Efectos secundarios oculares de las terapias oncológicas. Revisión / Ocular side effects of oncological therapies: Review

Con el avance de la terapia contra el cáncer en los últimos años, ha aumentado el conocimiento de los mecanismos involucrados en esta enfermedad, lo que ha supuesto un aumento de la calidad de vida y de la supervivencia de los pacientes con afecciones tumorales anteriormente consideradas incurables o refractarias al tratamiento. El número de fármacos utilizados ha sufrido un aumento exponencial, y a pesar de que la toxicidad implícita es menor que la de la terapia antineoplásica convencional, conllevan la aparición de nuevos efectos adversos asociados, que el oftalmólogo debe reconocer y manejar.(AU)

With the advance of cancer therapy in recent years, the knowledge of the mechanisms involved in this disease has increased, which has meant an increase in the quality of life and survival of patients with tumor pathologies previously considered incurable or refractory to treatment. The number of drugs used has increased exponentially in number, and although the implicit toxicity is lower than that of conventional antineoplastic therapy, they lead to the appearance of new associated adverse effects that the ophthalmologist must recognize and manage.(AU)

Ocular side effects of oncological therapies: Review.

With the advance of cancer therapy in recent years, the knowledge of the mechanisms involved in this disease has increased, which has meant an increase in the quality of life and survival of patients with tumor pathologies previously considered incurable or refractory to treatment. The number of drugs used has increased exponentially in number, and although the implicit toxicity is lower than that of conventional antineoplastic therapy, they lead to the appearance of new associated adverse effects that the ophthalmologist must recognize and manage.

La importancia de la determinación de la deuda de oxígeno en el perioperatorio / The importance of oxygen debt determination in the perioperative period

Resumen: El fenómeno de la deuda de oxígeno (dO2) descrito hace varias décadas en el contexto del ejercicio físico se ha incorporado progresivamente al terreno de la medicina. En particular se ha utilizado durante los cambios hemodinámicos producidos por la cirugía y la anestesia en los pacientes de alto riesgo. La dO2 se definió como el aumento en la cantidad de oxígeno consumida por el organismo inmediatamente después de realizar un ejercicio físico hasta que el consumo se normaliza nuevamente. En el perioperatorio se llega a producir cuando se presenta un desbalance entre la oferta (DO2) y la demanda de oxígeno (VO2) que lleva a hipoxia tisular. El grado de la dO2 tisular se ha relacionado directamente con la falla de órganos múltiples y morbimortalidad perioperatoria. A pesar de los avances en la medicina, aún no es posible prevenir o disminuir la dO2 con la administración de líquidos o con el uso de agentes vasoactivos. Por lo que un retardo o manejo inadecuado de la hemodinámica perioperatoria producirá hipoperfusión e hipoxia tisular afectando los resultados de la cirugía. El conocimiento y la valoración de la dO2 es esencial durante la anestesia del paciente de alto riesgo. Para lograr este objetivo se requiere del uso de índices adecuados que permitan detectar y cuantificar la hipoperfusión tisular y el desbalance entre la DO2 y la VO2. En esta revisión se presentan los conceptos fundamentales de la dO2, su mecanismo, detección y cuantificación; además de las intervenciones para evitarla o disminuirla y las recomendaciones para los anestesiólogos con el fin de asegurar mejores resultados en los pacientes quirúrgicos de alto riesgo.

Abstract: The phenomenon of oxygen debt (dO2) described several decades ago in the context of physical exercise has been incorporated into medicine, particularly during the hemodynamic changes produced by surgery and anesthesia in high-risk patients. dO2 is defined as the increase in the amount of oxygen consumed by the body immediately after physical exercise until O2 consumption returns to normal. In the perioperative period, an imbalance between oxygen supply (DO2) and demand (VO2) could generate dO2. The degree of tissue dO2 has been directly related to multiple organ failure and perioperative morbimortality. Despite advances in medicine, it is not yet possible to prevent or lower the dO2 with fluid administration or vasoactive agents. Delay or inadequate management of hemodynamics could produce tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia, affecting surgery outcomes. Knowledge and assessing dO2 during perioperative are essential during anesthesia for high-risk patients. Adequate indices are required to detect and quantify tissue hypoperfusion and the imbalance between DO2 and VO2 during anesthesia. This review presents the mechanism, detection, and quantification of dO2. In addition to interventions to avoid or reduce dO2 and recommendations for anesthesiologists to ensure better results in high-risk surgical patients.

Circulating tumor DNA tracking in patients with pancreatic cancer using next-generation sequencing / Evaluación de DNA circulante tumoral en paciente con Cáncer de páncreas empleando secuenciación de nueva generación

Background: Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most devastating malignancies due to the absence of techniques for early diagnosis and the lack of target therapeutic options for advanced disease. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) generates high throughput and valuable genetic information when evaluating circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA); however clinical utility of liquid biopsy in pancreatic cancer has not been demonstrated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether results from a Next Generation Sequencing panel on plasma samples from pancreatic cancer patients could have a clinical significance. Methods: From December 2016 to January 2020, plasma samples from 27 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma at two different tertiary Spanish Hospitals underwent ctDNA testing using a commercial NGS panel of 65 genes. Clinical data were available for these patients. VarsSome Clinical software was used to analyse NGS data and establish pathogenicity. Results: Evaluable NGS results were obtained in 18 out of the 27 plasma samples. Somatic pathogenic mutations were found mainly in KRAS, BRCA2, FLT3 and HNF1A, genes. Pathogenic mutations were detected in 50% of plasma samples from patient diagnosed at stages III-IV samples. FLT3 mutations were observed in 22.22% of samples which constitute a novel result in the field. Conclusions: Liquid biopsy using NGS is a valuable tool but still not sensitive or specific enough to provide clinical utility in pancreatic cancer patients.(AU)

Introducción: El cáncer de páncreas es uno de los cánceres más devastadores debido a la falta de métodos que permitan un diagnóstico temprano y la ausencia de opciones terapéuticas en enfermedad avanzada. La técnica de secuenciación de nueva generación o Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) proporciona importantes resultados de alto rendimiento de información genética en muestras de DNA circulante tumoral (ctDNA); sin embargo, la utilidad clínica de la biopsia líquida en cáncer de páncreas no ha sido demostrado todavía. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si los resultados de un panel de secuenciación de nueva generación en muestras de plasma de pacientes con cáncer de páncreas podría tener un significado clínico. Métodos: Empleando un panel comercial de NGS con 65 genes se evaluaron 27 muestras de plasma de pacientes con cáncer de páncreas recogidas entre diciembre del 2016 y enero del 2020 en 2 hospitales españoles. En el estudio se disponía de datos clínicos correspondientes a los pacientes. Se empleó el software VarSome Clinical para analizar resultados y establecer patogenicidad de las variantes. Resultados: Se obtuvieron resultados evaluables en 18 de las 27 muestras de plasma. Se encontraron mutaciones patogénicas en los genes KRAS, BRCA2, FLT3 y HNF1A. El 50% de los pacientes diagnosticados en estadios ii-iv presentaron alteraciones patogénicas en plasma. Se observaron mutaciones en FLT3 en el 22,22% de las muestras, lo cual es un resultado novedoso. Conclusiones: La NGS en biopsia líquida es una herramienta valiosa pero todavía no sensible ni específica para proporcionar utilidad clínica en pacientes con cáncer de páncreas.(AU)

Histiocitosis de células de Langerhans. Avances en la patogenia y práctica clínica / Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Advances in pathogenesis and clinical practice

La histiocitosis de células de Langerhans (HCL) es un tipo de neoplasia hematológica de origen mieloide, que puede afectar a diferentes órganos o tejidos, con gran variabilidad en la presentación clínica y comportamiento biológico, por lo que puede simular diferentes enfermedades. Se recomienda realizar diversas pruebas clínicas, analíticas y de imagen, para determinar la extensión de la afectación, que puede ser única o multisistémica, y la presencia o no de disfunción en órganos de riesgo como sistema hematopoyético, hígado y bazo. El diagnóstico se debe confirmar mediante biopsia y estudio histológico. Los estudios moleculares han permitido identificar mutaciones en la vía MAPK, lo que han ampliado las opciones terapéuticas. El diagnóstico es complejo y existe controversia en el manejo de ciertos casos. Las recomendaciones terapéuticas dependen de la localización de las lesiones y de la extensión de la afectación. Los estudios colaborativos internacionales han demostrado la efectividad de terapias prolongadas combinadas como vinblastina y prednisona en formas graves o multisistémicas y destaca el papel beneficioso de fármacos antiinflamatorios como indometacina y de otras combinaciones de citostáticos. La HCL representa un buen ejemplo de la importancia de la medicina de precisión y del beneficio de la identificación de dianas moleculares, comunes a diferentes neoplasias, para desarrollar nuevas terapias dirigidas. Los inhibidores de la vía MAPK representan una alternativa terapéutica en casos refractarios y en las formas neurodegenerativas de la HCL. Los estudios moleculares pueden contribuir en el pronóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento, especialmente en las formas graves. (AU)

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a type of myeloid neoplasia that can affect different organs or tissues and exhibits substantial variability in its clinical presentation and biological behaviour, so it may mimic different diseases. Performance of different clinical assessments and laboratory and imaging tests is recommended to determine the extent of involvement, which may be of a single location or multisystemic, and the presence or absence of dysfunction in risk organs, such as the haematopoietic system, liver and spleen. The diagnosis must be confirmed by histological examination of a biopsy sample. Molecular tests have identified mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which has expanded treatment options. The diagnosis is complex and there is controversy regarding the management of certain cases. Treatment recommendations depend on the location of the lesions and the extent of involvement. International collaborative studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of prolonged combination therapies such as vinblastine and prednisone in severe or multisystemic forms, and anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin and other cytostatic combinations have proven beneficial. LCH is a good example of the importance of precision medicine and the benefit of identifying molecular targets, common to different neoplasms, to develop new therapies. MAPK pathway inhibitors offer an alternative treatment option in refractory cases and neurodegenerative forms of LCH. Molecular testing can contribute to the prognosis, treatment and follow-up of LCH, especially in severe forms of disease. (AU)

Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Advances in pathogenesis and clinical practice.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a type of myeloid neoplasia that can affect different organs or tissues and exhibits substantial variability in its clinical presentation and biological behaviour, so it may mimic different diseases. Performance of different clinical assessments and laboratory and imaging tests is recommended to determine the extent of involvement, which may be of a single location or multisystemic, and the presence or absence of dysfunction in risk organs, such as the haematopoietic system, liver and spleen. The diagnosis must be confirmed by histological examination of a biopsy sample. Molecular tests have identified mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which has expanded treatment options. The diagnosis is complex and there is controversy regarding the management of certain cases. Treatment recommendations depend on the location of the lesions and the extent of involvement. International collaborative studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of prolonged combination therapies such as vinblastine and prednisone in severe or multisystemic forms, and anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin and other cytostatic combinations have proven beneficial. Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a good example of the importance of precision medicine and the benefit of identifying molecular targets, common to different neoplasms, to develop new therapies. MAPK pathway inhibitors offer an alternative treatment option in refractory cases and neurodegenerative forms of LCH. Molecular testing can contribute to the prognosis, treatment and follow-up of LCH, especially in severe forms of disease.

Circulating tumor DNA tracking in patients with pancreatic cancer using next-generation sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most devastating malignancies due to the absence of techniques for early diagnosis and the lack of target therapeutic options for advanced disease. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) generates high throughput and valuable genetic information when evaluating circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA); however clinical utility of liquid biopsy in pancreatic cancer has not been demonstrated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether results from a Next Generation Sequencing panel on plasma samples from pancreatic cancer patients could have a clinical significance. METHODS: From December 2016 to January 2020, plasma samples from 27 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma at two different tertiary Spanish Hospitals underwent ctDNA testing using a commercial NGS panel of 65 genes. Clinical data were available for these patients. VarsSome Clinical software was used to analyse NGS data and establish pathogenicity. RESULTS: Evaluable NGS results were obtained in 18 out of the 27 plasma samples. Somatic pathogenic mutations were found mainly in KRAS, BRCA2, FLT3 and HNF1A, genes. Pathogenic mutations were detected in 50% of plasma samples from patient diagnosed at stages III-IV samples. FLT3 mutations were observed in 22.22% of samples which constitute a novel result in the field. CONCLUSIONS: Liquid biopsy using NGS is a valuable tool but still not sensitive or specific enough to provide clinical utility in pancreatic cancer patients.

Efficacy of belimumab in Primary Sjögren's syndrome: A systematic review / Eficacia del belimumab en el síndrome de Sjögren primario: una revisión sistemática

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of belimumab in patients with Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Methods: The search included manuscripts assessing the efficacy or safety of belimumab in patients with pSS (American-European Consensus Criteria 2002) published between 2004 and 2017 in MEDLINE, EMBASE or Cochrane databases. Two reviewers independently selected the articles, extracted data and evaluated the quality of the evidence following Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) recommendation grades. Results: Out of 135 citations, only 3 articles were included. All of them publishing results from the same study at different time points including 28 patients. At week 28 improvement was reported for visual analogue scale (VAS) dryness score and glandular manifestations in 37% and 77% of patients, respectively, which persisted at week 52 (W52). Belimumab was well tolerated and safely administered. Conclusion: Published evidence to determine the efficacy of belimumab in pSS is limited. Belimumab seems to be effective to reduce systemic activity, parotid enlargement, lymphadenopathies, articular manifestation and B cell biomarkers.(AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad de belimumab en pacientes con síndrome de Sjögren primario (SSp). Métodos: La búsqueda incluyó manuscritos que evaluaban la eficacia o seguridad de belimumab en pacientes con SSp (Criterios Europeo-Americanos del 2002) publicados entre 2004 y 2007 en MEDLINE, EMBASE o Cochrane database. Dos revisores independientes seleccionaron los artículos, extrajeron los datos y evaluaron la calidad de la evidencia según los grados de recomendación de la Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Resultados: De 135 artículos se incluyeron 3. Todos publicaban resultados del mismo estudio en diferentes momentos, incluyéndose 28 pacientes. En la semana 28 presentaban una mejoría en la puntuación de sequedad en la escala analógica visual (VAS) y en las manifestaciones glandulares un 37 y 77% de los pacientes, respectivamente, que persistieron en la 52. La administración de belimumab fue segura y bien tolerada. Conclusión: Belimumab parece ser efectivo para reducir la actividad sistémica, el aumento parotídeo, las linfadenopatías, las manifestaciones articulares y los biomarcadores de células B, aunque con evidencia limitada.(AU)

Efficacy of belimumab in Primary Sjögren's syndrome: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of belimumab in patients with Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS: The search included manuscripts assessing the efficacy or safety of belimumab in patients with pSS (American-European Consensus Criteria 2002) published between 2004 and 2017 in MEDLINE, EMBASE or Cochrane databases. Two reviewers independently selected the articles, extracted data and evaluated the quality of the evidence following Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) recommendation grades. RESULTS: Out of 135 citations, only 3 articles were included. All of them publishing results from the same study at different time points including 28 patients. At week 28 improvement was reported for visual analogue scale (VAS) dryness score and glandular manifestations in 37% and 77% of patients, respectively, which persisted at week 52 (W52). Belimumab was well tolerated and safely administered. CONCLUSION: Published evidence to determine the efficacy of belimumab in pSS is limited. Belimumab seems to be effective to reduce systemic activity, parotid enlargement, lymphadenopathies, articular manifestation and B cell biomarkers.

[Current treatment options and future perspectives on first line metastatic bladder cancer.] / Presente y futuro del tratamiento del carcinoma vesical metastásico en primera línea.

OBJECTIVE: Over the last 30 years researchon metastatic bladder cancer has been slow and limited to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy has provided high initial response rates but very few complete responses that remain overtime. Recently, European medical agency has granted approval to immunotherapy inmetastatic disease. We will review the clinical trials that drove to EMA approval as well as new promising therapies for metastatic bladder cancer. METHODS: A search on PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov through the combination of the following words in English and Spanish was performed: "carcinoma urotelial","cáncer de vejiga", "localmente avanzado","metastásico", "inmunoterapia", "CTLA-4", "PD1","PDL-1", "atezolizumab", "nivolumab", "ipilimubab", "pembrolizumab", "avelumab", "durvalumab", "tremelimumab", "terapia antiangiogénica", "terapia molecular dirigida" e "inhibidores VEGF". RESULTS: Cisplatin chemotherapy-based regimens remain standard treatment for metastatic bladder cancer as per phase III trials. Immunotherapy is available for cisplatin-ineligible patients with high PD-L1 expression,including atezolizumab or pembrolizumab. Trials comparing immunotherapy, chemotherapy or antiangiogenic drugs o targeted drugs are recruiting. CONCLUSIONS: The publication of the comparative studies on chemotherapy and immunotherapy as well as targeted therapy would provide a window of opportunity for an effective personalized treatment. Those treatment would decrease side-effects as well.

OBJETIVO: Durante los últimos 30 años las investigaciones en carcinoma vesical metastásico han estado paralizadas, limitándose el tratamiento de dicha patología al empleo de fármacos quimioterápicos, los cuales, a pesar de presentar una elevada tasa de respuesta inicial, tienen excepcionales respuestas completas y mantenidas en el tiempo. Recientemente, la Agencia Europea del Medicamento ha autorizado el empleo de fármacos inmunoterápicos para el tratamiento de esta patología en estadío metastásico. Este artículo tiene como objeto el análisis de los ensayos clínicos que permitieron dicha autorización, así como la revisión de nuevas terapias para el tratamiento del carcinoma urotelial localmente avanzado o metastásico.MÉTODO: Búsqueda bibliográfica realizada en Pub-Med y ClinicalTrials.gov mediante la combinación de las palabras clave, en español e inglés: "carcinoma urotelial", "cáncer de vejiga", "localmente avanzado","metastásico", "inmunoterapia", "CTLA-4", "PD1", "PDL-1", "atezolizumab", "nivolumab", "ipilimubab", "pembrolizumab","avelumab", "durvalumab", "tremelimumab", "terapia antiangiogénica", "terapia molecular dirigida" e "inhibidores VEGF". RESULTADOS: La poliquimioterapia a base de cisplatino sigue siendo el estándar de tratamiento para el carcinoma vesical metastásico de acuerdo con los resultados de los ensayos clínicos fase III publicados, sólo considerándose la inmunoterapia con atezolizumab o permbrolizumab electiva en aquellos pacientes no aptos para recibir cisplatino con alta expresión PDL1. Actualmente, están en curso estudios comparativos de terapias quimioterápicas frente a inmunoterapia, así como múltiples combinaciones que buscan efecto aditivo con fármacos antiangiogénicos o terapias dirigidas. CONLUSIONES: La publicación de los ensayos comparativos que se encuentran actualmente en curso, junto con los previsibles progresos en terapia dirigida, implicarán la posibilidad de abrir una esperanzadora línea de trabajo dirigida hacia una terapia efectiva y personalizada, que permita reducir los eventos adversos atribuibles al empleo de fármacos quimioterápicos.

Squamous cell lung cancer: genomic evolution and personalized therapy / Cáncer pulmonar de células escamosas: evolución genómica y terapia personalizada

Abstract: Objective: To review the state-of-the-art in relation to the current information on squamous cell lung cancer (SCLC). We describe the genetic anomalies reported, their effect, and finally the most promising therapeutic agents. Materials and methods: We reviewed published articles in peer-reviewed journals as well as current treatment guidelines from local and international resources. Results: SCLC represents a smaller proportion of the global burden of disease for lung cancer compared to its more frequent presentation, the adenocarcinoma. However, more than 400 000 cases are reported annually, a substantial population for whom therapeutic options are scarce and with limited efficacy. Several groups have been given the task of elucidating the mechanisms that lead to the development of SCLC, including molecular anomalies that can be used as targets for drug design. Conclusion: There are potential therapeutic targets for SCLC, which must be studied in clinical trials for validation.

Resumen: Objetivo: Revisar el estado del arte en relación con la información actual sobre el cáncer de pulmón de células escamosas (CPCE) y describir las anomalías genéticas reportadas, su efecto y los agentes terapéuticos más prometedores. Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión de artículos publicados en revistas indizadas, así como las guías de tratamiento publicadas por instancias locales e internacionales. Resultados: El CPCE representa una proporción menor de la carga mundial de la enfermedad por cáncer pulmonar en comparación con su presentación más frecuente, el adenocarcinoma. Sin embargo, más de 400 000 casos son reportados anualmente, una población sustancial para quienes las opciones terapéuticas son escasas y con una eficacia limitada. Diversos grupos se han dado a la tarea de elucidar los mecanismos que conllevan al desarrollo del CPCE, incluyendo anomalías moleculares que puedan servir como blancos para el diseño de fármacos. Conclusiones: Existen blancos terapéuticos potenciales para el CPCE que deben ser estudiados en ensayos clínicos para ser validados.

Molecular alterations in acute myeloid leukemia and their clinical and therapeutical implications. / Alteraciones moleculares en leucemia mieloide aguda y sus implicaciones clínicas y terapéuticas.

Acute myeloid leukaemia is the most common form of acute leukaemia, and its incidence increases with age. The disease derives from a transformed multipotent malignant haematopoietic stem cell that acquires consequent genomic alterations. The identification of recurrent cytogenetic anomalies associated with different patterns of acute myeloid leukaemia clinical presentation has led to the incorporation of genetic markers in clinical decision-making. In addition, the observation that these anomalies may mark therapeutic responses and relapse and survival rates have been incorporated into the World Health Organisation's recent molecular classification and stratification and the European Leukaemia Net, with the aim of creating prognostic categories that help rationalise better diagnosis, prognosis, re-evaluation of the disease and the combination of therapeutic protocols in order to increase the survival rate of these patients.

Retos y avances hacia la medicina de precisión en el mieloma múltiple / Towards precision medicine in myeloma: new evidence and challenges

Los estudios de secuenciación masiva realizados recientemente en un gran número de pacientes con mieloma múltiple han permitido profundizar el conocimiento genómico de la enfermedad. La identificación de mutaciones driver como potenciales dianas terapéuticas ofrece una oportunidad para explorar estrategias de tratamiento dirigido a nivel molecular en el mieloma. Por ello, nos encontramos a las puertas de la medicina personalizada, cuyo objetivo fundamental es administrar el tratamiento adecuado a cada paciente según las características concretas de su enfermedad. Este cambio de paradigma es prometedor, aunque a la par surgen nuevos desafíos. A lo largo de esta revisión se describirán los retos fundamentales a afrontar al aplicar la medicina personalizada en mieloma. Además se mencionarán los resultados más relevantes de estudios tanto preclínicos como clínicos con terapias dirigidas en mieloma. Finalmente, se destacará la necesidad de llevar a cabo estudios prospectivos aleatorizados con el fin de evaluar la eficacia de las nuevas terapias dirigidas, así como validar biomarcadores de respuesta que permitan seleccionar los candidatos idóneos para recibir dichos tratamientos, todo ello con el fin de mejorar la supervivencia y calidad de vida de los pacientes con mieloma.

In the last few years, next-generation sequencing studies have provided insights into the mutational landscape of multiple myeloma. The identification of actionable mutations might give a precious opportunity for exploring new targeted therapies. Thus, the implementation of promising precision medicine strategies seems to be closer than ever. Throughout this review we describe the main challenges that should to be dealt with in this new era, in order to achieve the main goal of precision medicine, namely matching patients with their right drug. In addition, we provide a review of the most significant preclinical and clinical studies supporting the implementation of precision medicine nowadays. Finally, we highlight the need of clinical trials to evaluate the security and efficacy of these targeted therapies, as well as to validate predictive biomarkers that may allow an appropriate best-candidate selection and improvement of myeloma patients' survival and quality of life.

Dynamic muscle O2 saturation response is impaired during major non-cardiac surgery despite goal-directed haemodynamic therapy.

BACKGROUND: Near-infrared spectroscopy combined with a vascular occlusion test (VOT) could indicate an impairment of microvascular reactivity (MVR) in septic patients by detecting changes in dynamic variables of muscle O2 saturation (StO2). However, in the perioperative context the consequences of surgical trauma on dynamic variables of muscle StO2 as indicators of MVR are still unknown. METHODS: This study is a sub-analysis of a randomised controlled trial in patients with metastatic primary ovarian cancer undergoing debulking surgery, during which a goal-directed haemodynamic algorithm was applied using oesophageal Doppler. During a 3 min VOT, near-infrared spectroscopy was used to assess dynamic variables arising from changes in muscle StO2. RESULTS: At the beginning of surgery, values of desaturation and recovery slope were comparable to values obtained in healthy volunteers. During the course of surgery, both desaturation and recovery slope showed a gradual decrease. Concomitantly, the study population underwent a transition to a surgically induced systemic inflammatory response state shown by a gradual increase in norepinephrine administration, heart rate, and Interleukin-6, with a peak immediately after the end of surgery. Higher rates of norepinephrine and a higher heart rate were related to a faster decline in StO2 during vascular occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Using near-infrared spectroscopy combined with a VOT during surgery showed a gradual deterioration of MVR in patients treated with optimal haemodynamic care. The deterioration of MVR was accompanied by the transition to a surgically induced systemic inflammatory response state.