A radiomics prognostic scoring system for predicting progression-free survival in patients with stageⅣnon-small cell lung cancer treated with platinum-based chemotherapy

Objective:To develop and validate a radiomics prognostic scoring system(RPSS)for prediction of progressionfree survival(PFS)in patients with stageⅣnon-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.Methods:In this retrospective study,four independent cohorts of stageⅣNSCLC patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy were included for model construction and validation(Discovery:n=159;Internal validation:n=156;External validation:n=81,Mutation validation:n=64).First,a total of 1,182 three-dimensional radiomics features were extracted from pre-treatment computed tomography(CT)images of each patient.Then,a radiomics signature was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method(LASSO)penalized Cox regression analysis.Finally,an individualized prognostic scoring system incorporating radiomics signature and clinicopathologic risk factors was proposed for PFS prediction.Results:The established radiomics signature consisting of 16 features showed good discrimination for classifying patients with high-risk and low-risk progression to chemotherapy in all cohorts(All P<0.05).On the multivariable analysis,independent factors for PFS were radiomics signature,performance status(PS),and N stage,which were all selected into construction of RPSS.The RPSS showed significant prognostic performance for predicting PFS in discovery[C-index:0.772,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.765-0.779],internal validation(C-index:0.738,95%CI:0.730-0.746),external validation(C-index:0.750,95%CI:0.734-0.765),and mutation validation(Cindex:0.739,95%CI:0.720-0.758).Decision curve analysis revealed that RPSS significantly outperformed the clinicopathologic-based model in terms of clinical usefulness(All P<0.05).Conclusions:This study established a radiomics prognostic scoring system as RPSS that can be conveniently used to achieve individualized prediction of PFS probability for stageⅣNSCLC patients treated with platinumbased chemotherapy,which holds promise for guiding personalized pre-therapy of stageⅣNSCLC.

Associations of genetic polymorphisms of the transporters organic cation transporter 2(OCT2),multidrug and toxin extrusion 1(MATE1),and ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 2(ABCC2) with platinum-based chemotherapy response and toxicity in non-small cel

Background:Platinum-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC);it is therefore important to discover biomarkers that can be used to predict the efficacy and toxicity of this treatment.Four important transporter genes are expressed in the kidney,including organic cation transporter 2(OCT2),multidrug and toxin extrusion 1(MATEl),ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 {ABCB1),and ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 2(ABCC2),and genetic polymorphisms in these genes may alter the efficacy and adverse effects of platinum drugs.This study aimed to evaluate the association of genetic polymorphisms of these transporters with platinumbased chemotherapy response and toxicity in NSCLC patients.Methods:A total of 403 Chinese NSCLC patients were recruited for this study.All patients were newly diagnosed with NSCLC and received at least two cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy.The tumor response and toxicity were evaluated after two cycles of treatment,and the patients' genomic DNA was extracted.Seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms in four transporter genes were selected to investigate their associations with platinum-based chemotherapy toxicity and response.Results:OCT2 rs316019 was associated with hepatotoxicity(P = 0.026) and hematological toxicity(P = 0.039),and MATEl rs2289669 was associated with hematological toxicity induced by platinum(P = 0.016).In addition,ABCC2rs717620 was significantly associated with the platinum-based chemotherapy response(P = 0.031).ABCB1 polymorphisms were associated with neither response nor toxicity.Conclusion:OCT2 rs316019,MATEl rs2289669,and ABCC2 rs717620 might be potential clinical markers for predicting chemotherapy toxicity and response induced by platinum-based treatment in NSCLC patients.Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry

Weight Loss and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Advanced Cancer Patients Treated with Platinum-based Chemotherapy

Objective This study assessed the weight loss changes and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with advanced tumors receiving platinum-containing chemotherapy.Methods We retrospectively reviewed 297 patients with advanced cancers[124 gastrointestinal(GI)cancer patients,119 lung cancer patients and 54 head and neck cancer(HNC)patients]receiving first-line chemotherapy at Tongji Hospital.The patients’changes in body weight,body mass index(BMI),and biochemical parameters(serum haemoglobin and albumin levels)were compared before and after two chemotherapy cycles.Results More than half[54.88%(163/297)]of the patients had experienced unintentional weight loss in the 6 months before chemotherapy,and weight loss≥5%and≥10%of the body mass was noted in 35.69%and 20.20%of the patients,respectively.After two cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy,the proportions of patients with a>5%reduction in body weight among patients with GI,lung,and head and neck cancers were 47.5%(59/124),44.53%(53/119),and 46.2%(25/54),respectively.The patients with GI and lung cancers were more vulnerable to extreme weight loss(≥10%)than those with HNC(P=0.025).The serum hemoglobin levels were also remarkably decreased relative to those before chemotherapy(all P<0.05).Common GI symptoms reported by all patients included anorexia(61.28%),vomiting(52.53%),and nausea(51.18%).A higher proportion of patients with≥10%weight loss experienced anorexia and vomiting(OR=12.21 and 3.61,P=0.008 and 0.047,respectively).Conclusions For advanced cancer patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy,the GI symptoms are the major factor related to their nutritional status.Appropriate nutritional screening,evaluation and treatment should be applied during the treatment of cancer in order to reduce GI symptoms and improve the patient’s nutritional status.

Uncommon EGFR mutations in a cohort of Chinese NSCLC patients and outcomes of first-line EGFR-TKIs and platinum-based chemotherapy

Objective： Data on the clinical activity of epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR） tyrosine kinase inhibitors （TKIs） in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer （NSCLC） and uncommon EGFR mutations remain insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the effect of first-line EGFR-TKIs or platinum-based chemotherapy in NSCLC patients with uncommon EGFR mutations. Methods： We retrospectively enrolled 504 patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC. The clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were collected and compared between patients with common and uncommon EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Results： Seventy patients （13.9%） harboring uncommon EGFR mutations were included. Thirty of these patients received EGFR-TKIs and 40 received platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line therapy. The objective response rate （ORR） and median progression-free survival （mPFS） of patients treated with TKIs in the uncommon mutation group was significantly inferior to that in the common mutation group （ORR： 23.3% vs. 51.8%, P=0.003; mPFS： 7.1 vs. 10.9 months, P〈0.001）. In the uncommon group, mPFS was similar between first-line EGFR-TKIs treatment and platinum-based chemotherapy （7.1 vs. 6.1 months, P=0.893）. In patients with EGFR G719X or L861Q mutations, the mPFS was longer in the first-line EGFR-TKIs treatment group than in the chemotherapy group, but the difference was not statistically significant （G719X： 8.2 vs. 5.8 months, P=0.061; L861Q： 7.6 vs. 4.1 months, P=0.872）. Multivariate analyses identified adenocarcinoma （P=0.003） as the independent predictive factor for PFS in patients with uncommon EGFR mutations who were treated with first-line EGFR-TKIs. Conclusions： The current study demonstrated that the effect of first-line EGFR-TKIs was similar to that of platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with uncommon EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Adenocarcinoma was the independent predictive factor for PFS in uncommon EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients treated with first-line EGFR- TKIs.

Association between DNA mismatch repair gene polymorphisms and platinum-based chemotherapy toxicity in non-small cell lung cancer patients

Background:Chemotherapy toxicity is a serious problem from which non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) patients suffer.The mismatch repair(MMR) system is associated with platinum-based chemotherapy toxicity in NSCLC patients.In this study,we aimed to investigate the relationship between genetic polymorphisms in the MMR pathway and platinum-based chemotherapy toxicity in NSCLC patients.Methods:A total of 220 Chinese lung cancer patients who received at least two cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy were recruited for this study.Toxicity was evaluated in each patient after two cycles of chemotherapy.A total of 44 single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected to investigate their associations with platinum-based chemotherapy toxicity.Results:MutS homolog 2[MSH2) rs6544991[odds ratio(OR) 2.98,95%confidence interval(CI) 1.20-7.40,P = 0.019]was associated with gastrointestinal toxicity in the dominant model;MSH3 rs6151627(OR 2.38,95%CI 1.23-4.60,P = 0.010),rs6151670(OR 2.05,95%CI 1.07-3.93,P = 0.031),and rs7709909(OR 2.38,95%CI 1.23-4.64,P = 0.010)were associated with hematologic toxicity in the dominant model.Additionally,MSH5 rs805304 was significantly associated with overall toxicity(OR 2.21,95%CI 1.19-4.09,P = 0.012),and M5H5 rs707939 was significantly associated with both overall toxicity(OR 0.42,95%CI 0.23-0.76,P = 0.004) and gastrointestinal toxicity(OR 0.44,95%CI 0.20-0.96,P = 0.038) in the dominant model.Conclusion:Genetic polymorphisms in the MMR pathway are potential clinical markers for predicting chemotherapy toxicity in NSCLC patients.

The impact of both platinum-based chemotherapy and EGFR-TKIs on overall survival of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Both platinum-based doublet chemotherapy(PBC) and epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors(EGFR-TKIs) prolong the survival of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). In early studies, most patients underwent PBC as first-line treatment, but not all patients could afford EGFR-TKIs as second-line treatment. To understand the impact of PBC and EGFR-TKIs on NSCLC prognosis, we evaluated the association between the receipt of both regimens and overall survival(OS). Using MEDLINE and EMBASE, we identified prospective, randomized, controlled phase III clinical trials in advanced NSCLC that met the inclusion criteria: in general population with advanced NSCLC, the percentage of patients treated with both PBC and EGFR-TKIs was available in the trial and OS was reported. After collecting data from the selected trials, we correlated the percentage of patients treated with both PBC and EGFR-TKIs with the reported OS, using a weighted analysis. Fifteen phase III clinical trials—involving 11,456 adult patients in 32 arms—were included in the analysis, including 6 trials in Asian populations and 9 in non-Asian(predominantly Caucasian) populations. The OS was positively correlated with the percentage of patients treated with both PBC and EGFR-TKIs(r = 0.797, P < 0.001). The correlation was obvious in the trials in Asian populations(r = 0.936, P < 0.001) but was not statistically significant in the trials in predominantly Caucasian populations(r = 0.116, P = 0.588). These results suggest that treatment with PBC and EGFR-TKIs may provide a survival benefit to patients with advanced NSCLC, highlighting the importance of having both modalities available for therapy.

Mutations in the DNA polymerase binding pathway affect the immune microenvironment of patients with small-cell lung cancer and enhance the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy

Background:Small-cell lung cancer(SCLC)is characterized by its high malignancy and is associated with a poor prognosis.In the early stages of the disease,platinum-based chemotherapy is the recommended first-line treatment and has demonstrated efficacy.However,SCLC is prone to recurrence and is generally resistant to chemotherapy in its later stages.Methods:Here,we collected samples from SCLC patients who received platinum-based chemotherapy,performed genomic and transcriptomic analyses,and validated our results with publicly available data.Results:SCLC patients with DNA polymerase binding pathway mutations had an improved prognosis after platinum chemotherapy compared with patients without such mutations.Patients in the mutant(MT)group had higher infiltration of T cells,B cells,and M1 macrophages compared with patients without DNA polymerase binding pathway mutations.Conclusions:DNA polymerase binding pathway mutations can be used as prognostic markers for platinum-based chemotherapy in SCLC.

Targeting glutamine metabolism enhances responses to platinum-based chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancers(TNBC)

Reprogramming of metabolic pathways,a hallmark of human cancer,results from a process in which cancer cells become dependent on specific metabolic pathways such as glutamine catabolism or glutaminolysis for growth and survival.Previous studies have demonstrated that triplenegative breast cancers(TNBC)may use glutamine as an extracellular nutrient source to generate lipids,proteins,and nucleic acids.1 Glutamine catabolism in cancer cells also contributes to the production of the antioxidant,glutathione(GSH),which is critical for redox homeostasis and for protection of cells from oxidative stress elicited by reactive oxygen species(ROS).2 Considering TNBC cell lines are often dependent on glutamine for growth and survival,we sought to determine whether targeting glutaminolysis with a small molecule inhibitor,CB-839,in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy drug,would elicit significant anti-tumor activity.

Shenqi Fuzheng injection alleviates chemotherapy-induced cachexia by restoring glucocorticoid signaling in hypothalamus

Chemotherapy-induced cachexia(CIC)is a debilitating condition characterized by weight loss,muscle atrophy,and anorexia[1].While peripheral mechanisms of cachexia have been extensively studied,the involvement of the central nervous system(CNS)in CIC is often overlooked.Chemotherapeutic drugs cause stress responses and inflammation,which may impact the hypothalamus and disrupt systemic energy and neuroendocrine functions.Understanding hypothalamic roles in regulating these processes can provide insights into CIC's mechanisms and aid in developing novel therapies.

Screening of Myocardial Cardiotoxicity Induced by Anticancer Chemotherapy and the Importance of Global Longitudinal Strain

Introduction: The improvement of survival in patients with cancer and the expansion of therapeutic options have led to the emergence of a new profile of cardiotoxicity, specifically associated with antimitotic agents. Our study aimed to assess the incidence of chemotherapy-induced myocardial toxicity in patients with cancer. Patients and Methods: We conducted a looking-forward longitudinal cohort study including all patients admitted to the Cardiology departments of Aristide le Dantec Hospital and Dalal Jamm National Hospital Centre for apre-chemotherapy check-up. The included patients did not undergo any pre-existing cardiopathy. Results: Over a period of two years ranging from January 2019 to December 2021, a total of 37 patients were included in the study. Notably, there was a female predominance (92%) with an average age of 49.7 years ± 13.69. Breast cancer accounted for 70% of the neoplasms. Laboratory findings revealed moderate anemia in 19 patients (51%). At inclusion, the left ventricle (LV) was of normal size (LV diastole at 44.46 ± 4.97 mm). The systolic function of the left ventricle was normal in all patients, with an average ejection fraction (EF) of 63.1% ± 5.80 and a mean global longitudinal strain (GLS) of −20.4% ± 2.58. The most commonly used agents were anthracyclines. During follow-up, 3 patients (8.1%) developed clinical symptoms of left heart failure, and LV dysfunction on echocardiography was observed in 5 (13.5%) patients, with a significant decrease in EF Conclusion: The incidence of cardiac toxicity is not negligible, hence the importance of early screening. Strain imaging is an essential tool that should be performed as part of the assessment before chemotherapy and re-evaluated during treatment.

Effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy vs chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant therapy is an essential modality for reducing the clinical stage of esophageal cancer;however,the superiority of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(nCT)or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(nCRT)is unclear.Therefore,a discussion of these two modalities is necessary.AIM To investigate the benefits and complications of neoadjuvant modalities.METHODS To address this concern,predefined criteria were established using the PICO protocol.Two independent authors performed comprehensive searches using predetermined keywords.Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant differences between groups.Potential publication bias was visualized using funnel plots.The quality of the data was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Tool 2(RoB2)and the GRADE approach.RESULTS Ten articles,including 1928 patients,were included for the analysis.Significant difference was detected in pathological complete response(pCR)[P<0.001;odds ratio(OR):0.27;95%CI:0.16-0.46],30-d mortality(P=0.015;OR:0.4;95%CI:0.22-0.71)favoring the nCRT,and renal failure(P=0.039;OR:1.04;95%CI:0.66-1.64)favoring the nCT.No significant differences were observed in terms of survival,local or distal recurrence,or other clinical or surgical complications.The result of RoB2 was moderate,and that of the GRADE approach was low or very low in almost all cases.CONCLUSION Although nCRT may have a higher pCR rate,it does not translate to greater long-term survival.Moreover,nCRT is associated with higher 30-d mortality,although the specific cause for postoperative complications could not be identified.In the case of nCT,toxic side effects are suspected,which can reduce the quality of life.Given the quality of available studies,further randomized trials are required.

Efficacy and safety of targeted therapy plus immunotherapy combined with hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (FOLFOX) for unresectable hepatocarcinoma

BACKGROUND The advent of cutting-edge systemic therapies has driven advances in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and therapeutic strategies with multiple modes of delivery have been shown to be more efficacious than mono-therapy.However,the mechanisms underlying this innovative treatment modality have not been elucidated.AIM To evaluate the clinical efficacy of targeted therapy plus immunotherapy combined with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC)of FOLFOX in patients with unresectable HCC.METHODS We enrolled 53 patients with unresectable HCC who received a combination of targeted therapy,immunotherapy,and HAIC of FOLFOX between December 2020 and June 2021 and assessed the efficacy and safety of the treatment regimen.RESULTS The objective response rate was 60.4%(32/53),complete response was 24.5%(13/53),partial response was 35.9%(19/53),and stable disease was 39.6%(21/53).The median duration of response and median progression-free survival were 9.1 and 13.9 months,respectively.The surgical conversion rate was 34.0%(18/53),and 1-year overall survival was 83.0%without critical complicating diseases or adverse events(AEs).CONCLUSION The regimen of HAIC of FOLFOX,targeted therapy,and immunotherapy was curative for patients with unresectable HCC,with no serious AEs and a high rate of surgical conversion.

Clinical efficacy and safety of erlotinib combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Advanced pancreatic cancer is resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs,resulting in limited treatment efficacy and poor prognosis.Combined administration of the chemotherapeutic gemcitabine and erlotinib is considered a potential first-line treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer.However,their comparative benefits and potential risks remain unclear.AIM To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of erlotinib combined with other chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.METHODS Literature on the clinical efficacy and safety of erlotinib combined with chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer was retrieved through an online search.The retrieved literature was subjected to a methodological qualitative assessment and was analyzed using the RevMan 5.3 software.Ten randomized controlled trials involving 2444 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer were included in the meta-analysis.RESULTS Compared with chemotherapeutic treatment,erlotinib combined with chemotherapy significantly prolonged the progression-free survival time of pancreatic cancer patients[hazard ratio(HR)=0.78,95%CI:0.66-0.92,P=0.003].Meanwhile,the overall survival(HR=0.99,95%CI:0.72-1.37,and P=0.95)and disease control rate(OR=0.93,95%CI:0.45-0.91,P=0.84)were not significantly favorable.In terms of safety,the erlotinib and chemotherapy combination was associated with a significantly higher risk of diarrhea(OR=3.59,95%CI:1.63-7.90,P<0.05)and rash(OR=3.63,95%CI:1.64-8.01,P<0.05)compared with single-agent chemotherapy.Moreover,the risk of vomiting(OR=1.27,95%CI:0.62-2.59,P=0.51),regurgitation/anorexia(OR=1.61,95%CI:0.25-10.31,P=0.62),and infection(OR=0.72,95%CI:0.28-1.87,P=0.50)were not significant in either group.CONCLUSION Compared with a single chemotherapeutic modality,erlotinib combined with gemcitabine can prolong progression-free survival in pancreatic cancer,but does not improve survival benefit or disease control rate,and can increase the risk of diarrhea and rash.

Correlation and predictive value of pathological complete response and ultrasound characteristic parameters in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast

BACKGROUND Breast cancer ranks as one of the most prevalent malignant tumors among women,significantly endangering their health and lives.While radical surgery has been a pivotal method for halting disease progression,it alone is insufficient for enhancing the quality of life for patients.AIM To investigate the correlation between ultrasound characteristic parameters of breast cancer lesions and clinical efficacy in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC).METHODS Employing a case-control study design,this research involved 178 breast cancer patients treated with NAC at our hospital from July 2019 to June 2022.According to the Miller-Payne grading system,the pathological response,i.e.efficacy,of the NAC in the initial breast lesion after NAC was evaluated.Of these,59 patients achieved a pathological complete response(PCR),while 119 did not(non-PCR group).Ultrasound characteristics prior to NAC were compared between these groups,and the association of various factors with NAC efficacy was analyzed using univariate and multivariate approaches.RESULTS In the PCR group,the incidence of posterior echo attenuation,lesion diameter≥2.0 cm,and Alder blood flow grade≥II were significantly lower compared to the non-PCR group(P<0.05).The area under the curve values for predicting NAC efficacy using posterior echo attenuation,lesion diameter,and Alder grade were 0.604,0.603,and 0.583,respectively.Also,rates of pathological stage II,lymph node metastasis,vascular invasion,and positive Ki-67 expression were significantly lower in the PCR group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis identified posterior echo attenuation,lesion diameter≥2.0 cm,Alder blood flow grade≥II,pathological stage III,vascular invasion,and positive Ki-67 expression as independent predictors of poor response to NAC in breast cancer patients(P<0.05).CONCLUSION While ultrasound characteristics such as posterior echo attenuation,lesion diameter≥2.0 cm,and Alder blood flow grade≥II exhibit limited predictive value for NAC efficacy,they are significantly associated with poor response to NAC in breast cancer patients.

The Construction of Integrated Nursing Model Prevention of Oxaliplatin Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Nerve Injury

Objective: To investigate the effect of the integrated nursing model in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral injury. Methods: A total of 60 tumor patients receiving oxaliplatin for 1 - 6 cycles of chemotherapy from January to September 2023 were selected. 30 patients were selected from January to March and divided into the control group, and 30 patients were selected from July to 9 as the experimental group. The control group received conventional chemotherapy nursing, while the experimental group received integrated nursing. Anxiety, peripheral nerve toxicity stage and quality of life score were compared between the two groups before and after intervention. Results: After intervention, the scores of the self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the total scores of the oxaliplatin Levi specific sensory neurotoxicity scale in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P< 0.05);The Quality of Life Scale (FACT-G) score of cancer patients was higher than that of control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The integrated nursing model can effectively reduce the anxiety of patients, reduce the incidence of peripheral nerve injury and improve the quality of life of patients.

Ki-67 Change in Anthracyline-containing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Breast Cancer

Objective Anthracycline-containing regimens are irreplaceable in neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)for breast cancer(BC)at present.However,30% of early breast cancer(EBC)patients are resistant to anthracycline-containing chemotherapy,leading to poor prognosis and higher mortality.Ki-67 is associated with the prognosis and response to therapy,and it changes after NAC.Methods A total of 105 BC patients who received anthracycline-containing NAC were enrolled.Then,the optimal model of Ki-67 was selected,and its predictive efficacy was analyzed.Immunohistochemistry(IHC)was used to determine the estrogen receptor(ER),progesterone receptor(PR),and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER-2)status and Ki-67 level.Fluorescent in situ hybridization(FISH)was used to verify the HER-2 when the IHC score was 2+.Results The post-NAC Ki67 level after treatment with anthracycline drugs was lower than pre-NAC Ki-67(19.6%±23.3%vs.45.6%±23.1%,P<0.001).Furthermore,patients with the Ki-67 decrease had a border line higher pathological complete response(pCR)rate(17.2%vs.0.0%,P=0.068),and a higher overall response rate(ORR)(73.6%vs.27.8%,P<0.001),when compared to patients without the Ki-67 decrease.The ΔKi-67 and ΔKi-67%were valuable markers for the prediction of both the pCR rate and ORR.The area under the curve(AUC)for ΔKi-67 on pCR and ORR was 0.809(0.698-0.921)and 0.755(0.655-0.855),respectively,while the AUC for ΔKi-67% on pCR and ORR was 0.857(0.742-0.972)and 0.720(0.618-0.822),respectively.Multivariate logistic regression model 1 revealed thatΔKi-67 was an independent predictor for both pCR[odds ratio(OR)=61.030,95% confidence interval(CI)=4.709-790.965;P=0.002]and ORR(OR=10.001,95%CI:3.044-32.858;P<0.001).Multivariate logistic regression model 2 revealed thatΔKi-67%was also an independent predictor for both pCR(OR=408.922,95%CI=8.908-18771.224;P=0.002)and ORR(OR=5.419,95%CI=1.842-15.943;P=0.002).Conclusions The present study results suggest thatΔKi67 andΔKi67%are candidate predictors for anthracycline-containing NAC response,and that they may provide various information for further systematic therapy after surgery in clinical practice.

TRIANGLE operation,combined with adequate adjuvant chemotherapy,can improve the prognosis of pancreatic head cancer:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND The TRIANGLE operation involves the removal of all tissues within the triangle bounded by the portal vein-superior mesenteric vein,celiac axis-common hepatic artery,and superior mesenteric artery to improve patient prognosis.Although previously promising in patients with locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC),data are limited regarding the long-term oncological outcomes of the TRIANGLE operation among resectable PDAC patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD).AIM To evaluate the safety of the TRIANGLE operation during PD and the prognosis in patients with resectable PDAC.METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent PD for pancreatic head cancer between January 2017 and April 2023,with or without the TRIANGLE operation.Patients were divided into the PD_(TRIANGLE)and PD_(non-TRIANGLE)groups.Surgical and survival outcomes were compared between the two groups.Adequate adjuvant chemotherapy was defined as adjuvant chemotherapy≥6 months.RESULTS The PD_(TRIANGLE)and PD_(non-TRIANGLE) groups included 52 and 55 patients,respectively.There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics or perioperative indexes between the two groups.Furthermore,the recurrence rate was lower in the PD_(TRIANGLE) group than in the PD_(non-TRIANGLE) group(48.1%vs 81.8%,P<0.001),and the local recurrence rate of PDAC decreased from 37.8%to 16.0%.Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that PD_(TRIANGLE)(HR=0.424;95%CI:0.256-0.702;P=0.001),adequate adjuvant chemotherapy≥6 months(HR=0.370;95%CI:0.222-0.618;P<0.001)and margin status(HR=2.255;95%CI:1.252-4.064;P=0.007)were found to be independent factors for the recurrence rate.CONCLUSION The TRIANGLE operation is safe for PDAC patients undergoing PD.Moreover,it reduces the local recurrence rate of PDAC and may improve survival in patients who receive adequate adjuvant chemotherapy.

Identifying relevant factors influencing cancer-related fatigue in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma during chemotherapy

BACKGROUND Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is a rapidly growing malignant tumor,and chemotherapy is one of the treatments used to combat it.Although advancements of science and technology have resulted in more and more patients being able to receive effective treatment,they still face side effects such as fatigue and weakness.It is important to thoroughly investigate the factors that contribute to cancer-related fatigue(CRF)during chemotherapy.AIM To explore the factors related to CRF,anxiety,depression,and mindfulness levels in patients with DLBCL during chemotherapy.METHODS General information was collected from the electronic medical records of eligible patients.Sleep quality and mindfulness level scores in patients with DLBCL during chemotherapy were evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form.The Piper Fatigue Scale was used to evaluate the CRF status.The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale were used to evaluate anxiety and depression status.Univariate analysis and multivariate regression analysis were used to investigate the factors related to CRF.RESULTS The overall average CRF level in 62 patients with DLBCL during chemotherapy was 5.74±2.51.In 25 patients,the highest rate of mild fatigue was in the cognitive dimension(40.32%),and in 35 patients the highest moderate fatigue rate in the behavioral dimension(56.45%).In the emotional dimension,severe fatigue had the highest rate of occurrence,34 cases or 29.03%.The CRF score was positively correlated with cancer experience(all P<0.01)and negatively correlated with cancer treatment efficacy(all P<0.01).Tumor staging,chemotherapy cycle,self-efficacy level,and anxiety and depression level were related to CRF in patients with DLBCL during chemotherapy.CONCLUSION There was a significant correlation between CRF and perceptual control level in patients.Tumor staging,chemotherapy cycle,self-efficacy level,and anxiety and depression level influenced CRF in patients with DLBCL during chemotherapy.

Optimal extent of lymphadenectomy improves prognosis and guides adjuvant chemotherapy in esophageal cancer: A propensity scorematched analysis

BACKGROUND The optimal extent of lymphadenectomy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)patients remained debatable.AIM To explore the ideal number of cleared lymph nodes in ESCC patients undergoing upfront surgery.METHODS In this retrospective,propensity score-matched study,we included 1042 ESCC patients who underwent esophagectomy from November 2008 and October 2019.Patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy were excluded.We collected pa-tients’clinicopathological features and information regarding lymph nodes,in-cluding the total number of resected lymph nodes(NRLN),and pathologically diagnosed positive lymph nodes(RPLN).SPSS and R software were used for statistical analysis.RESULTS Among the included 1042 patients,two cohorts:≤21(n=664)and>21 NRLN(n=378)were identified.The final prognostic model included four variables:T stage,N,venous thrombus,and the number of removed lymph nodes.Among them,NRLN>21 was determined as an independent prognosticator after surgery for esophageal cancer(hazards regression=0.66,95%confidence interval:0.50-0.87,P=0.004).A nomogram was created based on the regression coefficients of the variables in the final model.In the training cohort,the predictive model dis-played an uncorrected five-year overall survival C-index of 0.659,with a bootstrap-corrected C-index of 0.654.In the subgroup analysis,adjuvant chemotherapy was beneficial in the subgroup with NRLN>21 and RPLN≤0.16 and NRLN≤21 and RPLN>0.16.CONCLUSION NRLN>21 was an independent prognostic factor after ESCC surgery.The combination of NRLN and RPLN may provide a reference for adjuvant chemotherapy use in potential beneficiaries.

Development of a clinical nomogram for prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)in advanced gastric cancer(GC)is still a controversial issue.AIM To find factors associated with chemosensitivity to NAC treatment and to provide the optimal therapeutic strategies for GC patients receiving NAC.METHODS The clinical information was collected from 230 GC patients who received NAC treatment at the Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression analysis was used to find the possible predictors.A nomogram model was employed to predict the response to NAC.RESULTS In total 230 patients were finally included in this study,including 154 males(67.0%)and 76 females(33.0%).The mean age was(59.37±10.60)years,ranging from 24 years to 80 years.According to the tumor regression grade standard,there were 95 cases in the obvious response group(grade 0 or grade 1)and 135 cases in the poor response group(grade 2 or grade 3).The obvious response rate was 41.3%.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis showed that four risk factors significantly related to the efficacy of NAC were tumor location(P<0.001),histological differentiation(P=0.001),clinical T stage(P=0.008),and carbohydrate antigen 724(P=0.008).The C-index for the prediction nomogram was 0.806.The calibration curve revealed that the predicted value exhibited good agreement with the actual value.Decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram had a good value in clinical application.CONCLUSION A nomogram combining tumor location,histological differentiation,clinical T stage,and carbohydrate antigen 724 showed satisfactory predictive power to the response of NAC and can be used by gastrointestinal surgeons to determine the optimal treatment strategies for advanced GC patients.