Citations

Abstract This review explores the pivotal role of preanalytical variables in bringing liquid biopsy approaches into the clinic for brain tumors. Preanalytical variables encompass a range of critical issues, from blood sample collection and handling to the impact of tumor heterogeneity and patient-specific factors. These variables introduce challenges such as false positives, false negatives, and variability in the analysis of tumor signals, which can hinder the diagnostic and prognostic utility of liquid biopsies. Understanding the nuances of preanalytical variables is essential for the successful implementation of liquid biopsy in clinical settings. This paper delves into strategies aimed at mitigating the influence of preanalytical variables by emphasizing the importance of standardized sample collection protocols, optimized sample processing and storage, quality control measures, and the integration of multiple liquid biopsy modalities.

The NCCN Guidelines for Survivorship include screening, evaluation, and treatment recommendations for common physical and psychosocial problems resulting from adult-onset cancer and its treatment and provide a framework for coordination of survivorship care. They also include recommendations to help cancer survivors enhance their wellness and maintain a healthy lifestyle. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize the panel’s current recommendations and recent updates regarding physical activity, nutrition, and weight management for cancer survivors.

Thymomas and thymic carcinomas are rare mediastinal tumors that originate in the thymus. Patients with thymoma may experience symptoms associated with autoimmune paraneoplastic diseases (such as myasthenia gravis), which typically do not occur in patients with thymic carcinoma. The NCCN Guidelines for Thymomas and Thymic Carcinomas provide guidance for the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of patients with thymoma and thymic carcinoma. Involvement of a multidisciplinary team with experience treating thymomas and thymic carcinomas is highly recommended.

Abstract Background Real-world first-line maintenance (1LM) treatment data are limited for advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (a/mNSCLC). Materials and Methods In this electronic health record-derived, deidentified database study, eligible patients (≥18 years; diagnosed with stage III/IV non-small cell lung cancer [June 1, 2017-September 30, 2021]) initiated pembrolizumab-based 1LM after 4-6 cycles of first-line (1L) platinum-based chemotherapy-pembrolizumab ± pemetrexed. Study outcomes were real-world time to next treatment or death (rwTTNTD), overall survival (rwOS), and predictors of outcomes. Results Of 1944 patients analyzed (median follow-up, 12.2 months), 51.9% received 1LM pembrolizumab-pemetrexed and 48.1% pembrolizumab monotherapy. Median rwTTNTD and rwOS were 9.2 (95% CI: 8.5-9.8) and 18.7 (95% CI: 17.7-20.3) months, respectively. In multivariable analyses, factors significantly associated with shorter rwTTNTD included 5%-<10% (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; 95% CI: 1.17-1.54) or ≥10% (HR, 1.69; 95% CI: 1.42-2.01) weight loss during 1L versus 0% or <5% weight loss. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression 1%–49% (HR, 0.81; 95% CI: 0.71-0.93) or ≥50% (HR, 0.55; 95% CI: 0.47-0.64) and female sex (HR, 0.85; 95% CI: 0.75-0.95) were significantly associated with longer rwTTNTD. These variables were also significantly associated with shorter (weight loss 5%-<10%: HR, 1.52; 95% CI: 1.30-1.77; ≥10% HR, 2.06; 95% CI: 1.71-2.48) and longer rwOS (PD-L1 expression: 1%-49% HR, 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72-0.98; ≥ 50% HR, 0.57; 95% CI: 0.48-0.68; female sex: HR, 0.81; 95% CI: 0.71-0.92). Conclusions Predictors of real-world clinical outcomes included 1L treatment, weight loss, PD-L1 status, and sex. Poor outcomes persisted despite immunotherapy-based 1LM availability, revealing an unmet need in this population.

Objective: To evaluate the first 3 years of compliance with the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) Operative Standards. Background: CoC implemented evidence-based standards to improve the quality of sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer (operative standards 5.3 and 5.4), wide local excision for melanoma (5.5), colectomy for colon cancer (5.6), proctectomy for rectal cancer (5.7), and pulmonary resection for lung cancer (5.8) at ∼1400 programs treating >74% of US cancer patients. Each operative standard defines a technical element of the operation and structured documentation. Methods: Compliance data are from site visits conducted between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024 (implementation/site visits began in 2021/2022 for 5.7 and 5.8 and 2023/2024 for 5.3–5.6). Compliance with each operative standard was determined by evaluation of 7 operative (5.3–5.6) or pathology (5.7, 5.8) reports. Deficiency in technical performance, documentation, or both was considered noncompliance. Results: Reviewers conducted 974 site visits of Comprehensive Community (44%), Community (23%), Academic Comprehensive (16%), network (12%), NCI-Designated Comprehensive (4%), and other (1%) cancer programs. Program compliance rates ranged from 53% to 88%. Documentation noncompliance was more common for standards 5.3 to 5.6 (based on operative reports), and technical noncompliance was more common for 5.7 and 5.8 (based on pathology reports). Compliance significantly (P=0.006) varied by program type for 5.8 (highest: 66% at NCI-designated Comprehensive programs; lowest: 37% at Community Cancer programs). Conclusions: Early compliance with CoC operative standards varied, indicating local and large-scale national quality improvement efforts are needed.

This phase II trial of transoral surgery (TOS) with deintensified postoperative management in human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated oropharynx cancer (OPC) enrolled patients with resectable cT1-2 stage III/IV American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) seventh edition p16+ OPC without matted neck nodes. Those with clear margins, 0-1 + nodes (LN), and no extranodal extension (ENE) were observed (arm A); those with clear margins, 2-4 + LN, or ENE ≤1 mm were randomly assigned to 50 Gy (arm B) or 60 Gy (arm C); and those with involved margins, >4 + LN, or >1 mm ENE received weekly cisplatin and 60-66 Gy (arm D). Among 359 evaluable patients, the 54-month progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 90.6% (90% CI, 87.2% to 93.1%) and 95.3% (93.0% to 96.9%), respectively. The 54-month PFS by arm was A 93.2% (79.6% to 97.8%; all four recurrences among N1 patients), B 94.9% (89.7% to 97.5%), C 90.2% (82.7% to 94.6%), and D 85.5% (77.5% to 90.8%). The 54-month OS by arm was A 97.1% (85.7% to 99.4%), B 97.9% (93.5% to 99.3%), C 95.1% (90.1% to 97.6%), and D 92.5% (86.9% to 95.7%). PFS or OS did not differ by primary site or smoking history. TOS and neck dissection with deintensified postoperative management results in outstanding 54-month PFS and OS. Among patients with favorable pathologic characteristics, those with N1 disease are at risk of late recurrence without radiation.

Abstract Objective The successful diagnosis and classification of lymphoid neoplasms in blood and bone marrow is the responsibility of the practicing pathologist. This guide provides a general “roadmap” for this process, from initial case recognition to final classification. Methods The integration of hematologic, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic features for the full spectrum of precursor and mature B-cell, T-cell, and natural killer–cell neoplasms that typically manifest in blood and bone marrow is included. Results Classification systems for lymphoid neoplasms provide criteria for pathologists to render a diagnosis that is optimal for patient care, treatment, and outcome prediction. Conclusions This guide provides diagnostic strategies for lymphoid neoplasms encountered in blood and bone marrow specimens using both the International Consensus Classification and the World Health Organization fifth edition classification systems. Key tips are provided for each entity along with testing requirements, differential diagnosis, nonneoplastic mimics, and other unique features based on the experience of the Bone Marrow Pathology Group members.