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Objective Many clinical trials for older patients with metastatic colorectal cancer have been conducted, and fluoropyrimidine and bevacizumab are standard treatments. However, the relationship between age and the efficacy and safety of this treatment is unclear in older metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Methods Individual data from two phase II studies on older (≥75 years), non-frail patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with uracil-tegafur/leucovorin or S-1 combined with bevacizumab were collected. Patient characteristics were evaluated with multiple regression analyses for survival outcomes, using the Cox proportional hazard model and linear regression analyses for the worst grade of adverse events. Results We enrolled 102 patients with a median age of 80 years (range, 75–88 years). Of the 70 patients who died, seven (10%) died of causes unrelated to disease or treatment. The study treatment was discontinued due to adverse events in 19 patients (18.6%), with 63% aged ≥85 years. The adverse event that most commonly resulted in treatment discontinuation was grade 2 fatigue (21%). Chronological age was not associated with progression-free survival (Hazard ratio, 1.03; P = 0.40) or overall survival (Hazard ratio, 1.02; P = 0.65). Age was weakly associated with non-hematologic adverse events (regression coefficient [R], 0.27; P = 0.007), especially fatigue (R, 0.23; P = 0.02) and nausea (R, 0.19; P = 0.06), but not with hematologic (R, 0.05; P = 0.43) or bevacizumab-related (R, −0.06; P = 0.56) adverse events. Conclusions The efficacy of fluoropyrimidine plus bevacizumab was age-independent in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer aged ≥75 years, and attention should be paid to non-hematologic adverse events as age increases.

We herein report the first case in which an escalated dose of sunitinib was effective, even after dose reduction. A 64-year-old man with gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the small intestine discontinued adjuvant imatinib because of interstitial pneumonia. After two years, peritoneal recurrence was detected. Sunitinib was started at 50 mg/day for 4 weeks every 6 weeks, after which the dosage was reduced to 37.5 mg/day because of grade 1 gastritis, stomatitis, and a fever. Four months later, computed tomography showed progressive disease. As the adverse events were well-controlled by medication, we escalated the dose to 50 mg/day and achieved a partial response.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT), a rare sarcoma, is primarily treated via resection of the mass. However, in cases of recurrence or unresectable tumors, no standard care exists. While crizotinib, an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor, is only approved for non-small-cell lung cancer with ALK mutation, it is reportedly effective for other malignant tumors with ALK mutation. We herein report a case involving a 37-year-old woman with retroperitoneal IMT with ALK mutation, who experienced recurrence after complete resection, in whom crizotinib treatment resulted in complete response. ALK-inhibitor efficacy against malignancies with ALK mutations should be investigated in future.

Diffuse liver metastasis is a rare pattern of liver metastasis that is associated with hepatic failure and poor prognosis. We experienced 2 cases of acute liver failure due to diffuse metastasis that could not be detected using computed tomography. In case 1, it was difficult to differentiate diffuse metastasis from alcoholic hepatitis. In case 2, it was difficult to diagnose diffuse liver metastasis because the patient had no history of malignancy. When liver enzyme levels are elevated, it is necessary to consider liver metastasis as a potential cause, regardless of computed tomography findings.

Background/aim In later-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), trifluridine/tipiracil is often selected because regorafenib is difficult to use in patients with comorbidities such as thrombosis, hemorrhage, or cardiac events. However, the safety and efficacy of trifluridine/tipiracil in these patients is not clear. Patients and methods The clinical outcomes of trifluridine/tipiracil were retrospectively investigated in patients who were ineligible for regorafenib because of comorbidities. Results Among the 27 patients who received trifluridine/tipiracil, many had comorbidities of deep venous thrombosis or hemorrhage. The median overall survival was 12.4 months, and the median progression-free survival was 2.8 months. The median overall survival was 7.7 months in 19 patients without subsequent regorafenib. Grade 3 or higher toxicities were found in 51% of patients. No treatment discontinuation because of comorbidities was observed. Conclusion Trifluridine/tipiracil can be safely administered while maintaining efficacy in patients who were ineligible for regorafenib.

Purpose Optimal salvage chemotherapy for patients with treated advanced/metastatic gastric cancer (AGC) is unknown. Irinotecan is commonly used in Japan. Ramucirumab, a human IgG-1 monoclonal antibody targeting the extracellular domain of VEGF receptor 2, is the first molecularly targeted agent proven to be effective in second-line therapy for AGC in combination with chemotherapy. We sought to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended dose (RD) of ramucirumab plus irinotecan for AGC previously treated with fluoropyrimidine with/without platinum and taxane. Methods Patients received systemic chemotherapy with ramucirumab (8 mg/kg) and irinotecan on day 1, repeated every 2 weeks. A decrease in irinotecan dose was planned from start level 1 (irinotecan 150 mg/m2). This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Network (UMIN no. 000018606). Results Six patients were enrolled from August 2015 to September 2017. No dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed, and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not reached at level 1. Irinotecan 150 mg/m2 in combination with ramucirumab 8 mg/kg was administered with acceptable toxicity, and all patients were treated at these doses. No treatment-related deaths were observed. Adverse events of Grade 3/4 were neutropenia (17%), anemia (17%) and hypertension (17%). Patients were evaluated using the RECIST criteria, and response rate and disease control rate were 17% and 83%, respectively. Conclusions Salvage chemotherapy with irinotecan plus ramucirumab was well-tolerated by patients previously treated for AGC. RD was defined as irinotecan 150 mg/m2 in combination with ramucirumab 8 mg/kg.

Background Reports of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in solid tumors are very limited, and their frequencies and risk factors were previously unknown. Aim To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of HBV reactivation in patients with solid tumors with resolved HBV infection. Methods All 1088 patients with solid tumors were assessed for eligibility; 251 patients had resolved HBV infection (negative for HBs antigen and positive for anti‐HBc antibody and/or positive for anti‐HBs antibody), and HBV‐DNA was assessed for 243 of these patients in whom we analyzed the prevalence of HBV reactivation. Risk factors for HBV reactivation were exploratorily evaluated by analysis of a case–control study. Results The prevalence of HBV‐DNA reactivation was 2.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3–3.9%). We did not observe any exacerbation of HBV‐DNA by early intervention. A low anti‐HBs antibody titer (1.0 mg/day) were high risk factors, with odds ratios of 5.94 (95% CI, 1.15–30.6, P = 0.03) and 8.69 (95% CI, 1.27–58.8, P = 0.02), respectively. Conclusion HBV reactivation in solid tumor patients was relatively rare. Therefore, risk factors that can identify targets for HBV screening must be determined in future studies.

Following the ATTRACTION-2 study, nivolumab was approved for advanced gastric cancer in Japan. However, pseudoprogression and hyperprogressive disease have been reported in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. We report a patient with gastric cancer who received nivolumab after radiotherapy only to experience rapid progression within the irradiation field after the first immunotherapy session. A 66-year-old man with dysphagia visited our hospital and was diagnosed with stage IV gastroesophageal cancer (human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 score = 0). He commenced a G-SOX regimen (S-1 80 mg/m2 on days 1–14 and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 1, repeated every 3 weeks) in June 2017. The dysphagia worsened despite 3 cycles of G-SOX, and computed tomography (CT) revealed constriction of the gastroesophageal junction. To ameliorate the dysphagia, palliative chemoradiotherapy (S-1 and 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions) was performed starting in August 2017. The patient’s dysphagia had not resolved after completing radiotherapy, and pain on swallowing worsened. Nivolumab (3 mg/m2 every 2 weeks) was administered 7 days after the completion of radiotherapy. The patient experienced malaise and worsening dysphagia before the second cycle. CT 15 days after the first nivolumab administration revealed rapid progression in the irradiation field. His general condition rapidly deteriorated, and he died 24 days after the first administration. This episode suggests that administration of nivolumab after radiotherapy may be a risk factor for hyperprogressive disease.

Background FOLFOXIRI is now regarded as the chemotherapy regimen that offers the best platform for the treatment of colorectal cancer. However, the safety and efficacy of FOLFOXIRI + panitumumab has not been demonstrated. We conducted a phase I study to determine the recommended dose of FOLFOXIRI + panitumumab as first-line treatment for RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods Patients received combination therapy consisting of panitumumab (6 mg/kg on day 1) + FOLFOXIRI [irinotecan (CPT-11), oxaliplatin (L-OHP) 85 mg/m2, and folinate (LV) 200 mg/m2] on day 1, followed by fluorouracil (5-FU) 3200 mg/m2 infused as a 46-h continuous infusion starting on day 1) repeated every 2 weeks as first-line treatment of RAS wild-type mCRC patients. A decrease in CPT-11 dose was planned (started at level 1: CPT-11 165 mg/m2). Results Seven patients were enrolled, and six were assessed for safety and efficacy. Maximum tolerated dose was not reached at level 1; all patients were treated at these levels. The common Grade 3 or 4 relevant toxicities were diarrhea (50%), hypokalemia (33%) and stomatitis (33%). No treatment-related deaths occurred. Of the six patients assessed four had partial response and the two others had stable disease; hence, the response rate was 66.7% (95% confidence interval 28.9–100%) and the disease control rate was 100%. Time to protocol treatment failure was 7.2 (1.4–7.3) months. Conclusion The FOLFOXIRI + panitumumab chemotherapy regimen was well tolerated by our patients with mCRC and showed promising anti-tumor activity. The recommended phase II dose was determined to be the same as the standard doses of this regimen used worldwide.

Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is widely used to treat advanced cancer. Oxaliplatin-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy is rarely reported. Here, we report a case of oxaliplatin-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy occurring after gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin (GEMOX) chemotherapy in a patient with pancreatic cancer. A 76-year-old man received GEMOX regimen as first-line treatment for pancreatic adenocarcinoma with peritoneal dissemination. GEMOX consists of gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2) and oxaliplatin (100 mg/m2) on day 1, repeated every 2 weeks. The second cycle of GEMOX was administered as planned. However, he appeared to have difficulties with daily activities. Two days later, he visited the emergency room complaining of drowsiness. On examination, the patient had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 14 (E4V4M6), and asterixis was not present. Blood examination revealed a serum ammonia level of 202 µg/dL. The levels of serum hepatic enzymes were only mildly elevated, and the hemoglobin level was typical for this patient. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, lumbar puncture test, and blood culture showed no abnormality. Based on these results, he was diagnosed with oxaliplatin-induced hyperammonemia. One day after hospitalization, GCS score had significantly decreased to 6 (E1V1M4). His consciousness disorder improved after administration of a nutritional supplement containing a high concentration of branched-chain amino acids for 5 days, and the level of serum ammonia improved to 79 µg/dL. He stated that he could not remember the episode. The findings of this case suggest the importance of examining serum ammonia levels in patients receiving an oxaliplatin-containing regimen who develop disordered consciousness.

Background S-1 plus cisplatin is a standard regimen for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) in Asia. The ToGA trial established a fluoropyrimidine plus cisplatin and trastuzumab as a standard treatment for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive AGC. In the HERBIS-1 trial, trastuzumab combined with S-1 plus cisplatin showed promising antitumor activity in patients with HER2-positive AGC. However, cisplatin has several important drawbacks, including vomiting and renal toxicity. These disadvantages of cisplatin are prominent in elderly patients. Therefore, we conducted a prospective phase II study of trastuzumab plus S-1 without cisplatin in elderly patients with HER2-positive AGC. Methods Patients 65 years or older who had HER2-positive AGC received S-1 orally on days 1–28 of a 42-day cycle and trastuzumab intravenously on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. Results A total of 51 patients were enrolled. Two patients were ineligible. The full analysis set thus comprised 49 patients. The median age was 71 years (range 65–85). The confirmed response rate was 40.8% (95% CI 27.1–54.6%), and the null hypothesis was rejected. The median follow-up period was 10.6 months. Median overall survival was 15.8 months. Median progression-free survival was 5.1 months, and time to treatment failure was 4.0 months. Major grade 3 or 4 adverse events included neutropenia (12.0%), anemia (24.0%), diarrhea (10.0%), and anorexia (12.0%). There was one treatment-related death. Conclusions Trastuzumab in combination with S-1 alone demonstrated promising antitumor activity and manageable toxic effects as well as promising survival results in elderly patients with HER2-positive AGC. Clinical trials registration UMIN000007368.

Combination chemotherapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin for gastric cancer (G-XELOX) is considered as a potentially promising regimen. However, the use of the G-XELOX regimen in Japanese patients has not been investigated to date, and recommended doses of G-XELOX for Japanese patients with metastatic gastric cancer have not been established. The aim of the present study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended dose (RD) for systemic chemotherapy with G-XELOX for metastatic gastric cancer. The enrolled patients received systemic chemotherapy with oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 on day 1 and capecitabine 2,000 mg/m2/day, b.i.d. for 14 days, repeated every 3 weeks. A decrease in oxaliplatin dose was planned from start level 1 (130 mg/m2). A total of 6 patients were enrolled between January and July 2015. MTD was not reached at level 1. Oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 in combination with capecitabine 2,000 mg/m2/day b.i.d. could be administered with acceptable toxicity, and all patients were treated at these doses. One case of grade 3 stomatitis was considered as a dose-limiting toxicity at level 1; however, excluding this case, no grade 3 or 4 non-hematological toxicity was observed. There were no treatment-related deaths. The median relative dose intensity was 71.3% for capecitabine and 92.1% for oxaliplatin. Of the 6 patients, 3 had measurable lesions according to the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors; the response rate and disease control rate were both 67%. Therefore, systemic chemotherapy with G-XELOX was well-tolerated by patients with advanced gastric cancer. The RD was defined as oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 in combination with capecitabine 2,000 mg/m2/day b.i.d.

Although regorafenib or trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) has been recognized as a later-line standard treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), not all patients have beneficial outcomes. This study aimed to develop a prognostic scoring system for evaluating the overall survival (OS) benefit.Patients included in the REGOTAS study, which comprised 489 patients (regorafenib group: 199; FTD/TPI group: 290 patients), were evaluated. OS was analyzed using multivariate Cox proportional model. The prognostic score was calculated using the worst four individual factors weighted by hazard ratio, and the total scores were categorized as low-, moderate-, and high-OS benefit.The worst four factors in the regorafenib group were AST 40 IU/dL (point, + 3), CRP ≥ 1.0 mg/dL (+ 2), number of metastatic organ site ≥ 3 (+ 2), and duration from initiation of 1st-line chemotherapy 18 months (+ 2), while they were AST (+ 2), CRP (+ 2), CA19-9 37.0 U/mL (+ 2), and ECOG PS ≥ 1 (+ 2) in the FTD/TPI group. These corresponded to a total prognostic score of 5, 2-4, and 0 points in the regorafenib group and 8, 2-6, and 0 points in the FTD/TPI group. The median OS in the low, moderate, and high OS benefit group was 3.3 (95% CI 3.0-3.7), 8.1 (95% CI 6.4-9.7), and 12.6 months (95% CI 10.6-14.6) in the regorafenib group and 2.8 (95% CI 2.0-3.5), 7.5 (95% CI 6.6-8.3), and 15.4 months (95% CI 9.7-21.2) in the FTD/TPI group.These prognostic scores are useful for identifying patients with mCRC who will obtain survival benefits from these drugs.

// Takatsugu Ogata 1 , Hironaga Satake 2 , Misato Ogata 1 , Yukimasa Hatachi 1 , Hayato Maruoka 3 , Daisuke Yamashita 4 , Hiroki Hashida 5 , Madoka Hamada 6 and Hisateru Yasui 1 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan 2 Cancer Treatment Center, Kansai Medical University Hospital, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan 3 Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan 4 Department of Pathology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan 5 Department of Surgery, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan 6 Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University Hospital, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan Correspondence to: Hironaga Satake, email: takeh1977@gmail.com Keywords: metastatic colorectal cancer; FOLFOXIRI therapy; triplet; anti-EGFR antibodies; anti-VEGF antibodies Received: November 02, 2018 Accepted: January 11, 2019 Published: February 01, 2019 ABSTRACT Introduction: FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab has a promising efficacy as first-line systemic chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of FOLFOXIRI plus antibodies. Results: Fifty-five patients were enrolled (median age: 60 years, males: 25, females: 30). Twenty-six subjects had RAS mutations and 29 had RAS wild-type. Anti-VEGF and anti-EGFR antibodies were administered to 38 and 17 patients, respectively. The most common severe adverse event was neutropenia (51%). The overall response rate (ORR) was 69% (55% with anti-VEGF antibodies and 100% with anti-EGFR antibodies; P = 0.190), and the disease control rate was 98% (stable disease: 16 patients). With a median follow-up period of 18.4 months, the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 11.0 months and the median overall survival (mOS) was 41.9 months. The mPFS and mOS did not significantly differ between patients treated with anti-EGFR antibodies and those with anti-VEGF antibodies. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from mCRC patients treated with FOLFOXIRI plus antibodies between March 2014 and December 2017. Conclusions: FOLFOXIRI plus antibody therapy was effective in patients with mCRC. The response rate was higher in patients treated with anti-EGFR antibodies than in those treated with anti-VEGF antibodies.

Regorafenib (REG) and trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) showed survival benefits in metastatic colorectal cancer patients previously treated with standard chemotherapies; therefore, we compared the efficacy and safety of these two treatments. Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with REG or FTD/TPI as a salvage-line therapy from May 2014 to December 2017 were included. We retrospectively analyzed long-term survival, safety, and clinical outcomes. Among 134 patients, 57 and 77 received REG and FTD/TPI, respectively. The REG group received more prior systemic chemotherapies and significantly more frequent additional chemotherapies than the FTD/TPI group did. The median follow-up was 6.2 months, whereas the median overall survival was 9.9 and 11.4 months in the REG and FTD/TPI groups, respectively (hazard ratio = 0.954, p = 0.837). The median progression-free survival was 2.0 and 3.3 months in the REG and FTD/TPI groups, respectively (hazard ratio = 0.52, p = 0.00047), indicating significant differences, whereas the objective response and disease control rates did not differ. The median overall survival of patients with additional subsequent chemotherapies after disease progression was longer than that of patients without additional chemotherapy. The most frequent grade ≥3 adverse events were hypertension and neutropenia in the REG and FTD/TPI groups, respectively. Our study suggested that sequential use of both drugs may prolong survival.

105 Background: In the recent years, primary tumor location (PTL) is considered as an important prognostic and predictive factor in first-line treatment of mCRC. Although regorafenib (REG) and trifluridine/tipiracil (TFTD) have been available recently, the prognostic value of PTL in later-line with these agents is not well understood. TFTD improved survival regardless of PTL in the RECOURSE trial, while REG did not show survival benefit in the patients (pts) with rectal cancer in the CORRECT trial. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated pts with mCRC who were registered in a multicenter observational study (the REGOTAS study). The main inclusion criteria were ECOG PS of 0–2, refractory or intolerant to fluoropyrimidines, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and anti-VEGF and anti-EGFR therapy (if KRAS wild type), and no prior use of REG and TFTD. The impact of PTL on overall survival (OS) were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models based on baseline characteristics and propensity score matching. Results: A total of 550 pts (223 pts in the REG group, 327 pts in the TFTD group; 122 pts in the right-sided, 428 pts in the left-sided) were included in this study. Although the right-sided pts was significantly shorter OS compared with the left-sided pts by univariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63-0.99, P = 0.04), multivariate analysis revealed that PTL was not an independent prognostic factor (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.69-1.1, P = 0.26). The similar results were obtained in each treatment group. In subgroup analysis according to PTL, OS were comparable between REG and TFTD groups regardless of PTL (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.62-1.39 in the right-sided; HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.83-1.39 in the left-sided [excluding rectum]; and HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.62-1.62 in the rectal cancer pts). These results were similar in sensitivity analysis using propensity score-matching. Conclusions: In the present study, PTL is not a prognostic factor in patient with mCRC treated with either REG or TFTD as later-line. No difference in OS was observed between REG and TFTD groups irrespective of PTL.

// Takatsugu Ogata 1 , Hironaga Satake 2 , Misato Ogata 1 , Yukimasa Hatachi 1 , Kentaro Inoue 3 , Madoka Hamada 3 and Hisateru Yasui 1 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan 2 Cancer Treatment Center, Kansai Medical University Hospital, Shinmachi, Hirakata City, Osaka, 573-1191, Japan 3 Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University Hospital, Shinmachi, Hirakata City, Osaka, 573-1191, Japan Correspondence to: Hironaga Satake, email: takeh1977@gmail.com Keywords: advanced gastric cancer; nivolumab; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio; predictive factors; prognostic factors Received: May 28, 2018 Accepted: September 08, 2018 Published: October 02, 2018 ABSTRACT Introduction: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is effective as a predictive factor for lung cancer treated with nivolumab. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of NLR for patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) treated with nivolumab. Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective study of patients with AGC treated with nivolumab from June 2017 to December 2017. The NLRs were calculated before the first cycle (NLR pre ) and two weeks after the first administration (NLR post ). Results: Twenty-six patients were enrolled (males 19, females 7) with a median age of 64 years. The overall response rate was 15%. The median PFS was 80 days (range, 11 – 265) and the median OS was 290 days (range, 21 – 332). Stratified with high NLR (≥5) and low NLR (

Background The main purposes of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treatment are to prolong survival and maintain health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Compliance with the HRQOL assessment can be poor, particularly among patients who receive long-term treatment. One possible solution to overcoming this problem is to engage in real-time home monitoring by having patients report outcomes on their personal electronic devices. The objective of this study was to investigate compliance with HRQOL monitoring from home among MBC patients using the Computer-Based Health Evaluation System (CHES) to collect patient data. Methods Sixteen MBC patients who received outpatient chemotherapy or endocrine therapy, both with and without targeted therapy, were recruited. One eligibility criterion was the availability of a personal electronic device with access to the Internet. Patients were asked to enter HRQOL ratings from their personal electronic devices via CHES once every week for 12 weeks. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ C30) was used to evaluate HRQOL. The outcome examined was the questionnaire collection rate. Results Six patients (37.5%) were treated with chemotherapy only, one (6.2%) with endocrine therapy only, three (18.8%) with a combination of chemotherapy and targeted therapy, and six (37.5%) with a combination of endocrine and targeted therapy. Median questionnaire collection rate for the total of 12 weeks was 84.6% (interquartile range 44.3–100). The reasons for missing data were worsening of disease, forgetting, and device malfunction. Conclusions Compliance with electronic HRQOL data collection in this cohort was acceptable, considering the general ideal collection rate of 70–80%. We are conducting a prospective study to determine whether the use of CHES to input electronic real-time feedback of HRQOL ratings improves patients’ overall HRQOL.

Background Serine proteases act through the proteolytic cleavage of the hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza viruses for the entry of influenza virus into cells, resulting in infection. However, the inhibitory effects of serine protease inhibitors on influenza virus infection of human airway epithelial cells, and on their production of inflammatory cytokines are unclear. Methods Primary cultures of human tracheal epithelial cells were treated with four types of serine protease inhibitors, including camostat, and infected with A/Sendai-H/108/2009/(H1N1) pdm09 or A/New York/55/2004(H3N2). Results Camostat reduced the amounts of influenza viruses in the supernatants and viral RNA in the cells. It reduced the cleavage of an influenza virus precursor protein, HA0, into the subunit HA1. Camostat also reduced the concentrations of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the supernatants. Gabexate and aprotinin reduced the viral titers and RNA levels in the cells, and aprotinin reduced the concentrations of TNF-α in the supernatants. The proteases transmembrane protease serine S1 member (TMPRSS) 2 and HAT (human trypsin-like protease: TMPRSS11D), which are known to cleave HA0 and to activate the virus, were detected at the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm. mRNA encoding TMPRSS2, TMPRSS4 and TMPRSS11D was detectable in the cells, and the expression levels were not affected by camostat. Conclusions These findings suggest that human airway epithelial cells express these serine proteases and that serine protease inhibitors, especially camostat, may reduce influenza viral replication and the resultant production of inflammatory cytokines possibly through inhibition of activities of these proteases.

Background The aim of this study was to determine the recommended dose of irinotecan (CPT-11) with fixed regimen of oxaliplatin (L-OHP)/fluorouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin (LV) (FOLFOXIRI) plus bevacizumab in Japanese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Patients and methods Patients received CPT-11 followed by L-OHP 85mg/m 2 , LV 200mg/m 2 , and 5-FU 3200mg/m 2 infused as a 48-h continuous infusion and bevacizumab 5mg/kg, repeated every 2 weeks. A decrease of the CPT-11 dose was planned (started at level 1: CPT-11 165mg/m 2 ). This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (number UMIN000012991). Results Six patients were enrolled, and MTD was not reached at level 1. CPT-11 165mg/ in combination with L-OHP 85mg/m 2 , LV 200mg/m 2 , 5-FU 3200mg/m 2 infused as a 48-h continuous infusion and bevacizumab 5mg/kg could be administered with acceptable toxicity, and all patients were treated at these dose levels. The most common grade 3 or 4 toxicities were neutropenia (67%) and leukopenia (50%). No treatment death was observed. The overall response rate was 67% (95% confidence interval: 30.0–90.3 %). Conclusion This biweekly triplet plus bevacizumab regimen was well tolerated by Japanese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The recommended phase II dose was determined to be the same as the standard doses for this regimen used worldwide. Micro abstract The efficacy of the FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab regimen for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer has been proven in a recent phase III study. However, there is no report of the FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab regimen in Japanese patients, and recommended doses of this regimen for Japanese patients have not been determined. The present study demonstrates that the recommended doses of FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab for Japanese patients are the same as the standard doses used worldwide.

Background: Despite there are a few reports that assessed the S-1 + CDDP regimen with short hydration regimen for unresectable or metastatic gastric cancer, there is no consensus on the best regimen for short hydration. The aim of study was to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of S-1 plus cisplatin doublet chemotherapy with short hydration. Methods: S-1 was administered orally (p.o.) twice daily for the first 3 weeks of a 5-week cycle. Dose of S-1 administered was calculated according to the body surface area. CDDP was given as an intravenous (i.v.) infusion of 60 mg/m2 on day 8 of each cycle. Patients received the total of 1900 ml infusion containing 1000 ml of acetate Ringer’s solution as pre- and post-hydraion. 300 ml of 20% mannitol was administered as a diuretic. Results: 35 patients with unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer were enrolled. The reasons for termination of S-1 + CDDP were as follows: 21 (63.6%) by progressive disease; 12 (31.4%) by toxicity. Even though 12 of 35 patients (34.2%) were discontinued S-1 + CDDP chemotherapy, only one patient was discontinued by Grade 2 of increased creatinine. TTF (time to progression) was 174 days (3 - 586 days), and the median of the total number of treatment cycles of S-1 + CDDP was 3.31. Median overall survival, as secondary endpoint, was 518 days. Conclusions: Our study suggested that the short hydration regimen is as safe and efficient as the continuous hydration regimen.

Background The prognosis of locally advanced gastric cancer, such as clinical T4 disease, bulky nodal involvement, type 4 and large type 3 gastric cancer, remains unsatisfactory, even with D2 gastrectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. One promising approach is neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Combination chemotherapy with S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX) is recognised as a potentially promising regimen for gastric cancer. However, the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of SOX for locally advanced gastric cancer has not been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended dose of preoperative chemotherapy combined with SOX for locally advanced gastric cancer. Methods Patients received two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with oxaliplatin on day 1, as well as S-1 (80 mg/m2/day, twice daily) for 14 days, repeated every 3 weeks. They then underwent gastrectomy with curative D2/3 lymph node dissection followed by adjuvant S-1 (80 mg/m2/day, twice daily) for 1 year. Escalation of oxaliplatin dose was planned (starting at level 0, oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2; level 1, 130 mg/m2). Results Six patients were enrolled. MTD was not reached at level 1. Oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 in combination with S-1 80 mg/m2/day twice daily could be administered with acceptable toxicity. Peripheral neuropathy was observed in all patients but with no functional disorders. No treatment-related death was observed and the incidence of operative morbidity was tolerable. Resection with curative intent was undertaken in all patients with R0 resection performed in five (83%) and R1 in one. Two of the six patients had a pathological complete response (33%). Conclusion Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with an SOX regimen was feasible in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer. The recommended phase II dose was determined to be oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 in combination with S-1 80 mg/m2/day, twice daily.

150 Background: The ATTRACTION-2 study showed that nivolumab is effective in treating advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Many studies have examined the effectiveness of predictive factors. We previously suggested that neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the changes of NLR for AGC treated with nivolumab. Methods: Data on patients with AGC treated with nivolumab from November 2014 to December 2017 were collected at two centers. NLRs were calculated before the first cycle (NLRpre) and 2 weeks after the first cycle (NLRpost) of nivolumab, and the changes in NLR (cNLR) was calculated by NLRpost/NLRpre. The association of NLRpre and cNLR with the disease control rate (DCR) and PFS were assessed. Results: Forty-one patients (pts), with the median age of 64 years, were enrolled. Twenty-seven pts were men and 14 were women. Regarding ECOG PS, 34 pts had scores of 0-1 and 7 had a score of 2. The median NLRpre, NLRpost, and cNLR were 2.01 (range, 0.79–18.4), 2.76 (1.27–12.3), and 1.22 (0.16–5.20), respectively. With a median follow-up period of 6.1 months, DCR was 34.1% (complete response [CR], 1 pt; partial response [PR] 3 pts, stable disease [SD], 10 pts). Patients were divided into 3 classes: 8 in Class I (NLRpre≤5 and cNLR≤ 1); 17 in Class II (NLRpre ≤ 5 and 1 < cNLR≤ 2); and 16 in Class III (NLRpre> 5 or cNLR > 2). There were 8 pts, 17 pts, and 16 pts in Class I, II, and III, respectively. DCRs of Class I, II, and III was 87.5% (CR, 1 pt; PR, 2 pts; SD 4 pts), 29.4% (PR, 1 pts; SD 4 pts), and 12.5% (SD 2 pts), respectively. The median PFS was 2.0 months (mo), and it was longer in Class I than in Classes II+III (5.6 vs. 1.4 mo; p = 0.017) and shorter in Class III than in Classes I+II (3.1 vs. 1.3 mo; p = 0.008). The median PFS was 2.0 months (mo). The median PFS was longer in Class I compared with in Class II+III (5.6 vs 1.4 mo; p = 0.017). The median PFS was shorter in Class III compared with in Class I+II (3.1 vs 1.3 mo; p = 0.008). Conclusions: The combined use of NLRpre and cNLR seemed to be effective in predicting the response of AGC to nivolumab.

[Background] Despite of evidences showing the benefit of pirfenidone, their use is frequently associated with some adverse effect which could result in discontinuation. We investigated the reason of intolerance and to identify predictors of tolerability to pirfenidone. [Methods] This retrospective study comprised 76 patients with pulmonary fibrosis who were treated with pirfenidone from January 2011 to January 2016. We evaluated the adverse effect affecting patient continuation of a stable maintenance dose. [Result] Nineteen of 76 failed to receive pirfenidone 1200mg/day. Anorexia was reported by eleven patients, which was largest population among the intolerance group. In the comparison to the tolerant group who succeeded in continuing more than 1200mg/day for a month, there was a significant association to prophylactic administration of dopamine receptor antagonists (38% vs 9%, p = 0.04). [Conclusion] This study reveal that anorexia is the most common reason for discontinuation of pirfenidone in the real world. Prophylactic administration of dopamine receptor antagonists provides a significant reduction of anorexia from pirfenione.

Influenza virus replication and the production of inflammatory cytokines are associated with symptoms, including fever, and exacerbation of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Proteolytic activation of influenza viruses by serine proteases that are produced by airway epithelial cells is essential for viral entry and replication. Transmembrane protease serine S1 member (TMPRSS) 2, TMPRSS4 and TMPRSS11D have been detected certain cells, including the human alveolar epithelial cell line A549 and the surface epithelial cells of the human nasal mucosa, the trachea, the distal airways, and the lung. Several protease inhibitors, including aprotinin, reduce influenza virus replication. We previously demonstrated the following: (1) TMPRSSs (TMPRSS2, 4, and 11D) are present in primary cultures of human tracheal epithelial cells; (2) serine protease inhibitors, such as camostat and aprotinin, reduce the influenza virus replication and the release of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α into cell supernatants; and (3) camostat reduces the cleavage of an influenza virus precursor protein, HA0, into the subunit HA1. These findings suggest that serine proteases expressed by human tracheal epithelial cells induce the proteolytic activation of influenza viruses and that serine protease inhibitors may reduce viral replication and the resultant production of inflammatory cytokines. Thus, serine protease inhibitors are potential candidates for anti-influenza virus drugs Here, we review the expression of serine proteases, the role of serine proteases in influenza virus activation, and the effects of serine protease inhibitors. In this review, we aim to introduce the effects of serine proteases and their inhibitors on influenza virus infection of human airway epithelial cells by discussing the findings of previous studies performed by our group and other research groups. Furthermore, the clinical features and virulence of influenza virus infection are reviewed to clarify the association of virus replication and cytokine release with disease severity.

Infection by rhinoviruses (RVs) causes exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The long-acting anti-cholinergic agent tiotropium reduces the frequency of COPD exacerbations, but the inhibitory effects of tiotropium on the COPD exacerbations induced by RVs are unclear. Likewise, the effects of tiotropium on RVs infection remain to be studied. To examine the effects of tiotropium on RV infection and RV infection-induced airway inflammation, human tracheal epithelial cells were infected with a major group RV, type 14 RV (RV14). RV14 infection increased the viral titre and the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β and -6, in supernatant fluids and the amount of RV14 RNA in cells. Tiotropium reduced RV14 titres, RNA and cytokine concentrations, and susceptibility to RV14 infection. Tiotropium reduced the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, the receptor for RV14, and the number of cellular acidic endosomes, which allow RV14 RNA to enter the cytoplasm. Tiotropium inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-(κ)B proteins, including p50 and p65, in the nuclear extracts, and it increased the cytosolic amount of inhibitory κB-α. Tiotropium may inhibit RV14 infection by reducing the levels of ICAM-1 and acidic endosomes and may also modulate airway inflammation in rhinovirus infection.

Regorafenib, a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is used in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) for salvage-line therapy. From clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse events of regorafenib are hand-foot skin reactions, fatigue, diarrhea and hypertension. We report two cases of hyperammonemic encephalopathy induced by regorafenib in patients with mCRC. Hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a life-threatening complication in patients with severe liver cirrhosis, and is often observed in liver dysfunction/failure cases. Cases of hyperammonemic encephalopathy have been reported with various multi-targeted TKIs. The underlying mechanism of encephalopathy remains unclear, but in light of similar presentations, it can be reasonably suspected to be a result of a class effect of these TKIs. We suggest checking ammonia levels in patients on regorafenib presenting with altered consciousness, even if they have normal liver function. Discontinuation of regorafenib, as well as ammonia-lowering therapy, is essential to the management of this adverse effect, and recommencement of regorafenib should be discouraged.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between clinicopathological factors and plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. A total of 133 patients with advanced NSCLC were included in this study. The level of BNP was determined at the time of diagnosis. The BNP plasma concentration was measured using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay kit. The univariate relationship between each independent clinicopathological variable and plasma BNP was examined using the Chi-square test. The survival curves were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. According to the cut-off value of plasma BNP levels (11.5 and 22.4 pg/ml), plasma BNP negatively correlated with the presence of metastases (Chi-square test, p=0.0374 and p=0.0098, respectively). However, no significant association between patient survival time and plasma BNP levels was found. Reduced plasma BNP levels in advanced NSCLC patients with metastases were noted and the possibility was raised that BNP decreases distant metastases of advanced NSCLC patients.

The aim of this study was to analyze the factors independent of epidermal growth factor (EGFR) gene mutations that affect the progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after gefitinib therapy.Eighty patients with advanced NSCLC between January 2003 and April 2010 at Kyoto University Hospital were analyzed for EGFR somatic mutations and treated with gefitinib. We adopted the peptide nucleic acid-locked nucleic acid polymerase chain reaction clamp method for determination of EGFR mutation status. To evaluate risk factors associated with PFS, Cox proportional hazards regression model with a step-down procedure was used. Proportional hazards assumptions were checked and satisfied; only those variables with statistically significant results in univariate analysis were included in a multivariate analysis.The median PFS of patients with EGFR mutations were significantly longer than in patients with wild-type EGFR. The median PFS of patients after first-line gefitinib therapy was significantly longer than those who received treatment as a second-line therapy. The median PFS of patients over 75 years of age was significantly longer than in younger patients. Based on multivariate analysis, wild-type EGFR status and age75 years were significant and independent negative factors that affect PFS after gefitinib therapy.In this study, we showed the EGFR mutants and age75 years were good predictive factors for PFS after gefitinib therapy, suggesting that first-line gefitinib treatment for older patients is efficacious regardless of EGFR mutational status.

A standard, valid assay of comorbidities for elderly patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have received antitumor therapy is needed to provide useful prognostic information. The aim of this study was to analyze prognostic factors and validate classic Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and comorbidity scores in elderly patients with advanced NSCLC treated with chemotherapy or epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). A retrospective analysis was conducted on 162 patients with advanced NSCLC over 70 years old at diagnosis, who were treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy or with EGFR-TKIs between April 2003 and April 2009 at Kyoto University Hospital. Collected data included clinical assessments, treatments, toxicities, and outcomes. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were evaluated with log-rank and Cox regression tests. Based on multivariate analysis, unspecified NSCLC histology [Hazard ratio (HR), 1.631; 95% Confidence interval (CI), 1.184-2.263; P = 0.0016], more than 3 comorbidities (HR, 1.317; 95% CI, 1.020-2.675; P = 0.0350), and a CCI of more than 3 (HR, 1.321; 95% CI, 1.031-1.664; P = 0.0285) were significant independent negative prognostic factors for survival. Our results indicate that CCI and the number of comorbidities are independent predictors of survival in elderly patients undergoing systemic chemotherapy including EGFR-TKIs for advanced NSCLC. These factors should be taken into consideration in the pretreatment assessment as important factors predicting survival outcome.

BACKGROUND: Although the association of multiple pulmonary metastases, and particularly miliary metastases, with response to gefitinib treatment in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer has been reported, the association of miliary pulmonary metastases with epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) mutations remains unclear. METHODS: The authors retrospectively investigated the association of diffuse, random pulmonary metastases in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. The study included 163 Japanese patients who had unresectable, advanced lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed between April 2003 and March 2010. Computed tomography scans that were obtained at the time of diagnosis were analyzed by 2 investigators. For the purposes of this study, diffuse, random pulmonary metastases were defined as multiple nodules (n = 50; ≤3 cm in greatest dimension) distributed diffusely and randomly throughout the lungs. RESULTS: Of 163 patients, 55 had pulmonary metastases, and EGFR mutations were detected in 22 of those 55 patients. The mutations were identified preferentially among women (P = .15) and were identified significantly among patients who had a smoking history of

The aims of this study are to: (a) confirm the prognostic significance of the procoagulant molecules D dimer, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), and plasmin-α2-plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC); (b) to evaluate hemostatic activation in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); and (c) to delineate the relationships between markers of hemostasis and other clinical characteristics. In this study, a low PIC/TAT ratio and poor PS were significant independent negative prognostic factors for survival in patients with advanced NSCLC. The PIC/TAT ratio may become a surrogate marker for treatment with anticoagulants in the future.

866 Background: Hepatic resection is one of the treatment strategies for resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLM). The role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy in the management of initially resectable CLM is still unclear. Adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CapeOx) appears to be equivalent to FOLFOX in patients with stage III colon cancer. Furthermore, the IDEA collaboration reported that adjuvant chemotherapy with the three months of CapeOx after curative resection for stage III colon cancer has equivalent efficacy to adjuvant chemotherapy for 6 months. We conducted a multi-institutional, single-arm, phase II trial to confirm the feasibility of the three months of adjuvant CapeOx for post curative resection of CLM. Methods: Patients received one course of capecitabine followed by four courses of CapeOx for a total five courses (15 weeks) as adjuvant chemotherapy after curative resection of CLM. Oral capecitabine was given with 1,000 mg/m2 twice daily for 2 weeks in a 3-week cycle, and CapeOx consisted of oral capecitabine plus oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 on day 1 in a 3-week cycle. The primary endpoint was completion rate of adjuvant chemotherapy. We set a threshold completion rate of protocol treatment of 45% and an expected completion rate of 70%. Given a one-sided α of 0.1 and statistical power of 80%, a minimum of 25 patients was required. Results: From May 2013 to November 2015, Twenty-eight patients were enrolled from six institutions: median age 69.5y, 54% male, 78.5% left-sided primary. Of the patients, 15 were synchronous metastases and 13 were metachronous. The locations of the metastases were unilobar in 20 patients and bilobar in 8. The mean number of lesions resected was two (range, 1 to 4). Among the 28 patients, 20 (71.4%: 95% CI, 53.6 to 89.3%) completed the protocol treatment. The most common grade 3/4 toxicities were neutropenia (29%). No treatment related death was observed. With a median follow-up period of 36 months (range 15-53months), 3 year-relapse free survival was 75.3%. Conclusions: The three months of adjuvant CapeOx is tolerable for post curative resection of CLM. Clinical trial information: 000011164.

Background: Spinal metastases of patients with advanced stage lung cancer are an important target for palliative therapy, because their incidence is high, and they often cause severe symptoms and worsen the quality of life. Surgery is one of the most effective treatment options, but the indication of surgery is unclear as the procedure is invasive and patients with spinal metastasis have a rather short life expectancy. Furthermore, there have been few studies that have focused on lung cancer with poor prognosis. Methods: We reviewed all of the cases of lung cancer from January 1999 to July 2007 in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Japan. Thirteen patients with metastatic spinal tumor of lung cancer underwent surgery, and all of them had a poor performance status score (3 or 4). Results: Neurological improvement by at least 1 Frankel grade was seen in 10 of 14 cases (71%). Improvement of the movement capacity was noted in 9 of 14 cases (64%), and pain improvement was noted in 12 of 14 (86%). Median postoperative survival was 5 months (1–25 months). In particular, the group with a good postoperative performance status score (0–2) was shown to have a better median postoperative survival of 13 months. Conclusions: Surgical treatment for symptomatic metastatic spinal tumor of lung cancer can improve quality of life in a substantially high percentage of patients. Surgery should be considered even if preoperative performance status is poor.