Quantification and reduction of cross-vendor variation in multicenter DWI MR imaging: results of the Cancer Core Europe imaging task force.

OBJECTIVES: In the Cancer Core Europe Consortium (CCE), standardized biomarkers are required for therapy monitoring oncologic multicenter clinical trials. Multiparametric functional MRI and particularly diffusion-weighted MRI offer evident advantages for noninvasive characterization of tumor viability compared to CT and RECIST. A quantification of the inter- and intraindividual variation occurring in this setting using different hardware is missing. In this study, the MRI protocol including DWI was standardized and the residual variability of measurement parameters quantified. METHODS: Phantom and volunteer measurements (single-shot T2w and DW-EPI) were performed at the seven CCE sites using the MR hardware produced by three different vendors. Repeated measurements were performed at the sites and across the sites including a traveling volunteer, comparing qualitative and quantitative ROI-based results including an explorative radiomics analysis. RESULTS: For DWI/ADC phantom measurements using a central post-processing algorithm, the maximum deviation could be decreased to 2%. However, there is no significant difference compared to a decentralized ADC value calculation at the respective MRI devices. In volunteers, the measurement variation in 2 repeated scans did not exceed 11% for ADC and is below 20% for single-shot T2w in systematic liver ROIs. The measurement variation between sites amounted to 20% for ADC and < 25% for single-shot T2w. Explorative radiomics classification experiments yield better results for ADC than for single-shot T2w. CONCLUSION: Harmonization of MR acquisition and post-processing parameters results in acceptable standard deviations for MR/DW imaging. MRI could be the tool in oncologic multicenter trials to overcome the limitations of RECIST-based response evaluation. KEY POINTS: • Harmonizing acquisition parameters and post-processing homogenization, standardized protocols result in acceptable standard deviations for multicenter MR-DWI studies. • Total measurement variation does not to exceed 11% for ADC in repeated measurements in repeated MR acquisitions, and below 20% for an identical volunteer travelling between sites. • Radiomic classification experiments were able to identify stable features allowing for reliable discrimination of different physiological tissue samples, even when using heterogeneous imaging data.

Development of a prognostic score to predict response to Yttrium-90 radioembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolization (TARE) has shown promising efficacy in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), associated with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). The aim of this study is to identify prognostic factors for survival in patients with HCC and PVTT undergoing TARE, and build a prognostic classification for these patients. METHODS: This is a single center retrospective study conducted over six years (2010-2015), on consecutive patients undergoing TARE. Patients were included if they met the following criteria: presence of at least one measurable HCC, presence of PVTT not occluding the main portal trunk, absence of extrahepatic metastases, Child-Pugh score within B7, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1. Uni- and multivariable analysis was used to explore the variables that showed an independent relationship with survival. A prognostic score was then derived, and three prognostic categories were identified. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were included in the study. Median overall survival (OS) was 14.1 months (95% CI 10.7-17.5) and median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.5 months (95% CI 3.8-9.2). The only variables independently correlated with OS were bilirubin, extension of PVTT and tumor burden. Three prognostic categories were identified: favourable prognosis (0 points), intermediate prognosis (2-3 points) and dismal prognosis (>3 points). Median OS in the three categories was 32.2 months, 14.9 months and 7.8 months respectively (p <0.0001). PFS (p = 0.045) and the risk of liver decompensation (p <0.0001) also significantly differed along the same prognostic categories. CONCLUSIONS: Radioembolization with Yttrium-90 is an effective therapy for patients with HCC and PVTT. The proposed prognostic stratification may help to better identify good candidates for the treatment, and those for whom TARE may be futile. LAY SUMMARY: Yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is a microembolic procedure that minimizes alterations to hepatic arterial flow, and thus can be safely performed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the independent predictors of long-term outcomes in patients with HCC and PVTT treated with TARE. Bilirubin level, extension of PVTT and tumor burden were independently related to post-treatment survival: the combination of these factors allowed us to build a prognostic stratification that may help to better identify good candidates for the treatment, and those for whom TARE may be futile.

Improved management of grade B biliary leaks after complex liver resections using gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography.

BACKGROUND: Bile leaks occurring after complex liver resection and lasting >1 week (grade B) usually are managed by means of invasive cholangiography either endoscopic or percutaneous, with a substantial risk of procedure-related complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of gadoxetic acid disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography to detect postoperative biliary leaks and avoid invasive cholangiography in case of peripheral location of the fistula. METHODS: Patients with grade B biliary leak after complex liver resection from January 2018 to March 2020 underwent magnetic resonance cholangiography to guide the management of the leak (study group). The primary endpoint was the ability of magnetic resonance cholangiography to reduce the need for invasive cholangiography with respect to similar posthepatectomy leaks collected in the previous 2 years and approached with upfront invasive cholangiography (controls). A series of in-hospital outcomes also were compared. RESULTS: Out of 533 liver resections, 11 study patients versus 11 control patients with grade B leaks were compared. Magnetic resonance cholangiography achieved 100% accuracy in detection and location of the leak. Five out of 6 peripheral leaks healed without invasive cholangiography. Overall, 50% reduction in the use of invasive cholangiography was observed in the study versus control patients. Median healing time and hospital stay were 38 and 40 days in patients undergoing invasive cholangiography versus 10 and 11 days in patients treated conservatively (P = .007 and 0.012, respectively). Infection rate and other complications rate were 82% vs 20% (P = .01) and 35% vs 40% (P = .5), respectively. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance cholangiography is a safe, precise, noninvasive tool to detect posthepatectomy bile leaks that can help clinicians in decision-making on conservative versus invasive treatment of fistulas.

Prognostic impact of early tumor shrinkage and depth of response in patients with microsatellite instability-high metastatic colorectal cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the new standard of care in microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H)/deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Since tumor response dynamic parameters already shown a strong association with survival outcomes in patients with mCRC treated with first-line therapy, we investigated the association of early tumor shrinkage (ETS) and depth of response (DoR) in patients with MSI-H/dMMR mCRC treated with ICIs. METHODS: This is a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study in patients with dMMR and/or MSI-high mCRC treated with ICIs (anti-PD-1/PD-L1 with or without anti-CTLA-4 agents) with measurable disease and at least one post-baseline radiological disease reassessment. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used for survival analyses. A maximally selected statistics method in a Cox regression model for progression-free survival (PFS) was used to determine the optimal cut-offs for ETS and DoR. RESULTS: We included a total of 169 patients: 116 (68.6%) were treated with anti-PD-1 monotherapy, whereas 53 (31.4%) with anti-PD-1 plus anti-CTLA-4 agents. Patients with primary progressive disease (N=37, 21.9%), experienced an extremely poor overall survival (OS) and were evaluated separately. In patients with clinical benefit, we observed a significant association between ETS and DoR with both OS and PFS, and we identified a relative reduction of at least 1% as the optimal cut-off for ETS and a relative reduction of at least 50% as the optimal cut-off for DoR. CONCLUSIONS: ETS and DoR are important prognostic factors in patients with MSI-high mCRC treated with ICIs that might be useful to design treatment intensification/deintensification strategies. A prospective validation of both is warranted.

Impact of early tumor shrinkage and depth of response on the outcomes of panitumumab-based maintenance in patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) receiving highly active first-line combination treatments, early tumor shrinkage (ETS) and depth of response (DoR) are associated with survival, but their influence on outcomes during maintenance therapy is unknown. The Valentino study showed inferior PFS in 229 RAS wild-type mCRC patients randomized to panitumumab plus FOLFOX followed by maintenance with panitumumab vs. panitumumab + 5-FU/LV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After blinded independent central review of ETS (≥20% reduction of the sum of target lesions) and DoR in patients enrolled in Valentino, the prognostic and predictive role of such parameters was investigated, along with their combination with PRESSING panel (uncommon genomic alterations associated with anti-EGFRs resistance beyond RAS and BRAF). RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-six patients were included (ETS in 132 [67.3%], median DoR: 44.1%). Both ETS and DoR ≥34% were associated with longer mPFS (p = 0.010 and p < 0.001) and mOS (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001). The PFS benefit of 5-FU/LV added to panitumumab maintenance, reported in the study, was independent from ETS and DoR status (interaction tests NS for both PFS and OS). However, outcomes were extremely poor in patients who received single-agent panitumumab and had no-ETS (mPFS and mOS: 7.7 and 18.7 months) or DoR < 34% (mPFS and mOS: 6.5 and 18 months). Combining PRESSING panel ('molecular hyperselection') and response dynamics allowed to stratify both PFS (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 for ETS and DoR, respectively) and OS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.017 for ETS and DoR, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: ETS and DoR allow on-treatment anticipation of outcomes following an anti-EGFR-based strategy planning de-escalation, and poor radiological response may guide enrolment in crossover strategy trials. As in vivo markers of drug sensitivity, ETS and DoR may be integrated with several patient- and tumor-related factors to wisely drive decision-making on upfront treatment duration and intensity.

Perioperative Bevacizumab-based Triplet Chemotherapy in Patients With Potentially Resectable Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases.

BACKGROUND: In colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM), bevacizumab-based neoadjuvant strategies provide increased pathologic response. We aimed at assessing the activity of perioperative capecitabine, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab (COI-B regimen) in patients with potentially resectable CRCLM, and investigating biomarkers for early prediction of pathologic response. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a single-center phase II study enrolling patients with liver-limited, borderline resectable disease and/or high-risk features. Patients received 5 preoperative and 4 postoperative cycles of biweekly COI-B (irinotecan 180 mg/m2 and bevacizumab 5 mg/Kg on day 1, oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 on day 2, and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice a day on days 2 to 6). The primary endpoint was pathologic response rate in the intention-to-treat population. A Simon 2-stage design was adopted to detect an increase from 30% to 50% with a power of 90%. Dynamic imaging biomarkers (early tumor shrinkage [ETS], deepness of response, maximum standardized uptake volume [SUVmax]/regression index) and next generation sequencing data were explored as surrogates. RESULTS: From June 2013 to March 2017, 46 patients were enrolled. Pathologic response was achieved in 63% patients (endpoint met), and responders achieved significantly better survival outcomes with respect to non-responders. The most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events were diarrhea and neutropenia (8.7%) in the preoperative phase and thromboembolic events (5.9%) in the postoperative phase. ETS and lower SUV-2 were significantly associated with pathologic response. CONCLUSION: The COI-B regimen is a feasible and highly active perioperative strategy in patients with molecularly unselected, potentially resectable CRCLM. ETS and SUV-2 have a promising role as imaging-based biomarkers for pathologic response.

Penile Metastases From Renal Cell Carcinoma: Pre and Postcontrast Sonographic Findings.

The prostate and bladder are the most common primary cancer sites for penile metastases. Here, we describe an unusual case of metastases from renal cell carcinoma to the penis discovered 1 month after nephrectomy in a 60-year-old man. The diagnosis was achieved using B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

Transarterial chemoembolization using 40 µm drug eluting beads for hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM: To assess the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using a new generation of 40 µm drug eluting beads in patients not eligible for curative treatment. METHODS: Drug eluting bead TACE (DEB-TACE) using a new generation of microspheres (embozene tandem, 40 µm) preloaded with 100 mg of doxorubicin was performed on 48 early or intermediate HCC patients with compensated cirrhosis. Response to therapy was assessed with Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and modified RECIST (mRECIST) guidelines applied to computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Eleven out of the 48 treated patients treated progressed on to receive liver orthotopic transplantation (OLT). This allowed for histological analysis on the treated explanted nodules. RESULTS: DEB-TACE with 40 µm showed a good safety profile without major complications or 30-d mortality. The objective response rate of treated tumors was 72.6% and 26.7% according to mRECIST and RECIST respectively. Histological examination in 11 patients assigned to OLT showed a necrosis degree > 90% in 78.6% of cases. The overall time to progression was 13 mo (11-21). CONCLUSION: DEB-TACE with 40 µm particles is an effective treatment for the treatment of HCC in early-intermediate patients (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A/B) with a good safety profile and good results in term of objective response rate and necrosis.

Perioperative Triplet Chemotherapy and Cetuximab in Patients With RAS Wild Type High Recurrence Risk or Borderline Resectable Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases.

BACKGROUND: For borderline resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLM), systemic treatment can help to achieve R0 resection and reduce the risk of relapse. We assessed the role of perioperative triplet chemotherapy in combination with cetuximab in patients with RAS wild type high recurrence risk and/or borderline resectable CLM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a monocenter, open-label phase II study. Borderline resectability was defined technically as tumor involvement of >1 hepatic vein, or >4 hepatic segments, need for 2-stage hepatectomy or radiofrequency ablation, and/or biologically (high risk): ≥4 metastatic nodules, or synchronous metastases. Patients were treated with 4 pre- and postoperative cycles of biweekly COI-E (cetuximab 500 mg/m2 and irinotecan 180 mg/m2 on day 1, oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 on day 2, and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice per day on days 2-6). The primary end point was overall response rate. RESULTS: Forty patients were enrolled. Nine patients with KRAS mutation were excluded after amendment in 2010. In an extended RAS test we did not find additional RAS mutations. The final population was comprised of 31 patients with RAS wild type CLM (technically borderline resectable 39%; synchronous 84%; ≥4 metastatic nodules 29%). The overall response, R0 resection, and pathological response rates were 87%, 84%, and 33%, respectively. At a median follow-up of 4 years, median progression-free survival and overall survival were 17.8 and 62.5 months, respectively. Treatment toxicity was relevant but did not jeopardize the surgical plan. CONCLUSION: The COI-E regimen was associated with high response and R0 resection rates in patients with RAS wild type CLM with borderline resectability and/or high-risk features.

Eleven-year management of prostate cancer patients on active surveillance: what have we learned?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of active surveillance (AS) on patients with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) and to identify predictors of disease reclassification. METHODS: In 2005, we defined an institutional AS protocol (Sorveglianza Attiva Istituto Nazionale Tumori [SAINT]), and we joined the Prostate Cancer Research International: Active Surveillance (PRIAS) study in 2007. Eligibility criteria included clinical stage ≤T2a, initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) <10 ng/mL, and Gleason Pattern Score (GPS) ≤3 + 3 (both protocols); ≤25% positive cores with a maximum core length containing cancer ≤50% (SAINT); and ≤2 positive cores and PSA density <0.2 ng/mL/cm3 (PRIAS). Switching to active treatment was advised for a worsening of GPS, increased positive cores, or PSA doubling time <3 years. Active treatment-free survival (ATFS) was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors associated with ATFS were evaluated with a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: A total of 818 patients were included: 200 in SAINT, 530 in PRIAS, and 88 in personalized AS monitoring. Active treatment-free survival was 50% after a median follow-up of 60 months. A total of 404/818 patients (49.4%) discontinued AS: 274 for biopsy-related reclassification, 121/404 (30%) for off-protocol reasons, 9/404 (2.2%) because of anxiety. Biopsy reclassification was associated with PSA density (hazard ratio [HR] 1.8), maximum percentage of core involvement (HR 1.5), positive cores at diagnostic biopsy (HR 1.6), older age (HR 1.5), and prostate volume (HR 0.6) (all p<0.01). Patients from SAINT were significantly more likely to discontinue AS than were the patients from PRIAS (HR 1.65, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Five years after diagnosis, 50% of patients with early PCa were spared from active treatment. Wide inclusion criteria are associated with lower ATFS. However, at preliminary analysis, this does not seem to affect the probability of unfavorable pathology.

Transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma with a new generation of beads: clinical-radiological outcomes and safety profile.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term safety and efficacy of the new generation of 70-150 µm drug-eluting beads (M1 DEB) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as a primary therapy or as a bridge to liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: Forty-five consecutive patients underwent TACE with M1 DEB loaded with doxorubicin (DEBDOX/M1). Clinical data were recorded at 12, 24, and 48 h, 7 and 30 days after treatment. Response was assessed by computed tomographic scan according to the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria, and a second DEBDOX/M1 TACE was scheduled within 6 weeks in case of a noncomplete response. RESULTS: All patients had well-compensated cirrhosis (97.7 % Child A, 44.4 % hepatitis C virus, median age 61 years). Twenty patients (44.4 %) had Barcelona Clinic for Liver Cancer class B disease; the median number of nodules and their sum of diameters were 2 (range 1-6) and 43 mm (range 10-190), respectively. The mean number of TACE procedures per patient was 1.4. Objective response rate (complete + partial response) was 77.7 % with a median time to best response of 3 months (95 % confidence interval 2-4). In 13 patients, DEBDOX/M1 TACE served as a bridge/downstaging to LT/surgery. Pathology showed that more than 90 % necrosis was achieved in 10 of 28 nodules. DEBDOX/M1 TACE was well tolerated, and the grade 3/4 adverse event rate was low (1 of 65 procedures). CONCLUSION: DEBDOX/M1 TACE is an effective procedure with a favorable safety profile and promising results in terms of objective response rate, tumor downstaging, and necrosis.