Acceptability, feasibility and preliminary effects of an online group psychotherapy intervention for adolescents and young adults with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs; ages 15-29 years) diagnosed with cancer are increasingly recognized as an oncology population with distinct psychosocial needs. However, few specialized psychosocial interventions for AYAs currently exist. This study reports on the development of a novel group-based psychotherapy intervention to address the psychosocial needs of AYAs. The objective was to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effects of the intervention. METHODS: The manualized group psychotherapy program is delivered virtually over an 8-week period by registered psychologists. Four groups (n = 5-11 AYAs per group) with a total of N = 33 participants (Mage = 20.97 years, SD = 3.68, range = 15-29 years, 76% women) were conducted. Recruitment and retention data assessed intervention feasibility. Patient-reported psychosocial outcomes were measured at baseline and immediately following the intervention to assess preliminary effects. Acceptability was assessed following the intervention using a self-report measure of participant satisfaction. RESULTS: Overall, the completion rate of the intervention was 85% (n = 28). All participants "strongly agreed" (88%) or "agreed" (13%) that they were satisfied with the group. Meeting, sharing experiences, and expressing feelings with other AYAs were identified as the most helpful aspects. Participants reported significant improvements in emotional (p < 0.05) and functional (p < 0.01) quality of life from baseline to immediately post-intervention with medium effect sizes (d = 0.58-0.70). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that the intervention is feasible, acceptable, and shows promise for improving psychosocial outcomes for AYAs. Further research will refine the intervention and establish efficacy in a randomized trial.

Treatment Patterns and Health Outcomes among Patients with HER2 IHC0/-Low Metastatic or Recurrent Breast Cancer.

Improved understanding of the biological heterogeneity of breast cancer (BC) has facilitated the development of more effective and personalized approaches to treatment. This study describes real-world evidence on treatment patterns and outcomes for a population-based cohort of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) IHC0 and -low BC with de novo or recurrent disease from Alberta, Canada. Patients 18+ years old diagnosed with HER2 IHC0/-low, de novo/recurrent BC from 2010 to 2019 were identified using Alberta's cancer registry. Analyses of these patients' existing electronic medical records and administrative claims data were conducted to examine patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and survival outcomes. A total of 3413 patients were included in the study, of which 72.10% initiated first line hormonal and non-hormonal systemic therapy. The 1-year overall survival (OS) was 81.09% [95% CI, 79.52-82.69]. Recurrent patients had a higher OS compared to de novo patients: 54.30 months [95% CI, 47.80-61.90] vs. 31.5 months [95% CI, 28.40-35.90], respectively. Median OS was 43.4 months [95% CI, 40.70-47.10] and 35.80 months [95% CI, 29.00-41.70] among patients with HER2-low and HER2 IHC0 cancer, respectively. The study results provide real-world evidence regarding the clinical outcomes of HER2 IHC0/-low and de novo/recurrent disease.

Symptom severity and trajectories among adolescent and young adult patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer experience significant symptom burden. We investigated symptom severity in adolescents and young adults (18- to 39-year-olds) during the year following a cancer diagnosis and made comparisons with older adult (those older than 40 years of age) patients with cancer. METHODS: All Albertan residents diagnosed with a first primary neoplasm at 18 years of age or older between April 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, and who completed at least 1 electronic patient-reported outcome questionnaire were included. Symptom severity was assessed using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-revised. Descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic modeling, and mixed logistic regression modeling were used to describe symptom severity, identify risk factors, and assess symptom trajectories, respectively. RESULTS: In total, 473 and 322 adolescents and young adults completed a patient-reported outcomes questionnaire at diagnosis and 1 year after diagnosis, respectively. Adolescent and young adult patients with cancer reported high levels of tiredness, poor well-being, and anxiety. Important risk factors included metastatic disease, female sex, treatment types received, and age at diagnosis. Symptom severity varied by clinical tumor group, with those diagnosed with sarcoma having the worst scores for all symptoms at diagnosis and patients with intrathoracic or endocrine tumors having the worst scores for all symptoms at 1 year after diagnosis. Statistically significant differences in symptom severity over the 1-year period were observed between adolescents and young adults and older adults-specifically, the odds of having moderate to severe symptoms were statistically significantly greater among adolescents and young adults with respect to pain, tiredness, nausea, depression, anxiety, and poor well-being (all P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of adolescents and young adults experience moderate to severe symptoms during the year following diagnosis. Modifying existing supportive services and developing interventions based on the needs of adolescent and young adult patients with cancer could aid symptom control.

Managing the Risk of Lung Toxicity with Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (T-DXd): A Canadian Perspective.

Ongoing advances in precision cancer therapy have increased the number of molecularly targeted and immuno-oncology agents for a variety of cancers, many of which have been associated with a risk of pulmonary complications, among the most concerning being drug-induced interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis (DI-ILD). As the number of patients undergoing treatment with novel anticancer agents continues to grow, DI-ILD is expected to become an increasingly significant clinical challenge. Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is an antibody-drug conjugate targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 that is gaining widespread use in the metastatic breast cancer setting and is undergoing exploration for other oncologic indications. ILD/pneumonitis is an adverse event of special interest associated with T-DXd, which has potentially fatal consequences if left untreated and allowed to progress. When identified in the asymptomatic stage (grade 1), T-DXd-related ILD can be monitored and treated effectively with the possibility of treatment continuation. Delayed diagnosis and/or treatment, however, results in progression to grade 2 or higher toxicity and necessitates immediate and permanent discontinuation of this active agent. Strategies are, therefore, needed to optimize careful monitoring during treatment to ensure patient safety and optimize outcomes. Several guidance documents have been developed regarding strategies for the early identification and management of T-DXd-related ILD, although none have been within the context of the Canadian health care environment. A Canadian multidisciplinary steering committee was, therefore, convened to evaluate existing recommendations and adapt them for application in Canada. A multidisciplinary approach involving collaboration among medical oncologists, radiologists, respirologists, and allied health care professionals is needed to ensure the proactive identification and management of T-DXd-related ILD and DI-ILD associated with other agents with a similar toxicity profile.

Clinical Considerations for the Integration of Adjuvant Olaparib into Practice for Early Breast Cancer: A Canadian Perspective.

With the recent Health Canada approval of olaparib for high-risk, HER2-negative early breast cancer, physicians are now facing the practical challenges of integrating olaparib into current management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and HR-positive, HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) early breast cancer. This review provides perspectives on some of the challenges related to identification of olaparib candidates, with a focus on the latest guidance for germline BRCA testing and considerations regarding high-risk disease definitions. Updated treatment pathways are explored for both disease states, including other adjuvant treatment options such as pembrolizumab, capecitabine, and abemaciclib. Gaps in the current literature regarding the sequential or combined use of these adjuvant therapies are noted and future, potentially informative, studies are briefly examined.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer diagnoses, stage and survival in Alberta.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic is suspected to have affected cancer care and outcomes among patients in Canada. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the state of emergency period during the COVID-19 pandemic (Mar. 17 to June 15, 2020) on cancer diagnoses, stage at diagnosis and 1-year survival in Alberta. METHODS: We included new diagnoses of the 10 most prevalent cancer types from Jan. 1, 2018, to Dec. 31, 2020. We followed patients up to Dec. 31, 2021. We used interrupted time series analysis to examine the impact of the first COVID-19-related state of emergency in Alberta on the number of cancer diagnoses. We used multivariable Cox regression to compare 1-year survival of the patients who received a diagnosis during 2020 after the state of emergency with those who received a diagnosis during 2018 and 2019. We also performed stage-specific analyses. RESULTS: We observed significant reductions in diagnoses of breast cancer (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59-0.76), prostate cancer (IRR 0.64, 95% CI 0.56-0.73) and colorectal cancer (IRR 0.64, 95% CI 0.56- 0.74) and melanoma (IRR 0.57, 95% CI 0.47-0.69) during the state of emergency period compared with the period before it. These decreases largely occurred among early-stage rather than late-stage diagnoses. Patients who received a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and uterine cancer in 2020 had lower 1-year survival than those diagnosed in 2018; no other cancer sites had lower survival. INTERPRETATION: The results from our analyses suggest that health care disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta considerably affected cancer outcomes. Given that the largest impact was observed among early-stage cancers and those with organized screening programs, additional system capacity may be needed to mitigate future impact.

HR+/HER2- Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment in the First-Line Setting: Expert Review.

The approval of CDK4/6 inhibitors has dramatically improved care for the treatment of HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, but navigating the rapidly-expanding treatment evidence base is challenging. In this narrative review, we provide best-practice recommendations for the first-line treatment of HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer in Canada based on relevant literature, clinical guidelines, and our own clinical experience. Due to statistically significant improvements in overall survival and progression-free survival, ribociclib + aromatase inhibitor is our preferred first-line treatment for de novo advanced disease or relapse ≥12 months after completion of adjuvant endocrine therapy and ribociclib or abemaciclib + fulvestrant is our preferred first-line treatment for patients experiencing early relapse. Abemaciclib or palbociclib may be used when alternatives to ribociclib are needed, and endocrine therapy can be used alone in the case of contraindication to CDK4/6 inhibitors or limited life expectancy. Considerations for special populations-including frail and fit elderly patients, as well as those with visceral disease, brain metastases, and oligometastatic disease-are also explored. For monitoring, we recommend an approach across CDK4/6 inhibitors. For mutational testing, we recommend routinely performing ER/PR/HER2 testing to confirm the subtype of advanced disease at the time of progression and to consider ESR1 and PIK3CA testing for select patients. Where possible, engage a multidisciplinary care team to apply evidence in a patient-centric manner.

Targeting HER2-low in metastatic breast cancer: an evolving treatment paradigm.

The results of the Phase III DESTINY-Breast04 trial of trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) are leading to a shift in both the classification and treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer. In this trial, T-DXd was associated with a substantial survival benefit among patients with hormone receptor-positive and hormone receptor-negative disease and low expression of HER2, a biomarker previously considered unactionable in this treatment setting. Herein, we discuss the evolving therapeutic pathway for HER2-low disease, ongoing clinical trials, and the potential challenges and evidence gaps arising with treatment of this patient population.

Trastuzumab deruxtecan versus trastuzumab emtansine in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer: updated results from DESTINY-Breast03, a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: An improvement in progression-free survival was shown with trastuzumab deruxtecan versus trastuzumab emtansine in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in the progression-free survival interim analysis of the DESTINY-Breast03 trial. The aim of DESTINY-Breast03 was to compare the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab deruxtecan versus trastuzumab emtansine. METHODS: This open-label, randomised, multicentre, phase 3 trial was done in 169 study centres in North America, Asia, Europe, Australia, and South America. Eligible patients were aged 18 or older, had HER2-positive unresectable or metastatic breast cancer previously treated with trastuzumab and a taxane, had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1, and at least one measurable lesion per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours version 1.1. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive trastuzumab deruxtecan 5·4 mg/kg or trastuzumab emtansine 3·6 mg/kg, both administered by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks. Randomisation was stratified by hormone receptor status, previous treatment with pertuzumab, and history of visceral disease, and was managed through an interactive web-based system. Within each stratum, balanced block randomisation was used with a block size of four. Patients and investigators were not masked to the treatment received. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival by blinded independent central review. The key secondary endpoint was overall survival and this prespecified second overall survival interim analysis reports updated overall survival, efficacy, and safety results. Efficacy analyses were performed using the full analysis set. Safety analyses included all randomly assigned patients who received at least one dose of study treatment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03529110. FINDINGS: Between July 20, 2018, and June 23, 2020, 699 patients were screened for eligibility, 524 of whom were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive trastuzumab deruxtecan (n=261) or trastuzumab emtansine (n=263). Median duration of study follow-up was 28·4 months (IQR 22·1-32·9) with trastuzumab deruxtecan and 26·5 months (14·5-31·3) with trastuzumab emtansine. Median progression-free survival by blinded independent central review was 28·8 months (95% CI 22·4-37·9) with trastuzumab deruxtecan and 6·8 months (5·6-8·2) with trastuzumab emtansine (hazard ratio [HR] 0·33 [95% CI 0·26-0·43]; nominal p<0·0001). Median overall survival was not reached (95% CI 40·5 months-not estimable), with 72 (28%) overall survival events, in the trastuzumab deruxtecan group and was not reached (34·0 months-not estimable), with 97 (37%) overall survival events, in the trastuzumab emtansine group (HR 0·64; 95% CI 0·47-0·87]; p=0·0037). The number of grade 3 or worse treatment-emergent adverse events was similar in patients who received trastuzumab deruxtecan versus trastuzumab emtansine (145 [56%] patients versus 135 [52%] patients). Adjudicated drug-related interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis occurred in 39 (15%) patients treated with trastuzumab deruxtecan and eight (3%) patients treated with trastuzumab emtansine, with no grade 4 or 5 events in either group. INTERPRETATION: Trastuzumab deruxtecan showed a significant improvement in overall survival versus trastuzumab emtansine in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, as well as the longest reported median progression-free survival, reaffirming trastuzumab deruxtecan as the standard of care in the second-line setting. A manageable safety profile of trastuzumab deruxtecan was confirmed with longer treatment duration. FUNDING: Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca.

The Chemo-Gut Pilot Study: Associations between Gut Microbiota, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Psychosocial Health Outcomes in a Cross-Sectional Sample of Young Adult Cancer Survivors.

Chemotherapy adversely affects the gut microbiota, inducing dysbiosis, and negatively impacts gastrointestinal (GI) and psychosocial health during treatment, but little is known about the long-term effects or how these factors are related. Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study investigated the effects of chemotherapy on the gut microbiota, GI symptoms, and psychosocial outcomes in cancer survivors aged 18−39 years old, compared to healthy controls. Gut microbial diversity and composition were assessed from stool samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: Survivors (n = 17) and healthy controls (n = 18) participated. Mean age at diagnosis was 31 years (±5.3). Mean time off treatment was 16.9 months (±16.4). Survivors had more severe GI symptoms, poorer psychosocial health, and increased relative abundance of Selenomondales, Veilloneliaceae, and Intestinibacter. In survivors, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae and Intestinibacter correlated with psychosocial symptoms, while diarrhea correlated positively with Lachnospiraceae. Results are statistically significant. Survivors ≤6 months post-treatment had lower alpha diversity than survivors >6 months post-treatment (p = 0.04) and controls (p = 0.19). Conclusion: This small exploratory study demonstrates potential long-term gut microbial dysbiosis in cancer survivors, which may be associated with psychosocial symptoms. Larger trials concurrently and longitudinally examining gut microbiota, GI symptoms, and psychosocial outcomes are needed.

Current and future landscape of targeted therapy in HER2-positive advanced breast cancer: redrawing the lines.

BACKGROUND: Evidence to date supports continued human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) suppression beyond progression on HER2-directed therapy for advanced HER2-positive breast cancer. Data from several phase II and III trials evaluating HER2-directed therapy following second-line T-DM1 have recently become available. METHODS: We performed a systematic search of the published and presented literature to identify phase II and phase III trials assessing novel HER2-targeted agents as third-line therapy or beyond for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer using search terms 'breast cancer' AND 'HER2' AND 'advanced' AND ('phase II' OR 'phase III'). RESULTS: Eight clinical trials reporting efficacy outcomes on third-line or greater HER2-directed therapy for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer were identified. In phase III trials, margetuximab and neratinib combinations demonstrated significant 1.3-month (hazard ratio, HR = 0.71, p < 0.001) and 0.1-month (HR = 0.76, p = 0.006) net improvements in median progression-free survival (PFS), respectively, with no significant improvements in overall survival (OS). Tucatinib added to trastuzumab and capecitabine demonstrated a significant 2.7-month improvement in median PFS (HR = 0.57, p < 0.00001) and a 5.5-month improvement in median OS (HR = 0.73, p = 0.004) in a randomized phase II trial, including significant clinical benefit for patients with brain metastases. Finally, trastuzumab-deruxtecan, zenocutuzumab, and poziotinib demonstrated benefit in phase II trials with the most robust overall response rate (62.0%) and median duration of response (18.2 months) observed for trastuzumab-deruxtecan among heavily pretreated patients. CONCLUSION: Tucatinib plus trastuzumab and capecitabine significantly prolongs OS, and promising preliminary response outcomes for trastuzumab-deruxtecan suggest that sequencing of these regimens following second-line therapy is reasonable.

Ten ways to get a grip on designing and implementing a competency-based medical education training program.

BACKGROUND: Globally there is a move to adopt competency-based medical education (CBME) at all levels of the medical training system. Implementation of a complex intervention such as CBME represents a marked paradigm shift involving multiple stakeholders. METHODS: This article aims to share tips, based on review of the available literature and the authors' experiences, that may help educators implementing CBME to more easily navigate this major undertaking and avoid "black ice" pitfalls that educators may encounter. RESULTS: Careful planning prior to, during and post implementation will help programs transition successfully to CBME. Involvement of key stakeholders, such as trainees, teaching faculty, residency training committee members, and the program administrator, prior to and throughout implementation of CBME is critical. Careful and selective choice of key design elements including Entrustable Professional Activities, assessments and appropriate use of direct observation will enhance successful uptake of CBME. Pilot testing may help engage faculty and learners and identify logistical issues that may hinder implementation. Academic advisors, use of curriculum maps, and identifying and leveraging local resources may help facilitate implementation. Planned evaluation of CBME is important to ensure choices made during the design and implementation of CBME result in the desired outcomes. CONCLUSION: Although the transition to CBME is challenging, successful implementation can be facilitated by careful design and strategic planning.

CONTEXTE: Partout dans le monde, on observe une tendance en faveur de l'éducation médicale axée sur les compétences (EMAC) à tous les niveaux du système d'éducation médicale. Une intervention complexe comme l'élaboration d'un programme d'EMAC représente un important changement de paradigme qui nécessite l'implication de plusieurs parties prenantes. MÉTHODE: L'objectif de cet article est de partager des conseils dégagés par les auteurs d'une revue de la littérature et de leur propre expérience afin d'aider les éducateurs à mieux s'orienter dans cette entreprise de taille qu'est la mise en œuvre de l'EMAC et à éviter les écueils. RÉSULTATS: Une planification minutieuse avant, pendant et après la transition des programmes vers l'EMAC contribue à garantir son succès. L'implication des principales parties prenantes, telles que les stagiaires, le corps enseignant, les membres du comité du programme de résidence et l'administrateur du programme, avant et pendant la mise en œuvre est essentielle. La sélection attentive des éléments clés, comme les activités professionnelles confiables, les évaluations et l'utilisation appropriée de l'observation directe, favorisera l'adoption de l'EMAC. Des tests pilotes peuvent permettre la participation du corps professoral et des apprenants, et à déceler les problèmes logistiques qui peuvent entraver la mise en œuvre. Les conseillers pédagogiques, le recours à la cartographie des programmes d'études et le repérage et la mobilisation de ressources locales peuvent faciliter la mise en œuvre des programmes d'EMAC. L'évaluation planifiée de ces programmes est importante pour garantir que les choix faits lors de leur conception et mise en œuvre aboutissent aux résultats souhaités. CONCLUSION: Puisque la transition vers l'EMAC peut comporter de nombreux défis, elle peut néanmoins être opérée avec succès grâce à une conception et une planification stratégique minutieuses.

The chemo-gut study: investigating the long-term effects of chemotherapy on gut microbiota, metabolic, immune, psychological and cognitive parameters in young adult Cancer survivors; study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota is an important modulator of immune, metabolic, psychological and cognitive mechanisms. Chemotherapy adversely affects the gut microbiota, inducing acute dysbiosis, and alters physiological and psychological function. Cancer among young adults has risen 38% in recent decades. Understanding chemotherapy's long-term effects on gut microbiota and psycho-physiological function is critical to improve survivors' physical and mental health, but remains unexamined. Restoration of the gut microbiota via targeted therapies (e.g. probiotics) could potentially prevent or reverse the psycho-physiological deficits often found in young survivors following chemotherapy, ultimately leading to reduced symptom burden and improved health. METHODS: This longitudinal study investigates chemotherapy induced long-term gut dysbiosis, and associations between gut microbiota, and immune, metabolic, cognitive and psychological parameters using data collected at < 2 month (T1), 3-4 months (T2), and 5-6 months (T3) post-chemotherapy. Participants will be 18-39 year old blood or solid tumor cancer survivors (n = 50), and a healthy sibling, partner or friend as a control (n = 50). Gut microbiota composition will be measured from fecal samples using 16 s RNA sequencing. Psychological and cognitive patient reported outcome measures will include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, pain, fatigue, and social and cognitive function. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) will be used to measure fat and lean mass, and bone mineral concentration. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), serotonin, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) will be measured in serum, and long-term cortisol will be assayed from hair. Regression and linear mixed model (LMM) analyses will examine associations across time points (T1 - T3), between groups, and covariates with gut microbiota, cognitive, psychological, and physiological parameters. CONCLUSION: Knowing what bacterial species are depleted after chemotherapy, how long these effects last, and the physiological mechanisms that may drive psychological and cognitive issues among survivors will allow for targeted, integrative interventions to be developed, helping to prevent or reverse some of the late-effects of treatment that many young cancer survivors face. This protocol has been approved by the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta Cancer Committee (ID: HREBA.CC-19-0018).

Surgical excision versus observation as initial management of desmoid tumors: A population based study.

SYNOPSIS: Desmoid tumors can be safely managed with watchful waiting, including either observation alone or tamoxifen/NSAIDs. Surgery at first presentation can be associated with significant treatment burden. BACKGROUND: Immediate surgery was historically recommended for desmoid tumors. Recently, watchful waiting, (tamoxifen/NSAIDs or observation alone), has been advocated. METHODS: All diagnoses of desmoid tumor within the Alberta Cancer Registry from August 2004 to September 2015 were identified. Patients with FAP were excluded. Demographics, tumor characteristics and treatment and outcome data were collected. Outcomes were compared between immediate surgery and watchful waiting. The effect of abdominal wall site on progression and recurrence and the effect of microscopic margin on recurrence were assessed with Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: We identified 111 non-FAP patients. Median follow-up was 35 months from diagnosis. 74% were female. Mean age was 42. Fifty (45%) underwent watchful waiting, of whom 21(42%) progressed, with median PFS of 10 months. Fifty-three (48%) underwent resection at presentation, of whom 8 (15%) recurred, with median disease-free survival of 22 months. Abdominal wall lesions were equally represented in both groups, and equally likely to progress on watchful waiting (50% vs 39%, p = 0.53), but there was a trend toward decreased recurrence after surgery. (5% vs 23%, p = 0.08). Microscopic margin had no effect on recurrence (14% of margin negative vs 20% of margin positive, p = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Watchful waiting was successful in 58% of patients, and a further 28% only required one aggressive treatment thereafter, for a total of 86%. Surgery had a favorable recurrence rate (15%), but some recurrences were associated with significant treatment burden. Treatment should be tailored to individual patients in a multidisciplinary setting. A trial of observation appears warranted in most patients. Recurrence rate was not affected by positive margins.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Metastasis to the Orbit.

A 66-year-old woman was referred to the authors' service with a 1-week history of blurry vision in her left eye and retro-orbital ache. She had previously undergone a radical distal gastrectomy and omentectomy for gastrointestinal stromal tumor, epithelioid type, 7 years prior. Exophthalmometry confirmed 2 mm of left-sided proptosis. Computed tomography imaging revealed a solid-appearing mass straddling both the intra- and extraconal spaces and involving the superior rectus muscle. An excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed a relatively uniform epithelioid appearance with a high mitotic rate, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed positivity for both KIT (CD117) and CD34. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is only the second histopathologically confirmed case of gastrointestinal stromal tumor metastasis to the orbit reported in the literature.

High dose salvage therapy with dose intensive cyclophosphamide, etoposide and cisplatin may increase transplant rates for relapsed/refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Only one-quarter to one-third of patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (r/r-aNHL) treated with common salvage chemotherapy regimens and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) achieve 5-year progression-free survival (PFS). Worse outcomes have been reported after failure of prior rituximab-containing induction, initial time to progression (TTP) < 1 year or age-adjusted International Prognostic Index (aaIPI) = 2-3 at relapse. In Calgary, we have treated patients with r/r-aNHL with dose-intensive cyclophosphamide 5.25 g/m(2), etoposide 1.05 g/m(2) and cisplatin 105 mg/m(2) (DICEP) for both re-induction therapy and autologous blood stem cell mobilization. In this study we retrospectively analyzed 113 consecutive transplant-eligible patients with r/r-aNHL who received one cycle of DICEP (n = 93) or R-DICEP (n = 20) from 1995 to 2009. Patient characteristics included: median age = 49 years (22-69); TTP < 1 year = 85; elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) = 60; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG) 2-4 = 42; aaIPI 2-3 = 59; bulk > 10 cm = 26, prior rituximab = 27. The median number of CD34 + cells collected was 19 × 10(6)/kg (0.3-142), 83.5% responded and 90% (102) proceeded to ASCT. The 5-year PFS rate was 42% for all patients, 32% for those with relapse aaIPI = 2-3, 35% for initial TTP < 1 year and 56% for those who failed initial rituximab induction. In conclusion, (R)DICEP is an effective re-induction regimen for r/r-aNHL, leading to excellent stem cell mobilization, a high chance of proceeding to ASCT and encouraging long-term PFS rates.