Timing the Landmark Events in the Evolution of Clear Cell Renal Cell Cancer: TRACERx Renal.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is characterized by near-universal loss of the short arm of chromosome 3, deleting several tumor suppressor genes. We analyzed whole genomes from 95 biopsies across 33 patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. We find hotspots of point mutations in the 5' UTR of TERT, targeting a MYC-MAX-MAD1 repressor associated with telomere lengthening. The most common structural abnormality generates simultaneous 3p loss and 5q gain (36% patients), typically through chromothripsis. This event occurs in childhood or adolescence, generally as the initiating event that precedes emergence of the tumor's most recent common ancestor by years to decades. Similar genomic changes drive inherited ccRCC. Modeling differences in age incidence between inherited and sporadic cancers suggests that the number of cells with 3p loss capable of initiating sporadic tumors is no more than a few hundred. Early development of ccRCC follows well-defined evolutionary trajectories, offering opportunity for early intervention.

Deterministic Evolutionary Trajectories Influence Primary Tumor Growth: TRACERx Renal.

The evolutionary features of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have not been systematically studied to date. We analyzed 1,206 primary tumor regions from 101 patients recruited into the multi-center prospective study, TRACERx Renal. We observe up to 30 driver events per tumor and show that subclonal diversification is associated with known prognostic parameters. By resolving the patterns of driver event ordering, co-occurrence, and mutual exclusivity at clone level, we show the deterministic nature of clonal evolution. ccRCC can be grouped into seven evolutionary subtypes, ranging from tumors characterized by early fixation of multiple mutational and copy number drivers and rapid metastases to highly branched tumors with >10 subclonal drivers and extensive parallel evolution associated with attenuated progression. We identify genetic diversity and chromosomal complexity as determinants of patient outcome. Our insights reconcile the variable clinical behavior of ccRCC and suggest evolutionary potential as a biomarker for both intervention and surveillance.

Tracking Cancer Evolution Reveals Constrained Routes to Metastases: TRACERx Renal.

Clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) exhibits a broad range of metastatic phenotypes that have not been systematically studied to date. Here, we analyzed 575 primary and 335 metastatic biopsies across 100 patients with metastatic ccRCC, including two cases sampledat post-mortem. Metastatic competence was afforded by chromosome complexity, and we identify 9p loss as a highly selected event driving metastasis and ccRCC-related mortality (p = 0.0014). Distinct patterns of metastatic dissemination were observed, including rapid progression to multiple tissue sites seeded by primary tumors of monoclonal structure. By contrast, we observed attenuated progression in cases characterized by high primary tumor heterogeneity, with metastatic competence acquired gradually and initial progression to solitary metastasis. Finally, we observed early divergence of primitive ancestral clones and protracted latency of up to two decades as a feature of pancreatic metastases.

Distinct microbial and immune niches of the human colon.

Gastrointestinal microbiota and immune cells interact closely and display regional specificity; however, little is known about how these communities differ with location. Here, we simultaneously assess microbiota and single immune cells across the healthy, adult human colon, with paired characterization of immune cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes, to delineate colonic immune niches at steady state. We describe distinct helper T cell activation and migration profiles along the colon and characterize the transcriptional adaptation trajectory of regulatory T cells between lymphoid tissue and colon. Finally, we show increasing B cell accumulation, clonal expansion and mutational frequency from the cecum to the sigmoid colon and link this to the increasing number of reactive bacterial species.

Stunted microbiota and opportunistic pathogen colonization in caesarean-section birth.

Immediately after birth, newborn babies experience rapid colonization by microorganisms from their mothers and the surrounding environment1. Diseases in childhood and later in life are potentially mediated by the perturbation of the colonization of the infant gut microbiota2. However, the effects of delivery via caesarean section on the earliest stages of the acquisition and development of the gut microbiota, during the neonatal period (≤1 month), remain controversial3,4. Here we report the disrupted transmission of maternal Bacteroides strains, and high-level colonization by opportunistic pathogens associated with the hospital environment (including Enterococcus, Enterobacter and Klebsiella species), in babies delivered by caesarean section. These effects were also seen, to a lesser extent, in vaginally delivered babies whose mothers underwent antibiotic prophylaxis and in babies who were not breastfed during the neonatal period. We applied longitudinal sampling and whole-genome shotgun metagenomic analysis to 1,679 gut microbiota samples (taken at several time points during the neonatal period, and in infancy) from 596 full-term babies born in UK hospitals; for a subset of these babies, we collected additional matched samples from mothers (175 mothers paired with 178 babies). This analysis demonstrates that the mode of delivery is a significant factor that affects the composition of the gut microbiota throughout the neonatal period, and into infancy. Matched large-scale culturing and whole-genome sequencing of over 800 bacterial strains from these babies identified virulence factors and clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance in opportunistic pathogens that may predispose individuals to opportunistic infections. Our findings highlight the critical role of the local environment in establishing the gut microbiota in very early life, and identify colonization with antimicrobial-resistance-containing opportunistic pathogens as a previously underappreciated risk factor in hospital births.

Two microbiota subtypes identified in irritable bowel syndrome with distinct responses to the low FODMAP diet.

OBJECTIVE: Reducing FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) can be clinically beneficial in IBS but the mechanism is incompletely understood. We aimed to detect microbial signatures that might predict response to the low FODMAP diet and assess whether microbiota compositional and functional shifts could provide insights into its mode of action. DESIGN: We used metagenomics to determine high-resolution taxonomic and functional profiles of the stool microbiota from IBS cases and household controls (n=56 pairs) on their usual diet. Clinical response and microbiota changes were studied in 41 pairs after 4 weeks on a low FODMAP diet. RESULTS: Unsupervised analysis of baseline IBS cases pre-diet identified two distinct microbiota profiles, which we refer to as IBSP (pathogenic-like) and IBSH (health-like) subtypes. IBSP microbiomes were enriched in Firmicutes and genes for amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, but depleted in Bacteroidetes species. IBSH microbiomes were similar to controls. On the low FODMAP diet, IBSH and control microbiota were unaffected, but the IBSP signature shifted towards a health-associated microbiome with an increase in Bacteroidetes (p=0.009), a decrease in Firmicutes species (p=0.004) and normalisation of primary metabolic genes. The clinical response to the low FODMAP diet was greater in IBSP subjects compared with IBSH (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: 50% of IBS cases manifested a 'pathogenic' gut microbial signature. This shifted towards the healthy profile on the low FODMAP diet; and IBSP cases showed an enhanced clinical responsiveness to the dietary therapy. The effectiveness of FODMAP reduction in IBSP may result from the alterations in gut microbiota and metabolites produced. Microbiota signatures could be useful as biomarkers to guide IBS treatment; and investigating IBSP species and metabolic pathways might yield insights regarding IBS pathogenic mechanisms.

Culturing of 'unculturable' human microbiota reveals novel taxa and extensive sporulation.

Our intestinal microbiota harbours a diverse bacterial community required for our health, sustenance and wellbeing. Intestinal colonization begins at birth and climaxes with the acquisition of two dominant groups of strict anaerobic bacteria belonging to the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla. Culture-independent, genomic approaches have transformed our understanding of the role of the human microbiome in health and many diseases. However, owing to the prevailing perception that our indigenous bacteria are largely recalcitrant to culture, many of their functions and phenotypes remain unknown. Here we describe a novel workflow based on targeted phenotypic culturing linked to large-scale whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis and computational modelling that demonstrates that a substantial proportion of the intestinal bacteria are culturable. Applying this approach to healthy individuals, we isolated 137 bacterial species from characterized and candidate novel families, genera and species that were archived as pure cultures. Whole-genome and metagenomic sequencing, combined with computational and phenotypic analysis, suggests that at least 50-60% of the bacterial genera from the intestinal microbiota of a healthy individual produce resilient spores, specialized for host-to-host transmission. Our approach unlocks the human intestinal microbiota for phenotypic analysis and reveals how a marked proportion of oxygen-sensitive intestinal bacteria can be transmitted between individuals, affecting microbiota heritability.

Characterisation and outcomes of patients referred to a regional cancer of unknown primary team: a 10-year analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the United Kingdom, national guidance published in 2010 recommended the establishment of specialist teams to improve clinical pathways for patients presenting with malignancies of undefined primary origin (MUO) and cancer of unknown primary (CUP). This study sought to define outcomes of patients referred to a regional MUO/CUP service. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively on all patients (n = 1225) referred to a regional CUP team over a 10-year period. Patient demographics, clinical, pathological and outcome data were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: Confirmed CUP (cCUP) was diagnosed in 25% of patients. A primary metastatic cancer was identified in 36%, 5% were diagnosed with provisional CUP (pCUP), 27% retained the diagnosis of MUO and in 8% a non-cancer diagnosis was made. Median survival was low in all patients with a final malignant diagnosis: primary identified 9.0 months, cCUP 4.0 months, pCUP 1.5 months and MUO 1.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting with MUO have poor outcomes irrespective of the final diagnosis. These patients need a patient-centred, streamlined, rapid diagnostic pathway. There are clear benefits to primary and secondary care teams having access to a dedicated, multidisciplinary MUO/CUP service, with clinical nurse specialists supporting the patients, to help facilitate this pathway and ensure early oncology review.

How should clinicians address intratumour heterogeneity in clear cell renal cell carcinoma?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite the availability of multiple targeted therapies, the 5-year survival rate of patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) rarely exceeds 10%. Recent insights into the mutational landscape and evolutionary dynamics of ccRCC have offered up a plausible explanation for these outcomes. The purpose of this review is to link the research findings to potential changes in clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS: Intratumour heterogeneity (ITH) dominates the evolutionary landscape in ccRCC at the genetic, transcriptomic and proteomic level. Spatial and temporal separation of tumour subclones within the primary tumour as well as between primary and metastatic sites has been demonstrated at single nucleotide resolution. In the cases analysed to date, approximately two-thirds of somatic mutations are not shared between multiple biopsies from the same primary tumour. Very few of the key disease-driving events are shared across all primary tumour regions (with the exception of VHL and loss of chromosome 3p), whereas the majority are restricted to one or more tumour regions (TP53, SETD2, BAP1, PTEN, mTOR, PIK3CA and KDM5C). SUMMARY: ITH must be considered in the management of ccRCC with respect to diagnostic procedures, prognostic and predictive biomarkers and drug development.

Targeted restoration of the intestinal microbiota with a simple, defined bacteriotherapy resolves relapsing Clostridium difficile disease in mice.

Relapsing C. difficile disease in humans is linked to a pathological imbalance within the intestinal microbiota, termed dysbiosis, which remains poorly understood. We show that mice infected with epidemic C. difficile (genotype 027/BI) develop highly contagious, chronic intestinal disease and persistent dysbiosis characterized by a distinct, simplified microbiota containing opportunistic pathogens and altered metabolite production. Chronic C. difficile 027/BI infection was refractory to vancomycin treatment leading to relapsing disease. In contrast, treatment of C. difficile 027/BI infected mice with feces from healthy mice rapidly restored a diverse, healthy microbiota and resolved C. difficile disease and contagiousness. We used this model to identify a simple mixture of six phylogenetically diverse intestinal bacteria, including novel species, which can re-establish a health-associated microbiota and clear C. difficile 027/BI infection from mice. Thus, targeting a dysbiotic microbiota with a defined mixture of phylogenetically diverse bacteria can trigger major shifts in the microbial community structure that displaces C. difficile and, as a result, resolves disease and contagiousness. Further, we demonstrate a rational approach to harness the therapeutic potential of health-associated microbial communities to treat C. difficile disease and potentially other forms of intestinal dysbiosis.

Prognostic Biomarkers of Systemic Inflammation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Narrative Review of Challenges and Opportunities.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common malignancy and is associated with poor survival outcomes. Biomarkers of systemic inflammation derived from blood tests collected as part of routine clinical care offer prognostic information for patients with NSCLC that may assist clinical decision making. They are an attractive tool, as they are inexpensive, easily measured, and reproducible in a variety of healthcare settings. Despite the wealth of evidence available to support them, these inflammatory biomarkers are not yet routinely used in clinical practice. In this narrative review, the key inflammatory indices reported in the literature and their prognostic significance in NSCLC are described. Key challenges limiting their clinical application are highlighted, including the need to define the optimal biomarker of systemic inflammation, a lack of understanding of the systemic inflammatory landscape of NSCLC as a heterogenous disease, and the lack of clinical relevance in reported outcomes. These challenges may be overcome with standardised recording and reporting of inflammatory biomarkers, clinicopathological factors, and survival outcomes. This will require a collaborative approach, to which this field of research lends itself. This work may be aided by the rise of data-driven research, including the potential to utilise modern electronic patient records and advanced data-analysis techniques.

Case report: A rare case of immunotherapy induced isolated left CN VI palsy in a patient with unresectable melanoma.

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are the mainstay of treatment in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Combination immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab has shown to improve survival outcomes as compared to single agent immunotherapy in these patients. Neurological immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) are uncommon and cranial nerve palsies are seen even more infrequently. Case presentation: A 66-year-old woman with a background of metastatic, unresectable melanoma with supraclavicular and axillary lymph nodal involvement presented with a headache, photophobia and diplopia 3 weeks after her first cycle of ipilimumab and nivolumab. She was subsequently diagnosed with a left-sided cranial nerve VI palsy and treated with high dose oral steroids and steroid eye drops, with complete resolution of symptoms. She also experienced Grade 3 dermatitis requiring topical steroids, Grade 2 hypothyroidism and vitiligo. She continues to have an excellent clinical and radiological response, despite further immunotherapy being suspended. Conclusion: This is the first reported UK case of immunotherapy-induced isolated cranial nerve VI palsy. Multiple irAEs are more common with combination immunotherapy and its occurrence is associated with more favourable outcomes in melanoma. Immunotherapy continues to revolutionise oncological care, but clinicians must be cognizant of unpredictable irAEs, which may require prompt assessment and intervention.

Prognostic value of the Scottish Inflammatory prognostic Score in patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 ≥ 50 % progressing on first-line pembrolizumab.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with first-line pembrolizumab monotherapy will experience progressive disease (PD). Only a minority will go on to receive subsequent systemic anticancer therapy for which outcomes are guarded. We investigated the prognostic significance of biomarkers of systemic inflammation following failure of first-line pembrolizumab for NSCLC to aid subsequent management decisions. METHODS: Patients with radiological and/or clinical evidence of PD on first-line pembrolizumab for advanced NSCLC at a regional Scottish cancer centre were identified. Inflammatory biomarkers at the time of PD, including serum albumin, neutrophil count and the Scottish Inflammatory Prognostic Score (SIPS; combing albumin and neutrophils), and clinicopathological factors, including age, sex, histology, PDL1 expression and time to PD were recorded. The relationship between these and post-progression overall survival (ppOS) were examined. RESULTS: Data were available for 211 patients. Median ppOS was 2.1 months. Only SIPS was predictive of ppOS on multivariate analysis (HR2.54 (95 %CI 1.81-3.56) (<0.001)), stratifying ppOS from 0.8 months (SIPS2), to 1.8 months (SIPS1), to 8.1 months (SIPS0) (p < 0.001). Thirty (14 %) patients received second-line systemic anticancer therapy with median ppOS 8.7 months. These patients had lower levels of systemic inflammation, as defined by albumin (p < 0.001), neutrophil count (p = 0.002), and SIPS (p = 0.004)), than all other patients. CONCLUSIONS: SIPS, a simple biomarker of systemic inflammation, predicts ppOS after first-line pembrolizumab and may be useful alongside routine assessments of patient fitness to inform individualised discussions about subsequent treatment. We highlight poor outcomes in this patient group and a role for SIPS in signposting transition to best supportive care and early referral to palliative care. It may also help identify a small group of patients most likely to benefit from further lines of therapy.

Biomarkers of systemic inflammation provide additional prognostic stratification in cancers of unknown primary.

BACKGROUND: Biomarkers of systemic inflammation have been shown to predict outcomes in patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP). We sought to validate these findings in patients with confirmed CUP (cCUP) and explore their role alongside existing clinicopathological prognostic categories. PATIENTS AND METHODS: CUP oncologist from across the United Kingdom were invited to include patients with cCUP referred to their local CUP multidisciplinary team. Patient demographics, clinical, pathological and outcome data were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: Data were available for 548 patients from four CUP services. 23% (n = 124) of patients met clinicopathological criteria for favourable-risk cCUP. On multivariate analysis c-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.001) and the Scottish Inflammatory Prognostic Score (SIPS: combining albumin and neutrophil count) (p < 0.001) were independently predictive of survival. CRP and SIPS effectively stratified survival in patients with both favourable-risk and poor-risk cCUP based on clinicopathological features. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarkers of systemic inflammation are reliable prognostic factors in patients with cCUP, regardless of clinicopathological subgroup. We recommend that CRP or SIPS are incorporated into routine clinical assessments of patients with cCUP as a tool to aid investigation and/or treatment decision-making across all groups. Established clinicopathological factors can then be used to inform management pathways and specific systemic anticancer therapy selection.

Early prehabilitation reduces admissions and time in hospital in patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the UK. Prehabilitation aims to maximise patient fitness and minimise the negative impact of anticancer treatment. What constitutes prehabilitation before non-surgical anticancer treatment is not well established. We present data from a pilot project of Early prehabilitation In lung Cancer. METHODS: All new patients with likely advanced lung cancer were offered prehabilitation at respiratory clinic, if fit for further investigation. Prehabilitation included assessment and appropriate intervention from a consultant in palliative medicine, registered dietitian and rehabilitation physiotherapist. Four objective endpoints were identified, namely admissions to hospital, time spent in the hospital, treatment rates and overall survival. Outcomes were to be compared with 178 prehab eligible historical controls diagnosed from 2019 to 2021. RESULTS: From July 2021 to June 2023, 65 patients underwent prehabilitation and 72% of patients underwent all 3 interventions. 54 patients had a stage 3 or 4 lung cancer. In the prehab group, fewer patients attended Accident and Emergency (31.5 vs 37.4 attendances per 100 patients) and fewer were admitted (51.9 vs 67.9) when compared with historical controls. Those receiving prehab spent a lot less time in the hospital (129.7 vs 543.5 days per 100 patients) with shorter admissions (2.5 vs 8 days). Systemic anticancer treatment rates increased in the short term but were broadly similar overall. Median survival was higher in the prehabilitation group (0.73 vs 0.41 years, p=0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Early prehabilitation appears to reduce time spent in the hospital. It may improve survival. Further work is required to understand its full effect on treatment rates.

Survey of culture, goldengate assay, universal biosensor assay, and 16S rRNA Gene sequencing as alternative methods of bacterial pathogen detection.

Cultivation-based assays combined with PCR or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based methods for finding virulence factors are standard methods for detecting bacterial pathogens in stools; however, with emerging molecular technologies, new methods have become available. The aim of this study was to compare four distinct detection technologies for the identification of pathogens in stools from children under 5 years of age in The Gambia, Mali, Kenya, and Bangladesh. The children were identified, using currently accepted clinical protocols, as either controls or cases with moderate to severe diarrhea. A total of 3,610 stool samples were tested by established clinical culture techniques: 3,179 DNA samples by the Universal Biosensor assay (Ibis Biosciences, Inc.), 1,466 DNA samples by the GoldenGate assay (Illumina), and 1,006 DNA samples by sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Each method detected different proportions of samples testing positive for each of seven enteric pathogens, enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Shigella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella enterica, and Aeromonas spp. The comparisons among detection methods included the frequency of positive stool samples and kappa values for making pairwise comparisons. Overall, the standard culture methods detected Shigella spp., EPEC, ETEC, and EAEC in smaller proportions of the samples than either of the methods based on detection of the virulence genes from DNA in whole stools. The GoldenGate method revealed the greatest agreement with the other methods. The agreement among methods was higher in cases than in controls. The new molecular technologies have a high potential for highly sensitive identification of bacterial diarrheal pathogens.

Immune-Related Adverse Events, Biomarkers of Systemic Inflammation, and Survival Outcomes in Patients Receiving Pembrolizumab for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pembrolizumab monotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) expressing PD-L1 ≥ 50% doubles five-year survival rates compared to chemotherapy. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) can cause severe, long-term toxicity necessitating high-dose steroids and/or treatment cessation. Interestingly, patients experiencing irAEs demonstrate better survival outcomes. Biomarkers of systemic inflammation, including the Scottish Inflammatory Prognostic Score (SIPS), also predict survival in this patient group. This study examines the relationship between inflammatory status, irAEs, and survival outcomes in NSCLC. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 ≥ 50% receiving first-line pembrolizumab monotherapy at a large cancer centre in Scotland. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between SIPS, irAEs, and survival. RESULTS: 83/262 eligible patients (32%) experienced an irAE. Dermatological, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and hepatic, but not pulmonary, irAEs were associated with prolonged PFS and OS (p <= 0.011). Mild irAEs were associated with better PFS and OS in all patients, including on time-dependent analyses (HR0.61 [95% CI 0.41-0.90], p = 0.014 and HR0.41 [95% CI 0.26-0.63], p < 0.001, respectively). SIPS predicted PFS (HR 1.60 [95% CI 1.34-1.90], p < 0.001) and OS (HR 1.69 [95% CI 1.41-2.02], p < 0.001). SIPS predicted the occurrence of any irAE in all patients (p = 0.011), but not on 24-week landmark analyses (p = 0.174). The occurrence of irAEs predicted favourable outcomes regardless of the baseline inflammatory status (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of certain irAEs is associated with a survival benefit in patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 ≥ 50% receiving pembrolizumab. We find that the association between low levels of systemic inflammation and the risk of irAEs is confounded by their independent prognostic value.

Initial active surveillance for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: 10 years' experience at a regional cancer Centre.

A subset of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) follow an indolent disease course and may benefit from initial active surveillance (AS). However, selecting patients suitable for this approach is challenging. To investigate this we sought to define outcomes of patients with mRCC suitable for initial AS. All patients with mRCC clinically selected for initial AS at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre between January 2010 and December 2020 were identified. Key inflammatory biomarkers (haemoglobin, white cell count, neutrophil count, platelets, C-reactive protein [CRP], albumin, corrected calcium) and the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk score were measured. The relationship between these and time to systemic anticancer therapy (tSACT) and overall survival (OS) was analysed. Data were available for 160 patients. Estimated median overall survival was 88.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 34.0-127.0) months. Median tSACT was 31.8 (IQR 12.0-76.3) months. On multivariate analysis, only CRP was predictive of tSACT (HR 2.47 [95% CI:1.59-3.85] p < 0.001) and OS (HR 3.89 [95% CI:2.15-6.83] p < 0.001). Patients with CRP > 10 mg/L were more likely to commence SACT within 1 year than those with CRP≤10 mg/L (41% vs. 18%, Relative Risk 2.16 (95% CI:1.18-3.96) (p = 0.012)). IMDC risk score was not predictive of tSACT or OS. Active surveillance is an appropriate initial management option for selected patients with mRCC. CRP, a biomarker of systemic inflammation, may provide additional objective information to assist clinical decision-making in patients with mRCC being considered for initial AS. Although this is a retrospective observational study, the cohort is well defined and includes all patients managed with initial AS in an inclusive real-world setting.

Screening for Clostridioides difficile colonization at admission to the hospital: a multi-centre study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the value of screening for Clostridioides difficile colonization (CDC) at hospital admission in an endemic setting. METHODS: A multi-centre study was conducted at four hospitals located across the Netherlands. Newly admitted patients were screened for CDC. The risk of development of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) during admission and 1-year follow-up was assessed in patients with and without colonization. C. difficile isolates from patients with colonization were compared with isolates from incident CDI cases using core genome multi-locus sequence typing to determine whether onwards transmission had occurred. RESULTS: CDC was present in 108 of 2211 admissions (4.9%), whereas colonization with a toxigenic strain (toxigenic Clostridoides difficile colonization [tCDC]) was present in 68 of 2211 admissions (3.1%). Among these 108 patients with colonization, diverse PCR ribotypes were found and no 'hypervirulent' PCR ribotype 027 (RT027) was detected (95% CI, 0-0.028). None of the patients with colonization developed CDI during admission (0/49; 95% CI, 0-0.073) or 1-year follow-up (0/38; 95% CI, 0-0.93). Core genome multi-locus sequence typing identified six clusters with genetically related isolates from patients with tCDC and CDI; however, in these clusters, only one possible transmission event from a patient with tCDC to a patient with CDI was identified based on epidemiological data. CONCLUSION: In this endemic setting with a low prevalence of 'hypervirulent' strains, screening for CDC at admission did not detect any patients with CDC who progressed to symptomatic CDI and detected only one possible transmission event from a patient with colonization to a patient with CDI. Thus, screening for CDC at admission is not useful in this setting.

Real-World Impact of SABR on Stage I Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Outcomes at a Scottish Cancer Centre.

INTRODUCTION: Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) offers patients with stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) a safe, effective radical therapy option. The impact of introducing SABR at a Scottish regional cancer centre was studied. METHODS: The Edinburgh Cancer Centre Lung Cancer Database was assessed. Treatment patterns and outcomes were compared across treatment groups (no radical therapy (NRT), conventional radical radiotherapy (CRRT), SABR and surgery) and across three time periods reflecting the availability of SABR (A, January 2012/2013 (pre-SABR); B, 2014/2016 (introduction of SABR); C, 2017/2019, (SABR established)). RESULTS: 1143 patients with stage I NSCLC were identified. Treatment was NRT in 361 (32%), CRRT in 182 (16%), SABR in 132 (12%) and surgery in 468 (41%) patients. Age, performance status, and comorbidities correlated with treatment choice. The median survival increased from 32.5 months in time period A to 38.8 months in period B to 48.8 months in time period C. The greatest improvement in survival was seen in patients treated with surgery between time periods A and C (HR 0.69 (95% CI 0.56-0.86), p < 0.001). The proportion of patients receiving a radical therapy rose between time periods A and C in younger (age ≤ 65, 65-74 and 75-84 years), fitter (PS 0 and 1), and less comorbid patients (CCI 0 and 1-2), but fell in other patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction and establishment of SABR for stage I NSCLC has improved survival outcomes in Southeast Scotland. Increasing SABR utilisation appears to have enhanced the selection of surgical patients and increased the proportion of patients receiving a radical therapy.