Predicting early recurrence after resection of initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases: the role of baseline and pre-surgery clinical, radiological and molecular factors in a real-life multicentre experience.

BACKGROUND: Advances in surgical techniques and systemic treatments have increased the likelihood of achieving radical surgery and long-term survival in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). Nonetheless, roughly half of the patients resected after an upfront systemic therapy experience disease relapse within 6 months from surgery, thus leading to the question whether surgery is actually beneficial for these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A real-world dataset of mCRC patients with initially unresectable liver-limited disease treated with conversion chemotherapy followed by radical resection of CRLMs at three high-volume Italian institutions was retrospectively assessed with the aim of investigating the association of baseline and pre-surgical clinical, radiological and molecular factors with the risk of relapse within 6 or 12 months from surgery. RESULTS: Overall, 268 patients were included in the analysis and 207 (77%) experienced recurrence. Ninety-six (46%) of them had disease relapse within 6 months after CRLM resection and in spite of several variables associated with early recurrence at univariate analyses, only primary tumour resection at diagnosis [odds ratio (OR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32-0.89, P = 0.02] remained significant in the multivariable model. Among patients with resected primary tumours, pN+ stage was associated with higher risk of disease relapse within 6 months (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.23-7.41, P = 0.02). One hundred and forty-nine patients (72%) had disease relapse within 12 months after CRLMs resection but none of the analysed variables was independently associated with outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical, radiological and molecular factors assessed before and after conversion chemotherapy do not reliably predict early recurrence after secondary resection of initially unresectable CRLMs. While novel markers are needed to optimize the cost/efficacy balance of surgical procedures, CRLM resection should be offered as soon as metastases become resectable during first-line chemotherapy to all patients eligible for surgery.

Cetuximab as third-line rechallenge plus either irinotecan or avelumab is an effective treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer patients with baseline plasma RAS/BRAF wild-type circulating tumor DNA: Individual patient data pooled analysis of CRICKET and CAVE trials.

The rechallenge strategy is based on the concept that a subset of patients with RAS wild-type (WT) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) could still benefit of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition, after progression to an anti-EGFR based-therapy. We performed a pooled analysis of two-phase II prospective trials to determine the role of rechallenge in third-line mCRC patients with RAS/BRAF WT baseline circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Individual data of 33 and 13 patients from CAVE and CRICKET trials that received as third-line therapy cetuximab rechallenge were collected. Overall survival (OS), Progression-free survival (PFS), Overall response rate (ORR), Stable disease (SD) >6 months were calculated. Adverse events were reported. For the whole 46 patient population, median PFS (mPFS) was 3.9 months (95% Confidence Interval, CI 3.0-4.9) with median OS (mOS) of 16.9 months (95% CI 11.7-22.1). For CRICKET patients, mPFS was 3.9 months (95% CI 1.7-6.2); mOS was 13.1 months (95% CI 7.3-18.9) with OS rates at 12, 18, and 24 months of 62%, 23%, and 0%, respectively. For CAVE patients, mPFS was 4.1 months (95% CI 3.0-5.2); mOS was 18.6 months (95% CI 11.7-25.4) with OS rates at 12, 18, 24 months of 61%, 52%, 21%, respectively. Skin rash was more frequently reported in CAVE trial (87.9% vs. 30.8%; p = 0.001), whereas a increased incidence of hematological toxicities was observed in CRICKET trial (53.8%% vs. 12.1%; p = 0.003). Third-line cetuximab rechallenge in combination with either irinotecan or avelumab in RAS/BRAF WT ctDNA mCRC patients represents a promising therapy.

Bone metastases are associated with worse prognosis in patients affected by metastatic colorectal cancer treated with doublet or triplet chemotherapy plus bevacizumab: a subanalysis of the TRIBE and TRIBE2 trials.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers; ∼20% of patients have metastases at diagnosis, and 50%-60% subsequently develop metachronous metastases. Bone involvement, despite being rare, is usually associated with higher disease burden, worse prognosis, impaired quality of life, and significant health-related cost. In the last few years, following the positive results of the TRIBE and TRIBE2 trials, the association of FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab has become the new standard of care for metastatic CRC. Despite being highly efficacious in all subgroups, little is known about the activity of this regimen in patients with bone metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a pooled analysis of TRIBE and TRIBE2 studies focusing on patients with skeletal deposits. RESULTS: Our analyses on the whole population showed that patients with baseline bone involvement reported shorter overall survival [OS; 14.0 versus 26.2 months; hazard ratio (HR) 2.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46-2.87; P < 0.001] and progression-free survival (PFS; 6.2 versus 11.1 months; HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.42-2.69; P < 0.001) compared with those without bone metastases; no significant interaction with the treatment was reported for PFS (P = 0.094) and OS (P = 0.38). Bone metastases had a negative prognostic implication in the multivariate analysis (HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.54-3.26; P < 0.001). Furthermore, patients with bone lesions at first radiological progression (including those with baseline bone metastases) had a shorter OS compared with those who progressed in other sites (10.4 versus 13.2 months; HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.15-1.91; P = 0.002). A trend toward inferior OS (7.5 versus 11 months, HR 1.50, 95% CI 0.92-2.45; P = 0.10) appeared in patients with basal skeletal deposits compared with those with bone involvement at first radiological progression. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed the negative prognostic impact of bone metastases in CRC. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time that the survival advantage of triplet chemotherapy plus bevacizumab is maintained even in this prognostically unfavorable subgroup.

Encorafenib plus cetuximab with or without binimetinib in patients with BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer: real-life data from an Italian multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND: Encorafenib plus cetuximab with or without binimetinib showed increased objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) compared with chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR in previously treated patients with BRAF V600E-mutated (mut) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Although no formal comparison was planned, addition of binimetinib to encorafenib plus cetuximab did not provide significant efficacy advantage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This real-life study was aimed at evaluating safety, activity, and efficacy of encorafenib plus cetuximab with or without binimetinib in patients with BRAF V600E-mut mCRC treated at 21 Italian centers within a nominal use program launched in May 2019. RESULTS: Out of 133 patients included, 97 (73%) received encorafenib plus cetuximab (targeted doublet) and 36 (27%) the same therapy plus binimetinib (targeted triplet). Most patients had Eastern Cooperative Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) of 0 or 1 (86%), right-sided primary tumor (69%), and synchronous disease (66%). Twenty (15%) tumors were DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR)/microsatellite instability (MSI)-high. As many as 44 (34%) patients had received two or more prior lines of therapy, 122 (92%) were previously exposed to oxaliplatin, and 109 (82%) to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). Most frequent adverse events were asthenia (62%) and anti-EGFR-related skin rash (52%). Any grade nausea (P = 0.03), vomiting (P = 0.04), and diarrhea (P = 0.07) were more frequent with the triplet therapy, while melanocytic nevi were less common (P = 0.06). Overall, ORR and disease control rate (DCR) were 23% and 69%, respectively, with numerically higher rates in the triplet group (ORR 31% versus 17%, P = 0.12; DCR 78% versus 65%, P = 0.23). Median PFS and OS were 4.5 and 7.2 months, respectively. Worse ECOG-PS, peritoneal metastases, and more than one prior treatment were independent poor prognostic factors for PFS and OS. Clonality of BRAF mutation measured as adjusted mutant allele fraction in tumor tissue was not associated with clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our real-life data are consistent with those from the BEACON trial in terms of safety, activity, and efficacy. Patients in good general condition and not heavily pretreated are those more likely to derive benefit from the targeted treatment.

Clinical impact of neutropenia and febrile neutropenia in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab: a pooled analysis of TRIBE and TRIBE2 studies by GONO.

BACKGROUND: TRIBE and TRIBE-2 studies demonstrated higher benefit from FOLFOXIRI (fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan)/bevacizumab compared with FOLFIRI (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan) or FOLFOX/bevacizumab as an upfront option for metastatic colorectal cancer patients, with more toxicities. We focused on the incidence and longitudinal dynamics of neutropenia and febrile neutropenia (FN) in the two studies, to evaluate their clinical relevance, the magnitude of impact of FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab, and the role of risk factors in predicting their occurrence. METHODS: The overall incidence of grade 3-4 (G3-4) neutropenia and FN, the time to their onset, the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and the association with risk factors were evaluated in the overall population and according to treatment arm. FN episodes were assessed by Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) score. RESULTS: Among 1155 patients, 568 (49%) received FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab. Overall, 410 (35%) experienced G3-4 neutropenia and 70 (6%) FN, 21 (2%) at high risk. FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab was associated with higher incidence of neutropenia (51% versus 21%, P < 0.001), FN (8% versus 4%, P = 0.02), and high-risk FN [18 (3%) versus 3 (1%), P = 0.015]. No related deaths were observed. The first episode of G3-4 neutropenia and FN occurred mainly in the first 2 months in both arms. Longitudinal analysis showed different patterns of evolution over cycles between the arms (P < 0.001) G3-4 neutropenia being more frequent in the first cycles with FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab. Older patients (P = 0.01) and females (P < 0.001) had a significantly higher risk of G3-4 neutropenia. No significant interaction effect between arm and analysed risk factors in terms of risk of G3-4 neutropenia or FN was observed. The incidence of FN among older females receiving FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab was 12%. Neither G3-4 neutropenia nor FN impaired efficacy in terms of overall response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab has a higher risk of G3-4 neutropenia and FN than doublets/bevacizumab. FN occurred in <10% of patients, mostly as low-risk episodes. A closer monitoring during the first 2 months is recommended; prophylactic use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor may be considered for older females.

Impact of age and gender on the safety and efficacy of chemotherapy plus bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer: a pooled analysis of TRIBE and TRIBE2 studies.

BACKGROUND: The phase III TRIBE and TRIBE2 studies randomized metastatic colorectal cancer patients to first-line FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab or a doublet (FOLFIRI or FOLFOX)/bevacizumab. The studies demonstrated a significant benefit from the triplet at the price of an increased incidence of chemotherapy-related adverse events (AEs). In both trials, males and females aged between 18 and 70 years with ECOG PS ≤2 and between 71 and 75 years with ECOG PS = 0 were eligible. We investigated the effect of FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab versus doublets/bevacizumab according to age and gender. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Subgroup analyses according to age (<70 versus 70-75 years) and gender were carried out for overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and AE rates. RESULTS: Of 1187 patients, 1005 (85%) were aged <70 years and 182 (15%) 70-75 years; 693 (58%) were males and 494 (42%) females. There was no evidence of interaction between age or gender and the benefit provided by the intensification of the upfront chemotherapy in terms of ORR and PFS, or the increased risk of experiencing G3/4 AEs. Elderly patients and females experienced higher rates of overall G3/4 AEs (73% versus 60%, P < 0.01 and 69% versus 57%, P < 0.01, respectively). Notably, in the FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab subgroup, G3/4 diarrhea and febrile neutropenia occurred in 27% and 16% of elderly patients, respectively, while females reported high incidences of any grade nausea (67%) and vomiting (50%). CONCLUSIONS: The improvements in terms of ORR and PFS of FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab versus doublets/bevacizumab are independent of gender and age, with a similar relative increase in AEs among elderly patients and females. Initial dose reductions and possibly primary G-CSF prophylaxis should be recommended for patients between 70 and 75 years old treated with FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab, and a careful management of antiemetic prophylaxis should be considered among females.

RET fusions in a small subset of advanced colorectal cancers at risk of being neglected.

Background: Recognition of rare molecular subgroups is a challenge for precision oncology and may lead to tissue-agnostic approval of targeted agents. Here we aimed to comprehensively characterize the clinical, pathological and molecular landscape of RET rearranged metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Patients and methods: In this case series, we compared clinical, pathological and molecular characteristics of 24 RET rearranged mCRC patients with those of a control group of 291 patients with RET negative tumors. RET rearranged and RET negative mCRCs were retrieved by systematic literature review and by taking advantage of three screening sources: (i) Ignyta's phase 1/1b study on RXDX-105 (NCT01877811), (ii) cohorts screened at two Italian and one South Korean Institutions and (iii) Foundation Medicine Inc. database. Next-generation sequencing data were analyzed for RET rearranged cases. Results: RET fusions were more frequent in older patients (median age of 66 versus 60 years, P = 0.052), with ECOG PS 1-2 (90% versus 50%, P = 0.02), right-sided (55% versus 32%, P = 0.013), previously unresected primary tumors (58% versus 21%, P < 0.001), RAS and BRAF wild-type (100% versus 40%, P < 0.001) and MSI-high (48% versus 7%, P < 0.001). Notably, 11 (26%) out of 43 patients with right-sided, RAS and BRAF wild-type tumors harbored a RET rearrangement. At a median follow-up of 45.8 months, patients with RET fusion-positive tumors showed a significantly worse OS when compared with RET-negative ones (median OS 14.0 versus 38.0 months, HR: 4.59; 95% CI, 3.64-32.66; P < 0.001). In the multivariable model, RET rearrangements were still associated with shorter OS (HR: 2.97; 95% CI, 1.25-7.07; P = 0.014), while primary tumor location, RAS and BRAF mutations and MSI status were not. Conclusions: Though very rare, RET rearrangements define a new subtype of mCRC that shows poor prognosis with conventional treatments and is therefore worth of a specific management.

Negative hyper-selection of metastatic colorectal cancer patients for anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies: the PRESSING case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Refining the selection of metastatic colorectal cancer patients candidates for anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies beyond RAS and BRAF testing is a challenge of precision oncology. Several uncommon genomic mechanisms of primary resistance, leading to activation of tyrosine kinase receptors other than EGFR or downstream signalling pathways, have been suggested by preclinical and retrospective studies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted this multicentre, prospective, case-control study to demonstrate the negative predictive impact of a panel of rare genomic alterations [PRESSING (PRimary rESiStance IN RAS and BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with anti-eGfr monoclonal antibodies) panel], including HER2/MET amplifications, ALK/ROS1/NTRK1-3/RET fusions and PIK3CA mutations. Hypothesizing a prevalence of candidate alterations of 15% and 0% in resistant and sensitive RAS and BRAF wild-type patients, respectively, with two-sided α and ß errors of 0.05 and 0.20, 47 patients per group were needed. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients per group were included. PRESSING panel alterations were significantly more frequent in resistant (24 out of 47, 51.1%) than in sensitive (1 out of 47, 2.1%) patients (P < 0.001) and in right- (12 out of 29, 41.4%) than left-sided (13 out of 65, 20.0%) tumours (P = 0.03). The predictive accuracy of PRESSING panel and sidedness was 75.3% and 70.2%, respectively. Among hyper-selected patients, right-sidedness was still associated with resistance (P = 0.002). The predictive accuracy of the combined evaluation of PRESSING panel and sidedness was 80.4%. As a secondary analysis, 8 (17.0%) resistant and 0 sensitive patients showed microsatellite instability (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The investigated panel of genomic alterations allows refining the selection of RAS and BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer patients candidates for anti-EGFRs, partially explaining and further corroborating the predictive ability of primary tumour sidedness.

Genetic variants of DNA repair-related genes predict efficacy of TAS-102 in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer.

Background: Tri-phosphorylated trifluridine (FTD) incorporation into DNA is TAS-102's main anti-tumor action. We tested whether genetic polymorphisms in homologous recombination (HR) and cell cycle checkpoint pathway for DNA repair is associated with outcomes in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients treated with TAS-102. Patients and methods: We analyzed genomic DNA extracted from 233 samples of three cohorts: an evaluation cohort of 52 patients receiving TAS-102, a validation cohort of 129 patients receiving TAS-102 and a control cohort of 52 patients receiving regorafenib. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of genes involved in HR (ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, XRCC3, FANCD2, H2AX, RAD51) and cell cycle checkpoint (ATR, CHEK1, CHEK2, CDKN1A, TP53, CHE1, PIN1, PCNA) were analyzed by PCR-based direct sequencing. Results: In univariate analysis for the evaluation cohort, patients with any G allele in ATM rs609429 had longer overall survival (OS) than those with the C/C variant (8.7 vs. 4.4 months, HR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14-0.99, P = 0.022). Patients carrying any A allele in XRCC3 rs861539 had significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) (3.8 vs. 2.3 months, HR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.21-0.92, P = 0.024) and OS (15.6 vs. 6.3 months, HR 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08-0.79, P = 0.012) than those with the G/G variant. In multivariable analysis, ATM rs609429 remained significant for OS (P = 0.020). In the validation cohort, patients having ATM rs609429 with any G allele showed longer OS and PFS; the G/A variant in XRCC3 rs861539 showed longer OS, though without statistical significance. Conclusion: Genetic variants in the HR pathway may predict clinical outcome in mCRC patients receiving TAS-102.

Estimating 12-week death probability in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer: the Colon Life nomogram.

Background: Regorafenib and TAS-102 have recently demonstrated statistically significant survival gains in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Life expectancy ≥12 weeks was an inclusion criterion in registrative trials, and the identification of proper clinical selection tools for the daily use of these drugs in heavily pre-treated patients is needed to improve the cost-benefit ratio. We aimed at building a nomogram able to predict death probability within 12 weeks from the date of assessment of refractory mCRC. Patients and methods: Four hundred eleven refractory mCRC patients with ECOG performance status (PS) ≤2 receiving regorafenib, TAS-102 or other treatments were used as developing set. Putative prognostic variables were selected using a random forest model and included in a binary logistic model from which the nomogram was developed. The nomogram was externally validated and its performance was evaluated by examining calibration (how close predictions were to the actual outcome) and discriminative ability (Harrell C index) both on developing (internal validation) and validating (external validation) sets. Results: Four variables were selected and included in the nomogram: PS (P < 0.0001), primary tumor resection (P = 0.027), LDH value (P = 0.0001) and peritoneal involvement (P = 0.081). In the developing set, the nomogram discriminative ability was high (C = 0.778), and was confirmed in the validating set (C = 0.778), where the overall outcome was better as a consequence of the enrichment in patients receiving regorafenib or TAS-102 (46% versus 34%; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our nomogram may be a useful tool to predict the probability of death within 12 weeks in patients with refractory mCRC. Based on four easy-to-collect variables, the 'Colon Life' nomogram and free app for smartphones may improve mCRC patients' selection for later-line therapies and assist researchers for the enrollment in clinical trials in this setting.

Innovative combination of QuEChERS extraction with on-line solid-phase extract purification and pre-concentration, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their metabolites in sewage sludge.

For the first time QuEChERS extraction of sewage sludge was combined with the automatic solid-phase pre-concentration and purification of the extract (following indicated as SPE) and LC-MS/MS analysis, for the determination of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), diclofenac (DIC), fenbufen (FEN), flurbiprofen (FLU), ketoprofen (KET), ibuprofen (IBU) and naproxen (NAP), and their metabolites salicylic acid (SAL), 4'-hydroxydiclofenac (4'-HYDIC), 1-hydroxyibuprofen (1-HYIBU), 2-hydroxyibuprofen (2-HYIBU), 3-hydroxyibuprofen (3-HYIBU) and o-desmethylnaproxen (O-DMNAP). Various commercial pellicular stationary phases (i.e. silica gel functionalized with octadecyl, biphenyl, phenylhexyl and pentafluorophenyl groups) were preliminarily investigated for the resolution of target analytes and different sorbent phases (i.e. octyl or octadecyl functionalized silica gel and a polymeric phase functionalized with N-benzylpyrrolidone groups) were tested for the SPE phase. The optimized method involves the QuEChERS extraction of 1 g of freeze-dried sludge with 15 mL of water/acetonitrile 1/2 (v/v), the SPE of the extract with the N-benzylpyrrolidone polymeric phase and the water/acetonitrile gradient elution on the pentafluorophenyl stationary phase at room temperature. Matrix effect was always suppressive and in most cases low, being it ≤20% for ASA, DIC, FLU, KET, IBU, 1-HYIBU, 2-HYIBU, 3-HYIBU, NAP and O-DMNAP, and included in the range of 35-47% for the other analytes. Recoveries were evaluated at three spiking levels, evidencing almost quantitative values for HYIBUs and O-DMNAP; for ASA, SAL and KET the recoveries were included in between 50 and 76%, whereas for the other compounds they ranged from 36% to 55%. The proposed method showed better analytical performances than those so far published, being suitable for target compound determination in real samples from tens of pg g(-1) to ng g(-1) of freeze-dried sludge, with a total analysis time of 30 min per sample.

FOLFOXIRI or FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab as first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer: a propensity score-adjusted analysis from two randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab is a valid option as upfront treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. While several trials investigated the effect of combining bevacizumab with different chemotherapy regimens, including fluoropyrimidines monotherapy and oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-containing doublets, no randomized comparison assessing the impact of the addition of bevacizumab to FOLFOXIRI is available. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 122 mCRC patients received first-line FOLFOXIRI in the phase III trial by the GONO (FOLFOXIRI group) and 252 patients received first-line FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab in the TRIBE trial (FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab group). A propensity score-adjusted method was adopted to provide an estimation of the benefit from the addition of bevacizumab to FOLFOXIRI in terms of survival and activity parameters. RESULTS: Patients in the FOLFOXIRI group had more frequently Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of one or two, high Köhne score, metachronous and liver-limited disease, had previously received adjuvant treatments and had their primary tumors resected. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12.3 months in the FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab group compared with 10.0 months in the FOLFOXIRI group {propensity score-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.94], P = 0.013}. This association was significant also in the multivariable model (P = 0.024). The median OS was 29.8 months in the FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab group compared with 23.6 months in the FOLFOXIRI group [propensity score-adjusted HR: 0.72 (95% CI 0.56-0.93), P = 0.014]. At the multivariable model, the addition of bevacizumab was still associated with significantly longer OS (P = 0.030). No significant differences in RECIST response rate (RR) [65.1% versus 55.7%; propensity score-adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.29 (95% CI 0.81-2.05), P = 0.280], early RR [62.7% versus 57.8%; OR: 1.14 (95% CI 0.68-1.93), P = 0.619] and median depth of response (42.2% versus 53.8%, P = 0.259) were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Though in the absence of a randomized comparison, the addition of bevacizumab to FOLFOXIRI provides significant benefit in PFS and OS, thus supporting the use of FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab as upfront treatment for mCRC patients. TRIALS' NUMBERS: NCT01219920 and NCT00719797.

Response to SSRIs and role of the hormonal therapy in post-menopausal depression.

The aim of this study is to prospectively evaluate the antidepressant response to SSRIs in depressed post-menopausal women with or without hormonal therapy (HT), and to analyze the possible influence of basal serum levels of gonadotropins and sexual hormones on the antidepressant response. 170 post-menopausal women with a depressive episode (DSM-IV criteria)--47 on HT and 123 not on HT--started the treatment with an SSRI. Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and 7 weeks thereafter by raters blind to treatment regimen. Response rates were 63.2% in the group without HT and 83.7% in the HT group (p=0.013). An inverse correlation emerged between the basal levels of LH and the improvement in HRSD scores (p=0.001) in the group without HT. In conclusion, HT appeared to improve the antidepressant response to SSRIs. Furthermore, in post-menopausal women, LH basal levels may be taken into account as possible predictor of response.

[Prophylactic use of cefotetan in gynecologic surgery]. / Profilassi con cefotetan in chirurgia ginecologica.

The efficacy of prophylactic treatment with systemic antibiotics in laparotomic gynecologic surgery is well established. Lately, short-term schemes have been preferred in surgical prophylaxis for different reasons. First of all, experimental data demonstrated that the efficacy of an antibiotic is maximal when it reaches active tissue concentrations at the time of bacterial contamination. In addition with the availability of new, long-acting antibiotics, a long period of time around the operations was possibly covered. The effectiveness of a single preoperative 2 gm dose of Cefotetan was compared with a traditional treatment of 3 gm daily of Cefazolin for one week following surgery in 86 women undergoing laparotomic gynecologic surgery for benign pathology. Our results confirm that preoperative treatment with Cefotetan is able to prevent infectious disease such as 3 gm of Cefazolin per day for one week. Thus, Cefotetan can be used for this type of prophylaxis considering its broad spectrum of action and pharmacokinetic properties.

Evolution of antimicrobial prophylaxis in obstetric surgery.

Problems concerning antimicrobial prophylaxis in obstetric surgery are reviewed from the first experiences with multiple-dose treatments to the new short-term prophylaxis. With the purpose to evaluate the effectiveness of a short-term scheme, a controlled population of 134 obstetric patients was treated with a double dose of 2 g i.m. of cefotetan. Clinically important infectious complications were not observed.

[Increase of liver enzymes during treatment of myocardial infarct using intravenous nitro-derivatives]. / Aumento di enzimi di pertinenza epatica in corso di trattamento dell'infarto miocardico con nitroderivati per via endovenosa.

A transitory serum elevation of hepatocellular enzyme alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma GT is reported during i.v. treatment with nitroderivatives of acute myocardial infarction. authors have reviewed 144 case (105 males and 39 females) admitted to the emergency ward for acute myocardial infarction: of the 144 cases reviewed, 54 males and 16 females (48.6% of the total) presented a significative increase of ALT and gamma GT, up to the maximum value of 220 U/l, during the first week of continuous i.v. therapy with nitroderivatives. This elevation was transient, with return to normal values during the first month. The AA postulate that this increase is dose-dependent, linked to individual susceptibility and possibly due to the production of free oxygen radicals.

Interaction of anthracycline antibiotics with human neutrophils: superoxide production, free radical formation and intracellular penetration.

Human neutrophils exposed to 10(-4) M doxorubicin and the derivatives epirubicin and thepirubicin revealed a different intracellular penetration and distribution pattern as demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy and fluorimetric determination of drug intracellular concentration. While doxorubicin was found to be a potent inducer of superoxide generation from resting cells, epirubicin exhibited less superoxide-inducing power. Thepirubicin on the contrary did not show any superoxide-inducing effect. Moreover the anthracyclines tested all inhibited the phorbol ester-stimulated chemiluminescent response to the same extent, which suggested a common target for the drug action. Anthracycline-stimulated superoxide production seems to correlate with the cardiotoxic effects. The most cardiotoxic drug, doxorubicin, is the most potent inducer of superoxide generation, while epirubicin, which is less cardiotoxic, has a relatively limited effect on superoxide production. Thepirubicin which has been shown not to induce delayed cardiomyopathy has no effect on superoxide release from the cells.