Search

Background Clinical effectiveness and safety data of pazopanib in patients with advanced or mRCC in real-world setting from Asia Pacific, North Africa, and Middle East countries are lacking. Methods PARACHUTE is a phase IV, prospective, non-interventional, observational study. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients remaining progression free at 12 months. Secondary endpoints were ORR, PFS, safety and tolerability, and relative dose intensity (RDI). Results Overall, 190 patients with a median age of 61 years (range: 22.0-96.0) were included. Most patients were Asian (70%), clear-cell type RCC was the most common (81%), with a favourable (9%), intermediate (47%), poor (10%), and unknown (34%) MSKCC risk score. At the end of the observational period, 78 patients completed the observational period and 112 discontinued the study; 60% of patients had the starting dose at 800 mg. Median RDI was 82%, with 52% of patients receiving < 85%. Of the 145 evaluable patients, 56 (39%) remained progression free at 12 months, and the median PFS was 10 months (95% CI: 8.48-11.83). 19% of patients (21/109) were long-term responders (on pazopanib for >= 18 months). The best response per RECIST 1.1 was CR/PR in 24%, stable disease in 44%, and PD in 31%. Most frequent (> 10%) TEAEs related to pazopanib included diarrhoea (30%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (15%), and hypertension (14%). Conclusions Results of the PARACHUTE study support the use of pazopanib in patients with advanced or mRCC who are naive to VEGF-TKI therapy. The safety profile is consistent with that previously reported by pivotal and real-world evidence studies., Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, The PARACHUTE study was sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; pazopanib is an asset of Novartis AG as of 1 March 2015.

Amaç: Bu çalışmada mide kanserinin (MK) epidemiyolojik ve genel sağkalım (GSK) özelliklerinin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Gereç Yöntem: Ege Üniversitesi Kanserle Savaş Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezine (EÜKAM) 1992- 2017 yıllarında kayıtlı Ege Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Hastanesi kanser verileri retrospektif olarak taranmıştır. CAN-REG-4 bilgisayar programına kayıtlı veriler, Dünya Sağlık Örgütü ve Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results sistemlerinde gruplanarak analizler yapılmıştır. İstatistik analizlerde ki- kare, General Linear Model (GLM), Kaplan Meier sağkalım analizleri uygulanmıştır. Etik kurul onayı alınmıştır. Bulgular: EÜKAM veri tabanına kayıtlı toplam 117.139 kanserden 4.212’si (%3,6) MK’dir. Gastrointestinal sistem kanserler içinde kolorektal kanserlerden sonra ikinci sıklıkta MK (%21,6) yer almıştır. Olguların 2.692’si (%63,9) erkek, 1.520’si (%36,1) kadındır, arasındaki fark istatistiksel olarak anlamlıdır (p

Amaç: Bu çalışmada özofagus kanserlerinin (ÖK) epidemiyolojik ve genel sağkalım (GSK) özelliklerininaraştırılması amaçlanmıştır.Gereç Yöntem: Ege Üniversitesi Kanserle Savaş Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezinin 1992-2017 yıllarıarasındaki verileri retrospektif olarak taranmıştır. CANREG-4 bilgisayar programına kayıtlı kanser verileri,Dünya Sağlık Örgütü ve Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results sisteminde gruplanmış veanalizleri yapılmıştır. İstatistik analizlerde ki-kare testi, General Linear Model ve Kaplan Meier sağkalımanalizleri uygulanmıştır.Bulgular: Toplam 117.139 kanserden 19.542’u gastrointestinal sistem (GİS) kanserleridir. GİSkanserlerinin 1.009’u (%5,2) ÖK olup, GİS kanserleri içinde 6. sıklıktadır. ÖK’de 25 yılda doğrusal artışizlenmemiştir. Medyan yaş 60 (15-90) yıldır. Olguların 573’ü (%56,8) erkektir. ÖK, erkeklerde en sık 60-69 yaşlarda (%31), kadınlarda 50-59 yaşlarda (%25,2) görülmektedir. En sık yerleşim torasiközofagustur (%79) ve yerleşim yeri açısından cinsiyetler arasında fark saptanmamıştır (p=0,33).Skuamöz hücreli karsinom (SHK) en sık rastlanan histolojik tiptir (%64,2). Servikal ve torasik özofagusdaSHK, abdominal özofagusta adenokarsinom daha fazladır. Vakaların yaklaşık yarısı tanıyı lokal ilerievrede almıştır. Medyan sağkalım 12 aydır. Bir, 5 ve 10-yıllık GSK oranları, sırasıyla %50,1, %17,7 ve%12’dir. Erkeklerde 5-yıllık GSK oranı %11,2 ve kadınlarda %25,8’dir, cinsiyetler arası fark anlamlıdır(p, Aim: The study aimed to investigate epidemiologic and overall survival (OS) characteristics ofesophageal cancers (EC).Materials and Methods: Data of Ege University Cancer Control and Research Center were screenedbetween 1992-2017 retrospectively. Data recorded in the computer program CAN REG-4 weregrouped and analyzed in the World Health Organisation and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and EndResults systems. Chi-square, Kaplan Meier, and General Linear Model tests were used for statisticalanalysis.Results: Of the total 117,139 cancers, 19,542 are gastrointestinal system (GIS) cancers. 1,009 (5.2%)of GIS cancers are EC and are 6th. There has not been any statistically significant increase in ECduring the 25 years. The median age was 60 (15-90) years. A total of 573 (56.8%) of patients weremale. EC was most commonly seen in men aged 60-69 (31%), in women aged 50-59 (25.2%) years.The most common localization was thoracic esophagus (79%). There wasn’t any statisticallysignificant difference between gender according to localization (p=0.33). Squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) was the most common histological type (64.2%). SCC was more common in cervical andthoracic, adenocarcinoma was more common in abdominal esophagus. Half of the patients werediagnosed at a locally advanced stage. Median survival was 12 months. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year OSrates were 50.1%, 17.7%, and 12% respectively. The 5-year OS was 11.2% for men and 25.8% forwomen, the difference was statistically significant (p

Background: Ribociclib combined with endocrine therapy (ET) have demonstrated efficacy in patients with hormone receptor (HR) positive advanced breast cancer (ABC) who experienced progression during prior ET. However, there are scarce data chemo-endocrine refractory patients with ribociclib. We analyzed the efficiency and safety of ribociclib from the real world evidence in this heavily treated group of patients in Managed Access Programme (MAP). Methods: MAP launched in Turkey, between October 2017 and March 2018. We retrospectively analyzed survival outcomes and toxicities of 52 patients from this programme. Results: The median age of the total population was 54.5 years (28-76 years) and 71.2% (n=37) of the patients were postmenapousal. Median estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor positivity were 90% (15-100) and 25% (0-100), respectively. Median Ki67 was 25% (3-90%). 46.2% and 73.1% of the patients had adjuvant chemotherapy and ET, respectively. Denovo metastatic disease was detected 28.8% of the patients. Visceral disease (lung, liver, and others) was present in 21 patients (40.3%), and 16 (30.8%) had bone-only disease. Median treatment line of ABC before ribociclib was 4 (1-9). ET was performed 36.5% and 38.4% for the first and second line treatment of ABC, respectively. Most of the patients (71.5%) treated anthracycline and taxanes before ribociclib. Ribociclib combined with ET in the majority of the patients; aromatase inhibitors (51.9%), fulvestrant (26.9%) and tamoxifen (3.8%). However, 4 patients were receiving ribociclib monotherapy. As of May 21, 2019, 26.9% (n=14) of patients were still receiving treatment. Objective response rate was 38.4% (n=20) and additional 18 (34.6%) stable diseases were detected. Median progression free survival and overall survival were 5 months (3.9-6.1 months) and 15.2 months (13.7-16.8 months), respectively. While 48.1% of the patients treated with chemotherapy after ribociclib failure, only two patients treated with ET after ribociclib failure. Ribociclib was generally well tolerated all the study population, grade 2 emesis was developed only two patients. Grade 3/4 neutropenia was developed in 36.5% of the patients. There was no febrile neutropenia. Urosepsis (n=1) and grade 4 thrombocytopenia (n=1) were developed in seperate patients. A prolongation of QTcF from baseline occurred in two patients. Dose reductions occurred in 21.2% (n=11) of the patients. There was 3 deaths during treatment. Conclusions: Ribociclib is an effective agent with tolerable safety profile even in the heavily pretreated patients with HR positive ABC especially combined with ET. Citation Format: Umut Demirci, Erhan Gokmen, Yesim Eralp, Seyda Gunduz, Sema Sezgin Goksu, Taner Korkmaz, Osman Kostek, Serdar Turhal, Semra Paydas, Sevgi Topcu, Burcu Cakar, Bulent Karabulut, Ozgur Tanrıverdi, Burcak Karaca, Gulhan Ipek Deniz, Ozkan Alan, Fatma Paksoy Turkoz, Gul Basaran. Ribociclib for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive refractory advanced breast cancer: Managed access programme in Turkey [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-11-19.

Background The optimal timing of surgery following chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is controversial. This trial aimed to assess disease recurrence and survival rates between patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma (LARC) who underwent total mesorectal excision (TME) after a waiting interval of 8 weeks or less (classic interval; CI) versus more than 8 weeks (long interval; LI) following preoperative CRT. Methods This was a phase III, single-centre, randomized clinical trial. Patients with LARC situated within 12 cm of the anal verge (T3–T4 or N+ disease) were randomized to undergo TME within or after 8 weeks after CRT. Results Between January 2006 and January 2017, 350 patients were randomized, 175 to each group. As of February 2022, the median follow-up time was 80 (6–174) months. Among the 322 included patients (CI, 159; LI, 163) the cumulative incidence of locoregional recurrence at 5 years was 10.1 per cent in the CI group and 6.9 per cent in the LI group (P = 0.143). The cumulative incidence of distant metastasis at 5 years was 30.8 per cent in the CI group and 18.6 per cent in the LI group (sub-HR = 1.78; 95 per cent c.i. 1.14 to 2.78, P = 0.010). The disease-free survival (DFS) in each group was 59.7 and 69.9 per cent respectively (P = 0.157), and overall survival (OS) rates at 5 years were 73.6 versus 77.9 per cent (P = 0.476). Conclusion Incidence of distant metastasis decreased with an interval between CRT and surgery exceeding 8 weeks, but this did not impact on DFS or OS. Registration number NCT03287843 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

PurposeNeoadjuvant chemotherapy(NACT) in gastroesophageal junction(GEJ) and gastric cancer(GC) was shown to improve survival in recent studies. We aimed to share our real-life experience of patients who received NACT in order to compare the efficacy and toxicity profile of different chemotherapy regimens in our country.Methods This retrospective multicenter study included locally advanced GC and GEJ cancer patients who received NACT, and had pathological response evaluation between 2007 and 2021. Relation between CT regimens and pathological evaluation were analyzed. Results A total of 728 patients from 45 oncology centers in Turkey were included. Median age at the time of diagnosis was 60 (range: 18-68). Most frequent NACT regimens used were FLOT (65%), DCF (18%) and ECF (8.1%), respectively. In the total study group pCR rate was 8.2%, R0 resection rate 88.5%, and D2 dissection rate was 66.8%. Rate of pCR and near-CR (26.4%), and R0 resection (92.6%) were higher in FLOT arm (p= 0.005 and ConclusionIn our real-life study, FLOT regimen has superior survival outcome despite worse toxicity profile. Clinicians should tailor treatment regimens according to patients’ multifactorial status and comorbidities for to obtain best outcomes.

Background and Study Aims: Microsatellite instability pathway caused by loss of DNA “Mismatch Repair genes” (MMR) is responsible of Lynch Syndrome-related tumors and 10-15% of sporadical colorectal cancers. Although MSI-test is regarded as the golden standard for detection of “Lynch Syndrome-related tumors”, there are increasing evidence on similar analytic sensitivity of immunohistochemical evaluations. Patinets and Metods: We retrospectively evaluated 1002 colorectal tumors for loss of DNA MMR protein (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, MSH6) immunohistochemically. The results were correlated with clinicopathological features and high level-microsatellite instability (MSI-H) related histological parameters. Results: MMR protein expression loss was observed in 9.8% of the cases. MLH1-PMS2 loss (53.2%) was the most common loss followed by MSH2-MSH6 (31.6%), isolated PMS2 loss (12%), and isolated MSH6 loss (2%). MMR deficiency was more frequent under 50 years-old (p

Background: Trastuzumab prolonged the overall survival in patients with advanced gastric cancer with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression in combination with chemotherapy. In this phase II open-label prospective study, the tolerability and safety of trastuzumab with chemotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy for curatively resected patients with HER2-positive gastric carcinoma was investigated. Methods: The patients with HER2-positive gastric, or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, after gastrectomy plus D2 dissection, were included. They received 3 cycles of oxaliplatin (100 mg/m(2) intravenously day 1) plus capecitabine (850 mg/m(2) orally days 1 to 14), trastuzumab (8 mg/kg intravenously day 1 in cycle 1, 6 mg/kg thereafter) every 21 days, followed by chemoradiotherapy. Trastuzumab was given for 1 year. Results: Of the 212 patients screened, 35 were eligible, and 34 were treated. The median age was 56 years (minimum to maximum: 35 to 75 y), male patients constituted 73.5% (n=25), and 33 (97.1%) had gastric adenocarcinoma. R0 resection was performed in 30 (88.2%). The majority (26, 61.7%) were in stage III disease. Most of the adverse events were grade I/II, the most frequent grade III side effects were nausea (3, 8.8%), vomiting (3, 8.8%), diarrhea (2, 5.9%), and weight loss (n=2, 5.9%). Two patients died during the first 3 cycles of chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy; 1 secondary to pulmonary thromboembolism, and the other due to cerebral ischemia. After excluding 2 with early progression and 1 consent withdrawal, of the remaining 31 patients, 28 (90.3%) were able to complete the chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy part of the trial. After the 25 months follow-up period, 21 patients (61.8%) were alive. Overall survival at 12 and 24 months was 75.0% and 58.0%, while disease-free survival at 12 and 24 months was 65.7% and 55.0%, respectively. Conclusions: Trastuzumab in combination with capecitabine, oxaliplatin following chemoradiotherapy as the adjuvant therapy for gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma was considered as safe and tolerable. The frequency of HER2 overexpression in curatively resected patients is comparable to that in patients with metastatic disease, Roche Pharmaceuticals Inc., Turkey, The study was fully sponsored by Roche Pharmaceuticals Inc., Turkey.

1. BackgroundAddition of trastuzumab and pertuzumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER-2) positive patients is the current clinical standard today. In studies on neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the primary endpoint is pathological complete response (pCR). More real-life data are needed to answer whether the presence of anthracycline in the chemotherapy regimen enhances complete response with neoadjuvant dual HER-2 blockade, and whether cardiotoxicity increases with dual HER-2 blockade after anthracycline.2. Methods52 patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were retrospectively evaluated. Three centers participated in the study (İzmir Kent Hospital, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Ege University). The effects of chemotherapy regimen and several other factors such as age, stage, menopause status, lymph node positivity, hormone receptor positivity on pCR were evaluated. Also presence of cardiotoxicity was evaluated.3. ResultsThe mean age of diagnosis was 46 ± 9 (range: 26-67), and 50% (26) of the patients were postmenopausal. The pCR rate was 71.2% (37) in the entire study group. In terms of pCR, there was no significant difference between those who use an anthracycline containing and non-anthracycline containing regimens (71.4% vs 70%, p=1.000), those with negative and positive hormone receptors (64.7% vs 74.3%, p=0.525), those with Ki67 levels of %20 or less and those over 20% (60% vs 73.8%, p=0.447), premenopausal and postmenopausal ones (76.9% vs 65.4%, p=0.054). 4. ConclusionsAs a result of the data we obtained, it was concluded that adding anthracycline regimen to dual HER-2 blockade in the neoadjuvant period did not bring additional benefits in terms of pCR. Additional studies are needed on whether the use of anthracycline-containing regimen contributes additionally in patients who will use the neoadjuvant pertuzumab-trastuzumab combination.

Aim Decision- making of the treatment of colon cancer for the older patients becomes more complicated in consequence of comorbidities and geriatric syndromes, most importantly frailty. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether there is a difference between tumour characteristics, treatment choices, and outcomes between the younger and older adults. Method The patients who were diagnosed with colorectal carcinoma in our centre between 2010 and 2015 included. Clinicopathological features of tumour, treatment choices and survivals of the patients were recorded. Patients were separated into two groups according to their chronological age. Results The present study included 465 patients, there were 173 patients aged 65 years and older. Clinicopathological features were similar in both groups. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given in similar rates. Whereas combination chemotherapies were preferred in younger patients as first-line therapy, single agents were given to the older group(p-value 0.05). It was observed that 53.2% of the older patients was not treated with any biological treatment (p-value Discussion Geriatric people are underrepresented in clinical trials,because of the presence of the limitations in the older patients. The results of our study revealed older patients with colon cancer patients underwent surgery less than the younger ones, they recieved monotherapy more frequently as first-line chemotherapy, and less frequently targeted therapy. Their mortality was higher. It was shown that decision-making of colon cancer therapy is influenced by age according to our results.

Background This study was conducted to collect clinical safety, tolerability, and efficacy data with the use of everolimus (EVE) combined with exemestane (EXE) in patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC). Methods The EVEREXES trial initiated in 2012, provided early access to the first dual blockade treatment with EVE + EXE in patients with HR+, HER2 - ABC in Asia and other emerging growth countries. Postmenopausal women with HR+, HER2 - ABC who had documented recurrence or progression, following a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor therapy, were treated with EVE (10 mg/day) + EXE (25 mg/day) orally. Results A total of 235 patients received >= 1 dose of study medication. At the end of the study, all patients ceased the treatment. Disease progression (66.0%) was the primary reason of discontinuation. The most common AEs (>= 20%) were stomatitis, decreased appetite, hyperglycemia, rash, aspartate aminotransferase increased, anemia, alanine aminotransferase increased, cough, and fatigue. No new safety concerns were identified in the current study. Median progression-free survival (PFS) in the Asian subset was similar to that of the overall population (9.3 months in both groups). Confirmed overall response rate (ORR) was achieved for 19.6% of the patients. Efficacy of EVE + EXE across subgroups (prior CT, line of treatment, and presence of visceral metastases) was maintained. Conclusion The safety and efficacy results from EVEREXES trial are consistent to data previously reported in BOLERO-2. These results support that EVE + EXE could be a viable treatment option for the postmenopausal women with HR+, HER2 - ABC in Asian region., Novartis Pharma AG, Base, Switzerland; NovartisNovartis, The EVEREXES trial was funded by Novartis Pharma AG, Base, Switzerland. Funding for medical editorial support was also provided by Novartis.

Panitumumab and cetuximab are monoclonal antibodies known to be effective in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Although the survival benefits when combined with chemotherapy have been determined, there are no studies comparing the two agents with chemotherapy in the second-line treatment. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of cetuximab vs panitumumab in patients who previously received chemotherapy. Who progressed after first-line treatment for K-ras wild type mCRC were analyzed. The efficacy of cetuximab vs panitumumab on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) when combined with FOLFIRI regimen was compared retrospectively. Median PFS was 6.9 months in the cetuximab group and 4.7 months in the panitumumab group. Median OS cetuximab and panitumumab groups were 18.4 and 12.2 months, respectively. In the second-line treatment of K-ras wild type mCRC, both PFS and OS were found to be longer in patients receiving cetuximab than in patients receiving panitumumab, but no statistically significant difference was found.

Background The aim of the study is to reveal the contribution of complete response (CR) to treatment to overall survival (OS) in patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer. In addition, to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) in patients who attained CR to treatment and to examine the clinicopathologic features of the patient group with CR. Methods This article is a retrospective chart review. Patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer were divided into two groups. The systemic treatment was compared with the patients who received a full response according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST1.1) and those who did not attain CR (progression partial response and stable response) in terms of both PFS and OS data, and the effect of attaining CR to treatment on prognosis was evaluated. Results A total of 222 patients were included in the study. 202 of 222 patients could be evaluated in terms of complete response. All data from their files were tabulated and analyzed retrospectively. The mean age of diagnosis of the study group was 60.13 ± 12.52 years. The total number of patients who attained CR to treatment was 31 (15.3%); 171 (84.6%) patients did not attain CR. Patients who had a CR had longer median PFS times than patients who did not have a CR (15.2 vs. 7.4 months, P). Patients who had CR had longer median survival times than patients who did not have a CR (39.2 vs. 16.9 months, P). In subgroup patients who underwent primary surgery, the number of patients who attained CR was statistically higher compared with the number of patients who did not attain CR (p). Complete response was less common in the presence of liver metastasis and bone metastasis (p = 0.041 and p = 0.046, respectively), had a negative prognostic effect. In other words, 89.1% of patients with liver metastasis, 100.0% of patients with bone metastasis, and 88.7% of those who died did not have a CR to the treatment. According to multivariate analysis, CR to treatment, primary surgery, first-line chemotherapy (combination compared with fluoropyrimidine), and no bone metastasis were found to be predictors for OS. Conclusion Providing CR with systemic treatment in patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) contributes to prognosis. The primary resection in our secondary acquisitions from the study, the number of metastatic regions and the combination therapy regimens also contributed to the prognosis.

[No Abstract Available], Amgen Ilac Tic Ltd Sti, Turkey

Amaç: Pankreas kanserlerinin epidemiyolojisi ve genel sağkalım (GSK) özelliklerinin araştırılmasıdır.Gereç ve Yöntem: Ege Üniversitesi Kanserle Savaş Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezine (EÜKAM) 1992-2017 yıllarında kayıtlı Ege Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi (EÜTF) kanser verileri retrospektif olarak taranmıştır. CANREG özel bilgisayar programına kayıtlı veriler, WHO ve Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) sistemlerinde gruplanarak analizler yapılmıştır. İstatistiksel analizlerde Ki-kare, General Linear Model (GLM), Kaplan-Meier sağ kalım analizleri kullanılmıştır.Bulgular: Toplam 117.139 kanser olgusunun 2.507’si pankreas kanseridir. Olgularımızın 1.493’ü (%59,5) erkek, 1.014’ü (%40,5) kadın olup pankreas kanseri iki cinsiyette benzer oranlarda izlenmektedir. Pankreas başı, en sık yerleşim yeridir. Genellikle ileri evrede tanı konulan kuyruk yerleşimli tümörler, erkeklerde daha sıktır (%11,5 vs. %6,2; p=0,047). Erkeklerde en sık 60 69 yaş arasında, kadınlarda ise 70 yaş üzerinde izlenmektedir. Ekzokrin tümörler, endokrin tümörlerden anlamlı oranda fazla karşılaşılmaktadır (%95 vs. %5; p=0,002). 1992 yılından 2014 yılı sonuna kadar kaydedilen pankreas kanseri olgularında doğrusal bir artış mevcuttur ve yıllara göre olan bu artış anlamlıdır (GLM: F=10,91, p, Aim: To determine epidemiological and overall survival (OS) characteristics of pancreatic cancer patients.Materials and Methods: Data of Ege University Cancer Control and Research Center between 1992-2017 were screened retrospectively. Data recorded in CANREG program were grouped and analyzed in WHO and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) systems. Chi-square test, General Linear Model (GLM) and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used for statistical analysis.Results: Number of pancreatic cancer cases was 2,507 among 117,139 cancer cases. 1,493 (59.5%) of our cases were male and 1,014 (40.5%) were female. Pancreatic head was the most common location. Tail located tumors were more common in males (11.5% vs. 6.2%; p =0.047). It was most common in males between the ages of 60 and 69, in females over the age of 70. Exocrine tumors were significantly higher than endocrine tumors (95% vs. 5%; p=0.002). There was a linear increase in pancreatic cancer cases recorded from 1992 to the end of 2014, and this increase over the years was significant (GLM: F=10.91, p

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiological, treatment modality and survival characteristics of 4792 patients with Prostate Cancer(PC) who were treated at Ege University Hospital (EUH).Methods and Materials: The data were recorded using the CANREG programme. WHO (World Health Organization) and SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiolgy, and End Results) system were considered for classification and survival analysis. Chi-square test, General Linear Model and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were done. Log Rank (Mantel-Cox), Breslow (Generalized Wilcoxon) and Tarone-Ware models were used for Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. p value, Amaç: Ege Üniversitesi (EÜ) Hastanesinde 1992-2017 arası kanser tanı ve tedavisi yapılan prostat kanseri (PK) tanılı 4792 hastanın epidemiyolojik özellikleri, tedavi modaliteleri ve sağkalım özelliklerinin tanımlanması amaçlanmıştır.Gereç ve Yöntem: EÜ Kanserle Savaş Araştırma ve Uygulama Merkezi tarafından toplanan PK verileri CANREG özel bilgisayar programına kaydedilmiş, DSÖ (Dünya Sağlık Örgütü) ve SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiolgy, and End Results) sistemleri temelinde gruplanarak analizler yapılmıştır. İstatistiksel analizlerde Kikare, General Linear Model, Kaplan Meier sağkalım analizleri uygulanmıştır. Kaplan-Meier Sağkalım analizinde Log Rank(Mantel-Cox), Breslow(Generalized Wilcoxon) ve Tarone-Ware istatistikleri kullanılmıştır. İstatistiksel analizlerde p

BackgroundTrastuzumab prolonged the overall survival in patients with advanced gastric cancer with HER2 overexpression in combination with chemotherapy. In this phase II open-label prospective study, the tolerability and safety of trastuzumab with chemotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy for curatively resected patients with HER2 + gastric carcinoma was investigated. MethodsThe patients with HER2-positive gastric, or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, after gastrectomy plus D2 dissection were included. They received 3 cycles of oxaliplatin (100 mg/m2 IV day 1) plus capecitabine (850 mg/m2 PO days 1-14), trastuzumab (8 mg/kg IV day 1 in cycle 1, 6 mg/kg thereafter) every 21 days, followed by chemoradiotherapy. Trastuzumab was given for 1 year.ResultsOf the 212 patients screened, 35 were eligible, and 34 were treated. The median age was 56 years (Min-max: 35-75), male patients constituted 73.5% (n=25), and 33 (97.1%) had gastric adenocarcinoma. R0 resection was performed in 30 (88.2%). The majority (26, 61.7%) were in stage III disease. Most of the AEs were grade I/II, the most frequent grade III side effects were nausea (3, 8.8%), vomiting (3, 8.8%), diarrhoea (2, 5.9%) and weight loss (N=2, 5.9%). Two patients died during the first 3 cycles of chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy; 1 secondary to pulmonary thrombo-embolism, and the other due to cerebral ischemia. After excluding 2 with early progression and 1 consent withdrawal, of the remaining 31 patients, 28 (90.3%) were able to complete the chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy part of the trial. After the 25 months follow up period, 21 patients (61.8%) were alive. Overall survival at 12 and 24 months was 75.0% and 65.7%, while disease-free survival at 12 and 24 months was 65.7% and 55.0%, respectively.ConclusionsTrastuzumab in combination with capecitabine, oxaliplatin and radiotherapy as the adjuvant therapy for gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma was considered safe and tolerable. The frequency of HER2 overexpression in curatively resected patients is comparable to that in patients with metastatic disease.

BackgroundCombination of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel has superior clinical efficacy than gemcitabine alone. Nevertheless, health-related quality of life. (QoL) associated with this combination therapy when administered at first-line in advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma is unknown.MethodsA total of 125 patients were randomized to combination therapy (1000mg/m2 gemcitabine +125mg/m2 nab-paclitaxel) and single-agent gemcitabine (1000mg/m2) arms to take treatment weekly for 7 of 8weeks, and following 3 of 4weeks, until progression or severe toxicity. Primary endpoints were three-months of definitive deterioration free percent of patients, and QoL.ResultsOverall QoL analyses showed that 34 and 58.3% of cases in gemcitabine and gemcitabine+nab-P arms had no deterioration in 3rd month QoL scores (p=0.018). These proportions were 27.3 and 36.6% in 6(th) month assessments, respectively (p=0.357). Median overall survivals in combination and single-agent arms were 9.92months and 5.95months, respectively (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42-0.86, p=0.038). Median progression free survivals in these treatment arms were 6.28 and 3.22months, respectively (HR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.39-0.87, p=0.008). Median time-to-deterioration were 5.36 vs 3.68months, and objective response rates were 37.1% vs 23.7% (p=0.009), respectively in combination and single-agent arms.ConclusionsCombination therapy with gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel had better overall and progression-free survival than gemcitabine alone. Also, combination therapy showed increased response rate without toxicity or deteriorated QoL. Combination treatment with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel may provide significant benefit for advanced pancreatic cancer.Trial registrationThis study has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03807999 on January 8, 2019 (retrospectively registered)., Celgene [aaaa] Funding Source: Medline; onkoloji arastirmalari dernegi [aaa] Funding Source: Medline; hacettepe onkoloji dernegi [wwww] Funding Source: Medline; Turk Kanser Arastirma ve Savas Kurumu Dernegi [awe] Funding Source: Medline; Turk Tibbi Onkoloji Dernegi (TR) [wwww] Funding Source: Medline

Purpose We aimed to investigate the prognostic effect of primary tumor resection (PTR) prior to bevacizumab-based treatments in unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods We retrospectively collected 341 mCRC cases with unresectable metastases at diagnosis. PTR was performed in 210 cases (the surgery group) and the other patients (n = 131) were followed without PTR (the no-surgery group). All the patients were treated with bevacizumab combined chemotherapy regimens. Results The median progression free survival (PFS) of the surgery group was 10.4 months (95% CI: 8.9–11.9), which was significantly better than that of the no-surgery group (7.6 months, 95% CI: 6.4–8.8, P=0.000). The median overall survival (OS) of the surgery group was longer than that of the no-surgery group (27.4 months vs. 18.3 months, respectively, P=0.000). The median PFS and OS of the surgery group were 10.4 months and 28.2 months, which were significantly longer than that of the no-surgery group in Kras-mutant patients (7.8 months and 18.3 months; P=0.004, P=0.028, respectively). There was no difference in terms of PFS and OS between the surgery and the no-surgery groups in Kras-wild type patients. Conclusion Palliative PTR may improve the survival outcomes for unresectable mCRC patients. PTR may be preferred, particularly in Kras-mutant patients.

BackgroundThe optimal timing of surgery following preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is controversial. This trial aimed to compare pathological complete response (pCR) rates obtained after an interval of 8 weeks or less versus more than 8 weeks.MethodsPatients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma situated within 12 cm of the anal verge (T3–4 or N+ disease) were randomized to undergo total mesorectal excision (TME) within 8 weeks (classical interval, CI group) or after 8 weeks (long interval, LI group) following CRT.ResultsAmong the 327 included patients (CI 160, LI 167), the pCR rate was significantly higher in the LI group than in the CI group (10·0 versus 18·6 per cent; P = 0·027). The highest pCR rate (29 per cent) was observed between 10 and 11 weeks. There was statistically significant disease regression in the LI group, with better stage (P = 0·004) and T category (P = 0·001) than in the CI group. There was no significant difference in surgical quality (rates of tumour-positive margins, TME quality, anastomotic leakage and intraoperative perforation) between the groups. The overall morbidity rate was 22·5 per cent in the CI group and 19·8 per cent in the LI group (P = 0·307). Regression analysis including sex, age, clinical stage, tumour location, tumour differentiation, TME quality, concomitant chemotherapy and interval to surgery revealed no statistically significant predictors of pCR.ConclusionDisease regression and pCR rate are increased with an interval between CRT and surgery exceeding 8 weeks. Registration number: NCT03287843 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Aim: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common glial tumor. Angiogenesis which provides nutrient and oxygen support to proliferating cells play an essential role in GBM development, proliferation and metastasis. The development of antiangiogenetic agents is a promising treatment issue as blood vessels are essential for the vitality of tumor cells. AT-101 is -(−) enantiomer of gossypol having anti-proliferative effects on different cancer cell lines. In this study, the cytotoxicity effect of AT-101 on GBM cell lines (U-87MG ve T98G) was confirmed and also the impact of this drug on VEGF synthesis on these cell lines were evaluated at transcriptional and protein levels. Materials and methods: U-87 MG and T98 cell lines were treated with increasing concentrations (1–50 μM) of AT-101 for 72 h. Cytotoxicity was determined by xCELLigence (Roche). Apoptosis was detected by using ELISA and confirmed by caspase assay. VEGF and other proangiogenic factors expression were evaluated by angiogenesis array. Results: The cell vitality was constantly followed up in the experiment. The cytotoxicity of AT-101 in both cell lines increased significantly at 24 h. The IC-50 values of U-87 MG and T98 were 2.4 and 2.7 μM respectively. The VEGF mRNA levels decreased by 2.7 fold in U-87MG and 3 fold in T98G by treating these cell lines with AT-101 IC50 dose for 24 h. Conclusions: This study showed that AT-101 suppress VEGF on protein levels at U-87 MG and T98G cell lines and showed AT-101 might be a promising targeted agent in GBM treatment. Keywords: Glioblastoma multiforme, AT-101, Angiogenesis, VEGF

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether obesity affects survival in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients treated with bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy. A total of 563 patients with mCRC who had received first-line chemotherapy in combination with bevacizumab were studied. Patients were grouped as obese (BMI levels > 30) or non-obese (BMI levels

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the epidemiological and overall survival (OS) characteristics of patients with gastrointestinal system (GIS) cancer in Ege University database.Materials and Methods:19.542 GIS cancers were registered by EUKAM between 1992-2017 years. SEER data were taken into account for classifications and analyzes. Data recorded by CANREG 4 program were transferred to SPSS program, the chi-square test and linear modeling were used for statistical analysis, p, Amaç: Ege Üniversitesi Hastanesi (EÜH)’nde 1992-2017 arası gastrointestinal sistem (GİS) kanseri tanısı ve tedavileri yapılan olguların epidemiyolojik ve genel sağ kalım (GSK) özelliklerinin değerlendirilmesidir.Gereç Yöntem: EÜKAM tarafından 1992-2017 yılları arasında 19.542 GIS kanser kaydı yapılmıştır. Sınıflandırmalarda ve sağ kalım analizlerinde SEER verileri göz önüne alınmıştır. CANREG 4 programı ile kaydedilen veriler SPSS programına aktarılmış, istatistik analizde Ki-kare yöntemi ve doğrusal modellemeler yapılmış, p

WOS: 000465264700020, PubMed ID: 30997793, Background/aim: The purpose of this study was to determine sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity and phase angle (PA) and the influence of chemotherapy (CT) on anthropometric measurements and and the PA in in geriatric patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Material and methods: lhe anthropometric measurements, calf circumference (CC), upper midarm circumference (UMAC), and hand grip strength (HGS), have been measured to understand muscle function of 153 patients (mean age of 70.5 +/- 5.6 years, 28.8% female, 71.2% male). Sarcopenia and PA measurements have been evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analyses. The same evaluations were checked again after 1 cycle of CT (min: 4, max: 6 weeks). Results: Patient population consisted of colorectal (51,6%), gastric (26.8%), pancreas (11.8%), liver (7.2%), and biliary tract cancer (2%). UMAC (28.5 +/- 4.4 before, 28.1 +/- 4.9, P = 0.034 after CT), and HGS measurements (27.5 +/- 8.6 before, 26.8 +/- 8.8 after CT, P = 0.007) have significantly decreased after CT. CC measurement < 31 cm at first visit was seen in 13.1% of patients, but the ratio raised to 20.3% after CT (chi(2), P = 0.003). Severe sarcopenia was determined in 33% of all patients, and 30.0% of them have been considered as sarcopenic obese. Conclusion: Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were prevalent in this group patients. The CT caused a decrease in muscle functions, UMAC, and CC. Patients should be followed up carefully for sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and nutritional aspect and it would be proper to intervene before sarcopenia has not occurred yet.

Introduction: The last decade has witnessed dramatic improvements in the diagnosis, classification and treatment of renal cell cancer (RCC). Besides improvements in surgical techniques in early stages, introduction of novel targeted agents has resulted in improved outcomes in advanced RCC for which no effective treatment existed until recently.Areas covered: This article reviews epidemiology, pathology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical staging, prognostic factors and treatment modalities of early stage and advanced RCC.Expert commentary: Although treatment options are expanding rapidly, practicing physicians face considerable challenges in the decision-making process. Therapeutic agents may have unique side effects and unexpected drug interactions. RCC represents one of the major success stories of clinical oncology in recent years and the progress appears to be far from having reached a plateau. We aim to present a comprehensive in-depth review of RCC in an attempt to provide evidence-based recommendations and future perspectives for practicing oncologists.

Several chemotherapy regimens using bevacizumab have been developed. Our goal was to investigate regimens that have demonstrated significant clinical activity in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Six hundred and sixty six patients with mCRC who received first-line chemotherapy combination with bevacizumab were studied. Fluoropyrimidine (F) plus irinotecan (I)-based (FI-bev), F plus oxaliplatin (O)-based (FO-bev), and F-based (F-bev) treatment regimens were compared with respect to progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The median PFS of FI-bev (n = 414) was 10.9 months (95 % CI 10–11.8), of FO-bev (n = 211) was 9.4 months (95 % CI 8.3–10.4), and of F-bev (n = 41) was 9.5 months (95 % CI 5.9–13.1) (p = 0.089). The median OS of FI-bev was 26.3 months (95 % CI 21.7–30.9), of FO-bev was 27 months (95 % CI 24.3–29.7), and of F-bev was 23.3 months (95 % CI 12.7–33.9) (p = 0.102). In KRAS wild-type patients, the median PFS of FI-bev group was significantly longer than FO-bev group (10.5 vs. 9.1 months, p = 0.006). The FI-bev group had better OS than FO-bev group with borderline significance (p = 0.058). The FI-bev group had significantly longer OS than F-bev group. Patients who underwent metastasectomy or those with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) ≤1 had longer PFS and OS independent of the type of chemotherapy regimen. FI-bev may be the preferred frontline regimen for patients with KRAS wild-type mCRC. Metastasectomy and performance score were the strongest positive predictors of OS and PFS regardless of backbone chemotherapy regimen.

Aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been used clinically as a painkiller, antipyretic or antiplatelet agent for more than 100 years. Several trials demonstrate that the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent aspirin prevents NETs (neuroendocrine tumors), colorectal cancer (CRC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), melanoma, glioma, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer (PC), breast and prostate cancers and reduces cancer mortality, indicating a promising role of aspirin for cancer prevention. In literature, we can see that most of them are clinical studies. For more effective treatment we need to understand molecular mechanism. In this study, we reviewed the relationship between aspirin and mTOR pathway in types of cancer mentioned above, particularly CRC since it is better defined. The main question is: How can aspirin inhibit the cancer development by using mTOR pathway? The benefit-to-risk ratio must be defined in different cancer types as side effects. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is highly expressed in the processes of multiple types of tumors. mTOR forms the catalytic core of 2 distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. mTORC1 integrates growth factor and nutrient signals to influence protein synthesis, growth, autophagy, and ribosomal biogenesis. The role of mTORC2 is less well defined. Aspirin reduced the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer by activating the adenosine 5‘-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mTOR pathway and contributed to protection against the development of CRC. Aspirin inhibits mTORC1 signaling in an AMPK-independent manner. AMPK plays a major role in cellular energy hemostasis and leads to mTOR suppression. Some studies investigated the effects of aspirin on AMPK/mTOR signaling and showed that aspirin alone or the combination of aspirin and metformin activates AMPK and inhibits mTOR signaling in colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, mutations in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling genes occur in 40% of CRCs and that pathway is important in regulating the cell cycle, although mTOR is a downstream effector of the PI3K/AKT pathway. In PC, NETs and CRC the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is deregulated in the majority of tumors, and the activation of this pathway correlates significantly with a poor prognosis. A link between cancer and metabolism has been long suggested. Additionally, aspirin induced autophagy, a feature of mTOR inhibition. So mTOR exists in a phosphorylated form in normal conditions and suppresses autophagy. Much available evidence supports AMPK/mTOR signaling as a chemoprevention target. Some studies have suggested that aspirin is a promising agent for adjuvant therapy to increase survival. However, the mechanism of combination and its effects on patients require further prospective investigations. In conclusion, aspirin inhibits the cancer development and progression by using mTOR signaling pathway. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Bulent Karabulut, Oyku Ay. The relationship between aspirin and cancer via its inhibition of mTOR pathway [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Targeting PI3K/mTOR Signaling; 2018 Nov 30-Dec 8; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(10_Suppl):Abstract nr A27.

346 Background: Although clinical efficacy of gemcitabine in combination with nabpaclitaxel has been shown to be superior to single agent gemcitabine in a randomize phase 3 trial, data are lacking on the quality of life of this combination regimen as first-line therapy in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods: We randomly assigned 125 patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 0 or 1 to receive gemcitabine, 1000 mg/m2 plus nabpaclitaxel 125 mg/m2 or gemcitabine at a dose of 1000 mg per square meter weekly for 7 of 8 weeks and then weekly for 3 of 4 weeks. Treatment continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was 3-months deterioration-free rate (percentage of patients free from definitive deterioration) and quality of life of patients. Results: The median overall survival was 9.92 months in the gemcitabine plus nabpaclitaxel group as compared with 5.95 months in the gemcitabine group (hazard ratio for death, 0.642, 95% confidence interval, 0.422 to 0.866; p < 0.038). Median progression-free survival was 6.28 months in the combination group and 3.22 months in the gemcitabine group (hazard ratio for disease progression, 0.582; 95% CI, 0.391 to 0.866; p < 0.008). The objective response rate was 37.1% in the combination group versus 23.7% in the gemcitabine group (p < 0.009). Median time to deterioration was 3.68 months in the gemcitabine arm versus 5.36 months in the combination arm. More data on quality of life will be presented. Conclusions: As compared with gemcitabine, gemcitabine plus nabpaclitaxel was associated with an overall and progressive free survival advantage, with increased response rate, without increasing toxicity and deterioration of quality of life. Gemcitabine and nabpaclitaxel combination regimen with this form is a preferable option for the treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer Clinical trial information: EudraCT: 2013-004180-32.

WOS: 000446223100005, PubMed ID: 30288495, Objective: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) has an unfavourable prognosis despite the advances made in the treatment of breast cancer. Our study aimed to define immunohistochemistry-based surrogate subtype distribution to determine whether the breast cancer subtype accompanied survival outcome differences in IBC. Materials and Methods: Medical records of female breast cancer patients with non-metastatic inflammatory breast cancer admitted to our clinic between March 2000 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, clinical and pathological feature of the primary tumour, adjuvant treatment options and survival data were analysed. Intrinsic breast cancer subtypes were defined according to ER, PR, HER-2 and ki-67 status. Results: We identified 129 non-metastatic inflammatory breast cancer patients. Median follow-up was 73 months. 10 (7.7%) were luminal A-like, 67 (51.9%) were luminal B-like, 37 (28.6%) were HER-2 positive, and 15 (11.6%) were triple negative (TNBC) by immunohistochemistry. There were no statistically significant differences between subtypes in terms of histological type, grade, tumour size and lymph node status. Median disease-free survival was 47 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 29.2-82.6) and median overall survival was 75 months (95% CI 64.7-90.8). Triple negative breast cancer showed poorer outcome than other subgroups. Presence of TNBC disease was associated with poorer outcome compared to luminal A (HR: 0.19, 95% CI 0.04-0.92, p: 0.039), luminal B (HR: 0.34, 95% CI 0.15-0.74, p: 0.007) and HER-2 positive subgroups (HR: 0.40, 95% CI 0.17-0.94, p: 0.037). Luminal A patients had a trend to have a better overall survival which did not reach to a statistical significant difference. Conclusion: Our study put forth that IBC have a poor prognosis irrespective of breast cancer surrogate subtype distribution. Luminal A, the most frequent subtype of breast cancer was the least common in our IBC patient group. TNBC had the worst outcome when compared to other breast cancer subtypes.

There is no defined standard surgical technique accepted worldwide for colon cancer, especially on the extent of resection and lymphadenectomy, resulting in technical variations among surgeons. Nearly all analyses employ more than one surgeon, thus giving heterogeneous results on surgical treatment. This study aims to evaluate long-term follow-up results of colon cancer patients who were operated on by a single senior colorectal surgeon using a standardized technique with curative intent, and to compare these results with the literature. A total of 269 consecutive patients who were operated on with standardized technique between January 2003 and June 2013 were enrolled in this study. Standardized technique means separation of the mesocolic fascia from the parietal plane with sharp dissection and ligation of the supplying vessels closely to their roots. Patients were assessed in terms of postoperative morbidity, mortality, disease recurrence, and survival. Operations were carried out with a 99.3% R0 resection rate and mean lymph node count of 17.7 nodes per patient. Surviving patients were followed up for a mean period of 57.8 months, and a total of 19.7% disease recurrence was recorded. Mean survival was 113.9 months. The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 78% and 75.8% for disease-free survival, 82.6% and 72.9% for overall survival, and 87.5% and 82.9% for cancer-specific survival, respectively. R1 resection and pathologic characteristics of the tumor were found to be the most important prognostic factors according to univariate and Cox regression analyses. Standardization of surgical therapy and a dedicated team are thought to make significant contributions to the improvement of prognosis.

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has none of the targeted treatment choices due to its distinct biological property, making this subtype a unique disease. In this study, we evaluated the impact of obesity on clinical outcomes of TNBC. Methods: The data of breast cancer patients admitted to our department were collected. TNBC was defined as lack of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER-2. The body mass index (BMI) of 112 TNBC patients was calculated with weight at the time of diagnosis and height. The patients were classified into groups with a BMI of < 25 (normal/underweight), 25-29.9 (overweight) or ≥ 30 (obese). After a mean follow-up of 23.2 ± 15.5 months, there were 12 recurrences (10.71%) and 6 deaths (5.35%). Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Results: The survival analyses of all the patients did not demonstrate any differences in OS or DFS in obese as compared to non-obese patients. However, we showed that obesity was associated with a poorer OS for postmenopausal TNBC patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Obesity is related to a poorer OS in postmenopausal TNBC patients. Due to the heterogeneous disease profile of TNBC, larger randomized studies will be needed to clarify the exact role of obesity in TNBC.

Objectives Malnutrition is common in patients with geriatric gastrointestinal system (GIS) cancer. This study aimed to evaluate patients with geriatric GIS cancer in terms of nutritional status and weakness and determine the changes caused by chemotherapy (CT). Methods Patients with geriatric GIS cancer who received CT were included in the study. Their nutritional status was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment, and weakness was assessed with the handgrip strength/body mass index ratio. After CT (minimum 4 wk and maximum 6 wk later), patients were assessed for the same parameters. Results A total of 153 patients aged ≥65 y (mean age, 70.5 ± 5.6 y; 44 female and 109 male) were evaluated. The population consisted of patients who were diagnosed with colorectal (51.6%), gastric (26.8%), pancreatic (11.8%), hepatic (7.2%), biliary tract (2%), and esophageal (0.7%) cancer. Of these patients, 37.9% were malnourished, 34.6% were at risk of malnutrition, and 27.5% were well nourished. After one course of CT, the frequency of malnutrition increased to 46.4% (P = 0.001). The patient groups with the highest rates of weakness were those who were diagnosed with biliary tract, hepatic, and colorectal cancer (33.3%, 27.3%, and 20%, respectively). Weakness was significantly increased after one course of CT in patients who received CT before (P = 0.039). Conclusions Malnutrition and weakness were common in patients with geriatric GIS cancer, and even one course of CT worsened the nutritional status of the patients. Patients who have received CT previously should be carefully monitored for weakness.

WOS: 000343833100020, PubMed ID: 25227800, Background: The role of second-line therapy in metastatic pancreatic cancer is not clear. In this study, we aimed to explore the second-line efficiency of capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who have received gemcitabine-based first-line therapy. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 47 patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer previously treated with gemcitabine-based first-line regimens. Treatment consisted of oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice daily with a 3 week interval, until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Results: Median number of cycles was 4 (range, 2-10). The overall disease control rate was 38.3%. The median overall survival and progression-free survival from the start of second-line therapy were 23 weeks (95% CI: 16.6-29.5 weeks) and 12 weeks (95% CI: 9.8-14.4 weeks), respectively. The most common grade 3-4 toxicities were nausea, vomiting and hematologic side effects. Conclusions: Our result suggests that the combination of capecitabine and oxaliplatin was tolerated with manageable toxicity and showed encouraging activity as second-line treatment of advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer patients with ECOG performance status 0-2.

WOS: 000336834500036, PubMed ID: 24815463, Background: Unlike for fit elderly metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients, general approaches to initial treatment for the frail older mCRC patients are not clear. Our aim was to evaluate the efficiency and safety of first-line single-agent treatment in one such group. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated mCRC patients aged 70 or older with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score of 2. They had no prior treatment and underwent first-line single-agent capecitabine or other monotherapies until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Results: Thirty-six patients were included. Most (n:28, 77.8%) were treated with capecitabine. One patient achieved a complete response and 5 patients had a partial response for an overall response rate of 16.6%. Twelve patients (33.3%) remained stable. Median progression free survival was 5 months (confidence interval (CI), %; 3.59-6.40) and median overall survival was 10 months (95 CI%; 8.1-11.8). Grade 3-4 toxicity was found in 6 patients (16.6%). Febrile neutropenia was not observed and there were no toxicity-associated deaths. Conclusions: Capecitabine is a safe chemotherapeutic agent with moderate activity for first-line treatment of older metastatic colorectal cancer patients with limited performance status.

Today, multifaceted approach is needed for the palliative care of advanced stage cancer patients. The main objective for these patients, elimination of pain and other symptoms, psychosocial and spiritual needs are met and to increase the quality of life. We are also faced with the challenge of meeting the physical and psychosocial needs of family members. The purpose of a holistic approach to patient and family who provide effective and quality care, care coordination and case management of a multidisciplinary team approach is based on cooperation. Care protocols specified patient care activities to be carried by the related disciplines to achieve results on a timeline that shows a certain, a multidisciplinary clinical management tool. A lot of care guidelines and protocols developed by a team of experts to contribute to the palliative care activities, and this is thought to be a guiding team members, working with patients.

The identification of clinical, biochemical and molecular markers to predict or monitor the efficacy of bevacizumab represents a major point in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Studies and genetic analyses have been conducted to identify a predictive biomarker of bevacizumab efficacy. However, genes of the angiogenic pathway and angiogenic biomarkers vary substantially, thereby causing interindividual differences that complicate the identification of predictors for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs like bevacizumab. So, the current challenge in bevacizumab treatment is to find predictive markers and implement them in clinical practice. In this review we have summarized the potential candidate biomarkers that may have a role in identifying patients who benefit most from bevacizumab treatment.

Background PARACHUTE, a phase IV, prospective, observational study of treatment patterns and outcomes planned to describe the clinical effectiveness and safety of pazopanib in patients (pts) with advanced or mRCC who are naive to VEGF-TKI therapy in the real-life setting from Asia Pacific, North Africa, and the Middle East countries where data from the registration trials are lacking. Methods Eligible pts were ≥18 years with advanced or mRCC and clinical decision to initiate pazopanib treatment or had already started new treatment with pazopanib within 15 days prior to study entry and naive to any prior anti-VEGF therapy. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients remaining progression free at 12 months (mo). The secondary endpoints were ORR, PFS, safety and tolerability, and relative dose intensity (RDI). Results Between Jun 2017 and Dec 2018, 200 pts were enrolled from 15 countries in Asia, North Africa and Middle East. A total of 101 pts with a median age of 62 y (range, 32.0-95.0) were included in this interim analysis. Majority of the pts were Asian (63%) followed by Caucasian (36%). Clear cell was the main (82%) histologic type. At data cut-off (May 2, 2019) of 12 mo observation period, 29 pts completed the observational period and 72 discontinued the study. Only 57% of pts had the starting dose at 800mg. Median RDI was 79% with 52% pts received under 10%) TRAEs include diarrhoea (27%), palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (12%) and hypertension (15%). Conclusions The interim results of the PARACHUTE study support the use of pazopanib in pts with advanced or mRCC who are naive to VEGF-TKI therapy. Safety profile is consistent with the previously reported pivotal and realworld evidence studies. The efficacy data are still immature due to limited number of pts and the short follow-up duration. Editorial acknowledgement Anuradha Bandaru, Novartis Healthcare Pvt Ltd (Hyderabad, India). Legal entity responsible for the study Novartis. Funding Has not received any funding. Disclosure R. Kanesvaran: Honoraria (institution), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Pfizer, Novartis, MSD, BMS, Ipsen, Eisai, J&J, Astellas, Amgen, Mundipharma, Sanofi, Roche, AZ. P. Danchaivijitr: Advisory / Consultancy: MSD and Pfizer. B. Karabulut: Honoraria (institution), Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Merck Serono, Bayer, Pfizer, Novartis, MSD, BMS, J&J, Astellas, Amgen, Sanofi, Roche. Y.F. Wong: Advisory / Consultancy: Merck and Roche. K. Slimane: Full / Part-time employment: Novartis. M. Erman: Advisory / Consultancy, Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Pfizer, Novartis, BMS, Astellas, Roche, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Nobel, Gen Pharma, MSD, Pierre Fabre, Amgen, Takeda, Mustafa Nevzat Pharma, Teva.