ABSTRACT

A 'classical' and a 'basal-like' subtype of pancreatic cancer have been reported, with differential expression of GATA6 and different dosages of mutant KRAS. We established in situ detection of KRAS point mutations and mRNA panels for the consensus subtypes aiming to project these findings to paraffin-embedded clinical tumour samples for spatial quantitative analysis. We unveiled that, next to inter-patient and intra-patient inter-ductal heterogeneity, intraductal spatial phenotypes exist with anti-correlating expression levels of GATA6 and KRASG12D . The basal-like mRNA panel better captured the basal-like cell states than widely used protein markers. The panels corroborated the co-existence of the classical and basal-like cell states in a single tumour duct with functional diversification, i.e. proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition respectively. Mutant KRASG12D detection ascertained an epithelial origin of vimentin-positive cells in the tumour. Uneven spatial distribution of cancer-associated fibroblasts could recreate similar intra-organoid diversification. This extensive heterogeneity with functional cooperation of plastic tumour cells poses extra challenges to therapeutic approaches. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

PMID:37842959 | DOI:10.1002/path.6212

15:06

PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

Welcome to the Rising Stars in Cardio-Oncology Special Focus Issue

Future Cardiol. 2023 Sep;19(11):515-517. doi: 10.2217/fca-2022-0111. Epub 2023 Oct 18.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:37850469 | DOI:10.2217/fca-2022-0111

15:06

PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

Early Increases in Blood Pressure and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma and Thyroid Cancer Treated With VEGFR TKIs

J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2023 Oct;21(10):1039-1049.e10. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2023.7047.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a preferred systemic treatment approach for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and thyroid carcinoma (TC), treatment-related cardiovascular (CV) toxicity is an important contributor to morbidity. However, the clinical risk assessment and impact of CV toxicities, including early significant hypertension, among real-world advanced cancer populations receiving VEGFR TKI therapies remain understudied.

METHODS: In a multicenter, retrospective cohort study across 3 large and diverse US health systems, we characterized baseline hypertension and CV comorbidity in patients with RCC and those with TC who are newly initiating VEGFR TKI therapy. We also evaluated baseline patient-, treatment-, and disease-related factors associated with the risk for treatment-related early hypertension (within 6 weeks of TKI initiation) and major adverse CV events (MACE), accounting for the competing risk of death in an advanced cancer population, after VEGFR TKI initiation.

RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2020, 987 patients (80.3% with RCC, 19.7% with TC) initiated VEGFR TKI therapy. The baseline prevalence of hypertension was high (61.5% and 53.6% in patients with RCC and TC, respectively). Adverse CV events, including heart failure and cerebrovascular accident, were common (occurring in 14.9% of patients) and frequently occurred early (46.3% occurred within 1 year of VEGFR TKI initiation). Baseline hypertension and Black race were the primary clinical factors associated with increased acute hypertensive risk within 6 weeks of VEGFR TKI initiation. However, early significant "on-treatment" hypertension was not associated with MACE.

CONCLUSIONS: These multicenter, real-world findings indicate that hypertensive and CV morbidities are highly prevalent among patients initiating VEGFR TKI therapies, and baseline hypertension and Black race represent the primary clinical factors associated with VEGFR TKI-related early significant hypertension. However, early on-treatment hypertension was not associated with MACE, and cancer-specific CV risk algorithms may be warranted for patients initiating VEGFR TKIs.

PMID:37856199 | DOI:10.6004/jnccn.2023.7047

15:06

PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

Microparticles and cardiotoxicity secondary to doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in breast cancer patients

Int J Cardiol. 2023 Oct 16:131435. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131435. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Doxorubicin (DOXO)-cardiotoxicity is a limiting factor for breast cancer chemotherapy. The relationship between microparticles (MPs) and cardiotoxicity remains unclear. MPs can be released under varying pathophysiological conditions. Thereby, this study aimed to assess MPs derived from cardiomyocytes (CardioMPs), platelets (PMPs) and those that expresses tissue factor (TFMPs) in 80 women with breast cancer undergoing DOXO-based chemotherapy, with or without cardiotoxicity in a one-year follow-up. We observed in the cardiotoxicity group higher count of total-MPs at T0 (prior chemotherapy) (p = 0.034), CardioMPs at T0 and T1 (just after chemotherapy) (p = 0.009 and p = 0.0034) and TFMPs at T0 (p = 0.011) compared to non-cardiotoxicity group. The results suggest that MPs could be associated to cardiotoxicity due to DOXO treatment in breast cancer patients.

PMID:37852542 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131435

15:06

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Efficacy and Safety of Apixaban versus Dalteparin as a Treatment for Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Oct 20;59(10):1867. doi: 10.3390/medicina59101867.

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common in cancer patients. Anticoagulant therapy with low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such as dalteparin and apixaban, have demonstrated efficacy and safety. However, more comparative research of these drugs is still needed. This study aimed to synthesize evidence on the efficacy of apixaban compared to dalteparin in reducing recurrent VTE, major bleeding, and clinically relevant non-major bleeding associated with cancer. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials databases up to 5 January 2023, for randomized controlled trials comparing apixaban versus dalteparin as treatment for cancer-associated VTE. Five studies were included. Effects according to meta-analyses were reported as relative risks (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: It was found that 33 of 734 (4.5%) patients treated with apixaban and 56 of 767 (7.3%) with dalteparin had recurrent VTE as the efficacy outcome (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.15-1.58, I2 38%). Major bleeding occurred in 25 of 734 patients treated with apixaban (3.4%) and 27 of 767 with dalteparin (3.5%) (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.31-5.27, I2 59%). Likewise, clinically relevant non-major bleeding occurred in 64 of 734 patients treated with apixaban (8.7%) and 46 of 767 (5.9%) with dalteparin (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.05-2.19, I2 0%). Conclusions: Apixaban showed a lower risk of recurrent VTE than dalteparin in patients with cancer-associated VTE, but without statistical significance. No statistical significance was observed in clinically relevant major or non-major bleeding.

PMID:37893585 | DOI:10.3390/medicina59101867

15:06

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Risk and timing of venous thromboembolism after surgery for lung cancer: a nationwide cohort study

Ann Thorac Surg. 2023 Oct 25:S0003-4975(23)01073-1. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2023.10.015. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially preventable serious complication in lung cancer patients undergoing thoracic surgery. We examined the risk and timing of VTE following surgery for primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS: in the Danish Lung Cancer Registry. VTE events in the year after surgery were assessed by stage, patient characteristics, and surgical procedure.

RESULTS: We identified 13,197 patients who underwent surgery for NSCLC in 2003-2021 (mean age 67.6 years, 50% female); 10,524 (79.7%) had stage I-II NSCLS and 2673 (20.3%) had stage III-IV. During one-year follow-up, there were 335 VTE events, yielding a rate of 2.87 events/100 person-years and an absolute risk of 3.3% (95% CI 2.3-4.0). VTE risk increased with advancing cancer stage (1.8% for stage I versus 4.1% for stage IV), but varied little by pathological type, sex, and comorbidity level. Bilobectomy was associated with highest VTE risk (4.8%, 95% CI 3.2-6.9), followed by pneumonectomy (3.6%, 95% CI 2.5-5.1). The hazard of VTE was highest during the first three months after surgery, whereafter it declined. For stage IV cancer hazards increased again after six months. At one-year, all-cause death was 12.6% (95% CI: 12.0-13.1 %).

CONCLUSIONS: Among patients undergoing surgery for NSCLC, 3.3% developed VTE, most commonly within 3 months postoperatively. Prolonged thromboprophylaxis could be considered, particularly in those with advanced cancer stage and undergoing extended resections.

PMID:37890818 | DOI:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2023.10.015

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

A Novel Model to Prevent Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Lung Cancer

Altern Ther Health Med. 2023 Oct 27:AT9245. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of nurse-patient co-management mode on preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in lung cancer patients with carboplatin and gemcitabine chemotherapy after peripheral venipuncture central venous catheterization (PICC).

METHODS: 100 patients with lung cancer admitted to the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University from April 2020 to April 2022 were selected. All patients received a combination chemotherapy of carboplatin and gemcitabine and PICC catheterization. The patients were divided into an observation group and a control group by 1:1 simple random method, with 50 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were given routine nursing for lung cancer, and patients in the observation group were treated with nurse-patient co-management mode, and nursing intervention lasted for 2 months. General Comfort Questionnaire, self-management ability, quality of life, Self-care ability Scale, self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and self-rating depression Scale were compared before and after intervention between the two groups. The recovery of immune ability indices (CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+) in 2 groups were detected. Complications after PICC catheterization were recorded in the two groups.

RESULTS: After nursing, self-rating depression Scale and self-rating Anxiety Scale scores in both groups were significantly decreased, which were lower in the observation group than the control group (P < .001). After nursing, scores of self-concept, self-responsibility, self-care skills, and health knowledge level were significantly increased in both groups, which were higher in the observation group than control group (P < .001). After nursing, scores on the General Comfort Questionnaire, self-management scale, and quality of life were increased in both groups, which were higher in the observation group than control group (P < .0501). After nursing care, the immune competence indices of both patients increased significantly, and the immune indexes of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, and CD3+ CD4+/CD3+CD8+ in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < .05). The total incidence of complications in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (8.00% vs. 26.00%, P < .001), and the incidence of venous thromboembolism was significantly lower than that in the control group (2.00% vs. 14.00%, P < .001).

CONCLUSION: The nurse-patient co-management model has shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients who have undergone PICC catheterization while receiving carboplatin and gemcitabine chemotherapy. This model also helps patients improve their self-care and self-management abilities, alleviates adverse psychological effects, and contributes to the recovery of their immune system.

PMID:37883756

15:06

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Evaluating the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors on venous thromboembolism in non-small cell lung cancer patients

Expert Rev Hematol. 2023 Oct 26:1-8. doi: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2276209. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Currently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy is one of the main methods of treatment in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to explore the risk factors of VTE and evaluate the effect of ICIs on VTE in patients with NSCLC.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients with NSCLC who were divided into VTE group and without VTE (Non-VTE) group. We identified the risk factors of VTE in NSCLC patients and evaluated the effect of ICIs on VTE in NSCLC patients.

RESULTS: We found that clinical stage III-IV (P = 0.015) and Khorana score (KS) ≥ 2 (P = 0.047) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of VTE in NSCLC, and treatment with ICIs reduced the risk of VTE occurrence (P = 0.028). There were no differences of survival rates in the 12-month (P = 0.449), 24-month (P = 0.412), or 36-month (P = 0.315) between the VTE and non-VTE groups. History of anti-angiogenic therapy (P = 0.033) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (P = 0.046) were independent risk factors for VTE in NSCLC patients who were treated with ICIs.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that we should strengthen anticoagulant therapy when using ICIs for NSCLC patients with a history of anti-angiogenic therapy and COPD.

PMID:37883026 | DOI:10.1080/17474086.2023.2276209

15:06

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Hospital-Acquired Venous Thromboembolism and Invasive Mechanical Ventilation: A Report From the Children's Hospital Acquired Thrombosis Consortium

Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2023 Oct 26. doi: 10.1097/PCC.0000000000003383. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine if the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) was associated with hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (HA-VTE) among critically ill children.

DESIGN: A multicenter, matched case-control study as a secondary analysis of Children's Hospital Acquired Thrombosis (CHAT) Consortium registry.

SETTING: PICUs within U.S. CHAT Consortium participating centers.

PATIENTS: Children younger than 21 years old admitted to a PICU receiving IMV for greater than or equal to 1 day duration from January 2012 to March 2022 were included for study. Cases with HA-VTE were matched 1:2 to controls without HA-VTE by patient age groups: younger than 1, 1-12, and older than 12 years.

INTERVENTIONS: None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was IMV duration in days. Descriptive data included demographics, anthropometrics, HA-VTE characteristics (i.e., type, location, and timing), central venous catheterization data, thromboprophylaxis practices, and Braden Q mobility scores. Descriptive, comparative, and associative (multivariate conditional logistic regression for HA-VTE) statistics were employed. A total of 152 cases were matched to 304 controls. Cases with HA-VTE were diagnosed at a median of 7 days (interquartile range [IQR], 3-16 d) after IMV. The HA-VTE were limb deep venous thromboses in 130 of 152 (85.5%) and frequently central venous catheterization-related (111/152, 73%). Cases with HA-VTE experienced a longer length of stay (median, 34 d [IQR, 18-62 d] vs. 11.5 d [IQR, 6-21 d]; p < 0.001) and IMV duration (median, 7 d [IQR, 4-15 d] vs. 4 d [IQR, 1-7 d]; p < 0.001) as compared with controls. In a multivariate logistic model, greater IMV duration (adjusted odds ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.17; p = 0.023) was independently associated with HA-VTE.

CONCLUSIONS: Among critically ill children undergoing IMV, HA-VTE was associated with greater IMV duration. If prospectively validated, IMV duration should be included as part of prothrombotic risk stratification and future pediatric thromboprophylaxis trials.

PMID:37882641 | DOI:10.1097/PCC.0000000000003383

15:06

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Guidelines in Practice: Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism

AORN J. 2023 Nov;118(5):321-328. doi: 10.1002/aorn.14019.

ABSTRACT

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition involving deep vein thrombosis and embolism, can cause death when left untreated. Hospitalized patients and those who have recently undergone surgery or have a cancer diagnosis are at increased risk for VTE development. The updated AORN "Guideline for prevention of venous thromboembolism" provides perioperative nurses with a variety of evidence-based recommendations associated with the topic. This article provides an overview of the guideline and discusses recommendations for a VTE protocol, VTE and bleeding risk assessments, pharmacologic and mechanical VTE prophylaxis, postoperative ambulation, and patient and family education. It also includes a scenario that illustrates the importance of the VTE assessment and the use of mechanical prophylaxis for high-risk patients undergoing operative or other invasive procedures. Perioperative nurses should review the guideline in its entirety and implement recommendations in operative and procedural settings.

PMID:37882602 | DOI:10.1002/aorn.14019

15:06

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Heterogeneous distributions in clinical events preceding anticoagulant treatment nonpersistence in patients with venous thromboembolism stratified by active cancer: A nationwide cohort study

Cancer Med. 2023 Oct 26. doi: 10.1002/cam4.6626. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nonpersistence in anticoagulation therapy is common and associated with undesirable clinical outcomes in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

METHODS: We investigated preceding clinical events of treatment nonpersistence (e.g., switching, discontinuing, or restarting) in VTE patients with and without active cancer using Korean claims database.

RESULTS: Clinically significant events including thromboembolic events, hepatic function change and surgery preceded treatment nonpersistence, but heterogeneous distributions of clinical events were observed in the presence of active cancer. Patients with active cancer had a low rate of clinical events preceding treatment nonpersistence, and new active cancer diagnosis in the nonactive cancer group was most common before the switch to parenteral anticoagulants from warfarin or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs).

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that clinically significant events can precede treatment nonpersistence and largely paralleled current guidelines for patients with VTE, whereas heterogeneous distributions of clinical events were observed in the presence of active cancer.

PMID:37882319 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.6626

15:06

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

How we manage a high D-dimer

Haematologica. 2023 Oct 26. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2023.283966. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

D-dimer, a soluble fibrin degradation product that originates from plasmin-induced degradation of cross-linked fibrin, is an important biomarker of coagulation activation and secondary fibrinolysis that is routinely used to rule out venous thromboembolism (VTE), to evaluate the risk of VTE recurrence as well as the optimal duration of anticoagulant therapy. Besides VTE, D-dimer may be high due to physiologic conditions, including aging, pregnancy and strenuous physical activity. In addition, several disorders have been associated with increased D-dimer levels, spanning from disseminated intravascular coagulation to infectious diseases and cancers. Thus, it is far from unusual for hematologists to have to deal with ambulatory individuals presenting with increased Ddimer without signs or symptoms of thrombus formation. To the management of these cases by the hematologist is dedicated this narrative review.

PMID:37881856 | DOI:10.3324/haematol.2023.283966

15:06

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Episodic Cocaine Use as a Cause of Venous Thromboembolism and Acute Liver Injury

Am J Case Rep. 2023 Oct 24;24:e941360. doi: 10.12659/AJCR.941360.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND Pulmonary embolism secondary to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with cor pulmonale is commonly associated with risk factors including surgery, cancer, and prolonged immobility. Cocaine is known to cause vasoconstriction and has a prothrombotic effect. Prolonged and heavy use of cocaine can also cause inflammation and liver damage. However, data on its potential role in causing pulmonary embolism and direct hepatotoxicity in cases of episodic use are scarce. CASE REPORT A 34-year-old man with no significant medical history except for episodic cocaine use presented in respiratory distress. Workup revealed submassive pulmonary embolism with pulmonary infarctions complicated by pneumonia, hypoxemic respiratory failure, and anemia. He was treated with anticoagulation and intensive care. On day 5 of hospitalization, the patient had an acute hepatic injury. His alanine aminotransferase level peaked at over 2000 IU/L on day 7, until finally tapering. Liver failure was found to be secondary to cocaine use. Liver enzyme levels improved with supportive care. He was discharged with apixaban and continued liver enzyme monitoring. CONCLUSIONS When investigating the cause of venous thromboembolism and transaminitis, evaluating cocaine use via patient history or laboratory analysis of cocaine and its metabolites should be considered. Cocaine is known to cause vasoconstriction and has a prothrombotic effect, although data on its potential role in causing pulmonary embolism and direct hepatotoxicity in cases of episodic use are scarce. Further investigation, such as cohort studies, could help strengthen our understanding of the relationship between cocaine use, acute hepatic injury, and pulmonary embolism.

PMID:37872733 | DOI:10.12659/AJCR.941360

15:06

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Comparison of Direct Oral Anticoagulants versus Low Molecular Weight Heparin in Primary and Metastatic Brain Cancers: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

J Thromb Haemost. 2023 Oct 20:S1538-7836(23)00779-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.10.011. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for therapeutic anticoagulation in the setting of primary or metastatic brain cancer is not known.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review of studies that compare the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with brain cancer treated with DOACs vs. LMWH.

METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Summary statistics were obtained by calculating the risk ratio (RR), and heterogeneity across studies was estimated using the I2 statistic. A total of 10 retrospective studies (n=1,638) met criteria for inclusion. The primary endpoint was the pooled RR for ICH in patients with brain tumors receiving anticoagulation with DOACs compared with those receiving LMWH. Secondary analyses included the risk of fatal ICH in each subgroup.

RESULTS: The pooled RR for ICH in patients receiving DOACs vs. those receiving LMWH was 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-1.17; P = 0.15; I2 = 50%). In studies evaluating primary brain cancer, there was a reduction in risk of ICH with DOACs (RR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.18-0.69; P = 0.003; I2 = 0%). In patients with metastatic brain cancer, there was no difference in the risk of ICH with type of anticoagulation (RR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.71-1.56; P = 0.80; I2 = 0%). The overall risk of fatal ICH was not different between anticoagulants.

DISCUSSION: The risk of ICH in patients with brain cancer receiving therapeutic anticoagulation varies by anticoagulation agent and diagnosis of primary or metastatic disease.

PMID:37866517 | DOI:10.1016/j.jtha.2023.10.011

15:07

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Two Cases of Catheter-Related Venous Thrombosis Treated with Direct Oral Anticoagulants(DOAC)

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2023 Sep;50(9):993-996.

ABSTRACT

The implantation of a totally implantable central venous(CV)access port is considered a risk factor for venous thromboembolism( VTE). In the treatment of catheter-related thrombosis(CRT), both European and American guidelines recommend anticoagulation therapy with catheters in place. We experienced 2 cases of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT)after the implantation of CV access ports through the left subclavian vein for adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resected breast cancer. Both patients were successfully treated with direct oral anticoagulants(DOAC) while the port remained in place with a careful follow-up that included monitoring of serum D-dimer levels. The administration of DOAC to CRT that develops in patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer may be relatively safe, with a low potential for adverse events such as bleeding.

PMID:37800295

15:07

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Computer image analysis with artificial intelligence: a practical introduction to convolutional neural networks for medical professionals

Postgrad Med J. 2023 Oct 4:qgad095. doi: 10.1093/postmj/qgad095. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Artificial intelligence tools, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), are transforming healthcare by enhancing predictive, diagnostic, and decision-making capabilities. This review provides an accessible and practical explanation of CNNs for clinicians and highlights their relevance in medical image analysis. CNNs have shown themselves to be exceptionally useful in computer vision, a field that enables machines to 'see' and interpret visual data. Understanding how these models work can help clinicians leverage their full potential, especially as artificial intelligence continues to evolve and integrate into healthcare. CNNs have already demonstrated their efficacy in diverse medical fields, including radiology, histopathology, and medical photography. In radiology, CNNs have been used to automate the assessment of conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and rectal cancer. In histopathology, CNNs have been used to assess and classify colorectal polyps, gastric epithelial tumours, as well as assist in the assessment of multiple malignancies. In medical photography, CNNs have been used to assess retinal diseases and skin conditions, and to detect gastric and colorectal polyps during endoscopic procedures. In surgical laparoscopy, they may provide intraoperative assistance to surgeons, helping interpret surgical anatomy and demonstrate safe dissection zones. The integration of CNNs into medical image analysis promises to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline workflow efficiency, and expand access to expert-level image analysis, contributing to the ultimate goal of delivering further improvements in patient and healthcare outcomes.

PMID:37794609 | DOI:10.1093/postmj/qgad095

15:07

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Artificial intelligence in the prediction of venous thromboembolism: A systematic review and pooled analysis

Eur J Haematol. 2023 Oct 4. doi: 10.1111/ejh.14110. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Accurate diagnostic and prognostic predictions of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are crucial for VTE management. Artificial intelligence (AI) enables autonomous identification of the most predictive patterns from large complex data. Although evidence regarding its performance in VTE prediction is emerging, a comprehensive analysis of performance is lacking.

AIMS: To systematically review the performance of AI in the diagnosis and prediction of VTE and compare it to clinical risk assessment models (RAMs) or logistic regression models.

METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science from inception to April 20, 2021. Search terms included "artificial intelligence" and "venous thromboembolism." Eligible criteria were original studies evaluating AI in the prediction of VTE in adults and reporting one of the following outcomes: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, or area under receiver operating curve (AUC). Risks of bias were assessed using the PROBAST tool. Unpaired t-test was performed to compare the mean AUC from AI versus conventional methods (RAMs or logistic regression models).

RESULTS: A total of 20 studies were included. Number of participants ranged from 31 to 111 888. The AI-based models included artificial neural network (six studies), support vector machines (four studies), Bayesian methods (one study), super learner ensemble (one study), genetic programming (one study), unspecified machine learning models (two studies), and multiple machine learning models (five studies). Twelve studies (60%) had both training and testing cohorts. Among 14 studies (70%) where AUCs were reported, the mean AUC for AI versus conventional methods were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.74-0.85) versus 0.61 (95% CI: 0.54-0.68), respectively (p < .001). However, the good to excellent discriminative performance of AI methods is unlikely to be replicated when used in clinical practice, because most studies had high risk of bias due to missing data handling and outcome determination.

CONCLUSION: The use of AI appears to improve the accuracy of diagnostic and prognostic prediction of VTE over conventional risk models; however, there was a high risk of bias observed across studies. Future studies should focus on transparent reporting, external validation, and clinical application of these models.

PMID:37794526 | DOI:10.1111/ejh.14110

15:07

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Associations Between Immune-Related Venous Thromboembolism and Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. 2023 Jan-Dec;29:10760296231206799. doi: 10.1177/10760296231206799.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to summarize the available data and determine if the presence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) immune-related adverse event (irAE) in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is associated with improved treatment efficacy and clinical outcomes, which in turn was used to help optimize patient selection for anticoagulation therapy and inform rational treatment strategies for overcoming the mechanisms of ICI resistance. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched up to March 18, 2023, for studies assessing the relationship between VTE irAE development during ICI therapy and cancer outcomes. Seven primary articles with a total of 4437 patients were included in the overall survival (OS) meta-analysis. Patients with VTE had a significant increase in overall mortality compared to patients without VTE in adjusted hazard ratios (HRs 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.75, P = .02). In the studies where immortal time bias (ITB) was accounted for, patients with VTE irAE also had poor OS than those without. HR and the corresponding 95% CI values in the non-ITB group were 2.53 (1.75-3.66, P < .00001) with low heterogeneity (P = .17, I2 = 48%) and 1.21 (1.06-1.37, P = .004) in the ITB group with no heterogeneity (P = .95, I2 = 0%), respectively. Despite the heterogeneity identified, the evidence does suggest that VTE irAE occurrence could be served as a prognostic indicator, with higher frequencies of occurrence associated with poorer OS. However, the fundamental role of this association with clinical consequences should be further investigated in large cohorts and clinical trials.

PMID:37844585 | PMC:PMC10586005 | DOI:10.1177/10760296231206799

15:07

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Pulmonary Embolism Unplugged: Catheter-Directed Therapies for Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism

JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2023 Sep 27:S1936-8798(23)01212-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jcin.2023.08.029. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:37855803 | DOI:10.1016/j.jcin.2023.08.029

15:07

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Thrombin Generation Markers as Predictors of Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism: A Systematic Review

Semin Thromb Hemost. 2023 Oct 9. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1775856. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a main contributor to morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Biomarkers with the potential to predict cancer-associated VTE are continually sought. Of these, markers of thrombin generation present a likely option. The present systematic review examines the ability of three widely used biomarkers of thrombin generation: prothrombin fragment 1.2 (F1.2), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), and ex vivo thrombin generation, to predict VTE in both solid and hematologic adult cancer patients. Relevant studies were identified in the PubMed and Embase databases, and the review conformed to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Each study was evaluated using the quality assessment tool from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The review protocol was published on PROSPERO with identifier CRD42022362339. In total, 24 papers were included in the review: 11 reporting data on F1.2, 9 on TAT, and 12 on ex vivo thrombin generation. The quality ratings of the included studies varied from good (n = 13), fair (n = 8), to poor (n = 3) with a high heterogenicity. However, F1.2, TAT complex, and ex vivo thrombin generation were all found to be associated with the development of VTE. This association was most pronounced for F1.2. Furthermore, the determination of F1.2 was able to improve the precision of several established risk assessment scores. In conclusion, markers of thrombin generation were found to be elevated in cancer patients with VTE, and particularly, F1.2 was found to be a promising predictor of cancer-associated VTE.

PMID:37813372 | DOI:10.1055/s-0043-1775856

15:07

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Measurement of adherence and health-related quality of life during anticoagulation therapy in cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE): a multicenter quantitative study

Support Care Cancer. 2023 Oct 6;31(10):615. doi: 10.1007/s00520-023-08073-y.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Therapy for cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes long-term anticoagulation, which may have substantial impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients. We assessed patient-reported outcomes to characterize the HRQL associated with VTE treatment and to begin to examine those HRQL elements impacting anticoagulation adherence (AA).

METHODS: Participants were adult cancer patients with confirmed symptomatic acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. Patients were excluded if there was an indication for anticoagulation other than VTE, ECOG performance status >3, or life expectancy < 3 months. Participants were assessed with a self-reported adherence tool. HRQL was measured with a 6-domain questionnaire using a seven-point Likert scale. Evaluations were performed at 30 days and 3 months after enrollment. For the primary objective, an overall adherence rate was calculated at each time point of evaluation. For the HRQL domains, non-parametric testing was used to compare results between subgroups.

RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were enrolled. AA and HRQL at 30 days and 3 months were assessed in 50 and 36 participants, respectively. At 30 days the AA rate was 90%, and at 3 months it was 83%. In regard to HRQL, patients suffered frequent and moderate-severe distress in the domains of emotional and physical symptoms, sleep disturbance, and limitations to physical activity. An association between emotional or physical distress and AA was observed.

CONCLUSION: Patients with VTE suffer a substantial impairment of their HRQL. Increased emotional distress correlated with better long-term AA. These results can be used to inform additional research aimed at developing novel strategies to improve AA.

PMID:37801086 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-023-08073-y

15:07

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

A - 119 A Case Study: the Cognitive Functioning of an Adult Patient with Recurrent Craniopharyngiomas

Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2023 Oct 20;38(7):1291. doi: 10.1093/arclin/acad067.136.