Is the percentage of hormone receptor positivity in HR+ HER2-metastatic breast cancer patients receiving CDK 4/6 inhibitor with endocrine therapy predictive and prognostic?

Purpose: There is no clear information in the literature about the relationship between the efficacy of CDK 4/6i combined with ET and HR positivity. However, we know that the longest overall survival was in the ER-strong positive/PR intermediate or strong positive groups. Therefore, we aimed to investigate CDK4/6i treatments that create positivity in HR. Methods: Patients with the diagnosis of HR+/HER2- MBC who were treated with CDK 4/6i and HR >10% were retrospectively evaluated. To analyze the role of HR positivity, ER was moderately positive (10-49%) and ER was strongly positive (50-100%); PR was grouped as moderately positive (10-49%) and PR strongly positive (50-100%). Results: Median follow-up of 150 patients included in the study was 15.2 months (95% CI, 2.1-40.9 months). The highest response in the whole group was obtained in the ER-strong positive/PR moderate or strong positive group, and the ER moderate positive/PR moderate or strong group. This was followed by the ER strong positive/PR negative group, and then the ER moderate positive/PR negative group. Although these advantages were not statistically significant, they were numerically higher (ORR: 83.8% vs. 83.3% vs. 77.4% vs. 62.5%, p=0.488, respectively). The highest survival in the whole group was achieved in the ER strong positive/PR moderate or strongly positive group, followed by the ER moderately positive/PR moderate or strongly positive group, the ER strongly positive/PR negative group followed by the ER moderate positive/PR negative group, respectively(p=0.410). However, these advantages were not statistically significant. Conclusion: As a result, HR+/HER2- MBC patients receiving CDK 4/6i combined with ET suggest that the percentage of HR positivity may have a predictive and prognostic role.

High Creatinine Level Secondary to Use of CDK 4/6 Inhibitor Treatment (Palbociclib and Ribociclib) + Endocrine Therapy (ET).

The aim of this study is to share real-life data on the increase in creatinine due to CDK 4/6 inhibitor treatment and patients diagnosed with HR+/HER2-MBC and treated with ribociclib or palbociclib combined with ET were included in the study. While creatinine increase was observed in 17.9% (n = 19) of the 106 patients in the study population, 8.5% (n = 9) had Grade 1, 8.5% (n = 8) had Grade 2, and % 0.9 (n = 1) had Grade 3 creatinine elevation. The increase in creatinine occurred in 25% (n = 12) of ribociclib users and 12.1% (n = 7) of palbociclib users. No patient required a dose reduction or discontinuation of treatment due to elevated creatinine. Of the patients with high creatinine levels, 36.8% (n = 7) were over 65 years of age. Those with multiple comorbidities, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) >13.5 mg/dl, creatinine >0.66 mg/dl, BUN/creatinine ratio >19.95, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >96.05 ml/min, and uric acid >4.69mg/dl. It was observed that the increase in the creatinine level was statistically significant (p <0.001). In conclusion, this study revealed that the increase in the serum creatinine secondary to ribociclib and palbociclib treatments is associated with kidney function tests and the number of concomitant diseases. Key Words: CDK 4/6 inhibitor, Creatinine elevation, Palbociclib, Ribociclib.

Survival outcomes according to the tumor location and prognostic factor in metastatic rectal cancer: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Background & aims: Prognostic factors of metastatic rectal cancer are not well known. We aim to determine prognostic factors affecting survival for metastatic rectal cancer patients and also to investigate the effect of tumor localization on overall survival. Methods: Metastatic rectal cancer patients who received treatment in 5 different centers between 2012 and 2022 were included. Prognostic factors for survival were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. The statistical methods included Pearson's chi-square test, Fisher exact test, Log-rank test, and Cox regression model. Results: A total of 283 patients with metastatic rectal cancer were included in the study. The median OS was not significantly different among the three groups (upper rectum 30.1 months, middle rectum 28.3 months, and low rectum cancer 24.8 months; log-rank p = 0.25). In univariate analysis, Grade 3, ECOG performance status 2, the presence of multiple metastatic sites, the presence of KRAS mutation, the presence of liver metastases, the presence of nonregional lymph node metastases, and the presence of bone metastases were significant predictors of poor survival. In multivariate analysis, Grade 3, ECOG performance status 2, and the presence of multiple metastatic sites were determined as indicators of worse prognosis. Conclusion: Our findings, primary tumor location did not affect survival in metastatic rectal cancer. The most important factors affecting survival were multiple metastatic sites, tumor grade, and ECOG performance status.

Does immunohistochemical marker conversion affect the prognosis in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

Biomarkers such as hormone receptors (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor2 (HER2) may change after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the rates of receptor change after NAC and to evaluate the prognostic impact of change. Patients with breast cancer who received NAC were included in the study. Changes in pathological findings (ER, PR, HER-2, Ki-67, grade) before and after NAC were examined. In addition, the effect of receptor exchange on prognosis was evaluated. Kaplan Meier analysis was used for survival analyses. Study was approved by Ethics Board of Tepecik Training and Research Hospital (Decision number 2021/10-02). We confirm that all methods were performed in accordance with relevant named guidelines and regulations. The study included 203 female patients. When pathological findings before and after NAC were compared, significant regression was found in grade and Ki-67 values (p = 0.003, p < 0.001). ER change rate was 11.8%, PR change rate was 24.6% and HER-2 change rate was 12.5%. No significant correlation was found between ER, PR and HER-2 changes and prognosis. The pathological T stage after NAC being 1 or 2, no lymph nodes detected, and the tumor grade being 1 or 2 were independent variables related to survival (p: 0.002, p: 0.014, p < 0.001). In patients with breast cancer, it would be appropriate to re-evaluate the HER-2 and HR status of the surgical specimen following NAC, especially in initially negative patients. The correlation of receptor discordance with prognosis is not clear and more extensive studies are needed.

The prognostic value of immune-nutritional status in metastatic colorectal cancer: Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI).

BACKROUND AND PURPOSE: A low Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) value, which reflects immune nutrition and inflammation around the tumor, is associated with an unfavorable prognosis, and it was aimed to reveal its prognostic value in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: In our retrospective cross-sectional study, patients with a diagnosis of metastatic colorectal disease without active infection, between January 2010 and December 2016 were included. The PNI values at the time of diagnosis were calculated according to the formula (10 × serum albumin (g/dL)) + (0.005 × total lymphocyte value). RESULTS: The mean PNI value of 253 patients included in the study was 46.6. While 53.75% (n = 136) of the patients had a PNI value of 46.6 and above, 46.25% (n = 117) had a PNI value below 46.6. The overall survival (OS) of the group with a PNI of 46.6 and above was statistically significantly longer (53.06 months vs 38.80 months, p = 0.039). The PFS duration of the group with PNI below 46.6 was 25.66 months, while the PFS duration of the group with PNI above 46.6 was not reached (p = 0.265). CONCLUSION: PNI is a simple and inexpensive index that evaluates the immunonutritional status, and it is a prognostic marker that can be easily used in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer as in other cancer types.

The Effectiveness of Adjuvant PD-1 Inhibitors in Patients With Surgically Resected Stage III/IV Acral Melanoma.

Our aim was to assess the efficacy of adjuvant programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors and compare the other adjuvant treatments in patients with surgically resected stage III or IV acral melanoma. This study is a multicenter, retrospective analysis. We included 114 patients with stage III or IV acral malignant melanoma who underwent surgery within the past 10 years. We analyzed the effect of adjuvant programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitors on disease-free survival (DFS). The mean follow-up was 40 months, during which 69 (59.5%) patients experienced recurrence. Among the participants, 64 (56.1%) received systemic adjuvant therapy. Specifically, 48.4% received anti-PD-1 therapy, 29.7% received interferon, 14.1% received tezozolomide, and 7.8% received B-Raf proto-oncogene/mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors. Patients who received adjuvant therapy had a median DFS of 24 (10.9-37.2) months, whereas those who did not receive adjuvant therapy had a median DFS of 15 (9.8-20.2) months. Multivariate analysis for DFS revealed that the receipt of adjuvant therapy and lymph node metastasis stage were independent significant parameters ( P = 0.021, P = 0.018, respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed for DFS between programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitor treatment and other adjuvant treatments. Regarding overall survival (OS), patients who received adjuvant treatment had a median OS of 71 (30.4-111.7) months, whereas those who did not receive adjuvant treatment had a median OS of 38 (16.7-59.3; P = 0.023) months. In addition, there were no significant differences in OS observed between various adjuvant treatment agents ( P = 0.122). In our study, we have shown that adjuvant therapy had a positive effect on both DFS and OS in patients with stages III-IV acral melanoma who underwent curative intent surgery. Notably, we found no significant differences between anti-PD-1 therapy and other adjuvant therapies.

The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI): A New Biomarker for Determining Prognosis in Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Carcinoma.

Prognostic nutritional index (PNI), which is calculated using the albumin level reflecting nutritional status and lymphocyte count reflecting immune status, is useful in showing nutritional and immunological status related to survival and prognosis in many cancers. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the biomarker potential and effect of PNI in determining the prognosis of metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). This retrospective observational study included the complete data of 108 patients with mCPSC who were treated for at least three months between 1 January 2010, and 1 June 2021. The relationships between cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and PNI were evaluated. The Kaplan-Meier method for OS, PFS, and CSS, as well as univariate and multivariate Cox regression models, were used for the statistical analyses. The median age of 108 patients included in the study was 68.54 (61.05-74.19) years. A value of 49.75 was determined to be the best cut-off point for the PNI. OS (months) was found to be significantly lower in patients with low PNI (median: 34.93, 95% CI: 21.52-48.34) than in patients with high PNI (median: 65.60, 95% CI: 39.36-91.83) (p = 0.016). Patients with high PNI (median: 48.20, 95% CI: 34.66-61.73) had significantly better CSS (months) than patients with low PNI (median: 27.86, 95% CI: 24.16-31.57) (p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in PFS between patients with high PNI values (median: 24.60, 95% CI: 10.15-39.05) and patients with low PNI values (median: 20.03, 95% CI: 11.06-29.03) (p = 0.092). The PNI is a good predictor of OS and CSS in patients with mCSPC. The prediction of PFS, albeit showing a trend towards significance, was not statistically significant, probably due to the small number of cases.

Paraneoplastic Hypereosinophilia in Locally Advanced Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can cause various paraneoplastic syndromes, including metabolic and hematologic disturbances. Paraneoplastic hypereosinophilia has been reported in a variety of hematologic and solid tumors. Hypereosinophilia due to RCC is very rare and is only available as case reports in the literature. A 66-year-old male patient's thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) performed showed an increase in size in the right kidney and a heterogeneous contrasting solid mass of approximately 12 cm × 9 cm, which formed lobulations in its contours. The patient was diagnosed with clear-cell renal carcinoma as a result of a kidney biopsy. In the patient with stage cT4NxM0, the leukocyte count was 40.000/µl and the eosinophil count was 20% in biochemical tests. With these results, the patient was evaluated as having severe paraneoplastic hypereosinophilia due to RCC. The patient was started on sunitinib 50 mg for two weeks on/one week off. No symptoms were observed due to hypereosinophilia. In the evaluation made two weeks after the start of the treatment, it was observed that eosinophil levels decreased to normal rates. Paraneoplastic hypereosinophilia due to renal cell carcinoma may indicate poor prognosis and rapid disease progression. Myelosuppressive therapy is required for symptomatic patients.

The prognostic indicator in breast cancer treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors: the prognostic nutritional index.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on prognosis in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer who received CDK4/6 inhibitor + endocrine therapy. Methods: Patients receiving a CDK4/6 inhibitor were evaluated retrospectively. The PNI was calculated as: (10 × serum albumin [g/dl]) + (total lymphocyte count [×109/l] × 5). Results: In a study of 106 patients, a statistically significant survival advantage was observed in the high-PNI group over the low-PNI group (mean overall survival: 28.03 ± 0.487 months vs 22.46 ± 1.14 months; p = 0.013). Conclusion: For the first time in the literature, this study demonstrated the prognostic role of PNI in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors.

cERBB-2/Her-2 Neu Overexpression and Prognostic Significance in Uterine Carcinosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: There is not enough data in the literature regarding Her-2 overexpression in uterine carcinosarcomas or its association with the prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the Her-2 overexpression rate in uterine carcinosarcoma and to evaluate its relationship with the prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Her-2 protein and gene status were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), respectively, in hysterectomy specimens from 51 patients with uterine carcinosarcoma. RESULTS: Her-2 protein expression in the epithelial component was negative in 42 patients (score 0 in 33 cases, score (+1) in 9 cases), score (+2) in 7 patients and score (+3) in 2 patients. None of the patients had Her-2 protein expression within the sarcomatous component of the tumors. Her-2 gene was not amplified in epithelial or mesenchymal tumor areas according to the FISH method. There was no difference between the Her-2 overexpression negative and positive groups in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Her-2 overexpression was significantly higher in tumors of patients diagnosed at 65 years or older (p=0.046). CONCLUSION: In our study, no relationship could be shown between Her-2 overexpression and prognosis in uterine carcinosarcoma. More comprehensive studies are needed to illustrate the relationship between Her-2 overexpression and carcinosarcoma prognosis.

Is CRP/Albumin Ratio (CAR) a New Parameter to be Added to Risk Stratification Systems in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of pretreatment C-reactive protein (CRP)/Albumin ratio (CAR) on prognosis and its association with IMDC (International metastatic renal cell carcinoma database consortium) risk score and overall survival (OS) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Medical Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey, between 2007 and 2020. METHODOLOGY: Clinico-pathological and treatment-related data of mRCC patients were retrospectively evaluated and included in the study. CAR was used as a prognostic inflammatory score. CAR threshold value for OS has been obtained by ROC analysis. The prognostic value of CAR was tested using Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression models. IMDC-CAR model was created by adding CAR to IMDC risk stratification. RESULTS: OS was 91 months in patients with CAR below the threshold value of 0.072 (<0.072), while OS was 51 months in patients with CAR of 0.072 and above (p=0.005). According to IMDC risk stratification, intermediate and poor risk groups showed similar survival times (p>0.05). However, when CAR was added to the IMDC risk score in the intermediate group, it was divided into 3 subgroups with different prognoses (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: CAR is an independent predictor of OS in mRCC patients. In this study, it has been demonstrated that more accurate prognosis prediction could be made by adding CAR to IMDC indicators in the intermediate risk group, which constitutes a highly heterogeneous group according to IMDC risk stratification. KEY WORDS: Renal cell cancer, Albumin, C-reactive protein, IMDC, Prognosis.

Colonic Metastasis from Primary Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Rare Cause of Large Bowel Obstruction.

Tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma is a subtype of head and neck cancer that rarely metastasizes to the colorectal system. Colonic metastasis secondary to primary tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma is a very rare clinical occurrence with unclear pathogenesis. Palliative chemo-radiation and surgery are recommended for this rare condition, which is generally seen in advanced stages. Here, we aimed to report a case of a 70-year male who underwent palliative surgery due to the symptoms of mechanical bowel obstruction as a result of colonic metastasis of tonsillar carcinoma and review the relevant literature. Key Words: Tonsillar carcinoma, Colon, Metastasis.

What Is Your Choice for Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Metastatic Prostate Carcinoma: Surgical or Medical?

OBJECTIVE: At the time of diagnosis, approximately 16.5% of prostate cancer patients are metastatic. The main framework of metastatic prostate cancer treatment is androgen deprivation therapy, which is performed surgically or medically. The aim of this study is to evaluate the attitudes of medical oncologists and urologists about orchiectomy as androgen deprivation therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 387 physicians working in the Departments of Urology (n=217) and Medical Oncology (n=170) were included in this descriptive study. Data were collected through an electronic survey. RESULTS: Only 7.5% of participants indicated that they offered surgical castration to their patients. Urologists preferred surgical castration more than oncologists for the treatment of metastatic castration-sensitive prostate carcinoma (P=.003). The reasons why medical oncologists preferred surgical castration less are that it is an invasive procedure, has risk of morbidity and mortality, high cost of hospitalization, and may cause deterioration of the patient's body image (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that physicians were less likely to perform orchiectomy as an androgen deprivation therapy. Although the most important reason for this is the patient preference, the biased presentation of treatment options to patients, the lack of knowledge of physicians about orchiectomy, and the effect of the pharmaceutical industry should also be kept in mind.

Immature Teratoma with Growing Teratoma Syndrome and Gliomatosis Peritonei Coexistence.

Ovarian germ cell tumours constitute 5% of all ovarian cancers. During the natural course and treatment of these tumours , there may be more unusual cases. One of them is gliomatosis peritonei, which is characterised by the spread of glial cells on the peritoneal surfaces, while the other one is growing teratoma syndrome characterised by the rapid growth of benign component and loss or shrinkage of the malignant component in response to systemic chemotherapy during the treatment of germ cell tumours. Herein, we present a case of coexistence of gliomatosis peritonei and growing teratoma syndrome during the treatment of a 29-year female with immature ovarian teratoma. Key Words: Germ cell tumours , Growing teratoma syndrome, Gliomatosis peritonei, Ovaries.

The Role of Log Odds of Positive Lymph Nodes in Predicting the Survival after Resection for Ampullary Adenocarcinoma.

Lymph node metastasis is a important factor on survival in ampullary adenocarcinoma. Log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) is a novel prognostic indicator on lymph node status. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of LODDS for the patients with ampullary adenocarcinoma who underwent R0 pancreaticoduodenectomy. The study includes 42 patients.. LODDS was calculated as "log (number of metastatic lymph nodes+0.5)/(number of total harvested nodes - metastatic lymph nodes+0.5)". LODDS subgroups were created based on their LODDS value: LODDS1(LODDS≤ - 1.5), LODDS2(-1.5 < LODDS≤ - 1.0), LODDS3(-1.0 < LODDS≤ - 0.5), LODDS4(LODDS> - 0.5). The mean survival time was 72.7 ± 7.82 months. Survival rates for 1, 3 and 5 years were 93%, 65% and 45%, respectively. The mean LODDS value was -1.0466 ± 0.51. LODDS subgroups show strong correlation with Overall Survival(OS). The mean survival were 114.8, 81.8, 56.6 and 25.6 months in LODDS subgroups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively (Log-rank; p = 0.002), in addition LOODS values shows correlation with perineural invasion and micro vascular invasion (p = 0.015 and p = 0.001 respectively). Findings in our patient group support the hypothesis that LODDS subgroups correlate with OS, and that value of LODDS has considerable role in prediction of OS as well.

An Evaluation of the Information Sources of Cancer Patients' Relatives. A Prospective Survey.

Patients followed up with a cancer diagnosis must be well-informed about cancer to be able to cope with it. Besides, informing the relatives of the cancer patients who are also experiencing the same process about the diagnosis and follow-up period of cancer is highly important. In the current study, it was aimed to evaluate the information sources about cancer which are referred to by relatives of cancer patients. Three hundred ninety-one cancer patient relatives were included in medical oncology clinic between May 1 and June 30, 2015. A questionnaire was applied to the participants, comprising 12 questions to elicit demographic information and 11 questions about the information sources to which they referred. The study included 183 female and 208 male participants with a mean age of 47.9 ± 13.6 years. While the oncologists were the primary information sources referred to by 87%, the Internet was the second most preferred information source by 72%. The websites most frequently referred were the official websites (70%), the websites of oncology associations (53%), and social networks and forums (32%). The primary factors affecting the Internet preference were age, education level, income level, and place of residence. The Internet was the second most referred information source about cancer by family caregivers following oncologists. Therefore, it is of crucial importance that physicians inform patients and their relatives comprehensively as well as guiding them to correct and reliable information sources.

Metastatic primary urothelial carcinoma of the prostatic urethra: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Primary carcinomas of the urethra differ by location and histologic subtype. Primary urethral cancer of the proximal urethra is rare and aggressive tumor with a high propensity for regional and distant metastases. CASE DESCRIPTION: In this case report, we present primary urothelial carcinoma of the prostatic urethra, diagnosed by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate and having multiple metastases at the time of diagnosis. Metastatic patients were initiated chemotherapy according to the histological type of urethral cancer. CONCLUSION: Urothelial carcinomas of the urethra are rarely seen, and therefore there is no standard treatment regimen for early-stage or metastatic disease. Gemcitabine-, platinum-, and taxane-based treatments are used in the metastatic stage.

Response to Cabazitaxel Beyond 20 Cycles in A Patient with Penile Metastasis of Prostate Cancer: A Case Report.

Penile metastases are extremely rare events and generally occurs at a late stage of primary disease. They mostlyoriginate from prostate and bladder in the genitourinary tract. Penile metastases have a dismal prognosis and verylow survival rates. We report a case of penile metastasis in 70-year-old geriatric male patient with prostatic adenocarcinomawho was treated with cabazitaxel chemotherapy beyond 20 cycles with a good response and acceptableminimal toxicity.

Prognostic Value of the Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio for Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors: An Izmir Oncology Group Study.

BACKGROUND: Several studies evaluating the prognostic factors of gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) have been published. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been accepted as prognostic factors for cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 132 patients diagnosed with GEP-NETs. Peripheral blood samples were collected before the pretreatment period. RESULTS: NLR and PLR were increased as the grade increased in NETs. The embryonic origin analysis revealed higher NLR and PLR rates in NETs of foregut origin. NLR and PLR were also higher in pancreatic NET patients compared to the gastroenteric NET patients. Analysis of NETs by TNM indicated that an advanced stage was accompanied by significantly higher NLR and PLR. We found a strong negative correlation between progression-free survival and NLR and PLR. CONCLUSION: The study verified that NLR and PLR are simple laboratory findings that can be used to identify NETs with a worse outcome.