Perioperative Plasma in Addition to Red Blood Cell Transfusions Are Associated With Increased Venous Thromboembolism Risk Postoperatively.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusions increase venous thromboembolic (VTE) events. Although a previous study found that plasma resuscitation after trauma was associated with increased VTE, the risk associated with additional perioperative plasma is unknown. METHODS: A US claims and EHR database (TriNetX Diamond Network) was queried. We compared surgical patients who received perioperative plasma and RBC to patients who received perioperative RBC but not plasma. Subanalyses included (1) all surgeries (n = 48,580) and (2) cardiovascular surgeries (n = 38,918). Propensity score matching was performed for age at surgery, ethnicity, race, sex, overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, disorders of lipoprotein metabolism, essential hypertension, neoplasms, nicotine dependence, coagulopathies, sepsis, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics, platelet aggregation inhibitors, anticoagulants, hemoglobin level, outpatient service utilization, and inpatient services; surgery type was included for "all surgeries" analyses. Outcomes included 30-day mortality, postoperative VTE, pulmonary embolism (PE), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). RESULTS: After matching the surgical cohorts, compared to only RBC, plasma + RBC was associated with higher risk of postoperative mortality (4.52% vs 3.32%, risk ratio [RR]: 1.36 [95% confidence interval, 1.24-1.49]), VTE (3.92% vs 2.70%, RR: 1.36 [1.24-1.49]), PE (1.94% vs 1.33%, RR: 1.46 [1.26-1.68]), and DIC (0.96% vs 0.35%, RR: 2.75 [2.15-3.53]). Among perioperative cardiovascular patients, adding plasma to RBC transfusion was associated with similar increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: When compared with perioperative RBC transfusion, adding plasma was associated with increased 30-day postoperative mortality, VTE, PE, and DIC risk among surgical and cardiovascular surgical patients. Reducing unnecessary plasma transfusion should be a focus of patient blood management to improve overall value in health care.

Clinical Outcomes, Blood Utilization, and Ethical Considerations for Pediatric Patients in a Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric patients requesting bloodless care represent a challenging clinical situation, as parents cannot legally refuse lifesaving or optimal interventions for their children. Here, we report clinical outcomes for the largest series of pediatric inpatients requesting bloodless care and also discuss the ethical considerations. METHODS: We performed a single-institution retrospective cohort study assessing 196 pediatric inpatients (<18 years of age) who requested bloodless care between June 2012 and June 2016. Patient characteristics, transfusion rates, and clinical outcomes were compared between pediatric patients receiving bloodless care and those receiving standard care (including transfusions if considered necessary by the clinical team) (n = 37,271). Families were informed that all available measures would be undertaken to avoid blood transfusions, although we were legally obligated to transfuse blood if the child's life was threatened. The primary outcome was composite morbidity or mortality. Secondary outcomes included percentage of patients transfused, individual morbid events, length of stay, total hospital charges, and total costs. Subgroup analyses were performed after stratification into medical and surgical patients. RESULTS: Of the 196 pediatric patients that requested bloodless care, 6.1% (n = 12) received an allogeneic blood component, compared to 9.1% (n = 3392) for standard care patients ( P = .14). The most common indications for transfusion were perioperative bleeding and anemia of prematurity. None of the transfusions were administered under a court order. Overall, pediatric patients receiving bloodless care exhibited lower rates of composite morbidity compared to patients receiving standard care (2.6% vs 6.2%; P = .035). There were no deaths in the bloodless cohort. Individual morbid events, length of stay, and total hospital charges/costs were not significantly different between the 2 groups. After multivariable analysis, bloodless care was not associated with a significant difference in composite morbidity or mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-1.11; P = .077). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients receiving bloodless care exhibited similar clinical outcomes compared to patients receiving standard care, although larger studies with adequate power are needed to confirm this finding. There were no mortalities among the pediatric bloodless cohort. Although a subset of our pediatric bloodless patients received an allogeneic transfusion, no patients required a court order. When delivered in a collaborative and patient-centered manner, blood transfusions can be safely limited among pediatric patients.

Lacrimal Gland Adenocarcinoma Clinicopathologic Features and Outcomes Compared With Those of Lacrimal Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Lacrimal gland (LG) adenocarcinomas (ACs) are rare, with limited data. We compared clinicopathologic features and local recurrence, distant metastasis, and survival rates between LG AC and LG adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). METHODS: The records of LG AC patients treated from 2008 to 2022 and LG ACC patients treated from 1998 to 2022 at the same center were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The study included 20 patients with AC; 10 de-novo AC, 10 ex-pleomorphic AC; and 51 ACC patients. The median age at diagnosis was 61 years for de-novo AC, 54 years for ex-pleomorphic AC, and 45 years for ACC. All groups had male predominance. The initial T category was T2 in 50% (5/10) of de-novo ACs; 60% (6/10) of ex-pleomorphic ACs; and 59% (30/51) of ACCs. Perineural invasion was present in 33% (5/15) of ACs and 90% (45/50) of ACCs ( p < 0.001). Of the 20 AC patients, 14 had eye-sparing surgery; 4 had orbital exenteration; and 2 had unresectable disease. All AC patients received postoperative radiotherapy and 15 (75%) received concurrent chemotherapy. Fourteen AC patients were tested for human growth factor receptor 2 expression, and 10 (71%) were human growth factor receptor 2 positive; 5 received human growth factor receptor 2-targeted therapy. AC and ACC had similar 5-year recurrence rates (20% and 33%, respectively, p = 0.31) and metastasis rates (20% and 34%, respectively, p = 0.30). de-novo AC, ex-pleomorphic AC, and ACC had similar 5-year disease-specific survival rates (80%, 79%, and 81%, respectively, p > 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: LG AC and ACC have similar baseline clinicopathologic features, except that perineural invasion is more common in ACC, and similar recurrence, metastasis, and survival rates. Human growth factor receptor 2-targeted therapy may be appropriate in some patients with LG AC.

Recommendations From the International Consensus Conference on Anemia Management in Surgical Patients (ICCAMS).

BACKGROUND: Perioperative anemia has been associated with increased risk of red blood cell transfusion and increased morbidity and mortality after surgery. The optimal approach to the diagnosis and management of perioperative anemia is not fully established. OBJECTIVE: To develop consensus recommendations for anemia management in surgical patients. METHODS: An international expert panel reviewed the current evidence and developed recommendations using modified RAND Delphi methodology. RESULTS: The panel recommends that all patients except those undergoing minor procedures be screened for anemia before surgery. Appropriate therapy for anemia should be guided by an accurate diagnosis of the etiology. The need to proceed with surgery in some patients with anemia is expected to persist. However, early identification and effective treatment of anemia has the potential to reduce the risks associated with surgery and improve clinical outcomes. As with preoperative anemia, postoperative anemia should be treated in the perioperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Early identification and effective treatment of anemia has the potential to improve clinical outcomes in surgical patients.

Definitive local therapy for T4 prostate cancer associated with improved local control and survival.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate patients with clinical (c)T4 prostate cancer (PCa), which represent both a heterogenous and understudied population, who often present with locally advanced disease and obstructive symptoms causing significant morbidity and mortality. We analysed whether receiving definitive local therapy influenced symptomatic and oncological outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 154 patients with cT4 PCa treated at a single institution in 1996-2020. Systemic therapy with or without local treatment (surgery, radiotherapy [RT], or both). Uni- and multivariate analyses of associations between clinicopathological features (including obstructive symptoms) and receipt of local therapy on overall survival (OS) and disease control were done with Cox regression. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 5.9 years. Most patients had adenocarcinoma (88%), Gleason score 9-10 (77%), and median baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of 20 ng/mL; most (54%) had metastatic cT4N0-1M1 disease; 24% regionally advanced cT4N1M0, and 22% localised cT4N0M0. Local therapies were RT (n = 44), surgery (n = 28), or both (n = nine). Local therapy was associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.3, P < 0.001), longer freedom from local recurrence (HR 0.39, P = 0.002), less local progression (HR 0.41, P = 0.02), fewer obstructive symptoms with progression (HR 0.31, P = 0.01), and less death from local disease (HR 0.25, P = 0.002). On multivariate, local therapy was associated with improved survival (HR 0.58, P = 0.02), and metastatic disease (HR 2.93, P < 0.001) or high-risk pathology (HR 2.05, P = 0.03) was associated with worse survival. CONCLUSION: Definitive local therapy for cT4 PCa was associated with improved symptomatic outcomes and survival even among men with metastatic disease. Pending prospective evaluation, these findings support definitive treatment with local therapy for cT4 disease in select cases.

Dose-dependent effects of red blood cell transfusion and case mix index on venous thromboembolic events in spine surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Venous thromboembolic (VTE) events represent a major source of morbidity and mortality in spine surgery. Our goal was to assess whether a dose-response relationship exists between red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and postoperative VTE events among spine surgery patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 786 spine surgery patients at a single institution who received at least 1 RBC unit perioperatively were included (2016-2019). Patients were stratified based on RBC transfusion volume: 1-2 units (39.3%), 3-4 units (29.4%), 5-6 units (15.9%) and ≥7 units (15.4%). Subgroup analyses were performed after stratification by case mix index, a standardized surrogate for patients' disease severity and comorbidities. Multivariable regression was used to assess risk factors for the development of postoperative VTE events. RESULTS: The overall VTE event rate was 2.4% (n = 19). A dose-response relationship was seen between RBC transfusion volume and VTE events (1-2 units: 0.97%, 3-4 units: 1.30%, 5-6 units: 3.20%, ≥7 units: 7.44%; p < 0.01). Similar dose-response relationships were seen between case mix index and VTE events (1.00-3.99: 0.52%, 4.00-6.99: 2.68%, ≥7.00: 9.00%; p < 0.01). On multivariable regression, larger RBC transfusion volumes (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.18 per RBC unit, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.29; p < 0.01) and higher case mix index scores (adjusted OR 1.39 per unit increase, 95% CI 1.14-1.69; p < 0.01) were associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Larger RBC transfusion volumes and higher case mix index scores were associated with an increased risk of VTE events. Physicians should be aware of how these dose-response relationships can influence a patient's risk of developing thrombotic complications postoperatively.

Intensity modulated proton arc therapy via geometry-based energy selection for ependymoma.

PURPOSE: We developed and tested a novel method of creating intensity modulated proton arc therapy (IMPAT) plans that uses computing resources similar to those for regular intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plans and may offer a dosimetric benefit for patients with ependymoma or similar tumor geometries. METHODS: Our IMPAT planning method consists of a geometry-based energy selection step with major scanning spot contributions as inputs computed using ray-tracing and single-Gaussian approximation of lateral spot profiles. Based on the geometric relation of scanning spots and dose voxels, our energy selection module selects a minimum set of energy layers at each gantry angle such that each target voxel is covered by sufficient scanning spots as specified by the planner, with dose contributions above the specified threshold. Finally, IMPAT plans are generated by robustly optimizing scanning spots of the selected energy layers using a commercial proton treatment planning system (TPS). The IMPAT plan quality was assessed for four ependymoma patients. Reference three-field IMPT plans were created with similar planning objective functions and compared with the IMPAT plans. RESULTS: In all plans, the prescribed dose covered 95% of the clinical target volume (CTV) while maintaining similar maximum doses for the brainstem. While IMPAT and IMPT achieved comparable plan robustness, the IMPAT plans achieved better homogeneity and conformity than the IMPT plans. The IMPAT plans also exhibited higher relative biological effectiveness (RBE) enhancement than did the corresponding reference IMPT plans for the CTV in all four patients and brainstem in three of them. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method demonstrated potential as an efficient technique for IMPAT planning and may offer a dosimetric benefit for patients with ependymoma or tumors in close proximity to critical organs. IMPAT plans created using this method had elevated RBE enhancement associated with increased linear energy transfer (LET) in both targets and abutting critical organs.

Ultrafiltration in cardiac surgery: Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Ultrafiltration is used with cardiopulmonary bypass to reduce the effects of hemodilution and restore electrolyte balance. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the effect of conventional and modified ultrafiltration on intraoperative blood transfusion.Methods: Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement, we systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to perform a meta-analysis of studies of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies evaluating conventional ultrafiltration (CUF) and modified ultrafiltration (MUF) on the primary outcome of intraoperative red cell transfusions.Results: A total of 7 RCTs (n = 928) were included, comparing modified ultrafiltration (n = 473 patients) to controls (n = 455 patients) and 2 observational studies (n = 47,007), comparing conventional ultrafiltration (n = 21,748) to controls (n = 25,427). Overall, MUF was associated with transfusion of fewer intraoperative red cell units per patient (n = 7); MD -0.73 units; 95% CI -1.12 to -0.35 p = 0.04; p for heterogeneity = 0.0001, I2 = 55%) compared to controls. CUF was no difference in intraoperative red cell transfusions compared to controls (n = 2); OR 3.09; 95% CI 0.26-36.59; p = 0.37; p for heterogeneity = 0.94, I2 = 0%. Review of the included observational studies revealed an association between larger volumes (>2.2 L in a 70 kg patient) of CUF and risk of acute kidney injury (AKI).Conclusion: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that MUF is associated with fewer intraoperative red cell transfusions. Based on limited studies, CUF does not appear to be associated with a difference in intraoperative red cell transfusion.

Precise Traits from Sloppy Components: Perception and the Origin of Phenotypic Response.

Organisms perceive their environment and respond. The origin of perception-response traits presents a puzzle. Perception provides no value without response. Response requires perception. Recent advances in machine learning may provide a solution. A randomly connected network creates a reservoir of perceptive information about the recent history of environmental states. In each time step, a relatively small number of inputs drives the dynamics of the relatively large network. Over time, the internal network states retain a memory of past inputs. To achieve a functional response to past states or to predict future states, a system must learn only how to match states of the reservoir to the target response. In the same way, a random biochemical or neural network of an organism can provide an initial perceptive basis. With a solution for one side of the two-step perception-response challenge, evolving an adaptive response may not be so difficult. Two broader themes emerge. First, organisms may often achieve precise traits from sloppy components. Second, evolutionary puzzles often follow the same outlines as the challenges of machine learning. In each case, the basic problem is how to learn, either by artificial computational methods or by natural selection.

Evidence Based Strategies in the Management of Localized Prostate Cancer and the Role of Brachytherapy.

Prostate cancer management is a critical component of men's health with ongoing controversies in screening and treatment. The purpose of this manuscript is to review contemporary evidence-based strategies in the management of localized prostate cancer to optimize patient outcomes, satisfaction, and shared decision making, to improve physician education and awareness, and to emphasize the importance of brachytherapy in the curative management of prostate cancer. The Bottom Line: 1. Selective screening and selective treatment reduces prostate cancer mortality rates. 2. Active surveillance is recommended for low risk prostate cancer. 3. Both radiation and surgery are appropriate options for patients with intermediate-risk and high-risk prostate cancer. 4. Quality of life and patient satisfaction favors brachytherapy for sexual function and urinary incontinence and surgery for urinary bother. 5. For patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer, brachytherapy achieves very high cure rates, acceptable sided effects, high patient satisfaction and is the most cost-effective treatment. 6. For patients with unfavorable intermediate-risk and high-risk prostate cancer, the combination of external beam radiation, brachytherapy, and ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy) achieves the highest rates of biochemical control and the lowest need for salvage therapies. 7. A collaborative shared decision making (SDM) process yields a well-informed, high-quality decision that is consistent with patients' preferences and value.

Treatment patterns and outcomes of palliative systemic therapy in patients with salivary duct carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified.

BACKGROUND: Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) and adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified (adeno-NOS), are rare salivary gland cancers. Data on the efficacy of systemic therapy for these diseases are limited. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from patients seen at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center during 1990 to 2020. Objective response rate (ORR) was assessed per RECIST v1.1. Recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed by Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression model was performed to identify predictors of survival. RESULTS: The analysis included 200 patients (110 with SDC and 90 with adeno-NOS); 77% had androgen-receptor-positive tumors and 47% had HER2-positive (2+-3+) tumors. Most patients without metastasis at diagnosis underwent surgery (98%) and postoperative radiotherapy (87%). Recurrence rate was 55%, and the median RFS was 2 years. Nodal involvement and positive surgical margins were associated with recurrence (P < .005). Among patients with stage IVA-B disease, addition of systemic therapy to local therapy increased OS (P = .049). The most-used palliative-systemic-therapy regimen was platinum doublet ± trastuzumab. For first-line therapy, the ORR and median PFS were 33% and 5.76 months, respectively, and for second-line therapy the ORR and median PFS were 25% and 5.3 months, respectively. ORR and PFS were higher with HER2-targeting agents. Median OS was 5 years overall and 2 years for metastatic disease. Older age and higher stage were associated with worse OS. CONCLUSION: Adding systemic therapy to local therapy may improve outcomes of patients with locoregionally advanced SDC or adeno-NOS. Except for HER2-targeted therapy, response to palliative systemic therapy is limited. These findings may be used as a benchmark for future drug development.

Impact of RBE variations on risk estimates of temporal lobe necrosis in patients treated with intensity-modulated proton therapy for head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: Temporal lobe necrosis (TLN) is a potential late effect after radiotherapy for skull base head and neck cancer (HNC). Several photon-derived dose constraints and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models have been proposed, however variation in relative biological effectiveness (RBE) may challenge the applicability of these dose constraints and models in proton therapy. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the influence of RBE variations on risk estimates of TLN after Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy for HNC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-five temporal lobes from 45 previously treated patients were included in the analysis. Sixteen temporal lobes had radiation associated Magnetic Resonance image changes (TLIC) suspected to be early signs of TLN. Fixed (RWDFix) and variable RBE-weighed doses (RWDVar) were calculated using RBE = 1.1 and two RBE models, respectively. RWDFix and RWDVar for temporal lobes were compared using Friedman's test. Based on RWDFix, six NTCP models were fitted and internally validated through bootstrapping. Estimated probabilities from RWDFix and RWDVar were compared using paired Wilcoxon test. Seven dose constraints were evaluated separately for RWDFix and RWDVar by calculating the observed proportion of TLIC in temporal lobes meeting the specific dose constraints. RESULTS: RWDVar were significantly higher than RWDFix (p < 0.01). NTCP model performance was good (AUC:0.79-0.84). The median difference in estimated probability between RWDFix and RWDVar ranged between 5.3% and 20.0% points (p < 0.01), with V60GyRBE and DMax at the smallest and largest differences, respectively. The proportion of TLIC was higher for RWDFix (4.0%-13.1%) versus RWDVar (1.3%-5.3%). For V65GyRBE ≤ 0.03 cc the proportion of TLIC was less than 5% for both RWDFix and RWDVar. CONCLUSION: NTCP estimates were significantly influenced by RBE variations. Dmax as model predictor resulted in the largest deviations in risk estimates between RWDFix and RWDVar. V65GyRBE ≤ 0.03 cc was the most consistent dose constraint for RWDFix and RWDVar.

The influence of radiation dose on taste impairment in a prospective observational study cohort of oropharyngeal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the influence of radiation dose on late radiation-associated taste impairment in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) using the taste bud bearing tongue mucosa as organ at risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is part of an ongoing, prospective observational study. Cancer-free OPC survivors with at least 24 months from IMRT were included in this analysis. Scores for taste impairment and dry mouth were extracted from the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory Head and Neck module (MDASI-HN) with scores of ≥5 considered as moderate-to-severe symptoms. The mean dose, minimum and maximum dose to the taste bud bearing tongue mucosa, the ipsi- and contralateral parotid and submandibular glands were extracted and analyzed for correlation with moderate-to-severe taste impairment. RESULTS: One hundred sixteen T1-4 OPC patients were included (81% males, median age: 55). The primary tumor was in the tonsil in 92 cases (79%) and in the base of tongue in 21 cases (18%). Patients were treated with 64.2-72.0 Gy; 37 patients (32%) received concurrent chemotherapy and 22 (19%) concurrent targeted therapy. After a median of 58 months from RT (IQR: 43-68) 38 patients (33%) suffered from moderate-to-severe long-term radiation-associated taste impairment. No dose volume parameter of the taste bud bearing tongue mucosa and the salivary glands was significantly associated with moderate-to-severe taste impairment for the whole patient cohort. For patients without concurrent chemotherapy, the minimum and mean dose to the ipsilateral parotid gland, and the maximum dose to the submandibular gland was significantly associated with late taste impairment (all p < 0.05). A significant correlation was found between taste impairment and dry mouth (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The dose to the ipsilateral parotid gland seems to play an important role in the development of late taste impairment. The influence of dose to the taste bud bearing tongue mucosa remains unclear and needs further investigation.

Massive transfusion and severe blood shortages: establishing and implementing predictors of futility.

Massive transfusion protocols were developed to deliver blood for life-threatening haemorrhage; however, there are no guidelines to advise when massive transfusion protocols may be considered futile. Early recognition of clinical futility remains a challenge as studies have not identified variables that can accurately determine early mortality. As blood is a scarce resource, efforts to distribute it equitably to all patients who would benefit are of paramount importance. In this editorial we discuss recent data and various aspects important in developing and implementing tools that assist with determining futility in massive transfusion.

A Global Definition of Patient Blood Management.

While patient blood management (PBM) initiatives are increasingly adopted across the globe as part of standard of care, there is need for a clear and widely accepted definition of PBM. To address this, an expert group representing PBM organizations from the International Foundation for Patient Blood Management (IFPBM), the Network for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management, Haemostasis and Thrombosis (NATA), the Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management (SABM), the Western Australia Patient Blood Management (WAPBM) Group, and OnTrac (Ontario Nurse Transfusion Coordinators) convened and developed this definition: "Patient blood management is a patient-centered, systematic, evidence-based approach to improve patient outcomes by managing and preserving a patient's own blood, while promoting patient safety and empowerment." The definition emphasizes the critical role of informed choice. PBM involves the timely, multidisciplinary application of evidence-based medical and surgical concepts aimed at (1) screening for, diagnosing, and appropriately treating anemia; (2) minimizing surgical, procedural, and iatrogenic blood losses and managing coagulopathic bleeding throughout the care; and (3) supporting the patient while appropriate treatment is initiated. We believe that having a common definition for PBM will assist all those involved including PBM organizations, hospital administrators, individual clinicians, and policy makers to focus on the appropriate issues when discussing and implementing PBM. The proposed definition is expected to continue to evolve, making this endeavor a work in progress.

Methods of Bloodless Care, Clinical Outcomes, and Costs for Adult Patients Who Decline Allogeneic Transfusions.

BACKGROUND: Providing bloodless medical care for patients who wish to avoid allogeneic transfusion can be challenging; however, previous studies have demonstrated favorable outcomes when appropriate methods are used. Here, we report one of the largest series of patients receiving bloodless care, along with the methods used to provide such care, and the resulting outcomes. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, 1111 adult inpatients (age ≥18 years) at a single institution who declined allogeneic transfusion for religious or personal reasons between June 2012 and June 2016 were included, and the patient blood management methods are described. Patient characteristics, laboratory data, and transfusion rates, as well as clinical outcomes (morbidity, mortality, and length of stay) were compared to all other patients in the hospital who received standard care, including transfusions if needed (n = 137,009). Medical and surgical patients were analyzed as subgroups. The primary outcome was composite morbidity (any morbid event: infectious, thrombotic, ischemic, renal, or respiratory). Secondary outcomes included individual morbid events, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, total hospital charges, and costs. RESULTS: The bloodless cohort had more females and a lower case mix index, but more preadmission comorbidities. Mean nadir hemoglobin during hospitalization was lower in the bloodless (9.7 ± 2.6 g/dL) compared to the standard care (10.1 ± 2.4 g/dL) group (P < .0001). Composite morbidity occurred in 14.4% vs 16.0% (P = .16) of the bloodless and standard care patients, respectively. Length of stay and in-hospital mortality were similar between the bloodless and standard care patients. After Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons, hospital-acquired infection occurred less frequently in the bloodless compared to the standard care cohort (4.3% vs 8.3%) (P < .0001) in the medical patient subgroup, but not in the surgical subgroup. After propensity score adjustment in a multivariable model and adjustment for multiple comparisons, bloodless care was associated with less risk of hospital-acquired infection (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35-0.83; P = .0074) in the medical subgroup, but not in the surgical subgroup. Median total hospital charges (by 8.5%; P = .0017) and costs (by 8.7%; P = .0001) were lower in the bloodless compared to the standard care cohort, when all patients were included. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, adult patients receiving bloodless care had similar clinical outcomes compared to patients receiving standard care. Medical (but not surgical) bloodless patients may be at less risk for hospital-acquired infection compared to those receiving standard care. Bloodless care is cost-effective and should be considered as high-value practice.

Outcomes of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation compared with those treated with concurrent chemoradiation.

BACKGROUND: Induction chemotherapy (IC) has been associated with a decreased risk of distant metastasis in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, its role in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is not well established. METHODS: The outcomes of patients with OPSCC treated with IC followed by concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) were compared with the outcomes of those treated with CRT alone. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), and the secondary end points were the times to locoregional and distant recurrence. RESULTS: In an existing database, 585 patients met the inclusion criteria: 137 received IC plus CRT, and 448 received CRT. Most patients were positive for human papillomavirus (HPV; 90.9%). Patients receiving IC were more likely to present with a higher T stage, a higher N stage, and low neck disease. The 3-year OS rate was significantly lower in patients receiving IC (75.7%) versus CRT alone (92.9%). In a multicovariate analysis, receipt of IC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.4; P < .001), HPV tumor status (aHR, 0.36; P = .002), and receipt of concurrent cetuximab (aHR, 2.7; P = .002) were independently associated with OS. The risk of distant metastasis was also significantly higher in IC patients (aHR, 2.8; P = .001), whereas an HPV-positive tumor status (aHR, 0.44; P = .032) and completion of therapy (aHR, 0.51; P = .034) were associated with a lower risk of distant metastasis. In HPV-positive patients, IC remained associated with distant metastatic progression (aHR, 2.6; P = .004) but not OS. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to prior studies, IC was independently associated with worse OS and a higher risk of distant metastasis in patients with OPSCC. Future studies are needed to validate these findings.

Conditional survival among patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated with radiation therapy and alive without recurrence 5 years after diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Risk of recurrence among patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) who survive 5 years is low. The goal of this study was to assess long-term survival of patients with OPC alive without recurrence 5 years after diagnosis. METHODS: This study included newly diagnosed patients with OPC, who had been treated with radiation and were alive without recurrence 5 years after diagnosis. Overall survival (OS) probabilities beyond 5 years were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors associated with OS were determined using Bayesian piecewise exponential survival regression. Standardized mortality ratios for all-cause death were estimated controlling for study year, age, and sex in the US general population. RESULTS: Among 1699 patients, the additional 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year OS probabilities were 94%, 83%, and 63%, respectively, and were lower than those in the general population. Patients who were older, were current or former smokers, had other than tonsil or base of tongue tumors, or had T4 tumors had a higher risk of death. Patients who had base of tongue tumors and had received intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or lower-radiation doses had a lower risk of death. Standardized mortality ratios were higher among current and heavy smokers and lower among recipients of IMRT and lower radiation doses. CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort, long-term survival among patients with OPC was good but lower than predicted for the general population. Patients treated with IMRT and those with less tobacco exposure had better outcomes.

Prognostic significance of pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated with radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of pre-treatment NLR in patients with oropharyngeal cancer. METHODS: Patients who completed definitive radiotherapy (RT) for oropharyngeal cancer and had blood counts taken pre-RT from 2002 to 2013 were included. NLR was calculated as total neutrophil/lymphocytes. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted with linear and Cox regression methods. NLR was analysed posteriori and dichotomised on the discovered median. RESULTS: Eight hundred and forty-eight patients were analysed. The median pre-RT NLR was 3. Patients with NLR of <3 had improved overall survival (OS) than those with NLR ≥ 3 (5-year OS 85 vs 74%, p < 0.0001). OS differences remained significant when stratified according to HPV status (HPV-positive p = 0.011; HPV-negative p = 0.003). Freedom from any recurrence (FFR), locoregional control (LRC) and freedom of distant recurrence (FDR) were better in those with NLR < 3. The negative impact of elevated pre-RT NLR on OS (HR = 1.64, p = 0.001), FFR (HR = 1.6, p = 0.006) and LRC (HR = 1.8, p = 0.005) remained significant on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-RT NLR is an independent prognostic factor in patients with oropharyngeal cancer regardless of HPV status. Patients with lower NLR had more favourable OS and disease control.