Treatment of Advanced Colorectal Cancer (CRC) in Daily Practice: Results of a Survey in two Italian Regions, Piemonte and Valle D'aosta

1998 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 562-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Comandone ◽  
Roberto Berardo ◽  
Roberto Faggiuolo ◽  
Antonella Boglione ◽  
Paola Bergnolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Therapeutic Choice ◽  
Italian Regions ◽  
Important Health ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
No Gold Standard

Aims and background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most important health problems in Western countries: it is the fourth cancer in terms of incidence and the second cause of cancer death. Surgery is the main therapeutic choice and there is broad consensus on the role of adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) after resection. Unfortunately, 50% of the patients will relapse and die of the disease. Palliative CT based on 5-fluorouracil (5FU) may induce a 9-48% response rate with a median survival of 11.5 months. At present there is no gold standard for CT in advanced CRC and the situation has become more complicated since the advent of new drugs (Raltitrexed, Irinotecan, Oxaliplatin). The aim of this study was the identification of the different approaches to treatment of advanced CRC among the clinicians (oncologists, radiologists, internal medicine specialists, surgeons) who practice CT. Methods and study design Forty-six clinicians from two Italian Regions (Piemonte and Valle d'Aosta) were interviewed by telephone. Results 5FU modulated with Lederfolin according to the classic Machover scheme is the main option in daily practice. More sophisticated therapies are reserved to patients with a good performance status (PS) and are prescribed only in the larger centers. The planned therapies usually consist of six courses. Restaging may be performed after three or six courses. A marked difference has been recorded in the evaluation of a situation of no change (NC): 25.5% of the clinicians evaluate stable disease as a positive result. In the event of disease progression or relapse, 35% of the clinicians do not prescribe second-line CT. In case of further treatment, the options are totally subjective. Conclusions A national survey on this issue is necessary under the auspices of AIOM (Associazione Italiana Oncologia Medica) and involving oncologists, epidemiologists and statisticians, in order to define the reasons for variations in therapy in advanced CRC and determine the differences between clinicians of different age, specialization and location. This survey could lead to a definition of guidelines for the treatment of advanced CRC.

Obesity and inflammation: colorectal cancer engines

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara J. Bou Malhab ◽  
Wael M. Abdel-Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Obese Patients ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Molecular Alterations ◽  
Stat3 Signaling ◽  
Therapeutic Choice ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
Inhibitory Molecules

: The prevalence of obesity continues to increase to the extent that it became a worldwide pandemic. An accumulating body of evidence has associated obesity with the development of different types of cancer, including colorectal cancer, which is a notorious disease with a high mortality rate. At the molecular level, colorectal cancer is a heterogenous disease characterized by a myriad of genetic and epigenetic alterations associated with various forms of genomic instability (detailed in Supplementary Materials). Recently, the microenvironment has emerged as a major factor in carcinogenesis. Our aim is to define the different molecular alterations leading to the development of colorectal cancer in obese patients with a focus on the role of the microenvironment in carcinogenesis. We also highlight all existent molecules in clinical trials that target the activated pathways in obesity-associated colorectal cancer, whether used as single treatments or in combination. Obesity predisposes to colorectal cancer via creating a state of chronic inflammation with dysregulated adipokines, inflammatory mediators, and other factors such as immune cell infiltration. A unifying theme in obesity-mediated colorectal cancer is the activation of the PI3K/AKT, mTOR/MAPK, and STAT3 signaling pathways. Different inhibitory molecules towards these pathways exist, increasing the therapeutic choice of obesity-associated colon cancer. However, obese patients are more likely to suffer from chemotherapy overdosing. Preventing obesity through maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle remains to be the best remedy.

Ziv-aflibercept: A novel angiogenesis inhibitor for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer

2013 ◽  
Vol 70 (21) ◽  
pp. 1887-1896 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clement Chung ◽  
Nisha Pherwani
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Angiogenesis Inhibitor ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Second Line ◽  
Patient Response ◽  
Line Setting

Abstract Purpose The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, and administration of ziv-aflibercept in combination therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are reviewed. Summary Ziv-aflibercept (Zaltrap, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and sanofi-aventis) is a novel recombinant fusion protein that targets the angiogenesis signaling pathway of tumor cells by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors that play a key role in tumor growth and metastasis; it is a more potent VEGF blocker than bevacizumab. Ziv-aflibercept is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in combination with fluorouracil, irinotecan, and leucovorin (the FOLFIRI regimen) for second-line treatment of patients with mCRC who have disease progression during first-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. A Phase III trial demonstrated that relative to FOLFIRI therapy alone, the use of ziv-aflibercept was associated with significantly improved patient response, overall survival, and progression-free survival in patients with good performance status at baseline, including some who had received prior bevacizumab therapy. The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse effects associated with ziv-aflibercept use in clinical studies were neutropenia, hypertension, and diarrhea; the U.S. product labeling warns of potential hemorrhage and other treatment-related risks. Conclusion Current clinical data are insufficient to directly compare ziv-aflibercept and bevacizumab when used with standard combination chemotherapy as first- or second-line regimens for mCRC. The role of ziv-aflibercept is currently limited to the second-line setting in combination with irinotecan-based regimens in mCRC patients who have not received irinotecan previously. The role of ziv-aflibercept in chemotherapy for other tumor types is yet to be determined.

Reversal of Resistance to Doxifluridine and Fluorouracil in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The Role of High-Dose Folinic Acid

1992 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 258-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Colleoni ◽  
Emilio Bajetta ◽  
Filippo de Braud ◽  
Nicoletta Zilembo ◽  
Franco Noiè ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Folinic Acid ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Severe Toxicity ◽  
First Line ◽  
First Line Therapy ◽  
Colon And Rectum

The benefits from medical treatment in colorectal cancer are limited. Fluorouracil remains the only recognized drug, and how to treat unresponsive patients is still debated. To evaluate the role of folinic acid (FA) in circumvence resistance in colorectal cancer, 28 patients pretreated with fluoropyrimidine were candidated to receive one of the following schedules: fluorouracil (600 mg/m2) associated with FA (500 mg/m2) weekly for 6 weeks (Regimen A: 21 cases), or fluorouracil (370 mg/m2) plus FA (200 mg/m2) dally for 5 days every 4 weeks (Regimen B: 7 cases). Fourteen patients were pretreated with doxifluridlne, a new fluoropyrimldine derivative with a peculiar mechanism of action, and the remaining 14 patients with fluorouracil. All but 2 patients were unresponsive to first-line treatments. When the treatment began, the median age of the patients was 60 years (range, 30-68). The performance status (ECOG) was 0/1 in 25 of them, and the primary tumor was in the colon and rectum in 19 and 9 patients, respectively. Sites of disease were liver (64 %), lung (35 %), local recurrence (10 %) and peritoneum (10 %). A median of 3 cycles (range, 1-7) was delivered, and no objective response was observed in the group of patients pretreated with doxlfluridine or in the group pretreated with fluorouracil. In 5 cases a significant decrease in baseline CEA values was observed. Therapy was well tolerated, and no grade 4 toxicity was encountered. Severe toxicity was limited and included diarrhea (7 patients), stomatitis (1 patient) and nausea/vomiting (1 patient). High-dose FA has no role in reversing resistance to fluoropyrimidine, and other mechanisms of refractoriness are surely involved. FA should be associated with fluoropyrimidine as first-line therapy together with other biochemical modulators. Further rescue therapies need to be developed.

The role of oophorectomy for colon cancer with ovarian metastasis

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15113-e15113
Author(s):  
S. Lee ◽  
J. Lee ◽  
H. Ahn ◽  
J. Park ◽  
J. Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Ovarian Metastasis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Poor Performance Status ◽  
Ovarian Metastases ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Patients

e15113 Background: A recent study demonstrated that colorectal cancer with ovarian metastases were less responsive to chemotherapy compared to extraovarian metastases. Hence, the ovary may actually represent a “sanctuary” for metastatic cells from CRC. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of oophorectomy on survival of colorectal cancer patients with ovarian metastasis. Methods: Between 1996 and 2008, 83 colorectal cancer patients underwent oophorectomy. For the historical control, 47 colorectal cancer patients without oophorectomy were included in the analysis. Survival and its associated factors were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test and Cox-regression analysis. Results: The median age was younger (48 years) in the oophorectomy group when compared to the historical control (54 years) (P =.012). The proportion of synchronous metastasis was higher in the oophorectomy than the control group (57% vs 30%, respectively; P=.003). After a median follow-up duration of 60.8 months (range, 7.4 - 169.7 months), the median OS was significantly longer in the oophorectomy group (28.1 vs 21.2 months, oophorectomy vs non-oophoreectomy; P=.038). For ovary-specific survival (date of ovarian metastasis diagnosis to death), colorectal cancer patients with oophorectomy showed significantly favorable survival than the control group (20.8 vs 10.9 months, respectively; P<.001). At univariate analyses, no oophorectomy (P=.038), bilaterality of ovarian metastasis (P=0.032), the presence of extraovarian metastasis (P<0.001), elevated CEA (p<0.001), poor performance status (p=0.001), no palliative chemotherapy(p=0.001), no primary disease resection(p=0.005) were identified as significantly poor prognostic factors for overall survival. The no oophorectomy, no chemotherapy, extraovarian metastasis, elevated CEA, poor performance status retained statistical significance at multivariate level. (p=0.003, p=0.004, p=0.005, p=0.015, p=0.029, respectively). Conclusions: Based on this retrospective analysis, the oophorectomy significantly prolonged survival in colorectal cancer patients with ovarian metastases. A potential role of oophorectomy in the management of colorectal cancer should be prospectively studied. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals The role of chemotherapy in the management of resectable colorectal cancer

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-163
Author(s):  
Davorin Radosavljevic ◽  
Zorica Tomasevic ◽  
Ivan Popov ◽  
Svetislav Jelic
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Adjuvant Chemotherapy ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Prognostic Indicators ◽  
Standard Regimen ◽  
Intraperitoneal Therapy ◽  
Accepted Standard ◽  
Portal Vein Infusion

Adjuvant chemotherapy has been established as the standard of care for patients with node-positive resected colon cancer. 5-fluorouracil modulated with leucovorin given for six months is currently the most widely accepted "standard" regimen. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II remain investigational and some prognostic indicators that correlate with higher risk for subsequent recurrence may be used for these patients when consider adjuvant chemotherapy. Other investigational approaches include regional portal vein infusion and intraperitoneal therapy, immunotherapy, and new drugs, with proven activity in metastatic disease. Patients older than 70 years are also candidate for adjuvant therapy of colorectal cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy of rectal cancer is often associated with radiotherapy and enhances local control seen with radiotherapy and improves survival of these patients.

Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy of New Medical Treatments in Advanced Colorectal Cancer. Results of a Workshop Organized by the Eortc Gitccg

1998 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacques Wils ◽  
Tarek Sahmoud ◽  
Alberto Sobrero ◽  
Harry Bleiberg ◽  
Sam Ahmedzai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Advanced Colorectal Cancer ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
European Organization ◽  
Medical Treatments ◽  
General Acceptance ◽  
Tract Cancer ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact

During the last few years several factors have contributed to an increasing change in the medical treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Among them are the more general acceptance of the impact of chemotherapy on quality of life and survival in first as well as in second-line treatment, the introduction of new drugs and the definition of novel endpoints which can roughly be defined as “patient benefit”. For this reason the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer Cooperative Group (GITCCG) felt it was appropriate to organize a workshop with experts from different countries and national groups to discuss in depth several aspects concerning the treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

scholarly journals Reconstructing the Notion of Nationalism: Conversations About Women and Nationalism

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
Iqraa Runi Aprilia ◽  
Ruth Indiah Rahayu
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
The State ◽  
Political Interest ◽  
Political Interests ◽  
The Social ◽  
Feminist Theories ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Relationship

<p>Contemporary feminists in Indonesia do not yet have questions about nationalism, since the conversation about nationalism has been considered final at the beginning of Indonesian independence. In fact, in terms of contemporary analysis, women have problems with nationalism, when the definition of nationalism is dominated by the study of political science that is male-view biased. By tracing history to contemporary time, the relationship between women and nationalism is dominated by patriarchal interests for the mobilization of power, even if women have an independent political interest. That is why political interests of women are situated marginally in nationalism. But if we use the perspective of the social sciences, as feminist theories, then the notion of nationalism is broader than that of women and the state. We are still less productive in abstracting the relationship between women and citizens in nationalism, while it is a daily practice of women’s struggles both personally and organically. Women have proven to be an active agency to become citizens beyond the mobilization of the state. This paper seeks to arouse feminist questions about nationalism, in order to reveal the role of women who are hidden in nationalism.  </p>

scholarly journals Prognostic Value of Sarcopenia in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated with Trifluridine/Tipiracil

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (21) ◽  
pp. 5107
Author(s):  
Mateusz Malik ◽  
Maciej Michalak ◽  
Barbara Radecka ◽  
Marek Gełej ◽  
Aleksandra Jackowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Lumbar Vertebra ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Index ◽  
Skeletal Mass

Sarcopenia is common in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), increases the risk of treatment-related toxicity and reduces survival. Trifluridine/tipiracil (TT) chemotherapy significantly improved survival in refractory mCRC patients, but the prognostic and predictive role of pretherapeutic sarcopenia and variation in the skeletal muscle index (SMI) during this treatment has not been investigated so far. In this retrospective, observational study, clinical data on mCRC patients treated with TT at six cancer centres in Poland were collected. Computed tomography (CT) scans acquired at the time of initiation of TT (CT1) and on the first restaging (CT2), were evaluated. SMI was assessed based on the skeletal muscle area (SMA) at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated from the treatment start. Neither initial sarcopenia nor ≥5% skeletal mass loss (SML) between CT1 and CT2 had a significant effect on PFS in treated patients (p = 0.5526 and p = 0.1092, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, reduced OS was found in patients with ≥5% SML (HR: 2.03 (1.11–3.72), p = 0.0039). We describe the prognostic role of sarcopenia beyond second line treatment and analyze other factors, such as performance status, tumor histological differentiation or carcinoembryonic antigen level that could predict TT treatment response.

Radiation therapists’ perspectives of the role of reflection in clinical practice

2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Cashell
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Professional Lives ◽  
Small Group Teaching ◽  
Definition Of

AbstractA recurring theme from the literature is that the definition of reflection is nebulous and/or complex. Many authors have suggested that more research needs to be conducted to better understand an individual’s perception of reflection and reflective practice, and how these concepts affect their clinical practice as well as their personal growth and development. This paper offers the findings of a qualitative study of radiation therapists in Canada. The aim of the study was to explore radiation therapist’s understanding of the concept of reflection, and to understand how they incorporated it into their daily practice. Secondary objectives were to examine some of the perceived barriers to its use, and the possible challenges of implementing reflective writing. Two focus groups were initially conducted, and a follow-up questionnaire was developed using the themes generated from the focus groups. The questionnaire was distributed to radiation therapists at two large cancer centres in Toronto, Canada. Most participants indicated that it is an integral part of their practice and professional lives, and that they use a variety of different methods for engaging in reflection. It is not without its barriers, but many of these can be overcome by providing time, coaching and a supportive work environment. Respondents were divided as to whether they would benefit from being taught reflection; however, small group teaching would be the favoured method. Further study is suggested to determine whether there are any improvements to patient care and in particular patient outcomes.

scholarly journals P407 Thiopurines: use them or lose them? Results of an international survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S414-S415
Author(s):  
P C Sousa ◽  
P Ministro ◽  
A Armuzzi ◽  
A Dignass ◽  
M L Høivik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Precision Medicine ◽  
Treatment Algorithm ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Future Perspective ◽  
Tpmt Activity ◽  
Survey Form ◽  
The Future ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract Background With the development of new drugs for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the role of thiopurines in the therapeutic algorithm of Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is questioned. We aimed to investigate the current practice and future perspective of IBD physicians regarding the efficacy, safety, and role of precision medicine of thiopurines in IBD. Methods A 29-question web-based survey was developed and distributed to IBD physicians internationally, via national IBD associations and word of mouth. The final survey form was reviewed and approved by the clinical committee of ECCO. In the absence of a universal definition of an “IBD expert”, we defined them as senior physicians observing more than 20 patients per week. Results Complete answers from 408 physicians from 50 countries were obtained, the majority from European countries. Participants were mainly experienced physicians in IBD, with 26.0% meeting our definition of “IBD expert”. Only four physicians reported not using thiopurines in clinical practice. Azathioprine was the most used drug (97.1% of participants), while 61.3% of physicians reported using mercaptopurine; only 6.6% of participants used thioguanine. Most respondents used thiopurines in both monotherapy and in combination therapy, for both CD and UC, and consider them as effective treatments (Figures 1 and 2). Respondents tended to consider thiopurines as drugs with a good safety profile, with the agreement of 61.5% of the overall cohort; this was true especially in patients aged between 30 and 50 years old, with the agreement of 80.2% of the overall cohort (Figure 3). Access to TPMT activity assessment and metabolites measurement varied regionally. Physicians considered access to metabolites measurement as an important tool to improve thiopurines’ efficacy and safety, and to increase confidence when prescribing these drugs (Figure 4). Only a minority of the physicians (~6%) considered that thiopurines will not be used in the future in IBD, while 57.8% believed they will still be used both in mono and combination therapy in CD and UC. Conclusion Despite the many emerging treatments in IBD, thiopurines will still be part of the treatment algorithm of both CD and UC in the future. Access to tools for precision medicine varies around the globe, and wider implementation of these instruments, especially metabolite measurement, may improve confidence in thiopurines prescription, improving safety and efficacy.

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