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1.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1395225, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38915414

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Despite recent advancements in the treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma (UM), the availability of further treatment options remains limited and the prognosis continues to be poor in many cases. In addition to tebentafusp, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB, PD-1 (+/-) CTLA-4 antibodies) is commonly used for metastatic UM, in particular in HLA-A 02:01-negative patients. However, ICB comes at the cost of potentially severe immune-related adverse events (irAE). Thus, the selection of patient groups that are more likely to benefit from ICB is desirable. Methods: In this analysis, 194 patients with metastatic UM undergoing ICB were included. Patients were recruited from German skin cancer sites and the ADOReg registry. To investigate the association of irAE occurrence with treatment response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) two cohorts were compared: patients without irAE or grade 1/2 irAE (n=137) and patients with grade 3/4 irAE (n=57). Results: In the entire population, the median OS was 16.4 months, and the median PFS was 2.8 months. Patients with grade 3/4 irAE showed more favorable survival than patients without or grade 1/2 irAE (p=0.0071). IrAE occurred in 44.7% (87/194), and severe irAE in 29.4% (57/194) of patients. Interestingly, irColitis and irHepatitis were significantly associated with longer OS (p=0.0031 and p=0.011, respectively). Conclusions: This data may indicate an association between irAE and favorable survival outcomes in patients with metastatic UM undergoing ICB treatment and suggests that a reduced tolerance to tumor antigens could be linked to reduced tolerance to self-antigens.


Subject(s)
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors , Melanoma , Uveal Neoplasms , Humans , Uveal Neoplasms/mortality , Uveal Neoplasms/drug therapy , Uveal Neoplasms/immunology , Uveal Neoplasms/pathology , Melanoma/drug therapy , Melanoma/mortality , Melanoma/immunology , Male , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Adult , Aged, 80 and over , Neoplasm Metastasis
2.
Front Cardiovasc Med ; 11: 1408586, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38915743

ABSTRACT

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced myocarditis is a rare immune-related adverse event (irAE) with a fatality rate of 40%-46%. However, irMyocarditis can be asymptomatic. Thus, improved monitoring, detection and therapy are needed. This study aims to generate knowledge on pathogenesis and assess outcomes in cancer centers with intensified patient management. Methods: Patients with cardiac irAEs from the SERIO registry (www.serio-registry.org) were analyzed for demographics, ICI-related information (type of ICI, therapy line, combination with other drugs, onset of irAE, and tumor response), examination results, irAE treatment and outcome, as well as oncological endpoints. Cardiac biopsies of irMyocarditis cases (n = 12) were analyzed by Nanostring and compared to healthy heart muscle (n = 5) and longitudinal blood sampling was performed for immunophenotyping of irMyocarditis-patients (n = 4 baseline and n = 8 during irAE) in comparison to patients without toxicity under ICI-therapy (n = 4 baseline and n = 7 during ICI-therapy) using flow cytometry. Results: A total of 51 patients with 53 cardiac irAEs induced by 4 different ICIs (anti-PD1, anti-PD-L1, anti-CTLA4) were included from 12 centers in 3 countries. Altogether, 83.0% of cardiac irAEs were graded as severe or life-threatening, and 11.3% were fatal (6/53). Thus, in centers with established consequent troponin monitoring, work-up upon the rise in troponin and consequent treatment of irMyocarditis with corticosteroids and -if required-second-line therapy mortality rate is much lower than previously reported. The median time to irMyocarditis was 36 days (range 4-1,074 days) after ICI initiation, whereas other cardiotoxicities, e.g. asystolia or myocardiopathy, occurred much later. The cytokine-mediated signaling pathway was differentially regulated in myocardial biopsies as compared to healthy heart based on enrichment Gene Ontology analysis. Additionally, longitudinal peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from irMyocarditis-patients indicated ICI-driven enhanced CD4+ Treg cells and reduced CD4+ T cells. Immunophenotypes, particularly effector memory T cells of irMyocarditis-patients differed from those of ICI-treated patients without side effects. LAG3 expression on T cells and PD-L1 expression on dendritic cells could serve as predictive indicators for the development of irMyocarditis. Conclusion: Interestingly, our cohort shows a very low mortality rate of irMyocarditis-patients. Our data indicate so far unknown local and systemic immunological patterns in cardiotoxicity.

3.
Front Med ; 17(5): 878-888, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37432641

ABSTRACT

Metastases of uveal melanoma (UM) spread predominantly to the liver. Due to low response rates to systemic therapies, liver-directed therapies (LDT) are commonly used for tumor control. The impact of LDT on the response to systemic treatment is unknown. A total of 182 patients with metastatic UM treated with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) were included in this analysis. Patients were recruited from prospective skin cancer centers and the German national skin cancer registry (ADOReg) of the German Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group (DeCOG). Two cohorts were compared: patients with LDT (cohort A, n = 78) versus those without LDT (cohort B, n = 104). Data were analyzed for response to treatment, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The median OS was significantly longer in cohort A than in cohort B (20.1 vs. 13.8 months; P = 0.0016) and a trend towards improved PFS was observed for cohort A (3.0 vs. 2.5 months; P = 0.054). The objective response rate to any ICB (16.7% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.0073) and combined ICB (14.1% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.017) was more favorable in cohort A. Our data suggest that the combination of LDT with ICB may be associated with a survival benefit and higher treatment response to ICB in patients with metastatic UM.


Subject(s)
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , CTLA-4 Antigen , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Liver , Prospective Studies
4.
Front Oncol ; 13: 1072652, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37182140

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Multi-professional interdisciplinary tumor boards (ITB) are essential institutions to discuss all newly diagnosed, relapsed or complex cancer patients in a team of specialists to find an optimal cancer care plan for each individual patient with regard to national and international clinical practice guidelines, patient´s preference and comorbidities. In a high-volume cancer center, entity-specific ITBs take place at least once a week discussing a large number of patients. To a high level of expertise and dedication, this also requires an enormous amount of time for physicians, cancer specialists and administrative support colleagues, especially for radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, who must attend all cancer-specific boards according to certification requirements. Methods: In this 15-month prospective German single-center analysis, we examined the established structures of 12 different cancer-specific ITBs at the certified Oncology Center and demonstrate tools helping to optimize processes before, during and after the boards for optimal, time-saving procedures. Results: By changing pathways, introducing revised registration protocols and new digital supports we could show that the workload of preparation by radiologists and pathologists could be reduced significantly by 22.9% (p=<0.0001) and 52.7% (p=<0.0001), respectively. Furthermore, two questions were added to all registration forms about the patient´s need for specialized palliative care support that should lead to more awareness and early integration of specialized help. Discussion: There are several ways to reduce the workload of all ITB team members while maintaining high quality recommendations and adherence to national and international guidelines.

5.
Front Immunol ; 14: 1140677, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37180131

ABSTRACT

Background: The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has powerfully broadened the scope of treatment options for malignancies with an ongoing increase of indications, but immune-related adverse events (irAEs) represent a serious threat to treatment success. Agents directed against programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or its ligand 1 (PD-L1) are known to cause renal complications with an incidence of 3%. In contrast, subclinical renal involvement is estimated to be much higher, up to 29%. We recently reported about urinary flow cytometry-based detection of urinary PD-L1-positive (PD-L1+) kidney cells correlating with tubular PD-L1-positivity that reflected susceptibility to develop ICI-related nephrotoxicity as an irAE attending ICI treatment. Therefore, we designed a study protocol to evaluate urinary detection of PD-L1+ kidney cells as a tool for non-invasive biomonitoring of renal complications in cancer patients treated with ICIs. Methods: A prospective, controlled, non-interventional, longitudinal, single-center observational study will be conducted at the Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology of the University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany. We intend to enroll approximately 200 patients treated with immunotherapy from the Departments of Urology, Dermatology, and Hematology and Medical Oncology of the University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany. First, we will assess clinical, laboratory, histopathological, and urinary parameters in addition to urinary cell collection. Then, we will perform a correlative analysis between urinary flow cytometry of different PD-L1+ cell of renal origin with the onset of ICI-related nephrotoxicity. Discussion: Because of growing ICI-treatment applicability with an expectable incidence of renal complications, providing cost-efficient and easily performable diagnostic tools for treatment-attendant and non-invasive biomonitoring becomes vital to improve both renal and overall survival rates in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. Trial registration: https://www.drks.de, DRKS-ID DRKS00030999.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological , Neoplasms , Humans , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects , B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism , Prospective Studies , Biological Monitoring , Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use , Kidney/metabolism , Observational Studies as Topic
9.
Crit Care ; 26(1): 69, 2022 03 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35331308

ABSTRACT

Factor XIII (FXIII) is a protein involved in blood clot stabilisation which also plays an important role in processes including trauma, wound healing, tissue repair, pregnancy, and even bone metabolism. Following surgery, low FXIII levels have been observed in patients with peri-operative blood loss and FXIII administration in those patients was associated with reduced blood transfusions. Furthermore, in patients with low FXIII levels, FXIII supplementation reduced the incidence of post-operative complications including disturbed wound healing. Increasing awareness of potentially low FXIII levels in specific patient populations could help identify patients with acquired FXIII deficiency; although opinions and protocols vary, a cut-off for FXIII activity of ~ 60-70% may be appropriate to diagnose acquired FXIII deficiency and guide supplementation. This narrative review discusses altered FXIII levels in trauma, surgery and wound healing, diagnostic approaches to detect FXIII deficiency and clinical guidance for the treatment of acquired FXIII deficiency.


Subject(s)
Blood Coagulation Disorders , Factor XIII Deficiency , Blood Coagulation Disorders/etiology , Factor XIII/metabolism , Factor XIII/therapeutic use , Factor XIII Deficiency/complications , Factor XIII Deficiency/diagnosis , Factor XIII Deficiency/drug therapy , Hemorrhage/drug therapy , Humans , Wound Healing
10.
Cancers (Basel) ; 14(3)2022 Jan 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35158786

ABSTRACT

Re-induction with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) needs to be considered in many patients with uveal melanoma (UM) due to limited systemic treatment options. Here, we provide hitherto the first analysis of ICB re-induction in UM. A total of 177 patients with metastatic UM treated with ICB were included from German skin cancer centers and the German national skin cancer registry (ADOReg). To investigate the impact of ICB re-induction, two cohorts were compared: patients who received at least one ICB re-induction (cohort A, n = 52) versus those who received only one treatment line of ICB (cohort B, n = 125). In cohort A, a transient benefit of overall survival (OS) was observed at 6 and 12 months after the treatment start of ICB. There was no significant difference in OS between both groups (p = 0.1) with a median OS of 16.2 months (cohort A, 95% CI: 11.1-23.8) versus 9.4 months (cohort B, 95% CI: 6.1-14.9). Patients receiving re-induction of ICB (cohort A) had similar response rates compared to those receiving ICB once. Re-induction of ICB may yield a clinical benefit for a small subgroup of patients even after resistance or development of toxicities.

11.
Cancers (Basel) ; 13(13)2021 Jul 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34283061

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Since there is no standardized and effective treatment for advanced uveal melanoma (UM), the prognosis is dismal once metastases develop. Due to the availability of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in the real-world setting, the prognosis of metastatic UM has improved. However, it is unclear how the presence of hepatic and extrahepatic metastasis impacts the response and survival after ICB. METHODS: A total of 178 patients with metastatic UM treated with ICB were included in this analysis. Patients were recruited from German skin cancer centers and the German national skin cancer registry (ADOReg). To investigate the impact of hepatic metastasis, two cohorts were compared: patients with liver metastasis only (cohort A, n = 55) versus those with both liver and extra-hepatic metastasis (cohort B, n = 123). Data were analyzed in both cohorts for response to treatment, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The survival and progression probabilities were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank tests, χ2 tests, and t-tests were performed to detect significant differences between both cohorts. RESULTS: The median OS of the overall population was 16 months (95% CI 13.4-23.7) and the median PFS, 2.8 months (95% CI 2.5-3.0). The median OS was longer in cohort B than in cohort A (18.2 vs. 6.1 months; p = 0.071). The best objective response rate to dual ICB was 13.8% and to anti-PD-1 monotherapy 8.9% in the entire population. Patients with liver metastases only had a lower response to dual ICB, yet without significance (cohort A 8.7% vs. cohort B 16.7%; p = 0.45). Adverse events (AE) occurred in 41.6%. Severe AE were observed in 26.3% and evenly distributed between both cohorts. CONCLUSION: The survival of this large cohort of patients with advanced UM was more favorable than reported in previous benchmark studies. Patients with both hepatic and extrahepatic metastasis showed more favorable survival and higher response to dual ICB than those with hepatic metastasis only.

12.
J Dtsch Dermatol Ges ; 19(6): 797-798, 2021 Jun.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34139089
13.
Eur J Cancer ; 152: 139-154, 2021 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34102453

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous melanoma is notorious for the development of in-transit metastases (ITM). For unknown biological reasons, ITM remain the leading tumour manifestation without progression to distant sites in some patients. METHODS: In total, 191 patients with initially unresectable stage III ITM and satellite metastases from 16 skin cancer centres were retrospectively evaluated for their tumour characteristics, survival and therapy response. Three groups according to disease kinetics (no distant progress, slow (>6 months) and fast (<6 months) distant progression) were analysed separately. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 30.5 (range 0.8-154.0) months from unresectable ITM. Progression to stage IV was observed in 56.5% of cases. Patients without distant metastasis were more often female, older (>70 years) and presented as stage III with lymph node or ITM at initial diagnosis in 45.7% of cases. Melanoma located on the leg had a significantly better overall survival (OS) from time of initial diagnosis compared to non-leg localised primaries (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40-0.91; p = 0.017), but not from diagnosis of unresectable stage III (HR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.45-1.02; p = 0.06). Forty percent of patients received local therapy for satellite and ITM. Overall response rate (ORR) to all local first-line treatments was 38%; disease control rate (DCR) was 49%. In total, 72.3% of patients received systemic therapy for unresectable stage IIIB-D. ORR for targeted therapy (n = 19) was highest with 63.2% and DCR was 84.2% compared to an ORR of 31.4% and a DCR of 54.3% in PD-1 treated patients (n = 70). Patients receiving PD-1 and intralesional talimogene laherparepvec (n = 12) had an ORR of 41.7% and a DCR of 75%. CONCLUSION: Patients with unresectable ITM and without distant progression are more often female, older, and have a primary on the leg. Response to PD-1 inhibitors in this cohort was lower than expected, but further investigation is required to elucidate the biology of ITM development and the interplay with the immune system.


Subject(s)
Biological Products/administration & dosage , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Melanoma/therapy , Skin Neoplasms/therapy , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Herpesvirus 1, Human , Humans , Immunotherapy/methods , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Male , Melanoma/diagnosis , Melanoma/mortality , Melanoma/secondary , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Staging , Oncolytic Virotherapy/methods , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Sex Factors , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/mortality , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
14.
Front Oncol ; 11: 672172, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34109122

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors has become standard of care in the treatment of metastatic BRAF V600-mutated melanoma. Clinical factors for an early prediction of tumor response are rare. The present study investigated the association between the development of an early exanthema induced by vemurafenib or vemurafenib plus cobimetinib and therapy outcome. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study included patients with BRAF V600-mutated irresectable AJCC-v8 stage IIIC/D to IV metastatic melanoma who received treatment with vemurafenib (VEM) or vemurafenib plus cobimetinib (COBIVEM). The development of an early exanthema within six weeks after therapy start and its grading according to CTCAEv4.0 criteria was correlated to therapy outcome in terms of best overall response, progression-free (PFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 422 patients from 16 centers were included (VEM, n=299; COBIVEM, n=123). 20.4% of VEM and 43.1% of COBIVEM patients developed an early exanthema. In the VEM cohort, objective responders (CR/PR) more frequently presented with an early exanthema than non-responders (SD/PD); 59.0% versus 38.7%; p=0.0027. However, median PFS and OS did not differ between VEM patients with or without an early exanthema (PFS, 6.9 versus 6.0 months, p=0.65; OS, 11.0 versus 12.4 months, p=0.69). In the COBIVEM cohort, 66.0% of objective responders had an early exanthema compared to 54.3% of non-responders (p=0.031). Median survival times were significantly longer for patients who developed an early exanthema compared to patients who did not (PFS, 9.7 versus 5.6 months, p=0.013; OS, not reached versus 11.6 months, p=0.0061). COBIVEM patients with a mild early exanthema (CTCAEv4.0 grade 1-2) had a superior survival outcome as compared to COBIVEM patients with a severe (CTCAEv4.0 grade 3-4) or non early exanthema, respectively (p=0.047). This might be caused by the fact that 23.6% of patients with severe exanthema underwent a dose reduction or discontinuation of COBIVEM compared to only 8.9% of patients with mild exanthema. CONCLUSIONS: The development of an early exanthema within 6 weeks after treatment start indicates a favorable therapy outcome upon vemurafenib plus cobimetinib. Patients presenting with an early exanthema should therefore be treated with adequate supportive measures to provide that patients can stay on treatment.

15.
Eur J Cancer ; 149: 1-10, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33812141

ABSTRACT

AIM: Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) triggers immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The relevance of lipase elevation remains unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Skin cancer patients with newly detected serum lipase elevation (at least twofold upper normal limit) or newly diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus upon ICI therapy were retrospectively collected at 14 German skin cancer centres. RESULTS: We identified 68 patients with lipase elevation occurring after a median time of 19 (range 1-181) weeks on ICI, 15 (22%) thereof had symptoms consistent with pancreatitis. Forty-seven patients (73%) had other irAE, mainly colitis. Discontinuation (n = 24, 35%) or interruption (n = 26, 38%) of ICI resulted in decrease of lipase after reinduction of ICI lipase levels increased again in 12 of 24 patients. In 18 patients (27%), ICI was continued unchanged, and in 12 (67%) of them, lipase levels normalised. Twenty-two patients were identified with newly diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus related to ICI, and 12 (55%) thereof had also lipase elevation mainly shortly before or after the diagnosis of diabetes. Fourteen (64%) patients had other irAE, mainly thyroiditis. Irrespective of lipase elevation, patients frequently showed a rapid onset with ketoacidosis, decreased c-peptide, and strongly increased blood glucose levels. CONCLUSION: Increased serum lipase during ICI is often not associated with pancreatitis but with other irAE as possible cause. Therefore, it might be sufficient to regularly monitor blood glucose levels and perform further workup only in case of signs or symptoms of pancreatitis and/or exocrine pancreas insufficiency.


Subject(s)
Blood Glucose/drug effects , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/chemically induced , Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency/chemically induced , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects , Lipase/blood , Melanoma/drug therapy , Pancreatitis/chemically induced , Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Biomarkers/blood , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/blood , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/diagnosis , Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency/blood , Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency/diagnosis , Female , Germany , Humans , Male , Melanoma/diagnosis , Melanoma/immunology , Middle Aged , Pancreatitis/blood , Pancreatitis/diagnosis , Predictive Value of Tests , Retrospective Studies , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/immunology , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Up-Regulation , Young Adult
16.
Eur J Cancer ; 148: 61-75, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33735811

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a known predictive and prognostic factor for a poor outcome in patients with metastatic melanoma. It is unclear whether first-line targeted therapy (TT) or immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) is more beneficial in melanoma patients with elevated LDH because prospective studies in this area are lacking. METHODS: This multicentre retrospective cohort study was conducted at 25 melanoma centres worldwide to analyse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among melanoma patients with elevated LDH. The role of confounders was addressed by using inverse probability of treatment weighting. RESULTS: Among 173 BRAFV600-mutant patients, PFS at 12 months in the TT group was 22% compared with 52% in the combined anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 group (HR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-1.0, p = 0.07) and 18% in the anti-PD-1 monotherapy group (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.8, p = 0.003). Twelve months' OS was 48% in the TT group compared with 83% in the combined anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 group (HR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-1.0, p = 0.03) and 50% in the anti-PD-1 monotherapy group (HR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8-2.0, p = 0.37). The ORR in the TT group was 63%, compared with 55% and 20% in the combined anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 monotherapy group, respectively. Among 314 patients receiving ICI first-line, PFS at 12 months was 33% in the anti-PD-1 group versus 38% in the combined anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 group (HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6-1.0; p = 0.07). OS at 12 months was 54% in the anti-PD-1 group versus 66% in the combined ICI group (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-1.0; p = 0.03). The ORR was 30% in the anti-PD-1 monotherapy group and 43% in the combined anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 group. Results from multivariate analysis confirmed the absence of qualitative confounding. CONCLUSIONS: Among BRAF-mutant patients with elevated LDH, combined anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 blockade seems to be associated with prolonged OS compared with first-line TT. Among patients receiving ICI as a first-line treatment, OS appears to be longer for the combination of anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 than for anti-PD-1 alone.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Immunotherapy/methods , Melanoma/drug therapy , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors , Aged , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Melanoma/immunology , Melanoma/pathology , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Survival Rate
17.
Hautarzt ; 71(11): 850-854, 2020 Nov.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32955623

ABSTRACT

Chronic wounds of the lower extremities affect 1-2% of the western population and represent a significant impairment of the quality of life of the patients. In addition to the identification and treatment of the underlying causes, compression therapy represents a decisive and established therapeutic method. A targeted compression works by reducing edema and also by improving the hemodynamics. After the exclusion of contraindications, clinically different systems are used in the decongestion phase as well as for prophylaxis. Therapeutic options should be discussed together with the patient and family members in order to optimize the effect and increase the adherence to the chosen therapy.


Subject(s)
Edema , Quality of Life , Humans , Pressure , Stockings, Compression
19.
Eur J Cancer ; 138: 125-132, 2020 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32882466

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common malignancies of the skin. Even though most patients are sufficiently treated by surgical resection, some will eventually metastasize and need systemic therapy. Phase I and II studies have shown efficacy for programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors, but cohort sizes are low and real-world data especially on long-term outcome are pending. METHODS: Patients from six German skin cancer centers treated with PD-1 inhibitors (pembrolizumab, nivolumab or cemiplimab) for advanced cSCC were retrospectively studied. Internal patient records were analyzed for clinical outcome including response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicity. RESULTS: Of 46 evaluable patients (median age: 76 years), the overall response rate (RR) was 58.7%, including 15.2% with complete response. The disease control rate was 80.4%. Both median PFS and OS were not reached, Kaplan-Meier estimated 1-year PFS was 58.8%. Patients responding to therapy showed durable remission. Response was independent of the PD-1 inhibitor used and also independent of the presence of distant metastases vs. locally advanced disease. Two predictive factors were found: Patients with primaries located on the leg had a poorer therapy outcome and patients with high lactate dehydrogenase serum levels at baseline. Treatment was overall tolerated well, with less than 10% of patients discontinuing therapy due to toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: PD-1 inhibitors fulfill the need for an efficient systemic therapy for advanced cSCC and should be the new standard of care. With high RRs and durable disease control, neoadjuvant and adjuvant regimens should be evaluated.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/mortality , Female , Humans , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects , L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Skin Neoplasms/mortality
20.
J Dtsch Dermatol Ges ; 18(9): 984-993, 2020 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32856787

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Infantile hemangiomas can be successfully treated by both systemic propranolol and neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG)-dye laser combination therapy. In this retrospective study, the efficacy and safety of sequential and parallel therapy of complicated hemangiomas treated with both methods were evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 30 children with 48 complicated hemangiomas were treated with propranolol and Nd:YAG-dye laser combination therapy. Using photo comparison, the percentage remission rate was evaluated by three investigators on a four-step scale (I: 0-25 %, II: 26-50 %, III: 51-75 % and IV: 76-100 %). RESULTS: Eleven children received propranolol and laser therapy in parallel (A), twelve children received laser therapy after propranolol (B) and seven children received propranolol after laser therapy (C). Due to emigration abroad, one child was lost to follow-up. A strong improvement (IV) was observed in 23/29 (79.3 %) of all treated children (A: 90.9 %, B 75 %, C 66.7 %). The mean duration of propranolol therapy in all children was 8.6 months (A: 8.9 months, B: 8.2 months, C: 8.9 months). On average, 2.33 laser treatments were performed per hemangioma (A: 1.95, B: 3.2, C: 1.91). Serious side effects caused by propranolol and laser therapy were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Propranolol and Nd:YAG-dye laser combination therapy can be used sequentially or in parallel safely and effectively. They complement each other in a meaningful manner.


Subject(s)
Hemangioma , Laser Therapy , Lasers, Dye , Propranolol/administration & dosage , Administration, Oral , Hemangioma/therapy , Humans , Infant , Lasers, Dye/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome
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