Shedding Light on Chemoresistance: The Perspective of Photodynamic Therapy in Cancer Management.

The persistent failure of standard chemotherapy underscores the urgent need for innovative and targeted approaches in cancer treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising photochemistry-based approach to address chemoresistance in cancer regimens. PDT not only induces cell death but also primes surviving cells, enhancing their susceptibility to subsequent therapies. This review explores the principles of PDT and discusses the concept of photodynamic priming (PDP), which augments the effectiveness of treatments like chemotherapy. Furthermore, the integration of nanotechnology for precise drug delivery at the right time and location and PDT optimization are examined. Ultimately, this study highlights the potential and limitations of PDT and PDP in cancer treatment paradigms, offering insights into future clinical applications.

What is Next in Cancer Care? Ten Years' Predictions from Now / O Que Vem a seguir no Tratamento do Câncer? Previsões para daqui a Dez Anos / ¿Qué Sigue en la Atención del Cáncer? Las Predicciones de aquí a Diez Años

O tratamento dos pacientes com câncer sofreu inúmeros avanços, especialmente nas últimas duas décadas quando mudanças nas técnicas cirúrgicas, a modernização da radioterapia, o melhor entendimento da carcinogênese (levando ao desenvolvimento da terapia alvo e das imunoterapias), além das medidas de suporte ao tratamento e a integração da equipe multidisciplinar trouxeram ganhos substanciais nos desfechos oncológicos e melhor qualidade de vida. Neste editorial, avanços esperados no cuidado ao câncer para a próxima década são listados.

Inibidores BTK e BCL-2 no Tratamento de Primeira Linha da Leucemia Linfocítica Crônica em Pacientes de Alto Risco: Revisão Sistemática e Meta-Análise em Rede / BTK and BCL-2 Inhibitors in the First-Line Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in High-Risk Patients: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis / Inhibidores de BTK Y BCL-2 en el Tratamiento de Primera Línea de la Leucemia Linfocítica Crónica en Pacientes de Alto Riesgo: Revisión Sistemática y un Metaanálisis en Red

Introdução: Pacientes com leucemia linfocítica crônica (LLC) com alto risco têm menores taxas de resposta, curso clínico mais agressivo e resistência à quimioterapia padrão, representando um desafio para o tratamento. Os inibidores da tirosina quinase de Bruton (BTK ­ ibrutinibe e acalabrutinibe) e o inibidor BCL-2 (venetoclax) podem ser utilizados nesses casos. Objetivo: Identificar e avaliar a eficácia e a segurança do uso de ibrutinibe, acalabrutinibe e venetoclax no tratamento de primeira linha em pacientes com LLC de alto risco. Método: Revisão sistemática de ensaios clínicos randomizados que avaliaram pacientes adultos com LLC, portadores de deleção 17p ou mutação TP53 e sem tratamento prévio. Foram pesquisadas as bases PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS e Cochrane Library, e realizadas avaliação do risco de viés pela ferramenta RoB 2 da Cochrane e avaliação da qualidade da evidência pelo GRADE. Resultados: Na meta-análise em rede para sobrevida livre de progressão (SLP), venetoclax + obinutuzumabe (RR: 0,62; IC 95% 0,41-0,95; p = 0,027) e acalabrutinibe + obinutuzumabe (RR: 0,74; IC 95% 0,55-0,99; p = 0,043) apresentaram menor risco de progressão ou óbito, com significância considerada limítrofe. Ibrutinibe + obinutuzumabe (RR: 0,93; IC 95% 0,86-1,00; p = 0,054) não apresentou diferença significativa na SLP para pacientes com LLC de alto risco. Conclusão: O tratamento de primeira linha com inibidores de BTK (ibrutinibe e acalabrutinibe) e o inibidor BCL-2 (venetoclax), associados a agentes monoclonais anti-CD20 ­ especialmente o obinutuzumabe ­, tem sido proposto como padrão para a maioria dos pacientes com LLC. Entretanto, pelos resultados desta revisão com meta-análise em rede, não foi possível confirmar essa recomendação.

Introduction: Patients with high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have lower response rates, a more aggressive clinical course, and resistance to standard chemotherapy, representing a treatment challenge. Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTK ­ ibrutinib and acalabrutinib) and the BCL-2 inhibitor (venetoclax) can be used in these cases. Objective: To identify and evaluate studies on the efficacy and safety of the use of ibrutinib, acalabrutinib and venetoclax in first-line treatment in patients with high-risk CLL. Method:Systematic review of randomized clinical trials that evaluated adult patients with CLL, carriers of 17p deletion or TP53 mutation and without prior treatment. The PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS and Cochrane Library databases were searched, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool and the quality of evidence was assessed with GRADE. Results: In the network meta-analysis for progression-free survival (PFS) venetoclax + obinutuzumab (RR: 0.62; 95%CI 0.41-0.95; p value 0.027) and acalabrutinib + obinutuzumab (RR: 0. 74; 95% CI 0.55-0.99; p value 0.043) presented a lower risk of progression or death, with significance considered borderline. Ibrutinib + obinutuzumab (RR: 0.93; 95% CI 0.86-1.00; p value 0.054) did not show a significant difference in PFS for patients with high-risk CLL. Conclusion: First-line treatment with BTK inhibitors (ibrutinib and acalabrutinib) and the BCL-2 inhibitor (venetoclax) associated with anti-CD20 monoclonal agents ­ especially obinutuzumab ­ have been proposed as the standard for most patients with CLL. However, based on the results of this review with network meta-analysis, it was not possible to confirm this recommendation.

Introducción: Los pacientes con leucemia linfocítica crónica (LLC) de alto riesgo tienen tasas de respuesta más bajas, un curso clínico más agresivo y resistencia a la quimioterapia estándar, lo que representa un desafío para el tratamiento. En estos casos se pueden utilizar los inhibidores de la tirosina quinasa de Bruton (BTK - ibrutinib y acalabrutinib) y el inhibidor de BCL-2 (venetoclax). Objetivo:Identificar y evaluar estudios sobre la eficacia y seguridad del uso de ibrutinib, acalabrutinib y venetoclax en el tratamiento de primera línea en pacientes con LLC de alto riesgo. Método: Revisión sistemática de ensayos clínicos aleatorios que evaluaron pacientes adultos con LLC, portadores de deleción 17p o mutación TP53 y sin tratamiento previo. Se realizaron búsquedas en las bases de datos PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS y Cochrane Library y se evaluó el riesgo de sesgo mediante la herramienta Cochrane RoB 2 y la calidad de la evidencia se evaluó mediante GRADE. Resultados: En el metaanálisis en red para la supervivencia libre de progresión (SSP) venetoclax + obinutuzumab (RR: 0,62; IC 95% 0,41-0,95; valor de p 0,027) y acalabrutinib + obinutuzumab (RR: 0,74; IC 95%). 0,55-0,99; valor de p 0,043) presentaron un menor riesgo de progresión o muerte, con una significación considerada límite. Ibrutinib + obinutuzumab (RR: 0,93; IC del 95 %: 0,86-1,00; valor de p 0,054) no mostró una diferencia significativa en la SSP para pacientes con LLC de alto riesgo. Conclusión: El tratamiento de primera línea con inhibidores de BTK (ibrutinib y acalabrutinib) y el inhibidor de BCL-2 (venetoclax), asociados con agentes monoclonales anti-CD20, especialmente obinutuzumab, se ha propuesto como estándar para la mayoría de los pacientes con LLC. Sin embargo, según los resultados de esta revisión con metaanálisis en red, no fue posible confirmar esta recomendación

Impact of histamine-2 antagonist shortage on the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel: a reconsideration of premedication protocols in France (PACLIREACT Study).

PURPOSE: An international shortage of ranitidine led to adjustments in premedication regimens for paclitaxel-based chemotherapy in early October 2019. In this study, we implemented and evaluated an anti-allergic protocol without histamine-2 antagonists (H2As) and aimed to assess the risk of hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to the different premedication regimens used. METHODS: We conducted a single-center observational retrospective study of paclitaxel administrations (7173 administrations in 831 patients). Between January 2019 and December 2020, all allergies reported were recorded. A mixed logistic regression model was implemented to predict the risk of allergy at each injection and to account for repeated administration per patient. RESULTS: A total of 27 HSRs occurred in 24 patients. No protective effect was observed for H2A when comparing paclitaxel injections with H2A premedication versus without H2A (OR = 1.12, p = 0.84). There was also no significant difference in risk of HSR for famotidine versus ranitidine (OR = 0.79, p = 0.78). However, the risk of HSRs was significantly lower for paclitaxel injections with corticosteroids than for those without (OR = 0.08, p = 0.03). In addition, the risk of HSR was significantly higher for the first, second, or third paclitaxel injections than for the subsequent injections (OR = 10.1, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We did not find substantial evidence of an increased risk of HSR due to the absence of H2A in the premedication protocols for paclitaxel. Thus, in contrary to the existing literature on paclitaxel, our findings support the use of a premedication protocol without H2A.

Recommendations of the Spanish brachytherapy group of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology and the Spanish Society of Medical Physics for interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy for gynaecologic malignancies

The present document includes consensus-based recommendations from the Brachytherapy Group (GEB) of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR) and the Spanish Society of Medical Physics (SEFM) for interstitial high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) for gynaecologic malignancies. A nine-item survey—which included questions on experience with interstitial BT; indications and technique; applicator type; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based planning; dose; fractionation schedule; and treatment planning—was sent to all radiation oncology departments (n = 174) in Spain in 2021. Responses were received from 36 centres (50% of all centres [n = 72] with a BT unit). The consensus-based recommendations presented here are based on a review of the available literature, professional experience among the group of experts, and in-person discussions held during the annual meeting of these two societies. We describe the results of the survey and the following: indications; contraindications; patient selection; description of applicators; role of imaging in planning; contouring; dose prescription; dosimetric reconstruction; optimisation; and dose indications for cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. The various clinical scenarios in which interstitial BT is used in the treatment of gynaecological tumours are described in detail, including cervix intracavitary/interstitial hybrid HDR-BT; cervix perineal templates/freehand implants; primary vaginal malignancies/vaginal recurrences; and vulvar interstitial implants (AU)

OPAS pede ampliação do acesso ao tratamento do câncer para salvar vidas

No Dia Mundial contra o Câncer, neste 4 de fevereiro, a Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS) pediu a ampliação dos serviços de tratamento e prevenção do câncer para reduzir novos casos da doença. Se nenhuma ação for tomada, os casos podem aumentar em quase 60% até 2040.

PIONEER-Panc: a platform trial for phase II randomized investigations of new and emerging therapies for localized pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Personalized and effective treatments for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continue to remain elusive. Novel clinical trial designs that enable continual and rapid evaluation of novel therapeutics are needed. Here, we describe a platform clinical trial to address this unmet need. METHODS: This is a phase II study using a Bayesian platform design to evaluate multiple experimental arms against a control arm in patients with PDAC. We first separate patients into three clinical stage groups of localized PDAC (resectable, borderline resectable, and locally advanced disease), and further divide each stage group based on treatment history (treatment naïve or previously treated). The clinical stage and treatment history therefore define 6 different cohorts, and each cohort has one control arm but may have one or more experimental arms running simultaneously. Within each cohort, adaptive randomization rules are applied and patients will be randomized to either an experimental arm or the control arm accordingly. The experimental arm(s) of each cohort are only compared to the applicable cohort specific control arm. Experimental arms may be added independently to one or more cohorts during the study. Multiple correlative studies for tissue, blood, and imaging are also incorporated. DISCUSSION: To date, PDAC has been treated as a single disease, despite knowledge that there is substantial heterogeneity in disease presentation and biology. It is recognized that the current approach of single arm phase II trials and traditional phase III randomized studies are not well-suited for more personalized treatment strategies in PDAC. The PIONEER Panc platform clinical trial is designed to overcome these challenges and help advance our treatment strategies for this deadly disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of MD Anderson Cancer Center, IRB-approved protocol 2020-0075. The PIONEER trial is registered at the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) NCT04481204 .

Differential chemotherapeutic regimen cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer stem cells: a preliminary in vitro study / Citotoxicidad diferencial según el régimen de quimioterapia contra las células madre del cáncer de páncreas: estudio preliminar in vitro

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer treatment in advanced stages is based on different chemotherapy regimens. Cancer stem cells are responsible for tumor chemoresistance and recurrence in adjuvant and metastatic settings. The objective of this article was to evaluate how these chemotherapeutic regimens affect the proportion of cancer stem cells and the expression of stemness markers. Method: We used the pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line PANC-1 as a model to apply different chemotherapeutic protocols (monotherapy and combined therapy) using 5-Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, Irinotecan, Gemcitabine and Abraxane. Results: After analyzing different tumor stem cell markers (SOX2, OCT4, CD133, CD44 and CD24) in pancreatic cancer cells treated with different chemotherapeutic protocols by means of RT-qPCR, Oxaliplatin and Gemcitabine in monotherapy were the chemotherapies that selected the most cancer stem cells while the FOLFIRI protocol decreased them. Conclusions: Regarding the selection of markers, it has been much higher in the case of Gemcitabine alone. In conclusion, these findings could improve and personalize pancreatic cancer therapy. (AU)

Introducción: El tratamiento del cáncer de páncreas en estadios avanzados se basa en diferentes regímenes de quimioterapia. Las células madre cancerosas son responsables de la quimiorresistencia tumoral y la recurrencia tras tratamientos en etapa adyuvante y metastásica. El objetivo de este artículo fue evaluar cómo estos regímenes quimioterapéuticos afectan a la proporción de células madre cancerosas y la expresión de sus marcadores. Método: Utilizamos la línea celular de adenocarcinoma pancreático PANC-1 como modelo para aplicar diferentes protocolos quimioterapéuticos (monoterapia y terapia combinada) utilizando 5-Fluorouracilo, Oxaliplatino, Irinotecán, Gemcitabina y Abraxane. Resultados: Tras analizar mediante RT-qPCR diferentes marcadores de células madre tumorales (SOX2, OCT4, CD133, CD44 y CD24) en células de cáncer de páncreas tratadas con diferentes protocolos quimioterapéuticos, el Oxaliplatino y la Gemcitabina en monoterapia fueron los quimioterápicos que seleccionaron en mayor medida las células madre cancerosas mientras que el protocolo FOLFIRI las disminuyó. Conclusiones: En cuanto a la selección de marcadores, ha sido mucho mayor en el caso de Gemcitabina en monoterapia. En conclusión, estos hallazgos podrían mejorar y personalizar la terapia del cáncer de páncreas. (AU)

Boas Práticas na Administração do Rituximab: Revisão Integrativa da Literatura / Good practices in Rituximab Administration: Integrative Literature Review / Buenas Prácticas en la Administración de Rituximab: Revisión Integradora de la Literatura

Introdução: O rituximab é um anticorpo monoclonal quimérico camundongo/humano, amplamente utilizado no cenário terapêutico de vários diagnósticos. Por apresentar diferentes protocolos de administração, manejo e efeitos adversos, seu uso requer atenção da equipe de saúde. Objetivo: Descrever os protocolos infusionais do rituximab na primeira infusão, nas subsequentes e na dessensibilização, e caracterizar a sua segurança. Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura. A busca pelos periódicos foi realizada nas bases de dados e bibliotecas eletrônicas: LILACS, PubMed, MEDLINE, SciELO e BDEnf. Resultados: O cruzamento dos descritores proporcionou a identificação de 413 artigos. Destes, 113 foram lidos na íntegra e, ao final, 16 artigos foram aplicáveis ao desenho do estudo. Os artigos foram publicados entre os anos de 2016 e 2020, com predomínio da língua inglesa (87,5%). Quanto às principais formas de administração do medicamento, nove estudos abordaram a infusão por via intravenosa (em variadas modalidades de tempo) e sete por via subcutânea. Conclusão: De acordo com a literatura científica, todas as modalidades de infusão intravenosa e subcutânea demostram ser seguras e eficazes se os protocolos forem adequadamente indicados e corretamente aplicados

Introduction: Rituximab is a mouse/human chimeric monoclonal antibody, widely used in the therapeutic setting of various diagnoses, due to its different administration, management and adverse effects protocols; its use requires attention by the healthcare team. Objective: Describe the infusion protocols for rituximab in the first, subsequent and desensitization infusions, and characterize their safety. Method: Integrative literature review. The search was performed in databases and electronic libraries: LILACS, PubMed, MEDLINE, SciELO and BDEnf. Results: In all, 413 articles were eligible after crossing the descriptors. Of these, 113 were read in full and eventually, 16 articles matched the study design. The articles were published from 2016 to 2020, predominantly in English (87.5%). Concerning the main routes of administration in the studies included, nine addressed the intravenous infusion (in different modalities of time) and seven, subcutaneously. Conclusion: According to the scientific literature, all intravenous and subcutaneous infusion modalities are shown to be safe and effective if the protocols are correctly selected and applied

Introducción: Rituximab es un anticuerpo monoclonal quimérico de ratón/humano, ampliamente utilizado em el ámbito terapéutico de diversos diagnósticos. Debido a sus diferentes protocolos de administración, manejo y efectos adversos, su uso requiere la atención del equipo de salud. Objetivo: Describirlos protocolos de infusión de rituximab em la primera, subsiguiente y desensibilización, y caracterizar su seguridad. Método: Es una revisión integradora de la literatura. La búsqueda de revistas se realizó en bases de datos y bibliotecas electrónicas: LILACS, PubMed, MEDLINE, SciELO y BDEnf. Resultados: Cruzar los descriptores proporciono la elegibilidad de 413 artículos. De estos, 113 fueron leí dos íntegramente y al final, 16 artículos fueron aplicables al diseño del estudio. Los artículos fueron publicados entre 2016 y 2020, con predominio del inglés (87,5%). En cuanto a las principales formas de administración del fármaco, entre los estudios incluidos, nueve abordaron la infusión intravenosa (en diferentes modalidades de tiempo) y siete la vía subcutánea. Conclusión: Según la literatura científica, todas las modalidades de infusión intravenosa y subcutánea se muestran seguras y efectivas si los protocolos están debidamente indicados y correctamente aplicados

Marcadores imuno-histoquímicos de prognóstico para carcinoma de células escamosas em pacientes adultos jovens: revisão sistemática / Prognostic immunohistochemical biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma in young adults: a systematic review

Antecedentes: o carcinoma de células escamosas de boca (CCEB) é a neoplasia maligna mais frequente na região de cabeça e pescoço. Ao longo dos últimos anos, observou-se um aumento da incidência dessa neoplasia em pacientes jovens (≤40 anos), com controvérsias a respeito do prognóstico em relação aos pacientes com mais de 40 anos. Tradicionalmente, para se estabelecer o prognóstico dessas lesões, são correlacionados dados clínicos e histopatológicos, além do crescente uso de biomarcadores da carcinogênese pelo método da imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) que possuem relação com características biológicas das neoplasias e podem predizer o seu prognóstico. Objetivo: avaliar, por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, marcadores de IHQ para determinar o prognóstico em adultos jovens portadores de CCEB em boca. Fontes de dados: Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Lilacs e Proquest. Métodos de avaliação: a busca por Estudos retrospectivos, longitudinais, de coorte e casos controle totalizou 11.798 artigos. Após a remoção de duplicatas, seleção por títulos e resumos, contatos com autores e seleção por meio das referências, houve, como resultado, quatro artigos que foram selecionados, buscando-se apenas os que apresentavam estratificação por idade dividida em dois grupos, com jovens ≤40 anos e grupo controle >40 anos, selecionando-se apenas CCEB em boca, restrito às línguas inglesa, portuguesa e espanhola. Resultados: Foram encontrados resultados positivos para a utilização das proteínas RECK, Ciclina D1, EGFR, ALDH1A1 e CYP1B para se determinar prognóstico do CCEB em pacientes jovens. Entretanto não foi possível considerar nenhum desses marcadores de IHQ como um fator prognóstico independente. A maior limitação desse estudo foi encontrar trabalhos com padronização de idade, divisão por grupos e registro dos desfechos, correlacionando com a expressão dessas proteínas em IHQ, sendo necessários mais estudos primários que busquem atender essa demanda, para que seja possível descobrir a real aplicabilidade desses biomarcadores e se eles podem servir como referência para se estabelecerem planos de tratamento mais precisos. Conclusão: não foi possível encontrar biomarcadores de IHQ que possam predizer com segurança o prognóstico do CCEB em pacientes jovens. Porém, verificou-se que a hipoexpressão de RECK e a hiperxpressão de Ciclina D1, ALDH1A1 e Cerb-2 estão correlacionadas com as menores taxas de SLD em pacientes jovens, sendo promissora e necessária a iniciativa de se aprofundarem os estudos de base por meio de medotologias padronizadas para validar se a IHQ pode ser uma ferramenta útil para se estabelecer o prognóstico do CCEB em pacientes adultos jovens (AU)

Background: oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent malignant neoplasm in head and neck region. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the incidence of this neoplasm in young patients (≤ 40 years), with controversies regarding the prognostic between them and the patients over 40 years old. Traditionally, to establish the prognosis, there are several clinical and histopathological factors, and more recently, we have the increase of the biomarkers use by immunohistochemistry (IHC). That are related to the biological characteristics of neoplasms and can predict their prognosis. Objective: evaluate through a systematic review of the literature if ther any biomarkers for IHC that can determine the prognosis in young dults with OSCC in the mouth. Data sources: Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Lilacs and Proquest. Evaluation methods: retrospective papers, longitudinal, cohort and case-control studies totaled 11798 articles. After removing duplicates, sorting by title and abstracts, contacting authors, and selecting through references a total of 4 articles were considered elegible for data extraction, only when patients were stratified by age into 2 groups, with young people ≤40 years old and a control group >40 years old, restricted to OSCC, restricted to English, Portuguese and Spanish languages. Results: Positive results were found in RECK, Cyclin D1, EGFR, ALDH1A1 and CYP1B use to determine the prediction of OSCC in young patients. However, none of them were considered an independent factor of prognosis. The biggest limitation of this study was e lack of studies with an appropriate stratification method with division by age groups and correlating with protein expression. More primary studies are needed to solve this demand, in order to discover the applicability of these markers as a safe way to establish more accurate treatment. Conclusion: It was not possible to find IHC biomarkers that can reliably predict the prognosis of SCC in young patients. However, it was found that the underexpression of RECK and the overexpression of Cyclin D1, ALDH1A1 and Cerb-2 are correlated with lower rates of DFS in young patients. The initiative to deepen the baseline studies through standardized methodologies is promising and necessary to validate whether the IHC may be a useful tool to establish the prognosis of OSCC in young adult patients (AU)

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed by resection/ablation in stage IV rectal cancer patients with potentially resectable metastases.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of stage IV rectal cancer remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the treatment outcomes and toxicity of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed by local treatment of all tumor sites and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy in stage IV rectal cancer patients with potentially resectable metastases. METHODS: Adult patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma with potentially resectable metastases, who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy from July 2013 and September 2019 at Sun Yat-sen University cancer center, were included. Completion of the whole treatment schedule, pathological response, treatment-related toxicity and survival were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 228 patients were analyzed with a median follow-up of 33 (range 3.3 to 93.4) months. Eventually, 112 (49.1%) patients finished the whole treatment schedule, of which complete response of all tumor sites and pathological downstaging of the rectal tumor were observed in three (2.7%) and 90 (80.4%) patients. The three-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of all patients were 56.6% (50.2 to 63.9%) and 38.6% (95% CI 32.5 to 45.8%), respectively. For patients who finished the treatment schedule, 3-year OS (74.4% vs 39.2%, P < 0.001) and 3-year PFS (45.5% vs 30.5%, P = 0.004) were significantly improved compared those who did not finish the treatment. Grade 3-4 chem-radiotherapy treatment toxicities were observed in 51 (22.4%) of all patients and surgical complications occurred in 22 (9.6%) of 142 patients who underwent surgery, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed by resection/ablation and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy offered chances of long-term survival with tolerable toxicities for selected patients with potentially resectable stage IV rectal cancer, and could be considered as an option in clinical practice.

Risk Analysis of Denosumab-Induced Hypocalcemia in Bone Metastasis Treatment: Renal Dysfunction Is Not a Risk Factor for Its Incidence in a Strict Denosumab Administration Management System with Calcium/Vitamin D Supplementation.

We have reported that a strict denosumab administration management system with oral calcium/vitamin D supplementation attenuates denosumab-induced hypocalcemia in 158 cancer patients with bone metastasis. In this report, 27.8% of the patients experienced hypocalcemia, including 0.6% with grade 2. So far, the risk factors for ≥grade 2 hypocalcemia incidence have been identified in denosumab-treated cancer patients, including patients without calcium/vitamin D supplementation. Therefore, the present study aimed to reveal the factors that affect all-grade hypocalcemia incidence with calcium/vitamin D supplementation and team medical care according to the management system. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that the cutoff of baseline serum calcium level for all-grade hypocalcemia incidence was 9.3 mg/dL. Multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥65 years (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 2.57, 1.11-5.95, p = 0.03), grade 1 or higher serum alkaline phosphatase elevation (3.70, 1.71-8.00, p < 0.01), an adjusted serum calcium level of less than 9.3 mg/dL (3.21. 1.25-8.24, p = 0.02) at baseline, and co-administration of cytotoxic agents (2.33, 1.06-7.11, p = 0.03) are risk factors for the incidence of all-grade hypocalcemia. However, renal dysfunction, which has been suggested to be a risk factor in previous reports, was not a factor. In conclusion, we revealed the risk factors for all-grade hypocalcemia in calcium/vitamin D supplementation and awareness, as demonstrated by the management system. Moreover, renal dysfunction was not a risk factor in our strict denosumab administration management system. Our results support the value of early detection of hypocalcemia incidence to guide the selection of an appropriate management strategy.

Caracterización clínica y terapéutica del cáncer de mama, en mujeres mayores, atendidas en un centro oncológico de Medellín ­ Colombia / Clinical and therapeutic characterization of breast cancer, in older women, attended in a cancer center in Medellin ­ Colombia

Introducción: El cáncer de mama es el cáncer más frecuente en las mujeres colombianas y más de la mitad de la incidencia la aportan las adultas mayores de 60 años. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar clínicamente a un grupo de pacientes ≥ 65 años, con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama primario. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo de 188 pacientes con edad ≥ 65 años, con cáncer de mama primario, atendidas en la Fundación Colombiana de Cancerología ­ Clínica Vida, entre enero de 2017 y diciembre de 2018. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de datos sociodemográficos, comorbilidades, características de la enfermedad y tratamiento. Resultados: La población estudiada (188) presentó una edad promedio de 73 años y en el 79.8% de ellas se reportó al menos una comorbilidad. El 76.6% tuvo enfermedad con receptor hormonal positivo. El manejo primario con cirugía se hizo en el 58.5% de las pacientes, y la mayoría fueron procedimientos conservadores de la mama (70.9%). Conclusión: Las mujeres adultas mayores tienen características del cáncer de mama que pueden diferir de las pacientes jóvenes e influir en el tratamiento que se ofrece, impactando en su pronóstico oncológico, en el pronóstico de sus comorbilidades y en la calidad de vida.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in Colombian women and more than half of the incidence is contributed by adults over 60 years of age. The objective of this study was to clinically characterize a group of patients ≥ 65 years of age, diagnosed with primary breast cancer. Methodology: Descriptive study of 188 patients aged ≥ 65 years, with primary breast cancer, treated at the Colombian Cancer Foundation - Clínica Vida, between January 2017 and December 2018. A descriptive analysis of sociodemographic data, comorbidities, characteristics of the disease and treatment. Results: The studied population (188) had an average age of 73 years and in 79.8% of them at least one comorbidity was reported. 76.6% had hormone receptor positive disease. The primary manage-ment with surgery was done in 58.5% of the patients, and the majority were breast-conserving proce-dures (70.9%). Conclusion: Older women have characteristics of breast cancer that may differ from young pa-tients. This may influence the treatment offered, impacting on their oncological prognosis, on the prognosis of their comorbidities and on the quality of life.

Major breakthroughs in lung cancer adjuvant treatment: Looking beyond the horizon.

We are witnessing a silent revolution in the treatment of early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with a series of practice-changing clinical trials enriching the therapeutic perspectives of lung cancer patients with potentially curable disease. The ADAURA study marked the advent of precision medicine and biomarker testing to the early stages setting. The IMPower-010 trial interrupted the negative trend of adjuvant lung cancer immunotherapy, paving the way to the application of immune-checkpoint inhibition in the resected disease. The ITACA trial definitively established no role for tailored adjuvant chemotherapy in NSCLC, while the Lung Art data questioned the efficacy of post-operative radiotherapy for pN2 resected disease. Growing evidence is supporting MRD as effective adjuvant prognostic biomarker to stratify disease's recurrence risk after radical interventions and select best candidates to the adjuvant strategies. This work summarizes the recent major breakthroughs in lung cancer adjuvant treatment, and provides a snapshot of the current real-world scenario, discussing the upcoming challenges and opportunities featuring the clinical management of early stage NSCLC patients.

An Open Question: Is Non-Ionizing Radiation a Tool for Controlling Apoptosis-Induced Proliferation?

Non-ionizing radiation is commonly used in the clinical setting, despite its known ability to trigger oxidative stress and apoptosis, which can lead to damage and cell death. Although induction of cell death is typically considered harmful, apoptosis can also be beneficial in the right context. For example, cell death can serve as the signal for new tissue growth, such as in apoptosis-induced proliferation. Recent data has shown that exposure to non-ionizing radiation (such as weak static magnetic fields, weak radiofrequency magnetic fields, and weak electromagnetic fields) is able to modulate proliferation, both in cell culture and in living organisms (for example during tissue regeneration). This occurs via in vivo changes in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are canonical activators of apoptosis. This review will describe the literature that highlights the tantalizing possibility that non-ionizing radiation could be used to manipulate apoptosis-induced proliferation to either promote growth (for regenerative medicine) or inhibit it (for cancer therapies). However, as uncontrolled growth can lead to tumorigenesis, much more research into this exciting and developing area is needed in order to realize its promise.

A systematic review of phase II trials exploring anti-PD-1/PD-L1 combinations in patients with solid tumors.

BACKGROUND: A high number of combinations of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with other anti-cancer therapies are in clinical development. The usefulness of phase II trials in evaluating their efficacy and safety is unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic search on PubMed and Cochrane Library for phase II trials of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in combination with other anti-cancer therapies (systemic therapy and/or radiotherapy) published between January 1st 2018 and December 31st 2020. Study design, primary endpoint and main outcomes were registered for each paper. RESULTS: 119 articles reporting on 65 regimens were included in our analysis. Backbone agents were more frequently PD-1 inhibitors (pembrolizumab = 47, nivolumab = 41, camrelizumab = 3) followed by anti-PD-L1 (durvalumab = 19, atezolizumab = 6, avelumab = 3). Therapeutic partners were other immunotherapeutic agents (n = 46), targeted therapies (n = 40), chemotherapy (n = 22) or radiotherapy (n = 11). The majority of articles reported on single-arm trials (n = 87, 73%) and response rate was the most frequent primary endpoint (n = 69, 58%). Objective responses, registered in 109 (92%) articles, ranged between 0% and 91%. The incidence of grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events, clearly reported in 97 (82%) articles, spanned from 0 to 100%. Five combinations received regulatory approval by Food and Drug Administration or European Medicine Agency for 9 different indications, based on the results of a phase II trial (n = 3) or on a confirmatory phase III trial (n = 6). CONCLUSIONS: The landscape of phase II trials evaluating PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with other anticancer therapies is heterogeneous. Combinations of two immunotherapeutic agents have been the most investigated. Only a minority of indications (8%) granted regulatory approval.

De-escalation of axillary irradiation for early breast cancer - Has the time come?

Introduction of sentinel lymph node biopsy, initially in clinically node-negative and subsequently in patients presenting with involved axilla and downstaged by primary systemic therapy, allowed for significant decrease in morbidity compared to axillary lymph node dissection. Concurrently, regional nodal irradiation was demonstrated to improve outcomes in most node-positive patients. Additionally, over the last decades, introduction of more effective systemic therapies has resulted in improvements not only at distant sites, but also in locoregional control, creating space for de-escalation of locoregional treatments. We discuss the data on de-escalation in axillary surgery and irradiation, both in patients undergoing upfront surgery and primary systemic therapy, with special emphasis on the feasibility of omission of nodal irradiation in patients undergoing primary systemic therapy. In view of the accumulating evidence, omission of axillary irradiation may be considered in clinically node-positive patients converting after primary systemic therapy to pathologically negative nodes on sentinel lymph node biopsy (preferably also with in-breast pCR), presenting with lower initial nodal stage, older age and were treated with breast-conserving surgery followed by whole breast irradiation. Omission of regional nodal irradiation in patients with aggressive tumor phenotypes achieving a pCR is under investigation. In patients undergoing preoperative endocrine therapy the adoption of axillary management strategies utilized in case of upfront surgery seems more suitable than those used in post chemotherapy-based primary systemic therapy setting.

In-vitro and in-vivo investigation of amygdalin, metformin, and combination of both against doxorubicin on hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a potentially life-threatening cancer. In the current study, anti-HCC efficacy of amygdalin, or metformin alone or in combination in comparison to doxorubicin was studied. MAIN METHODS: Both in-vitro and in-vivo based models. HepG-2 and Huh-7 cell lines as established in-vitro model for HCC were treated with different concentrations of indicated drugs to evaluate the cytotoxicity and determine IC50 for 24, 48 and 72 h. Moreover, the effect of different treatments on apoptosis and cell cycle using flow cytometric analysis were studied. Hepatocellular carcinoma induced in rats by diethyl-nitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride was established, to further investigate the efficacy of indicated drugs. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were measured by spectrophotometer, alpha-fetoprotein, cytochrome-c, caspase-3 and malondialdehyde were measured by ELISA, and liver biopsies were also evaluated histopathologically. KEY FINDINGS: In-vitro results showed that the combination has a promising effect when compared to amygdalin or metformin alone as it is more cytotoxic and have higher ability for induction of apoptosis and arresting cell cycle. In-vivo doxorubicin has a good effect for treating HCC. Also, the combination showed a promising prognostic effect depending on the cytotoxic activity and tumor marker when compared to amygdalin or metformin alone. SIGNIFICANCE: Based on the current data, it was hypothesized that amygdalin and metformin especially when used in combination will be a promising approach with low side effects for enhancement of HCC.

Demographic Factors Associated With Non-Guideline-Based Treatment of Kidney Cancer in the United States.

Importance: Significant demographic disparities have been found to exist in the delivery of health care. Demographic factors associated with clinical decision-making in kidney cancer have not been thoroughly studied. Objective: To determine whether demographic factors, including sex and race/ethnicity, are associated with receipt of non-guideline-based treatment for kidney cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the National Cancer Database for the years 2010 through 2017. Included patients were individuals aged 30 to 70 years with localized (ie, cT1-2, N0, M0) kidney cancer and no major medical comorbidities (ie, Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Index score of 0 or 1) treated at Commission on Cancer-accredited health care institutions in the United States. Data were analyzed from November 2020 through March 2021. Exposures: Demographic factors, including sex, race/ethnicity, and insurance status. Main Outcomes and Measures: Receipt of non-guideline-based treatment (undertreatment or overtreatment) for kidney cancer, as defined by accepted clinical guidelines, was determined. Results: Among 158 445 patients treated for localized kidney cancer, 99 563 (62.8%) were men, 120 001 individuals (75.7%) were White, and 91 218 individuals (57.6%) had private insurance. The median (interquartile range) age was 58 (50-64) years. Of the study population, 48 544 individuals (30.6%) received non-guideline-based treatment. Female sex was associated with lower adjusted odds of undertreatment (odds ratio [OR], 0.82; 95% CI, 0.77-0.88; P < .001) and higher adjusted odds of overtreatment (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.24-1.30; P < .001) compared with male sex. Compared with White patients, Black and Hispanic patients had higher adjusted odds of undertreatment (Black patients: OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.29-1.55; P < .001; Hispanic patients: OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.06-1.36; P = .004) and overtreatment (Black patients: OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05-1.13; P < .001; Hispanic patients: OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.11, P = .01). Individuals who were uninsured, compared with those who had insurance, had statistically significantly higher adjusted odds of undertreatment (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 2.29-3.01; P < .001) and lower adjusted odds of overtreatment (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.67-0.77; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that there were significant disparities in treatment decision-making for patients with kidney cancer, with increased rates of non-guideline-based treatment for women and Black and Hispanic patients. These findings suggest that further research into the mechanisms underlying these disparities is warranted and that clinical and policy decision-making should take these disparities into account.

Biology of primary breast cancer in older women beyond routine biomarkers.

PURPOSE: There are numerous biomarkers which may have potential predictive and prognostic significance in breast cancer. This is extremely important in older adults, who may opt for less aggressive therapy. This work outlines the literature on biological assessment outside of standard biomarkers (defined as ER, PgR, HER2, Ki67) in women ≥ 65 years with primary operable invasive breast cancer, to determine which additional biomarkers are relevant to outcome in older women. METHODS: Medline and Embase databases were searched. Studies were eligible if included ≥ 50 patients aged ≥ 65 years; stratified results by age; measured a biomarker outside of standard assay and reported patient data. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies were appraised involving 5000 patients, measuring 28 biomarkers. The studies were extremely varied in methodology and outcome but three themes emerged: 1. Differences in biomarker expression between younger and older women, indicating that breast cancer in older women is generally less aggressive compared to younger women; 2. Relationship of biomarker expression with survival, suggesting biomarkers which may exclusively predict response to primary treatment in older women; 3. Association of biomarker with chemotherapy, suggesting that older patients should not be declined chemotherapy based on age alone. CONCLUSION: There is evidence to support further investigation of B-cell lymphoma (BCL2), liver kinase (LK)B1, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cytoplasmic cyclin-E, mucin (MUC)1 and cytokeratins (CKs) as potential predictive or prognostic markers in older women with breast cancer undergoing surgery. Studies exploring these biomarkers in larger cohorts and in women undergoing non-operative therapies are required.