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Patients with sarcoma are best managed at specialised sarcoma centres as supported by published literature. Optimal management requires multidisciplinary team input to formulate the diagnosis and treatment sequencing taking into consideration multiple clinical and pathologic factors. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact on outcomes of radiotherapy at specialised sarcoma centres. A systematic review was conducted using the population, intervention, comparison and outcome model. A literature search was performed using Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central databases for publications from 1990 to February 2022 that evaluated the local control, survival and toxicity of radiotherapy at specialised sarcoma centres. A total of 21 studies were included (17 cancer registry studies, four retrospective comparative studies). Four studies reported the local recurrence endpoint when radiotherapy was part of limb conservation treatment and showed better conformity to clinical practice guidelines and an improved local recurrence free rate when radiotherapy treatment is supported through, but may not be necessarily delivered at a specialised sarcoma centres. Only one retrospective study analysed toxicity specifically and demonstrated that patients who received preoperative radiotherapy at community centres compared to radiotherapy at a specialised sarcoma centre were more likely to develop a major wound complication. Fourteen studies reported overall survival, and 12 of these showed significantly better 5-year overall survival for patients managed at specialised sarcoma centres, however the specific impact of radiotherapy delivered at sarcoma centres could not be determined. In conclusion, patients with sarcoma should be managed through specialised sarcoma centres for better oncological outcomes. Radiotherapy in specialised sarcoma centre is associated with a lower rate of wound complications and may contribute to improved oncological outcomes as part of the limb conservation treatment at a specialised sarcoma centre.

Despite lack of advances in the first-line systemic therapy, the overall survival (OS) has continued to improve in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) with the recent estimation of median OS at 20 months. Several systemic therapy options are available now for the second-line and beyond, with more treatment tailored to histology and molecular subtype. The aim of this retrospective study was to characterize current patterns of care in managing patients with advanced STS (aSTS) in Australia.Sarcoma databases from 7 Australian sarcoma services were accessed to identify patients diagnosed with locally advanced inoperable and/or metastatic STS between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015. Baseline clinicopathological factors and initial treatment patterns were descriptively analyzed. For the Victorian cohort where treatment of aSTS and follow-up details were available, further exploratory analysis was conducted to determine the impact of patient and tumor characteristics and the use of palliative-intent treatment OS.Of 2261 cases of STS, 671 were deemed as aSTS. Two thirds were relapsed disease with a mean 1.9 years from initial diagnosis. Median age at diagnosis of aSTS was 59 years (18-95 years) and 56.3% was male. Histology classification revealed four main subtypes: undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) (23.1%), leiomyosarcoma (18.2%), liposarcoma (12.8%), synovial sarcoma (8.2%), and other comprising 14 STS subtypes. For the Victorian cohort (N = 361), approximately 80% of patients accessed palliative-intent treatment of various modalities. Nearly 40% of patients underwent tumor-debulking surgery or metastasectomy, of which lung wedge resection was the most common (N = 83, 47.7%). A total of 438 palliative-intent radiotherapy treatments were delivered to 259 patients (71.7%), with the majority in the form of external beam radiotherapy. Palliative-intent systemic therapy was delivered to 51.5% of patients (N = 186), mostly (73%). Anthracycline-based therapy was the most commonly delivered therapy (N = 135, 72.6%). Approximately half of the patients in each line of therapy failed to proceed to the subsequent line of systemic therapy with 29.4% receiving three or more lines of therapy (N = 55). A total of 18.3% of patient (N = 34) participated in clinical trials or accessed off-label drugs. The median OS for the Victoria cohort was 15.4 months (95% confidence interval: 12.1, 18.2). The UPS histology subtype was associated with poorer OS, whereas receiving any modality of palliative-intent treatment conferred survival benefit.In Australia, aSTS is managed with diverse treatment approaches comprising various therapy modalities. Further work is planned in describing healthcare resource utilization and estimating costs by this patient cohort.

Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MCS) is an ultra-rare sarcoma that follows a more aggressive course than conventional chondrosarcoma. This study evaluates prognostic factors, treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation), and outcomes in an Australian setting.We collected demographics, clinicopathological variables, treatment characteristics, and survival status from patients with MCS registered on the national ACCORD sarcoma database. Outcomes include overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).We identified 22 patients with MCS between 2001-2022. Median age was 28 (range 10-59) years, 19 (86%) had localised disease at diagnosis of whom 16 had surgery (84%), 11 received radiation (58%), and 10 chemotherapy (53%). Ten (52%) developed recurrence and/or metastases on follow-up and three patients with initial metastatic disease received surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 50.9 (range 0.4-210) months nine patients had died. The median OS was 104.1 months (95% CI 25.8-182.3). There was improved OS for patients with localised disease who had surgical resection of the primary (p = 0.003) and those with ECOG 0-1 compared to 2-3 (p = 0.023) on univariate analysis.This study demonstrates contemporary Australian treatment patterns of MCS. The role of chemotherapy for localised disease remains uncertain. Understanding treatment patterns and outcomes help support treatment decisions and design of trials for novel therapeutic strategies.

11570 Background: Ewing’s family sarcoma (EFS) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with peak incidence in the second decade of life. Treatment is multimodal, involving local surgery and/or radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, typically with VDC/IE (Vincristine, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide alternating with Ifosfamide, Etoposide). There is paucity of data in the adult setting, with treatment protocols extrapolated mainly from the paediatric setting. We assessed chemotherapy dose intensity and outcomes across four Australian sarcoma centres (three adult and one paediatric centre). Methods: Using the Australia New Zealand Sarcoma Association national database (ACCORD) and medical records, we identified patients aged ≥10 years diagnosed with EFS between 2010-2020. Clinical characteristics, treatment and survival information were collected for those receiving Ewing protocol with VDC/IE backbone. Received Dose Intensity (RDI) of chemotherapy was calculated using planned and actual doses received and time taken. RDI ≥85% was considered acceptable, consistent with published literature. We compared survival outcomes based on RDI. Clinical predictors of achieving an acceptable RDI were explored using logistic regression. Results: Of 146 patients with EFS identified, 76 received VDC/IE (59% male). The median age was 25 years, with age distribution 24% aged 10-19, 58% aged 20-39, and 18% aged 40-59. Majority had extraskeletal Ewing’s (57%), non-extremity primary site (64%) and localised disease (stage, II 37%; III 28%; IV 28%). Treatment received included surgery (74%), radiotherapy (66%) and chemotherapy (100%). Over two-thirds (70%) completed their scheduled chemotherapy and 57% achieved an acceptable RDI (67% aged 10-19, 61% aged 20-39, 29% aged 40-59). Compared to those aged 10-19, the odds ratio (OR) of an acceptable RDI for patients aged 20-39 was 0.79 (95% CI 0.24-2.46, p = 0.70) and for patients aged 40-59 was 0.20 (95% CI 0.04-0.86, p = 0.04). The median number of chemotherapy cycles was 14 (range, 2-17). Dose reductions were mostly within 20% cumulative target dose (91%), and were predominantly for neutropenia (47%), thrombocytopenia (30%) and/or anaemia (28%), and less frequently for cardiotoxicity (7%). Median follow-up was 37.3 months. Two-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 56% for acceptable RDI, compared to 30% for low RDI (p = 0.001), with two-year overall survival (OS) rates respectively 88% versus 49% (p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, gender, Ewing’s type, primary site and stage, RDI remained an important prognostic factor (PFS HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18-0.82; OS HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.10-0.63). Conclusions: Survival outcomes in EFS were contingent on achieving an acceptable RDI. It was more difficult to maintain VDC/IE chemotherapy dose intensity in adults aged over 40 years, due to myelosuppression. Optimal treatment strategy for older adults remains to be defined.

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are solid tumours that originate from mesenchymal cells and can be subclassified into over 50 subtypes. Representing 1% of adult tumours and 15% of paediatric malignancies, their rarity and diversity has traditionally made clinical trial design and thereby the provision of a strong evidence base to guide individual patient management challenging. As therapeutic options as a whole have increased for solid cancers in the context of an increased understanding of molecular drivers that predict response to those therapies, the challenges faced by the STS community have meant that the overall pace of drug development has been slower, with some notable exceptions in selected sarcoma subtypes in which clear molecular drivers have been identified (e.g. gastrointestinal stromal tumours). However, the recognition that “splitting” these requisite subtypes even if based on classical histopathological features into their respective individual entities over the last two decades, rather than “lumping” all STS together, has helped advance the field considerably. In addition, international collaborative efforts have advanced in parallel, facilitating the successful conduct of trials in specific subtypes to be conducted, including randomized phase III trials.

Background and objectives Limited literature exists examining the immune microenvironment in liposarcoma, particularly with regard to the impact of radiotherapy. A major problem is the lack of scoring system for the tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in sarcoma. This study aims to describe the immune environment pre- and postradiotherapy and identify the optimal immune infiltrate scoring system for sarcoma. Methods Thirty-nine paired tissue samples (pre- and postradiotherapy) from patients with liposarcoma were scored by two pathologists for TILs using pre-existing systems (for breast cancer and melanoma) and compared for interobserver reliability. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for various immune markers. Results The TIL scoring system for breast cancer yielded perfect agreement (κ = 1.000). 21% of patients had increased TILs after radiotherapy, 87.5% of whom had dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Immune suppressor expression was increased frequently after radiotherapy (CD68 increased in 59.4%, PD-L1 increased in 25%). Immune effector expression (CD8) was unchanged in 84.4%. Conclusions Breast cancer TIL scoring is reproducible in liposarcoma and has high interobserver reliability. Radiotherapy was observed to have a limited impact on immune effectors but seemed to have more impact in upregulating immune suppressors, suggesting radiotherapy may contribute to disease control through immunomodulatory effects. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma represents a uniquely responsive subtype.

PURPOSE Rare cancers are challenging for researchers, as clinicians and scientists have difficulty recruiting sufficient patient cases to power studies appropriately. Likewise, patients often are frustrated by a lack of specific information or evidence base for their cancer and, although eager to participate in research, have limited opportunities. We established CART-WHEEL.org, an online patient-entered database, to directly engage patients in the research process, collect rare cancer data, and facilitate their entry into additional research. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients access CART-WHEEL.org directly online. Clinical information is collected from users via a streamlined questionnaire developed collaboratively with consumer groups to ensure accessibility and relevance. Data collected include the following: patient demographics, comorbidities, and risk factors and tumor diagnostic, biomarker, and treatment history. Patients can download a medical summary for personal use; consent for research use of data; and indicate willingness to be contacted about other research or clinical trials. We describe data collected to date and its validation, and we provide examples of how CART-WHEEL.org can facilitate rare cancer research. RESULTS From January 2010 to March 2018, 558 patients provided consent and entered their rare cancer data. One hundred distinct rare tumor types and patients from 22 countries were included. Validation of data entered by 21 patients with sarcoma against a hospital database demonstrated accuracy sufficient to facilitate future research in key fields, such as tumor site (95%) and histopathologic diagnosis (90%). Examples of CART-WHEEL–based disease-specific projects, subsequent recruitment to other rare cancer projects, and rare cancer patient cases of interest are described. CONCLUSIONS Online platforms like CART-WHEEL.org can engage consumers directly, facilitating collection of patient-entered rare cancer data for hypothesis generation, and connect patients with researchers to enable specific rare cancer research and clinical trials.

Background Surveillance imaging is used to detect local and/or distant recurrence following primary treatment of localised soft tissue sarcoma (STS), however evidence supporting optimal surveillance modality or frequency is lacking. We used prospectively collected sarcoma data to describe current surveillance imaging practice in patients with AJCC stage II and III extremity STS and evaluate its cost-effectiveness. Methods From three selected Australian sarcoma referral centres, we identified patients with stage II and III extremity STS treated between 2009 and 2013. Medical records were reviewed to ascertain surveillance imaging practices, including modality, frequency and patient outcomes. A discrete event simulation model was developed and calibrated using clinical data to estimate health service costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) associated with alternative surveillance strategies. Results Of 133 patients treated for stage II and III extremity STS, the majority were followed up with CT chest (86%), most commonly at 3-monthly intervals and 62% of patients had the primary site imaged with MRI at 6-monthly. There was limited use of chest-X-ray. A discrete event simulation model demonstrated that CT chest screening was the most cost effective surveillance strategy, gaining additional QALYs at a mean incremental cost of $30,743. MRI alone and PET-CT alone were not cost-effective, whilst a combined strategy of CT + MRI had an incremental cost per QALY gained of $96,556. Conclusions Wide variations were observed in surveillance imaging practices in this high-risk STS cohort. Modelling demonstrated the value of CT chest for distant recurrence surveillance over other forms of imaging in terms of cost and QALYs. Further work is required to evaluate cost-effectiveness in a prospective manner.

BACKGROUND: Several unanswered questions surround the management of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). Guidelines recommend treatment by a multidisciplinary team at a specialized referral centre. The objective of this study was to describe the management of RPS at an Australian specialist sarcoma centre, comparing outcomes to international standards and analysing for predictors of local failure. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed on patients with RPS treated between 2008 and 2016. A 5-year outcome analyses focussed on patients undergoing curative-intent surgery for primary, non-metastatic RPS. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients underwent surgery for primary RPS. Five-year overall survival was 66%, 5-year freedom from local recurrence was 65% and 5-year freedom from distant metastasis was 71%. Overall survival was associated with tumour grade (hazard ratio (HR) 6.1, P

AIM: Superficial soft tissue sarcomas (S-STS) are generally considered low-risk tumors and have an excellent prognosis when treated with appropriate surgery and adjuvant therapy. However, they are often misdiagnosed then mistreated, leading to significant morbidity. This study aims to examine the patterns of care and outcomes of patients with S-STS, comparing those initially managed through sarcoma units versus elsewhere. METHODS: Patients with S-STS from Prince of Wales Hospital in NSW (1995-2013) and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Victoria (2009-2013) were identified from a national sarcoma database. Baseline variables, treatment and disease outcomes were recorded. Statistical tests performed included univariate and multivariate analyses, chi-square tests, as well as the Kaplan-Meier method for 5-year local recurrence and survival rates. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were identified, with 35% initially managed at a sarcoma unit and 65% elsewhere. Patients initially managed at sarcoma units had larger tumors (>5 cm 39% vs 17%; P = 0.036) with a trend to higher grade (61% vs 48%; P = 0.39). Patients that were initially managed outside a sarcoma unit more often underwent open surgical biopsies (P

Several unanswered questions surround the management of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). Guidelines recommend treatment by a multidisciplinary team at a specialized referral centre. The objective of this study was to describe the management of RPS at an Australian specialist sarcoma centre, comparing outcomes to international standards and analysing for predictors of local failure.A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed on patients with RPS treated between 2008 and 2016. A 5-year outcome analyses focussed on patients undergoing curative-intent surgery for primary, non-metastatic RPS.Eighty-eight patients underwent surgery for primary RPS. Five-year overall survival was 66%, 5-year freedom from local recurrence was 65% and 5-year freedom from distant metastasis was 71%. Overall survival was associated with tumour grade (hazard ratio (HR) 6.1, P 0.001) and histologic organ invasion (HR 5.7, P 0.001). Variables associated with improved freedom from local recurrence were macroscopically complete resection (HR 0.14, P 0.001) and neoadjuvant radiotherapy (HR 0.33, P = 0.014). Treatment at a specialist sarcoma centre was associated with a higher rate of preoperative biopsy and neoadjuvant radiotherapy (both with P 0.001). There was a trend towards improved local control for patients undergoing surgery at a specialist centre (P = 0.055).This is the largest Australian series of RPS and outcomes are comparable to major international sarcoma centres. Patients treated at a specialist centre had higher rates of preoperative diagnosis and tailored therapy which was associated with improved outcomes. Patients with suspected RPS should be referred to a specialist centre for optimal preoperative evaluation and multidisciplinary management.

In Stage II colon cancer, multiple independent studies have shown that a dense intratumoural immune infiltrate (local inflammation) is associated with improved outcomes, while systemic inflammation, measured by various markers, has been associated with poorer outcomes. However, previous studies have not considered the interaction between local and systemic inflammation, nor have they assessed the type of inflammatory response compared with standard clinicopathologic criteria. In order to evaluate the potential clinical utility of inflammatory markers in Stage II colon cancer, we examined local and systemic inflammation in a consecutive series of patients with resected Stage II colon cancer between 2000 and 2010 who were identified from a prospective clinical database. Increased intratumoural chronic inflammatory cell (CIC) density, as assessed by pathologist review of hematoxylin and eosin stained slides, was used to represent local inflammation. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) >5, as calculated from pre-operative full blood counts, was used to represent systemic inflammation. In 396 eligible patients identified, there was a non-significant inverse relationship between local and systemic inflammation. Increased CIC density was significantly associated with improved overall (HR 0.45, p = 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (HR 0.37, p = 0.003). High NLR was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (HR 2.56, p < 0.001). The combination of these markers further stratified prognosis independent of standard high-risk criteria, with a dominant systemic inflammatory response (low CIC/high NLR) associated with the worst outcome (5-year overall survival 55.8%). With further validation this simple, inexpensive combined inflammatory biomarker might assist in patient selection for adjuvant chemotherapy in Stage II colon cancer.

Background The true survival benefit of noncurative primary tumor resection in patients with de novo metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains uncertain. The present study examined the effect of primary tumor resection on systemic inflammation and survival in patients with mCRC. Materials and Methods Consecutive patients with de novo mCRC who had undergone primary tumor resection were identified from a prospective database. Patients were excluded if they had undergone resection of metastases, had undergone delayed primary resection, or if blood samples were unavailable. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was used as a biomarker of systemic inflammation. Overall survival (OS) was compared between patient groups according to the pre- and postprimary resection NLR. The associations between the reversal of an elevated NLR and primary tumor bulk or performance status were explored. Results A total of 145 eligible patients were identified from the database, with a median age of 70 years. The baseline NLR was elevated (> 5) in 65 patients, 36 (55%) of whom had a low NLR after surgery. The reversal of an elevated NLR was associated with significantly improved OS (hazard ratio, 0.53; P = .017). A similar benefit was seen after excluding patients undergoing emergency primary resection. NLR reversal was more frequent in patients with larger primary tumors or good performance status. Conclusion The present study is the first to demonstrate a relationship between the reversal of a systemic inflammatory response and the improved survival after primary resection in those with mCRC. A greater effect was seen in patients with large primary tumors. If validated, these observations could guide clinical decision-making in patients with mCRC at presentation.

Aim As multiple new agents have been added to the treatment options for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, survival outcomes in clinical trials have continued to improve. Similarly, improved outcomes in routine clinical care would be anticipated, but have yet to be demonstrated. Here, we aim to explore whether survival gains demonstrated in clinical trials are reproducible in routine practice, and whether factors beyond new therapies may be contributing to improved outcomes. Methods Comparison of comprehensive treatment and outcome data for consecutive patients diagnosed in 2003–2006 versus 2007–2010 at four specialist hospitals in Australia. Results Data were available on 965 patients; median age 66.1 years (range 19–93), 572 (59%) were male. For the latter time period, there was an increase in patients receiving any treatment (74% vs 66%, P = 0.014), initial combination chemotherapy (57% vs 44%, P

Historically, patients with inoperable gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) had a very poor prognosis because of the highly resistant nature of these tumors to conventional chemotherapy. The rational and progressive development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) since the initial proof-of-concept studies with imatinib mesylate in the late 1990s, all designed to exploit key pathways that lead to GISTs being so oncogenically addicted, have revolutionized the treatment of GIST. Median overall survival has improved from less than a year to at least 5 years in patients with advanced or metastatic disease. Imatinib remains the standard first-line treatment in advanced GIST; however, resistance to imatinib and subsequent other TKIs inevitably develops in most but not all patients. As much as efforts will continue to identify new drugs for patients with disease that becomes refractory to these agents, there has also been a need to focus on optimizing the use of currently available therapies by using a combination of molecular tools to stratify patients more effectively, pharmacodynamic markers and pharmacokinetic modeling to maximize these agents' activity in individual patients, and reappraising the role of surgery in the management of patients with metastatic disease. These all form part of a modern, multidisciplinary approach to the management of GIST patients.

Background Oncology literature is increasingly recognizing prevalence of second primary cancers including several longitudinal studies showing an increased risk of colorectal cancer following a prostate cancer diagnosis. A retrospective study was conducted to examine the relationship between prior prostate cancer diagnoses and subsequent colorectal cancer diagnoses. Methods A multi-centre prospective colorectal cancer registry was queried for patients with a prior history of prostate, breast or lung cancer. Characteristics of these patients were compared to patients with colorectal cancer and no prior cancer history. Results Of 4660 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed between 1998 and 2011, 2665 (57.2%) were male, median age was 68 years. For patients with a history of prostate cancer (n = 111), breast cancer (n = 61) and lung cancer (n = 23), the great majority of subsequent colorectal cancer diagnoses occurred in the initial 2 to 4 years after the first cancer diagnosis. This was accompanied by an increased rate of asymptomatic colorectal cancer at presentation, due to both screen detected and incidental cancer diagnoses. There was no clear relationship between any prostate cancer treatment and subsequent colorectal cancer risk, location or timing. Discussion In the modern era, there is an increased rate of colorectal cancer diagnosis in years shortly following another common cancer history. This is consistently seen across different primary tumour streams including prostate, breast and lung cancers and in part contributed by screen detected and incidental colorectal cancer diagnoses. Future studies should consider this potential confounding factor when asserting an increased rate of colorectal cancer as a second primary cancer.

Introduction. After treatment, bone sarcoma patients carry a high chance of relapse and late effects from multimodal therapy. We hypothesize that significant variation in surveillance practice exists between pediatric medical oncology (PO) and nonpediatric medical oncology (NP) sarcoma disciplines.Methods. Australian sarcoma clinicians were approached to do a web based survey that assessed radiologic surveillance (RS) strategies, late toxicity assessment, and posttreatment psychosocial interventions. Results. In total, 51 clinicians responded. No differences were identified in local disease RS. In metastatic disease response assessment, 100% of POs (23/23) and 93% of NPs (24/26) conducted CT chest. However, this was more likely to occur for NPs in the context of a CT chest/abdomen/pelvis (NP: 10/26; PO: 1/23;p=0.006). POs were more likely to use CXR for RS (p=0.006). POs showed more prescriptive intensity in assessment of heart function (p=0.001), hearing (p<0.001), and fertility (p=0.02). POs were more likely to deliver written information for health maintenance/treatment summary (p=0.04). The majority of respondents described enquiring about psychosocial aspects of health (n=33/37, 89%), but a routine formal psychosocial screen was only used by 23% (n=6/26).Conclusion. There is high variability in bone sarcoma surveillance between PO and NP clinicians. Efforts to harmonize approaches would allow early and late effects recognition/intervention and facilitate improved patient care/transition and research.

Background There is a paucity of data on the current management of patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in the Australian health care setting. This study utilised the Australian sarcoma database to evaluate the patterns of care delivered to patients with advanced STS at Australian sarcoma services. Methods Prospectively collected data from six sarcoma centres in Australia were sourced to identify patients diagnosed with advanced STS between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012. Descriptive statistics were analysed for patient demographics, clinicopathological characteristics and treatment patterns. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier product limit method. Results Of 253 patients with advanced STS, four major STS subtypes were identified: undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (23 %), leiomyosarcoma (17 %), liposarcoma (14 %), and synovial sarcoma (8 %); with the rest grouped as “other STS” (38 %). Approximately one-third of patients received palliative systemic therapy with the most common first-line therapy being doxorubicin alone (50 %). A small percentage of patients participated in clinical trials (20 %). Palliative radiotherapy was utilised mostly for treatment of symptomatic distant metastases and one-third of patients underwent metastasectomy, most commonly for pulmonary metastases. The median overall survival (OS) in this series was 18 months and no significant difference in OS was observed across different STS histological subtypes. Conclusions This is the first detailed study outlining patterns of care for Australian patients with advanced STS managed at sarcoma services. These data highlight a particular area of weakness in the lack of clinical trials for sarcoma patients and also serve as an important reference point for understanding how practice may change over time as treatment options evolve.

Aim To determine the adequacy of chemotherapy received dose intensity (RDI) in breast cancer treatment in a general population and to identify factors that influence RDI. Methods A retrospective analysis of breast cancer patients who commenced a course of i.v. chemotherapy in 2008 was undertaken. Data were collected on patient and tumor characteristics, chemotherapy regimen, dose (including delays, reductions and the reasons for these), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) use and febrile neutropenia incidence. RDI was calculated using the planned and actual dose received and time taken. A level of ≥85% RDI was considered acceptable for treatment given with curative intent. Results In all, 131 patients (aged 28 to 77 years) received chemotherapy in adjuvant (n = 76, 58%), neoadjuvant (n = 11, 8%) and metastatic settings (n = 44, 34%). RDI did not reach 85% for 12% adjuvant, 36% neoadjuvant and 34% metastatic cases (χ2 = 10.55, P = 0.005). Overall, 43% of patients received G-CSF. Conclusion Acceptable chemotherapy RDI was delivered for most patients in the adjuvant setting but not in the neoadjuvant setting. G-CSF treatment contributed to the optimization of dose intensity in the adjuvant setting only. Dose intensity in the metastatic setting was considered satisfactory where quality of life is the primary focus. Other factors can be modified to improve RDI.

In Stage II colon cancer, multiple independent studies have shown that a dense intratumoural immune infiltrate (local inflammation) is associated with improved outcomes, while systemic inflammation, measured by various markers, has been associated with poorer outcomes. However, previous studies have not considered the interaction between local and systemic inflammation, nor have they assessed the type of inflammatory response compared with standard clinicopathologic criteria. In order to evaluate the potential clinical utility of inflammatory markers in Stage II colon cancer, we examined local and systemic inflammation in a consecutive series of patients with resected Stage II colon cancer between 2000 and 2010 who were identified from a prospective clinical database. Increased intratumoural chronic inflammatory cell (CIC) density, as assessed by pathologist review of hematoxylin and eosin stained slides, was used to represent local inflammation. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)5, as calculated from pre-operative full blood counts, was used to represent systemic inflammation. In 396 eligible patients identified, there was a non-significant inverse relationship between local and systemic inflammation. Increased CIC density was significantly associated with improved overall (HR 0.45, p = 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (HR 0.37, p = 0.003). High NLR was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (HR 2.56, p0.001). The combination of these markers further stratified prognosis independent of standard high-risk criteria, with a dominant systemic inflammatory response (low CIC/high NLR) associated with the worst outcome (5-year overall survival 55.8%). With further validation this simple, inexpensive combined inflammatory biomarker might assist in patient selection for adjuvant chemotherapy in Stage II colon cancer.

Diabetes is a risk factor for colorectal cancer and several reports suggest worse cancer-specific outcomes in diabetes patients. Recent studies in multiple tumour types indicate metformin may positively impact on cancer-specific and overall survival. A population-based series of stage II colorectal cancer patients treated and followed from 2000 to 2013 were analysed for baseline characteristics, treatment, and outcomes. 1116 patients with stage II colon cancer were identified, 55.5% were male and median age was 70.9 years (range 20.5–101.2). The diabetes patients (21.6%,n= 241) were older than nondiabetes patients (median 74.0 versus 69.6,p= 0.0001). There was no impact of diabetes on cancer presentation or pathology. Diabetes patients were less likely to receive adjuvant treatment (13.7 versus 24.8%,p= 0.002) but were equally likely to complete treatment (69.7 versus 67.7%,p= 1.00). Diabetes did not significantly impact cancer recurrence (HR = 1.07, 95% CI 0.71–1.63) or overall survival (HR = 1.23, 95% CI 0.88–1.72), adjusted for age. Diabetes medication did not impact cancer recurrence or survival. Cancer presentation and outcomes in diabetes patients are comparable to those of nondiabetes patients in those with stage II colon cancer. The effect of metformin merits further evaluation in patients with colon cancer.

As multiple new agents have been added to the treatment options for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, survival outcomes in clinical trials have continued to improve. Similarly, improved outcomes in routine clinical care would be anticipated, but have yet to be demonstrated. Here, we aim to explore whether survival gains demonstrated in clinical trials are reproducible in routine practice, and whether factors beyond new therapies may be contributing to improved outcomes.Comparison of comprehensive treatment and outcome data for consecutive patients diagnosed in 2003-2006 versus 2007-2010 at four specialist hospitals in Australia.Data were available on 965 patients; median age 66.1 years (range 19-93), 572 (59%) were male. For the latter time period, there was an increase in patients receiving any treatment (74% vs 66%, P = 0.014), initial combination chemotherapy (57% vs 44%, P 0.001) and bevacizumab (15% vs 2%, P 0.001). There was no change in the percentage undergoing resection of distant metastatic disease. For the latter time period, overall survival was improved (median 24.8 vs 17.4 months, P 0.001), including patients not receiving any active treatment (11.9 vs 6.4 months, P = 0.014).Survival outcomes in routine clinical care for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer have markedly improved in recent years following the introduction of multiple new active therapies. The improved outcome of untreated patients suggests earlier diagnosis and improved supportive care may also be contributing to survival gains.

Summary Each year approximately 800 Australians are diagnosed with sarcoma, accounting for less than 1 % of cancer diagnoses overall. A significant proportion of these sarcoma cases are in children and adolescents. The rarity and heterogeneity of this group of tumours, coupled with Australasia’s relative geographical isolation, pose significant challenges in developing locoregional basic, translational and clinical research. The Australasian Sarcoma Study Group (ASSG) was established in 2008 as a Cooperative Cancer Clinical Research Group and is now the peak body for sarcoma research in Australasia, providing a mechanism to drive and coordinate collaborative research, promote education and assist with advocating for sarcoma within the region. This paper describes the development of ASSG and examines the current state of play with regard to sarcoma research in Australasia.

Oncology literature is increasingly recognizing prevalence of second primary cancers including several longitudinal studies showing an increased risk of colorectal cancer following a prostate cancer diagnosis. A retrospective study was conducted to examine the relationship between prior prostate cancer diagnoses and subsequent colorectal cancer diagnoses.A multi-centre prospective colorectal cancer registry was queried for patients with a prior history of prostate, breast or lung cancer. Characteristics of these patients were compared to patients with colorectal cancer and no prior cancer history.Of 4660 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed between 1998 and 2011, 2665 (57.2%) were male, median age was 68 years. For patients with a history of prostate cancer (n = 111), breast cancer (n = 61) and lung cancer (n = 23), the great majority of subsequent colorectal cancer diagnoses occurred in the initial 2 to 4 years after the first cancer diagnosis. This was accompanied by an increased rate of asymptomatic colorectal cancer at presentation, due to both screen detected and incidental cancer diagnoses. There was no clear relationship between any prostate cancer treatment and subsequent colorectal cancer risk, location or timing.In the modern era, there is an increased rate of colorectal cancer diagnosis in years shortly following another common cancer history. This is consistently seen across different primary tumour streams including prostate, breast and lung cancers and in part contributed by screen detected and incidental colorectal cancer diagnoses. Future studies should consider this potential confounding factor when asserting an increased rate of colorectal cancer as a second primary cancer.

e14637 Background: There is a growing body of epidemiological evidence that T2DM is associated with increased incidence of, and poorer survival in CRC, while metformin use in CRC pts with T2DM has ...

e14540 Background: Many retrospective studies have concluded that adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer is underutilised in routine clinical practice, particularly in elderly patients. Reasons for this are not fully understood, but limited data confirming the efficacy of adjuvant therapy in routine care may be impacting clinician recommendations. Methods: Data related to treatment and outcomes was prospectively collected on consecutive patients with colorectal cancer attending five Australian hospitals between January 2003 and December 2013. Every patient was discussed with or referred to a medical oncologist. For any patient where adjuvant therapy was not delivered, reason(s) were documented by clinicians. Variation with age was assessed comparing young (less than 65 years), mid range (65-75 years) and elderly (over 75 years) patients. Results: Of 5,107 patients with colorectal cancer 987 had stage III colon cancer. Median age was 67.8 years (range 15 - 92) with 52.9% male patients. Overall, 8...

464 Background: Despite reported survival benefits for primary tumor resection in de novo mCRC, its use remains controversial, particularly as the biological explanation remains unclear. We explored whether reversal of systemic inflammation, a marker of a tumor-promoting immune response and poor prognosis, is associated with improved survival in pts undergoing primary resection. Methods: We identified pts who underwent primary resection for de novo mCRC from a prospective CRC database, excluding pts who had metastatectomy. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was used to represent systemic inflammation. Survival differences associated with reversal of systemic inflammation, as defined by NLR falling from an elevated level (> 5) at diagnosis to ≤ 5 postoperatively, were examined. Associations between falling NLR and primary tumor bulk (maximal length assessed by pathologist) as well as metastatic burden (maximal axial diameter of largest metastasis assessed by radiologist) were explored. Results: Baseline and postoperative NLR were examined in 156 pts with median age 69y and median overall survival (OS) 18.3 mo. Baseline NLR was elevated in 66 (42%) pts; primary resection resulted in falling NLR in 37 of these pts (56%). Compared to pts with persistent NLR >5, a falling NLR was significantly associated with improved OS (HR 0.53, p = 0.012). Falling NLR was also associated with larger primary tumors, although this was not significant (median length 55mm vs. 45mm, p = 0.059). In a preliminary analysis of 26 pts with retrievable radiology, falling NLR was associated with lower metastatic burden compared to an unchanged NLR (median diameter 29mm vs. 41mm, p = 0.046). Conclusions: Our data demonstrates improved OS in pts who have reversal of systemic inflammation following primary resection in de novo mCRC. The possible associations between reversed systemic inflammation with larger primary tumors or a lower metastatic burden suggest an immune mediated response to reduced tumour bulk as an explanation for the reported survival advantage associated with primary resection. If confirmed, this might define a subgroup of pts who might benefit most from primary resection.

Background: Mucinous adenocarcinomas (MC) comprise a distinct group of neoplasms that can arise in multiple organs, such as the ovary, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract, but are relatively understudied. Mucinous ovarian carcinomas (MOC) are a distinct histological subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer, with late stage and high-grade MOC often resistant to standard platinum-based ovarian chemotherapeutic regimens. Controversy exists over whether high-grade MOC arise in the ovary or represent metastases from distant sites with secondary ovarian involvement. This study aims to determine if differences exist at the molecular level that distinguish low- and high-grade MOC, mucinous tumours of extra-ovarian origin (EOM) and primary MC from other sites, as this has significant implications for treatment strategies. Methods: We are identifying cases of low- and high-grade MOC from CART-WHEEL.org, the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study and national and international tissue banks. High-resolution molecular characterization of these cases using whole-exome sequencing, copy number arrays and RNAseq will be compared to similar data generated for mucinous cystadenomas and borderline ovarian tumours (the putative precursors to MOC), and cases of EOM, pseudomyxoma peritonei and primary MC from other sites. Results: Copy number analysis and mutation screening (KRAS, BRAF, NRAS, TP53, CDKN2A) of 22 cystadenomas, 22 borderline tumours and 31 MOC has identified activating RAS/RAF pathway mutations concurrent with CDKN2A loss by homozygous deletion, inactivating mutations and loss of heterozygosity as common to all mucinous ovarian tumours, while TP53 mutations were largely restricted to MOC. Exome sequencing of selected cases has revealed additional genes recurrently targeted by deleterious mutations. Conclusions: Preliminary findings demonstrate that the majority of MOC share genomic events with their putative precursors, supporting a cystadenoma-borderline-carcinoma progression for both low- and high-grade MOC. Intriguingly, exome sequencing suggests a significant overlap of mutated genes with mucinous tumours arising from other organ sites, although it remains to be seen whether gene expression analysis can distinguish site of origin for tumours with a mucinous histology. Citation Format: Ian Campbell, Sally Hunter, Wakefield Mathew, Yoland Antill, Susie Bae, Sumitra Ananda, Monique Topp, Lara Lipton, Winston Liauw, Thomas Jobling, Alex Boussioutas, Michael Christie, Prue Allan, Michael Friedlander Michael Friedlander, Stephen Fox, Anna Defazio, David Bowtell, Jan Pyman, Study Australian Ovarian Cancer, Clare Scott, Kylie Gorringe. Mucinous ovarian tumors: Are they all the same? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: From Concept to Clinic; Sep 18-21, 2013; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2013;19(19 Suppl):Abstract nr A3.

410 Background: In CRC, the tumor associated immune response can manifest as, (1) a good prognostic anti-tumor local (intra-tumoral) inflammatory response; or (2) a poor prognostic tumor promoting systemic inflammatory response. As suggested for renal cancer, the survival advantage associated with primary resection in mCRC patients (pts) might relate to modification of the tumor associated immune response, through reduction in tumor bulk and the resulting reduction in tumor promoting cytokines. We examine if systemic inflammation at diagnosis predicts benefit from primary resection in mCRC. Methods: A prospectively collected multi-disciplinary CRC database was used to explore clinicopathological data from pts diagnosed with de novo mCRC from Jan 2009 to Jul 2012. Evidence of systemic inflammation was defined as serum albumin (SA) 4 at diagnosis. Pts with primary resection >42 days from diagnosis were excluded. Survival analyses utilised the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Results: Of 212 pts diagnosed with mCRC, 154 (72%) had de novo mCRC. 92 (60%) of these underwent primary resection, 62 (40%) had primary left in situ. SA was available in 141 pts, 71 (50%) had SA 4. Primary resection was associated with superior overall survival (OS): median 32.5mo v 8.4mo (HR 0.29, p4 (median 16.8 mo v 13.1 mo, HR 1.59, p=0.03). There was no difference in OS advantages associated with primary resection in pts with SA 4 (HR 0.42, p=0.001). Data regarding resolution of systemic inflammation following primary resection will be presented. Conclusions: Our study confirms the OS benefit from primary resection in mCRC and the adverse prognostic impact of systemic inflammation. Based on our current data, any benefit from primary tumour resection cannot be explained by an impact on the tumor associated immune response.

524 Background: Guidelines recommend that oncology patients have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial wherever possible. It is purported that as trial participants are often younger and fitter, data extrapolation from trial outcomes to patients seen in routine care may be difficult. We compared characteristics of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) participating in a first-line clinical trial with those treated in routine care. Methods: The TRACC (Treatment of Recurrent and Advanced Colorectal Cancer) database, a clinician-designed mCRC comprehensive database, was used to identify patients treated on a first-line trial compared with those receiving combination chemotherapy; single-agent therapy; or no chemotherapy. Data collection began in June 2009 and is ongoing at 15 Australian centres to date. Results: Of 671 patients, 49 (7.3%) participated in a first-line clinical trial. Patients on trial were significantly younger, with 49% (n=24) trial participants being under 60 years, compared with 33% (n=128) receiving combination chemotherapy off study (p=0.047), 13% (n=13) single-agent therapy (p

426 Background: Diabetes mellitus is reported to increase the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) development and has been associated with poor tumour-specific outcomes. Here we assessed the impact of diabetes on the clinicopathologic features and tumour mutation profiles of CRC. Methods: Analysis of a prospective series of patients diagnosed with CRC between January 2000 and December 2010. Fresh-frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumour specimens were retrieved and genomic DNA extracted for analysis of microsatellite instability (MSI), CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) and mutations in BRAF, KRAS, PIK3CA, TP53 and APC genes. Propensity-score matching and logistic regression were used to estimate the association of diabetes with tumour molecular profile, controlling for age, sex, tumour stage, body mass index (BMI), smoking and socio-economic status. Results: Of the 1,348 patients assessed, 288 (21.4%) had a history of diabetes mellitus. Compared to patients without diabetes, diabetics were more likely to be older (age > 70 yrs: 56% vs 47%, p = 0.006), male (57% vs 47%, p = 0.002) and have a higher BMI (BMI > 25: 82% vs 65%, p < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences in tumour site, differentiation or lymphovascular invasion. Propensity scores were used to match 260 diabetic patients to an equal number of nondiabetics. In multivariate regression analysis, diabetes was associated with BRAF-mutated tumours (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.16-7.59, p = 0.029) and showed a trend towards MSI-high tumours (OR 1.54, 95% CI 0.91-2.63, p = 0.110). Results are shown in the Table. Survival analysis is planned. Conclusions: CRC patients with diabetes are older, more likely male and have higher BMI than non-diabetics. In this preliminary analysis, an association between diabetes and BRAF-mutant CRC was found, and may explain reported differences in outcomes for diabetic CRC patients. [Table: see text]

e16516 Background: Cure is potentially achievable in select patients with mCRC with limited metastatic disease to liver and/or lung. To date the peri-operative strategies undertaken by oncologists in routine practice for such pts have not been well documented. Methods: A clinical database recording information on all pts diagnosed with mCRC since July 2009 from 5 hospitals was analysed. Management strategies where a curative-intent resection had occurred; was planned; or was a potential option were compared with those managed with palliative intent. Results: Status at the time of first review regarding systemic chemotherapy (CT) was documented for 354 pts. 15 (4.2%) had undergone curative-intent resection; 37 (10.5%) had a resection planned; 36 (10.2%) were considered potentially resectable if response to treatment was good; and 266 (75.1%) were treated with palliative intent. Only one patient (1.9%) already resected or planned for resection was >ECOG1, compared with 8% (3/36) potentially resectable and 20% (53/266) palliative pts. CT was delivered in 12 (80%) already-resected, 29 (78%) planned for resection, 33 (92%) potentially-resectable and 202 (76%) palliative-intent pts. Combination CT was the dominant strategy, although 5 of 12 (42%) resected pts received single agent treatment. 17% (n=2) resected pts received bevacizumab with CT, compared with 29% (n=18) of planned or potentially-curative pts and 55% (n=112) of those treated with palliative intent. At the time of analysis 17 pts (46%) with a planned resection and 7 (20%) considered potentially curative have had surgery, while 6 (2.3%) where treatment was initially considered palliative have had curative-intent surgery. Conclusions: Treatment strategies for pts with mCRC differ significantly based on the treatment intent, and may be affected by surgical preference and referral pattern. Bevacizumab was less likely to be used for already-resected pts and the use of single agent therapy in this group was also not uncommon. Many pts initially considered resectable do not ultimately undergo resection, whereas occasional ‘palliative’ pts may become resectable, confirming the importance of continued consideration of this option.

682 Background: Cure is potentially achievable in select patients (pts) with mCRC with limited metastatic disease to liver and/or lung. To date the peri-operative strategies undertaken by oncologists in routine practice for such pts have not been well documented. Methods: A clinical database recording information on all pts diagnosed with mCRC since July 2009 from 5 hospitals was analysed. Management strategies where a curative-intent resection had occurred; was planned; or was a potential option were compared with those managed with palliative intent. Results: Status at the time of first review regarding systemic chemotherapy (CT) was documented for 280 pts. 11 (4%) had already undergone curative-intent resection; 31 (11%) had a resection planned; 27 (10%) were considered potentially resectable if their response to treatment was good; and 207 (74%) were treated with palliative intent. No pts already resected or planned for resection were >ECOG 1, compared with 11% (3/27) potentially resectable and 17% (36/207) palliative pts. CT was delivered in 9 (82%) already-resected, 26 (84%) planned for resection, 26 (96%) potentially-resectable and 159 (77%) palliative-intent pts. Combination CT was the dominant strategy, although 7 of 11 (66%) already-resected pts received single agent treatment. No already-resected pts received bevacizumab with CT, compared with 27% (n=14) of planned or potentially-curative pts and 55% (n=88) of those treated with palliative intent. At the time of analysis 13 pts (42%) with a planned resection and 8 (30%) considered potentially curative have had surgery, while 3 (1.4%) where treatment was initially considered palliative have had curative-intent surgery. Conclusions: Treatment strategies for pts with mCRC differ significantly based on the treatment intent, and may be affected by surgical preference and referral pattern. Bevacizumab was less likely to be used for already-resected pts and the use of single agent therapy in this group was also not uncommon. Many pts initially considered resectable do not ultimately undergo resection, whereas occasional ‘palliative’ pts may become resectable, confirming the importance of continued consideration of this option.

665 Background: Clinical trials support the addition of bevacizumab (Bev) to first line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, given that there are alternate biological agents that can be used with chemotherapy; and rare but potentially serious toxicities with Bev, there has been variable use of the drug in routine care. The purpose of this study was to prospectively explore 1st line use of Bev in routine clinical care. Methods: A multi-site data collection was initiated in July 2009 when Bev became publicly available in Australia. A particular focus was capturing information regarding clinician decision-making that is not routinely recorded or is often poorly documented. Comprehensive comorbidity data was collected, along with specific factors, both patient (pt) and disease-related, that may impact on treatment decisions. Major adverse events that may be related to Bev were also recorded. Results: For the 2-year period from July 2009-June 2011, a database search identified 278 pts diagnosed with mCRC at five participating hospitals. 240 pts (86%) had received 1st line chemotherapy. 102 (43%) also received Bev, the majority in combination with oxaliplatin based chemotherapy (n = 81, 79%). Bev use increased significantly from 40.4% (34/84) of all pts receiving chemotherapy in July-December 2009, to 65.8% (25/38) in January-June 2011 (p=0.0114). Overall the most frequent reasons for clinicians advising against the use of Bev were a bleeding or asymptomatic primary in situ (n=28, 23%), known hypertension (n=14, 11%), clinical trial participation (n=14, 11%), poor performance status (n=9, 7%), and perceived risk of arterial ischemic event (n=8, 6.5%). There have been four episodes of gastro-intestinal perforation, 3 in pts receiving Bev (2.9% of Bev treated patients). Conclusions: Bev use in first line mCRC has significantly increased over time, presumably as further positive safety data emerges regarding safety in older and frailer pts, and clinician prescribing experience increases. The major grounds for not using Bev in the 1st line mCRC setting were specific clinical contexts where the risk of adverse events may be increased.

1560 Background: Treatment for CaP is reported to be associated with a subsequent diagnosis of CRC, based on studies of large series of CaP patients (pts), often with short follow-up and limited de...