Excellent Survival Outcomes of Pediatric Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treated With the MASPORE 2006 Protocol

PurposeTo determine the prognostic factors in pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and to assess whether their outcomes have improved over time.Patients and MethodsSixty-two patients with AML excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in the earlier cohort (n = 36) were treated on the Medical Research Council (MRC) AML12 protocol, whereas those in the recent cohort (n = 26) were treated on the Malaysia–Singapore AML protocol (MASPORE 2006), which differed in terms of risk group stratification, cumulative anthracycline dose, and timing of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for high-risk patients.ResultsSignificant improvements in 10-year overall survival and event-free survival were observed in patients treated with the recent MASPORE 2006 protocol compared to the earlier MRC AML12 protocol (overall survival: 88.0% ± 6.5% vs 50.1% ± 8.6%, P = .002; event-free survival: 72.1% ± 9.0 vs 50.1% ± 8.6%, P = .045). In univariate analysis, patients in the recent cohort had significantly lower intensive care unit admission rate (11.5% vs 47.2%, P = .005) and numerically lower relapse rate (26.9% vs 50.0%, P = .068) compared to the earlier cohort. Multivariate analysis showed that treatment protocol was the only independent predictive factor for overall survival (hazard ratio = 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.73, P = .014).ConclusionOutcomes of pediatric AML patients have improved over time. The more recent MASPORE 2006 protocol led to significant improvement in long-term survival rates and reduction in intensive care unit admission rate.     

Comparison of Three Doses of Cytarabine Consolidation for Intermediate- and Adverse-risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Real World Evidence From Thai Acute Myeloid Leukemia Registry

BackgroundIntermediate or high doses of cytarabine (IDAC or HiDAC) were recommended as postremission chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This retrospective study investigated the real-world outcomes of 3-different cytarabine doses from the multicenter Thai AML registry database.Patients and MethodsThe intermediate- and adverse-risk AML patients (N = 258) who achieved complete remission and proceeded to single-agent cytarabine consolidation were enrolled.ResultsThe median relapse-free survival (RFS) using IDAC 1.5 g/m², high-dose cytarabine (HiDAC) 2 g/m², and HiDAC 3 g/m² were 12.6, 11.7, and 13 months, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) using IDAC 1.5 g/m², HiDAC 2 g/m², and HiDAC 3 g/m² were 34.9, 22.7, and 23.7 months, respectively. No significant difference in RFS and OS was detected between the 3 doses. Secondary AML, white blood cell > 100×10⁹/L and the adverse-risk AML were independent prognostic factors for inferior survival (P= .008, P < .001, P= .014). Patients who completed 3 to 4 cycles of consolidation had significantly superior RFS and OS (P< .001, P< .001). Febrile neutropenia occurred in 72.9% of IDAC, 73.8% of HiDAC 2 g/m², and 78.1% of HiDAC 3 g/m² without statistical significance. However, the incidence of septic shock was significantly higher after HiDAC 3 g/m² compared to IDAC regimen (8% vs. 3%, P= .037).ConclusionIDAC is an appropriate regimen for postremission chemotherapy for intermediate- and adverse-risk AML. The higher dosing levels may not produce any benefits to patients and may increase incidence of septic shock. The number of consolidation cycles may impact on survivals rather than the intensity of cytarabine.     

Preoperative Elevation of C-Reactive Protein Is a Predictor for Adverse Oncologic Survival Outcomes for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Analysis from the International Marker Consortium Renal Cancer (INMARC)

BackgroundWe sought to analyze the usefulness of pretreatment C-reactive protein (CRP) as a predictor of survival and oncological outcomes in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).MethodsRetrospective international analysis of patients with RCC with pretreatment CRP values from 2006 to 2017. A CRP of more than >5 mg/L was deemed elevated. The cohort was subdivided into 2 groups for analysis (normal CRP ≤5 mg/L; elevated CRP >5). Primary outcome was overall survival (OS) and secondary outcome was recurrence-free survival (RFS). Kaplan–Meier analyses (KMA) and multivariable analyses (MVA) were used to delineate survival outcomes and their predictors.ResultsWe analyzed 2445 patients (1641 male/804 female; normal CRP 1056/elevated CRP 1389; mean follow-up 36 months). Patients with elevated CRP had a higher incidence of hypertension (P = .001), higher body mass index (P < .001), and larger tumor size (6.0 cm vs 3.9 cm; P < .001). MVA for RFS demonstrated elevated CRP (hazard ratio [HR], 1.85; P = .005), tumor size (HR, 1.1; P < .001), and high tumor grade (HR, 3.1; P < .001) to be independent risk factors. For normal vs elevated CRP, KMA for RFS of stages 1–4 RCC revealed a 5-year RFS of 93% vs 88% (P = .001), 95% vs 83% (P = .163), 84% vs 62% (P = .001), and 58% vs 60% (P = .513), respectively. KMA MA KMA for OS of stages 1–4 RCC revealed a 5-year OS of 98% vs 81% (P = .001), 94% vs 80% (P = .103), 94% vs 65% (P = .001), and 99% vs 38% (P < .001), respectively.ConclusionsPretreatment CRP was an independent predictor of RFS and OS in an international multicenter cohort of patients with RCC.     

Oncologic Outcomes of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Versus Urothelial Carcinoma With Squamous Differentiation After Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Carcinoma

IntroductionIn this study we aim to compare clinicopathological characteristics and cancer specific survival between patients treated with radical cystectomy for pure squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation (SqD).Patients and MethodsWe reviewed data of 1737 consecutive patients treated with radical cystectomy and urinary diversion between January 2004 and February 2014. Only patients with pure SCC or SqD were included in the analysis. Squamous differentiation was defined as intercellular bridges or keratinization in the tumor. Clinicopathological data and recurrence free survival (RFS) were compared between patients diagnosed with SCC and SqD.ResultsSCC and SqD were found in 318 and 223 patients, respectively. Mean age was 57 ± 8.3 years in SCC and 58.8 ± 7.8 in SqD (P = .008). A higher proportion of female patients was observed in SCC group compared to SqD (31.8% vs. 22% P < .0001). Patients with SqD were more likely to have extravesical (58.3% vs. 46.2%: P = .006) and nodal positive disease (34.5% vs. 14.5%: P < .0001) than pure SCC patients. Bilharzial eggs were found in 61% of SCC vs. 46% of SqD (P = .001).; The median (IQR) follow up period for SCC and SqD was 63 (12-112) months and 23 months (9-74.7), respectively. The 5-year RFS for SCC and SqD were 77% and 59.8 %, respectively (P < .0001).; Multivariate cox regression analysis identified advanced pT stage (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-2.86, P = .0001), nodal positive disease (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.48, P = .01) and SqD histology (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.14-2.31, P = .007 as independent predictors of 5-year RFS.ConclusionPatient with SCC had significantly higher 5-year RFS in comparison to SqD. The higher rate of extravesical disease and lymph node metastasis in SqD patients is indicative of aggressive behavior of this histologic type.     

Outcome of Adolescents and Young Adults Compared With Pediatric Patients With Acute Myeloid and Promyelocytic Leukemia

BackgroundStudies on the outcome of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) are limited.MethodsWe compared the outcome of AYA (19-30 years) patients with AML and PML and pediatric (0-18 years) patients with AML (pAMLs) and APL (pAPLs) utilizing the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results-18 registry. Early mortality rate (EMR), defined as mortality within 1 month of diagnosis, was used as a surrogate for treatment-related mortality. Survival statistics were computed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis was done using logistic regression and the Cox proportional hazard regression model.ResultsA total of 6343 patients with AML were identified; 44.7% were AYAs. pAMLs had lower EMR (6.2% vs. 9.2%; P < .01) and higher overall survival (OS) (1-year, 70.3% vs. 62.1%; 5-year, 48.2% vs. 36.4%; P < .01). Nine hundred twenty patients with APL were also identified; 59.5% were AYAs. No statistically significant difference was found between AYAs with APL and pAPLs in EMR (11.4% vs. 14.1%; P = .23) and OS (1-year, 83.8% vs. 81.2%; P = .31 and 5-year, 68.2% vs. 73.1%; P = .11]. Comparing all patients with AML and APL, AYAs with APL and pAPLs had higher EMR (11.4% and 14.1% vs. 6.2% and 9.2%; P ≤ .01) but better OS than AYAs with AML and pAMLs (5-year OS, 68.2% and 73.1% vs. 48.2% and 36.4%; P ≤ .01).ConclusionOur analysis shows AYAs with AML have worse EMR and OS compared with pAMLs. AYAs with APL and pAPLs have similar outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting outcomes of AYAs with APL and pAPLs using a large population-based registry and their comparison with same age patients with AML.     

WT1 Expression in Peripheral Blood at Diagnosis and During the Course of Early Consolidation Treatment Correlates With Survival in Patients With Intermediate and Poor-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia

BackgroundUp to 55% of non-APL acute myeloid leukemias (AML) lack a molecular target suitable for standardized disease monitoring. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of WT1 gene expression at early stages of intensive treatment.Patients and MethodsA total of 106 consecutive patients with intermediate and high-risk AML who had WT1 expression at diagnosis >500 copies/10⁴ ABL and who achieved remission after 1 to 2 cycles of induction treatment were analyzed. WT1 expression was measured in peripheral blood using a standardized European LeukemiaNet method. Overexpression was defined as >50 copies/10⁴ ABL. The median follow-up was 30 months.ResultsPatients with normal versus high WT1 expression after 2 cycles of chemotherapy had overall survival (OS) at 3 years of 66% versus 41% (P = .01); event-free survival (EFS) 45% versus 22% (P = .01). Prognostic significance of WT1 expression after 2 cycles of treatment was maintained in the group of patients treated with chemotherapy alone without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in first line treatment (OS 70% vs. 36%, P = .02; EFS 35% vs. 0%, P = .03). Significant prognostic factors for EFS on multivariate analysis were the achievement of molecular remission (<50 copies of WT1) at any time during treatment (hazard ratio [HR] 0.47, P = .04) and increased WT1 expression after 2 cycles of chemotherapy (HR 2.0, P = .03).ConclusionIncreased WT1 expression after 2 cycles of chemotherapy is a negative prognostic factor for survival. WT1 remains a valuable molecular marker in AML without any leukemia-specific mutation, especially if next generation sequencing and/or digital polymerase chain reaction are not routinely available.     

Nonmyeloablative Allogeneic Transplantation With Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide for Acute Myeloid Leukemia With IDH Mutations: A Single Center Experience

IntroductionMutations in the IDH1 or IDH2 genes are detected in approximately 20% of cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Few studies have examined the impact of IDH mutations in AML on allogeneic bone marrow transplant (alloBMT) outcomes.Patients and MethodsIn this single center study, alloBMT outcomes for 61 patients with IDH-mutated (mIDH) AML were compared to those for 146 patients with IDH-wildtype (wtIDH) AML.ResultsPatients with mIDH AML had a 2-year overall survival (OS) of 85% (95% CI 76%-95%), 2-year relapse free survival (RFS) of 71% (95% CI 59%-85%), 1-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) of 14% (95% CI 5%-23%) and a 1-year cumulative incidence of transplant related mortality (CITRM) of 3% (95% CI 0%-8%). Patients with wtIDH had a 2-year OS of 61% (95% CI 53%-70%), 2-year RFS of 58% (95% CI 50%-67%), 1-year CIR of 27% (95% CI 20%-35%), and a 1-year CITRM of 9% (95% CI 5%-14%). In a univariate analysis cox-proportional hazard model, mIDH was associated with significantly better OS (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.29-0.96) and a trend toward better RFS (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.35-1.01). After controlling for donor age, diagnosis, and ELN risk category, mIDH was associated with a nonsignificantly improved OS (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.29-1.01) and RFS (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.39-1.15).ConclusionAmong patients with mIDH AML, patients who received a peritransplant IDH inhibitor had improved OS (P = .03) compared to those who did not, but there was no detectable difference for RFS (P = .29).     

Myeloid Sarcoma Predicts Superior Outcome in Pediatric AML; Can Cytogenetics Solve the Puzzle?

Background

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular features, and survival outcomes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with myeloid sarcoma (MS) and compare them with patients with AML without MS.

Radical resection versus local excision for low rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor: A multicenter propensity score-matched analysis

BackgroundThe surgical approaches and resection extent for rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are controversial due to the low incidence of this disease. A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare the postoperative and oncologic outcomes of local excision (LE) and radical resection (RR) in patients with low rectal GIST.Patients and methodsThe medical records of rectal GIST patients from 11 large-scale medical centers in China (January 2000-December 2019) were reviewed. All patients were divided into either the LE group or the RR group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to reduce confounders.ResultsA total of 280 patients with low rectal GIST were enrolled. After PSM, 144 patients were included (72 in each group). The LE group showed a higher anal preservation rate (100.0% vs. 76.4%, P < 0.001), shorter operation time (77.1 ± 68.4 min vs. 159.1 ± 83.6 min, P < 0.001), fewer complications (8.3% vs. 22.2%, P = 0.021) and shorter postoperative hospital stay (4.9 ± 4.1 d vs. 10.7 ± 8.1 d, P < 0.001) than the RR group. There was no significant difference in recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the RR and LE groups among patients with tumors ≤2 cm (P = 0.220), and the RR group had a superior RFS than the LE group in patients with tumors >2 cm (P = 0.046).ConclusionsLE resulted in improved postoperative outcomes and comparable oncological safety with a low rectal GIST of ≤2 cm. However, for patients with a low rectal GIST of >2 cm, RR might be a more appropriate option with better RFS.     

Elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen level after curative surgery is a prognostic biomarker of stage II-III colorectal cancer

BackgroundHigh preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a well-known risk factor for stage II-III colorectal cancer (CRC); however, in most cases, cancer does not recur. Conversely, postoperative CEA (post-CEA) is occasionally measured, and high post-CEA patients often develop recurrence; however, the clinical significance of post-CEA testing is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether post-CEA elevation might indicate a poor prognosis for stage II-III CRC patients who underwent curative surgery.Patients and methods482 patients with pathological stage II-III CRC were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate post-CEA levels.ResultsMultivariate analysis showed that elevated post-CEA (hazard ratio (HR): 3.14, P < 0.001), pathological lymph node metastasis (pN+), and pathological T4 (pT4) are associated with poor recurrence-free survival (RFS), and that elevated post-CEA (HR: 3.12; P = 0.002), pN+, pT4, age >70, and smoking are independently associated with poor overall survival. Subgroup analysis among stage III patients, in combination with the risk classification of the International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy (IDEA) study, showed that elevated post-CEA is a significant indicator of poor prognosis for RFS in both low-risk (73.8% vs. 21.2%, P < 0.001) and high-risk (49.9% vs. 25.0%, P = 0.04) groups.ConclusionsPost-surgical CEA elevation is independently associated with poor prognosis in stage II-III CRC. Adding post-CEA levels to the IDEA risk classification may provide a more reliable indicator of the need for individualized surveillance and adjuvant chemotherapeutic strategies.     

Efficacy of Immediate Postoperative Instillation of Chemotherapy for Primary Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer in Real-World Clinical Practice

BackgroundNon–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) can be treated using transurethral resection (TUR), but high incidence of intravesical recurrence remains a clinical challenge. Single immediate postoperative instillation of chemotherapy (IPIOC) is controversial for NMIBC patients with intermediate recurrence risk. The aim of the present study was to report the efficacy and toxicity of IPIOC, particularly in intermediate-risk NMIBC patients, in the real-world setting.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 363 consecutive patients with primary NMIBC who underwent radical TUR at Kyoto University Hospital between 2007 and 2016.ResultsIn low-risk patients, recurrence-free survival (RFS) was significantly better for IPIOC than non-IPIOC (2-year RFS: 89.3% vs. 59.4%; P = .001). In intermediate-risk patients, IPIOC was associated with significantly longer RFS compared with non-IPIOC (2-year RFS: 85.5% vs. 58.2%; P = .011). IPIOC and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) were independent predictors for post-TUR recurrence (non-IPIOC vs. IPIOC: hazard ratio [HR], 2.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-4.88; P = .02; non-BCG vs. BCG: HR, 2.22; P = .045, 95% CI, 1.02-5.30). In the high-risk group, only BCG was an independent prognostic factor of recurrence in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model (HR, 2.55; P = .006, 95% CI, 1.32-4.87). There were no significant differences between the BCG-only group and the IPIOC with BCG group in Grade 3 or more local (16 patients [21%] vs. 21 patients [24%]; P = .61) or systemic (3 patients [4%] vs. 6 patients [7%]; P = .40) toxicity rates.ConclusionOur study showed the efficacy of IPIOC for the prevention of intravesical recurrence in primary intermediate-risk NMIBC patients regardless of BCG therapy.     

AML in Saudi Arabia: Analysis According to the European LeukaemiaNet 2017 Cytogenetic Classification

IntroductionTo the best of our knowledge, few studies have addressed the prognosis of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in Saudi Arabia. The present study retrospectively analyzed the prognostic factors in patients with de novo AML at a single institution owing to the observation of some differences with the reported data from the Western world.Patients and MethodsPatients with de novo AML who had been referred to King Abdulla Medical City were included. All patients had undergone bone marrow aspiration, biopsy, flow cytometry, cytogenetics (conventional and fluorescence in situ hybridization panel performed at Mayo Clinic), molecular tests, and other routine tests.ResultsThe data from 170 patients were reviewed. Of the 170 patients, 26 had had acute promyelocytic leukemia, 16 with AML had received less intensive therapy, 119 had received intensive induction, and 8 had refused treatment. The present analysis was limited to the 119 patients who had received intensive induction therapy. For the major cytogenetic categories, 17 of 27 patients with core binding factor leukemia (62.9%) were reassigned to the intermediate (n = 10; 37%) or unfavorable (n = 7; 25.9%) risk group according to the FLT3-ITD and NPM results. Of the 50 cases of normal cytogenetic findings, 2 (4%) were considered unfavorable, 12 (24%), favorable, 30 intermediate (60%), and 6 (12%) unknown. The median leukemia-free survival was 21.5 months. The median overall survival was 16.4 ± 2.2 months, with a 3-year survival rate of 37.2%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the cytogenetics results (P = .002) and the presence of FLT-3 (P = .03) were independent prognostic factors for relapse-free survival. Performance status, response, relapse, and cytogenetics findings were independent prognostic factors for survival.ConclusionsThe results from the present study revealed some differences in patient age and cytogenetic risk groups for patients with AML in our region and those in the Western world, including a younger median age, relevance of core binding factor leukemia, and a greater incidence of monosomies.     

Decitabine Versus Intensive Chemotherapy for Elderly Patients With Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia

BackgroundElderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have generally had a poor prognosis with unfavorable clinical and biologic disease features. Hypomethylating agents have shown potential for treating medically unfit and elderly patients with AML.Patients and MethodsWe compared the outcomes of elderly patients with AML treated with decitabine and intensive chemotherapy (IC).ResultsThe data from 107 patients with newly diagnosed AML aged ≥ 65 years were analyzed. The overall response rate was 38.6% and was significantly greater in the IC group than in the decitabine group (65.6% vs. 26.1%; P < .001). With a median follow-up duration of survivors of 14.8 months, the median overall survival (OS) and event-free survival were 12.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.0-14.7) and 2.0 months (95% CI, 2.0-2.0), respectively, which were not different between the 2 treatment groups. The FLT3-internal tandem duplication mutation (hazard ratio [HR], 2.637; 95% CI, 1.379-5.043; P = .003), complex karyotype (HR, 2.513; 95% CI, 1.258-5.020; P = .009), and peripheral blood blast percentage at diagnosis (HR, 1.983; 95% CI, 1.148-3.422; P = .014) were analyzed as independent prognostic factors for OS. A subgroup analysis for OS showed that IC was superior to decitabine for patients with the FLT3-internal tandem duplication mutation (P = .025) and poor risk cytogenetics, except for −7/del(7q) (P = .005), and decitabine was associated with longer OS for patients with −7/del(7q) (P = .077).ConclusionDecitabine showed a similar OS to IC, despite the lower response rate in patients. The clinical outcomes of specific subgroups seemed to differ with different treatment options. Optimal therapeutic approaches for elderly patients with AML should be further examined.     

Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma: Results From a Large Single-Institution Series

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to evaluate clinical features and prognostic factors in a large single institutional cohort of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) patients for identification of tumors with the highest metastatic potential.Patients and MethodsClinicopathological parameters of all patients with ChRCC diagnosed and surgically treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between 1990 and 2016 were identified and compared with patients treated for clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) in the same study period using Wilcoxon test for continuous variables and Fisher exact test for categorical variables. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method, log rank test, and Cox proportional hazards regression.ResultsFour hundred ninety-six patients with ChRCC (10-year RFS, 91.7% and OS, 82.1%) and 3312 patients with ccRCC (10-year RFS, 79.4% and OS, 63.6%) were included in the analysis. Patients with ChRCC were younger (median 59 vs. 61 years; P = .0015), less frequently male (54.8% vs. 66.3%; P < .0001), showed more favorable T stages (T1-2 in 78% vs. 67%; P < .0001) and less frequent sarcomatoid differentiation (1.2 % vs. 4%; P = .0008) and showed lower rates of metastatic development compared with ccRCC patients. Larger tumor size, sarcomatoid differentiation, and higher T-stage are significantly associated with adverse RFS and OS in chromophobe tumors.ConclusionChRCC is more commonly diagnosed in female and younger patients and is associated with a more favorable clinical outcome and a lower propensity for metastatic development than ccRCC. Larger tumors and sarcomatoid differentiation of ChRCC might be considered as risk factors for metastatic development.     

Transarterial chemoembolization plus immune checkpoint inhibitor as postoperative adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: A multicenter cohort study

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (PA-TACE) plus immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).Patients and methodsThis study was conducted on three centers from June 2018 to December 2020. Patients were divided into the PA-TACE (n = 48) and PA-TACE plus ICI groups (n = 42). The recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) curves were depicted by Kaplan-Meier method, and the differences between the two groups were compared using log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for RFS and OS. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for AEs (CTCAE) version 5.0.ResultsThe median RFS of the PA-TACE plus ICI group was significantly longer than the PA-TACE group (12.76 months vs. 8.11 months; P = 0.038). The median OS of the PA-TACE plus ICI group was also significanfly better than the PA-TACE group (24.5 months vs. 19.1 months; P = 0.032). PA-TACE plus ICI treatment was an independent prognostic factor for RFS (HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.32–0.9, P = 0.019) and OS (HR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.26–0.86, P = 0.014). Only one patient experienced grade ≥3 immune-related AEs in the PA-TACE plus ICI group.ConclusionsPA-TACE plus ICI treatment had better efficacy in preventing recurrence and prolonging survival than PA-TACE alone for HCC patients with PVTT after R0 resection. This novel treatment modality may be an appropriate option for HCC with PVTT.     

Outcome and Clinical Significance of Immunophenotypic Markers Expressed in Different Treatment Protocols of Pediatric Patients With T-ALL in Developing Countries

BackgroundT-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) accounts for about 15% of pediatric ALL. With wider use of intensive chemotherapy, the prognosis for childhood T-ALL has improved. Further gains in treatment outcome will likely require methods to identify patients who continue to fail on contemporary protocols. This study aimed to evaluate pediatric patients with T-ALL at 2 different Arabic cancer centers regarding their clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic features and outcome.Patients and MethodsThis retrospective study included all children with T-ALL treated between 2003 and 2013 at 2 oncology centers in the Middle East. Patients were divided into (group I) treated with Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM)-90 treatment protocol between February 2003 and June 2007 and (group II) includes all patients treated thereafter by the Total Therapy Study XIII protocol for high-risk ALL.ResultsThis study included 103 patients with a median age of 8.9 years. The male to female ratio was 2.6:1. The median initial white blood cell count was 123 × 10⁹/L. Central nervous system leukemia was detected in 15%. The early T-cell precursor (ETP)-ALL phenotype was found in 16.5%. The 5-year overall survival was 20.7% ± 67.5% and 72.9% ± 5.7% (P < .01); the 5-year disease-free survival was 47.1% ± 13.8% and 77.3% ± 6.0% (P = .023); and the 5-year event-free survival was 28.6% ± 12.1% and 71.1% ± 6.2% (P = .003) for group I and II, respectively.ConclusionThe outcome of patients with T-ALL significantly improved in patients who received the treatment protocol of ALL with high-risk criteria. This protocol eliminates the bad outcomes effect of several clinical and immunophenotypic markers. Patient with the ETP-ALL phenotype had a nonsignificant inferior outcome compared with the non–ETP-ALL group.     

Age Acts as an Adverse Independent Variable for Survival in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Data From a Cohort in Northeast Mexico

BackgroundSurvival for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) decreases with age. Patients across all age groups from a homogeneous ethnic and socioeconomic background were studied to document age effect.Material and MethodsPatients diagnosed from 2005 to 2015 at a university hospital in Northeast Mexico were divided into 4 age groups: infants (< 1), children (≥ 1 to < 16), adolescents (≥ 16 to ≤ 20), and adults (> 20 years). Correlation between age at diagnosis and relapse-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) was investigated.ResultsA total of 377 patients were included. Five-year RFS and OS for children were 55.6% and 66.9%; for adolescents, 36.0% and 48.3%; for adults, 19.5% and 24.1%, respectively. Differences in RFS and OS between age groups were significant (P < .001, P < .001). In the Cox regression model, all age groups reached statistical significance in univariate analysis of mortality.ConclusionAge plays a decisive role in clinical evolution of ALL and strongly influences outcome. Age older than 20 represents a progressive high-risk factor for death.     

Upper Urinary Tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Is There a Best?

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the prognostic and risk factors for bladder and systemic recurrence after nephroureterectomy (NU) in patients with upper urinary tract (UUT) transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).Patients and MethodsData from 101 patients with nonmetastatic UUT TCC who underwent NU between 1987 and 2009 were retrospectively evaluated. Kaplan-Meier curves for sex, age, anemia, smoking, stone disease, or history of bladder tumor, primary tumor localization, multiplicity, and disease stage and grade were constructed to predict 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS). Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for recurrence.ResultsBladder, distant, and local recurrence rates at a mean of 56.19 ± 5.30 months after NU were 38.5%, 19.8%, and 7.9%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that among the patients with bladder recurrence, female patients had significantly lower 5-year RFS than did male patients (34.7% ± 0.13% vs. 62.4% ± 0.06%, P = .038); however multivariate analysis showed that both female sex and a history of smoking were independent risk factors for bladder recurrence (odds ratio [OR], 4.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56-11.4; P = 0.005 and OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.1-7.4; P = .032, respectively). Univariate analysis showed that among the patients with local and distant recurrence, anemia, a positive history of bladder tumor, localization of the primary tumor, multiplicity, disease stage, and tumor grade significantly affected RFS, whereas primary tumor stage and grade were the only independent risk factors for 5-year RFS (OR, 4.48; 95% CI, 1.45-13.79; P = .009 and OR, 5.82; 95% CI, 2.08-16.26; P = .001, respectively).ConclusionFemale sex and a history of smoking were independent risk factors for bladder recurrence after NU. Such patients should be monitored closely using cystoscopy and urine cytologic examination. Invasive and higher grade UUT TCC was associated with worse local or systemic RFS.     

Outcomes of Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Compared With Chemotherapy Consolidation Alone for Non–High-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia in First Complete Remission in a Minority-Rich Inner-City Cohort With Limited Access to Allografts

IntroductionIn the United States, autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (autoHCT) has fallen out of favor over chemotherapy consolidation for non–high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) when allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) is unfeasible, which is common in racial minorities because of donor registry under-representation and socioeconomic challenges. We compared autoHCT consolidation outcomes with chemotherapy alone in a minority-rich cohort in the Bronx.Patients and MethodsWe identified adults with favorable or intermediate cytogenetic risk AML in first complete remission after induction at Montefiore Medical Center from 1999 to 2015, and analyzed 81 patients who received consolidation with ≥2 cycles of chemotherapy, of whom 28 received autoHCT.ResultsThe cohort predominantly consisted of ethnic/racial minorities (69%). Age, sex, race, presenting white cell count, and cytogenetic risk were similar between groups. The autoHCT group had longer relapse-free (RFS; 43 vs. 11 months; P = .003) and overall (OS) survival (not reached vs. 36 months; P = .043). Adjusted multivariable analysis showed significant benefit of autoHCT over chemotherapy alone for RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37-0.75; P < .001) and OS (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.40-0.95; P = .027).ConclusionIn this inner-city non–high-risk AML cohort, autoHCT provided OS and RFS benefit compared with chemotherapy alone. AutoHCT might constitute a valuable option for ethnic/racial minorities affected by significant barriers to alloHCT, whereas integration of measurable residual disease can help select patients more likely to benefit.