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Background: Patients with cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) have a high risk of recurrent venous thromboembolic events, which contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. Direct oral anticoagulants may provide a convenient treatment option for these patients. Objectives: To assess clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with active cancer changing to rivaroxaban after ≥4weeks of standard therapy for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in clinical practice. This analysis focused on secondary outcomes of Cancer-associated thrOmboSIs – Patient-reported outcoMes with rivarOxaban (COSIMO). Patients: COSIMO was a multinational, prospective, noninterventional, single-arm cohort study. Overall, 505 patients received at least one dose of rivaroxaban; 96.6% changing from low-molecular-weight heparin, 1.6% from a vitamin K antagonist, and 1.8% from fondaparinux. Results: Most patients had solid tumors (n=449; 88.9%) and approximately half of these patients had metastases. The qualifying venous thromboembolic event was deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 45.3% of patients, pulmonary embolism (PE) in 37.2% of patients, DVT with PE in 9.7% of patients, and catheter-associated DVT in 7.5% of patients. Approximately 75.1% of patients received rivaroxaban for at least 3months; 150 (29.7%) patients received concomitant chemotherapy during the study. VTE recurrence, major bleeding, nonmajor bleeding, and major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 18 (3.6%), 18 (3.6%), 81 (16.0%), and 12 (2.4%) patients, respectively. Conclusions: In patients with CAT who changed to rivaroxaban treatment after ≥4weeks of standard therapy, the observed incidence proportions of recurrent VTE and bleeding events were in keeping with the recognized effectiveness and safety profile of rivaroxaban for the treatment of CAT.

Introduction Clinical guidelines recommend anticoagulation therapy for the treatment of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE), but little is known about preferences. Therefore, the objective of this discrete choice experiment (DCE) was to elucidate patient preferences regarding anticoagulation convenience attributes. Methods Adult patients with cancer-associated VTE who switched to direct oral anticoagulants were included in a single-arm study (COSIMO). Patients were asked to decide between hypothetical treatment options based on a combination of the following attributes: route of administration (injection/tablet), frequency of intake (once/twice daily), need for regular controls of the international normalized ratio (INR) at least every 3 to 4 weeks (yes/no), interactions with food/alcohol (yes/no), and distance to treating physician (1 vs. 20 km) as an additional neutral attribute. DCE data were collected by structured telephone interviews and analyzed based on a conditional logit regression. Results Overall, 163 patients (mean age 63.7 years, 49.1% female) were included. They strongly preferred oral administration compared with self-injections (importance of this attribute for overall treatment decisions: 73.8%), and a treatment without dietary restrictions (11.8%). Even if these attributes were less important (7.2% and 6.5%, respectively), patients indicated a preference for a shorter distance to the treating physician and once-daily dosing compared with twice-daily intake. “Need for regular controls of INR at least every 3 to 4 weeks” showed no significant impact on the treatment decision (0.7%). Conclusion This study showed that treatment-related decision making in cancer-associated VTE, assuming comparable effectiveness and safety of anticoagulant treatments, is predominantly driven by “route of administration,” with patients strongly preferring oral administration.

Background Optimal risk stratification of unsuspected pulmonary embolism (UPE) in ambulatory cancer patients (ACPs) remains unclear. Existing clinical predictive rules (CPRs) are derived from retrospective databases and have limitations. The UPE registry is a prospective international registry with pre-specified characteristics of ACPs with a recent UPE. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of risk factors captured in the UPE registry in predicting proximate (30-, 90- and 180-day) mortality and how they performed when applied to an existing CPR. Objectives To evaluate risk factors for proximate mortality, overall survival, recurrent venous thromboembolism and major bleeding, in the patients enrolled in the UPE registry cohort. Methods Data from the 695 ACPs in this registry were subjected to multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify predictors independently associated with proximate mortality and overall survival. The most consistent predictors were applied to the Hull CPR, an existing 5-point prediction rule. Results The most consistent predictors of mortality were patient-reported respiratory symptoms within 14 days before, and ECOG performance status at the time of UPE. These predictors applied to the Hull-CPR produced a consistent correlation with proximate mortality and overall survival (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.70 [95% CI 0.63, 077], AUC = 0.65 [95% CI 0.60, 070], AUC = 0.64 [95% CI 0.59, 068], and AUC = 0.61, 95% CI 0.57, 0.65, respectively). Conclusion In ACPs with UPE, ECOG performance status logged contemporaneously to the UPE diagnosis and respiratory symptoms prior to UPE diagnosis can stratify mortality risk. When applied to the HULL-CPR these risk predictors confirmed the risk stratification clusters of low-intermediate and high-risk for proximate mortality as seen in the original derivation cohort.

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CT) is associated with a high risk of recurrent venous thromboembolic (VTE) events that require extended anticoagulation in patients with active cancer, putting them at risk of bleeding. The aim of the API-CAT study (NCT03692065) is to assess whether a reduced-dose regimen of apixaban (2.5 mg twice daily [bid]) is noninferior to a full-dose regimen of apixaban (5 mg bid) for the prevention of recurrent VTE in patients with active cancer who have completed ≥6 months of anticoagulant therapy for a documented index event of proximal deep-vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. API-CAT is an international, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, noninferiority trial with blinded adjudication of outcome events. Consecutive patients are randomized to receive apixaban 2.5 or 5 mg bid for 12 months. The primary efficacy outcome is a composite of recurrent symptomatic or incidental VTE during the treatment period. The principal safety endpoint is clinically relevant bleeding, defined as a composite of major bleeding or nonmajor clinically relevant bleeding. Assuming a 12-month incidence of the primary outcome of 4% with apixaban and an upper limit of the two-sided 95% confidence interval of the hazard ratio

Introduction: The restriction of prolyl-protein cis/trans isomerase 1 (Pin1) activity has been shown to prevent the release of tissue factor (TF) leading to the accumulation of the latter protein within the cell. This study tested the ability of novel small molecules to inhibit Pin1, suppress TF activity and release, and induce cellular apoptosis. Methods: Four compounds were designed and synthesised based on modification of 5-(p-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylfuran-3-carbonyl amide and the outcome on MDA-MB-231 and primary cells examined. These compounds contained 3-(2-naphthyl)-D-alanine (4a), D-tryptophan (4b), D-phenylalanine (4c), and D-tyrosine (4d) at the amino-termini. Results: Treatment of cells with compound 4b and 4d reduced the cell-surface TF activity after 60 min on MDA-MB-231 cells. Incubation with compound 4d also reduced TF antigen on the cell surface and its incorporation into microvesicles, while compounds 4a and 4b significantly increased TF release. None of the four compounds significantly altered the total amount of TF antigen or TF mRNA expression. Compound 4b and 4d also suppressed the binding of Pin1 to TF-cytoplasmic domain peptide. However, compound 4d reduced while compound 4b increased the Pin1 isomerase activity. Finally, treatment with compound 4b and 4d reduced the cell numbers, increased nuclear localisation of p53, Bax protein and bax mRNA expression and induced cellular apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 but not primary endothelial cells. Conclusions: In conclusion, we have identified small molecules to regulate the function of TF within cells. Two of these compounds may prove to be beneficial in moderating TF function specifically and restrain TF-mediated tumour growth without detrimental outcomes on normal vascular cells.

The activation of protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2 by factor Xa (fXa) promotes the release of tissue factor-positive microvesicles (TF+MV), and contributes to proliferation in cancer cells. This study examined the ability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), apixaban and rivaroxaban, to inhibit the release of TF+MV from two cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and AsPC-1) as well as cell proliferation.Activation of the cells with fXa (10 nM) enhanced the release of TF+MV but was suppressed in the presence of either DOAC. These MVs were found to contain fVIIa, but not fXa. Incubation of cell lines with apixaban (1.8 µM) but not rivaroxaban (1.8 µM), in the absence of fXa decreased the release of TF+MV below that of resting cells, in a PAR2-dependent manner. Furthermore, incubation with apixaban reduced the proliferation rate in both cells lines. Incubation of purified fVIIa with apixaban but not rivaroxaban resulted in complete inhibition of fVIIa proteolytic activity as measured using two fVIIa chromogenic substrates. Pre-incubation of the cells with an inhibitory anti-fVIIa antibody, with apixaban or the blocking of PAR2 suppressed the release of TF+MV to a comparable level, and reduced cell proliferation but the effect was not cumulative.This study has established that the activation of PAR2 by TF–fVIIa complex is the principal mediator in augmenting the release of TF+MV as well as cancer cell proliferation. Importantly, for the first time we have shown that apixaban selectively inhibits the proteolytic activity of fVIIa as well as the signalling arising from the TF–fVIIa complex.

The bidirectional association between coagulation and cancer has been established. However, anticoagulant therapies have been reported to have beneficial outcomes by influencing the vascularisation of the tumours. In this study the influence of a set of anticoagulants on tumour formation, invasion and vascularisation was examined. WM-266-4 melanoma and AsPC-1 pancreatic cancer cell lines were treated with LMWH (Tinzaparin and Dalteparin), and DOAC (Apixaban and Rivaroxaban) and the rate of tumour formation, growth and invasion were measured in vitro. In addition, the influence of these anticoagulants on vascularisation was examined using the chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM) model and compared to the outcome of treatment with Bevacizumab. Using this model the influence of pharmacological concentrations of the anticoagulant on the growth, invasion and vascularisation of tumours derived from WM-266-4 and AsPC-1 cells was also measured in vivo. Tinzaparin and Daltepain reduced tumour formation and invasion by the cell lines in vitro, but with dissimilar potencies. In addition, treatment of CAM with LMWH reduced the local vascular density beyond that achievable with Bevacizumab, particularly suppressing the formation of larger-diameter blood vessels. In contrast, treatment with DOAC was largely ineffective. Treatment of CAM-implanted tumours with LMWH also reduced tumour vascularisation, while treatment of tumours with Apixaban reduced tumour growth in vivo. In conclusion, LMWH and DOAC appear to have anti-cancer properties that are exerted through different mechanisms.

PURPOSE Pulmonary embolism is incidentally diagnosed in up to 5% of patients with cancer on routine imaging scans. The clinical relevance and optimal therapy for incidental pulmonary embolism, particularly distal clots, is unclear. The aim of the current study was to assess current treatment strategies and the long-term clinical outcomes of incidentally detected pulmonary embolism in patients with cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted an international, prospective, observational cohort study between October 22, 2012, and December 31, 2017. Unselected adults with active cancer and a recent diagnosis of incidental pulmonary embolism were eligible. Outcomes were recurrent venous thromboembolism, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality during 12 months of follow-up. Outcome events were centrally adjudicated. RESULTS A total of 695 patients were included. Mean age was 66 years and 58% of patients were male. Most frequent cancer types were colorectal (21%) and lung cancer (15%). Anticoagulant therapy was initiated in 675 patients (97%), of whom 600 (89%) were treated with low-molecular-weight heparin. Recurrent venous thromboembolism occurred in 41 patients (12-month cumulative incidence, 6.0%; 95% CI, 4.4% to 8.1%), major bleeding in 39 patients (12-month cumulative incidence, 5.7%; 95% CI, 4.1% to 7.7%), and 283 patients died (12-month cumulative incidence, 43%; 95% CI, 39% to 46%). The 12-month incidence of recurrent venous thromboembolism was 6.4% in those with subsegmental pulmonary embolism compared with 6.0% in those with more proximal pulmonary embolism (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.37 to 2.9; P = .93). CONCLUSION In patients with cancer with incidental pulmonary embolism, risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism is significant despite anticoagulant treatment. Patients with subsegmental pulmonary embolism seemed to have a risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism comparable to that of patients with more proximal clots.

In this centre, patients with pT4b cutaneous melanoma are staged using 18F-FDG PET-computed tomography (PET-CT) prior to considering sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The objective was to assess the utility of PET-CT in terms of rates of detection of metastases leading to changes in planned treatment and if performing PET-CT was associated with a delay in surgical management. In this single-centre retrospective cohort study, 88 consecutive patients with pT4b melanoma were identified from February 2014 to May 2019. Data were collected from clinical records. Of the 88 patients, 76 patients underwent PET-CT and 16/76 (21%) of these demonstrated metastatic/potentially metastatic disease. In total 16/76 (21%) patients had positive findings on PET-CT, and of these 14 (18%) had alterations to their clinical care. Performing PET-CT did not significantly delay time to wide local excision (PET-CT median 74 days (range 16-220) vs. no PET-CT median 55 days (range 36-143) P = 0.56) or SLNB (PET-CT median 67 days (range 16-206) vs. no PET-CT median 124 days (range 45-203) P = 0.66). Of the 29 patients undergoing SLNB who had negative PET-CT findings, 12/29 (41%) demonstrated microscopic metastatic disease. At the median follow-up of 1.75 years, 28 patients (34%) had died. Median survival was not reached. Performing staging PET-CT prior to SLNB in patients with pT4b melanoma can reveal metastases in over a fifth of patients, leading to alteration in management without treatment delay. Due to the low sensitivity of PET-CT for small metastases, SLNB remains important for definitive staging.

Background\ud \ud Advanced biliary tract cancer has a poor prognosis. Cisplatin and gemcitabine is the standard first-line chemotherapy regimen, but no robust evidence is available for second-line chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the benefit derived from second-line FOLFOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin) chemotherapy in advanced biliary tract cancer.\ud \ud \ud \ud Methods\ud \ud The ABC-06 clinical trial was a phase 3, open-label, randomised trial done in 20 sites with expertise in managing biliary tract cancer across the UK. Adult patients (aged ≥18 years) who had histologically or cytologically verified locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (including cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder or ampullary carcinoma) with documented radiological disease progression to first-line cisplatin and gemcitabine chemotherapy and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0–1 were randomly assigned (1:1) centrally to active symptom control (ASC) and FOLFOX or ASC alone. FOLFOX chemotherapy was administered intravenously every 2 weeks for a maximum of 12 cycles (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, L-folinic acid 175 mg [or folinic acid 350 mg], fluorouracil 400 mg/m2 [bolus], and fluorouracil 2400 mg/m2 as a 46-h continuous intravenous infusion). Randomisation was done following a minimisation algorithm using platinum sensitivity, serum albumin concentration, and stage as stratification factors. The primary endpoint was overall survival, assessed in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was also assessed in the intention-to-treat population. The study is complete and the final results are reported. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01926236, and EudraCT, 2013-001812-30.\ud \ud \ud \ud Findings\ud \ud Between March 27, 2014, and Jan 4, 2018, 162 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to ASC plus FOLFOX (n=81) or ASC alone (n=81). Median follow-up was 21·7 months (IQR 17·2–30·8). Overall survival was significantly longer in the ASC plus FOLFOX group than in the ASC alone group, with a median overall survival of 6·2 months (95% CI 5·4–7·6) in the ASC plus FOLFOX group versus 5·3 months (4·1–5·8) in the ASC alone group (adjusted hazard ratio 0·69 [95% CI 0·50–0·97]; p=0·031). The overall survival rate in the ASC alone group was 35·5% (95% CI 25·2–46·0) at 6 months and 11·4% (5·6–19·5) at 12 months, compared with 50·6% (39·3–60·9) at 6 months and 25·9% (17·0–35·8) at 12 months in the ASC plus FOLFOX group. Grade 3–5 adverse events were reported in 42 (52%) of 81 patients in the ASC alone group and 56 (69%) of 81 patients in the ASC plus FOLFOX group, including three chemotherapy-related deaths (one each due to infection, acute kidney injury, and febrile neutropenia). The most frequently reported grade 3–5 FOLFOX-related adverse events were neutropenia (ten [12%] patients), fatigue or lethargy (nine [11%] patients), and infection (eight [10%] patients).\ud \ud \ud \ud Interpretation\ud \ud The addition of FOLFOX to ASC improved median overall survival in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer after progression on cisplatin and gemcitabine, with a clinically meaningful increase in 6-month and 12-month overall survival rates. To our knowledge, this trial is the first prospective, randomised study providing reliable, high-quality evidence to allow an informed discussion with patients of the potential benefits and risks from second-line FOLFOX chemotherapy in advanced biliary tract cancer. Based on these findings, FOLFOX should become standard-of-care chemotherapy in second-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer and the reference regimen for further clinical trials.\ud \ud \ud \ud Funding\ud \ud Cancer Research UK, StandUpToCancer, AMMF (The UK Cholangiocarcinoma Charity), and The Christie Charity, with additional funding from The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation and the Conquer Cancer Foundation Young Investigator Award for translational research.

Background Several independent risk factors have been reported to influence viral shedding following COVID-19 infection, but the influence of host-related molecular factors has not yet been described. We report a case of a cancer patient with Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, HNPCC) who manifested SARS-CoV-2 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) positivity for at least 54 days after contracting mild COVID-19 illness. We propose that deficient mismatch repair (MMR) may play a role in the prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding. Case presentation A patient with Lynch syndrome was under surveillance for metastatic adenocarcinoma after completing palliative chemotherapy in October 2019. Between the period of April 2020 to June 2020, he was admitted multiple times to address several clinical needs mainly related to his underlying malignancy. These included progressive disease observed in the aortocaval lymph nodes leading to recurrent episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, dehydration resulting in acute kidney injury and a short-lived episode of pyrexia. A SARS-CoV-2 PCR of the nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) was positive at his initial admission with mild COVID-19 symptoms. He remained positive on subsequent admissions when tested routinely for SARS-CoV-2 without demonstrating any apparent clinical features of COVID-19 infection. The MMR pathway, a component of DNA damage response (DDR), is impaired in Lynch syndrome due to an inherited genetic mutation. This pathway is also required for viral clearance from the host cells following certain RNA viral infections like influenza virus and other coronaviridae. Here we provide a current understanding of the importance of DDR deficiencies in the clearance of RNA virus and suggest how this may play a similar role in the clearance of COVID-19, as evident in our case that demonstrated persistent positivity. Conclusion The importance of understanding the scientific basis of extended viral shedding during the COVID-19 pandemic is now centre-stage in the establishment of robust track and trace services to allow the recovery and function of societies and economies. This patient with Lynch syndrome recovered from infection but had prolonged viral positivity, which might merit further investigation to better understand the effect of this condition on infection duration and outcome.

Background Study-level meta-analyses provide high-certainty evidence that heparin reduces the risk of symptomatic venous thromboembolism for patients with cancer; however, whether the benefits and harms associated with heparin differ by cancer type is unclear. This individual participant data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials examines the effect of heparin on survival, venous thromboembolism, and bleeding in patients with cancer in general and by type.Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched MEDLINE, Embase, and The Cochrane Library for randomised controlled trials comparing parenteral anticoagulants with placebo or standard care in ambulatory patients with solid tumours and no indication for anticoagulation published from the inception of each database to January 14, 2017, and updated it on May 14, 2020, without language restrictions. We calculated the effect of parenteral anticoagulant administration on all-cause mortality, venous thromboembolism occurrence, and bleeding related outcomes through multivariable hierarchical models with patient-level variables as fixed effects and a categorical trial variable as a random effect, adjusting for age, cancer type, and metastatic status. Interaction terms were tested to investigate effects in predefined subgroups. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42013003526.Findings We obtained individual participant data from 14 of 20 eligible randomised controlled trials (8278 [79%] of 10 431 participants; 4139 included in the low-molecular-weight heparin group and 4139 in the control group). Meta- analysis showed an adjusted relative risk (RR) of mortality at 1 year of 0·99 (95% CI 0·93–1·06) and a hazard ratio of 1·01 (95% CI 0·96–1·07). The number of patients with venous thromboembolic events was 158 (4·0%) of 3958 with available data in the low-molecular-weight heparin group compared with 279 (7·1%) of 3957 in the control group. Major bleeding events occurred in 71 (1·7%) of 4139 patients in the control population and 88 (2·1%) in the low- molecular-weight heparin group, and minor bleeding events in 478 (12·1%) of 3945 patients with available data in the control group and 652 (16·6%) of 3937 patients in the low-molecular-weight heparin group. The adjusted RR was 0·58 (95% CI 0·47–0·71) for venous thromboembolism, 1·27 (0·92–1·74) for major bleeding, and 1·34 (1·19–1·51) for minor bleeding. Prespecified subgroup analysis of venous thromboembolism occurrence by cancer type identified the most certain benefit from heparin treatment in patients with lung cancer (RR 0·59 [95% CI 0·42–0·81]), which dominated the overall reduction in venous thromboembolism. Certainty of the evidence for the outcomes ranged from moderate to high.Interpretation Low-molecular-weight heparin reduces risk of venous thromboembolism without increasing risk of major bleeding compared with placebo or standard care in patients with solid tumours, but it does not improve survival.Funding Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegvorhyaluronidase alfa (PEGPH20) plus nab-paclitaxel/gemcitabine (AG) in patients with hyaluronan-high metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). PATIENTS AND METHODS HALO 109-301 was a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients ≥ 18 years of age with untreated, metastatic, hyaluronan-high PDA were randomly assigned 2:1 to PEGPH20 plus AG or placebo plus AG. Treatment was administered intravenously in 4-week cycles (3 weeks on, 1 week off) until progression or intolerable adverse events: PEGPH20 3.0 µg/kg twice per week for cycle 1 and once per week thereafter; nab-paclitaxel 125 mg/m2 once per week; and gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 once per week. The primary end point was overall survival (OS); secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and safety. Response was independently assessed per RECIST v1.1. RESULTS At data cutoff, 494 patients were randomly assigned, with 492 (327 for PEGPH20 and 165 for placebo) included in intention-to-treat analyses. Baseline characteristics were balanced for PEGPH20 plus AG versus placebo plus AG. There were 330 deaths, with a median OS of 11.2 months for PEGPH20 plus AG versus 11.5 months for placebo plus AG (hazard ratio [HR], 1.00; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.27; P = .97); median PFS was 7.1 months versus 7.1 months (HR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.75 to 1.26]); ORR was 47% versus 36% (ORR ratio, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.03 to 1.63]). Grade ≥ 3 adverse events with a ≥ 2% higher rate with PEGPH20 plus AG than with placebo plus AG included fatigue (16.0% v 9.6%), muscle spasms (6.5% v 0.6%), and hyponatremia (8.0% v 3.8%). CONCLUSION The addition of PEGPH20 to AG increased the ORR but did not improve OS or PFS. The safety profile of PEGPH20 plus AG was consistent with that found in previous studies. These results do not support additional development of PEGPH20 in metastatic PDA.

Background\ud Oncology guidelines suggest using the Khorana score to select ambulatory cancer patients receiving chemotherapy for primary venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention, but its performance in different cancers remains uncertain.\ud \ud Objective\ud To examine the performance of the Khorana score in assessing 6‐month VTE risk, and the efficacy and safety of low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) among high‐risk Khorana score patients.\ud \ud Methods\ud This individual patient data meta‐analysis evaluated (ultra)‐LMWH in patients with solid cancer using data from seven randomized controlled trials.\ud \ud Results\ud A total of 3293 patients from the control groups with an available Khorana score had lung (n = 1913; 58%), colorectal (n = 452; 14%), pancreatic (n = 264; 8%), gastric (n = 201; 6%), ovarian (n = 184; 56%), breast (n = 164; 5%), brain (n = 84; 3%), or bladder cancer (n = 31; 1%). The 6‐month VTE incidence was 9.8% among high‐risk Khorana score patients and 6.4% among low‐to‐intermediate‐risk patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1‐2.2). The dichotomous Khorana score performed differently in lung cancer patients (OR 1.1; 95% CI, 0.72‐1.7) than in the group with other cancer types (OR 3.2; 95% CI, 1.8‐5.6; Pinteraction = .002). Among high‐risk patients, LMWH decreased the risk of VTE by 64% compared with controls (OR 0.36; 95% CI, 0.22‐0.58), without increasing the risk of major bleeding (OR 1.1; 95% CI, 0.59‐2.1).\ud \ud Conclusion\ud The Khorana score was unable to stratify patients with lung cancer based on their VTE risk. Among those with other cancer types, a high‐risk score was associated with a three‐fold increased risk of VTE compared with a low‐to‐intermediate risk score. Thromboprophylaxis was effective and safe in patients with a high‐risk Khorana score.

BACKGROUND Despite the frequency of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pancreatic cancer, it is inconsistently reported as an adverse event in clinical trials. We hypothesized that reported rates of VTE in pancreatic cancer clinical trials are influenced by the objectives of the trial, with higher rates reported in thromboprophylaxis compared with chemotherapeutic trials. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials (RCT) in pancreatic cancer to quantify differences in reported rates of VTE in thromboprophylaxis and chemotherapeutic trials. METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Clinicaltrials.gov. Eligible thromboprophylaxis RCTs were required to report rates of thrombosis in non-anticoagulant pancreatic cancer cohorts. Eligible chemotherapy studies were RCTs evaluating chemotherapy regimens in advanced pancreatic cancer and reported thrombosis as adverse events. Pooled event rates of VTE and arterial thrombosis were calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS The pooled VTE rate in 13 chemotherapy studies (5694 patients) was 5.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9-9.0%) compared with 16.5% (95% CI, 11.7%-23.3%; P

Background: Patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy can experience an array of complications including fatigue, pain and the loss of physical function. Accumulating evidence from largely early stage breast cancer studies supports exercise as an adjunct therapy to help mitigate treatment complications. However, there is a lack of evidence of its feasibility in pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this study is to explore the initial feasibility of delivering a supervised, individualized, and progressive concurrent exercise intervention to individuals with resectable PDAC who are undergoing adjuvant therapy. Methodology: Ten patients with resectable PDAC undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy will be recruited. Clinical care teams will screen patients against inclusion criteria to determine eligibility. All enrolled participants will complete a 16-week, supervised, tailored, moderate intensity exercise intervention consisting of aerobic and muscle strengthening activities. The primary outcome will be feasibility of delivering a supervised exercise intervention. Secondary outcomes will include measures of physical fitness, fatigue, and quality of life. Outcomes will be measured at baseline (T1), 16 weeks (T2) and 3 months (T3). The feasibility, acceptability and potential utility of the supervised exercise intervention will be explored qualitatively through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (e.g. active participants, eligible participants that declined participation and the research staff including exercise physiologists and recruiting clinicians). The use of health and social care services, medications and personal expenses incurred during the trial will also be used to determine cost-effectiveness of this intervention and a potential further RCT in PDAC. Discussion: The overall aim of this study is to determine the utility of a supervised, tailored, moderate intensity exercise intervention in PDAC patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. This feasibility study will help inform the design of future randomised controlled trials to determine the efficacy of the exercise intervention in PDAC.

Background Advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (aPDAC) patients have a lifetime all type thromboembolic event (ATTE) rate of 25–35%. Efficacy and safety of increased dose primary thromboprophylaxis (IDPTP) with low molecular heparin (LMWH) given for 3 months has been shown in two prospective randomized trials. Objectives To report on efficacy -reduction of all type thromboembolic events (ATTE)-, safety -incidence of Major Bleeding (MB)- and compliance in a single-centre cohort of aPDAC patients receiving first line chemotherapy and LMWH-IDPTP. Methods From May 2009 to October 2016, 82 patients received IDPTP –LMWH with dalteparin. Schedule: 55 kg and below: 7500 IU, between 55 and 80 kg: 10,000 IU, above 80 kg: 12,500 IU. MB is reported using the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) criteria. ATTE was defined as any arterial or venous event, incidental or clinically symptomatic, including visceral VTE. Results Mean and median time on dalteparin was 10.2 (95%CI 8.1, 12.4) and 8.0 (95%CI 6.2, 9.7) months respectively. ATTE was observed in 7 (8.5%) of patients, with a median time on IDPTP of 6.2 months (95% CI 10.0, 13.2). MB was seen in 10 (12.2%) patients with a median time on IDPTP of 4.5 months (95% CI 1.6, 7.4). Six major bleeds (60%) were the direct or indirect result of aPDAC. Eighty-one patients had died at the time of data collection with a median overall survival time of 8.7 months (95%CI 6.4, 11.0). Thromboembolism and bleeding were late events. No impact of thromboembolism or bleeding on overall survival was observed. Conclusions IDPTP-dalteparin was associated with lower ATTE occurrence rates than expected and comparable major bleeding rates. ATTE and MB were late events, the majority of MB was from direct or indirect result of locally progressing aPDAC. Since these conditions can frequently arise in aPDAC, IDPTP should be regularly reviewed beyond 3 months.

Background The Anticoagulation Therapy in Selected Cancer Patients at Risk of Recurrence of Venous Thromboembolism (SELECT‐D) trial demonstrated reduction in recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) but increased bleeding with rivaroxaban compared with dalteparin for treatment of acute VTE in cancer patients, at 6 months. Uncertainty remains around optimal duration of anticoagulation. Objectives To assess VTE recurrence and bleeding, with anticoagulation or not, beyond 6 months. Patients/Methods In SELECT‐D, after 6 months of trial treatment for VTE, patients with active cancer and residual deep vein thrombosis (RDVT) or index pulmonary embolism (PE) were eligible for randomization to a further 6 months of rivaroxaban or placebo. Patients with no RDVT stopped anticoagulation. Primary outcome was VTE recurrence at 12 months. The second randomization closed prematurely because of low recruitment when 92 of the planned 300 patients were recruited. Results Ninety‐two of 136 eligible patients were randomized to rivaroxaban or placebo. The cumulative VTE recurrence after 6 months from the second randomization was 14% with placebo and 4% with rivaroxaban (hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06‐1.58). The major and clinically relevant non‐major bleeding rates were 0% and 0% with placebo; and 5% (95% CI, 1‐18) and 4% (95% CI, 1‐17) with rivaroxaban. In an exploratory analysis, 7 (15%) of 46 placebo patients with RDVT or an index PE experienced recurrent VTE compared to none in the 35 patients in the RDVT‐negative cohort (P = .03). Conclusion The SELECT‐D trial was underpowered to detect a statistically significant reduction in recurrent VTE with extended anticoagulation. The absence of RDVT and/or index PE, defined a population at low risk of recurrence.

Background: Advanced biliary tract cancer (ABC) has a poor prognosis for which cisplatin-gemcitabine is the reference first-line chemotherapy. No robust evidence is available for second-line chemotherapy. Methods: Patients with ABC who progressed on first-line cisplatin-gemcitabine were randomised to active symptom control (ASC) and oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil (FOLFOX) or ASC alone. The primary end-point was overall survival (OS); recruitment of 162 patients was required, to deliver 148 events (hypothesised hazard ratio (HR) 0.63; 80% power; 5% two-sided alpha). Secondary end-points included progression-free survival (PFS) and response rate (ASC+FOLFOX arm only). Results: A total of 162 patients were randomised (81 in each arm) between 27-Mar-2014 and 04-Jan-2018). The median age was 65 years (range 26-84); 80 (49%) were male and the primary tumour sites were intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) 72 (44%), extrahepatic CCA 45 (28%), gallbladder 34 (21%) and ampullary cancer 11 (7%). After 150 OS events, the adjusted HR was 0.69 (95%CI-0.50-0.97; p=0.031; ASC+FOLFOX vs ASC). Median OS (months (m)), 6m and 12m OS-rate (%) were 6.2m, 50.6% and 25.9% for the ASC+FOLFOX and 5.3m, 35.5%, 11.4% for the ASC arm, respectively. The median PFS was 4.0 months (95%-CI 3.2-5.0); the response rate was 5% and the disease control rate 33%. Grade 3-5 adverse events were reported in 56 (69%) and 42 (52%) patients in the ASC+FOLFOX and ASC arm, respectively, including two chemotherapy-related deaths. Conclusion: FOLFOX improved OS after progression to cisplatin-gemcitabine with a clinically-meaningful increase in 6m and 12m OS rate. FOLFOX should become standard-of-care in second-line for ABC. Trial Registration: NCT01926236, EudraCT: 2013-001812-30. Funding Statement: The study was sponsored by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. The ABC-6 study was funded by Cancer Research UK (CRUK/13/004), StandUpToCancer, AMMF (The UK Cholangiocarcinoma Charity) and The Christie Charity. The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation provided funding translational research. Dr Angela Lamarca received funding from ESMO (European Society for Medical Oncology), SEOM (Sociedad Espanola de Oncologia Medica) and Conquer Cancer Foundation (Young Investigator Award) fellowship programs and from The Christie Charity. Declaration of Interests: Dr Angela Lamarca received travel and educational support from Ipsen, Pfizer, Bayer, AAA, SirtEx, Novartis, Mylan and Delcath; speaker honoraria from Merck, Pfizer, Ipsen and Incyte; advisory honoraria from EISAI, Nutricia Ipsen, QED and Roche; she is also a member of the Knowledge Network and NETConnect Initiatives funded by Ipsen. Prof Daniel H Palmer declares research grants from AstraZeneca, Bayer, BMS, Nucana, Sirtex; and Consulting or Advisory roles for AstraZeneca, Bayer, BMS, Eisai, MSD, Servier, Roche. Harpreet Singh Wasan declares no conflict of interest associated to this work. Dr Paul J Ross declares research grants from research grants from Sanofi, Bayer; Consulting or Advisory roles for Bayer, BMS, Eisai, Sirtex, Roche; speaker fees from Amgen, Roche, Servier; Travel grants from Bayer, Roche, Servier. Dr Yuk Ting Ma declares speaker honoraria and advisory roles for Bayer, Eisai and Roche. Dr Arvind Arora declares no conflict of interest. Dr Stephen Flak declares no conflict of interest. Dr Roopinder Gilmore declares no conflict of interest. Prof Jon Wadsley declares research grants from AstraZeneca and Sanofi-Genzyme and Consulting or Advisory roles for Lilly, AstraZeneca, Sanofi Genyme, Eisai, AAA, Roche, Novartis, Ipsen. Dr Kinnari Patel declares no conflict of interest. Alan Anthony declares no conflict of interest. Prof Anthony Maraveyas declares research grants from Pfizer, BMS and Bayer. Speaker fees from BMS. Bayer Ipsen, EUSA Pharma, Daiichi Sankyo and Pfizer and advisory roles for Bayer ,BMS, Leo, Pfizer, Merck and Ipsen. Dr Tim Iveson declares no conflict of interest. Dr Justin S Walters received educational support for travel and conference attendance from Mylan and Ipsen, and speaker honoraria from Mylan. Dr Claire Hobbs declares no conflict of interest. Safia Barber declares no conflict of interest. David Ryder declares no conflict of interest. Prof John Ramage declares research grants, speaker fees and advisory roles for Ipsen, Novartis and AAA. Linda M Davies declares no conflict of interest. Prof John Bridgewater declares Consulting or Advisory role for Merck Serono, SERVIER, Roche, Bayer, AstraZeneca, Incyte and Basilea; travel support from MSD oncology, Merck Serono, Servier and BMS. Prof Juan W Valle declares Consulting or Advisory role for Agios, AstraZeneca, Delcath Systems, Keocyt, Genoscience Pharma, Incyte, Ipsen, Merck, Mundipharma EDO, Novartis, PCI Biotech, Pfizer, PierisPharmaceuticals, QED and Wren Laboratories; Speakers’ Bureau for Imaging Equipment Limited Ipsen Novartis Nucana; and Travel Grants from Celgene and Nucana. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice and the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by a research ethics committee and all patients were required to provide written informed consent.

Background Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanised monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor shown to improve survival in advanced solid cancers. We evaluated the role of adjuvant bevacizumab in melanoma patients at high risk of recurrence. Patients and methods Patients with resected AJCC stage IIB, IIC and III cutaneous melanoma were randomised to receive either adjuvant bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg i.v. 3 weekly for 1 year) or standard observation. The primary end point was detection of an 8% difference in 5-year overall survival (OS) rate; secondary end points included disease-free interval (DFI) and distant metastasis-free interval (DMFI). Tumour and blood were analysed for prognostic and predictive markers. Results Patients (n=1343) recruited between 2007 and 2012 were predominantly stage III (73%), with median age 56 years (range 18–88 years). With 6.4-year median follow-up, 515 (38%) patients had died [254 (38%) bevacizumab; 261 (39%) observation]; 707 (53%) patients had disease recurrence [336 (50%) bevacizumab, 371 (55%) observation]. OS at 5 years was 64% for both groups [hazard ratio (HR) 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82–1.16, P = 0.78). At 5 years, 51% were disease free on bevacizumab versus 45% on observation (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.74–0.99, P = 0.03), 58% were distant metastasis free on bevacizumab versus 54% on observation (HR 0.91; 95% CI 0.78–1.07, P = 0.25). Forty four percent of 682 melanomas assessed had a BRAFV600 mutation. In the observation arm, BRAF mutant patients had a trend towards poorer OS compared with BRAF wild-type patients (P = 0.06). BRAF mutation positivity trended towards better OS with bevacizumab (P = 0.21). Conclusions Adjuvant bevacizumab after resection of high-risk melanoma improves DFI, but not OS. BRAF mutation status may predict for poorer OS untreated and potential benefit from bevacizumab. Clinical Trial Information ISRCTN 81261306; EudraCT Number: 2006-005505-64

Background: Cancer-associated thrombosis is common. Recommended treatment is daily injected low-molecular-weight heparin for 6 months. Most studies focus on prophylaxis and treatment; few have explored the patients’ experience. Aims: To identify and synthesise the available literature concerning patients’ experience of cancer-associated thrombosis. Design: Systematic literature review and qualitative thematic synthesis. Data source: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO (until 10/2016; limited to English) were searched. Eligible papers were qualitative studies of adult patients’ experience of cancer-associated thrombosis. Two researchers screened titles/abstracts/papers against inclusion criteria with recourse to a third for disagreements. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist tool was used for quality appraisal. Results: A total of 1397 articles were identified. Five qualitative studies (total n = 92; age range 32–84 years) met the inclusion criteria. Participants had various cancer types. Most had advanced disease and were receiving palliative care. Four major themes emerged from the data: knowledge deficit (patients and clinicians), effects of cancer-associated thrombosis (physical and psychological), effects of anticoagulation and coping strategies. Conclusion: The cancer journey is difficult in itself, but thrombosis was an additional, frightening and unexpected burden. Although the association between cancer and thromboembolism is well-known, cancer patients are not routinely educated about the risk or warning symptoms/signs of thromboembolism which may otherwise be misattributed to the cancer by patient and clinician alike. This systematic review highlights the impact of cancer-associated thrombosis on the lives of cancer patients, and calls for education for patients and clinicians to be part of routine care and further work to address this patient priority.

One of the primary risk factors in the development of cancer is older age. The demographic shift to an ageing population has given rise to an increased number of older patients with cancer. The extreme heterogeneity within this population renders applying standardised treatment pathways hazardous [1]. Disparities in physiological reserve and an increased risk of multiple comorbidities further exacerbates the complexity of cancer treatment management in older patients [2]. Individual modifications to tailor treatment for each specific patient would be the gold standard; thus, detailed patient assessment providing a comprehensive health profile in addition to existing diagnostic test results are paramount when devising a personalised treatment care approach [3].

Background: Around 20% of venous thromboembolism (VTE) cases occur in patients with cancer. Current guidelines recommend low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) as the preferred anticoagulant for VTE treatment. However, some guidelines state that vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are acceptable alternatives for long-term therapy in some patients if LMWHs are not available. LMWHs and VKAs have a number of drawbacks that can increase the burden on patients. DOACs, such as rivaroxaban, can ameliorate some burdens and may offer an opportunity to increase patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The Cancer-associated thrOmboSIs – patient-reported outcoMes with rivarOxaban (COSIMO) study is designed to provide real-world information on treatment satisfaction in patients with active cancer who switch from LMWH or VKA to rivaroxaban for the treatment of acute VTE or to prevent recurrent VTE. Methods: COSIMO is a prospective, non-interventional, single-arm cohort study that aims to recruit 500 patients in Europe, Canada and Australia. Adults with active cancer who are switching to rivaroxaban having received LMWH/VKA for the treatment and secondary prevention of recurrent VTE for at least the previous 4 weeks are eligible. Patients will be followed for 6 months. The primary outcome is treatment satisfaction assessed as change in the Anti-Clot Treatment Scale (ACTS) Burdens score at week 4 after enrolment compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes include treatment preferences, measured using a discrete choice experiment, change in ACTS Burdens score at months 3 and 6, and change in HRQoL (assessed using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Fatigue questionnaire). COSIMO will collect data on patients’ medical history, patterns of anticoagulant use and incidence of bleeding and thromboembolic events. Study recruitment started in autumn 2016. Conclusions: COSIMO will provide information on outcomes associated with switching from LMWH or VKA therapy to rivaroxaban for the treatment or secondary prevention of cancer-associated thrombosis in a real-life setting. The key goal is to assess whether there is a change in patient-reported treatment satisfaction. In addition, COSIMO will facilitate the evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban in preventing recurrent VTE in this patient population. Trial registration: NCT02742623 . Registered 19 April 2016.

Simple Summary Under normal conditions, blood coagulation is suppressed to prevent thrombosis. However, during inflammatory conditions such as injury or disease conditions, the protein “tissue factor (TF)” is expressed on the surface of the cells and is also released into the bloodstream within cell-derived vesicles called “microvesicles”. TF appears first at the site of trauma which makes TF suitable for determining the extent of damage and instructing cells to proliferate and repair, or if severely damaged, to die. The relationship between cancer and thrombosis was reported in the early part of the 19th century. Cancer cells and particularly those with aggressive tendencies have the ability to produce, and then optimise the amount of TF on the cell, in order to maximise the pro-survival and proliferative properties of this protein. This study has demonstrated some of the mechanisms by which cells control excessive amounts of TF, to levels ideal for tumour survival and growth. Abstract Procoagulant activity of tissue factor (TF) in response to injury or inflammation is accompanied with cellular signals which determine the fate of cells. However, to prevent excessive signalling, TF is rapidly dissipated through release into microvesicles, and/or endocytosis. To elucidate the mechanism by which TF signalling may become moderated on the surface of cells, the associations of TF, fVII/fVIIa, PAR2 and caveolin-1 on MDA-MB-231, BxPC-3 and 786-O cells were examined and compared to that in cells lacking either fVII/fVIIa or TF. Furthermore, the localisation of labelled-recombinant TF with cholesterol-rich lipid rafts was explored on the surface of primary human blood dermal endothelial cells (HDBEC). Finally, by disrupting the caveolae on the surface of HDBEC, the outcome on TF-mediated signalling was examined. The association between TF and PAR2 was found to be dependent on the presence of fVIIa. Interestingly, the presence of TF was not pre-requisite for the association between fVII/fVIIa and PAR2 but was significantly enhanced by TF, which was also essential for the proliferative signal. Supplementation of HDBEC with exogenous TF resulted in early release of fVII/fVIIa from caveolae, followed by re-sequestration of TF-fVIIa. Addition of labelled-TF resulted in the accumulation within caveolin-1-containing cholesterol-rich regions and was also accompanied with the increased assimilation of cell-surface fVIIa. Disruption of the caveolae/rafts in HDBEC using MβCD enhanced the TF-mediated cellular signalling. Our data supports a hypothesis that cells respond to the exposure to TF by moderating the signalling activities as well as the procoagulant activity of TF, through incorporation into the caveolae/lipid rafts.

Purpose of review To update on new data for low-molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) and the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for the treatment and prevention of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), to discuss progress with the risk-adaptive management scores (RAMS) and update on increased dose primary thromboprophylaxis (IDPTP). Recent findings In a pooled meta-analysis of 1132 cancer patients who received DOACs vs. vitamin K analogues (VKAs), recurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was reduced from 6.0% on VKA schedules to 3.9% on DOACs. In a randomized trial of warfarin vs. once daily sc. tinzaparin (175 IU/kg), cumulative 6-month VTE incidence reduced from 10.5 to 7.2% [hazard ratio, 0.65 (95% confidence interval, 0.41-1.03); P = 0.07]. Despite early suggestions that DOACs may have a role in CAT, 3-6 months of LMWH remain the standard for initial treatment of CAT. A prospective comparison of RAMS found the Vienna CATS or the PROTECHT scores superior to the Khorana score but concluded that RAMS did not perform well enough to be used in the clinic. An efficacy scale of LMWHs in pancreatic cancer facilitates IDPTP. Practical implementation of IDPTP was needed to control the 40% VTE incidence of the HALO-109-202 study in metastatic pancreatic cancer. Summary DOACs have some encouraging data, but LMWHs remain the standard for CAT treatment. RAMS generated to predict VTE occurrence or recurrence are still of unproven significance and IDPTP for advanced pancreatic cancer has tools and guidance for implementation.

© 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. Cancer induces a hypercoagulable state, resulting in an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. One of the mechanisms driving this is tissue factor (TF) production by the tumour, released in small lipid bound microparticles. We have previously demonstrated that tumour cell line media-induced procoagulant changes in HUVEC. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tumour microparticles and recombinant human TF (rhTF) on the endothelium. Procoagulant microparticles from the PANC-1 cell line were harvested by ultrafiltration. HUVEC were then incubated with these procoagulant microparticles or rhTF. Flow cytometry was used to investigate the effect of endothelial cell surface protein expression and microparticle release. Microparticles but not soluble TF was responsible for the procoagulant activity of cell-free tumour media. We also demonstrated an increase in endothelial microparticle release with exposure to tumour microparticles, with a positive linear relationship observed (R2 = 0.6630 P ≤ 0.0001). rhTF did not induce any of the changes observed with microparticles. Here we demonstrate that procoagulant activity of tumour cell line media is dependent on microparticles, and that exposure of endothelial cells to these microparticles results in an increase in microparticle release from HUVEC. This suggests a mechanism of transfer of procoagulant potential from the cancer to the remote endothelium.

Background The Ottawa score was previously developed to predict recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients with VTE. The performance of this score in patients with incidental VTE is currently unclear. Aim To evaluate the performance of the Ottawa risk score in cancer patients with incidental pulmonary embolism included in an international, prospective, observational cohort study. Methods The score was used to classify patients as high (≥1), intermediate (0), or low risk (≤−1). The discriminative performance of the score was estimated by calculating the cumulative incidence of recurrent VTE for all groups, the time-dependent c-statistic, and the sub-distribution hazard ratio (SHR), using a competing risk approach. Results Of the 691 patients for which the Ottawa score could be calculated, 25 (3.6%) had recurrent VTE during 6-month follow-up and 38 (5.5%) during 12-month follow-up. The c-statistics of the continuous score at 6 and 12 months were 0.45 (95% CI, 0.36–0.54) and 0.51 (95% CI, 0.46–0.59), respectively. The 6-month cumulative incidences of recurrent VTE for those at low, intermediate, and high risk were 3.9% (95% CI, 1.5–8.4), 3.6% (95% CI, 1.9–6.2), and 3.6% (95% CI, 1.8–6.5), respectively. A sensitivity analysis restricted to the on-treatment period yielded similar results. None of the Ottawa risk score items were significantly associated with recurrent VTE. Conclusion In cancer patients with incidental pulmonary embolism, the Ottawa risk score has a poor predictive value for recurrent VTE, which does not support the use of the score in this patient population.

Background:Cancer patients have a four- to fivefold greater risk of thrombosis than the general population. Recommended treatment for cancer-associated thrombosis is 3–6 months of low-molecular-weight heparin. The ‘select-d’ trial is an open-label, randomised, multi-centre pilot trial in patients with cancer-associated thrombosis, utilising dalteparin (low-molecular-weight heparin) versus rivaroxaban (a direct oral anticoagulant), to assess effectiveness and safety.Aim:To explore patient and informal carers’ experiences of cancer-associated thrombosis and their experience and understanding of the risk–benefit of thrombosis treatment.Design:Qualitative substudy of the select-d trial, using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis.Participants:Participants were purposively sampled ( n = 37 patients; 46% male; age 40–89; 9 with carer present).Results:Three themes were found: experience of cancer-associated thrombosis, experience of anticoagulation and risk–benefit balance of the two modes of administration. Some were shocked by their thrombosis diagnosis (most were unaware of their risk), but others found it insignificant compared with cancer. Most patients found tablets more convenient, but injections were acceptable in the context of having cancer. While most were happy to follow medical advice, others weighed preference on the basis of effectiveness.Conclusion:Lack of awareness of thrombosis risk is concerning; cancer patients must be informed to enable prompt help-seeking. Tablets could provide a welcome choice for patients if there is equivalent risk–benefit to injected anticoagulants. Patients trust their clinicians to tailor their treatment. Future research could explore the effect of routine information giving about the risk of thrombosis.

Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) therapy is recommended over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for the treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) and extended therapy is recommended in those with active cancer to prevent recurrent thrombosis. However, the inconvenience of daily subcutaneous injections and the cost of LMWH therapy hinder long-term use. Observational data demonstrate that persistence with LMWH therapy is low in clinical practice and that many patients are switched to oral alternatives - namely VKAs and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Recently, the efficacy and safety of apixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban versus LMWH therapy for the treatment of CAT have been demonstrated in randomized trials. This review provides a critical evaluation of studies with DOACs in this setting and an update on the guidance regarding anticoagulant use for the treatment of CAT. In recognition of the heterogeneity of patients with cancer and the challenges of CAT, patient cases with expert clinical perspectives are presented.

638 Background: HA is a major component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in PDA. PEGPH20 degrades tumor HA, remodeling the TME. In PDA models, PEGPH20 has shown antitumor activity and increased TME delivery of anticancer agents to improve efficacy. A randomized phase 2 study showed promising results for PEGPH20+AG (PAG) in mPDA and identified HA accumulation as a biomarker. We present results from a phase 3 study (NCT02715804) of PAG for pts with HA-high mPDA. Methods: Pts ≥18 years with untreated HA-high mPDA were randomized (stratified by geographic region) 2:1 to PAG or placebo+AG (AG). HA status was prospectively determined with VENTANA HA RxDx Assay, with HA-high defined as ≥50% staining of a tumor sample. Treatment was administered IV in 4-wk cycles (3 wks on, 1 wk off) until progression or intolerable adverse events (AEs): PEGPH20 3.0 µg/kg twice wkly for Cycle 1 and once wkly (QW) thereafter, A 125 mg/m2 QW and G 1000 mg/m2 QW. Prophylactic enoxaparin 1 mg/kg was given daily for thromboembolism (TE) risk. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS); secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR) and safety. Response was independently assessed per RECIST v1.1. The estimated sample size was ~500 pts to detect a hazard ratio (HR) for OS of 0.67 (93% power, 2-sided α = 0.05) after 330 deaths. Results: As of 20 May 2019, 494 pts were randomized with 492 (327 for PAG and 165 for AG) included in ITT analyses (2 pts excluded due to site violations). Baseline characteristics were balanced for PAG vs AG. After 330 deaths, median OS for PAG vs AG was 11.2 vs 11.5 mo (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.80–1.27; P = 0.97); median PFS was 7.1 vs 7.1 mo (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.75–1.26); confirmed ORR was 34% vs 27%. Grade (G) 3+ AEs (PAG vs AG) included neutropenia (44% vs 47%), thrombocytopenia (21% vs 16%) and fatigue (16% vs 10%); G3+ rates were 6% vs 7% for TE events, 5% vs 2% for bleeding events and 13% vs 5% for musculoskeletal events. Conclusions: PAG did not improve clinical outcomes vs AG. The PAG safety profile was consistent with that of previous studies. Clinical trial information: NCT02715804.

Alterations in the endothelial permeability occur in response to the activation of coagulation mechanisms in order to control clot formation. The activation of the protease activated receptors (PAR) can induce signals that regulate such cellular responses. PAR2 is a target for the coagulation factor Xa (fXa) and tissue factor-factor VIIa (TF-fVIIa) complex. By measuring the permeability of dextran blue across endothelial monolayer, we examined the mechanisms linking coagulation and endothelial permeability. Activation of PAR2 using the agonist peptide (PAR2-AP) resulted in increased permeability across the monolayer and was comparable to that obtained with VEGF at 60 min. Incubation of cells with activated factor Xa (fXa) resulted in an initial decrease in permeability by 30 min, but then significantly increased at 60 min. These responses required fXa activity, and were abrogated by incubation of the cells with a PAR2-blocking antibody (SAM11). Activation of PAR2 alone, or inhibition of PAR1, abrogated the initial reduction in permeability. Additionally, inclusion of Rivaroxaban (0.6 μg/ml) significantly inhibited the response to fXa. Finally, incubation of the endothelial monolayers up to 2 h with TF-containing microvesicles derived from MDA-MB-231 cells, in the presence or absence of fVIIa, did not influence the permeability across the monolayers. In conclusion, fXa but not TF-fVIIa is a noteworthy mediator of endothelial permeability. The rapid initial decrease in permeability requires PAR2 and PAR1 which may act to constrain bleeding. The longer-term response is mediated by PAR2 with increased permeability, presumably to enhance clot formation at the site of damage.

Purpose Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common in patients with cancer. Long-term daily subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin has been standard treatment for such patients. The purpose of this study was to assess if an oral factor Xa inhibitor, rivaroxaban, would offer an alternative treatment for VTE in patients with cancer. Patient and Methods In this multicenter, randomized, open-label, pilot trial in the United Kingdom, patients with active cancer who had symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE), incidental PE, or symptomatic lower-extremity proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were recruited. Allocation was to dalteparin (200 IU/kg daily during month 1, then 150 IU/kg daily for months 2-6) or rivaroxaban (15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks, then 20 mg once daily for a total of 6 months). The primary outcome was VTE recurrence over 6 months. Safety was assessed by major bleeding and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (CRNMB). A sample size of 400 patients would provide estimates of VTE recurrence to within ± 4.5%, assuming a VTE recurrence rate at 6 months of 10%. Results A total of 203 patients were randomly assigned to each group, 58% of whom had metastases. Twenty-six patients experienced recurrent VTE (dalteparin, n = 18; rivaroxaban, n = 8). The 6-month cumulative VTE recurrence rate was 11% (95% CI, 7% to 16%) with dalteparin and 4% (95% CI, 2% to 9%) with rivaroxaban (hazard ratio [HR], 0.43; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.99). The 6-month cumulative rate of major bleeding was 4% (95% CI, 2% to 8%) for dalteparin and 6% (95% CI, 3% to 11%) for rivaroxaban (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 0.68 to 4.96). Corresponding rates of CRNMB were 4% (95% CI, 2% to 9%) and 13% (95% CI, 9% to 19%), respectively (HR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.63 to 8.69). Conclusion Rivaroxaban was associated with relatively low VTE recurrence but higher CRNMB compared with dalteparin.

Background Procoagulant activity attributed to tissue factor (TF, CD142) bound to lipid microvesicles has previously been shown to be elevated in urine of patients with various solid cancers. The phosphorylation of the C-terminal signal transduction peptide (STP) at Ser253 and Ser258 has been determined to be important for the formation of TF-microvesicles. The purpose of this work was to investigate the marker potential of the TF-STP domain in urine of patients with cancer using immunologic methods to quantitate unphosphorylated TF and TF phosphorylated at Ser253 and Ser258. Materials and Methods We developed monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies directed against the 3 C-terminal STP species of TF and constructed 3 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) that specifically recognize unphosphorylated TF and TF phosphorylated at either Ser253 or Ser258. As proof of principle, a preliminary pilot study with stored Biobank-sourced urinary specimens from 45 healthy individuals and 38 patients with bladder cancer were studied using these ELISAs. Results We report that all 3 species of TF were found in the urine. Two species, TF-pSer258 and unphosphorylated TF, were significantly elevated in the cohort with bladder cancer. The sensitivity of TF-pSer258 by the receiver operator characteristic technique was 86.8%, with a specificity of 97.8% at a cutoff value of 0.55 ng/mL. Using a simplified sample preparation method for the ELISAs on the same clinical specimens, the sensitivity of TF-pSer258 was 86.8%, with a specificity of 93.3% at a cutoff value of 0.53 ng/mL. The unphosphorylated TF species was significantly elevated in later stage bladder cancer with best results seen for the unfractionated preparation technique (95% confidence interval, 10.55-15.74; N = 20) but not early stage non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (95% confidence interval, 4.71-10.73; N = 18; P Conclusions The development of these new ELISAs allows the quantitation of the urinary biomarkers TF-pSer258 and unphosphorylated TF, which may lead to a new diagnostic approach to the early detection of bladder cancer and warrant further investigation in a prospective trial.

Background Long-term anticoagulant treatment is important for the prevention of recurrent VTE in patients with cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT). Associated burdens of treatment include daily injections of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and challenges in maintaining safe and effective anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), which may limit patient satisfaction and negatively impact on patient adherence and outcomes. Rivaroxaban may provide a more convenient option for these patients. Methods COSIMO (a multinational, prospective, non-interventional study) evaluated patient-reported outcomes in patients with active cancer scheduled to be switched to rivaroxaban following LMWH or VKA therapy for ≥4 weeks for the treatment of CAT. Treatment satisfaction was evaluated through the Anti-Clot Treatment Scale (ACTS), a 17-item measure of the negative and positive aspects of anticoagulation treatment, on subscales for ACTS Burdens (maximum score 60) and ACTS Benefits (maximum score 15), respectively. A higher score represents higher patient satisfaction. The primary outcome was a change in the ACTS Burdens score at week 4 compared with baseline. Analyses generally included all patients who received ≥1 dose of rivaroxaban, and who completed the ACTS questionnaire at the time point being assessed. p-values were generated through the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Of 509 patients enrolled, 381 (74.9%) patients were valid for the ACTS analysis at week 4, 341 (67.0%) at month 3, and 253 (49.7%) at month 6. There was a significant increase in mean ACTS Burdens scores from baseline at week 4 (51.8 vs 55.6; mean difference = 3.9; p Conclusions Patients with CAT reported a durable improvement in anticoagulation-associated treatment satisfaction, specifically a reduction in the perceived burdens of therapy, following the switch from a LMWH or VKA to rivaroxaban. Clinical trial identification NCT02742623, registered 19 April 2016. Editorial acknowledgement Hayley Dawson of Chameleon Communications Int. Ltd. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding Bayer AG and Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC. Disclosure A.T. Cohen: Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (self): Bayer; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (self): Bristol-Myers Squibb; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (self): Daiichi Sankyo Europe ; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (self): Pfizer; Honoraria (self): Boehringer Ingelheim; Honoraria (self): Johnson & Johnson; Honoraria (self): Portola; Honoraria (self): Sanofi; Honoraria (self): XO1; Honoraria (self): Janssen ; Honoraria (self): Ono Pharmaceuticals. A. Maraveyas: Honoraria (self): Bayer; Honoraria (self): Bristol-Myers Squibb; Honoraria (self): Pfizer. J. Beyer-Westendorf: Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (self): Bayer; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (self): Boehringer Ingelheim; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (self): Daiichi Sankyo; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (self): Doasense; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (self): Portola; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (self): Pfizer. A.Y.Y. Lee: Honoraria (self): Bayer; Honoraria (self): LEO Pharma ; Honoraria (self): Pfizer; Research grant / Funding (self): Bristol-Myers Squibb. L.G. Mantovani: Honoraria (self): Bayer; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (self): Boehringer Ingelheim; Honoraria (self): Pfizer; Research grant / Funding (self): Daiichi Sankyo. K. Folkerts: Full / Part-time employment: Bayer. M. Bach: Full / Part-time employment: Bayer. Y. De Sanctis: Full / Part-time employment: Bayer. K. Abdelgawad: Full / Part-time employment: Bayer.

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are widely used for the palliative management of malignant proximal gastroduodenal obstruction because of its low morbidity and mortality rates compared with surgical bypass. However, stent placement for duodenal obstruction beyond the first part of the duodenum is considered technically difficult and is not routinely performed. We report our experience with SEMS placement for these patients.Between 2006 and 2015, 51 patients with unresectable or metastatic malignancy underwent SEMS placements under combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. Eighteen patients had intestinal obstruction distal to the duodenal bulb. Their demographics, technical and clinical outcomes, periprocedural morbidity and mortality, length of hospital stay, further interventions and overall survival were analysed.Out of the 18 cases, nine cases of intestinal obstruction were due to primary malignancy of the pancreas, three due to gastric malignancy, three from other locoregional cancers and three were the result of metastases. In 12 patients, the obstruction involved the second part (D2), in four the third part (D3) and in two the fourth part (D4) of the duodenum. A front-facing therapeutic gastroscope was used to visualize the duodenum before the stricture was crossed under direct vision and fluoroscopic guidance, with a catheter and guidewire, and a through-the-scope SEMS deployed using an 'over-the-wire' technique. Technical success rate was 89%. The mean gastric outlet obstruction scores improved from 0.63 to 2.57 (P0.0001). Four patients died within 30 days of the procedure, although none of the deaths were procedure related. The median length of postprocedural hospital stay was 4 days and the median overall survival was 58 days.

Before licensing, ipilimumab was first made available to previously treated advanced melanoma patients through an expanded access programme (EAP) across Europe. We interrogated data from UK EAP patients to inform future clinical practice. Clinicians registered in the UK EAP provided anonymized patient data using a prespecified variable fields datasheet. Data collected were baseline patient characteristics, treatment delivered, toxicity, response, progression-free survival and overall survival (OS). Data were received for 193 previously treated metastatic melanoma patients, whose primary sites were cutaneous (82%), uveal (8%), mucosal (2%), acral (3%) or unknown (5%). At baseline, 88% of patients had a performance status (PS) of 0-1 and 20% had brain metastases. Of the patients, 53% received all four planned cycles of ipilimumab; the most common reason for stopping early was disease progression, including death from melanoma. Toxicity was recorded for 171 patients, 30% of whom experienced an adverse event of grade 3 or higher, the most common being diarrhoea (13%) and fatigue (9%). At a median follow-up of 23 months, the median progression-free survival and OS were 2.8 and 6.1 months, respectively; the 1-year and 2-year OS rates were 31 and 14.8%, respectively. The 2-year OS was significantly lower for patients with poorer PS (Pandlt;0.0001), low albumin concentrations (Pandlt;0.0001), the presence of brain metastases (P=0.007) and lactate dehydrogenase levels more than two times the upper limit of normal (Pandlt;0.0001) at baseline. These baseline characteristics are negative predictors of benefit from ipilimumab and should be taken into consideration before prescription.

Low molecular weight heparins have demonstrated superiority over coumarins in the extended treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis and are recommended as first-line therapy in clinical guidelines. Non-vitamin K oral antagonists are yet to be evaluated against low molecular weight heparin for this indication. Nevertheless, a perception that patients favor oral anticoagulants over injections may lead to an increased prescribing of warfarin or non-vitamin K oral antagonists despite the evidence gap. There has been no evaluation of cancer patient preferences for anticoagulants and whether such an evidence gap is an acceptable trade-off for patients prescribed orals. We conducted a study to assess what features are most important to CAT patients regarding their choice of anticoagulant. Two modules were applied: Initial in-depth interviews with 9 patients diagnosed with cancer-associated thrombosis, and thereafter quantitative research, where a further 100 patients completed a choice-based-conjoint exercise, where 15 different scenarios were presented to identify the most important attributes of an anticoagulant. Seventy percent of the patients were treated with injected medication (low molecular weight heparin) and 30% with oral medications. Patients most valued an anticoagulant with minimal interference with their cancer treatment (39%), low thrombosis recurrence rate (24%), and low risk of major bleed (19%). Preference for oral administration over injection had moderate importance (13%). The results show that patients prefer an anticoagulant that does not interfere with their cancer treatment, suggesting the primacy of the cancer disease over venous thromboembolism in these patients. Patients also favor efficacy and safety over convenience of route of administration.

Purpose We report the outcomes of patients treated with palliative radiotherapy (pRT) to the primary tumour in the context of well-controlled metastatic disease after initial chemotherapy. Materials and Methods Clinical records of 132 patients with metastatic esophago-gastric (OG) cancer treated with palliative chemotherapy (pCT) between January 2009 and June 2013 were reviewed. Ninetyseven patients had responding or stable disease after 3 months of chemotherapy, of whom 53 patients received pRT to the primary tumour after initial chemotherapy in the presence of well-controlled metastatic disease (group A, pCT-RT). The remaining 44 patients were treated with pCT alone (group B, pCT). Treatment-related outcomes were assessed in above groups including time to local progression (TTLP), progression-free and overall survival. Results The median overall survival for patients treated with pRT after initial chemotherapy (group A) was 23.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.70 to 28.89 months) and significantly higher than the 14 months (95% CI, 10.91 to 17.08 months) in patients treated with pCT alone (group B) (p < 0.001). The use of pCT-RT was an independent predictor of OS in multivariate analysis. Local recurrence was observed in 12/53 of patients (23%) in group A compared to 16/44 (36%) in group B. The median TTLP was significantly higher in patients after pCT-RT at 17.3 months (5.23 months to 44.50 months) compared to 8.3 months (range, 4.10 to 25.23 months) in patients treated with pCT alone (p=0.006). Conclusion The possibility of pRT influencing systemic disease in advanced OG cancer has not been reported, and results from the present study present strong arguments for investigation of this therapeutic strategy in a randomized trial.

Background: We report on the outcomes of patients with metastatic oesophago-gastric (OG) cancer progressing after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy (PBCT) who received a re-challenge schedule of PBCT (r-PBCT) as second-line therapy. Patients and Methods: Patients with metastatic OG cancer treated with first-line PBCT (n = 138) between January 2009 and June 2013 were selected for the purpose of the study. Treatment-related outcomes were assessed including response rates, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: 43 (32%) patients progressed (group A: platinum resistant (PR)) and 95 (68%) patients showed a response (group B: platinum sensitive (PS)) or had stable disease after first-line PBCT. Approximately 20% (9/43) of the patients in group A received second-line chemotherapy compared to 50% (38/80) in group B. Most patients (39/47) received r-PBCT, and the remaining patients (8/47) were treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy. More than 50% (20/39) of the patients achieved disease control, with median PFS and OS of 3 months (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.0-4.0 months) and 5.7 months (95% CI = 4.7-6.7 months) after commencement of r-PBCT. The actuarial median OS of patients responding to second-line or second and third lines of r-PBCT was 26.7 and 30.1 months, respectively. Conclusion: In platinum responders, r-PBCT appears to be an appropriate second-line option with survival outcomes comparable to those of other agents.