The impact of nutritional risk factors and sarcopenia on survival in patients treated with pelvic exenteration for recurrent gynaecological malignancy: a retrospective cohort study

Purpose The aim of the present study is to investigate the prognostic significance of nutritional risk factors and sarcopenia on the outcome of patients with recurrent gynaecological malignancies treated by pelvic exenteration. Methods We retrospectively evaluated muscle body composite measurements based on pre-operative CT scans, nutritional risk factors as assessed by a validated pre-operative questionnaire, and clinical–pathological parameters in 65 consecutive patients with recurrent gynaecological malignancies, excluding ovarian cancer, treated by pelvic exenteration at the Royal Marsden Hospital London. Predictive value for postoperative morbidity was investigated by logistic regression analyses. Relevant parameters were included in uni- and multivariate survival analyses. Results We found only (1) low muscle attenuation (MA)—an established factor for muscle depletion—and (2) moderate risk for malnutrition to be independently associated with shorter overall survival (p = 0.006 and p = 0.008, respectively). MA was significantly lower in overweight and obese patients (p = 0.04). Muscle body composite measurements were not predictive for post-operative morbidity. Conclusion The study suggests that pre-operative low MA and moderate risk for malnutrition are associated with shorter survival in patients with recurrent gynaecological malignancies treated with pelvic exenteration. Further studies are needed to validate these findings in larger cohorts.

INNV-35. A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY REVIEW OF NEWLY DIAGNOSED HIGH GRADE GLIOMA REFERRALS TO THERAPIES, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A SCREENING TOOL TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO THERAPIES AT THE ROYAL MARSDEN HOSPITAL (RMH)

Brain tumours make up 3% of all cancers. The disease and treatment have significant impact on function and quality of life (QoL). Early outpatient rehabilitation can improve function. National Institute of Clinical Excellence recommends patients have access to rehabilitation across the pathway, but unmet need is prevalent in this population. We recognised late referrals in our Trust and poor patient awareness of Therapies, resulting in reduced access to rehabilitation. METHOD: A retrospective notes review of new neuro-oncology patients (n=56) referred to RMH from July - December 2018 was undertaken to identify therapy needs and timeliness of referrals. A therapy screening tool was devised and piloted from July – December 2019. Additionally, an MDT questionnaire was circulated to gain feedback regarding this service. RESULTS: Retrospective review revealed that of those patients with identified therapy needs, 16% of physiotherapy (PT), 10% of Occupational Therapy (OT) and 9% of Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) were referred late. Additionally, referrals were not received for 40% of patients with OT needs, 32% for PT and 30% for SLT. Following implementation of the screening tool, referrals occurred earlier in the pathway, and rates increased by 60% in SLT, 59% in PT, and 25% in OT. An MDT questionnaire revealed 100% consensus that screening was beneficial to patients and the MDT with improved access to therapies. CONCLUSION: Brain tumour patients require prompt therapy intervention to improve and maintain function and QoL. We identified high levels of unmet need which was eliminated by a screening tool and subsequently increased referral rates. Patients and the MDT had improved awareness of the role of Therapies, as well as earlier access. The neuro-oncology MDT benefitted from the effects of therapy intervention improving patient tolerance to oncological treatment. Therapists were able to identify and manage impairments earlier, improving QoL.

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: Systemic Immune Activation Post Immunotherapy

ABSTRACT Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly a standard of care for many cancers; these agents can result in immune-related adverse events (irAEs) including fever, which is common but can rarely be associated with systemic immune activation (SIA or acquired HLH). Methods All consecutive patients receiving ICIs in the Drug Development Unit of the Royal Marsden Hospital between May 2014 and November 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with fever ≥ 38°C or chills/rigors (without fever) ≤ 6 weeks of commencing ICIs were identified for clinical data collection. Results Three patients met diagnostic criteria for SIA/HLH with median time to onset of symptoms of 10 days. We describe the clinical evolution, treatment used, and outcomes for these patients. High-dose steroids are used first-line with other treatments, such as tocilizumab, immunoglobulin and therapeutic plasmapheresis can be considered for steroid-refractory SIA/HLH. Conclusion SIA/HLH post ICI is a rare but a potentially fatal irAE that presents with fever and a constellation of nonspecific symptoms. Early recognition and timely treatment are key to improving outcomes.

Can extranodal tumour deposits be diagnosed on MRI? Protocol for a multicentre clinical trial (the COMET trial)

IntroductionTumour deposits (TDs) are a poor prognostic marker when seen on pathology, and are worse than lymph node metastases (LNMs). They are now being reported on MRI as discontinuous nodules of extramural venous invasion but this diagnosis has not been validated and it is unclear how it correlates with the diagnosis of TDs on pathology.Methods and analysisThis is a prospective interventional clinical trial which aims to directly map the location of TDs on MRI and correlate what is seen on MRI with the pathology findings at each location. All patients with rectal cancer undergoing resectional surgery are eligible (including those undergoing preoperative therapy). The primary outcome is the prevalence of TDs seen on pathology. Secondary outcomes are to assess radiological and pathological interobserver agreement, assess the effect of TDs on prognosis and carry out exploratory work looking at differences between TDs and LNMs. The estimated sample size is 100 to detect a twofold increase in the pathological diagnosis of TD when MRI mapping is used.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted from the South Central—Hampshire B Research and Ethics Committee (IRAS 217627). The study will be carried out under standard operative procedures within the Royal Marsden Hospital.Trial registration numberNCT03303547.

Unclassifiable Isolated Monoclonal Lymphocytosis: Comprehensive Description of a Retrospective Cohort

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, the nosology of B-cell neoplasms integrates clinical, morphological, phenotypic, and genetic data. In this retrospective analysis, we identified 18 patients with isolated neoplastic lymphocytosis that could not be accurately classified within the WHO classification. Most of them were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis and the evolution was relatively indolent, as only five patients required treatment after a median follow-up of 48 months. The neoplastic B-cells expressed CD5 in most cases, but the Royal Marsden Hospital score was strictly below 3. Trisomy 12 was the most frequent cytogenetic abnormality. High-throughput sequencing highlighted mutations found in both chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). Similarly, the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region repertoire was distinct from those reported in CLL or MZL. However, as treatment choice is dependent on the correct classification of the lymphoproliferative disorder, a histological diagnosis should be performed in case patients need to be treated.