Impact of T Cell Ratios on Survival in Pleural Mesothelioma: Insights from Tumor Microenvironment Analysis.

Background: Immunotherapy has significantly improved overall survival in patients with pleural mesothelioma, yet this benefit does not extend to those with the epithelioid subtype. Tumor growth is believed to be influenced by the immune response. This study aimed to analyze the tumor microenvironment to gain a better understanding of its influence on tumor growth. Methods: The tumor immune cell infiltration of 188 patients with pleural mesothelioma was characterized by multiplex immunofluorescence staining for CD3+ cells (CD3+), CD4+ cells (CD3+/CD4+), CD8+ cells (CD3+/CD8+), Treg (CD3+/CD4+/CD8-/CD163-/Foxp3+), PD1 cells (PD1+), and T helper cells (CD3+/CD4+/CD8-/CD163-/FoxP3-). The distribution of specific immune cells was correlated with clinical parameters. Results: A total of 188 patients with pleural mesothelioma (135 epithelioid, 9 sarcomatoid, 44 biphasic subtypes) were analyzed. The median age was 64.8 years. Overall survival was significantly longer in the epithelioid subtype than in the non-epithelioid subtype (p = 0.016). The presence of PD-L1 expression had a negative effect on overall survival (p = 0.041). A high ratio of CD4+ cells to regulatory T cells was associated with a significantly longer overall survival of more than 12 months (p = 0.015). The ratio of CD4+ cells to regulatory T cells retained its significant effect on overall survival in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Distinct differences in the T cell immune infiltrates in mesothelioma are strongly associated with overall survival. The tumor microenvironment could therefore serve as a source of prognostic biomarkers.

KRAS and TP53 co-mutation predicts benefit of immune checkpoint blockade in lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Predictive biomarkers in use for immunotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer are of limited sensitivity and specificity. We analysed the potential of activating KRAS and pathogenic TP53 mutations to provide additional predictive information. METHODS: The study cohort included 713 consecutive immunotherapy patients with advanced lung adenocarcinomas, negative for actionable genetic alterations. Additionally, two previously published immunotherapy and two surgical patient cohorts were analyzed. Therapy benefit was stratified by KRAS and TP53 mutations. Molecular characteristics underlying KRASmut/TP53mut tumours were revealed by the analysis of TCGA data. RESULTS: An interaction between KRAS and TP53 mutations was observed in univariate and multivariate analyses of overall survival (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.56, p = 0.0044 and HR = 0.53, p = 0.0021) resulting in a stronger benefit for KRASmut/TP53mut tumours (HR = 0.71, CI 0.55-0.92). This observation was confirmed in immunotherapy cohorts but not observed in surgical cohorts. Tumour mutational burden, proliferation, and PD-L1 mRNA were significantly higher in TP53-mutated tumours, regardless of KRAS status. Genome-wide expression analysis revealed 64 genes, including CX3CL1 (fractalkine), as specific transcriptomic characteristic of KRASmut/TP53mut tumours. CONCLUSIONS: KRAS/TP53 co-mutation predicts ICI benefit in univariate and multivariate survival analyses and is associated with unique molecular tumour features. Mutation testing of the two genes can be easily implemented using small NGS panels.

Terminal Ileum Lipoma Causing Ileocolic Intussusception: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Adult intussusception is much rarer than pediatric intussusception and usually occurs secondary to a pathological lead point, most frequently neoplasm. Terminal ileum lipomas are an infrequent cause of adult ileocolic intussusception but can be seen together with the intussusception on initial imaging evaluation, which can guide appropriate diagnosis and management. We describe a case of a 42-year-old man presenting with 12 hours of severe right lower quadrant pain. CT of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated an ileocolic intussusception with fat-density lesions within the intussusception as well as in the distal ileum. The patient went to the operating room for laparoscopic ileocolic resection, during which ileo-ileal and ileocolic intussusceptions were identified in the terminal ileum and multiple fatty masses were palpated in the terminal ileum and cecum. Following ileocecectomy, surgical pathology confirmed terminal ileum with intussusception associated with multiple submucosal lipomas. We also review the literature for cases of ileocolic intussusception caused by terminal ileum lipomas. Patients presented with both acute and chronic symptoms, and while CT was the most common modality used for diagnosis, ultrasound and colonoscopy were also able to identify the intussusception. Although the intussusception was initially reduced in two patients, all patients ultimately underwent surgical resection.

Inter- and Intra-observer Reliability of a New Classification System for Calcaneus Fracture Malunions: The ADEINS Classification.

Background: Currently, two classification systems, namely Stephens and Sanders, based on axial CT images, and Zwipp and Rammelt, which consider deformities, are used for calcaneus malunions. Existing classifications have limitations due to their pure anatomical basis, and the complexity of the problem, involving both bone and soft tissues. As a solution, the senior author proposed a novel ADIENS classification system for calcaneal malunion, based on pain generators. This study aimed to introduce and evaluate the inter- and intra-observer reliability of a new classification system for calcaneal malunions. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adult cases with post-traumatic calcaneus malunion. Three experienced foot and ankle surgeon volunteers underwent training session on the classification system, which classifies malunions based on A arthritis, D deformity, E exostosis, I implant issues, N nerve issues, and S soft tissue issues. Post-training, two rounds of classification exercises were conducted. Inter-rater and intra-rater agreements were determined using Gwet's AC coefficient. Results: Out of 15 cases, 6 were of Stephen and Sanders types, and 8 were of Zwipp and Rammelt types, the rest fell out of these classifications. Inter-rater agreement for ADEINS classification was noted to be 'very good' for all six domains. Intra-observer agreements were 'very good' for four out of six domains of classification and 'fair' for two domains of classification. Conclusion: Pain generators-based new ADEINS classification has demonstrated good intra- and inter-observer reliability and seemed user-friendly. However, results need to be replicated in a larger, multicentric cohort before wider clinical applicability. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective study.

Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma masquerading as acute retinal necrosis.

Purpose: To describe a case of retinal and optic nerve metastases masquerading as acute retinal necrosis secondary to primary squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Observations: A 66-year-old male with a history of Stage IV lung cancer, actively on chemotherapy, presented with right eye vision loss, an afferent pupillary defect, and partial visual field deficiencies. Exam revealed vitritis, macula-involving infiltrative retinitis, optic neuritis, and vasculitis of the right eye. The patient was treated empirically for acute viral retinitis with intravitreal foscarnet and ganciclovir injections and oral acyclovir and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. A diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy with vitreous biopsy, intravitreal antivirals and silicone oil fill was performed. The resulting cytology was positive for malignant squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions and importance: We present a unique case of primary squamous cell carcinoma metastasizing to the retina and optic nerve which masqueraded as an acute viral retinitis. To date, there have not been any reported cases on Pubmed or Google Scholar at publication time of known squamous cell carcinoma metastases to the retina that demonstrated interval growth leading to emergent elevations in intraocular pressure (IOP). This case demonstrates the importance of considering metastasis when encountering an atypical acute retinal necrosis case, as well as bring awareness to the possibility that elevated IOP may be the first sign of interval metastases, despite surgical debulking, in cases involving known tumor metastases to the retina.

Pembrolizumab Alone or With Chemotherapy for 70+ Year-Old Lung Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: First-line pembrolizumab alone, as approved for PD-L1 ≥50%, or with chemotherapy was analyzed in older non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, for whom evidence is scarce. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 156 consecutive ≥70 year-old patients treated between January 2016 and May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Tumor progression was verified through radiologic review, while toxicity was captured from records. RESULTS: Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy (n = 95) caused higher rates of adverse events (91% vs. 51%, P < .001), treatment discontinuation (37% vs. 21%, P = .034), and hospitalization (56% vs. 23%, P < .001), but similar rates of immune-related adverse events (irAEs, mean 35%, P = .998) compared to pembrolizumab monotherapy (n = 61). Progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were similar between the 2 groups (7 vs. 8 months, and 16 vs. 14 months in median, P > .25). Occurrence of irAEs was associated with longer survival in a 12-week landmark analysis (median PFS 11 vs. 5 months, hazard ratio [HR] 0.51, P = .001; median OS 33 vs. 10 months, HR 0.46, P < .001), but occurrence of other AEs not (both P > .35). A worse ECOG performance status (PS) ≥2, presence of brain metastases at diagnosis, squamous histology and lack of tumor PD-L1 expression were independent predictors of shorter PFS and OS in multivariable analysis (HR 1.6-3.9 for PFS and OS, all P < .05). CONCLUSION: Chemoimmunotherapy increases the rate of adverse events and hospitalization without prolonging PFS or OS in newly diagnosed NSCLC patients aged 70 years or older compared to pembrolizumab monotherapy. ECOG PS 2, presence of brain metastases at diagnosis, squamous histology and PD-L1 negativity are associated with poor outcome.

Real-world data for precision cancer medicine-A European perspective.

Leveraging real-world data (RWD) for drug access is necessary to overcome a key challenge of modern precision oncology: tackling numerous low-prevalence oncogenic mutations across cancers. Withholding a potentially active medication in patients with rare mutations for the sake of control chemotherapy or "best" supportive care is neither practicable nor ethically justifiable anymore, particularly as RWD could meanwhile be used instead, according to scientific principles outlined by the US Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency and other stakeholders. However, practical implementation varies, with occasionally opposite recommendations based on the same evidence in different countries. In the face of growing need for precision drugs, more transparency of evaluation, a priori availability of guidance for the academia and industry, as well as a harmonized framework for health technology assessment across the European Union (EU) are imperative. These could in turn trigger infrastructural changes in national and pan-European registries, cancer management guidelines (e.g., frequency of routine radiologic restaging, inclusion of patient-reported outcomes), and the health data space, to ensure conformity with declared standards and facilitate extraction of RWD sets (including patient-level data) suitable for approval and pricing with minimal effort. For an EU-wide unification of precision cancer medicine, collective negotiation of drug supply contracts and funding solidarity would additionally be required to handle the financial burden. According to experience from pivotal European programs, off-label use could potentially also be harmonized across EU-states to accelerate availability of novel drugs, streamline collection of valuable RWD, and mitigate related costs through wider partnerships with pharmaceutical companies.

Multimodal therapy of epithelioid pleural mesothelioma: improved survival by changing the surgical treatment approach.

Background: The exact role and type of surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) remains controversial. This study aimed at analyzing a 20-year single center perioperative experience in MPM surgery at our high-volume thoracic surgery center and comparing the overall survival after trimodal extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and extended pleurectomy and decortication combined with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemoperfusion (EPD/HITOC) and adjuvant chemotherapy with that after chemotherapy (CTx) alone. Methods: Patients with epithelioid MPM treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, EPP and adjuvant radiotherapy within a trimodal concept or EPD/HITOC in combination with adjuvant chemotherapy between 2001 and 2018 were included in this retrospective analysis. Surgical cohorts were compared to patients treated with standard chemotherapy. Results: Overall, 182 patients (69 EPP, 57 EPD/HITOC, 56 CTx) were analyzed. Due to occupational exposure to asbestos for most of the patients, 154 patients (84.6%) were male. The patients in the surgical cohorts were significantly younger than those in the CTx cohort. There was no significant difference between the proportion of patient age and side. The median overall survival of the EPD/HITOC cohort with 38.1 months was significantly longer than that of the EPP and CTx cohorts (24.0 and 15.8 months). Better survival was significantly associated with an ECOG 0 performance status, age below 70 years, and negative lymph node status. In the multivariate analysis, EPD/HITOC was significantly associated with improved overall survival. Perioperative morbidity was lower in the EPD/HITOC group than in the EPP cohort. Conclusions: EPD/HITOC is feasible and safe for localized epithelioid pleural mesothelioma. Changing the surgical approach to a less radical lung-sparing technique may improve overall survival compared to trimodal EPP.

The impact of TP53 co-mutations and immunologic microenvironment on outcome of lung cancer with EGFR exon 20 insertions.

BACKGROUND: EGFR exon20 insertions (ex20ins) are targeted by novel compounds in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, data about outcome under conventional therapies and the influence of molecular features are scarce. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 118 patients with evaluation of radiologic response based on RECIST v1.1. TP53 status was available for 88 cases. RESULTS: Platinum doublets and chemoimmunotherapy showed similar response rates (20-25%), disease control rates (80%) and median progression-free survival (mPFS, ≈7 months), which were longer compared to monochemotherapy (9%, 59%, 4.1 months), EGFR inhibitors (0%, 46%, 3.0) and PD-(L)1 inhibitors (0%, 30%, 2.1; p < 0.05). Overall survival (OS) was not dependent on the choice of first-line treatment, but related to more lines of systemic therapy (p < 0.05). TP53 mutations and brain metastases were associated with shorter PFS under platinum doublets and EGFR inhibitors (HR 3.3-6.1, p < 0.01), and shorter OS for patients receiving both treatments (p < 0.05). More tumour CD8+ and less Th1 cells were associated with longer OS independent of brain and TP53 status (p < 0.01). No difference in outcome was noted according to the ex20ins site and use of pemetrexed (vs. other cytotoxics) or bevacizumab. Long-lasting responses (>1 year) occasionally occurred under EGFR inhibitors for both 'near-' and 'far-loop' variants. CONCLUSIONS: Platinum doublets and chemoimmunotherapy have the highest activity with ORR of 20-25% and mPFS of approximately 7 months, regardless of the cytotoxic partner, while PD-(L)1 inhibitors show limited efficacy. TP53 mutations, brain metastases and a lower tumour CD8/Th1-cell ratio are independently associated with shorter survival.

Expert-augmented automated machine learning optimizes hemodynamic predictors of spinal cord injury outcome.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) is becoming increasingly more accessible to biomedical researchers with significant potential to transform biomedicine through optimization of highly-accurate predictive models and enabling better understanding of disease biology. Automated machine learning (AutoML) in particular is positioned to democratize artificial intelligence (AI) by reducing the amount of human input and ML expertise needed. However, successful translation of AI/ML in biomedicine requires moving beyond optimizing only for prediction accuracy and towards establishing reproducible clinical and biological inferences. This is especially challenging for clinical studies on rare disorders where the smaller patient cohorts and corresponding sample size is an obstacle for reproducible modeling results. Here, we present a model-agnostic framework to reinforce AutoML using strategies and tools of explainable and reproducible AI, including novel metrics to assess model reproducibility. The framework enables clinicians to interpret AutoML-generated models for clinical and biological verifiability and consequently integrate domain expertise during model development. We applied the framework towards spinal cord injury prognostication to optimize the intraoperative hemodynamic range during injury-related surgery and additionally identified a strong detrimental relationship between intraoperative hypertension and patient outcome. Furthermore, our analysis captured how evolving clinical practices such as faster time-to-surgery and blood pressure management affect clinical model development. Altogether, we illustrate how expert-augmented AutoML improves inferential reproducibility for biomedical discovery and can ultimately build trust in AI processes towards effective clinical integration.

Current Management and Future Perspective in Pleural Mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive malignancy arising from pleural mesothelial cell lining, predominantly associated with prior exposure to asbestos. The ban on asbestos use has led to its lower incidence in many countries, but globally the disease burden is expected to rise. Therefore, well-planned research is needed to develop more effective, tolerable and affordable drugs. The development of novel treatment has been too slow, with only two regimens of systemic therapy with robust phase 3 data approved formally to date. The treatment scenario for resectable disease remains controversial. However, recent developments in the understanding of disease and clinical trials have been encouraging, and may add better treatment options in the coming years. In this review, we discuss the current treatment options for pleural mesothelioma and shed light on some recent studies and ongoing trials.

A clinical and molecular epidemiological survey of hepatitis C in Blantyre, Malawi, suggests a historic mechanism of transmission.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. There are no previous representative community HCV prevalence studies from Southern Africa, and limited genotypic data. Epidemiological data are required to inform an effective public health response. We conducted a household census-based random sampling serological survey, and a prospective hospital-based study of patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Blantyre, Malawi. We tested participants with an HCV antigen/antibody ELISA (Monolisa, Bio-Rad), confirmed with PCR (GeneXpert, Cepheid) and used line immunoassay (Inno-LIA, Fujiribio) for RNA-negative participants. We did target-enrichment whole-genome HCV sequencing (NextSeq, Illumina). Among 96,386 censused individuals, we randomly selected 1661 people aged ≥16 years. Population-standardized HCV RNA prevalence was 0.2% (95% CI 0.1-0.5). Among 236 patients with cirrhosis and HCC, HCV RNA prevalence was 1.9% and 5.0%, respectively. Mapping showed that HCV RNA+ patients were from peri-urban areas surrounding Blantyre. Community and hospital HCV RNA+ participants were older than comparator HCV RNA-negative populations (median 53 vs 30 years for community, p = 0.01 and 68 vs 40 years for cirrhosis/HCC, p < 0.001). Endemic HCV genotypes (n = 10) were 4v (50%), 4r (30%) and 4w (10%). In this first census-based community serological study in Southern Africa, HCV was uncommon in the general population, was centred on peri-urban regions and was attributable for <5% of liver disease. HCV infection was observed only among older people, suggesting a historic mechanism of transmission. Genotype 4r, which has been associated with treatment failure with ledipasvir and daclatasvir, is endemic.

A Rare Case of Habitual Dislocation of the Fourth Metatarsophalangeal Joint.

Introduction: Dislocations of lesser metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) following trauma, inflammatory arthritis, and synovitis are not uncommon. Closed reduction is sufficient in most instances. However, if it is not addressed scientifically in the first instance; rarely, a habitual dislocation may result. Case Report: We present a case of a 43-year-old male patient with painful habitual dorsal dislocation of the fourth MTPJ following a trivial trauma 2 years back, resulting in an inability to wear closed footwear. The patient was managed with the repair of the plantar plate, excision of the neuroma, and transfer of long flexor to dorsum to act as dynamic check rein. At 3 months, he was able to wear shoes and returned to normal activities. There was no radiographic evidence of arthritis or avascular necrosis at 2 years follow-up, and he was comfortably using closed footwear. Conclusion: Isolated dislocation of the lesser MTPJs is an uncommon entity. Traditional practice is closed reduction. However, if the reduction is inadequate, open reduction should be performed to prevent chances of recurrence.

Cytoreductive Thoracic Surgery Combined with Hyperthermic Chemoperfusion for Pleural Malignancies: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Lung-sparing cytoreductive surgery by extended pleurectomy and decortication (EPD) in combination with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemoperfusion (HITOC) forms a promising treatment strategy for malignant pleural mesothelioma and recurrent pleural thymic malignancies. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to scrutinize the surgical procedure and perioperative patient management with emphasis on perioperative morbidity and local tumor control. METHODS: In 2014, a standardized EPD and HITOC procedure was implemented at the Thoraxklinik Heidelberg. This retrospective analysis included clinical data of consecutive patients with pleural mesothelioma and pleural metastasized malignancies treated by EPD and HITOC. The surgical procedure, perioperative management, lung function data, and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed. RESULTS: In the time range between April 2, 2014 and July 2018, 76 patients with pleural malignancies have been treated with EPD and HITOC, and were analyzed retrospectively. It included 61 patients with pleural mesothelioma and 15 patients with pleural metastases of thymic malignancies (12), non-small cell lung cancer (1), colorectal carcinoma (1), and sarcoma (1). Perioperative morbidity following EPD and HITOC treatments represented 23.7% of overall malignancies, while 30- and 90-day mortality were 0 and 1.3%, respectively. Median PFS lasted 18.4 months for mesothelioma and 72.2 months for thymic malignancies. CONCLUSION: Combining EPD with HITOC can be performed in patients with either pleural mesothelioma or pleural metastases resulting in low perioperative morbidity and mortality as well as remarkable local tumor control.

Therapeutic and Prognostic Implications of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: PD-(L)1 inhibitors have improved prognosis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but can also cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that complicate management. METHODS: We analyzed NSCLC patients receiving PD-(L)1 inhibitors from 2012 to 2020 in a German academic center. RESULTS: IrAE showed comparable frequencies in stage IV (198/894 or 22%) vs. III (14/45 or 31%, p = 0.15), after anti-PD-(L)1 monotherapy vs. chemoimmunotherapy (139/483 vs. 58/213, p = 0.75), and across treatment lines. In stage IV, irAE occurred after 3.1 months in median, affected multiple organs (median 2) in 27/894 patients and were associated with PD-L1 positivity (25 vs. 14%, p = 0.003), lower neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (29 vs. 17%, p < 0.001 for NLR dichotomized at 5), better ECOG status (26 vs. 18% for 0 vs. 1, p = 0.004), but not related to age, sex, smoking and palliative radiotherapy. Two hundred thirty two irAEs occurred mostly in endocrine glands (4.9%), lungs (4.4%), the musculoskeletal system (4.2%), colon (4.1%), liver (3.7%), and skin (2.6%), while pneumonitis was most frequent with durvalumab following definitive chemoradiation (16% or 7/45, p < 0.01). IrAE severity was grade 1 in 11%, 2 in 41%, 3 in 36%, and 4 in 11% events, while two were lethal (<1%, myocarditis and pneumonitis). Therapy was suspended in 72%, while steroids were initiated in 66% and complemented by other immunosuppressants in 6%, with longest treatment duration for rheumatic events (mean >3 months), and average cumulative prednisone doses >700 mg for all organs, except for skin. Patients developing irAE had longer progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in multivariable 12/14-week landmark analyses including ECOG status, treatment line, treatment type, PD-L1 TPS, and NLR (median PFS 17 vs. 10 months, HR = 0.68, p = 0.009; median OS 37 vs. 15 months, HR = 0.40, p < 0.001), regardless of grade. OS was longest with skin (95% at 2 years) and shortest with pneumonitis, hepatitis, neurologic, and cardiologic irAE (38, 37, 28, and 0% at 2 years, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-fourth of immunotherapy-treated NSCLC patients develop irAEs, most of which necessitate treatment suspension and steroids. Despite more frequent occurrence with PD-L1 positive tumors, lower NLR, and better ECOG PS, irAEs are independently associated with longer survival, especially when affecting the skin. Lethality is below 1%.

Comprehensive Dissection of Treatment Patterns and Outcome for Patients With Metastatic Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Lung Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Large-cell neuroendocrine lung carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare pulmonary neoplasm with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all patients with metastatic LCNEC in the records of a large German academic center since 2010. RESULTS: 191 patients were identified with a predominance of male (68%) smokers (92%) and a median age of 65 years. The single most important factor associated with outcome was the type of systemic treatment, with a median overall survival (OS) of 26.4 months in case of immune checkpoint inhibitor administration (n=13), 9.0 months for other patients receiving first-line platinum doublets (n=129), and 4.0 months with non-platinum chemotherapies (n=17, p<0.01). Other patient characteristics independently associated with longer OS were a lower baseline serum LDH (hazard ratio [HR] 0.54, p=0.008) and fewer initial metastatic sites (HR 0.52, p=0.006), while the platinum drug type (cisplatin vs. carboplatin) and cytotoxic partner (etoposide vs. paclitaxel), patients' smoking status and baseline levels of tumor markers (NSE, CYFRA 21-1, CEA) did not matter. 12% (23/191) of patients forewent systemic treatment, mainly due to tumor-related clinical deterioration (n=13), while patient refusal of therapy (n=5) and severe concomitant illness (n=5) were less frequent. The attrition between successive treatment lines was approximately 50% and similar for platinum-based vs. other therapies, but higher in case of a worse initial ECOG status or higher serum LDH (p<0.05). 19% (36/191) of patients had secondary stage IV disease and showed fewer metastatic sites, better ECOG status and longer OS (median 12.6 vs. 8.7 months, p=0.030). Among the 111 deceased patients with palliative systemic treatment and complete follow-up, after exclusion of oligometastatic cases (n=8), administration of local therapies (n=63 or 57%) was associated with a longer OS (HR 0.58, p=0.008), but this association did not persist with multivariable testing. CONCLUSIONS: Highly active systemic therapies, especially immunotherapy and platinum doublets, are essential for improved outcome in LCNEC and influence OS stronger than clinical disease parameters, laboratory results and other patient characteristics. The attrition between chemotherapy lines is approximately 50%, similar to other NSCLC. Patients with secondary metastatic disease have a more favorable clinical phenotype and longer survival.

A rare case of recurrent medial dislocation of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint in a professional athlete.

Dislocations of the first metatarsophalangealjoint are rare, and recurrent dislocations unique. A national-level Kabaddi player dislocated his right first metatarsophalangeal joint while playing a game bear footed. After self-manipulative reduction, the patient had multiple dislocations. The patient reported after a year of injury with complaints of recurrent medial dislocations of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. At surgery, reconstruction of deficient lateral capsule-ligamentous structures of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was done with Palmaris longus autograft. The patient returned to sports in six months and was followed up for more than two years. The case is unique in the form that recurrent medial dislocation of first metatarsophalangeal dislocation is not described. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: Level V.

Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2019 Case of the Week series.

The Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) is an international society focused on the research, education, and clinical application of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). The SCMR web site ( https://www.scmr.org ) hosts a case series designed to present case reports demonstrating the unique attributes of CMR in the diagnosis or management of cardiovascular disease. Each clinical presentation is followed by a brief discussion of the disease and unique role of CMR in disease diagnosis or management guidance. By nature, some of these are somewhat esoteric, but all are instructive. In this publication, we provide a digital archive of the 2019 Case of the Week series as a means of further enhancing the education of those interested in CMR and as a means of more readily identifying these cases using a PubMed or similar search engine.

A Phase II Trial of Nivolumab With Chemotherapy Followed by Maintenance Nivolumab in Patients With Pleural Mesothelioma After Surgery: The NICITA Study Protocol.

BACKGROUND: In selected patients with early-stage malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a multimodal therapy that includes surgical cytoreduction, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy is recommended. Several clinical trials have demonstrated the beneficial effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors in pretreated MPM patients with advanced disease. Recent clinical data have suggested that the combination of chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibition might improve efficacy. TRIAL DESIGN: The NICITA (nivolumab with chemotherapy in pleural mesothelioma after surgery) trial is a prospective, 1:1 randomized, open-label, multicenter phase II clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT04177953). Ninety-two patients with MPM epithelioid subtype, who had undergone extended pleurectomy and decortication with or without hyperthermic intrathoracic chemoperfusion, will be included to receive adjuvant treatment. All patients will receive ≤ 4 cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy with pemetrexed (arms A and B). Patients in arm B will additionally receive nivolumab, together with the adjuvant chemotherapy, and subsequently for ≤ 12 cycles as maintenance therapy. The primary endpoint of this study is the time-to-next-treatment. The secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, overall survival, proportion of patients with treatment beyond progression, duration of treatment beyond progression in this population, and quality of life. CONCLUSION: This prospective trial will contribute data to assess the efficacy of standard chemotherapy combined with nivolumab in the context of multimodal management of early-stage MPM. The study is currently enrolling patients.

Endogenous Exophiala dermatitidis endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE: To report a case of endogenous Exophiala dermatitidis endophthalmitis. OBSERVATIONS: An immunosuppressed patient with a history of hairy cell leukemia undergoing chemotherapy presents with rapidly progressing panophthalmitis. The patient was treated medically without improvement and underwent a pars plana vitrectomy which showed multiple retinal abscesses. Vitreous fluid cultures grew a rare fungal organism, Exophiala dermatitidis. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: This is the first reported case of E. dermatitidis causing endogenous endophthalmitis. Rare fungal organisms can present with rapid progression to panophthalmitis in immunocompromised hosts.