CVC indication, comparator lock and bacterial isolates cultured. A total of 14 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis describing 1219 haemodialysis, total parenteral nutrition and oncology patients. The pooled IRR estimated for all patient groups together (nine studies; 918 patients) was 0.30 (95% confidence interval 0.19-0.46), favouring the TLs. Adverse events (10 studies; 867 patients) were mild and scarce. The quality of the evidence was limited due to a high risk of bias and indirectness of evidence. The use of TLs might be promising for the prevention of CVC-related bloodstream infections. Large-scale RCTs are needed to draw firm conclusions on the efficacy of TLs.

Resting energy expenditure in children at risk of hypothalamic dysfunction.

Objective: Children with suprasellar brain damage are at risk of hypothalamic dysfunction (HD). HD may lead to decreased resting energy expenditure (REE). Decreased REE, however, is not present in all children with HD. Our aim was to assess which children suspect for HD have low REE, and its association with clinical severity of HD or radiological hypothalamic damage. Patients and methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. Measured REE (mREE) of children at risk of HD was compared to predicted REE (pREE). Low REE was defined as mREE <90% of predicted. The mREE/pREE quotient was associated to a clinical score for HD symptoms and to radiological hypothalamic damage. Results: In total, 67 children at risk of HD (96% brain tumor diagnosis) with a mean BMI SDS of +2.3 ± 1.0 were included. Of these, 45 (67.2%) had low mREE. Children with severe HD had a significant lower mean mREE/pREE quotient compared to children with no, mild, or moderate HD. Mean mREE/pREE quotient of children with posterior hypothalamic damage was significantly lower compared to children with no or anterior damage. Tumor progression or tumor recurrence, severe clinical HD, and panhypopituitarism with diabetes insipidus (DI) were significant risk factors for reduced REE. Conclusion: REE may be lowered in children with hypothalamic damage and is associated to the degree of clinical HD. REE is, however, not lowered in all children suspect for HD. For children with mild or moderate clinical HD symptoms, REE measurements may be useful to distinguish between those who may benefit from obesity treatment that increases REE from those who would be better helped using other obesity interventions.