bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of simple blood biomarkers of systemic inflammation for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients who undergo cytoreductive nephrectomy (CNx).
Authors: Moudgil-Joshi Jigi , Stares Mark , Laird Alex , Leung Steve , Malik Jahangeer , Sundaramurthy Aravindhan , Symeonides Stefan N. 
Published: March 2021

350 Background: The role of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CNx) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is currently in question. Assessing the benefits and risks of CNx is challenging, with a lack of validated prognostic tools. Biomarkers of the systemic inflammatory response have prognostic utility in mRCC and are included in the IMDC score used to predict survival in patients with mRCC treated with systemic therapy. We sought to investigate their role in patients with mRCC who had undergone CNx. Methods: A cohort of 68 patients, suitable for first-line VEGFR inhibitor (VEGFRi) systemic therapy, who had undergone CNx for mRCC, were identified from a clinical database of patients referred to a regional mRCC service. Inflammatory biomarkers from routine blood tests (haemoglobin, white cell count, neutrophil count, platelets, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin) and the IMDC score, measured at the time of diagnosis of mRCC, were recorded. The relationship between these and overall survival and time to VEGFRi (tVEGFRi) was examined using Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression methods. Results: Data were available for 68 patients. Median survival was 33.7 months. On multivariate analysis, albumin ( < 35g g/dL v ≥35 g/dL) and CRP (≤ 10 mg/L v > 10 mg/L) were independently associated with overall survival (p = 0.027 and p = 0.034 respectively). Albumin stratified survival from 24.7 to 87.2 months (p < 0.0001) and CRP from 29.4 to 82.3 months (p = 0.004). 40 (59%) patients subsequently commenced VEGFRi therapy. Median tVEGFRi was 18.1 months, with only 5 (7%) patients commencing treatment within 3 months. 16 (24%) patients yet to receive systemic therapy remain alive after a median 54.0 months follow-up. On multivariate analysis, albumin was also predictive of tVEGFRi (p = 0.037), stratifying tVEGFRi from 6.07 to 45.7 months (p = 0.002). Conclusions: These results highlight that biomarkers of the systemic inflammatory response are strong prognostic factors in mRCC patients who have undergone CNx. Albumin and CRP, but not IMDC, predict survival in this patient group. Significantly, the population investigated here differ from those included in the CARMENA and SURTIME studies, with a majority undergoing surveillance prior to VEGFRi therapy. Our results support a role for CNx in patients where deferred systemic therapy strategies may be employed. Albumin may assist in clinical decision making when considering when to start systemic therapy. We advocate further studies to investigate the prognostic role of these simple, routine clinical tests in patients with mRCC undergoing CNx.
Gene expression profiling (GEP) to identify metabolic gene signature predictive of recurrence after surgery in stage III clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).
Authors: Gulati Shuchi , Bhargav Vemuri , Cunningham Tom , Plas David , Landero Julio Alberto , Meller Jarek , Czyzyk-Krzeska Maria 
Published: March 2021

355 Background: Management of patients with localized or locally advanced renal cell cancer (RCC) involves surgical resection. However, 20-40% of all localized kidney cancer patients experience a recurrence. Adjuvant treatment in high-risk kidney cancer has not proven to successfully improve overall survival (OS) and the only drug approved so far in this setting is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, sunitinib. As multiple trials are evaluating drugs including immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with high risk localized clear cell RCC, there is an urgent need to identify biomarkers to help with therapeutic decisions as well as for risk stratification. Here we present analysis pertaining to genes involved in metabolic reprogramming in kidney cancer. Methods: A deep transcriptomic analysis of patients with stage III ccRCC in the TCGA KIRC Firehose Legacy cohort was undertaken. Caucasian males with stage III ccRCC in the TCGA cohort for whom recurrence data was available with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were identified for the analysis. Expression profiles of differentially expressed genes were clustered using the Bayesian infinite mixture model and samples clustered using average linkage hierarchical clustering based on pairwise Pearson’s correlations as the measure of similarity. Enrichment analysis of up- and down-regulated genes was performed using logistic regression. R package was used to generate Kaplan-Meier curves and assess statistical significance of differences in overall and disease-free survival using log-rank test. Results: The cohort evaluated for this study included Caucasian male patients that remained disease free for at least 24 months after surgery (n = 22) and patients whose cancer recurred within 24 months (n = 20). We identified metabolic genes, encoding subunits of mitochondrial electron transport chain as well as malate aspartate shuttle (MAS), where loss of coordinated co-expression between these genes identified patients at risk of recurrence after surgery. The gene signature stratified the 42 patients into three subtypes: significantly enriched for a) recurrence (subtype 1), for b) disease free status (subtype 2) and b) intermediate (subtype 3). Work is underway to combine the use of individual gene expression and ratios of gene expression within the signature to optimize prognostic biomarkers for localized ccRCC. Conclusions: In this analysis, we have identified a novel metabolic gene signature which can help identify patients with localized ccRCC at high risk of recurrence after surgery to guide aggressive therapy. These findings require further validation in tumors collected from patients with stage III ccRCC.
The use of 3D printed models on trainee and patient experience for partial nephrectomies.
Authors: Scott E. Reilly , Morano Samuel , Quinn Andrea , Mann Erica , Ho Michelle , Karp Alice , Boyd Kaitlyn , Singh Abhay , Chandrasekar Thenappan , Mann Mark Jonathan , Trabulsi Edouard John , Desai Vishal , Lallas Costas D. 
Published: March 2021

363 Background: 3D printing is a growing tool in surgical education due to the ability to visualize organs, tissue, and masses from multiple angles before operating on a patient. Previous studies using highly detailed and expensive 3D models costing between $1,000-250 per model have been shown to enhance patient and trainee comprehension of tumor characteristics, goals of surgery, and planned surgical procedure for partial nephrectomies. In our study we aim to use simpler and less expensive models in a greater range of patients receiving partial nephrectomies to determine the use of 3D models in patient, resident, and fellow education. Methods: 3D models of the effected kidney, mass, renal artery, and renal vein were created using preoperative imaging of undergoing partial nephrectomies at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) costing $35 per model. Residents and fellows filled out 3 surveys assessing their surgical plan and their confidence in the chosen plan at 3 time points: 1) Before seeing the model, 2) After seeing the model before surgery, and 3) After surgery. Ten patients filled out 2 surveys about their understanding of the kidney, their disease, the surgery they will undergo, and the risks involved with surgery before and after seeing the model. Results: Based on surveys to assess for surgical plan and confidence given to resident and fellow surgeons before and after seeing the 3D model, confidence significantly increased. Surveys given after surgery assessing anatomic and surgical comprehension found that resident and fellow surgeons rated the helpfulness of the models on their anatomical comprehension 7.6 out of 10 and the help of the models on their surgical confidence 7 out of 10. Patient understanding of their kidney, disease, and surgery significantly increased after seeing the 3D model, but the risks associated with surgery did not significantly increase. The extent that the model helped the patients learn about the kidney, their disease, the surgery, and the risks related to surgery were rated an average of 8.33, 9.67, 9.5, and 8.83 out of 10, respectively. Conclusions: Patient-specific 3D models for partial nephrectomies increase resident and fellow confidence in surgical approach and helped patients learn about their disease and feel comfortable going into surgery. Thus, it is important to continue to explore 3D models as an educational tool for both trainees and patients and potentially include 3D models as part of the standard of care. Further research could continue to explore the utility of 3D models as a pre-operative educational tool for both patients and trainees in other surgical fields.
Imaging modality and frequency in surveillance of stage I seminoma testicular cancer: Results from a randomized, phase III, factorial trial (TRISST).
Authors: Joffe Johnathan K. , Cafferty Fay Helen , Murphy Laura , Rustin Gordon J. S. , Sohaib Syed A , Swift Sarah , Noor Dipa , Wade Simona , James Elizabeth , Gabe Rhian , Stenning Sally P , Hall Marcia , Sharma Anand , Braybrooke Jeremy , Shamash Jonathan , Logue John , Hunter Taylor Henry , Kaplan Richard S. , Huddart Robert A ,   The TRISST Trial Management Group
Published: March 2021

374 Background: Survival after orchiectomy in stage I seminoma is almost 100%. CT surveillance is an international standard of care, and avoids adjuvant therapy. In this young population, who are unlikely to die from testicular cancer, minimizing irradiation is vital. The Trial of Imaging and Surveillance in Seminoma Testis (TRISST, NCT00589537), assessed whether CTs can safely be reduced, or replaced with MRI, without an unacceptable increase in advanced relapses. Methods: TRISST is a phase III, multicenter, non-inferiority, factorial trial. Eligible men had undergone orchiectomy for stage I seminoma with no adjuvant therapy planned. Randomization was to: 7 CTs (6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60 months (m) after randomization); 7 MRIs (same schedule); 3 CTs (6, 18, 36m); or 3 MRIs (same schedule). Follow-up was for 6 years. The primary outcome is 6-year incidence of RMH stage ≥IIC relapse, aiming to exclude an increase ≥5.7% (from 5.7% to 11.4%) with MRI (vs CT) or 3 scans (vs 7); target n=660, all contributing to both comparisons. Secondary outcomes include relapse ≥3cm, disease-free and overall survival (DFS, OS). Results: 669 men enrolled from 35 UK centers (2008-2014); mean tumor size 2.9cm, 358 (54%) were low risk (≤4cm, no rete testis invasion). Median follow-up was 72m. 82 (12%) patients relapsed. Incidence of stage ≥IIC relapse was low in all groups (n=10). More events occurred with 3 scans vs 7, though non-inferior based on design criteria: 9 (2.8%) vs 1 (0.3%), 2.5% increase, 90% CI 1.0% to 4.1% (intent-to-treat, ITT). 4/9 in 3-scan arms could potentially have been detected earlier with the 7-scan schedule. Fewer events occurred with MRI vs CT: 2 (0.6%) vs 8 (2.5%), 1.9% decrease, 90% CI -3.5% to -0.3% (ITT). Per protocol results were similar. Incidence of relapse ≥3cm was 3.7%; non-inferiority was shown for both comparisons. In all groups, most relapses were detected at scheduled imaging; very few occurred beyond 3 years (5 in 558 at risk, <1%). Relapse treatment outcomes were good (81% complete response) with no tumor-related deaths. 5-year DFS and OS were 87% and 99%, similar across groups. Conclusions:Surveillance is a safe management approach in stage I seminoma – advanced relapse is rare, salvage treatment successful, and long-term outcomes excellent, regardless of imaging frequency or modality. Relapse beyond 3 years is rare and imaging may be unnecessary. MRI is non-inferior to CT, avoids irradiation and should be recommended. Clinical trial information: NCT00589537.
Adaptation of chemotherapy to the decline tumor markers in patients with poor prognosis nonseminomatous germ cell tumors:Real-world French experience.
Authors: Rolland Marion , Faouzi Sara , Chaltiel Leonor , Dumont Clement , Geoffrois Lionnel , Gross-Goupil Marine , Laguerre Brigitte , Guerin Mathilde , Doucet Ludovic , Roubaud Guilhem , Tardy Magalie , Oudard Stephane , Flechon Aude , Tosi Diego , Mahammedi Hakim , Chevreau Christine , Pouessel Damien , Fizazi Karim 
Published: March 2021

385 Background: Personalized chemotherapy based on tumor marker decline is the new standard in poor prognosis germ-cell tumor in Europe since 2014 (GETUG 13, Lancet, Fizazi et al). The purpose of this study was to analyze the reproducibility of the princeps study in patients not selected in clinical routine between 2014 and 2018. Methods: Patients (pts) were eligible if they had at least one criteria of IGCCCG classification for poor prognosis group. They had to be treated according the study terms of GETUG 13 study and did not received prior treatment. They had to received 1 BEP (Bleomycin, Etoposide, Cisplatin). Tumor markers (HCG and AFP) were dosed between day 18 and 21. Then, they received 3 additional BEP if they had favorable tumor marker decline or intensive chemotherapy if they had unfavorable decline. Results: This retrospective study included 104 patients in 14 french centers treated between 2013 and 2018: 22,1 % (n = 23) in the favorable group (Fav), 77,9 % (n = 81) in the unfavorable group (Unfav). Thirty-two pts had PS ≥ 2. In Unfav, there were more pts with HCG > 50 000 UI/L (44,2 % vs 13 %, p = 0,0067), neutrophil-to-lymphocyt ratio was also higher (median 6,4 vs 4,5, p = 0,0199). At cycle 1, all pts received BEP in Fav and 87,5 % (n = 70) in Unfav. After chemotherapy and surgery, 65,2 % in Fav and 41,3 % in Unfav obtained complete response. At 30 months (median follow-up), Fav-OS was 80,5 % (IC95% 55,8 – 92,2) and Unfav-OS was 64,4 % (IC95% 52 – 74,4). At 30 months, rates were 69,6 % (IC95% 46,6 -84,2) and 63.5 % (IC95% 51,9 – 73) respectively. In GETUG 13 study, 3-years OS was 84 % in Fav and 73 % on Unfav; 3-years PFS was 70 % and 59 % respectively. Seven pts died because of toxicity in Unfav (No one in Fav). Neuropathy, anemia and thrombopenia were more frequent in Unfav. Salvage high-dose chemotherapy with stem-cell transplant was required in 4 (66,7 %) pts in Fav and 8 (36,4 %) pts in Unfav. Conclusions: This study showed a reproducibility of the princeps study in terms of PFS and OS. Toxicity seemed more important in real world. For the congress, results will be reported with 50 additional pts.
Paclitaxel, ifosfamide & cisplatin (TIP) as second-line therapy for germ cell tumors (GCT):Long-term follow-up and expansion cohort.
Authors: Gleeson Jack Patrick , Knezevic Andrea , Bromberg Maria , Patil Sujata , Sheinfeld Joel , Carver Brett Stewart , Jones David Randolph , Bains Manjit S. , Bajorin Dean F. , Bosl George J. , McHugh Deaglan Joseph , Funt Samuel Aaron , Motzer Robert J. , Feldman Darren R. 
Published: March 2021

386 Background: TIP was established as an effective second-line regimen in a phase II study of 46 patients (pts) with relapsed GCT and favorable risk factors (Kondagunta, JCO 2005). Here, we report long-term follow up from this trial and outcomes for additional pts who subsequently received TIP off protocol. Methods: Eligiblepts included those who received TIP on the original phase II trial (original cohort) or who received TIP following study closure but would have met the trial inclusion criteria (expansion cohort). An additional exploratory cohort was comprised of pts with unfavorable risk factors who would not have met the original trial criteria. The primary endpoint was favorable response rate (FRR), which included complete responses (CR) and partial responses with negative markers (PR-). Overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and relapse rates were also evaluated. Results: Of 204 pts who received TIP for GCT at our institution from 5/1994 to 7/2019, 87 (original cohort, n=46; expansion cohort, n=41) met the inclusion criteria and were evaluable for the main analysis. An additional 17 pts were analyzed in the exploratory cohort (unfavorable risk factor: PR- lasting <6months or IR, n=13; prior adjuvant therapy, n=4). 100 pts were excluded due to participation in an ongoing clinical trial (n=17), receipt of TIP as their first regimen (n=74) or in the adjuvant (n=3) setting, or insufficient data (n=6). Baseline characteristics and efficacy data are displayed in the table below. In the main cohort, 70/87 (80%) pts achieved a favorable response. With median follow-up of 10.2 years (yrs) [original, 14.3 yrs; expansion 6.5 yrs] 26 deaths were observed. 5yr and 10yr OS rates were 72% (95% CI 63, 83) and 69% (95% CI 59, 80) respectively. 5yr and 10yr PFS were 70% (95% CI 61, 81) and 67% (95% CI 57, 78). In the exploratory cohort, there were 7 deaths at median follow-up of 6.2 yrs with 5yr OS of 56% (95% CI 35, 87) and 5yr PFS of 59% (95% CI 40, 88). Conclusions: Long-term follow-up and additional experience supports the use of TIP as second-line therapy for GCT. Similar outcomes were seen for our exploratory and main cohorts, suggesting benefit with TIP outside of those with a favorable prognosis. [Table: see text]
Is there value to routine oncologic surveillance after radical cystectomy? Comparative outcomes of symptomatic versus asymptomatic recurrence.
Authors: Khanna Abhinav , Zganjar Andrew , Shah Paras , Tollefson Matthew K. , Sharma Vidit , Tarrell Robert F. , Thapa Prabin , Pagliaro Lance C. , Costello Brian Addis , Frank Igor , Boorjian Stephen A. 
Published: March 2021

421 Background: Reported rates of adherence to post-radical cystectomy (RC) surveillance guidelines in real-world practice have been as low as 9%, in part reflecting a nihilistic view held by many of the value of routine follow-up. Indeed, conflicting data exist regarding the outcomes of patients with cancer recurrence detected by scheduled surveillance versus symptom-directed evaluation. Herein, we assessed comparative outcomes of patients with symptomatic recurrence (SR) versus asymptomatic recurrence (AR) after RC. Methods: We reviewed our Institutional Registry of RC patients to identify patients with cancer recurrence following RC. Presenting symptoms in the SR cohort included pain, constitutional symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and hematuria/voiding symptoms, whereas AR was defined as recurrence detected on routine surveillance in the absence of symptoms. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between study groups using chi-square and t-test. Kaplan-Meier and Cox survival analyses were performed to compare cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) between AR and SR groups. Results: Of 3822 patients who underwent RC from 1980-2018 (with a median follow-up after RC of 2.4 years (IQR 1.1,5.5), a total of 1100 were subsequently diagnosed with recurrence, including 311 (28.3%) with AR and 789 (71.7%) with SR. Median time from RC to recurrence was longer in the AR group (13.2 months) than in the SR group (10.8 months; p = 0.01). Presenting symptoms included pain (70.2%), constitutional symptoms (50.7%), gastrointestinal symptoms (23.3%), and urinary symptoms (23.3%). Median follow-up after recurrence was 2.4 years (IQR 1.1-5.5), during which time 997 patients died, including 840 who died of bladder cancer. Compared to patients with SR, patients with AR had a longer median CSS (54.5 months vs 27.3 months, p < 0.001) and OS (43.0 months vs 25.8 months, p < 0.001). On multivariable Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, SR was associated with a significantly increased risk of cancer-specific (hazard ratio [HR] 1.66 [95% confidence interval 1.41-1.96], p < 0.0001) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.48 [1.23-1.71], p < 0.0001). Conclusions: SR after RC is associated with worse oncologic outcomes than post-RC recurrence detected by routine surveillance. As such, continued surveillance is warranted, while further study is needed to determine the optimal follow-up regimen balancing patient and disease risks.
Genomic characterization of bladder cancer with variant histology.
Authors: Lenis Andrew Thomas , Clinton Timothy Nguyen , Hu Wenhuo , Almassi Nima , Reisz Peter , Truong Hong , Thomas Jasmine , Nagar Karan , Goh Alvin , Cha Eugene K. , Donahue Timothy F. , Bochner Bernard H. , Pietzak Eugene J. , Kim Kwanghee , Iyer Gopa , Solit David B. , Al-Ahmadie Hikmat A 
Published: March 2021

470 Background: Up to 25% of tumors are of pure variant or mixed urothelial and variant histology. The presence of variant histology may be associated with more advanced stage at presentation and a poorer response to systemic therapy. While histomorphologic assessment provides important prognostic information, genomic analysis of tumors can provide important insight into the biology of disease and inform treatment. In this analysis we performed genomic sequencing of tumors from patients with bladder cancer with variant histology. Methods: Our prospectively generated institutional cohort of molecularly profiled bladder and upper tract tumors contains over 2,000 samples including nearly 300 primary bladder tumor samples from patients with variant histology. Targeted sequencing with MSK-IMPACT was used to identify alterations in cancer-associated genes and to describe trends across variant subtypes. To explore and compare tumor and immune cell heterogeneity, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed on a subset of specimens. Results: Our cohort included patients with pure urothelial carcinoma not otherwise specified (NOS), as well as squamous, small cell, pure adenocarcinoma and urothelial carcinoma with glandular differentiation, micropapillary, nested, and plasmacytoid variants. Compared with urothelial carcinoma NOS, nearly all small cell tumors had mutations in TP53, RB1, and TERT. Squamous tumors had similar mutational frequencies as urothelial carcinoma NOS. Pure adenocarcinoma had frequent mutations in TP53, KRAS, and PIK3CA, resembling colorectal adenocarcinomas, while urothelial carcinoma with glandular differentiation resembled NOS. Micropapillary variant commonly had ERBB2 amplifications. Nested variant was more commonly found to have RHOA mutations and FOXA1 amplifications. Finally, nearly all plasmacytoid variants had pathognomonic alterations in CDH1. To further explore heterogeneity in tumor and immune cell populations, scRNA-seq was performed on four samples from patients with urothelial carcinoma NOS, squamous, micropapillary, and nested variants, showing distinct tumor cell clusters and varying contributions of immune cells from each variant. Conclusions: While the distribution of oncogenic mutations differed among distinct histologic variants, a pathognomonic DNA alteration was not found for most variant histologic subtypes. Within the context of a larger effort to characterize bladder cancer with variant histology, scRNA-seq may reveal differences in immune cell population infiltrates. Further efforts will aim to characterize these cohorts with whole exome sequencing and mutational signatures, and increase the number of samples per histology and representation of variant histologies for scRNA-seq.