High-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for progressive systemic sclerosis: a retrospective study of outcome and prognostic factors.

PURPOSE: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. SSc treatment is still challenging, and evidence is scarce. In the last decades high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HD-ASCT) has proven to be effective. However, treatment related morbidity and mortality (TRM) are high. We conducted a retrospective, single-center analysis of SSc patients following HD-ASCT focusing on TRM and risk factors. METHODS: 32 patients who underwent HD-ASCT at our hospital between June 2000 and September 2020 were included. Clinical characteristics were evaluated based on chart review before and after HD-ASCT. Analyses focused on overall survival (OS), TRM, and response to HD-ASCT. RESULTS: Median OS was 81 months (range 0-243). Within one year, 20 of 32 (76.9%) patients responded to HD-ASCT. Overall, 6 patients (18.8%) died in the context of HD-ASCT. Patients with subjective response to HD-ASCT (p = 0.024) and those with shorter time to platelet engraftment (p = 0.047) had significantly longer OS. Impaired renal function, age at HD-ASCT ≥ 55, disease duration < 12 months, high Hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index (HCT-CI) and Charlton Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores were associated with higher TRM. Patients receiving conditioning chemotherapy with thiotepa needed longer time for neutrophil (p = 0.035) and platelet engraftment (p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: This study confirms the efficacy of HD-ASCT for patients with SSc in a single center real-world setting. High TRM is still a challenge. However, TRM could be reduced by exclusion of high-risk patients and attention to prognostic parameters and scores as suggested in this study.

Outcomes of Multimodal Treatment in Elderly Patients with Localized Non-Small Lung Cancer from a Radiation Oncology Point of View: Special Focus on Low-Dose Cisplatin.

Identification of the optimal treatment strategy is challenging in elderly with localized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Concurrent chemotherapy with low-dose cisplatin represents an option for elderly. Outcomes (1) in elderly (≥70 years, n = 158) vs. younger patients (n = 188) and (2), independently of age, in definitive radiochemotherapy, with low-dose cisplatin (n = 125) vs. cisplatin/vinorelbine (n = 76) were studied. Elderly included more males, had a lower Karnofsky index, more comorbidities, and lower stages. Low-dose cisplatin patients (vs. cisplatin/vinorelbine) had higher age, more comorbidities, and lower stages. We observed reduced dermatitis and dysphagia and increased anemia and thrombocytopenia in elderly vs. younger patients, without increased ≥grade 3 toxicities. Low-dose cisplatin was less toxic than cisplatin/vinorelbine. Survival outcomes were lower in elderly vs. younger and comparable between low-dose cisplatin and cisplatin/vinorelbine. In elderly, gender, Karnofsky index, stage, and multimodal treatment (including additional surgery/systemic therapy) were identified as prognostic factors. In conclusion, we found evidence for an acceptable toxicity profile and the need for improvement of outcomes in elderly with localized NSCLC. Multimodal strategies (including additional surgery/systemic treatment) showed favorable outcomes and should be reasonably considered in elderly who are deemed fit enough. Low-dose cisplatin should be discussed on an individual basis due to favorable toxicity and outcomes.

And Yet It Moves: Clinical Outcomes and Motion Management in Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) of Centrally Located Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Shedding Light on the Internal Organ at Risk Volume (IRV) Concept.

The internal organ at risk volume (IRV) concept might improve toxicity profiles in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We studied (1) clinical aspects in central vs. peripheral tumors, (2) the IRV concept in central tumors, (3) organ motion, and (4) associated normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCPs). We analyzed patients who received SBRT for NSCLC (clinical aspects, n = 78; motion management, n = 35). We found lower biologically effective doses, larger planning target volume sizes, higher lung doses, and worse locoregional control for central vs. peripheral tumors. Organ motion was greater in males and tall patients (bronchial tree), whereas volume changes were lower in patients with a high body mass index (BMI) (esophagus). Applying the IRV concept (retrospectively, without new optimization), we found an absolute increase of >10% in NTCPs for the bronchial tree in three patients. This study emphasizes the need to optimize methods to balance dose escalation with toxicities in central tumors. There is evidence that organ motion/volume changes could be more pronounced in males and tall patients, and less pronounced in patients with higher BMI. Since recent studies have made efforts to further subclassify central tumors to refine treatment, the IRV concept should be considered for optimal risk assessment.

Treatment Strategies and Prognostic Factors in Secondary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: A Multicenter Study of 124 Patients.

Secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL) is a rare and difficult to treat type of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by systemic and central nervous system (CNS) disease manifestations. In this study, 124 patients with SCNSL intensively treated and with clinical long-term follow-up were included. Initial histopathology, as divided in low-grade, other aggressive, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), was of prognostic significance. Overall response to induction treatment was a prognostic factor with early responding DLBCL-SCNSL in comparison to those non-responding experiencing a significantly better progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). However, the type of induction regime was not prognostic for survival. Following consolidating high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT-ASCT), DLBCL-SCNSL patients had better median PFS and OS. The important role of HDT-ASCT was further highlighted by favorable responses and survival of patients not responding to induction therapy and by excellent results in patients with de novo DLBCL-SCNSL (65% long-term survival). SCNSL identified as a progression of disease within 6 months of initial systemic lymphoma presentation represented a previously not appreciated subgroup with particularly dismal outcome. This temporal stratification model of SCNSL diagnosis revealed CNS progression of disease within 6 months as a promising candidate prognosticator for future studies.

High-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation in primary lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the central nervous system.

Primary lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the CNS (CNS-LG) is a rare lymphoid neoplasia associated Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and often accompanied by immunodeficiencies. No treatment standards have been defined yet. However, due to often devastating neurologic sequelae and based on similarities to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, curative treatment requires intensive therapy protocols resembling protocols applied in CNS lymphoma. Here, the clinical courses and treatments of four primary CNS-LG patients in analogy to aggressive CNS-lymphomas including methotrexate, thiotepa, cytarabine, carmustine, and rituximab are presented. This is the first report on high-dose chemotherapy with CNS-directed drugs and autologous blood stem cell transplantation in primary CNS-LG.

Regorafenib for recurrent high-grade glioma: a unicentric retrospective analysis of feasibility, efficacy, and toxicity.

We describe here 11 consecutive patients with recurrence of high-grade glioma treated with regorafenib at our university medical center. The majority of patients had MGMT promoter methylation (9/11 cases). Regorafenib was given as 2nd line systemic treatment in 6/11 patients and 3rd or higher line treatment in 5/11 patients. The median number of applied cycles was 2 with dosage reductions in 5/11. Response to treatment was observed in 4/11 (PR in 1/11, and SD in 3/11). Median overall survival for the cohort was 16.1 months, median progression-free survival 9.0 months, and median time to treatment failure 3.3 months. Side effects of any CTCAE grade were noted in all patients, hereby 6/11 with CTCAE °III-IV reactions. High-grade side effects were of dermatologic, cardiovascular, and hematologic nature. A mean treatment delay of 57.5 days (range 23-119) was noted between tumor board recommendation and treatment initiation due to the application process for off-label use in this indication. In conclusion, treatment with regorafenib in relapsed high-grade glioma is a feasible treatment option but has to be considered carefully due to the significant side effect profile.

WNT11/ROR2 signaling is associated with tumor invasion and poor survival in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer has been associated with activation of the WNT signaling pathway, although no driver mutations in WNT genes have been found yet. Instead, a high expression of the alternative WNT receptor ROR2 was observed, in particular in breast cancer brain metastases. However, its respective ligand and downstream signaling in this context remained unknown. METHODS: We modulated the expression of ROR2 in human breast cancer cells and characterized their gene and protein expression by RNA-Seq, qRT-PCR, immunoblots and reverse phase protein array (RPPA) combined with network analyses to understand the molecular basis of ROR2 signaling in breast cancer. Using co-immunoprecipitations, we verified the interaction of ROR2 with the identified ligand, WNT11. The functional consequences of WNT11/ROR2 signaling for tumor cell aggressiveness were assessed by microscopy, impedance sensing as well as viability and invasion assays. To evaluate the translational significance of our findings, we performed gene set enrichment, expression and survival analyses on human breast cancer brain metastases. RESULTS: We found ROR2 to be highly expressed in aggressive breast tumors and associated with worse metastasis-free survival. ROR2 overexpression induced a BRCAness-like phenotype in a cell-context specific manner and rendered cells resistant to PARP inhibition. High levels of ROR2 were furthermore associated with defects in cell morphology and cell-cell-contacts leading to increased tumor invasiveness. On a molecular level, ROR2 overexpression upregulated several non-canonical WNT ligands, in particular WNT11. Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed that WNT11 indeed interacts with the cysteine-rich domain of ROR2 and triggers its invasion-promoting signaling via RHO/ROCK. Knockdown of WNT11 reversed the pro-invasive phenotype and the cellular changes in ROR2-overexpressing cells. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our study revealed a novel auto-stimulatory loop in which ROR2 triggers the expression of its own ligand, WNT11, resulting in enhanced tumor invasion associated with breast cancer metastasis.

Tunnelled Peritoneal Catheter for Malignant Ascites-An Open-Label, Prospective, Observational Trial.

Treatment of recurrent malignant ascites in cancer patients is a challenge. Evidence based guidelines regarding the best treatment strategy are lacking. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a tunnelled peritoneal catheter (PleurX) in cancer patients with symptomatic ascites. Patients with symptomatic, diuretics-refractory ascites and indication for the implantation of a tunnelled peritoneal PleurX catheter were prospectively enrolled between August 2018 and July 2020. The number of catheter days, complications, amount of drained ascites and ascites-associated symptoms and hospitalization rate pre- and post-PleurX insertion were analysed. 51 Patients (64.7% male) were prospectively enrolled. The mean age was 66.6 (±7.9) years. The most common cause of ascites was pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n = 10) followed by cholangiocellular carcinoma (n = 9) and hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 8). The technical success rate of PleurX implantation was 100%. The mean volume of weakly drained ascites was 5.44l (±4.08). Major complications included cellulitis (n = 2), peritonitis and drainage dislocation (each n = 1). The mean catheter days per patient was 59.8 (±107.4) (Min 4, Max 668). Abdominal discomfort, impaired mobility, dyspnoea, fatigue, nausea and vomiting were significantly reduced 30 days after PleurX insertion (p < 0.05). Moreover, hospitalization rate was significantly reduced (p < 0.001; 27.08% of days preimplantation vs. 11.27% postimplantation). We conclude that implantation of a tunnelled ascites catheter is a safe and effective method for the treatment of refractory ascites in cancer patients with advanced disease. Serious complications are rare. Burdensome ascites-associated symptoms and hospitalization rates can be significantly reduced over a longer period of time.

Liver Enzyme Elevation After 177Lu-PSMA Radioligand Therapy for Metastasized Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

177Lu-PSMA radioligand therapy is a promising new option for patients with metastasized castration-resistant prostate cancer, and the spectrum of adverse events with this treatment has to be evaluated. Here, we describe the case of a patient with M1c disease (metastasis to the mediastinum, lungs, bones, and liver) who presented with elevated liver enzyme levels after receiving 177Lu-PSMA radioligand therapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer. Pretreatment 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT showed at least 4 liver lesions with low uptake. Overall, the liver uptake was inhomogeneous. Liver biopsy was performed subsequently.

Comparison of Chest Ultrasound and Standard X-Ray Imaging in COVID-19 Patients.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic poses new challenges for the medical community due to its large number of patients presenting with varying symptoms. Chest ultrasound (ChUS) may be particularly useful in the early clinical management in suspected COVID-19 patients due to its broad availability and rapid application. We aimed to investigate patterns of ChUS in COVID-19 patients and compare the findings with results from chest X-ray (CRX). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 patients (18 symptomatic, 6 asymptomatic) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction underwent bedside ChUS in addition to CRX following admission. Subsequently, the results of ChUS and CRX were compared. RESULTS: 94% (n=17/18) of patients with respiratory symptoms demonstrated lung abnormalities on ChUS. ChUS was especially useful to detect interstitial syndrome compared to CXR in COVID-19 patients (17/18 vs. 11/18; p<0.02). Of note, ChUS also detected lung consolidations very effectively (14/18 for ChUS vs. 7/18 cases for CXR; p<0.02). Besides pathological B-lines and subpleural consolidations, pleural line abnormality (89%; n=16/18) was the third most common feature in patients with respiratory manifestations of COVID-19 detected by ChUS. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the high value of ChUS in the management of COVID-19 patients.

LEF1 supports metastatic brain colonization by regulating glutathione metabolism and increasing ROS resistance in breast cancer.

More than half of all brain metastases show infiltrating rather than displacing growth at the macro-metastasis/organ parenchyma interface (MMPI), a finding associated with shorter survival. The lymphoid enhancer-binding factor-1 (LEF1) is an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factor that is commonly overexpressed in brain-colonizing cancer cells. Here, we overexpressed LEF1 in an in vivo breast cancer brain colonization model. It shortened survival, albeit without engaging EMT at the MMPI. By differential proteome analysis, we identified a novel function of LEF1 as a regulator of the glutathione (GSH) system, the principal cellular redox buffer. LEF1 overexpression also conferred resistance against therapeutic GSH depletion during brain colonization and improved management of intracellular ROS. We conclude that besides EMT, LEF1 facilitates metastasis by improving the antioxidative capacity of epithelial breast cancer cells, in particular during colonization of the brain parenchyma.

Estrogen induces nitric oxide production via nitric oxide synthase activation in endothelial cells.

INTRODUCTION: 17ß-estradiol (E2) has been found to induce vasodilation in the cardiovascular system and at physiological levels, resulting in prevention of cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in animal models. The goal of this study was to analyze the cellular mechanism of nitric oxide (NO) production and its relation to E2, in vitro in brain and peripheral endothelial cells. METHODS: Human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC) and brain endothelial cells (bEnd.3) were treated with estradiol (E2, 0.1, 10, 100, and 1,000 nM), and supernatant was collected at 0, 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min for nitric oxide metabolome (nitrite, NO2) measurements. Cells were also treated with E2 in the presence of 1400W, a potent eNOS inhibitor, and ICI, an antagonist of estradiol receptors (ERs). Effects of E2 on eNOS protein expression were assessed with Western blot analysis. RESULTS: E2 significantly increased NO2 levels irrespective of its concentration in both cell lines by 35 % and 42 % (p < 0.05). The addition of an E2 antagonist, ICI (10 µM), prevented the E2-induced increases in NO2 levels (11 % p > 0.05). The combination of E2 (10 nM) and a NOS inhibitor (1400W, 5 µM) inhibited NO2 increases in addition (4 %, p > 0.05). E2 induced increases in eNOS protein levels and phosphorylated eNOS (eNOS(p)). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that E2 induces NO level increases in cerebral and peripheral endothelial cells in vitro via eNOS activation and through E2 receptor-mediated mechanisms. Further in vivo studies are warranted to evaluate the therapeutic value of estrogen for the treatment of SAH-induced vasospasm.