Frauenklinik und Poliklinik
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Update Breast Cancer 2020 Part 5 – Moving Therapies From Advanced to Early Breast Cancer Patients
(2021)
In recent years, significant progress has been made in new therapeutic approaches to breast cancer, particularly in patients with HER2-positive and HER2-negative/hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. In the case of HER2-positive tumours, these approaches have included, in particular, treatment with pertuzumab, T-DM1, neratinib and, soon, also tucatinib and trastuzumab deruxtecan (neither of which has yet been authorised in Europe). In patients with HER2−/HR+ breast cancer, CDK4/6 inhibitors and the PIK3CA inhibitor alpelisib are of particular importance. Further novel therapies, such as Akt kinase inhibitors and oral SERDs (selective estrogen receptor down regulators), are already being investigated in ongoing clinical trials. These therapeutic agents are not only being introduced into curative, (neo-)adjuvant therapeutic settings for HER2-positive tumours; a first favourable study on abemaciclib as an adjuvant therapy has now also been published. In patients with triple-negative breast cancer, after many years of negative study results with the Trop-2 antibody drug conjugate (ADC) sacituzumab govitecan, a randomised study has been published that may represent a significant therapeutic advance. This review describes the latest developments in breast cancer subsequent to the ESMO Congress 2020.
While the central nervous system is considered an immunoprivileged site and brain tumors display immunosuppressive features, both innate and adaptive immune responses affect glioblastoma (GBM) growth and treatment resistance. However, the impact of the major immune cell population in gliomas, represented by glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs), on patients’ clinical course is still unclear. Thus, we aimed at assessing the immunohistochemical expression of selected microglia and macrophage markers in 344 gliomas (including gliomas from WHO grade I–IV). Furthermore, we analyzed a cohort of 241 IDH1R132H-non-mutant GBM patients for association of GAM subtypes and patient overall survival. Phenotypical properties of GAMs, isolated from high-grade astrocytomas by CD11b-based magnetic cell sorting, were analyzed by immunocytochemistry, mRNA microarray, qRT-PCR and bioinformatic analyses. A higher amount of CD68-, CD163- and CD206-positive GAMs in the vital tumor core was associated with beneficial patient survival. The mRNA expression profile of GAMs displayed an upregulation of factors that are considered as pro-inflammatory M1 (eg, CCL2, CCL3L3, CCL4, PTGS2) and anti-inflammatory M2 polarization markers (eg, MRC1, LGMN, CD163, IL10, MSR1), the latter rather being associated with phagocytic functions in the GBM microenvironment. In summary, we present evidence that human GBMs contain mixed M1/M2-like polarized GAMs and that the levels of different GAM subpopulations in the tumor core are positively associated with overall survival of patients with IDH1R132H-non-mutant GBMs.
Bone-modifying agents like bisphosphonates and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaβ ligand (RANK-L) inhibitors are used as supportive treatments in breast cancer patients with bone metastases to prevent skeletal-related events (SREs). Due to missing head-to-head comparisons, a network meta-analysis was performed to provide a hierarchy of these therapeutic options. Through a systematic literature search, 21 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were identified. To prevent SREs, the ranking through P-scores showed denosumab (RR: 0.62; 95%CI: 0.50-0.76), zoledronic acid (RR: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.61-0.84) and pamidronate (RR: 0.76; 95%CI: 0.67-0.85) to be significantly superior to placebo. Due to insufficient or heterogeneous data, overall survival, quality of life, pain response and adverse events were not able to be analyzed within the network. Although data were sparse on adverse events, the risk of significant adverse events appeared low. The results of this review can therefore be used to formulate clinical studies more precisely in order to standardise and focus on patient-relevant outcomes.
Purpose
Radiotherapy (RT) was identified as a risk factor for long-term cardiac effects in breast cancer patients treated until the 1990s. However, modern techniques reduce radiation exposure of the heart, but some exposure remains unavoidable. In a retrospective cohort study, we investigated cardiac mortality and morbidity of breast cancer survivors treated with recent RT in Germany.
Methods
A total of 11,982 breast cancer patients treated between 1998 and 2008 were included. A mortality follow-up was conducted until 06/2018. In order to assess cardiac morbidity occurring after breast cancer treatment, a questionnaire was sent out in 2014 and 2019. The effect of breast cancer laterality on cardiac mortality and morbidity was investigated as a proxy for radiation exposure. We used Cox Proportional Hazards regression analysis, taking potential confounders into account.
Results
After a median follow-up time of 11.1 years, there was no significant association of tumor laterality with cardiac mortality in irradiated patients (hazard ratio (HR) for left-sided versus right-sided tumor 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85–1.41). Furthermore, tumor laterality was not identified as a significant risk factor for cardiac morbidity (HR = 1.05; 95%CI 0.88–1.25).
Conclusions
Even though RT for left-sided breast cancer on average incurs higher radiation dose to the heart than RT for right-sided tumors, we found no evidence that laterality is a strong risk factor for cardiac disease after contemporary RT. However, larger sample sizes, longer follow-up, detailed information on individual risk factors and heart dose are needed to assess clinically manifest late effects of current cancer therapy.
Next-generation humanized NSG-SGM3 mice are highly susceptible to Staphylococcus aureus infection
(2023)
Humanized hemato-lymphoid system mice, or humanized mice, emerged in recent years as a promising model to study the course of infection of human-adapted or human-specific pathogens. Though Staphylococcus aureus infects and colonizes a variety of species, it has nonetheless become one of the most successful human pathogens of our time with a wide armory of human-adapted virulence factors. Humanized mice showed increased vulnerability to S. aureus compared to wild type mice in a variety of clinically relevant disease models. Most of these studies employed humanized NSG (NOD-scid IL2Rgnull) mice which are widely used in the scientific community, but show poor human myeloid cell reconstitution. Since this immune cell compartment plays a decisive role in the defense of the human immune system against S. aureus, we asked whether next-generation humanized mice, like NSG-SGM3 (NOD-scid IL2Rgnull-3/GM/SF) with improved myeloid reconstitution, would prove to be more resistant to infection. To our surprise, we found the contrary when we infected humanized NSG-SGM3 (huSGM3) mice with S. aureus: although they had stronger human immune cell engraftment than humanized NSG mice, particularly in the myeloid compartment, they displayed even more pronounced vulnerability to S. aureus infection. HuSGM3 mice had overall higher numbers of human T cells, B cells, neutrophils and monocytes in the blood and the spleen. This was accompanied by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory human cytokines in the blood of huSGM3 mice. We further identified that the impaired survival of huSGM3 mice was not linked to higher bacterial burden nor to differences in the murine immune cell repertoire. Conversely, we could demonstrate a correlation of the rate of humanization and the severity of infection. Collectively, this study suggests a detrimental effect of the human immune system in humanized mice upon encounter with S. aureus which might help to guide future therapy approaches and analysis of virulence mechanisms.
Introduction: National and international guidelines recommend early integration of evidence-based multimodal interventions and programs, especially with a focus on relaxation techniques and other Mind–Body-based methods to maintain the quality of life of oncology patients, improve treatment tolerability, and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors. Consequently, we aim to understand what drives patients and how they navigate integrative medicine to best advise them. This study aimed to detect possible topics of particular interest to patients and identify the patient groups that could benefit most from further programs. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate if patients are open-minded toward integrative oncology concepts and learn about their motivational level to maintain or change behavior.
Methods: Between August 2019 and October 2020 we surveyed patients undergoing oncological therapy in a university oncological outpatient center using a custom-developed questionnaire based on established Mind–Body Medicine concepts.
Results: We included 294 patients with various cancers. More than half reported problems sleeping through (61%) and 42% felt stressed frequently, invariably rating this as detrimental to their health. Moreover, a slight majority (52%) felt physically limited due to their disease and only 30% performed defined exercise programs. Women were significantly more likely to feel stressed and reported with alarming frequency that they often feel “everything was up to them.” The 40–65-year-olds reported significantly less restful sleep, more stress and were more dissatisfied with their situation. However, this group already used natural remedies most frequently and was most often motivated to use relaxation techniques in the next 6 months. The lower the perceived individual energy level (EL), the less frequently patients did sport, the more frequently they felt their disease impaired their activity, mostly feeling stressed and tense. We also found significant associations between negative emotions/thoughts and the variables “sleep,” “use of relaxation techniques,” “personal stress perception,” and “successful lifestyle modification.”
Conclusion: Mind–Body programs that focus on patient’s individual resources, with tools to explore impairing patterns of self-perception and cognitive biases, can be a valuable resource for oncology patients and should therefore be part of an integrative medical treatment concept.
Immune checkpoint blockade therapy is beneficial and even curative for some cancer patients. However, the majority don’t respond to immune therapy. Across different tumor types, pre-existing T cell infiltrates predict response to checkpoint-based immunotherapy. Based on in vitro pharmacological studies, mouse models and analyses of human melanoma patients, we show that the cytokine GDF-15 impairs LFA-1/β2-integrin-mediated adhesion of T cells to activated endothelial cells, which is a pre-requisite of T cell extravasation. In melanoma patients, GDF-15 serum levels strongly correlate with failure of PD-1-based immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Neutralization of GDF-15 improves both T cell trafficking and therapy efficiency in murine tumor models. Thus GDF-15, beside its known role in cancer-related anorexia and cachexia, emerges as a regulator of T cell extravasation into the tumor microenvironment, which provides an even stronger rationale for therapeutic anti-GDF-15 antibody development.
Increased intestinal permeability and inflammation, both fueled by dysbiosis, appear to contribute to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. This single-center pilot study aimed to investigate zonulin, a marker of intestinal permeability, and calprotectin, a marker of intestinal inflammation, measured in serum and fecal samples of RA patients using commercially available kits. We also analyzed plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, a marker of intestinal permeability and inflammation. Furthermore, univariate, and multivariate regression analyses were carried out to determine whether or not there were associations of zonulin and calprotectin with LPS, BMI, gender, age, RA-specific parameters, fiber intake, and short-chain fatty acids in the gut. Serum zonulin levels were more likely to be abnormal with a longer disease duration and fecal zonulin levels were inversely associated with age. A strong association between fecal and serum calprotectin and between fecal calprotectin and LPS were found in males, but not in females, independent of other biomarkers, suggesting that fecal calprotectin may be a more specific biomarker than serum calprotectin is of intestinal inflammation in RA. Since this was a proof-of-principle study without a healthy control group, further research is needed to validate fecal and serum zonulin as valid biomarkers of RA in comparison with other promising biomarkers.
Die tumorbedingte Mangelernährung und Kachexie ist ein Syndrom mit sowohl medizinischer als auch gesundheitsökonomischer Relevanz. In den letzten Jahren wurde ein besseres Verständnis für die komplexe Pathophysiologie, bestehend aus Stoffwechselstörungen, verminderter Energiezufuhr und Entzündungsprozessen, die zum fortschreitenden Muskel- und Fettmassenverlust führen, erreicht. Dieses Verständnis dient bis heute der Entwicklung möglicher präventiver und therapeutischer Ansätze. Geeignete Screening-Tests tragen dazu bei, das Syndrom rechtzeitig zu erkennen und weitere Maßnahmen einzuleiten. Da der Muskel- und Fettmassenverlust nicht immer durch einen reinen Gewichtsverlust gekennzeichnet ist, ist die Erfassung der Körperzusammensetzung ein wesentlicher Bestandteil in der Betreuung onkologisch Erkrankter. Die BIA ist ein hierfür geeignetes Verfahren, welches leicht in den klinischen Alltag zu integrieren ist und besonders zur interindividuellen Verlaufskontrolle herangezogen werden könnte. Ernährungsmedizinische und bewegungstherapeutische Maßnahmen sind bereits fester Bestandteil internationaler Leitlinien. Für pharmakologische Therapiekonzepte besteht noch weiterer Forschungsbedarf, um eine Arzneimittelzulassung zu erreichen. Eine alleinige Intervention ist in der Behandlung der onkologischen Mangelernährung und Kachexie wenig effektiv. Deshalb müssen die Bedeutung und der potentielle Nutzen einer Kombination der einzelnen Behandlungsbausteine näher betrachtet werden, um eine bessere Evidenz zu erhalten. Der nachweisliche Mangel an Ernährungsstrukturen und ernährungsmedizinischer Fachkompetenz, Schwierigkeiten der Definitionsentwicklung und Gestaltung von Studien sowie finanzierungstechnische Fragen stellen ein zentrales Problem in der angemessenen Betreuung der Erkrankten dar. Jedoch bestehen klare Handlungsempfehlungen und Strategien, durch die entsprechende Herausforderungen reduziert oder beseitigt werden könnten. Dadurch profitieren sowohl Erkrankte als auch das Gesundheitssystem. Dies kann durch eine verbesserte Versorgung mittels Prävention, frühzeitiger Erfassung, Diagnose und Einleitung angebrachter Therapiemaßnahmen auf dem Gebiet der tumorbedingten Mangelernährung und Kachexie erreicht werden.
Abstract
Despite multidisciplinary local and systemic therapeutic approaches, the prognosis for most patients with brain metastases is still dismal. The role of adaptive and innate anti-tumor response including the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) machinery of antigen presentation is still unclear. We present data on the HLA class II-chaperone molecule CD74 in brain metastases and its impact on the HLA peptidome complexity.
We analyzed CD74 and HLA class II expression on tumor cells in a subset of 236 human brain metastases, primary tumors and peripheral metastases of different entities in association with clinical data including overall survival. Additionally, we assessed whole DNA methylome profiles including CD74 promoter methylation and differential methylation in 21 brain metastases. We analyzed the effects of a siRNA mediated CD74 knockdown on HLA-expression and HLA peptidome composition in a brain metastatic melanoma cell line.
We observed that CD74 expression on tumor cells is a strong positive prognostic marker in brain metastasis patients and positively associated with tumor-infiltrating T-lymphocytes (TILs). Whole DNA methylome analysis suggested that CD74 tumor cell expression might be regulated epigenetically via CD74 promoter methylation. CD74\(^{high}\) and TIL\(^{high}\) tumors displayed a differential DNA methylation pattern with highest enrichment scores for antigen processing and presentation. Furthermore, CD74 knockdown in vitro lead to a reduction of HLA class II peptidome complexity, while HLA class I peptidome remained unaffected.
In summary, our results demonstrate that a functional HLA class II processing machinery in brain metastatic tumor cells, reflected by a high expression of CD74 and a complex tumor cell HLA peptidome, seems to be crucial for better patient prognosis.
Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, den Einfluss von Endometriose sowie den Einfluss einer vollständigen Endometriose-Resektion auf morphokinetische, mit dem Implantationserfolg korrelierende Aspekte der Embryonenqualität zu untersuchen.
Für die zugrundeliegende retrospektive Studie wurden 258 im Rahmen von IVF- und/oder ICSI-Zyklen befruchtete und kultivierte Embryonen von 44 Patientinnen mit histologisch gesicherter Endometriose und 43 Patientinnen mit laparoskopisch ausgeschlossener Endometriose ausgewertet. Sowohl Endometriose als auch die vollständige Endometriose-Resektion wurden als Einflussfaktor der frühen Embryonalentwicklung untersucht. Hierfür wurde unter Anwendung des KIDScore\(^{TM}\) D3 und D5 Implantationsdaten-Algorithmus die Morphokinetik der jeweiligen Embryonen verglichen.
Die Analyse ergab keine signifikanten Unterschiede bei den medianen KIDScores\(^{TM}\) D3 zwischen den drei Gruppen aus Patientinnen ohne Endometriose, Patientinnen mit vollständig resezierter Endometriose und Patientinnen ohne vollständige operative Entfernung ihrer Endometriose. Bei den KIDScores\(^{TM}\) D5 erreichten die Embryonen von Patientinnen mit Endometriose ohne vollständige Resektion einen Medianwert von 2,6 (auf einer Skala von 1 bis 9,9), während die Embryonen der Kontrollgruppe aus Patientinnen ohne Endometriose einen Wert von 6,8 erreichten (p = 0,003). Der Medianwert für Embryonen von Endometriose-Patientinnen mit vollständiger chirurgischer Entfernung ihrer Endometriose betrug 7,2, was einen signifikanten Anstieg im Vergleich zu Embryonen von Patientinnen ohne vollständige Resektion darstellt (p = 0,002). Die Umrechnung in die Effektstärke d (Cohens d) ergab einen mittleren Effekt (d = 0,639) für „keine Endometriose“ versus „Endometriose ohne Resektion“ sowie einen großen Effekt (d = 0,93) für „Endometriose-Komplettresektion“ versus „Endometriose ohne Resektion“. In einer Fallserie aus vier Patientinnen, die sich sowohl vor als auch nach vollständiger Resektion ihrer Endometriose IVF-/ICSI-Zyklen unterzogen hatten, zeigten drei von vier Patientinnen eine deutliche Verbesserung der KIDScores\(^{TM}\) nach vollständiger Resektion. Die Schwangerschafts- und Abortraten zwischen Frauen mit und ohne Endometriose(resektion) wichen nicht signifikant voneinander ab.
Zusammenfassend scheint die vollständige Resektion der Endometriose die ansonsten tendenziell verminderte Embryonenqualität von Patientinnen, die sich einer künstlichen Befruchtung unterziehen, zu verbessern. Die Daten sprechen daher dafür, Patientinnen mit Endometriose vor IVF oder ICSI zu einem chirurgischen Eingriff zu raten.
Das triple negative Mamma-Karzinom stellt eine Tumorart dar, welche besonders junge Frauen betrifft und eine schlechte Prognose aufweist. Unterstützende und pro- gnoseverbessernde Therapien sind deshalb Gegenstand aktueller Forschung. Eine mögliche unterstützende Therapie stellt hierbei die ketogene Diät dar. Diese Arbeit untersuchte die Fragestellung, ob β-Hydroxybutyrat (3OHB), welches als Hauptme- tabolit unter ketogener Diät oder beim Fasten erhöht ist, Einfluss auf das Zellwachs- tum triple-negativer Brustkrebszellen ausübt. Außerdem wurde eruiert, ob 3OHB die üblichen Behandlungsformen - Chemotherapie und Strahlentherapie - positiv oder negativ beeinflusst. In vitro wurden Versuche mit drei triple-negativen Brust- krebszellreihen unter möglichst physiologischen Bedingungen durchgeführt. Hierbei konnte durch 3OHB weder ein wachstumsfördernder noch ein wachstumshemmender Effekt beobachtet werden. Genauso zeigte sich bei den Chemo- oder Strahlenthera- pieversuchen keine durch 3OHB induzierte Wechselwirkung. In vivo durchgeführte Studien über den Einfluss einer ketogenen Diät finden sich nur vereinzelt. Um be- lastbare Daten zu erhalten werden deshalb weitere Studien in Zukunft vonnöten sein. Eine ketogene Diät könnte hierbei im Rahmen eines multimodalen Therapie- konzeptes eine unterstützende Rolle spielen, wofür erste Einzelfallstudien Hinweise geben
Purpose
Therapeutic options for breast cancer (BC) treatment are constantly evolving. The Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 (HER2)-low BC entity is a new subgroup, representing about 55% of all BC patients. New antibody–drug conjugates demonstrated promising results for this BC subgroup. Currently, there is limited information about the conversion of HER2 subtypes between primary tumor and recurrent disease.
Methods
This retrospective study included women with BC at the University Medical Centre Wuerzburg from 1998 to 2021. Data were retrieved from patients' records. HER2 evolution from primary diagnosis to the first relapse and the development of secondary metastases was investigated.
Results
In the HR-positive subgroup without HER2 overexpression, HER2-low expression in primary BC was 56.7 vs. 14.6% in the triple-negative subgroup (p < 0.000). In the cohort of the first relapse, HER2-low represented 64.1% of HR-positive vs. 48.2% of the triple-negative cohort (p = 0.03). In patients with secondary metastases, HER2-low was 75.6% vs. 50% in the triple negative subgroup (p = 0.10). The subgroup of HER2-positive breast cancer patients numerically increased in the course of disease; the HER2-negative overall cohort decreased. A loss of HER2 expression from primary BC to the first relapse correlated with a better OS (p = 0.018). No clinicopathological or therapeutic features could be identified as potential risk factors for HER2 conversion.
Conclusion
HER2 expression is rising during the progression of BC disease. In view of upcoming therapeutical options, the re-analysis of newly developed metastasis will become increasingly important.
Purpose
An increasing incidence of breast cancer can be observed worldwide. Since a delay of therapy can have a negative impact on prognosis, timely cancer care is an important quality indicator. By receiving treatment at a certified breast cancer center, the patient has the best chance of treatment in accordance with guidelines and the best prognosis. The identification of risk factors for a delay of therapy is of central importance and should be the basis for a continuous optimization of treatment at breast cancer centers.
Methods
This retrospective study included women with breast cancer (primary diagnosis, relapse, or secondary malignancy) at the University Hospital Würzburg in 2019 and 2020. Data were retrieved from patients’ records. Correlations and regression analyses were performed to detect potential risk factors for treatment delay.
Results
Patients who received the histological confirmation of breast cancer at an external institution experienced a later therapy start than those patients who received the histological confirmation at the University Hospital Würzburg itself. (35.7 vs. 32.2 days). The interval between histological confirmation and the first consultation at the University Hospital Würzburg correlated statistically significant with age, distress and distance to the hospital.
Conclusion
Patients with an in-house diagnosis of breast cancer are treated more quickly than those whose diagnosis was confirmed in an external institution. We identified factors such as increased age, greater distance to the hospital as well as increased distress to prolong the time until start of oncological treatment. Intensified patient care should be offered to these subgroups.
Purpose
The reliable detection of tumor-infiltrated axillary lymph nodes for breast cancer [BC] patients plays a decisive role in further therapy. We aimed to find out whether cross-sectional imaging techniques could improve sensitivity for pretherapeutic axillary staging in nodal-positive BC patients compared to conventional imaging such as mammography and sonography.
Methods
Data for breast cancer patients with tumor-infiltrated axillary lymph nodes having received surgery between 2014 and 2020 were included in this study.
All examinations (sonography, mammography, computed tomography [CT] and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) were interpreted by board-certified specialists in radiology. The sensitivity of different imaging modalities was calculated, and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to detect variables influencing the detection of positive lymph nodes.
Results
All included 382 breast cancer patients had received conventional imaging, while 52.61% of the patients had received cross-sectional imaging.
The sensitivity of the combination of all imaging modalities was 68.89%. The combination of MRI and CT showed 63.83% and the combination of sonography and mammography showed 36.11% sensitivity.
Conclusion
We could demonstrate that cross-sectional imaging can improve the sensitivity of the detection of tumor-infiltrated axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients. Only the safe detection of these lymph nodes at the time of diagnosis enables the evaluation of the response to neoadjuvant therapy, thereby allowing access to prognosis and improving new post-neoadjuvant therapies.
No abstract available.
Developmentally regulated features of innate immunity are thought to place preterm and term infants at risk of infection and inflammation-related morbidity. Underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Differences in monocyte function including toll-like receptor (TLR) expression and signaling have been discussed. Some studies point to generally impaired TLR signaling, others to differences in individual pathways. In the present study, we assessed mRNA and protein expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in preterm and term cord blood (CB) monocytes compared with adult controls stimulated ex vivo with Pam3CSK4, zymosan, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid, lipopolysaccharide, flagellin, and CpG oligonucleotide, which activate the TLR1/2, TLR2/6, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, and TLR9 pathways, respectively. In parallel, frequencies of monocyte subsets, stimulus-driven TLR expression, and phosphorylation of TLR-associated signaling molecules were analyzed. Independent of stimulus, pro-inflammatory responses of term CB monocytes equaled adult controls. The same held true for preterm CB monocytes—except for lower IL-1β levels. In contrast, CB monocytes released lower amounts of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and IL-1ra, resulting in higher ratios of pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokines. Phosphorylation of p65, p38, and ERK1/2 correlated with adult controls. However, stimulated CB samples stood out with higher frequencies of intermediate monocytes (CD14\(^+\)CD16\(^+\)). Both pro-inflammatory net effect and expansion of the intermediate subset were most pronounced upon stimulation with Pam3CSK4 (TLR1/2), zymosan (TR2/6), and lipopolysaccharide (TLR4). Our data demonstrate robust pro-inflammatory and yet attenuated anti-inflammatory responses in preterm and term CB monocytes, along with imbalanced cytokine ratios. Intermediate monocytes, a subset ascribed pro-inflammatory features, might participate in this inflammatory state.
In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden retrospektiv Daten von 321 Fällen eines fortgeschrit-
tenen Mammakarzinoms ausgewertet. Beobachtungsdaten lagen bis einschließlich Juli
1998 vor. Ein Fokus dieser Arbeit lag auf der Trichotomie der HER2-Ausprägung und
deren prognostischen Wert im Verlauf einer metastasierten Brustkrebserkrankung. In
einer neueren Entwicklung wurde HER2-low als Nomenklatur einer Subgruppe etabliert
für jene Mammakarzinome, die als IHC 1+ oder IHC 2+ gelten und ein negatives ISH-
Ergebnis aufweisen. Neue Studien-Ergebnisse zeigten einen signifikanten klinischen
Vorteil der Therapie mit HER2-basierten Antikörper-Wirkstoff-Konjugaten für HER2-low
Patientinnen (91).
Der Anteil der HER2-low Mammakarzinome nahm im Laufe einer fortgeschrittenen
Brustkrebserkrankung kontinuierlich zu und lag bei 39,3 % im Primärtumor, bei 47,7 %
im ersten Rezidiv und bei 47,8 % in einer zweiten Fernmetastase. Parallel vergrößerte
sich die HER2-positive Subgruppe, wobei sich die HER2-negative Kohorte folglich ver-
kleinerte. Es konnte entsprechend der aktuellen Literatur (117,156) eine Assoziation (p
< 0.001) des HER2-low Subtypen und HR-positiven Mammakarzinomen gezeigt werden.
HER2-low nahm in HR-positiven/Her2-negativen Mammakarzinomen im Laufe der Me-
tastasierung zu (56,7 % - 64,1 % - 75,6 %). Der Anteil der HER2-low-Expression im
Triple-negativen Subtypen initial bei 14,6 % und vergrößerte sich konstant (48,2 % - 50
%). Ein Verlust der HER2-Ausprägung im Krankheitsverlauf korrelierte statistisch signi-
fikant mit einem besseren OS (Hazards Ratio 0,533, 95%-KI[0,316, 0,898], p = .018).
Die Gruppe mit einer HER2-Konversion zu einer schwächeren Ausprägung wies im di-
rekten Vergleich zur Gruppe mit einer Her2-Konversion zu einer stärkeren Ausprägung
ein 21,0 Monate längeres Überleben auf (p = 0.177). Die Entwicklung eines HER2-posi-
tiven Primärtumor zu einer HER2-low Metastase (Hazards Ratio 0,385, 95%-KI[0,17,
0.874], p = .023), eine Veränderung von einem HER2-0 Primärtumor zu einer HER2-low
Metastase (Hazards Ratio 0,124, 95%-KI[0,023, 0,655], p = .014) sowie die ausblei-
bende Veränderung eines HER2-low Primärtumor zu einer Fernmetastase (Hazards Ra-
tio 0,169, 95%-KI[0,035, 0,813], p = .027) wurden in dieser Analyse als weitere protektive
Faktoren nachgewiesen. Kein klinisch-pathologischer oder therapeutischer Faktor
konnte als signifikanter Einflussfaktor auf eine Konversion im HER2-Rezeptor identifi-
ziert werden. Die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit lassen keine klare Aussage darüber treffen,
ob die Anpassung der tumorspezifischen Therapie nach einer Rezeptorkonversion das
OS verbessert.
Die mitochondriale Entkopplung ist ein effektiver Weg, um die Thermogenese und basale metabolische Rate einer Zelle anzuheben. Im Versuchsaufbau mit malignen Zellen führte dies zu einer Apoptose.
2,4-DNP als spezifischer Entkoppler der Atmungskette zeigte in diesem Zusammenhang mittels LDH-Analysen an HACAT-, PA1-, BT20 und MDA-MB 231- Zellen eine dosisabhängige Wirkung auf die Zellproliferation in allen verwendeten Zelllinien, unter den verwendeten Tumorzellen am eindrucksvollsten bei den Ovarialkarzinom Zellen. Allen Zellarten gemeinsam war dabei eine Wachstumshemmung abhängig von der Länge der Inkubationszeit.
Die mikrokalorimetrischen Analysen wurden an HACAT-, BT20- und MDA-MB 231- Zellen durchgeführt. Eine höhere 2,4-DNP-Konzentration führte dabei ebenfalls zu einer gesteigerten Wärmefreisetzung, wobei eine positive Korrelation zwischen Einwirkdauer und Wärmefreisetzung bestand. Eine signifikante Zytotoxizität ließ sich bei hohen DNP-Konzentrationen und bei langer Inkubationszeit in den PA1- und MDA-MB 231- Zelllinien nachweisen. MDA-MB 231- Zellen reagierten dabei besonders sensibel.
In der aktuellen Tumortherapie bietet die Kombination von Alterationen der mitochondrialen und glykolytischen Abläufen neben den gängigen Behandlungsoptionen einen vielversprechenden Therapieansatz (8, 28). Durch den Einsatz von mitochondrialen Entkopplern als Ergänzung zu den herkömmlichen Therapieschemata könnte effektiv in den metabolischen Stoffwechsel der Zellen eingegriffen und neben der Tumorzellproliferation auch die Regression positiv beeinflusst werden. Das Ziel wäre, eine kontrollierte Apoptose bei möglichst wenigen systemischen Nebenwirkungen auszulösen. Hierzu werden im Rahmen der optimalen Dosisfindung für den Einsatz von 2,4-DNP jedoch weitere Versuchsansätze mit Inkubationszeiten von mindestens 48h benötigt.
Background: Hyaluronan (HA), a component of the extracellular matrix, is frequently increased under pathological conditions including cancer. Not only stroma cells but also cancer cells themselves synthesize HA, and the interaction of HA with its cognate receptors promotes malignant progression and metastasis. Methods: In the present study, HA deposition in tissue sections was analyzed by hyaluronan-binding protein (HABP) ligand histochemistry in 17 borderline tumors and 102 primary and 20 recurrent ovarian cancer samples. The intensity and, particularly, localization of the HA deposition were recorded: for the localization, the pericellular deposition around the ovarian cancer cells was distinguished from the deposition within the stromal compartment. These histochemical data were correlated with clinical and pathological parameters. Additionally, within a reduced subgroup of ovarian cancer samples (n = 70), the RNA levels of several HA-associated genes were correlated with the HA localization and intensity. Results: Both stroma-localized and pericellular tumor-cell-associated HA deposition were observed. Cancer-cell pericellular HA deposition, irrespective of its staining intensity, was significantly associated with malignancy, and in the primary ovarian cancer cohort, it represents an independent unfavorable prognostic marker for overall survival. Furthermore, a significant association between high CD44, HAS2 and HAS3 mRNA levels and a cancer-cell pericellular HA-deposition pattern was noted. In contrast, stromal hyaluronan deposition had no impact on ovarian cancer prognosis. Conclusions: In conclusion, the site of HA deposition is of prognostic value, but the amount deposited is not. The significant association of only peritumoral cancer-cell HA deposition with high CD44 mRNA expression levels suggests a pivotal role of the CD44–HA signaling axis for malignant progression in ovarian cancer.
Die ketogene Diät besitzt ein breites mögliches therapeutisches Spektrum und aufgrund der induzierten Ketonkörper in der Theorie auch antiproliferative sowie antiinflammatorische Wirkmechanismen. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, die Wirkung der Ketonkörper β-Hydroxybutyrat und Acetoacetat auf Kolonkarzinomzellen in vitro zu untersuchen. Hierfür wurden Proliferation, Koloniebildung, Gen- und Proteinexpression von drei verschiedenen Zelllinien analysiert. Um einen möglichen Zusammenhang der Ketonkörperwirkung und dem p53-Status zu prüfen, wurden Zelllinien mit unterschiedlichem p53-Status eingesetzt. Etwaige Effekte der Ketonkörper auf die Strahlensensibilität der Zellen wurden ebenfalls untersucht. Um möglichst tumorphysiologische Bedingungen herzustellen, wurden die Versuche nicht nur unter normoxischen Bedingungen (21 % Sauerstoff), sondern parallel unter 1,5 % Sauerstoffkonzentration durchgeführt. In den Tests zur Proteinexpression konnte festgestellt werden, dass die Expression von p53 nicht durch die Zugabe von Ketonkörpern beeinflusst wird. Die Proteinexpression von p21 und p27 war unabhängig von der Expression von p53. Die Analyse der Genexpression beweist, dass die untersuchten Zelllinien sowohl die Monocarboxylattransporter (MCTs) exprimieren, über welche die Ketonkörper aufgenommen werden können, als auch die G-Protein- gekoppelten Rezeptoren, über welche die Ketonkörper auf die Signalketten wirken können. Ein hemmender Einfluss der Ketonkörper auf die Zellproliferation ließ sich im WST-8-Test für die Zelllinie HT-29 unter Zugabe von 3-OHB in Kombination mit LiAcAc nachweisen. Nach Strahlenbehandlung stellten sich die Zelllinien CaCo-2 und HT-29 bei Betrachtung der Kurzzeitproliferation weitgehend strahlenresistent dar. Bei Untersuchung der Langzeitproliferation mittels Koloniebildungstest zeigte sich jedoch auch hier eine zytotoxische Wirkung der ionisierenden Strahlung. Für die Zelllinie CaCo2 konnte zudem durch Zugabe von LiAcAc allein und in Kombination mit 3-OHB eine signifikante Reduktion der Koloniebildung nach Bestrahlung mit 2 Gy festgestellt werden. Zusammenfassend weisen die durchgeführten Versuche darauf hin, dass die Ketonkörper unabhängig vom p53-Status in alle untersuchten Kolonkarzinomzellen aufgenommen und verwertet werden können. Ein allgemein synergistischer Effekt zwischen ionisierender Strahlung und den Ketonkörpern konnte nicht eindeutig nachgewiesen werden. Die Zugabe der Ketonkörper führte weder zu einer Proliferationsanregung noch zur Reduktion der Strahlensensitivität, so dass hier von einer klinischen Unbedenklichkeit ausgegangen werden kann. Fortführende klinische Studien sind notwendig, um die in vivo Effekte zu untersuchen.
A 3D printed model of the female pelvis for practical education of gynecological pelvic examination
(2022)
Background
Pelvic palpation is a core component of every Gynecologic examination. It requires vigorous training, which is difficult due to its intimate nature, leading to a need of simulation. Up until now, there are mainly models available for mere palpation which do not offer adequate visualization of the concerning anatomical structures. In this study we present a 3D printed model of the female pelvis. It can improve both the practical teaching of gynecological pelvic examination for health care professionals and the spatial understanding of the relevant anatomy.
Methods
We developed a virtual, simplified model showing selected parts of the female pelvis. 3D printing was used to create a physical model.
Results
The life-size 3D printed model has the ability of being physically assembled step by step by its users. Consequently, it improves teaching especially when combining it with commercial phantoms, which are built solely for palpation training. This is achieved by correlating haptic and visual sensations with the resulting feedback received.
Conclusion
The presented 3D printed model of the female pelvis can be of aid for visualizing and teaching pelvic anatomy and examination to medical staff. 3D printing provides the possibility of creating, multiplying, adapting and sharing such data worldwide with little investment of resources. Thus, an important contribution to the international medical community can be made for training this challenging examination.
Background
Electrosurgical excisions are common procedures for treating cervical dysplasia and are often seen as minor surgeries. Yet, thorough training of this intervention is required, as there are considerable consequences of inadequate resections, e.g. preterm birth, the risk of recurrence, injuries and many more. Unfortunately, there is a lack of sufficiently validated possibilities of simulating electrosurgeries, which focus on high fidelity and patient safety.
Methods
A novel 3D printed simulator for examination and electrosurgical treatment of dysplastic areas of the cervix was compared with a conventional simulator. Sixty medical students experienced a seminar about cervical dysplasia. Group A underwent the seminar with the conventional and Group B with the novel simulator. After a theoretical introduction, the students were randomly assigned by picking a ticket from a box and went on to perform the hands-on training with their respective simulator. Each student first obtained colposcopic examination training. Then he or she performed five electrosurgical excisions (each). This was assessed with a validated score, to visualize their learning curve. Furthermore, adequate and inadequate resections and contacts between electrosurgical loop and vagina or speculum were counted. Both groups also assessed the seminar and their simulator with 18 questions (Likert-scales, 1–10, 1 = strongly agree / very good, 10 = strongly disagree / very bad). Group B additionally assessed the novel simulator with four questions (similar Likert-scales, 1–10).
Results
Nine of 18 questions showed statistically significant differences favoring Group B (p < 0.05). Group B also achieved more adequate R0-resections and less contacts between electrosurgical loop and vagina or speculum. The learning curves of the performed resections favored the novel simulator of Group B without statistically significant differences. The four questions focusing on certain aspects of the novel simulator indicate high appreciation of the students with a mean score of 1.6 points.
Conclusion
The presented novel simulator shows several advantages compared to the existing model. Thus, novice gynecologists can be supported with a higher quality of simulation to improve their training and thereby patient safety.
Evaluating the value of a 3D printed model for hands-on training of gynecological pelvic examination
(2022)
Background
Simulation in the field of gynecological pelvic examination with educational purposes holds great potential. In the current manuscript we evaluate a 3D printed model of the female pelvis, which improves practical teaching of the gynecological pelvic examination for medical staff.
Methods
We evaluated the benefit of a 3D printed model of the female pelvis (Pelvisio®) as part of a seminar (“skills training”) for teaching gynecological examination to medical students. Each student was randomly assigned to Group A or B by picking a ticket from a box. Group A underwent the skills training without the 3D printed model. Group B experienced the same seminar with integration of the model. Both groups evaluated the seminar by answering five questions on Likert scales (1–10, 1 = “very little” or “very poor”, 10 equals “very much” or “very good”). Additionally, both groups answered three multiple-choice questions concerning pelvic anatomy (Question 6 to 8). Finally, Group B evaluated the 3D printed model with ten questions (Question 9 to 18, Likert scales, 1–10).
Results
Two of five questions concerning the students’ satisfaction with the seminar and their gained knowledge showed statistically significant better ratings in Group B (6.7 vs. 8.2 points and 8.1 vs. 8.9 points (p < 0.001 and p < 0.009). The other three questions showed no statistically significant differences between the traditional teaching setting vs. the 3D printed model (p < 0.411, p < 0.344 and p < 0.215, respectively). The overall mean score of Question 1 to 5 showed 8.4 points for Group B and 7.8 points for Group A (p < 0.001). All three multiple-choice questions, asking about female pelvic anatomy, were answered more often correctly by Group B (p < 0.001, p < 0.008 and p < 0.001, respectively). The mean score from the answers to Questions 9 to 18, only answered by Group B, showed a mean of 8.6 points, indicating, that the students approved of the model.
Conclusion
The presented 3D printed model Pelvisio® improves the education of female pelvic anatomy and examination for medical students. Hence, training this pivotal examination can be supported by a custom designed anatomical model tailored for interactive and explorative learning.
Simple Summary
Anti-hormonal therapie regimes are well established in oncological treatments in breast cancer. In contrast there is limited knowledge of their effects on metastatic brain metastases in advanced breast cancer and their ability to cross the blood brain-barrier. In this review, we point out the usual antihormonal therapy options in the primary disease, but also in metastatic breast cancer. In addition, we explain the epidemiological facts of brain metastases, as well as the basics of the blood-brain barrier and how this is overcome by metastase. Last but not least, we deal with the known anti-hormonal therapy options and present clinical studies on their intracerebral effect, as well as the known basics of their blood-brain barrier penetration. Not all common anti-hormonal therapeutics are able to penetrate the CNS. It is therefore important for the treating oncologists to use substances that have been proven to cross the BBB, despite the limited data available. Aromataseinhibitors, especially letrozole, probably also tamoxifen, everolimus and CDK4/6 inhibitors, especially abemaciclib, appear to act intracerebrally by overcoming the blood-brain barrier. Nevertheless, further data must be obtained in basic research, but also health care research in relation to patients with brain metastases.
Abstract
The molecular receptor status of breast cancer has implications for prognosis and long-term metastasis. Although metastatic luminal B-like, hormone-receptor-positive, HER2−negative, breast cancer causes brain metastases less frequently than other subtypes, though tumor metastases in the brain are increasingly being detected of this patient group. Despite the many years of tried and tested use of a wide variety of anti-hormonal therapeutic agents, there is insufficient data on their intracerebral effectiveness and their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. In this review, we therefore summarize the current state of knowledge on anti-hormonal therapy and its intracerebral impact and effects on the blood-brain barrier in breast cancer.
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is the second-leading cause of deaths by antibiotic-resistant bacteria globally, with more than 100,000 attributable deaths annually. Despite the high urgency to develop a vaccine to control this pathogen, all clinical trials with pre-clinically effective candidates failed so far. The recent development of “humanized” mice might help to edge the pre-clinical evaluation closer to the clinical situation and thus close this gap. We infected humanized NSG mice (huNSG: (NOD)-scid IL2R\(_γ\)\(^{null}\) mice engrafted with human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells) locally with S. aureus USA300 LAC* lux into the thigh muscle in order to investigate the human immune response to acute and chronic infection. These mice proved not only to be more susceptible to MRSA infection than wild-type or “murinized” mice, but displayed furthermore inferior survival and signs of systemic infection in an otherwise localized infection model. The rate of humanization correlated directly with the severity of disease and survival of the mice. Human and murine cytokine levels in blood and at the primary site of infection were strongly elevated in huNSG mice compared to all control groups. And importantly, differences in human and murine immune cell lineages surfaced during the infection, with human monocyte and B cell numbers in blood and bone marrow being significantly reduced at the later time point of infection. Murine monocytes in contrast behaved conversely by increasing cell numbers. This study demonstrates significant differences in the in vivo behavior of human and murine cells towards S. aureus infection, which might help to sharpen the translational potential of pre-clinical models for future therapeutic approaches.
Brain metastases are the most severe tumorous spread during breast cancer disease. They are associated with a limited quality of life and a very poor overall survival. A subtype of extracellular vesicles, exosomes, are sequestered by all kinds of cells, including tumor cells, and play a role in cell-cell communication. Exosomes contain, among others, microRNAs (miRs). Exosomes can be taken up by other cells in the body, and their active molecules can affect the cellular process in target cells. Tumor-secreted exosomes can affect the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and have an impact on brain metastases forming. Serum samples from healthy donors, breast cancer patients with primary tumors, or with brain, bone, or visceral metastases were used to isolate exosomes and exosomal miRs. Exosomes expressed exosomal markers CD63 and CD9, and their amount did not vary significantly between groups, as shown by Western blot and ELISA. The selected 48 miRs were detected using real-time PCR. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy. We identified two miRs with the potential to serve as prognostic markers for brain metastases. Hsa-miR-576-3p was significantly upregulated, and hsa-miR-130a-3p was significantly downregulated in exosomes from breast cancer patients with cerebral metastases with AUC: 0.705 and 0.699, respectively. Furthermore, correlation of miR levels with tumor markers revealed that hsa-miR-340-5p levels were significantly correlated with the percentage of Ki67-positive tumor cells, while hsa-miR-342-3p levels were inversely correlated with tumor staging. Analysis of the expression levels of miRs in serum exosomes from breast cancer patients has the potential to identify new, non-invasive, blood-borne prognostic molecular markers to predict the potential for brain metastasis in breast cancer. Additional functional analyzes and careful validation of the identified markers are required before their potential future diagnostic use.
Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecological malignancy in women. More than 70% of the cases are diagnosed at the advanced stage, presenting as primary peritoneal metastasis, which results in a poor 5-year survival rate of around 40%. Mechanisms of peritoneal metastasis, including adhesion, migration, and invasion, are still not completely understood and therapeutic options are extremely limited. Therefore, there is a strong requirement for a 3D model mimicking the in vivo situation. In this study, we describe the establishment of a 3D tissue model of the human peritoneum based on decellularized porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) scaffold. The SIS scaffold was populated with human dermal fibroblasts, with LP-9 cells on the apical side representing the peritoneal mesothelium, while HUVEC cells on the basal side of the scaffold served to mimic the endothelial cell layer. Functional analyses of the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the FITC-dextran assay indicated the high barrier integrity of our model. The histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analyses showed the main characteristics of the site of adhesion. Initial experiments using the SKOV-3 cell line as representative for ovarian carcinoma demonstrated the usefulness of our models for studying tumor cell adhesion, as well as the effect of tumor cells on endothelial cell-to-cell contacts. Taken together, our data show that the novel peritoneal 3D tissue model is a promising tool for studying the peritoneal dissemination of ovarian cancer.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive and debilitating chronic disease that affects more than six million people worldwide, with rising prevalence. The hallmarks of PD are motor deficits, the spreading of pathological α-synuclein clusters in the central nervous system, and neuroinflammatory processes. PD is treated symptomatically, as no causally-acting drug or procedure has been successfully established for clinical use. Various pathways contributing to dopaminergic neuron loss in PD have been investigated and described to interact with the innate and adaptive immune system. We discuss the possible contribution of interconnected pathways related to the immune response, focusing on the pathophysiology and neurodegeneration of PD. In addition, we provide an overview of clinical trials targeting neuroinflammation in PD.
Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, die psychische Belastung bei Patientinnen mit auffälligen PAP-Abstrichen oder dysplastischen Veränderungen der Zervix uteri im Rahmen der Dysplasie-Sprechstunde zu erheben. Durch Auswertung und Analyse der Daten im Rahmen des Qualitätsmanagements sollte eine Grundlage für eine verbesserte und angepasste Versorgung geschaffen werden. In dem erhobenen Fragebogen waren vier Fragen von besonderer Bedeutung - die Informationslage bei Vorstellung, die Art der Informationsbeschaffung, der mögliche Wunsch nach mehr Information und der Bildungsstand.
In der Auswertung des ausgeteilten Fragebogens konnte erhoben werden, dass 56,9% der Patientinnen bei der Erstvorstellung psychisch belastet waren. Das ist ein großer Anteil in Anbetracht der Tatsache, dass das PAP-Screening eine jährliche Vorsorgeuntersuchung für über 15 Millionen Frauen darstellt [19]. Der Großteil der in der Dysplasie-Sprechstunde erhobenen PAP-Abstriche waren auffällig und somit weiter abklärungsbedürftig. Über 70% der HPV-Tests waren „high risk“ positiv. Der Mittelwert der Verteilung des Alters lag bei 44 Jahren, was bedeutet, dass viele junge Frauen mit potenziell bestehendem Kinderwunsch oder jungen Familien betroffen sind. Die jungen Frauen sind durchschnittlich besser gebildet und psychisch belasteter als die Kohorte der älteren Patientinnen.
Ein Blick auf die Verteilung der Bildung zeigt, dass bei Betrachtung der gesamten Kohorte, schlechter gebildete Frauen verunsicherter sind. Viele der Patientinnen, 40,9%, fühlten sich vor der Erstvorstellung nicht ausreichend informiert und mehr als 53,8% der Patientinnen hätten sich mehr Informationen gewünscht. Sieht man sich die Antworten auf die Frage nach der Quelle der Informationsbeschaffung an, fällt auf, dass mit 68,5% weiterhin der/die betreuende Arzt/Ärztin die wichtigste Informationsquelle darstellt.
Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass trotz des 2020 deutschlandweit begonnenen organisierten Screenings die betroffenen Frauen anhaltend belastet sind und sich mehr Informationen wünschen. Ein wichtiger Schritt zur Vorbeugung psychischer Belastung wäre eine verbesserte Vermittlung von Information seitens der behandelnden Ärzte/Ärztinnen, auch unter Hinweis auf die online zur Verfügung stehenden Informationen des Bundesministeriums für Gesundheit.
Background
The onset of mental illness such as depression and anxiety disorders in pregnancy and postpartum period is common. The coronavirus induced disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting public policy responses represent an exceptional situation worldwide and there are hints for adverse psychosocial impact, hence, the study of psychological effects of the pandemic in women during hospitalization for delivery and in the postpartum period is highly relevant.
Methods
Patients who gave birth during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany (March to June 2020) at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Würzburg, Germany, were recruited at hospital admission for delivery. Biosamples were collected for analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and various stress hormones and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In addition to sociodemographic and medical obstetric data, survey questionnaires in relation to concerns about and fear of COVID-19, depression, stress, anxiety, loneliness, maternal self-efficacy and the mother–child bonding were administered at T1 (delivery stay) and T2 (3–6 months postpartum).
Results
In total, all 94 recruited patients had a moderate concern of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at T1 with a significant rise at T2. This concern correlated with low to low-medium general psychosocial stress levels and stress symptoms, and the women showed a significant increase of active coping from T1 to T2. Anxiety levels were low and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale showed a medium score of 5 with a significant (T1), but only week correlation with the concerns about SARS-CoV-2. In contrast to the overall good maternal bonding without correlation to SARS-CoV-2 concern, the maternal self-efficiency correlated negatively with the obstetric impairment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
Obstetric patients` concerns regarding SARS-CoV-2 and the accompanying pandemic increased during the course of the pandemic correlating positively with stress and depression. Of note is the increase in active coping over time and the overall good mother–child-bonding. Maternal self-efficacy was affected in part by the restrictions of the pandemic.
Background
The decision making process for axillary dissection has changed in recent years for patients with early breast cancer and positive sentinel lymph nodes (LN). The question now arises, what is the optimal surgical treatment for patients with positive axillary LN (pN+). This article tries to answer the following questions:
(1)
Is there a survival benefit for breast cancer patients with 3 or more positive LN (pN3+) and with more than 10 removed LN?
(2)
Is there a survival benefit for high risk breast cancer patients (triple negative or Her2 + breast cancer) and with 3 or more positive LN (pN3+) with more than 10 removed LN?
(3)
In pN + patients is the prognostic value of the lymph node ratio (LNR) of pN+/pN removed impaired if 10 or less LN are removed?
Methods
A retrospective database analysis of the multi center cohort database BRENDA (breast cancer under evidence based guidelines) with data from 9625 patients from 17 breast centers was carried out. Guideline adherence was defined by the 2008 German National consensus guidelines.
Results
2992 out of 9625 patients had histological confirmed positive lymph nodes. The most important factors for survival were intrinsic sub types, tumor size and guideline adherent chemo- and hormonal treatment (and age at diagnosis for overall survival (OAS)). Uni-and multivariable analyses for recurrence free survival (RFS) and OAS showed no significant survival benefit when removing more than 10 lymph nodes even for high-risk patients. The mean and median of LNR were significantly higher in the pN+ patients with ≤10 excised LN compared to patients with > 10 excised LN. LNR was in both, uni-and multivariable, analysis a highly significant prognostic factor for RFS and OAS in both subgroups of pN + patients with less respective more than 10 excised LN. Multivariable COX regression analysis was adjusted by age, tumor size, intrinsic sub types and guideline adherent adjuvant systemic therapy.
Conclusion
The removal of more than 10 LN did not result in a significant survival benefit even in high risk pN + breast cancer patients.
Die Ziele dieser Arbeit waren, das aktuelle Informationsbedürfnis von metastasierten Brustkrebspatientinnen und -patienten, deren Einschätzung der Arzt-Patient-Kommunikation sowie erwiesene Prädiktoren der QoL zu erheben und auf einen Zusammenhang mit der aktuellen patientenseitigen QoL zu untersuchen. Zu dieser oder ähnlichen Fragestellungen existieren lediglich Publikationen mit Brustkrebspatientinnen ohne Metastasierung. Studien mit ausschließlich metastasierten Brustkrebs-patientinnen sind generell sehr selten.
Die Daten von 30 Patientinnen und einem Patienten mit metastasiertem Brustkrebs, rekrutiert in vier Kliniken in Bayern und Baden-Württemberg im Rahmen der Pilotphase des BRE-4-MED-Projektes, konnten ausgewertet werden. Die Studienteilnehmer waren zum Zeitpunkt der Rekrutierung zwischen 30 und 85 Jahre alt, das Durchschnittsalter betrug 57 Jahre (SD = 13,4).
Für die Datenerhebung wurden nebst einzelner ordinalskalierter Fragen standardisierte, teils modifizierte Fragebögen wie die CARE-Skala, PROMIS PF4a, PHQ-4 oder ein Item des EORTC QLQ-C30 verwendet. In der QoL-Messung durch ein Item des EORTC QLQ-C30 Fragebogens erzielten die Probandinnen und Probanden geringfügig schlechtere Werte als eine gesunde deutsche Vergleichspopulation.
Angesichts bisheriger Forschungsergebnisse wurde mit unbefriedigten Informations- und Kommunikationsbedürfnissen gerechnet. Außerdem wurden Zusammenhänge zwischen der QoL und unbefriedigten Informationsbedürfnissen, einer schlechten Arzt-Patient-Kommunikation sowie Prädiktoren der QoL erwartet. Diese Hypothesen wurden durch die vorliegende Arbeit zum Teil bestätigt, nämlich das Vorliegen von unerfüllten Informationsbedürfnissen sowie einer Korrelation der QoL mit Depression, körperlicher Funktionalität und mit Schmerz. Ein Zusammenhang mit dem Alter der Befragten bestand, jedoch genau entgegengesetzt der Erwartung.
Letzteres Ergebnis sowie die nicht signifikanten Ergebnisse der Studie sind am ehesten durch eine zu geringe Probandenzahl bedingt. In puncto Informationsbedürfnisse der Patienten sowie Prädiktoren der QoL konnte die vorliegende Arbeit die bisherige Forschung größtenteils bestätigen, woraus die ärztlichen Handlungsempfehlungen abgeleitet werden können, auf diese Themen im Umgang mit metastasierten Mammakarzinompatienten besonders einzugehen. Die Aussagekraft der vorliegenden Ergebnisse ist allerdings angesichts der bisherigen Stichprobengröße als gering einzustufen, die Wiederholung der durchgeführten Analysen in der Hauptphase des BRE-4-MED-Projektes wären wünschenswert. Das BRE-4-MED-Register ist zusammenfassend als vielversprechendes Projekt zur Ergänzung der Versorgungsforschung und langfristig zur Verbesserung der Versorgung metastasierter Brustkrebspatienten einzustufen.
Breast cancer (BC) patients often ask for a healthy diet. Here, we investigated a healthy standard diet (SD), a low carb diet (LCD), and a ketogenic diet (KD) for BC patients during the rehabilitation phase. KOLIBRI was an open-label non-randomized one-site nutritional intervention trial, combining inpatient and outpatient phases for 20 weeks. Female BC patients (n = 152; mean age 51.7 years) could select their diet. Data collected were: Quality of life (QoL), spiroergometry, body composition, and blood parameters. In total 30, 92, and 30 patients started the KD, LCD, and SD, respectively. Of those, 20, 76, and 25 completed the final examination. Patients rated all diets as feasible in daily life. All groups enhanced QoL, body composition, and physical performance. LCD participants showed the most impressive improvement in QoL aspects. KD participants finished with a very good physical performance and muscle/fat ratio. Despite increased cholesterol levels, KD patients had the best triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Most metabolic parameters significantly improved in the LCD group. SD participants ended with remarkably low cholesterol levels but did not improve triglyceride/HDL or HOMA-IR. In conclusion, both well-defined KDs and LCDs are safe and beneficial for BC patients and can be recommended during the rehabilitation phase.
Background Current research in breast cancer focuses on individualization of local and systemic therapies with adequate escalation or de-escalation strategies. As a result, about two-thirds of breast cancer patients can be cured, but up to one-third eventually develop metastatic disease, which is considered incurable with currently available treatment options. This underscores the importance to develop a metastatic recurrence score to escalate or de-escalate treatment strategies. Patients and methods Data from 10,499 patients were available from 17 clinical cancer registries (BRENDA-project. In total, 8566 were used to develop the BRENDA-Index. This index was calculated from the regression coefficients of a Cox regression model for metastasis-free survival (MFS). Based on this index, patients were categorized into very high, high, intermediate, low, and very low risk groups forming the BRENDA-Score. Bootstrapping was used for internal validation and an independent dataset of 1883 patients for external validation. The predictive accuracy was checked by Harrell's c-index. In addition, the BRENDA-Score was analyzed as a marker for overall survival (OS) and compared to the Nottingham prognostic score (NPS). Results: Intrinsic subtypes, tumour size, grading, and nodal status were identified as statistically significant prognostic factors in the multivariate analysis. The five prognostic groups of the BRENDA-Score showed highly significant (p < 0.001) differences regarding MFS:low risk: hazard ratio (HR) = 2.4, 95%CI (1.7–3.3); intermediate risk: HR = 5.0, 95%CI.(3.6–6.9); high risk: HR = 10.3, 95%CI (7.4–14.3) and very high risk: HR = 18.1, 95%CI (13.2–24.9). The external validation showed congruent results. A multivariate Cox regression model for OS with BRENDA-Score and NPS as covariates showed that of these two scores only the BRENDA-Score is significant (BRENDA-Score p < 0.001; NPS p = 0.447). Therefore, the BRENDA-Score is also a good prognostic marker for OS. Conclusion: The BRENDA-Score is an internally and externally validated robust predictive tool for metastatic recurrence in breast cancer patients. It is based on routine parameters easily accessible in daily clinical care. In addition, the BRENDA-Score is a good prognostic marker for overall survival. Highlights: The BRENDA-Score is a highly significant predictive tool for metastatic recurrence of breast cancer patients. The BRENDA-Score is stable for at least the first five years after primary diagnosis, i.e., the sensitivities and specificities of this predicting system is rather similar to the NPI with AUCs between 0.76 and 0.81 the BRENDA-Score is a good prognostic marker for overall survival.
Hintergrund
Im Rahmen der Pandemie des SARS-CoV-2-Virus erlangte das Patientenkollektiv der Schwangeren früh Aufmerksamkeit. Initial wurde angesichts sich früh abzeichnender Krankheitsfälle bei jüngeren Patienten mit einem erheblichen Aufkommen peripartal zu betreuender, COVID-19-positiver Schwangerer gerechnet.
Ziel der Arbeit
Diese Arbeit vermittelt einen Einblick in die SARS-CoV-2-Infektionszahlen im Rahmen der geburtshilflichen Anästhesie zu Beginn der Pandemie sowie während der zweiten Infektionswelle in Deutschland.
Methoden
Über das COALA-Register (COVID-19 related Obstetric Anaesthesia Longitudinal Assessment-Registry) wurden sowohl von März bis Mai 2020 als auch von Oktober 2020 bis Februar 2021 in Deutschland und der Schweiz wöchentlich prospektiv Daten zu Verdachts- und bestätigten SARS-CoV-2-Fällen bei Schwangeren zum Zeitpunkt der Geburt erhoben. Betrachtet wurden die Verteilung dieser auf die Anzahl der Geburten, Zentren und Erhebungswochen sowie mütterliche Charakteristika und Krankheitsverläufe.
Ergebnisse
Neun Zentren haben im Verlauf 44 SARS-CoV-2-positive Schwangere zum Zeitpunkt der Geburt bei 7167 Geburten (0,6 %) gemeldet (3 Fälle auf 2270 Geburten (0,4 %) und 41 Fälle auf 4897 Geburten (0,8 %)). Berichtet wurden 2 schwere COVID-19-Verläufe (n = 1 mit Todesfolge nach ECMO, n = 1 mit ECMO überlebt). Bei 28 (68 %) Patientinnen verlief die Infektion asymptomatisch. Ein Neugeborenes wurde im Verlauf positiv auf SARS-CoV‑2 getestet.
Schlussfolgerung
Mithilfe des Registers konnte das Auftreten von Fällen zu Beginn der Pandemie zeitnah eingeschätzt werden. Es traten sporadisch Verdachtsfälle bzw. bestätigte Fälle auf. Aufgrund fehlender flächendeckender Testung muss aber von einer Dunkelziffer asymptomatischer Fälle ausgegangen werden. Während der zweiten Infektionswelle wurden 68 % asymptomatische Fälle gemeldet. Jedoch kann es bei jungen, gesunden Patientinnen ohne das Vorliegen typischer Risikofaktoren zu schwerwiegenden Verläufen kommen.
Purpose
Electrosurgery is the gold-standard procedure for the treatment of cervical dysplasia. The quality of the outcome depends on the accuracy of performance, which underlines the role of adequate training of surgeons, especially, as this procedure is often performed by novice surgeons. According to our knowledge, medical simulation has up until now lacked a model, which focuses on realistically simulating the treatment of cervical dysplasia with the concerning anatomy.
Methods and Result
In our work, we present a model created using 3D printing for holistically simulating diagnostic, as well as surgical interventions of the cervix, as realistically as possible.
Conclusion
This novel simulator is compared to an existing model and both are evaluated. By doing so, we aim to provide novice gynecologists with standardized and high-quality simulation models for practicing to improve their proficiency.
Background: The majority of breast cancer patients are severely psychologically affected by breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent therapeutic procedures. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions on public life have additionally caused significant psychological distress for much of the population. It is therefore plausible that breast cancer patients might be particularly susceptible to the additional psychological stress caused by the pandemic, increasing suffering. In this study we therefore aimed to assess the level of psychological distress currently experienced by a defined group of breast cancer patients in our breast cancer centre, compared to distress levels preCOVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: Female breast cancer patients of all ages receiving either adjuvant, neoadjuvant, or palliative therapies were recruited for the study. All patients were screened for current or previous COVID-19 infection. The participants completed a self-designed COVID-19 pandemic questionnaire, the Stress and Coping Inventory (SCI), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (R) (NCCN (R)) Distress Thermometer (DT), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ C30, and the BR23.
Results: Eighty-two breast cancer patients were included. Therapy status and social demographic factors did not have a significant effect on the distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the DT pre and during COVID-19 pandemic did not differ significantly. Using the self-designed COVID-19 pandemic questionnaire, we detected three distinct subgroups demonstrating different levels of concerns in relation to SARS-CoV-2. The subgroup with the highest levels of concern reported significantly decreased life quality, related parameters and symptoms.
Conclusions: This monocentric study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected psychological health in a subpopulation of breast cancer patients. The application of a self-created "COVID-19 pandemic questionnaire"could potentially be used to help identify breast cancer patients who are susceptible to increased psychological distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore may need additional intensive psychological support.
Background
Identification of families at risk for ovarian cancer offers the opportunity to consider prophylactic surgery thus reducing ovarian cancer mortality. So far, identification of potentially affected families in Germany was solely performed via family history and numbers of affected family members with breast or ovarian cancer. However, neither the prevalence of deleterious variants in \(BRCA1/2\) in ovarian cancer in Germany nor the reliability of family history as trigger for genetic counselling has ever been evaluated.
Methods
Prospective counseling and germline testing of consecutive patients with primary diagnosis or with platinum-sensitive relapse of an invasive epithelial ovarian cancer. Testing included 25 candidate and established risk genes. Among these 25 genes, 16 genes (\(ATM\), \(BRCA1\), \(BRCA2\), \(CDH1\), \(CHEK2\), \(MLH1\), \(MSH2\), \(MSH6\), \(NBN\), \(PMS2\), \(PTEN\), \(PALB2\), \(RAD51C\), \(RAD51D\), \(STK11\), \(TP53\)) were defined as established cancer risk genes. A positive family history was defined as at least one relative with breast cancer or ovarian cancer or breast cancer in personal history.
Results
In total, we analyzed 523 patients: 281 patients with primary diagnosis of ovarian cancer and 242 patients with relapsed disease. Median age at primary diagnosis was 58 years (range 16–93) and 406 patients (77.6%) had a high-grade serous ovarian cancer. In total, 27.9% of the patients showed at least one deleterious variant in all 25 investigated genes and 26.4% in the defined 16 risk genes. Deleterious variants were most prevalent in the \(BRCA1\) (15.5%), \(BRCA2\) (5.5%), \(RAD51C\) (2.5%) and \(PALB2\) (1.1%) genes. The prevalence of deleterious variants did not differ significantly between patients at primary diagnosis and relapse. The prevalence of deleterious variants in \(BRCA1/2\) (and in all 16 risk genes) in patients <60 years was 30.2% (33.2%) versus 10.6% (18.9%) in patients \(\geq\)60 years. Family history was positive in 43% of all patients. Patients with a positive family history had a prevalence of deleterious variants of 31.6% (36.0%) versus 11.4% (17.6%) and histologic subtype of high grade serous ovarian cancer versus other showed a prevalence of deleterious variants of 23.2% (29.1%) and 10.2% (14.8%), respectively. Testing only for \(BRCA1/2\) would miss in our series more than 5% of the patients with a deleterious variant in established risk genes.
Conclusions
26.4% of all patients harbor at least one deleterious variant in established risk genes. The threshold of 10% mutation rate which is accepted for reimbursement by health care providers in Germany was observed in all subgroups analyzed and neither age at primary diagnosis nor histo-type or family history sufficiently enough could identify a subgroup not eligible for genetic counselling and testing. Genetic testing should therefore be offered to every patient with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer and limiting testing to \(BRCA1/2\) seems to be
not sufficient.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are class of small RNA molecules with major impact on gene regulation. We analyzed the potential of miRNAs secreted from pre-implantation embryos into the embryonic culture media as biomarkers to predict successful pregnancy. Using microarray analysis, we profiled the miRNome of the 56 spent culture media (SCM) after embryos transfer and found a total of 621 miRNAs in the SCM. On average, we detected 163 miRNAs in SCM of samples with failed pregnancies, but only 149 SCM miRNAs of embryos leading to pregnancies. MiR-634 predicted an embryo transfer leading to a positive pregnancy with an accuracy of 71% and a sensitivity of 85%. Among the 621 miRNAs, 102 (16.4%) showed a differential expression between positive and negative outcome of pregnancy with miR-29c-3p as the most significantly differentially expressed miRNA. The number of extracellular vehicles was lower in SCM with positive outcomes (3.8 × 10\(^9\)/mL EVs), as compared to a negative outcome (7.35 × 10\(^9\)/mL EVs) possibly explaining the reduced number of miRNAs in the SCM associated with failed pregnancies. The analysis of the miRNome in the SCM of couples undergoing fertility treatment lays the ground towards development of biomarkers to predict successful pregnancy and towards understanding the role of embryonic miRNAs found in the SCM.
Background
Genital human papillomavirus (HPV)-infections are common in the general population and are responsible for relevant numbers of epithelial malignancies. Much data on the HPV-prevalence is available for secondary immunodeficiencies, especially for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infection. Little is known about the genital HPV-prevalence in patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs).
Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study of patients with PIDs and took genital swabs from male and female patients, which were analyzed with polymerase chain reaction for the presence of HPV-DNA. Clinical and laboratory data was collected to identify risk factors.
Results
28 PID patients were included in this study. 10 of 28 (35.7%) had HPV-DNA in their genital swabs. 6 patients had high-risk HPV-types (21.4%). Most patients had asymptomatic HPV-infections, as genital warts were rare (2 of 28 patients) and HPV-associated malignancy was absent. Differences in the HPV-positivity regarding clinical PID-diagnosis, duration of PID, age, sex, immunosuppression, immunoglobulin replacement, or circumcision in males were not present. HPV-positive PID patients had higher numbers of T cells (CD3\(^+\)), of cytotoxic T cells (CD3\(^+\)/CD8\(^+\)), of transitional B cells (CD19\(^+\)/CD38\(^{++}\)/CD10\(^+\)/IgD\(^+\)), and of plasmablasts (CD19\(^+\)/CD38\(^+\)/CD27\(^{++}\)/IgD\(^-\)) compared to HPV-negative.
Conclusion
PID patients exhibit a high rate of genital HPV-infections with a high rate of high-risk HPV-types. Regular screening for symptomatic genital HPV-infection and HPV-associated malignancy in PID patients seems recommendable.
Background
Breast cancer (BC), which is most common in elderly women, requires a multidisciplinary and continuous approach to care. With demographic changes, the number of patients with chronic diseases such as BC will increase. This trend will especially hit rural areas, where the majority of the elderly live, in terms of comprehensive health care.
Methods
Accessibility to several cancer facilities in Bavaria, Germany, was analyzed with a geographic information system. Facilities were identified from the national BC guideline and from 31 participants in a proof‐of‐concept study from the Breast Cancer Care for Patients With Metastatic Disease registry. The timeframe for accessibility was defined as 30 or 60 minutes for all population points. The collection of address information was performed with different sources (eg, a physician registry). Routine data from the German Census 2011 and the population‐based Cancer Registry of Bavaria were linked at the district level.
Results
Females from urban areas (n = 2,938,991 [ie, total of females living in urban areas]) had a higher chance for predefined accessibility to the majority of analyzed facilities in comparison with females from rural areas (n = 3,385,813 [ie, total number of females living in rural areas]) with an odds ratio (OR) of 9.0 for cancer information counselling, an OR of 17.2 for a university hospital, and an OR of 7.2 for a psycho‐oncologist. For (inpatient) rehabilitation centers (OR, 0.2) and genetic counselling (OR, 0.3), women from urban areas had lower odds of accessibility within 30 or 60 minutes.
Conclusions
Disparities in accessibility between rural and urban areas exist in Bavaria. The identification of underserved areas can help to inform policymakers about disparities in comprehensive health care. Future strategies are needed to deliver high‐quality health care to all inhabitants, regardless of residence.
Purpose
Robotic surgery represents the latest development in the field of minimally invasive surgery and offers many technical advantages. Despite the higher costs, this novel approach has been applied increasingly in gynecological surgery. Regarding the implementation of a new operative method; however, the most important factor to be aware of is patient safety. In this study, we describe our experience in implementing robotic surgery in a German University Hospital focusing on patient safety after 110 procedures.
Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of 110 consecutive robotic procedures performed in the University Hospital of Würzburg between June 2017 and September 2019. During this time, 37 patients were treated for benign general gynecological conditions, 27 patients for gynecological malignancies, and 46 patients for urogynecological conditions. We evaluated patient safety through standardized assessment of intra- and postoperative complications, which were categorized according to the Clavien–Dindo classification.
Results
No complications were recorded in 90 (81.8%) operations. We observed Clavien–Dindo grade I complications in 8 (7.3%) cases, grade II complications in 5 (4.5%) cases, grade IIIa complications in 1 case (0.9%), and grade IIIb complications in 6 (5.5%) cases. No conversion to laparotomy or blood transfusion was needed.
Conclusion
Robotic surgery could be implemented for complex gynecological operations without relevant problems and was accompanied by low complication rates.
Brustkrebs ist die häufigste maligne Erkrankung der Frau. Die Therapie setzt sich in der Regel individuell aus den Bausteinen der chirurgischen Tumorexzision, der Bestrahlung und der systemischen Therapie zusammen. Daneben gewinnt die ketogene Diät als supportiver Therapieansatz immer mehr an Aufmerksamkeit und Forschungsinteresse. Diese Ernährungsform imitiert durch starke Restriktion der Kohlenhydratzufuhr den Fastenstoffwechsel, da Blutzucker- und konsekutiv auch Insulinspitzen im Blut vermieden werden. Eine tragende Rolle kommt dabei der Bildung von Ketonkörpern, allen voran Betahydroxybutyrat, zu, die sowohl in den Tumorstoffwechsel als auch in immunologische Prozesse eingreifen können. In dieser Arbeit wurde ausgewählten Brustkrebszellen 3 mM Betahydroxybutyrat zugesetzt und ihr Wachstumsverhalten, ihre Chemo- und Radiosensitivität im Vergleich zu Kontrollzellen erfasst. Die Kontrollzellen wurden identisch behandelt, jedoch wurde Ihnen kein Betahydroxybutyrat zugefügt. Es zeigte sich dabei kein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den beiden Zellgruppen.
Objective
In this study, we investigated to which extent patients feel well informed about their disease and treatment, which areas they wish more or less information and which variables are associated with a need for information about the disease, medical tests and treatment.
Methods
In a German multi-centre prospective study, we enrolled 759 female breast cancer patients at the time of cancer diagnosis (baseline). Data on information were captured at 5 years after diagnosis with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Information Module (EORTC QLQ-INFO24). Good information predictors were analysed using linear regression models.
Results
There were 456 patients who participated at the 5-year follow-up. They reported to feel well informed about medical tests (mean score 78.5) and the disease itself (69.3) but relatively poorly about other services (44.3) and about different places of care (31.3). The survivors expressed a need for more information concerning: side effects and long-term consequences of therapy, more information in general, information about aftercare, prognosis, complementary medicine, disease and therapy. Patients with higher incomes were better informed about medical tests (β 0.26, p 0.04) and worse informed with increasing levels of fear of treatment (β − 0.11, p 0.02). Information about treatment was reported to be worse by survivors > 70 years old (β -0.34, p 0.03) and by immigrants (β -0.11, p 0.02). Survivors who had received additional written information felt better informed about disease, medical tests, treatment and other services (β 0.19/0.19/0.20/0.25; each p < 0.01).
Conclusion
Health care providers have to reconsider how and what kind of information they provide. Providing written information, in addition to oral information, may improve meeting those information needs.
High attrition-rates entailed by drug testing in 2D cell culture and animal models stress the need for improved modeling of human tumor tissues. In previous studies our 3D models on a decellularized tissue matrix have shown better predictivity and higher chemoresistance. A single porcine intestine yields material for 150 3D models of breast, lung, colorectal cancer (CRC) or leukemia. The uniquely preserved structure of the basement membrane enables physiological anchorage of endothelial cells and epithelial-derived carcinoma cells. The matrix provides different niches for cell growth: on top as monolayer, in crypts as aggregates and within deeper layers. Dynamic culture in bioreactors enhances cell growth. Comparing gene expression between 2D and 3D cultures, we observed changes related to proliferation, apoptosis and stemness. For drug target predictions, we utilize tumor-specific sequencing data in our in silico model finding an additive effect of metformin and gefitinib treatment for lung cancer in silico, validated in vitro. To analyze mode-of-action, immune therapies such as trispecific T-cell engagers in leukemia, as well as toxicity on non-cancer cells, the model can be modularly enriched with human endothelial cells (hECs), immune cells and fibroblasts. Upon addition of hECs, transmigration of immune cells through the endothelial barrier can be investigated. In an allogenic CRC model we observe a lower basic apoptosis rate after applying PBMCs in 3D compared to 2D, which offers new options to mirror antigen-specific immunotherapies in vitro. In conclusion, we present modular human 3D tumor models with tissue-like features for preclinical testing to reduce animal experiments.
Background
The viral load and tissue distribution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remain important questions. The current study investigated SARS-CoV-2 viral load, biodistribution and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody formation in patients suffering from severe corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Methods
This is a retrospective single-center study in 23 patients with COVID-19-induced ARDS. Data were collected within routine intensive care. SARS-CoV-2 viral load was assessed via reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Overall, 478 virology samples were taken. Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody detection of blood samples was performed with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
Most patients (91%) suffered from severe ARDS during ICU treatment with a 30-day mortality of 30%. None of the patients received antiviral treatment. Tracheal aspirates tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in 100% of the cases, oropharyngeal swabs only in 77%. Blood samples were positive in 26% of the patients. No difference of viral load was found in tracheal or blood samples with regard to 30-day survival or disease severity. SARS-CoV-2 was never found in dialysate. Serologic testing revealed significantly lower concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing IgM and IgA antibodies in survivors compared to non-survivors (p = 0.009).
Conclusions
COVID-19 induced ARDS is accompanied by a high viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in tracheal aspirates, which remained detectable in the majority throughout intensive care treatment. Remarkably, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was never detected in dialysate even in patients with RNAemia. Viral load or the buildup of neutralizing antibodies was not associated with 30-day survival or disease severity.
Background
The most threatening metastases in breast cancer are brain metastases, which correlate with a very poor overall survival, but also a limited quality of life. A key event for the metastatic progression of breast cancer into the brain is the migration of cancer cells across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
Methods
We adapted and validated the CD34\(^+\) cells-derived human in vitro BBB model (brain-like endothelial cells, BLECs) to analyse the effects of patient serum on BBB properties. We collected serum samples from healthy donors, breast cancer patients with primary cancer, and breast cancer patients with, bone, visceral or cerebral metastases. We analysed cytokine levels in these sera utilizing immunoassays and correlated them with clinical data. We used paracellular permeability measurements, immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and mRNA analysis to examine the effects of patient sera on the properties of BBB in vitro.
Results
The BLECs cultured together with brain pericytes in transwells developed a tight monolayer with a correct localization of claudin-5 at the tight junctions (TJ). Several BBB marker proteins such as the TJ proteins claudin-5 and occludin, the glucose transporter GLUT-1 or the efflux pumps PG-P and BCRP were upregulated in these cultures. This was accompanied by a reduced paracellular permeability for fluorescein (400 Da). We then used this model for the treatment with the patient sera. Only the sera of breast cancer patients with cerebral metastases had significantly increased levels of the cytokines fractalkine (CX3CL1) and BCA-1 (CXCL13). The increased levels of fractalkine were associated with the estrogen/progesterone receptor status of the tumour. The treatment of BLECs with these sera selectively increased the expression of CXCL13 and TJ protein occludin. In addition, the permeability of fluorescein was increased after serum treatment.
Conclusion
We demonstrate that the CD34\(^+\) cell-derived human in vitro BBB model can be used as a tool to study the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebrovascular pathologies. We showed that serum from patients with cerebral metastases may affect the integrity of the BBB in vitro, associated with elevated concentrations of specific cytokines such as CX3CL1 and CXCL13.
Background: Patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are treated with a palliative approach with focus oncontrolling for disease symptoms and maintaining high quality of life. Information on individual needs of patients andtheir relatives as well as on treatment patterns in clinical routine care for this specific patient group are lacking or arenot routinely documented in established Cancer Registries. Thus, we developed a registry concept specifically adaptedfor these incurable patients comprising primary and secondary data as well as mobile-health (m-health) data.
Methods: The concept for patient-centered “Breast cancer care for patients with metastatic disease”(BRE-4-MED)registry was developed and piloted exemplarily in the region of Main-Franconia, a mainly rural region in Germanycomprising about 1.3 M inhabitants. The registry concept includes data on diagnosis, therapy, progression, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and needs of family members from several sources of information includingroutine data from established Cancer Registries in different federal states, treating physicians in hospital as well as inoutpatient settings, patients with metastatic breast cancer and their family members. Linkage with routine cancerregistry data was performed to collect secondary data on diagnosis, therapy, and progression. Paper and online-basedquestionnaires were used to assess PROMs. A dedicated mobile application software (APP) was developed to monitorneeds, progression, and therapy change of individual patients. Patient’s acceptance and feasibility of data collection inclinical routine was assessed within a proof-of-concept study.
Results: The concept for the BRE-4-MED registry was developed and piloted between September 2017 and May 2018.In total n= 31 patients were included in the pilot study, n= 22 patients were followed up after 1 month. Recordlinkage with the Cancer Registries of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg demonstrated to be feasible. The voluntary APP/online questionnaire was used by n= 7 participants. The feasibility of the registry concept in clinical routine waspositively evaluated by the participating hospitals.
Conclusion: The concept of the BRE-4-MED registry provides evidence that combinatorial evaluation of PROMs, needsof family members, and raising clinical parameters from primary and secondary data sources as well as m-healthapplications are feasible and accepted in an incurable cancer collective.