Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Patients with COVID-19 and Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Much of routine cancer care has been disrupted due to the perceived susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients. Here, we systematically review the current evidence base pertaining to the prevalence, presentation and outcome of COVID-19 in cancer patients, in order to inform policy and practice going forwards. A keyword-structured systematic search was conducted on Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase and MedRxiv databases for studies reporting primary data on COVID-19 in cancer patients. Studies were critically appraised using the NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's quality assessment tool set. The pooled prevalence of cancer as a co-morbidity in patients with COVID-19 and pooled in-hospital mortality risk of COVID-19 in cancer patients were derived by random-effects meta-analyses. In total, 110 studies from 10 countries were included. The pooled prevalence of cancer as a co-morbidity in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 was 2.6% (95% confidence interval 1.8%, 3.5%, I²: 92.0%). Specifically, 1.7% (95% confidence interval 1.3%, 2.3%, I²: 57.6.%) in China and 5.6% (95% confidence interval 4.5%, 6.7%, I²: 82.3%) in Western countries. Patients most commonly presented with non-specific symptoms of fever, dyspnoea and chest tightness in addition to decreased arterial oxygen saturation, ground glass opacities on computer tomography and non-specific changes in inflammatory markers. The pooled in-hospital mortality risk among patients with COVID-19 and cancer was 14.1% (95% confidence interval 9.1%, 19.8%, I²: 52.3%). We identified impeding questions that need to be answered to provide the foundation for an iterative review of the developing evidence base, and inform policy and practice going forwards. Analyses of the available data corroborate an unfavourable outcome of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and cancer. Our findings encourage future studies to report detailed social, demographic and clinical characteristics of cancer patients, including performance status, primary cancer type and stage, as well as a history of anti-cancer therapeutic interventions.     

Impact of Underlying Comorbidities on Mortality in SARS-COV-2 Infected Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The evidence has shown that SARS CoV-2 infected patients with comorbidities are more likely to have severe disease sequel and mortality. In SARS-CoV-2 infected cancer patients risks associated with other underlying comorbidities might vary from those in non-cancer SARS CoV-2 infected patients. The relative impact of different underlying health conditions among patients with cancer and SARS CoV-2 infection remains yet to be explored. This systematic review aims to explore the prevalence of comorbidities among cancer patients with SARS CoV-2 infection and their impact on mortality. Methods: Online databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of science were searched for articles published between 9th July 2019 to July 8th 2020.Studies of cancer patients (>18 years) with diagnosis of SARS CoV-2 infection, published in English were included. A random-effects modelling for the meta-analyses was applied to assess the pooled prevalence and odds ratio for mortality due to comorbidities in SARS CoV-2 infected cancer patients. Results: Total 31studies with 4086 SARS-CoV-2 infectedcancer patientsmet the inclusion criteria. Most prevalent co-morbidities in cancer patients with SARS CoV-2 infection were hypertension [42.3% (95%CI:37.5- 47.0)], diabetes [17.8% (95% CI: 15.3-20.4)] and cardiovascular diseases [16.7% (95%CI:12.9-20.4)].The risk of mortality (pOR) was significantly higher in individuals with hypertension[1.6(95%CI 1.24-2.00)], cardiovascular diseases [2.2 (95%CI 1.49- 3.27)], chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases [1.4(95% CI 1.05-2.00)] and diabetes [1.35(95%CI 1.06-1.73)]. Conclusion: Our results indicates that the mortality in SARS-CoV-2 infected cancer patients is affected by preexisting non-cancer comorbidities. By identifying the comorbidities predictive for mortality, clinicians can better stratify the risk of cancer patients presenting with SARS-COV-2, on their initial contact with health services.     

Spontaneous Regression of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma after SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Report of Two Cases

Spontaneous regression of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is a rare event, often associated with an activation of innate immunity by various triggers. SARS-CoV-2 infection induces a strong inflammatory response in some patients and a cytokine storm is one of the main causes of severe morbidity and mortality associated with the virus. Here, we describe two cases of patients with histologically and radiologically proven mRCC whose treatment was delayed due to COVID-19 and who experienced spontaneous tumour regression following the infection. Both patients reported here had predominantly pulmonary and mediastinal involvement and underwent nephrectomy. The interval between the diagnosis of COVID-19 and the detection of tumour regression was 3 and 4 months, respectively. Although approved vaccines and other measures are clearly the best way to prevent COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality in cancer patients, we hypothesize that innate immunity activation by the infection can contribute to tumour regression in special circumstances.     

The Role of Denosumab for Surgical Outcomes in Patients with Giant Cell Tumour of Bone: A Systematic Review

Background: The role of denosumab in patients with resectable giant cell tumour of bone remains unclear. We asked the following research question: for patients (aged ≥ 12 years) with resectable giant cell tumour of bone, what are the benefits and harms of denosumab compared with no denosumab in terms of (1) facilitation of surgery (operative time, blood loss), (2) disease recurrence, (3) pain control, (4) disease stability, and (5) adverse effects (e.g., malignant transformation, osteonecrosis of jaw, atypical femur fracture)? One previous systematic review addressed only one outcome—disease recurrence. Therefore, we undertook this new systematic review to address the above five outcomes. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases were searched on June 30, 2020. Results: This systematic review included one previous systematic review and five comparative studies. Due to poor quality, non-randomized studies fraught with selection bias, it is difficult to determine if a significant difference exists in the outcomes for surgical giant cell tumour of bone with perioperative denosumab. There were no reported cases of adverse effects from denosumab. Conclusion: To date, there is insufficient evidence to understand the value of denosumab in the perioperative setting in patients with giant cell tumour of bone.     

自体造血干细胞移植治疗急性白血病50例临床研究

本文报告自体造血干细胞移植治疗急性白血病50例,其中,未净化自体骨髓移植(ABMT)10例,净化后自体骨髓移植(PABMT)22例,自体外周血干细胞移植(ASHSCT)18例.3年无病生存率,3组分别为75%、69.9%、72.7%.复发率分别为36.6%、27.2%、31.4%.确诊到缓解(CR)时间<2月、CR到移植时间>6月、预处理方案化疗放疗(TBI)及急性髓细胞白血病(AML)3年无病生存率较高,复发率较低.     

自体造血干细胞移植治疗急性白血病50例临床研究

恶性胸膜间皮瘤(MPM)的常规治疗效果不好，存在免疫抑制作用。用肿瘤浸润性淋巴细胞(TIL)抗肿瘤．是近年来过继免疫治疗的一个新途径。我们用TIL，白细胞介素2(IL-2)、干扰素(IFN)协同治疗3例MPM，初步观察效果较好。     

The Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Hodgkin's Disease: Questions and Controversies

Most patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD) are cured with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. However, half of those with advanced stage disease (IIIB, IV) do not respond adequately to treatment or relapse. Salvage therapy used in such cases gives from 10% to 50% complete remission but only 10% long term survival. The results of bone marrow transplantation reported in acute leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma encouraged some authors to develop this new therapeutic strategy in Hodgkin's disease. In the early 1980's promising results were achieved when refractory and relapsed patients were selected to receive myeloablative therapy followed by bone marrow transplantation. Today, high dose chemotherapy with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is used more and more often in poor prognosis Hodgkin's disease.     

Chemoradiotherapy for Squamous Cell Cancer of the Anal Canal: A Systematic Review

Squamous cell cancer of the anal canal is a rare tumour for which there remains uncertainty regarding optimal therapy. A systematic review was conducted to summarise the evidence examining concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy or different chemotherapy regimens in combination with radiotherapy. MEDLINE, EMBASE and conference proceedings were searched for relevant randomised controlled trials. Outcomes of interest were colostomy rate, local failure, overall survival, disease-free survival, adverse effects and quality of life. Six randomised controlled trials were identified. Two trials reported lower colostomy and local failure rates for concurrent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plus mitomycin C (MMC) and radiotherapy compared with radiotherapy alone. The omission of MMC from this regimen resulted in higher colostomy and local failure rates and lower disease-free survival. Induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent 5-FU plus cisplatin and radiotherapy resulted in a higher colostomy rate than concurrent 5-FU plus MMC and radiotherapy. Haematological toxicity rates were lower in patients who received radiotherapy with 5-FU alone or 5-FU plus cisplatin compared with 5-FU plus MMC. No benefit was seen for the addition of induction or maintenance chemotherapy to concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The available evidence continues to support the use of radiotherapy with concurrent 5-FU and MMC as standard treatment for cancer of the anal canal to decrease colostomy and local failure rates.     

Attenuated Novel SARS Coronavirus 2 Infection in an Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patient on Ruxolitinib

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) has a high death rate in patients with comorbidities or in an immunocompromised state. We report a mild and attenuated SARS CoV-2 infection in a patient who is 17 months post stem cell transplantation and maintained on the JAK/STAT inhibitor ruxolitinib, a proposed novel therapy for SARS CoV-2 pneumonia.     

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Immunotherapeutic Regimens with PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors for Previously Untreated Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Improving therapeutic strategies for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) remains a challenge. To date, no reports have directly compared the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors plus platinum–etoposide (ICIs+EP) with platinum–irinotecan (IP) or directly compared different ICIs+EP for previously untreated ES-SCLC. This study used a Bayesian approach for network meta-analysis to compare efficacy and safety between ICIs+EP and IP and between each pair of three ICIs+EP. The six treatment arms were: pembrolizumab plus platinum–etoposide (Pem+EP), durvalumab plus platinum–etoposide (Dur+EP), atezolizumab plus platinum–etoposide (Atz+EP), platinum–amrubicin (AP), IP, and platinum–etoposide (EP). No significant differences in overall survival were observed between ICIs+EP and IP and between each pair of three ICIs+EP. The incidence of ≥grade 3 adverse events (G3-AEs) was significantly higher in ICIs+EP than IP, whereas no significant difference was found in G3-AEs between each pair of three ICIs+EP. The incidence of ≥grade 3 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia was significantly higher in ICIs+EP than IP, whereas the incidence of ≥grade 3 diarrhea was significantly lower in ICIs+EP than IP. These findings will help clinicians better select treatment strategies for ES-SCLC.     

异基因造血干细胞移植FBC预处理14例

[目的]探讨FBC预处理方案在异基因造血干细胞移植中的可行性.[方法]以FBC预处理对14例恶性血液病患者进行异基因造血干细胞移植.FBC预处理方案组成:磷酸氟达拉滨30mg/(m2·d),静滴,-5d～-1d;白消安0.6mg/(kg·d),口服,q6h,-7d～-4d;环磷酰胺30 mg/(kg·d),静滴,-3d～-2d.[结果]14例患者移植后均安全通过骨髓抑制期,顺利重建造血功能,白细胞升至1×109/L为 11d( 9d～ 15d),血小板上升至20×109/L为 12d( 9d～ 21d).8例(57.1%)出现急性移植物抗宿主病,5例(35.7%)出现慢性移植物抗宿主病.至今仍存活11例(78.6%),3例(21.4%)死亡.[结论]用FBC预处理方案进行异基因造血干细胞移植治疗恶性血液病安全、有效.     

异基因造血干细胞移植治疗复发性急性白血病

目的　探索异基因造血干细胞移植 (Allo HSCT)治疗复发性急性白血病的可行性。方法　 2例患者均为早期复发的急性白血病患者 ,1例由台湾慈济会骨髓捐赠中心提供HLA配型完全相同的非亲缘性骨髓血。另 1例则由其胞弟提供外周血干细胞。两者均予改良的马利兰 ,环磷酰胺 (BU/CY)方案进行预处理。移植物抗宿主病 (GVHD)的预防两者均用环胞菌素A (CSA)、甲氨蝶呤(MTX) ,例 1还加用霉酚酸酯 (MMF)。例 2采用供者淋巴细胞输注 (DLI)预防白血病复发。结果　移植后两者均获造血重建 ,中性粒细胞 (ANC) >0 5× 10 9/L ,血小板 (BPC) >2 0× 10 9/L的时间例 1为移植后第 2 1天及 72天 ;例 2为第 10天及 15天 ,前者第 43天骨髓染色体检查由 46 ,XY转为 46 ,XX ,第 113天血型由B转为供者型O ;后者第 14天骨髓染色体检查由移植前的 46 ,XX转为移植后的 46 ,XY。移植过程例 1发生严重的急性移植物抗宿主病 (aGVHD) ,6个月后死于间质性肺炎 (IP)。 2例患者在 3～ 6个月的随访中均无复发。结论　通过GVHD及DLI所介导的移植物抗白血病效应 (GVL) ,可以使复发性急性白血病患者获得移植后长期造血重建。     

Immune Reconstitution of CD4+T Cells after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and its Correlation with Invasive Fungal Infection in Patients with Hematological Malignancies

Objective: To explore the immune reconstitution of CD4+T cells after allogeneic hematopoietic stem celltransplantation (Allo-HSCT) and its relationship with invasive fungal infection (IFI) in patients with hematologicalmalignancies. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven patients with hematological malignancies undergoing Allo-HSCT in Binzhou Medical University Hospital from February, 2010 to October, 2014 were selected. At 1, 2and 3 months after transplantation, the immune subpopulations and concentration of cytokines were assessedrespectively using flow cytometry (FCM) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The incidenceof IFI after transplantation and its correlation with immune reconstitution of CD4+T cells were investigated.Results: The number of CD4+T cells and immune subpopulations increased progressively after transplantationas time went on, but the subpopulation cell count 3 months after transplantation was still significantly lowerthan in the control group (p<0.01). In comparison to the control group, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) andIL-10 after transplantation rose evidently (p<0.01), while that of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) wasdecreased (p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference level of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (p>0.05). Theincidence of IFI was 19.2% (9/47), and multivariate logistic regression revealed that IFI might be related toTh17 cell count (p<0.05), instead of Th1, Th2 and Treg cell counts as well as IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β and IFN-γlevels (p>0.05). Conclusions: After Allo-HSCT, the immune reconstitution of CD4+T cells is delayed and Th17cell count decreases obviously, which may be related to occurrence of IFI.     

Musculoskeletal Chronic Graft versus Host Disease—A Rare Complication to Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: A Case-Based Report and Review of the Literature

Musculoskeletal graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a rare manifestation of chronic GVHD (cGVHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Left untreated, the disease can cause extensive damage to muscle tissue and joints. We describe a 62-year-old male with musculoskeletal GVHD and generalized muscle pain and stiffness. In addition, we performed a systemic literature review based on published cases of musculoskeletal GVHD between 1983 and 2019. We identified 85 cases, 62% male and 38% female with an age of 4–69 years and median age of 39 years at diagnosis. The majority of patients (72%) also had manifestations of cGVHD in at least one other organ system, most frequently the skin (52%), followed by oropharyngeal mucosa (37%), and pulmonary and gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) (21%). We conclude that, while musculoskeletal cGVHD is a rare complication of allo-HSCT, it remains a serious and debilitating risk that must be considered in patients with muscle pain, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and tissue inflammation. Early intervention is critical for the patient’s prognosis.     

Virtual Care in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review

Virtual care in cancer care existed in a limited fashion globally before the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly driven by geographic constraints. The pandemic has required dramatic shifts in health care delivery, including cancer care. We conducted a systematic review of comparative studies evaluating virtual versus in-person care in patients with cancer. Embase, APA PsycInfo, Ovid MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for literature from January 2015 to 6 August 2020. We adhered to PRISMA guidelines and used the modified GRADE approach to evaluate the data. We included 34 full-text publications of 10 randomized controlled trials, 13 non-randomized comparative studies, and 5 ongoing randomized controlled trials. Evidence was divided into studies that provide psychosocial or genetic counselling and those that provide or assess medical and supportive care. The limited data in this review support that in the general field of psychological counselling, virtual or remote counselling can be equivalent to in-person counselling. In the area of genetic counselling, telephone counselling was more convenient and noninferior to usual care for all outcomes (knowledge, decision conflict, cancer distress, perceived stress, genetic counseling satisfaction). There are few data for clinical outcomes and supportive care. Future research should assess the role of virtual care in these areas. Protocol registration: PROSPERO CRD42020202871.     

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Is an Effective Treatment for Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm in First Complete Remission: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction

It is common practice to refer patients to transplantation centers for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for blastic plasmacytoid dendritic-cell neoplasm (BPDCN) despite lack of randomized controlled trials. We performed a systematic review to assess the totality of evidence pertaining to the efficacy of allo-HCT in BPDCN.

First-line Treatment of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Immuno-oncology Era: Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

Combination treatments with immuno-oncology (IO) agents and IO agents plus a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGFR-TKI) have been approved for first-line treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). No direct comparisons have been performed among these treatment options. We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare and rank the available regimens for first-line treatment in terms of survival benefit and efficacy. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review statement, a systematic search of reported studies was performed in MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE up to May 31, 2019. Network meta-analysis models were adjusted using the Bayesian method. Four randomized clinical trials, with a total of 3758 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Considering systemic therapy, 1880 patients had received sunitinib and 550, 432, 442, and 454 patients had received ipilimumab plus nivolumab (ipi + nivo), pembrolizumab plus axitinib (pembro + axi), avelumab plus axitinib (avelu + axi), and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (atezo + bev). No difference was found in overall survival between ipi + nivo and pembro + axi for the intention to treat population (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.92-1.97). No difference was found in progression-free survival among the treatments. The overall response rate (ORR) was superior with pembro + axi and avelu + axi compared with the ORR with the other treatments (atezo + bev vs. pembro + axi: HR, 0.66; 95% CrI, 0.52-0.84; ipi + nivo vs. pembro + axi: HR, 0.73; 95% CrI, 0.59-0.90; atezo + bev vs. avelu + axi: HR, 0.55; 95% CrI, 0.43-0.71; avelu + axi vs. ipi + nivo: HR, 1.66; 95% CrI, 1.31-2.12), with no differences across them (HR, 1.21; 95% CrI, 0.95-1.53). In the present indirect comparison, for an intention to treat population, we found no survival differences between pembro + axi and ipi + nivo. All treatments showed better progression-free survival compared with sunitinib that was similar among them. The combination of an IO agent (pembrolizumab or avelumab) and axitinib seemed to be the most effective therapy for the ORR.