Evaluation of changes to work patterns in multidisciplinary cancer team meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic: A national mixed-method survey study.

BACKGROUND: It is not well understood the overall changes that multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) have had to make in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, nor the impact that such changes, in addition to the other challenges faced by MDTs, have had on decision-making, communication, or participation in the context of MDT meetings specifically. METHODS: This was a mixed method, prospective cross-sectional survey study taking place in the United Kingdom between September 2020 and August 2021. RESULTS: The participants were 423 MDT members. Qualitative findings revealed hybrid working and possibility of virtual attendance as the change introduced because of COVID-19 that MDTs would like to maintain. However, IT-related issues, slower meetings, longer lists and delays were identified as common with improving of the IT infrastructure necessary going forward. In contrast, virtual meetings and increased attendance/availability of clinicians were highlighted as the positive outcomes resulting from the change. Quantitative findings showed significant improvement from before COVID-19 for MDT meeting organisation and logistics (M = 45, SD = 20) compared to the access (M = 50, SD = 12, t(390) = 5.028, p = 0.001), case discussions (M = 50, SD = 14, t(373) = -5.104, p = 0.001), and patient representation (M = 50, SD = 12, t(382) = -4.537, p = 0.001) at MDT meetings. DISCUSSION: Our study explored the perception of change since COVID-19 among cancer MDTs using mixed methods. While hybrid working was preferred, challenges exist. Significant improvements in the meeting organisation and logistics were reported. Although we found no significant perceived worsening across the four domains investigated, there was an indication in this direction for the case discussions warranting further 'live' assessments of MDT meetings.

Quality assessment standards in artificial intelligence diagnostic accuracy systematic reviews: a meta-research study.

Artificial intelligence (AI) centred diagnostic systems are increasingly recognised as robust solutions in healthcare delivery pathways. In turn, there has been a concurrent rise in secondary research studies regarding these technologies in order to influence key clinical and policymaking decisions. It is therefore essential that these studies accurately appraise methodological quality and risk of bias within shortlisted trials and reports. In order to assess whether this critical step is performed, we undertook a meta-research study evaluating adherence to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool within AI diagnostic accuracy systematic reviews. A literature search was conducted on all studies published from 2000 to December 2020. Of 50 included reviews, 36 performed the quality assessment, of which 27 utilised the QUADAS-2 tool. Bias was reported across all four domains of QUADAS-2. Two hundred forty-three of 423 studies (57.5%) across all systematic reviews utilising QUADAS-2 reported a high or unclear risk of bias in the patient selection domain, 110 (26%) reported a high or unclear risk of bias in the index test domain, 121 (28.6%) in the reference standard domain and 157 (37.1%) in the flow and timing domain. This study demonstrates the incomplete uptake of quality assessment tools in reviews of AI-based diagnostic accuracy studies and highlights inconsistent reporting across all domains of quality assessment. Poor standards of reporting act as barriers to clinical implementation. The creation of an AI-specific extension for quality assessment tools of diagnostic accuracy AI studies may facilitate the safe translation of AI tools into clinical practice.

Biomarkers as predictors of recurrence of atrial fibrillation post ablation: an updated and expanded systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A high proportion of patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) experience recurrence of arrhythmia. This meta-analysis aims to identify pre-ablation serum biomarker(s) associated with arrhythmia recurrence to improve patient selection before CA. METHODS: A systematic approach following PRISMA reporting guidelines was utilised in libraries (Pubmed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus) and supplemented by scanning through bibliographies of articles. Biomarker levels were compared using a random-effects model and presented as odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity was examined by meta-regression and subgroup analysis. RESULTS: In total, 73 studies were identified after inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Nine out of 22 biomarkers showed association with recurrence of AF after CA. High levels of N-Terminal-pro-B-type-Natriuretic Peptide [OR (95% CI), 3.11 (1.80-5.36)], B-type Natriuretic Peptide [BNP, 2.91 (1.74-4.88)], high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein [2.04 (1.28-3.23)], Carboxy-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I [1.89 (1.16-3.08)] and Interleukin-6 [1.83 (1.18-2.84)] were strongly associated with identifying patients with AF recurrence. Meta-regression highlighted that AF type had a significant impact on BNP levels (heterogeneity R2 = 55%). Subgroup analysis showed that high BNP levels were more strongly associated with AF recurrence in paroxysmal AF (PAF) cohorts compared to the addition of non-PAF patients. Egger's test ruled out the presence of publication bias from small-study effects. CONCLUSION: Ranking biomarkers based on the strength of association with outcome provides each biomarker relative capacity to predict AF recurrence. This will provide randomised controlled trials, a guide to choosing a priori tool for identifying patients likely to revert to AF, which are required to substantiate these findings.

Clinicopathological predictors of survival in resected primary lung adenocarcinoma.

AIMS: Primary lung adenocarcinoma consists of a spectrum of clinical and pathological subtypes that may impact on overall survival (OS). Our study aims to evaluate the impact of adenocarcinoma subtype and intra-alveolar spread on survival after anatomical lung resection and identify different prognostic factors based on stage and histological subtype. METHODS: Newly diagnosed patients undergoing anatomical lung resections without induction therapy, for pT1-3, N0-2 lung adenocarcinoma from April 2011 to March 2013, were included. The effect of clinical-pathological factors on survival was retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-two patients were enrolled. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS were 88.8%, 64.3% and 51.1%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed lymphovascular, parietal pleural and chest wall invasion to confer a worse 1-year and 5-year prognosis (all p<0.0001). Solid predominant adenocarcinomas exhibited a significantly worse OS (p=0.014). Multivariate analysis did not identify solid subtype as an independent prognostic factor; however, identified stage >IIa, lymphovascular invasion (p=0.002) and intra-alveolar spread (p=0.009) as significant independent predictors of worse OS. Co-presence of intra-alveolar spread and solid predominance significantly reduced OS. Disease-free survival (DFS) was reduced with parietal pleural (p=0.0007) and chest wall invasion (p<0.0001), however, adenocarcinoma subtype had no significant impact on DFS. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that solid predominant adenocarcinoma, intra-alveolar spread and lymphovascular invasion confer a worse prognosis and should be used as a prognostic tool to determine appropriate adjuvant treatment.

Maintaining safe lung cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in a global city.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 has challenged health service provision worldwide. This work evaluates safe surgical pathways and standard operating procedures implemented in the high volume, global city of London during the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also assess the safety of minimally invasive surgery(MIS) for anatomical lung resection. METHODS: This multicentre cohort study was conducted across all London thoracic surgical units, covering a catchment area of approximately 14.8 Million. A Pan-London Collaborative was created for data sharing and dissemination of protocols. All patients undergoing anatomical lung resection 1st March-1st June 2020 were included. Primary outcomes were SARS-CoV-2 infection, access to minimally invasive surgery, post-operative complication, length of intensive care and hospital stay (LOS), and death during follow up. FINDINGS: 352 patients underwent anatomical lung resection with a median age of 69 (IQR: 35-86) years. Self-isolation and pre-operative screening were implemented following the UK national lockdown. Pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 swabs were performed in 63.1% and CT imaging in 54.8%. 61.7% of cases were performed minimally invasively (MIS), compared to 59.9% pre pandemic. Median LOS was 6 days with a 30-day survival of 98.3% (comparable to a median LOS of 6 days and 30-day survival of 98.4% pre-pandemic). Significant complications developed in 7.3% of patients (Clavien-Dindo Grade 3-4) and 12 there were re-admissions(3.4%). Seven patients(2.0%) were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, two of whom died (28.5%). INTERPRETATION: SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly increases morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing elective anatomical pulmonary resection. However, surgery can be safely undertaken via open and MIS approaches at the peak of a viral pandemic if precautionary measures are implemented. High volume surgery should continue during further viral peaks to minimise health service burden and potential harm to cancer patients. FUNDING: This work did not receive funding.

Developing a reporting guideline for artificial intelligence-centred diagnostic test accuracy studies: the STARD-AI protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Study (STARD) was developed to improve the completeness and transparency of reporting in studies investigating diagnostic test accuracy. However, its current form, STARD 2015 does not address the issues and challenges raised by artificial intelligence (AI)-centred interventions. As such, we propose an AI-specific version of the STARD checklist (STARD-AI), which focuses on the reporting of AI diagnostic test accuracy studies. This paper describes the methods that will be used to develop STARD-AI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The development of the STARD-AI checklist can be distilled into six stages. (1) A project organisation phase has been undertaken, during which a Project Team and a Steering Committee were established; (2) An item generation process has been completed following a literature review, a patient and public involvement and engagement exercise and an online scoping survey of international experts; (3) A three-round modified Delphi consensus methodology is underway, which will culminate in a teleconference consensus meeting of experts; (4) Thereafter, the Project Team will draft the initial STARD-AI checklist and the accompanying documents; (5) A piloting phase among expert users will be undertaken to identify items which are either unclear or missing. This process, consisting of surveys and semistructured interviews, will contribute towards the explanation and elaboration document and (6) On finalisation of the manuscripts, the group's efforts turn towards an organised dissemination and implementation strategy to maximise end-user adoption. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been granted by the Joint Research Compliance Office at Imperial College London (reference number: 19IC5679). A dissemination strategy will be aimed towards five groups of stakeholders: (1) academia, (2) policy, (3) guidelines and regulation, (4) industry and (5) public and non-specific stakeholders. We anticipate that dissemination will take place in Q3 of 2021.

Should Robotic Surgery Simulation Be Introduced in the Core Surgical Training Curriculum?

Introduction: The focus of this research is to qualitatively analyse the literature and address the knowledge gap between robotic surgery simulation (RoSS) and core surgical training curriculum. It will compare the effectiveness and the benefits of using robotic simulators in training as compared to the current standard training methods. Materials and Methods: A qualitative research of literature was carried out with the use of critical analysis formatting to expand the search. The inclusion criteria entailed selecting academic resources that focused on Robotic Surgery Simulation (RoSS) and core surgical curriculum. The Online databases used in the search took into account information retrieval from stakeholders. Evidence Synthesis: In this article, we compiled and scrutinized the available relevant literature comparing performance assessments, surgical skills transfer and assessment tools between robotic surgery simulation (RoSS) and current training platforms in open and minimal access surgery. Data that has been published underpins the authenticity of robotic Surgery Simulation (RoSS), based on a combination of observational evaluation and simulation scores. Conclusion: The introduction of robotic surgery simulation (RoSS) has the potential to bring major improvements in the surgical training curriculum. RoSS platforms are more robust in terms of ensuring rapid surgical skills transfer/ acquisition, assessment is standardized, unbiased and the training covers non-technical skills aspects.

Are disruptive innovations recognised in the healthcare literature? A systematic review.

The study aims to conduct a systematic review to characterise the spread and use of the concept of 'disruptive innovation' within the healthcare sector. We aim to categorise references to the concept over time, across geographical regions and across prespecified healthcare domains. From this, we further aim to critique and challenge the sector-specific use of the concept. PubMed, Medline, Embase, Global Health, PsycINFO, Maternity and Infant Care, and Health Management Information Consortium were searched from inception to August 2019 for references pertaining to disruptive innovations within the healthcare industry. The heterogeneity of the articles precluded a meta-analysis, and neither quality scoring of articles nor risk of bias analyses were required. 245 articles that detailed perceived disruptive innovations within the health sector were identified. The disruptive innovations were categorised into seven domains: basic science (19.2%), device (12.2%), diagnostics (4.9%), digital health (21.6%), education (5.3%), processes (17.6%) and technique (19.2%). The term has been used with increasing frequency annually and is predominantly cited in North American (78.4%) and European (15.2%) articles. The five most cited disruptive innovations in healthcare are 'omics' technologies, mobile health applications, telemedicine, health informatics and retail clinics. The concept 'disruptive innovation' has diffused into the healthcare industry. However, its use remains inconsistent and the recognition of disruption is obscured by other types of innovation. The current definition does not accommodate for prospective scouting of disruptive innovations, a likely hindrance to policy makers. Redefining disruptive innovation within the healthcare sector is therefore crucial for prospectively identifying cost-effective innovations.

Impact of the TNM staging system for thymoma.

BACKGROUND: Masaoka-Koga staging system remains the most frequently applied clinical staging system for thymic malignancy. However, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)/International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group (ITMIG) proposed a tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system in 2014. This study aims to evaluate its impact on stage distribution, clinical implementation, and prognosis for thymomas. METHODS: We performed a single institution, retrospective analysis of 245 consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection for thymoma. 9 patients with thymic carcinoma were excluded. No patients were lost to follow up. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to calculate overall survival. RESULTS: Median age was 62 years; 129 patients (53%) were female. The median overall survival was 158 months (range, 108-208 months), and disease-free survival 194 months (range, 170-218 months). At the end of follow up 63 patients were dead. Early Masaoka-Koga stages I (n=74) and II (n=129) shifted to the IASLC/ITMIG stage I (n=203). 8 patients were down staged from Masaoka-Koga stage III to IASLC/ITMIG stage II because of pericardial involvement. Advanced stages III (Masaoka-Koga: n=30; IASLC/ITMIG: n=22) and IV (Masaoka-Koga: n=12; IASLC/ITMIG: n=12) remained similar and were associated with more aggressive WHO thymoma histotypes (B2/B3). Masaoka-Koga (P=0.004), IASLC/ITMIG staging (P<0.0001) and complete surgical resection (P<0.0001) were statistically associated with survival. At multivariate analysis only R status was an independent prognostic factor for survival. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of patients with stage I disease increased significantly when IASLC/ITMIG system used, whilst the proportion with stages III and IV were similar in both systems. Completeness of resection, Masaoka-Koga and the IASLC/ITMIG staging system are strong predictors of survival. The TNM staging system is useful in disease management and a strong predictor of overall survival.

Mediastinal radiotherapy after adjuvant chemotherapy for resected non-small cell lung cancer with N2 lymphadenopathy: A novel meta-analysis.

Introduction: Treatment for stage IIIA N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, but the optimal sequencing is not determined. Local recurrence rates following surgery remain high, and the role of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in N2 disease is unclear. This meta-analysis aims to determine whether PORT provides additional survival advantage beyond observation for patients with stage IIIA N2 disease who have undergone complete surgical resection and received adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: All studies comparing adjuvant chemotherapy and PORT versus adjuvant chemotherapy alone after curative surgical resection for stage IIIA N2 NSCLC were included. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects modelling in accordance with MOOSE (Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies) guidelines. Subgroup analysis, heterogeneity, and risk of bias were assessed, with meta-regression to determine the effects of patient and tumor characteristics on outcomes. Results: Ten studies with a pooled dataset of 18,077 patients (5453 PORT, 12,624 no PORT) were included. PORT significantly improved both overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 1 year (OS: hazard ratio [HR], 0.768; DFS: HR, 0.733), 3 years (OS: HR, 0.914; DFS: HR, 0.732), and 5 years (OS: HR, 0.898; DFS: HR, 0.735, all P < .0001). These effects were independent of specific patient or tumor characteristics. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a significant DFS and OS benefit from the addition of PORT following adjuvant chemotherapy. We advocate the consideration of PORT for such patients following specialist multidisciplinary assessment and comprehensive discussion of the benefits and risks of treatment.

Analysis of survival of patients with metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma.

AIM: To report the outcomes and prognosis of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) who present with or develop metastases during treatment. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of patients diagnosed with MPM over 7 years. Metastases at presentation or during follow-up were recorded. Multivariate Cox regression was used to evaluate the relationship of clinicopathologic variables and overall survival (OS). Logistic regression was used for propensity score matching of patients to assess chemotherapy treatment effect. RESULTS: There were 367 patients included with a median age of 71 years (range, 29-91). A total of 69 patients (18%) had metastases: 14 at presentation and 55 during follow-up. Patients presenting with metastases had significantly worse median and 2-year OS compared to those developing metastases during follow-up: 13.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2-24.6 months) and 0% versus 20.2 months (95% CI, 16.7-23.3 months) and 33%, respectively (p = 0.029). Female sex, age >70 years, nonepithelioid histology, and not receiving chemotherapy were independent poor prognostic factors. There was no difference in OS of patients with locally advanced (T4) disease compared to metastatic disease (M1): median OS 10.7 months (95% CI, 5.9-15.6) versus 13.3 months (95% CI, 2-24.6) (p = 0.18), respectively. Following propensity matching, sarcomatoid histology (hazard ratio, 7.86 [95% CI, 3.64-16.95]; p < 0.001) and multiple lines of chemotherapy (hazard ratio, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.19-0.84]; p = 0.015) were significant independent prognostic factors for OS. CONCLUSIONS: T4 disease carries a similar OS as metastatic MPM. Female sex, advanced age, nonepithelioid histology, and not receiving chemotherapy were independent poor prognostic factors.

Toll-like receptor 9 and the inflammatory response to surgical trauma and cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiac surgery can lead to post-operative end-organ complications secondary to activation of systemic inflammatory response. We hypothesize that surgical trauma or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may initiate systemic inflammatory response via release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) signaling Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and interleukin-6 production (IL-6). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The role of TLR9 in systemic inflammatory response in cardiac surgery was studied using a murine model of sternotomy and a porcine model of sternotomy and CPB. mtDNA and IL-6 were measured with and without TLR9-antagonist treatment. To study ischemia-reperfusion injury, we utilized an ex-vivo porcine kidney model. RESULTS: In the rodent model (n = 15), circulating mtDNA increased 19-fold (19.29 ± 3.31, p < 0.001) and plasma IL-6 levels increased 59-fold (59.06 ± 14.98) at 1-min post-sternotomy compared to pre-sternotomy. In the murine model (n = 11), administration of TLR-9 antagonists lowered IL-6 expression post-sternotomy when compared to controls (59.06 ± 14.98 vs. 5.25 ± 1.08) indicating that TLR-9 is a positive regulator of IL-6 after sternotomy. Using porcine models (n = 10), a significant increase in circulating mtDNA was observed after CPB (Fold change 29.9 ± 4.8, p = 0.005) and along with IL-6 following renal ischaemia-reperfusion. Addition of the antioxidant sulforaphane reduced circulating mtDNA when compared to controls (FC 7.36 ± 0.61 vs. 32.0 ± 4.17 at 60 min post-CPB). CONCLUSION: CPB, surgical trauma and ischemic perfusion injury trigger the release of circulating mtDNA that activates TLR-9, in turn stimulating a release of IL-6. Therefore, TLR-9 antagonists may attenuate this response and may provide a future therapeutic target whereby the systemic inflammatory response to cardiac surgery may be manipulated to improve clinical outcomes.

Genomic analysis in short- and long-term patients with malignant pleura mesothelioma treated with palliative chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumour with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to identify genetic mutations associated with poor or extended survival in patients who received palliative chemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 720 patients diagnosed with MPM between 2005 and 2015 were identified. Overall survival (OS) was longer than 30 months from diagnosis for 27 patients. Twelve of 27 (44%) of the pleural biopsies from long-term survivors were retrieved and matched with 12 biopsies from patients who survived less than 12 months; one biopsy was then excluded for poor DNA quality. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients had a mean OS of 5.5 months, whereas 12 patients lived more than 30 months (mean OS: 55.8 ± 25). Mutational analysis identified 428 alterations; of which, 148, classified as somatic and functional, were considered further. Among these, 85% were missense variants, 8% were variants causing a stop gain and 6% were splice variants. Loss-of-function mutations in UQCRC1 were significantly associated with reduced survival in patients with MPM (p = 0.027), while a higher frequency of mutations in MXRA5 and RAPGEF6 was registered in long-term survivors. CONCLUSION: This is the first study evaluating the relationship between the mutational profile and outcome in patients with MPM after palliative chemotherapy. UQCRC1 codes for cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit 1 which plays a fundamental role in normal mitochondrial functions and in cell metabolism. Recent studies described UQCRC1 deregulation in other cancers. Our results suggest a possible role for mitochondrial metabolism in the biology of mesothelioma.

External Compressive Bracing With Initial Reduction of Pectus Carinatum: Compliance Is the Key.

BACKGROUND: To assess the impact of manipulation and a tailored program for compressive bracing on the quality of life of patients with flexible pectus carinatum. METHODS: Two hundred forty-nine sequential patients attending a clinic for assessment of pectus carinatum deformities underwent outpatient manipulation and then followed a prescribed schedule of continuous external compressive bracing but without significant progressive tightening. RESULTS: There was successful sustained reduction of the deformity in 244 patients with high reported rates of concordance (98%) and satisfaction (94%). Patients experienced a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression (P < .001) and had improved body satisfaction (P < .001). Mild skin irritation occurred in 18% of patients (n = 44), and there were 2 severe cases of skin irritation, 1 of which resulted in abandonment of bracing. CONCLUSIONS: Manipulation and nontightening compressive bracing was associated with complete concordance, high levels of successful bracing, improved confidence, and reduced psychological morbidity.

Initial reduction of flexible pectus carinatum with outpatient manipulation as an adjunct to external compressive bracing: technique and early outcomes at 12 weeks.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to assess whether initial reduction with outpatient soft-tissue manipulation of flexible pectus carinatum deformity prior to external compressive bracing was associated with improved compliance and patient satisfaction compared to reported outcomes of external brace with progressive tightening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From our observational cohort of 227 patients, 177 were felt appropriate to undergo initial reduction and soft tissue manipulation prior to immediate custom fitting of an external compressive brace. These patients then followed a prescriptive schedule of 12 weeks of continuous external bracing with subsequent follow-up in clinic. RESULTS: The reduction in Haller Index was maintained throughout the period of external bracing without the need for progressive tightening of the external brace. The treatment was associated with high levels of patient satisfaction and high patient concordance compared to other protocols. There were no major complications and minor complications included only skin irritation. CONCLUSIONS: Out-patient initial reduction with manipulation prior to external compressive bracing is a novel technique which resulted in excellent concordance and high rates of patient satisfaction and should be considered as an adjunct to standard external bracing techniques. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Differential Survival Characteristics of Sarcomatoid Subtype in Biphasic Pleural Mesothelioma.

BACKGROUND: Biphasic pleural mesothelioma (BPM) accounts for approximately 10% of all pleural mesothelioma. Our aim was to assess the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic factors impacting survival in BPM and to better identify patients most likely to benefit from active treatment. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective review was made of 214 biopsy-proven BPM cases with minimum 2-year follow-up. Patients with insufficient tissue for analysis were excluded (n = 96). Clinical and pathologic factors were evaluated along with radiologic assessment of pleural thickness. Survival was measured from time of diagnosis. Univariable and multivariable predictors of survival were evaluated. RESULTS: In all, 118 patients were included; 28 underwent pleurectomy/decortication, with 27 receiving additional modalities. Ninety patients underwent chemotherapy (n = 18) or radiotherapy alone (n = 9), 63 received combination therapy, and 27 received best supportive care. Median overall survival was 11.2 months (range, 0.3 to 36.2). At univariable analysis, pleurectomy/decortication (p = 0.0061), radiotherapy (p < 0.0001), and chemotherapy (p < 0.0001) were associated with superior survival when compared with best supportive care alone. Pleurectomy/decortication demonstrated 40% survival improvement compared with no surgery (p = 0.122). In a multivariable model, necrosis was negatively prognostic (hazard ratio 2.1, SE 0.76). Furthermore, increased sarcomatoid component was associated with worse survival without radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: BPM prognosis remains poor despite multimodality treatment. Anticancer treatment is associated with superior outcome in this nonrandomized retrospective series. Our findings suggest superior survival for patients with a lower proportion of sarcomatoid disease, with selective benefit of radiotherapy in higher proportions of sarcomatoid disease. When planning active treatment, the potential survival benefits require balancing against associated morbidity and recovery period.

Can activity monitors predict outcomes in patients with heart failure? A systematic review.

Actigraphy is increasingly incorporated into clinical practice to monitor intervention effectiveness and patient health in congestive heart failure (CHF). We explored the prognostic impact of actigraphy-quantified physical activity (AQPA) on CHF outcomes. PubMed and Medline databases were systematically searched for cross-sectional studies, cohort studies or randomised controlled trials from January 2007 to December 2017. We included studies that used validated actigraphs to predict outcomes in adult HF patients. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. A total of 17 studies (15 cohort, 1 cross-sectional, 1 randomised controlled trial) were included, reporting on 2,759 CHF patients (22-89 years, 27.7% female). Overall, AQPA showed a strong inverse relationship with mortality and predictive utility when combined with established risk scores, and prognostic roles in morbidity, predicting cognitive function, New York Heart Association functional class and intercurrent events (e.g. hospitalisation), but weak relationships with health-related quality of life scores. Studies lacked consensus regarding device choice, time points and thresholds of PA measurement, which rendered quantitative comparisons between studies difficult. AQPA has a strong prognostic role in CHF. Multiple sampling time points would allow calculation of AQPA changes for incorporation into risk models. Consensus is needed regarding device choice and AQPA thresholds, while data management strategies are required to fully utilise generated data. Big data and machine learning strategies will potentially yield better predictive value of AQPA in CHF patients.