A meta-analysis on the risk of infection associated with intravenous iron therapy in cancer-associated anaemia: a double-edged sword?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The increased use of i.v. iron in the treatment of cancer-associated anemia raises concerns about its risk of infectious complications. High levels of circulating iron could increase the risk of infection by compromising natural defence mechanisms and promoting pathogen growth. Since the risk of infection is particularly high in the oncological population, we have examined whether the use of i.v. iron increases the risk of infectious complications among cancer patients. FINDINGS: Among 18 randomized trials in our systematic review, only 8 reported infectious complications, with no significant difference linked to the type of i.v. iron preparation. Two trials showed a statistically significant increase in infectious complications, one trial found a lower risk, while the remaining 5 reported no significant difference. Our meta-analysis revealed a numerical increase in infectious complications in the i.v. iron group, but the lack of statistical significance and significant heterogeneity among the trials limit definitive conclusions on the actual infection risk. SUMMARY: Our findings suggest some increased risk in infectious complications after the administration of i.v. iron for cancer associated anaemia. However, i.v. iron therapy appears generally safe and effective in cancer-associated anaemia.

A new comprehensive and stratified concept for supportive care in cancer patients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Supportive care in oncology has evolved alongside effective anticancer treatments since the 1960s, beginning with the advent of chemotherapy for acute leukemia. It was initially focused on managing treatment-induced complications, and expanded to address broader aspects of patient well being; the scope of supportive care needs to be periodically re-assessed. RECENT FINDINGS: Early palliative care interventions, and more recently advance care planning emerged as vital components, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Despite barriers, such as prognostic uncertainty, these approaches have demonstrated significant benefits for patients with advanced disease. Additionally, the management of cancer survivors requires ongoing medical surveillance and psycho-social support. In the last years, integrative medicine has also emerged as a complementary approach to address survivors' holistic needs. SUMMARY: A proposed stratified model of supportive care emphasizes interventions based on patients' prognosis, with interdisciplinary collaboration ensuring comprehensive care across all stages of the cancer journey. This model provides a framework for the development of integrated supportive care units.

A prospective, real-world, multinational study of febrile neutropenia (FN) occurrence in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy with intermediate risk of FN: a MASCC Neutropenia, Infection, and Myelosuppression Study Group initiative.

PURPOSE: Limited knowledge is available on the incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN) in intermediate-risk patients and the rationale for use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in these patients. We aimed to estimate the rate at which patients associated with intermediate risk (10-20%) of FN would develop ≥ 1 episode of FN with a commonly used chemotherapy regimen in clinical practice. METHODS: This prospective, real-world, observational, multinational, multicenter study (December 2016-October 2019) recruited patients with solid tumors or Hodgkin's/non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Patients receiving chemotherapy with intermediate risk of FN, but not G-CSF as primary prophylaxis were included and observed for the duration of the chemotherapy (≤ 6 cycles and ≤ 30 days after the last chemotherapy administration). RESULTS: In total, 364 patients (median age, 56 years) with 1601 cycles of chemotherapy were included in the analysis. The incidence of FN was 5% in cycle 1, 3% in cycles 2-3, and 1% in cycles 4-6. The rate of patients with ≥ 1 episode of FN was 9%, and 59% of FN events were reported during cycle 1. The rate of grade 4 neutropenia in cycle 1 was 11%, and 15% of patients experienced ≥ 1 episode of grade 4 neutropenia. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the incidence of FN was low, with a high incidence in cycle 1 and a decrease in the subsequent cycles. These results provide the real FN risk for common chemotherapy regimens in patients generally excluded from clinical trials. Prophylactic G-CSF in intermediate-risk patients could be considered as per clinician's judgement.

Photobiomodulation therapy in management of cancer therapy-induced side effects: WALT position paper 2022.

Disclaimer: This article is based on recommendations from the 12th WALT Congress, Nice, October 3-6, 2018, and a follow-up review of the existing data and the clinical observations of an international multidisciplinary panel of clinicians and researchers with expertise in the area of supportive care in cancer and/or PBM clinical application and dosimetry. This article is informational in nature. As with all clinical materials, this paper should be used with a clear understanding that continued research and practice could result in new insights and recommendations. The review reflects the collective opinion and, as such, does not necessarily represent the opinion of any individual author. In no event shall the authors be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the proposed protocols. Objective: This position paper reviews the potential prophylactic and therapeutic effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on side effects of cancer therapy, including chemotherapy (CT), radiation therapy (RT), and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Background: There is a considerable body of evidence supporting the efficacy of PBM for preventing oral mucositis (OM) in patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer (HNC), CT, or HSCT. This could enhance patients' quality of life, adherence to the prescribed cancer therapy, and treatment outcomes while reducing the cost of cancer care. Methods: A literature review on PBM effectiveness and dosimetry considerations for managing certain complications of cancer therapy were conducted. A systematic review was conducted when numerous randomized controlled trials were available. Results were presented and discussed at an international consensus meeting at the World Association of photobiomoduLation Therapy (WALT) meeting in 2018 that included world expert oncologists, radiation oncologists, oral oncologists, and oral medicine professionals, physicists, engineers, and oncology researchers. The potential mechanism of action of PBM and evidence of PBM efficacy through reported outcomes for individual indications were assessed. Results: There is a large body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of PBM for preventing OM in certain cancer patient populations, as recently outlined by the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO). Building on these, the WALT group outlines evidence and prescribed PBM treatment parameters for prophylactic and therapeutic use in supportive care for radiodermatitis, dysphagia, xerostomia, dysgeusia, trismus, mucosal and bone necrosis, lymphedema, hand-foot syndrome, alopecia, oral and dermatologic chronic graft-versus-host disease, voice/speech alterations, peripheral neuropathy, and late fibrosis amongst cancer survivors. Conclusions: There is robust evidence for using PBM to prevent and treat a broad range of complications in cancer care. Specific clinical practice guidelines or evidence-based expert consensus recommendations are provided. These recommendations are aimed at improving the clinical utilization of PBM therapy in supportive cancer care and promoting research in this field. It is anticipated these guidelines will be revised periodically.

The conquest of lung cancer in Central Europe.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Discussed the main approaches for lung control and point out differences among Central Europe and other countries. RECENT FINDINGS: Three main approaches exist: smoking ban, early computed tomography screening and access to novel therapies; major differences exist between Central Europe and some other countries. SUMMARY: A major effort will be needed from Central Europe countries in all three approaches; it will require strong involvement from the political authorities.

Supportive care for cancer patients: a survey of available settings and current practices in Belgium.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing number of cancer diagnoses and deaths underlines the importance of supportive and palliative care. It is defined as "all the care and the support necessary for patients throughout their illness." AIM: To evaluate the current status of the supportive and palliative care organization in Belgium. METHODS: The Belgian Society of Medical Oncology (BSMO) supportive care task force conducted an observational study by sending a 31-point questionnaire to medical doctors responsible for the supportive care units of university, public, or private hospitals in Belgium. RESULTS: Thirty centers completed the questionnaire, of which 12 were university hospitals. Inpatient supportive care units are available in more than 50% of the centers, whereas outpatient supportive care is less available in Brussels than in Flanders and Wallonia. Multidisciplinary teams or specific units dedicated exclusively to supportive care are represented less frequently in all 3 areas of Belgium. Intensive care units for cancer patients are even scarcer. In terms of research and teaching, active research is present in 10 (33%) centers. Of complementary and alternative medicine modalities available to cancer patients, mindfulness and massage are offered most frequently. Reference guidelines for various symptoms are widely used in Flanders and Brussels but less so in Wallonia. CONCLUSION: This is the first in-depth survey in Belgium that shows the limited availability of dedicated supportive care services throughout the country. This represents an unmet need for Belgian cancer patients. Within the BSMO supportive care task force, there is a great opportunity to expand services and develop active research in the area of supportive and palliative care.

Use of granulocyte-colony stimulating factors in older patients: a review of recently published data.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review presents the analysis of recently published studies about the benefit from granulocyte-colony stimulating factors (G-CSF) in older cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. RECENT FINDINGS: During the last years, no major study aiming to confirm the clinical benefit of G-CSF prophylaxis in older patients treated with chemotherapy has been published. Nonetheless, all the data made recently available confirm that age, especially if other comorbid conditions are present as well, is a major risk factor for febrile neutropenia occurrence and that G-CSF prophylaxis can reduce significantly that risk. SUMMARY: New modalities of administering G-CSF prophylaxis might be considered in older people in the future. Among these approaches, the 'same day' administration of prophylaxis and chemotherapy and the development of less-expensive approaches for G-CSF prophylaxis, such as the use of biosimilars are studied.

The close interrelation between colorectal cancer, infection and microbiota.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Evaluate the recent literature about the relation of clinical infection and colorectal cancer in terms of diagnosis of an occult infection and possible impact on oncological outcome and review the possible role of the gut microbiota in the role of colorectal cancer oncogenesis. RECENT FINDINGS: Data published within the 2 last years have been reviewed and the conclusions, mostly supporting previously published information, have been critically discussed. SUMMARY: Infection (bacteremia, cellulitis) might be a surrogate of occult colorectal cancer and postoperative infection complications might jeopardize long-term survival after potentially curative surgery. The role of the gut microbiota in the genesis of colorectal cancer remains an exciting though unresolved question.

Febrile neutropenia (FN) occurrence outside of clinical trials: occurrence and predictive factors in adult patients treated with chemotherapy and an expected moderate FN risk. Rationale and design of a real-world prospective, observational, multinational study.

BACKGROUND: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common occurrence during chemotherapy. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) can significantly reduce the risk of FN. International guidelines recommend G-CSF for patients receiving chemotherapy with FN risk of ≥20% or 10% to 20% with defined risk factors. Prophylaxis is not typically recommended for FN risk of < 10%; however, few studies have investigated FN incidence in lower-risk patients in real-world settings and tried to identify higher-risk subgroups. METHODS: This real-world prospective, observational, multinational study aims to estimate the rate of development of FN with a chemotherapy line expected to be associated with a 10% to 20% risk of FN. Eligible patients (> 18 years of age) will have a solid tumour or Hodgkin/non-Hodgkin lymphoma and a planned chemotherapy regimen with expected risk of FN of 10% to 20% (according to published guidelines). Patients will be observed for the duration of the chemotherapy line (first cycle administered without FN prophylaxis). Primary endpoint is incidence of FN after the first chemotherapy cycle. Secondary outcomes include: FN-associated morbidity and mortality; time to first FN occurrence; other FN risk factors and impact of FN on quality of life. A risk model using occurrence of FN as a binary outcome will be developed. Data will be stratified by age, comorbidities and other risk factors. DISCUSSION: This study will provide insight into the real FN risk for common chemotherapy regimens and predictive factors for FN, including patients generally excluded from randomised clinical trials, from which reported FN rates have been variable. This study builds on knowledge of predictive factors from other research and will provide information on patients with 10% to 20% FN risk.

Cost-effectiveness and budgetary impact of lipegfilgrastim for the reduction of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in Brazil / Custo-benefício e impacto orçamentário do lipegfilgrastim para a redução de neutropenia induzida por quimioterapia no Brasil

Background: Granulocyte-colony stimulating factors (G-CSFs) reduce the risk of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Lipegfilgrastim is a long-acting, once-per-cycle G-CSF, while Brazil's standard of care is short-acting filgrastim. A cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis of lipegfilgrastim was conducted with filgrastim and once-per-cycle pegfilgrastim for adults at risk of neutropenia in Brazil. Methods: The decision model used national and clinical data to evaluate the costs and outcomes of each treatment. Costs included drug and medical expenses, outpatient and inpatient neutropenia treatments, and adverse events. Health outcomes included incidence of neutropenia-related events. For the budget impact analysis, health outcomes and costs for the pre/post-lipegfilgrastim scenarios were combined to identify expenditure with lipegfilgrastim's introduction. Results: Total cost per patient during a course of four chemotherapy cycles was estimated at R$12,920 for lipegfilgrastim, R$15,168 for filgrastim, and R$13,232 for pegfilgrastim. Based on better outcomes and lower total costs with lipegfilgrastim compared with filgrastim as well as pegfilgrastim, lipegfilgrastim was the dominant treatment strategy over both filgrastim and pegfilgrastim during the duration of chemotherapy treatment. Over 5 years, the uptake of lipegfilgrastim led to savings of R$61,532,403 in overall medical costs. Neutropenic events decreased by 17,141 and deaths linked to febrile neutropenia decreased by 239. Conclusion: Due to better outcomes and lower overall cost, lipegfilgrastim was a cost-saving strategy compared with filgrastim and pegfilgrastim in the Brazilian healthcare system. Furthermore, the budget impact analysis estimated a reduction in overall medical costs and improved health outcomes over 5 years following the introduction of lipegfilgrastim.

Introdução: Fatores estimuladores de colônias de granulócitos (G-CSFs) reduzem risco de neutropenia induzida por quimioterapia. Lipegfilgrastim é um G-CSF de longa ação, de "um por ciclo", enquanto o padrão de cuidado no Brasil é filgrastim de curta ação. Realizou-se uma análise de custo/ benefício e impacto orçamentário (IO) no Brasil do lipegfilgrastim um por ciclo com filgrastim e pegfilgrastim para adultos sob risco de neutropenia. Métodos: O modelo de decisão usou dados nacionais e clínicos para avaliar resultados e custos dos tratamentos que incluíam medicamentos, médicos, tratamentos ambulatoriais e hospitalares para a neutropenia, e eventos adversos. Resultados de saúde incluíam a incidência de eventos relacionados à neutropenia. Para a análise do IO, os custos e resultados de antes/depois do lipegfilgrastim foram combinados para identificar gastos com o lipegfilgrastim. Resultados: O custo total por paciente em quatro ciclos foi estimado em R$ 12.920 para lipegfilgrastim, R$ 15.168 para filgrastim e R$ 13.232 para pegfilgrastim. Com base em melhores resultados e custos totais menores, o lipegfilgrastim, comparado ao filgrastim e ao pegfilgrastim, representou a estratégia de tratamento predominante. Em 5 anos, o lipegfilgrastim gerou uma economia de R$ 61.532.403 em custos médicos gerais. Houve 17.141 menos eventos neutropênicos e as mortes relacionadas à neutropenia febril reduziram em 239. Conclusão: Devido a melhores resultados e menores custos, lipegfilgrastim, comparado ao filgrastim e ao pegfilgrastim, foi uma estratégia econômica no sistema brasileiro. A análise de IO estimou uma redução nos custos médicos e melhorou os resultados em 5 anos após a introdução do lipegfilgrastim.

The concept of oligometastases in colorectal cancer: from the clinical evidences to new therapeutic strategies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The concept of oligometastases, defining cancers with limited metastatic capacity and attaining a limited number of secondary sites, is now widely accepted, particularly in colorectal cancer. Currently, however, accurate predictive markers for oligometastatic tumors are still lacking. For this reason, it remains challenging to translate this concept into clinical recommendations. In the present work, we review recent publications on oligometastases in colorectal cancer, showing the evidences for such presentation and underlying the need for the identification of biomarkers, necessary to further develop new therapeutic strategies. RECENT FINDINGS: This review of recently published series confirms that long-term survival and cure could be obtained in patients undergoing surgical resection for colorectal metastases, particularly in the cases of liver metastases. Similar results are observed in other secondary sites such as in pulmonary metastases. Furthermore, in patients with unresectable metastases, significant survival benefit could be still obtained using nonresectional targeted approaches, as thermal ablation or stereotactic radiotherapy. Although these clinical evidences could now serve as proof-of-concept for the existence of an oligometastatic phenotype in colorectal cancer, neither clinical characteristics nor biological biomarkers have been established to be able to prospectively define the patients that will benefit from such therapeutic approaches targeting the metastatic sites. This emphasizes the need for further studies aiming at better defining early clinical and biological characteristics of these patients. As, currently, the reliable identification of the oligometastatic patients could only rely on the demonstration of favorable long-term outcomes after metastases-directed therapies, we propose that retrospective studies will be pivotal to analyze this question. SUMMARY: Extensive research is undergoing to define biologically the oligometastatic phenotype in colorectal cancer. Currently, the selection of the patients for potentially curative metastasectomy remains mostly empirical.

Supportive care in the era of immunotherapies for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The therapeutic armamentarium for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer has evolved considerably over the past years. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death-1 such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab or programmed cell death ligand 1 such as atezolizumab, durvalumab and avelumab have shown favorable efficacy results in this patient population in the first-line and second-line setting. These immunotherapies are associated with a distinct toxicity profile based on autoimmune organ toxicity which is a new challenge for supportive care during treatment with these drugs. RECENT FINDINGS: The differential diagnosis of events occurring during immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment is broad: they can be due to immune-related or nonimmune-related adverse events, atypical tumor responses (pseudoprogression or hyperprogression) or events related to comorbidities or other treatments. SUMMARY: The management of these patients includes a thorough baseline clinical, biological and radiologic evaluation, patient education, correct follow-up and management by a multidisciplinary team with a central role for the medical oncologist. Immune-related toxicities should be managed according to available guidelines.

Development of the Multi-Dimensional Analysis of Patient Outcome Predictions (MD.POP) during medical encounters.

OBJECTIVE: Our first objective was to develop the Multi-Dimensional analysis of Patient Outcome Predictions (MD.POP), an interaction analysis system that assesses how HCPs discuss precisely and exclusively patient outcomes during medical encounters. The second objective was to study its interrater reliability. METHOD: The MD.POP was developed by consensus meetings. Forty simulated medical encounters between physicians and an actress portraying a patient were analysed. Interrater reliability analysis was conducted on 20 of those simulated encounters. RESULTS: The MD.POP includes six dimensions: object, framing, value, domain, probability and form of POP. The coding method includes four steps: 1) transcription of the encounter, 2) POP identification, 3) POP dimension coding and 4) POP scoring. Descriptive analyses show that the MD.POP is able to describe verbal expressions addressing the patient's outcomes. Statistical analyses show excellent interrater reliability (Cohen's Kappa ranging from 0.92 to 0.94). CONCLUSION: The MD.POP is a reliable interaction analysis system that assesses how HCPs discuss patient medical, psychological or social outcomes during medical encounters. PRACTICAL IMPLICATION: The MD.POP provides a measure for researchers to study how HCPs communicate with patients about potential outcomes. Results of such studies will allow to provide recommendations to improve HCP's communication about patients' outcomes.

Meta-analysis and indirect treatment comparison of lipegfilgrastim with pegfilgrastim and filgrastim for the reduction of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia-related events.

Background Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors are effective at reducing the risk and duration of neutropenia. The current meta-analysis compared the neutropenia-related efficacy and safety of lipegfilgrastim to those of pegfilgrastim and filgrastim. Methods Embase was searched for trials examining the efficacy/safety of lipegfilgrastim, pegfilgrastim, or filgrastim. Outcomes included febrile neutropenia, severe neutropenia, duration of severe neutropenia, time to recovery of absolute neutrophil count, and incidence of bone pain. Direct comparisons were made using random-effects models. No trials directly compared lipegfilgrastim and filgrastim. Indirect comparisons were made between lipegfilgrastim and filgrastim with pegfilgrastim as the common comparator. Results This meta-analysis included a total of 5769 patients from 24 studies. Over all cycles, lipegfilgrastim showed a lower, nonsignificant risk of febrile neutropenia compared with pegfilgrastim. Lipegfilgrastim has a lower risk of febrile neutropenia versus filgrastim but was also not statistically significant. The risk ratio for severe neutropenia in cycle 1 was 0.80, a 20% reduction in favor of lipegfilgrastim. For cycles 2-4, the risk ratio was 0.53 (0.35, 0.79) for lipegfilgrastim versus pegfilgrastim. The risk of severe neutropenia in cycles 2-4 was also significantly lower for lipegfilgrastim (risk ratio 0.45, 0.27, 0.75, respectively). No significant differences were found for febrile neutropenia and severe neutropenia in cycle 1. However, in cycles 2-4, lipegfilgrastim was associated with significant and clinically meaningful reductions in risk of severe neutropenia versus either pegfilgrastim or filgrastim. Conclusions Compared with pegfilgrastim or filgrastim, lipegfilgrastim has a statistically significantly lower absolute neutrophil count recovery time; however, differences in duration of severe neutropenia and bone pain were nonsignificant.