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Master, Viraj A.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7251-142X

Mayo Clinic

Emory University

Citations 17

SWOG S1602: A phase III randomized trial to evaluate BCG strain differences and priming with intradermal BCG before intravesical therapy for BCG-naïve high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NCT #03091660).
Svatek, Robert S. , Tangen, Catherine, Meeks, Joshua J., Gilbert, Scott Michael, Lotan, Y., Tyson, Mark D. , Crispen, Paul L. , Delacroix, Scott Edward, Gills, Jessie, Daneshmand, S., Woods, Michael, Master, Viraj A., Mark, J. Ryan, Alva, Ajjai , Bangs, Rick , Nakagawa, Darrell , Plets, Melissa , Thompson, Ian Murchie, Lerner, Seth P., Meeks, Joshua J. , Gilbert, Scott M. , Delacroix, Scott Edward , Daneshmand, Siamak , Master, Viraj A. , Unger, Joseph M. , Thompson, Ian M. , Lerner, Seth P.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 2, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 7_suppl | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco.2026.44.7_suppl.lba629 Get It

LBA629 Background: Whether BCG strain influences clinical efficacy is unclear. BCG shortages and a reliance on a single strain may impact disease outcomes. Evidence also suggests that priming with intradermal (ID) BCG vaccination prior to intravesical (IVe) BCG enhances anti-tumor immunity and cancer clearance. Co-primary objectives address these issues. Methods: The trial design calls for 924 eligible patients with BCG naïve non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) (HG Ta/T1 +/- CIS or CIS alone) with negative purified protein derivative (PPD) to be randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio, to IVe TICE (Arm 1), IVe Tokyo-172 (Arm 2), or ID + IVe Tokyo-172 (Arm 3) BCG, stratifying on age group and clinical stage. IVe BCG included 6 weekly instillations (induction) and three weekly instillations (maintenance) at 3 and 6 months (mo), then every 6 mo for 3 years. Objective 1 tests whether Tokyo-172 BCG is non-inferior (NI) to TICE BCG, specifying a NI hazard ratio=1.34 (84% power). Objective 2 tests whether priming with ID prior to IVe Tokyo-172 is superior to IVe Tokyo-172 (HR=0.71, 83% power). The primary endpoint is high-grade recurrence-free survival (HG-RFS) censored at last cystoscopy, using a one-sided α=0.021 for each test. A Cox model adjusting for the stratification factors is used. Secondary endpoints include adverse events, 6-mo biopsy-proven complete response (CR) in patients with CIS +/- Ta, T1, duration of CR, PPD conversion and HG-RFS, progression-free survival (PFS) and quality of life. Max follow-up is 5 years. Results: 1000 (984 eligible) patients were enrolled from 2/17-12/20. Median (IQR) follow up is 4.6 (3.6, 5.0) yrs. Median age (range) is 70 yrs (26, 99), 17% are female, 9% are non-white, and 34% had CIS at entry. HG-RFS, CR, duration of CR at 4 yrs, and PFS were similar among arms (Table). PPD conversion occurred in 29% and was not correlated with HG-RFS. Gr 1-2 AE rate was similar (67%, 71%, and 67%) and Gr 3-4 (no Gr 5s) rate was 6%, 11%, and 14% for Arms 1,2, and 3, respectively. Conclusions: Tokyo-172 is non-inferior to TICE BCG in terms of HG RFS and CIS CR and is similar for PFS. Gr 3-4 AE rate is higher with Tokyo-172. Priming with Tokyo-172 BCG does not improve HG RFS. PPD conversion is not prognostic. Clinical trial information: NCT #03091660 . CIS Component N (eligible) 5-yr HG RFS HG RFSHR (95.8% CI) @ 5-yrPFS PFS HR(95% CI) @ CR %(95% CI) 4 yr CR duration Tice Ive 333 (330) 58% 79% 62%; 71/114(53%, 71%) 80% Tokyo Ive 332 (327) 64% *0.82(0.63, 1.08) 79% *0.99(0.70, 1.39) 60%; 66/110(50%, 69%) 83% Tokyo ID + Ive 335 (327) 63% **1.00(0.76, 1.33) 77% **1.07(0.76, 1.51) 63%; 69/109(54%, 72%) 80% 3 mo. PPD + conversionY vs. N 782 evaluable225 (29%)557 (71%) 69%67% ^HR=0.91(0.68, 1.22) * Tokyo-172 vs. Tice, ** Tokyo Priming vs. Tokyo no priming. ^conversion to PPD + vs. – @ adjusted for 2 strat factors (and arms for PPD model). PFS event = MIBC, metastasis, or death.
Twelve-Month Results From the CISTO Study Comparing Radical Cystectomy Versus Bladder-Sparing Therapy for Recurrent High-Grade Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Gore, John L. , Wolff, Erika M. , Nash, Michael G. , Comstock, Bryan A. , Gilbert, Scott M. , Chang, Sam S., Chisolm, Stephanie , MacLean, Douglas B., Wright, Jonathan L. , Kates, Max , Pohar, Kamal S. , Guzzo, Thomas J., Bivalacqua, Trinity J, Nepple, Kenneth G. , Montgomery, Jeffrey S., Scarpato, Kristen R., Master, Viraj A. , Chen, David YT , Mossanen, Matthew , O’Neil, Brock , Tyson, Mark D. , Mansour, Ahmed M. , Chamie, Karim, Riggs, Stephen B. , Kukreja, Janet Baack , Peyton, Cheri L. , Nix, Jeffrey W. , Dickstein, Rian, Sankin, Alex , Lane, Brian R. , Bassett, Jeffrey C. , Patel, Sanjay , Lee, Eugene K. , Ritch, Chad R. , Follmer, Kristin , Kim, Sung Min , Kessler, Larry G. , group, on behalf of the CISTO Collaborative, Gore, John L., Smith, Angela B., Wolff, Erika M., Comstock, Bryan A., Nash, Michael G., Follmer, Kristin M., Lee, Jenney R., Kim, Sung Min, Kessler, Larry G., Gilbert, Scott M., Chang, Sam S., Wright, Jonathan L., Kates, Max R., Pohar, Kamal S., Guzzo, Thomas J., Bivalacqua, Trinity J., Nepple, Kenneth G., Montgomery, Jeffrey S., Scarpato, Kristen R., Woldu, Solomon L., Master, Viraj A., Chen, David Y.T., Mossanen, Matthew, Daneshmand, Siamak, O'Neil, Brock B., Tyson, Mark D., Westerman, Mary E., Kamat, Ashish M., Mansour, Ahmed M., Chamie, Karim, Riggs, Stephen B., Kukreja, Janet B., Modi, Parth K., Garg, Tullika, Peyton, Charles C., Nix, Jeffrey W., Dickstein, Rian, Gadzinski, Adam J., Sankin, Alex, Shore, Neal D., Lane, Brian R., Bassett, Jeffrey C., Patel, Sanjay, Morris, David S., Macleod, Liam C., Lee, Eugene K., Ritch, Chad R., Chisolm, Stephanie, MacLean, Douglas B., Almeida, Fred, Murray, Mary Beth Ballard, Lindsey, Nancy, Lipman, Robert, Oliver, Richard M., Roscoe, Lori A., Sachse, Karen, Lotan, Yair, Porten, Sima P., Taylor, Jennifer M., Steinberg, Gary D., Catto, James W.F., Downs, Tracy M., Malin, Jennifer L., Davicioni, Elai, Rios, Patricia, Yano, Marielle, Jun, Grace, Li, Casey, Nefcy, Christopher, Basu, Anirban, Heagerty, Patrick J., Catto, James W.F. , Sankin, Alexander , Woldu, Solomon L , Master, Viraj A , Chen, David Y T , Daneshmand, Siamak , O'Neil, Brock B , Westerman, Mary E , Kamat, Ashish M. , Modi, Parth K , Peyton, Charles C , Gadzinski, Adam J , Shore, Neal , Patel, Sanjay , Ritch, Chad R , Follmer, Kristin M , Kim, Sung Min , Kessler, Larry G , Bivalacqua, Trinity J. , Daneshmand, Siamak , Westerman, Mary E. , Garg, Tullika K. , Shore, Neal D. , Morris, David S. , Macleod, Liam Connor , Lee, Jenney R. , Smith, Angela B. , group, on behalf of the CISTO Collaborative, Gore, John L., Smith, Angela B., Wolff, Erika M., Comstock, Bryan A., Nash, Michael G., Follmer, Kristin M., Lee, Jenney R., Kim, Sung Min, Kessler, Larry G., Gilbert, Scott M., Chang, Sam S., Wright, Jonathan L., Kates, Max R., Pohar, Kamal S., Guzzo, Thomas J., Bivalacqua, Trinity J., Nepple, Kenneth G., Montgomery, Jeffrey S., Scarpato, Kristen R., Woldu, Solomon L., Master, Viraj A., Chen, David Y.T., Mossanen, Matthew, Daneshmand, Siamak, O'Neil, Brock B., Tyson, Mark D., Westerman, Mary E., Kamat, Ashish M., Mansour, Ahmed M., Chamie, Karim, Riggs, Stephen B., Kukreja, Janet B., Modi, Parth K., Garg, Tullika, Peyton, Charles C., Nix, Jeffrey W., Dickstein, Rian, Gadzinski, Adam J., Sankin, Alex, Shore, Neal D., Lane, Brian R., Bassett, Jeffrey C., Patel, Sanjay, Morris, David S., Macleod, Liam C., Lee, Eugene K., Ritch, Chad R., Chisolm, Stephanie, MacLean, Douglas B., Almeida, Fred, Murray, Mary Beth Ballard, Lindsey, Nancy, Lipman, Robert, Oliver, Richard M., Roscoe, Lori A., Sachse, Karen, Lotan, Yair, Porten, Sima P., Taylor, Jennifer M., Steinberg, Gary D., Catto, James W.F., Downs, Tracy M., Malin, Jennifer L., Davicioni, Elai, Rios, Patricia, Yano, Marielle, Jun, Grace, Li, Casey, Nefcy, Christopher, Basu, Anirban, Heagerty, Patrick J.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | December 15, 2025 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 274-285

10.1200/jco-25-01324 Get It

PURPOSE To compare patient-reported and clinical outcomes between radical cystectomy (RC) and bladder-sparing therapy (BST) in patients with recurrent high-grade non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS This pragmatic, prospective observational cohort study was designed with patients, who selected and prioritized outcomes. Eligible adults were candidates for both RC or BST, had previous induction Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), and received their last treatment within 12 months. The primary outcome was the EORTC-QLQ-C30 physical function scale at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included other EORTC-QLQ-C30 scales, depression, anxiety, bladder cancer–specific quality of life (QOL), financial burden, and cancer-specific outcomes. Targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) was used to calculate average treatment effect (ATE) estimates between arms. Inverse probability weighted risk ratios (wRR) were calculated using quasi-Poisson regression. RESULTS Of 570 participants (mean age 71.4 years; 21% female), 371 selected BST and 199 selected RC. Physical function was significantly worse in the RC arm at 3 months; by 9 months, there was no difference between arms, and at 12 months, physical function did not differ (ATE, 0.9; 95% CI, –0.6 to 2.4; P = .22). RC was associated with better emotional function, generic health-related QOL, and financial burden, and lower depression and anxiety, while BST was associated with better bowel and sexual health. Cancer-specific survival was 99% for BST versus 96% for RC (wRR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.01). RC was associated with a higher risk of adverse events and serious adverse events, including a 90-day mortality rate of 2.5%. CONCLUSION Most patient-prioritized outcomes were similar or better among participants who chose RC compared with BST. These findings support the continued role of RC in managing recurrent high-grade NMIBC.
Thromboembolic Events in Castration‐Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients With and Without Cardiovascular Comorbidities Receiving Oral Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibitors
Asiri, Ibrahim M. , Master, Viraj A. , Mi, Lanyu , James, Sarah E. , Bryce, Alan H. , Afzal, Umar, Naqvi, Syed Arsalan Ahmed , Cobran, Ewan K. , Ahmed Naqvi, Syed Arsalan, Cobran, Ewan K , Bryce, Alan H , Chen, Ronald C. , Afzal, Umar, Riaz, Irbaz Bin , Beach, Steven R. H.

The Prostate | May 2, 2025 | Volume: 85 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 954-965

10.1002/pros.24902 Get It

ABSTRACTBackgroundThis study investigates the association between thromboembolic events (TE) and castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients receiving oral androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPi) compared to those undergoing chemotherapy, both with and without a pre‐existing history of cardiovascular disease (CVD).MethodsA total of 2779 men diagnosed with CRPC were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Medicare Linked Database from 2012 to 2016. Patients were stratified based on their CVD history. Within each CVD stratum (pre‐existing CVD vs. no pre‐existing CVD), patients were further categorized into two treatment groups: those receiving oral ARPi and those undergoing chemotherapy. Unadjusted and inverse probability treatment weight (IPTW)‐adjusted proportional hazards models, using Fine and Gray's method, were applied to evaluate the potential association between ARPi treatment and TE.ResultsPatients with pre‐existing CVD treated with ARPi exhibited a significantly lower crude hazard ratio (HR) for TE compared to chemotherapy (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.27–0.58, p < 0.001). However, after adjustment using IPTW, this association was no longer significant (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.00, 95% CI 0.75–1.32, p = 0.99). For patients without CVD, ARPi use was also associated with a reduced risk of TE in the crude analysis (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.32–0.87, p = 0.01), but this effect was not statistically significant after IPTW adjustment (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.69–1.41, p = 0.94).ConclusionARPi demonstrated no significant effect on TE risk compared to chemotherapy, regardless of pre‐existing CVD status. Similarly, when excluding patients with a prior history of TE, ARPi use remained non‐significantly associated with new TE in the IPTW‐adjusted competing risk analysis, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy and lymphadenectomy for penile cancer: an international, multi-institutional, real-world study
Pham, Rachel, Zacharias, Niki M. , Ionescu, Filip , Paravathaneni, Mahati, Marchetti, Kathryn , Sanchez, Darren , Mustasam, Arfa, Sandstrom, Reagan, Vikram, Raghu , Schneider, Amy, Pagliaro, Lance C. , Alifrangis, Constantine , Master, Viraj A. , Hernandez, Cindy, Moses, Kelvin A. , Protzel, Chris, Montgomery, Jeffrey S., Ángel, Martín , Tobias‐Machado, Marcos , Pettaway, Curtis A. , Chahoud, Jad , Nazha, Bassel , Chahoud, Jad , Rose, Kyle , Dhillon, Jasreman , Rao, Priya , Albersen, Maarten , Roussel, Eduard , Nazha, Bassel , Spiess, Philippe E.

JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute | February 17, 2024 | Volume: 116 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 966-973

10.1093/jnci/djae034 Get It

Abstract Introduction This study investigated the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advance penile squamous cell carcinoma for which current evidence is lacking. Methods Included patients had locally advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma with clinical lymph node metastasis treated with at least 1 dose of neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to planned consolidative lymphadenectomy. Objective response rates were assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1. The primary and secondary outcomes were overall survival and progression-free survival, estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Treatment-related adverse events were graded per the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0. Results A total of 209 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced and clinically node-positive penile squamous cell carcinoma. The study population consisted of 7% of patients with stage II disease, 48% with stage III, and 45% with stage IV. Grade 2 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 35 (17%) patients, and no treatment-related mortality was observed. Of the patients, 201 (97%) completed planned consolidative lymphadenectomy. During follow-up, 106 (52.7%) patients expired, with a median overall survival of 37.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 23.8 to 50.1 months) and median progression-free survival of 26.0 months (95% CI = 11.7 to 40.2 months). Objective response rate was 57.2%, with 87 (43.2%) having partial response and 28 (13.9%) having a complete response. Patients with objective response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a longer median overall survival (73.0 vs 17.0 months, P &lt; .01) compared with those who did not. The lymph node pathologic complete response rate was 24.8% in the cohort. Conclusion Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with lymphadenectomy for locally advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma is well tolerated and active to reduce the disease burden and improve long-term survival outcomes.
2018 Leibovich prognostic model for renal cell carcinoma: Performance in a large population with special consideration of Black race
Schmeusser, Benjamin N. , Patil, Dattatraya , Nicaise, Edouard , Armas‐Phan, Manuel , Nabavizadeh, Reza , Narayan, Vikram M. , Joshi, Shreyas , Ogan, Kenneth , Osunkoya, Adeboye O. , Bilen, Mehmet Asım , Master, Viraj A. , Patil, Dattatraya H , Nicaise, Edouard H , Joshi, Shreyas S , Bilen, Mehmet A , Narayan, Vikram M

Cancer | October 7, 2023 | Volume: 130 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 453-466

10.1002/cncr.35037 Get It

AbstractBackgroundThe 2018 Leibovich prognostic model for nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) combines clinical, surgical, and pathologic factors to predict progression‐free survival (PFS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) for patients with clear cell (ccRCC), papillary (pRCC), and chromophobe (chRCC) histology. Despite high accuracy, <1% of the original cohort was Black. Here, the authors examined this model in a large population with greater Black patient representation.MethodsBy using a prospectively maintained RCC institutional database, patients were assigned Leibovich model risk scores. Survival outcomes included 5‐year and 10‐year PFS and CSS. Prognostic accuracy was determined using area under the curve (AUC) analysis and calibration plots. Black patient subanalyses were conducted.ResultsIn total, 657 (29%) of 2295 patients analyzed identified as Black. Declines in PFS and CSS were observed as scores increased. Discrimination for ccRCC was strong for PFS (AUC: 5‐year PFS, 0.81; 10‐year PFS, 0.78) and for CSS (AUC: 5‐year CSS, 0.82; 10‐year CSS, 0.74). The pRCC AUC for PFS was 0.74 at 5 years and 0.71 at 10 years; and the AUC for CSS was 0.74 at 5 years and 0.70 at 10 years. In chRCC, better performance was observed for CSS (AUC at 5 years, 0.75) than for PFS (AUC: 0.66 at 5 years; 0.55 at 10 years). Black patient subanalysis revealed similar‐to‐improved performance for ccRCC at 5 years (AUC: PFS, 0.79; CSS, 0.87). For pRCC, performance was lower for PFS (AUC at 5 years, 0.63) and was similar for CSS (AUC at 5 years, 0.77). Sample size limited Black patient 10‐year and chRCC analyses.ConclusionsThe authors externally validated the 2018 Leibovich RCC prognostic model and found optimal performance for ccRCC, followed by pRCC, and then chRCC. Importantly, the results were consistent in this large representation of Black patients.Plain Language Summary In 2018, a model to predict survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) was introduced by Leibovich et al. This model has performed well; however, Black patients have been under‐represented in examination of its performance. In this study, 657 Black patients (29%) were included, and the results were consistent. This work is important for making sure the model can be applied to all patient populations.
Safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced penile cancer: report from the Global Society of Rare Genitourinary Tumors
Zarif, Talal El , Pond, Gregory R. , Zhuang, Tony , Master, Viraj A. , Nazha, Bassel , Niglio, Scot A. , Simon, Nicholas I. , Hahn, Andrew W. , Pettaway, Curtis A. , Tu, Shi‐Ming, Abdel‐Wahab, Noha , Velev, Maud , Flippot, Ronan , Maruzzo, Marco , Yang, Yuanquan , Rodriguez, Pablo Alvarez, Castellano, Daniel , Velasco, Guillermo de , Roviello, Giandomenico , Antonuzzo, Lorenzo , McKay, Rana R. , Hui, Gavin , Drakaki, Alexandra , Glover, Michael , Khaki, Ali Raza , El‐Am, Edward , Patel, Vaibhav G. , Piedra, A. , Gernone, Angela , Davis, Nancy B. , Matthews, Harrison, Giudice, Giulia Claire , Farolfi, Alberto , Milowsky, Matthew I. , Appleman, Leonard J. , Freeman, Dory , Sonpavde, Guru , El Zarif, Talal , Nazha, Bassel , Hahn, Andrew W , Antonuzzo, Lorenzo , Khaki, Ali Raza , El-Am, Edward , Appleman, Leonard , Choueiri, Toni K , Spiess, Philippe E , Necchi, Andrea , Sonpavde, Guru , Pond, Gregory Russell , Nassar, Amin H. , Tu, Shi‐Ming , Buti, Sebastiano , Mittra, Arjun , Gheeya, Jinesh , Vincenzi, Bruno , Cortellini, Alessio , Drakaki, Alexandra , Adra, Nabil , Mouhieddine, Tarek H. , Harrison, Michael R. , Kanesvaran, Ravindran , Barata, Pedro C. , Lee, Jae‐Lyun , Stahlfeld, Charlotte N. , Kim, Joseph W. , Choueiri, Toni K. , Spiess, Philippe E. , Necchi, Andrea , Apolo, Andrea B

JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute | August 11, 2023 | Volume: 115 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 1605-1615

10.1093/jnci/djad155 Get It

Abstract Background Treatment options for penile squamous cell carcinoma are limited. We sought to investigate clinical outcomes and safety profiles of patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods This retrospective study included patients with locally advanced or metastatic penile squamous cell carcinoma receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors between 2015 and 2022 across 24 centers in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Overall survival and progression-free survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Objective response rates were determined per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours 1.1 criteria. Treatment-related adverse events were graded per the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. Two-sided statistical tests were used for comparisons. Results Among 92 patients, 8 (8.7%) were Asian, 6 (6.5%) were Black, and 24 (29%) were Hispanic and/or Latinx. Median (interquartile range) age was 62 (53-70) years. In all, 83 (90%) had metastatic penile squamous cell carcinoma, and 74 (80%) had received at least second-line treatment. Most patients received pembrolizumab monotherapy (n = 26 [28%]), combination nivolumab-ipilimumab with or without multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (n = 23 [25%]), or nivolumab (n = 16 [17%]) or cemiplimab (n = 15 [16%]) monotherapies. Median overall and progression-free survival were 9.8 months (95% confidence interval = 7.7 to 12.8 months) and 3.2 months (95% confidence interval = 2.5 to 4.2 months), respectively. The objective response rate was 13% (n = 11/85) in the overall cohort and 35% (n = 7/20) in patients with lymph node–only metastases. Visceral metastases, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 1 or higher, and a higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were associated with worse overall survival. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 27 (29%) patients, and 9.8% (n = 9) of the events were grade 3 or higher. Conclusions Immune checkpoint inhibitors are active in a subset of patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma. Future translational studies are warranted to identify patients more likely to derive clinical benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Creatinine to Cystatin-C Ratio in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Clinically Pragmatic Prognostic Factor and Sarcopenia Biomarker
Schmeusser, Benjamin N. , Biermann, Henry, Ali, Adil , Midenberg, Eric, Helman, Talia , Armas‐Phan, Manuel , Nabavizadeh, Reza , Joshi, Shreyas , Bilen, Mehmet Asım , Ogan, Kenneth , Master, Viraj A. , Joshi, Shreyas S, Narayan, Vikram M. , Psutka, Sarah P , Nicaise, Edouard , Patil, Dattatraya , Psutka, Sarah P.

The Oncologist | August 4, 2023 | Volume: 28 | Issue: 12 | Pages: e1219-e1229

10.1093/oncolo/oyad218 Get It

Abstract Introduction Low creatinine to cystatin-C ratio (Cr/Cys-C) may be a biomarker for low-muscle mass. Furthermore, low Cr/Cys-C is associated with decreased overall survival (OS), but to date, has not been examined in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Our objective is to evaluate associations between low Cr/Cys-C ratio and OS and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with RCC treated with nephrectomy. Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients with RCC treated with nephrectomy. Patients with end-stage renal disease and less than 1-year follow up were excluded. Cr/Cys-C was dichotomized at the median for the cohort (low vs. high). OS and RFS for patients with high versus low Cr/Cys-C were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and associations with the outcomes of interest were modeled using Cox proportional Hazards models. Associations between Cr/Cys-C and skeletal muscle mass were assessed with correlations and logistic regression. Results A total of 255 patients were analyzed, with a median age of 64. Median (IQR) Cr/Cys-C was 1 (0.8-1.2). Low Cr/Cys-C was associated with age, female sex, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status ≥1, TNM stage, and tumor size. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis demonstrated an association between low Cr/Cys-C and decreased OS (HR = 2.97, 95%CI, 1.12-7.90, P =0.029) and RFS (HR = 3.31, 95%CI, 1.26-8.66, P = .015). Furthermore, a low Cr/Cys-C indicated a 2-3 increase in risk of radiographic sarcopenia. Conclusions Lower Cr/Cys-C is associated with inferior oncologic outcomes in RCC and, pending validation, may have utility as a serum biomarker for the presence of sarcopenia in patients with RCC treated with nephrectomy.
Core biopsy (bx) accuracy and safety of biopsy and preoperative immunotherapy in predicting histological subtype and nuclear grade in ECOG-ACRIN EA8143 perioperative nivolumab (nivo) versus observation in patients (pts) with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) unde
Kim, Se Eun , Master, Viraj A. , Baniak, Nick , Tapia, Elsa Li Ning, Leibovich, Bradley C. , Shuch, Brian , Group, EA8143 Authors', Haas, Naomi B , McDermott, David F. , Signoretti, Sabina , Akgül, Mahmut , Palmer, Matthew R. , Emamekhoo, Hamid , Kapoor, Anil , Michaelson, M. Dror , Bratslavsky, Gennady , Carducci, Michael A. , Allaf, Mohamad E , Group, EA8143 Authors'

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 4, 2023 | Volume: 41 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 4541-4541

10.1200/jco.2023.41.16_suppl.4541 Get It

4541 Background: PROSPER is a phase 3 National Clinical Trials Network study that accrued pts with clinical stage ≥T2 or TanyN+ RCC of any histology planned for radical/ partial nephrectomy. Pts were randomized to perioperative nivo followed by primary tumor resection and 9 cycles of nivo postoperatively or standard surgery followed by observation. To address concerns that core kidney bx might 1) not provide accurate diagnosis and 2) delay surgery due to adverse events (AEs) or scheduling, the study was amended from requiring all patients to undergo core bx prior to treatment for confirmation of RCC, to only require bx in patients randomized to the nivo arm. Herein, we report the accuracy and safety of primary tumor core bxs in predicting final histology and nuclear grade by both site and central pathology review as well as time from enrollment to surgery. We also report AEs of preoperative nivo. Methods: Concordance of both core bx and primary tumor by site and central pathology review of histology and grade (1-2 vs 3-4) are reported, along with the Cohen’s Kappa value, which measures the agreement and concordance (kappa=0 is no concordance and 1 is highest). AEs relating to core bxs and preoperative nivo, as well as time from enrollment to surgery for each arm, comparing pre- and post-amendment (dropping bx requirement in surgery alone arm) are also reported. Results: 387/404 pts in the nivo arm and 171/415 pts in the surgery alone arm had core bxs. 632 patients had both central pathology and site review available. 41 of all randomized patients (819) were considered as non-RCC and 26/41 were identified via bx. The median times from enrollment to surgery for nivo and control arms pre-amendment were 32d vs 19 d, and post-amendment were 21 d vs 14 d, respectively. The median (25th-75th percentile) number of days from last preoperative nivo to surgery was 14 d (9-20). AEs related to core bx, generally from bleeding, were reported in 13/558 (2.3%) pts. 2/13 bxs resulted in life-threatening complications. 21/353 (6%) of pts receiving nivo pre-surgery had ≥ grade 3-5 AE attributed to nivo. 181/353 (51%) pts had any grade AE attributed to nivo. Concordance between bxs and primary tumor pathologies for determining histological subtype was Kappa = 0.62. Agreement between central pathology and originating site review of primary tumor for determining nuclear grade was Kappa = 0.56, and concordance of histology was Kappa = 0.78. Conclusions: The PROSPER trial use of core bxs in advance of neoadjuvant therapy was generally safe, largely consistent with primary tumor histology and grade, and did not delay resection of the primary tumor. AEs of preoperative nivo were consistent with nivo AEs in metastatic disease. This approach is valid for future neoadjuvant trials. Clinical trial information: NCT03055013 .
Neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy for clinically node-positive penile squamous cell carcinoma: An international, multicenter, real-world study.
Sanchez, Darren , Mustasam, Arfa, Sandstrom, Reagan, Pagliaro, Lance C. , Alifrangis, Constantine , Moses, Kelvin A. , Master, Viraj A. , Zhuang, Tony , Montgomery, Jeffrey S., Protzel, Chris, Machado, Marcos Tobías , Pettaway, Curtis A. , Chahoud, Jad , Rose, Kyle , Marchetti, Kathryn , Zacharias, Niki M. , Albersen, Maarten , Roussel, Eduard , Nazha, Bassel , Spiess, Philippe E.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 14, 2023 | Volume: 41 | Issue: 6_suppl | Pages: 9-9

10.1200/jco.2023.41.6_suppl.9 Get It

9 Background: The efficacy of neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy (NAPC) in penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) was provided by small clinical trials, leaving clinicians with scant evidence-based guidance. Thus, we aimed to analyze real-world outcomes of patients with PSCC who received NAPC prior to surgical resection. Methods: Patients from 9 tertiary care centers who had undergone NAPC prior surgical resection for PSCC were included with locally advanced (cTany, cN+), non-metastatic (M0) disease. The primary and secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), Response was determined via best overall response measured with RECIST 1.1 criteria. Results: 167 patients were included, 137 (84%), of which received TIP prior to surgical resection. Ninety-two (55%) patients died during follow up, and the mean follow up for survivors was 57 months. The median OS was 42 months, while the median PFS was 17 months. The table details the response rates to NAPC, the associated survival, and Cox Proportional Hazards Modelling of OS and PFS. Predictors for OS and RFS included lymphovascular invasion, positive number of lymph nodes, extranodal extension, downstaging, best overall response, and ypN status. Figure 1 demonstrates OS outcomes by RECIST best response after chemotherapy, presence of downstaging after NAPC, ypN stage, and presence of extranodal extension. Conclusions: Upfront NAPC is effective in patients with lymph node metastases from penile carcinoma. Unsurprisingly, patients who demonstrated a robust response to therapy had improved survival outcomes compared to those who had not—as measured by RECIST criteria, tumor downstaging, pN staging, and presence of extranodal extension. This study represents the largest conglomeration of multi-institutional penile carcinoma patients treated with NAPC, and provides further supportive data for multimodal therapy for advanced penile cancer patients while prospective clinical trials complete accrual. [Table: see text]
Integrative Medicine for Pain Management in Oncology: Society for Integrative Oncology–ASCO Guideline
Mao, Jun J. , Ismaila, Nofisat , Bao, Ting , Barton, Debra L. , Ben‐Arye, Eran , Garland, Eric L. , Greenlee, Heather , LeBlanc, Thomas W. , Lee, Richard T. , López, Ana María , Loprinzi, Charles L. , MacLeod, Jodi , Master, Viraj A. , Ramchandran, Kavitha , Walker, Eleanor , Witt, Claudia M. , Barton, Debra , Leblanc, Thomas , Loprinzi, Charles , Lyman, Gary H , MacLeod, Jodi , Wagner, Lynne , Bruner, Deborah , Witt, Claudia M , Bruera, Eduardo , Mao, Jun J , Ramchandran, Kavitha J , Wagner, Lynne I. , Bruner, Deborah Watkins

Journal of Clinical Oncology | September 19, 2022 | Volume: 40 | Issue: 34 | Pages: 3998-4024

10.1200/jco.22.01357 Get It

PURPOSE The aim of this joint guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing physicians and other health care providers on integrative approaches to managing pain in patients with cancer. METHODS The Society for Integrative Oncology and ASCO convened an expert panel of integrative oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, palliative oncology, social sciences, mind-body medicine, nursing, and patient advocacy representatives. The literature search included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials published from 1990 through 2021. Outcomes of interest included pain intensity, symptom relief, and adverse events. Expert panel members used this evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations. RESULTS The literature search identified 227 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline. RECOMMENDATIONS Among adult patients, acupuncture should be recommended for aromatase inhibitor–related joint pain. Acupuncture or reflexology or acupressure may be recommended for general cancer pain or musculoskeletal pain. Hypnosis may be recommended to patients who experience procedural pain. Massage may be recommended to patients experiencing pain during palliative or hospice care. These recommendations are based on an intermediate level of evidence, benefit outweighing risk, and with moderate strength of recommendation. The quality of evidence for other mind-body interventions or natural products for pain is either low or inconclusive. There is insufficient or inconclusive evidence to make recommendations for pediatric patients. More research is needed to better characterize the role of integrative medicine interventions in the care of patients with cancer. Additional information is available at https://integrativeonc.org/practice-guidelines/guidelines and www.asco.org/survivorship-guidelines .