HOLA COVID-19 Study: Evaluating the Impact of Caring for Patients With COVID-19 on Cancer Care Delivery in Latin America.

PURPOSE: The HOLA COVID-19 study sought to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on oncology practices across Latin America (LATAM), challenges faced by physicians, and how practices and physicians adapted while delivering care to patients with cancer. METHODS: This international cross-sectional study of oncology physicians in LATAM included a 43-item anonymous online survey to evaluate changes and adaptations to clinical practice. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of caring for patients with COVID-19 and changes to clinical practice. RESULTS: A total of 704 oncology physicians from 19 countries completed the survey. Among respondents, the most common specialty was general oncology (34%) and 56% of physicians had cared for patients with COVID-19. The majority of physicians (70%) noted a decrease in the number of new patients evaluated during the COVID-19 pandemic when compared with prepandemic, and 73% reported adopting the use of telemedicine in their practice. More than half (58%) of physicians reported making changes to the treatments that they offered to patients with cancer. In adjusted models, physicians who had cared for patients with COVID-19 had higher odds of changing the type of chemotherapy or treatments that they offered (adjusted odds ratio 1.81; 95% CI, 1.30 to 2.53) and of delaying chemotherapy start (adjusted odds ratio 2.05; 95% CI, 1.49 to 2.81). Physicians identified significant delays in access to radiation and surgical services, diagnostic tests, and supportive care. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted global cancer care. Although changes to health care delivery are a necessary response to this global crisis, our study highlights the significant disruption and changes to the treatment plans of patients with cancer in LATAM resulting from the COVID-19 health care crisis.

Experience of bipolar androgen therapy (BAT) in Argentinian oncology centres.

Background: Previous studies with bipolar androgen therapy (BAT) have shown clinical activity in metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) as well as the potential to re-sensitise prostate cancer cells to prior androgen receptor-targeted agents. None of these studies had tested BAT after chemotherapy. In this study, we gathered real-world evidence from three centres in Argentina where BAT is being used in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), not only prior to chemotherapy but also after several lines of treatment. Materials and methods: This retro-prospective nonrandomised multicentre cohort study included patients with mCRPC, who received BAT in different scenarios defined by the treating physician at three centres in Argentina. Results: A total of 21 asymptomatic patients with mCRPC were included. There was a median of two lines before BAT, with nine patients (42.8%) receiving three or more lines, and 13 patients (61.9%) receiving chemotherapy previously. Previous lines included next-generation hormonal agents (NHA) in 100% (abiraterone 33.3% and enzalutamide 71.4%), chemotherapy in 61.9%, Radium-223 in 47.6% and others in 4.8%. The progression free survival (PFS) after BAT was 3.5 months (95% CI: 3.06-7.97). PSA50 response rate (RR) was 28.5% and the overall RR was 14.3%. Of the 17 patients who had disease progression, 9 had a rechallenge to NHA, achieving a 55% RR, 6 received other treatment (chemotherapy in 5 and 177Lu-PSMA in 1) with a 66% RR and 2 best supportive care. The PFS2, calculated after the initiation of BAT in the 15 patients who received further therapy, was 7.93 months (95% CI: 6.73-NR). Treatment was overall well tolerated, with only two patients requiring hospitalisation and treatment interruption due to worsening pain. Conclusion: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first publication of BAT in later lines of therapy in mCRPC. BAT showed clinical activity in this scenario. Our data supports that BAT may play a role in CRPC re-sensitisation after multiple treatment lines.

Implementation of a molecular tumour board in LATAM: the impact on treatment decisions for patients evaluated at Instituto Alexander Fleming, Argentina.

BACKGROUND: The role of the molecular tumour board (MTB) is to recommend personalised therapy for patients with cancer beyond standard-of-care treatment. A comprehensive molecular analysis of the tumour in a molecular pathology laboratory is important for all targeted therapies approaches. Here we report the 1-year experience of the Instituto Alexander Fleming Molecular Tumour Board. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The MTB of the Instituto Alexander Fleming was launched in December 2019 in a monthly meeting. In each interactive monthly session, five cases were presented and discussed by the members. These cases were referred by the treating oncologists. The MTB recommendations were sent to each physician individually, and to the rest of the meeting participants. This was discussed with the patients/families by the treating oncologist. The final decision to choose therapy was left to the treating physicians. Of the 32 patients presented at MTB, 28 (87.5%) had potentially actionable alterations and only 4 (12.5%) had no actionable mutation. Six (19%) patients received a local regulatory agency approved drug recommendation, nine (28%) patients received an off-label approval treatment recommendation and three (9%) patients did not receive the treatment due to access and reimbursement of the drug. CONCLUSION: In most of the cases evaluated, the MTB was able to provide treatment recommendations based on targetable genetic alterations. Molecular-guided extended personalised patient care is effective for a small but clinically significant proportion of patients in challenging clinical situations. We believe that the implementation of a MTB is feasible in the Latin America (LATAM) region.

Multidisciplinary approach to COVID-19 and cancer: consensus from scientific societies in Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: The world is living through an outbreak of an acute respiratory syndrome caused by a new betacoronavirus known as coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2), which has been declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organisation. Cancer patients are a very special population in this setting since they are more susceptible to viral infections than the general population. Several recommendations have been made on this issue, most of them based on expert opinion and institutional experience. It is essential to gather the evidence available for decision making. OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence available in order to create a multi-institutional position from the perspective of scientific societies in Argentina involved in the management of cancer patients. METHODOLOGY: The review included two phases: 1) search and systematic revision of the medical literature; 2) consensus and revision of the document drafted by national scientific societies involved in the management and care of cancer patients using the modified Delphi method. The final results were presented at a videoconference with all the participants. Also, additional comment and recommendations were discussed. The final document was revised and approved for publication by the members of the panel. RESULTS: The consensus panel included 18 representatives from scientific societies from Argentina who assessed the evidence and then made recommendations for the management of cancer patients in our country. International guidelines (CDC; ASCO, NCCN and ESMO) were considered as a background for analysis, as well as institutional guidelines and an open ad hoc survey administered to 114 healthcare professionals from the scientific societies involved in this study.The recommendations are grouped as follows: 1) general care interventions-training of the personnel, cleaning and disinfection of the hospital premises and patient scheduling; 2) treatment decisions-patient care, surgeries, immunosuppressive therapy, radiotherapy and screening; 3) ethical considerations-optimisation of resources, end-of-life care for critically-ill patients; 4) management of hospitalised patients; and 5) wellbeing of the healthcare team.The general recommendation arising from the study is that the management of cancer patients must adapt to the exceptional pandemic status quo without disregarding treatment or cure options. Moreover, healthcare professional accompaniment of all patients should not be neglected. All healthcare professionals must make a significant joint effort to create multidisciplinary teams to discuss the most appropriate measures for each particular situation. CONCLUSIONS: The scientific evidence available on this topic worldwide is in progress. This together with the epidemiologically shifting scenario poses unprecedented challenges in the management of cancer amidst this global pandemic. Furthermore, the key role of the healthcare structural organisation appears evident, such as the drafting of clear guidelines for all the stakeholders, adaptability to constant change and an interdisciplinary shared vision through consensus to provide adequate care to our cancer patients in the light of uncertainty and fast-paced change.

Alertas de cardiotoxicidad en el tratamiento con trastuzumab en cáncer de mama, 4 años de seguimiento / Cardiotoxicity Alerts during Treatment with Trastuzumab in Breast Cancer at Four-year Follow-up

RESUMEN Introducción: El tratamiento adyuvante de cáncer de mama Her2+ incluye adriamicina y trastuzumab, un anticuerpo monoclonal con efecto cardiotóxico del que no se conoce el verdadero impacto epidemiológico de toxicidad cardíaca en poblaciones no seleccionadas en la Argentina. Objetivos: Conocer el impacto cardiotóxico del tratamiento con trastuzumab en adyuvancia en cáncer de mama en una población no seleccionada a más de 12 meses después de finalizado su tratamiento. Material y métodos: Sobre 888 pacientes prospectivos con cáncer de mama, 231 pacientes (38%) presentaban cáncer de mama Her2+, en tratamiento adyuvante con adriamicina + trastuzumab. Las pacientes fueron evaluadas mediante fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda, en pretratamiento, fin de adriamicina y cada 3 meses en el seguimiento. Se definió cardiotoxicidad a la caída de la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda > 10% según el American College of Cardiology, se subanalizó con algoritmos del estudio B-31 y MD ANDERSON. Resultados: Presentaron caída de la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda > 10%: 150/231 pacientes (65%) respecto del basal con un seguimiento medio de 48 ± 12 meses. En el análisis por grupo, las pacientes incluidas en el B-31 vs. MD Anderson vs. el American College of Cardiology presentaron mayor pérdida porcentual de la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda durante el tratamiento: 20% vs. 20% vs. 16% con p < 0,04, finalizaron el seguimiento con fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda < 50%: 42% vs.41% vs. 33% con p = 0,01, respectivamente. Conclusiones: En la población con trastuzumab bajo control cardioncológico, se observó luego de un seguimiento medio de 48 ± 12 meses: 1 - Caída significativa de la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda en más del 60% de la población. 2 - Las distintas guías muestran diferentes riesgos cardiotóxicos lo que requiere un monitoreo continuo cardioncológico.

ABSTRACT Background: Adjuvant treatment of HER2+ breast cancer includes adriamycin and trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that produces cardiotoxicity. The actual epidemiologic impact of trastuzumab-related cardiotoxicity in unselected populations in Argentina remains unknown. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of trastuzumab-related cardiotoxicity during adjuvant treatment for breast cancer in an unselected population after >12 months of completing therapy. Methods: Among 888 patients prospectively evaluated for breast cancer, 231 (38%) were HER2+ and received adjuvant therapy with adriamycin and trastuzumab. Left ventricular ejection fraction was evaluated before treatment, after completing adriamycin and then every 3 months during follow-up. Cardiotoxicity was defined as a decline in left ventricular ejection fraction >10%, according to the definition of the American College of Cardiology and was compared with the definitions of the B-31 trial and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Results: A decline in left ventricular ejection fraction >10% from baseline values occurred in 65% (n=150) of the patients during a mean follow-up of 48±12 months. In the per group analysis, patients included in the B-31and MD Anderson Cancer Center vs. the American College of Cardiology definitions presented greater percent fall in left ventricular ejection fraction during treatment: 20% vs. 20% vs. 16%, respectively (p<0.04) and ended treatment with left ventricular ejection fraction <50% in 42% vs. 41% vs. 33% of cases, respectively (p=0.01). Conclusions: In the population treated with trastuzumab under cardio-oncology surveillance during 48±12 months: 1 - Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly decreased in more than 60% of patients. 2 - Different guidelines show different cardiotoxicity risks which demands continuous cardio-oncological monitoring.

[Chylopericardium and bilateral chylothorax in a breast cancer patient]. / Quilopericardio y quilotórax bilateral en una mujer con cáncer de mama.

Non traumatic chylopericar dium is mostly secondary to infection, congenital or neoplastic disease that invade mediastinal lymph nodes and modify the normal lymphatic flow. It is associated to chylothorax in approximately 3% of cases. We report the case of a 52 years old woman with diagnosis of advanced breast cancer. She was admitted with bilateral pleural effusion and echocardiographic signs of cardiac tamponade. A CT scan disclosed multiple mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The level of tryglicerides in pleural effusion was 372 mg/dl. A percutaneous pericardiocentesis was performed, obtaining chyle, with 984 mg/dl of tryglicerides and cholesterol 90 mg/dl levels. Treatment strategy was modified. We reviewed pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria and treatment of this rare entity.

Quilopericardio y quilotórax bilateral en una mujer con cáncer de mama / Chylopericardium and bilateral chylothorax in a breast cancer patient

El quilopericardio no traumático suele deberse a enfermedades infecciosas, congénitas o neoplásicas que infiltran los ganglios mediastinales, alteran el flujo linfático normal y acumulan quilo en la cavidad pericárdica. Se asocia a quilotórax en, aproximadamente, un 3% de los casos. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 52 años con cáncer de mama avanzado que ingresa con derrame pleural bilateral y signos ecocardiográficos de taponamiento cardíaco. La TC mostró múltiples adenopatías en mediastino. El dosaje de triglicéridos en líquido pleural fue 372 mg/ dl. Por pericardiocentesis se obtuvo un líquido lechoso con triglicéridos de 984 mg/dl y colesterol 90 mg/dl. Se modificó el esquema terapéutico. Se revisan la fisiopatología, los criterios diagnósticos y el tratamiento de esta rara entidad.

Non traumatic chylopericar dium is mostly secondary to infection, congenital or neoplastic disease that invade mediastinal lymph nodes and modify the normal lymphatic flow. It is associated to chylothorax in approximately 3% of cases. We report the case of a 52 years old woman with diagnosis of advanced breast cancer. She was admitted with bilateral pleural effusion and echocardiographic signs of cardiac tamponade. A CT scan disclosed multiple mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The level of tryglicerides in pleural effusion was 372 mg/dl. A percutaneous pericardiocentesis was performed, obtaining chyle, with 984 mg/dl of tryglicerides and cholesterol 90 mg/dl levels. Treatment strategy was modified. We reviewed pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria and treatment of this rare entity.

Quilopericardio y quilotórax bilateral en una mujer con cáncer de mama / Chylopericardium and bilateral chylothorax in a breast cancer patient

El quilopericardio no traumático suele deberse a enfermedades infecciosas, congénitas o neoplásicas que infiltran los ganglios mediastinales, alteran el flujo linfático normal y acumulan quilo en la cavidad pericárdica. Se asocia a quilotórax en, aproximadamente, un 3% de los casos. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 52 años con cáncer de mama avanzado que ingresa con derrame pleural bilateral y signos ecocardiográficos de taponamiento cardíaco. La TC mostró múltiples adenopatías en mediastino. El dosaje de triglicéridos en líquido pleural fue 372 mg/ dl. Por pericardiocentesis se obtuvo un líquido lechoso con triglicéridos de 984 mg/dl y colesterol 90 mg/dl. Se modificó el esquema terapéutico. Se revisan la fisiopatología, los criterios diagnósticos y el tratamiento de esta rara entidad.(AU)

Non traumatic chylopericar dium is mostly secondary to infection, congenital or neoplastic disease that invade mediastinal lymph nodes and modify the normal lymphatic flow. It is associated to chylothorax in approximately 3% of cases. We report the case of a 52 years old woman with diagnosis of advanced breast cancer. She was admitted with bilateral pleural effusion and echocardiographic signs of cardiac tamponade. A CT scan disclosed multiple mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The level of tryglicerides in pleural effusion was 372 mg/dl. A percutaneous pericardiocentesis was performed, obtaining chyle, with 984 mg/dl of tryglicerides and cholesterol 90 mg/dl levels. Treatment strategy was modified. We reviewed pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria and treatment of this rare entity.(AU)

Quilopericardio y quilotórax bilateral en una mujer con cáncer de mama. / [Chylopericardium and bilateral chylothorax in a breast cancer patient].

Non traumatic chylopericar dium is mostly secondary to infection, congenital or neoplastic disease that invade mediastinal lymph nodes and modify the normal lymphatic flow. It is associated to chylothorax in approximately 3

of cases. We report the case of a 52 years old woman with diagnosis of advanced breast cancer. She was admitted with bilateral pleural effusion and echocardiographic signs of cardiac tamponade. A CT scan disclosed multiple mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The level of tryglicerides in pleural effusion was 372 mg/dl. A percutaneous pericardiocentesis was performed, obtaining chyle, with 984 mg/dl of tryglicerides and cholesterol 90 mg/dl levels. Treatment strategy was modified. We reviewed pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria and treatment of this rare entity.