Thromboxane biosynthesis in cancer patients and its inhibition by aspirin: a sub-study of the Add-Aspirin trial (2023)

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Joharatnam-Hogan N.; Hatem D.; Cafferty F.H.; Petrucci G.; Cameron D.A.; Ring A.; Kynaston H.G.; Gilbert D.C.; Wilson R.H.; Hubner R.A.; Swinson D.E.B.; Cleary S.; Robbins A.; MacKenzie M.; Scott-Brown M.W.G.; Sothi S.; Dawson L.K.; Capaldi L.M.; Churn M.; Cunningham D.; Khoo V.; Armstrong A.C.; Ainsworth N.L.; Horan G.; Wheatley D.A.; Mullen R.; Lofts F.J.; Walther A.; Herbertson R.A.; Eaton J.D.; O'Callaghan A.; Eichholz A.; Kagzi M.M.; Patterson D.M.; Narahari K.; Bradbury J.; Stokes Z.; Rizvi A.J.; Walker G.A.; Kunene V.L.; *Srihari N.; Gentry-Maharaj A.; Meade A.; Patrono C.; Rocca B.; Langley R.E.

Citation:
British Journal of Cancer. 129(4):706-720, 2023 Sep.

Abstract:
Background: Pre-clinical models demonstrate that platelet activation is involved in the spread of malignancy. Ongoing clinical trials are assessing whether aspirin, which inhibits platelet activation, can prevent or delay metastases. Method(s): Urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2(U-TXM), a biomarker of in vivo platelet activation, was measured after radical cancer therapy and correlated with patient demographics, tumour type, recent treatment, and aspirin use (100 mg, 300 mg or placebo daily) using multivariable linear regression models with log-transformed values. Result(s): In total, 716 patients (breast 260, colorectal 192, gastro-oesophageal 53, prostate 211) median age 61 years, 50% male were studied. Baseline median U-TXM were breast 782; colorectal 1060; gastro-oesophageal 1675 and prostate 826 pg/mg creatinine; higher than healthy individuals (~500 pg/mg creatinine). Higher levels were associated with raised body mass index, inflammatory markers, and in the colorectal and gastro-oesophageal participants compared to breast participants (P < 0.001) independent of other baseline characteristics. Aspirin 100 mg daily decreased U-TXM similarly across all tumour types (median reductions: 77-82%). Aspirin 300 mg daily provided no additional suppression of U-TXM compared with 100 mg. Conclusion(s): Persistently increased thromboxane biosynthesis was detected after radical cancer therapy, particularly in colorectal and gastro-oesophageal patients. Thromboxane biosynthesis should be explored further as a biomarker of active malignancy and may identify patients likely to benefit from aspirin.

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Novel case report of primary osteosarcoma of the maxilla in an adult: An important differential diagnosis (2023)

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Venkatasami M.; *Harrison K.

Citation:
Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2023. Article Number: 100423. Date of Publication: September 2023. [epub ahead of print]

Abstract:
Craniofacial osteosarcoma accounts for 10% of osteosarcoma malignancies, typically affecting the 4-5th decade of life, with the maxilla being the second-most common site. We report a 58-year-old male, non-smoker, with a lump of his upper jaw which occasionally bled during mastication. Clinical examination revealed an exophytic mass in the upper left tuberosity of the maxilla and no lymphadenopathy, where initial differential diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma. Radiological investigations revealed a metabolically active left maxillary lesion with maxillary sinus destruction, representing primary malignancy. Histological analyses initially suggested a fibro-osseous lesion; further immunohistochemistry showed cytokeratin AE1/AE3/CK(MNF.116) positivity with 60% ki67 proliferation index; diagnostic of grade 2-3 osteosarcoma. Management included neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to total maxillectomy and dental prosthetic rehabilitation. We report a novel case of primary osteosarcoma of the maxilla in an adult. Osteosarcoma is challenging to diagnose and an important differential to consider where the mainstay of treatment is early invention.

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Rheumatoid nodule presenting as an indeterminate soft tissue mass in the sole of the foot (2023)

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Patel R.; Nand R.; Sunderamoorthy D.

Citation:
Journal of Surgical Case Reports. 2023(5) (no pagination), May 2023.

Abstract:
A 64-year-old lady with a background of rheumatoid arthritis presented to the foot and ankle clinic with lump underneath the sole of her foot causing significant discomfort. Examination revealed she had a swelling of the first and the second metatarsophalangeal joints. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed abnormal soft tissue thickening between the second and the third metatarsal and a single large encapsulating indeterminate soft tissue mass with a peripheral inflammatory rim. The appearance was suggestive of a malignant sarcoma rather than a rheumatoid nodule or rheumatoid tenosynovitis. The patient was referred to the regional sarcoma unit where the scans were reviewed, and a sarcoma was ruled out. The patient then underwent excision of the indeterminate soft tissue mass. Histology revealed granulomatous infiltration suggestive of a rheumatoid nodule. This has not been described previously in the literature.

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Abiraterone acetate plus prednisolone with or without enzalutamide for patients with metastatic prostate cancer starting androgen deprivation therapy: final results from two randomised phase 3 trials of the STAMPEDE platform protocol (2023)

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Attard, Gerhardt; Murphy, Laura; Clarke, Noel W; Sachdeva, Ashwin; Jones, Craig; Hoyle, Alex; Cross, William; Jones, Robert J; Parker, Christopher C; Gillessen, Silke; Cook, Adrian; Brawley, Chris; Gilson, Clare; Rush, Hannah; Abdel-Aty, Hoda; Amos, Claire L; Murphy, Claire; Chowdhury, Simon; Malik, Zafar; Russell, J Martin; Parkar, Nazia; Pugh, Cheryl; Diaz-Montana, Carlos; Pezaro, Carmel; Grant, Warren; Saxby, Helen; Pedley, Ian; O'Sullivan, Joe M; Birtle, Alison; Gale, Joanna; *Srihari, Narayanan; Thomas, Carys; Tanguay, Jacob; Wagstaff, John; Das, Prantik; Gray, Emma; Alzouebi, Mymoona; Parikh, Omi; Robinson, Angus; Montazeri, Amir H; Wylie, James; Zarkar, Anjali; Cathomas, Richard; Brown, Michael D; Jain, Yatin; Dearnaley, David P; Mason, Malcolm D; Gilbert, Duncan; Langley, Ruth E; Millman, Robin; Matheson, David; Sydes, Matthew R; Brown, Louise C; Parmar, Mahesh K B; James, Nicholas D.

Citation:
Lancet Oncology. 24(5):443-456, 2023 May.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Abiraterone acetate plus prednisolone (herein referred to as abiraterone) or enzalutamide added at the start of androgen deprivation therapy improves outcomes for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Here, we aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes and test whether combining enzalutamide with abiraterone and androgen deprivation therapy improves survival. METHODS: We analysed two open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trials of the STAMPEDE platform protocol, with no overlapping controls, conducted at 117 sites in the UK and Switzerland. Eligible patients (no age restriction) had metastatic, histologically-confirmed prostate adenocarcinoma; a WHO performance status of 0-2; and adequate haematological, renal, and liver function. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) using a computerised algorithm and a minimisation technique to either standard of care (androgen deprivation therapy; docetaxel 75 mg/m2 intravenously for six cycles with prednisolone 10 mg orally once per day allowed from Dec 17, 2015) or standard of care plus abiraterone acetate 1000 mg and prednisolone 5 mg (in the abiraterone trial) orally or abiraterone acetate and prednisolone plus enzalutamide 160 mg orally once a day (in the abiraterone and enzalutamide trial). Patients were stratified by centre, age, WHO performance status, type of androgen deprivation therapy, use of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pelvic nodal status, planned radiotherapy, and planned docetaxel use. The primary outcome was overall survival assessed in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was assessed in all patients who started treatment. A fixed-effects meta-analysis of individual patient data was used to compare differences in survival between the two trials. STAMPEDE is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00268476) and ISRCTN (ISRCTN78818544). FINDINGS: Between Nov 15, 2011, and Jan 17, 2014, 1003 patients were randomly assigned to standard of care (n=502) or standard of care plus abiraterone (n=501) in the abiraterone trial. Between July 29, 2014, and March 31, 2016, 916 patients were randomly assigned to standard of care (n=454) or standard of care plus abiraterone and enzalutamide (n=462) in the abiraterone and enzalutamide trial. Median follow-up was 96 months (IQR 86-107) in the abiraterone trial and 72 months (61-74) in the abiraterone and enzalutamide trial. In the abiraterone trial, median overall survival was 76.6 months (95% CI 67.8-86.9) in the abiraterone group versus 45.7 months (41.6-52.0) in the standard of care group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.62 [95% CI 0.53-0.73]; p<0.0001). In the abiraterone and enzalutamide trial, median overall survival was 73.1 months (61.9-81.3) in the abiraterone and enzalutamide group versus 51.8 months (45.3-59.0) in the standard of care group (HR 0.65 [0.55-0.77]; p<0.0001). We found no difference in the treatment effect between these two trials (interaction HR 1.05 [0.83-1.32]; pinteraction=0.71) or between-trial heterogeneity (I2 p=0.70). In the first 5 years of treatment, grade 3-5 toxic effects were higher when abiraterone was added to standard of care (271 [54%] of 498 vs 192 [38%] of 502 with standard of care) and the highest toxic effects were seen when abiraterone and enzalutamide were added to standard of care (302 [68%] of 445 vs 204 [45%] of 454 with standard of care). Cardiac causes were the most common cause of death due to adverse events (five [1%] with standard of care plus abiraterone and enzalutamide [two attributed to treatment] and one (<1%) with standard of care in the abiraterone trial). INTERPRETATION: Enzalutamide and abiraterone should not be combined for patients with prostate cancer starting long-term androgen deprivation therapy. Clinically important improvements in survival from addition of abiraterone to androgen deprivation therapy are maintained for longer than 7 years.

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The SSS revolution in fungal diagnostics: speed, simplicity and sensitivity (2023)

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Baker, Jacob; Denning, David W.

Citation:
British Medical Bulletin. 147(1):62-78, 2023 Sep 12.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: Fungal disease has historically presented a diagnostic challenge due to its often non-specific clinical presentations, relative infrequency and reliance on insensitive and time-intensive fungal culture. SOURCES OF DATA: We present the recent developments in fungal diagnostics in the fields of serological and molecular diagnosis for the most clinically relevant pathogens; developments that have the potential to revolutionize fungal diagnosis through improvements in speed, simplicity and sensitivity. We have drawn on a body of evidence including recent studies and reviews demonstrating the effectiveness of antigen and antibody detection and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients with and without concurrent human immunodeficiency virus infection. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: This includes recently developed fungal lateral flow assays, which have a low cost and operator skill requirement that give them great applicability to low-resource settings. Antigen detection for Cryptococcus, Histoplasma and Aspergillus spp. are much more sensitive than culture. PCR for Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Mucorales and Pneumocystis jirovecii is more sensitive than culture and usually faster. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: Effort must be made to utilize recent developments in fungal diagnostics in clinical settings outside of specialist centres and integrate their use into standard medical practice. Given the clinical similarities of the conditions and frequent co-infection, further study is required into the use of serological and molecular fungal tests, particularly in patients being treated for tuberculosis. GROWING POINTS: Further study is needed to clarify the utility of these tests in low-resource settings confounded by a high prevalence of tuberculosis. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: The diagnostic utility of these tests may require revision of laboratory work flows, care pathways and clinical and lab coordination, especially for any facility caring for the immunosuppressed, critically ill or those with chronic chest conditions, in whom fungal disease is common and underappreciated.

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Supported self-management for all with musculoskeletal pain: an inclusive approach to intervention development: the EASIER study (2023)

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Healey, Emma L.; Lewis, Martyn; Corp, Nadia; Shivji, Noureen A.; van der Windt, Danielle A.; Babatunde, Opeyemi O.; *Simkins, Joanna; Bartlam, Bernadette; Rowlands, Gill; Protheroe, Joanne

Citation:
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, June 2023, 24(1): 1-21

Abstract:
Background: Supported self-management interventions for patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions may not adequately support those with limited health literacy, leading to inequalities in care and variable outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a model for inclusive supported self-management intervention(s) for MSK pain that take account of health literacy. Methods: A mixed methods study with four work-packages was conducted: work package 1: secondary analysis of existing data to identify potential targets for intervention; work package 2: evidence synthesis to assess effective components of self-management interventions taking into account health literacy; work package 3: views of community members and healthcare professionals (HCPs) on essential components; work package 4: triangulation of findings and an online modified Delphi approach to reach consensus on key components of a logic model. Findings: Findings identified targets for intervention as self-efficacy, illness perceptions, and pain catastrophizing. A range of intervention components were identified (e.g. information in diverse formats offered at specific times, action planning and visual demonstrations of exercise). Support should be multi-professional using a combination of delivery modes (e.g. remote, face-to-face). Conclusions: This research has developed a patient-centred model for a multi-disciplinary, multi-modal approach to supported self-management for patients with MSK pain and varying levels of health literacy. The model is evidence-based and acceptable to both patients and HCPs, with potential for significant impact on the management of MSK pain and for improving patient health outcomes. Further work is needed to establish its efficacy.

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Rectal cancer services - is it time for specialization within units? (2023)

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Maxwell-Armstrong, Charles; *Cheetham, Mark; Branagan, Graham; Davies, Justin; Davies, Mike; Eardley, Nicola; Hancock, Laura; Harikrishnan, Athur; McArthur, David; Siddiqui, Shahab; Tiernan, Jim; Torkington, Jared.

Citation:
Colorectal Disease. 25(7):1332-1335, July 2023

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The rise in trauma & orthopaedic trainee-led research and audit collaborative projects in the United Kingdom since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (2023)

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Khaleeq T.; *Kabariti R.; *Ahmed U.

Citation:
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences. 39(3) (pp 769-774), 2023. Date of Publication: May – June 2023.

Abstract:
Background and Objective: A significant increase has been observed globally in multi-centre trainee-led trauma & orthopaedic (T&O) research collaborative projects with more emphasis have been on tackling important research questions since the start of the COCID-19 pandemic. The objective of our analysis was to determine the number of trainee-led research collaborative projects in T&O in the United Kingdom that were started during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): A retrospective analysis was conducted to determine how many trainee-led national collaborative projects in T&O were conducted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (March 2020 to June 2021) and the number of projects identified were compared to the previous year (2019). Any regional collaborative projects, projects that were started before the onset of COVID and projects of other surgical specialities were not included in the study. Result(s): There were no projects identified in 2019 while in the Covid pandemic lockdown we identified 10 trainee-led collaborative trauma & orthopaedic projects with six of them being published with level of evidence from three to four. Conclusion(s): Covid was unprecedented and has placed considerable trials across healthcare. Our study highlights an increase in multi-centre trainee-led collaborative projects within the UK and it underlines the feasibility of such projects especially with the advent of social media and Redcap which facilitate recruitment of new studies and data.

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Primary acinic cell carcinoma in an adolescent female (2023)

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Venkatasami M.; Harrison K.

Citation:
Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 10 (no pagination), 2023. Article Number: 100419. Date of Publication: June 2023. [epub ahead of print]

Abstract:
Acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, low-grade tumour, accounting for about 17% of all primary salivary gland malignancies in adults. ACC most commonly affects the parotid gland, predominating fifth and sixth decades of life and a female predilection. In the paediatric population, mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common parotid malignancy, followed by ACC. We report a case of a 16-year-old female, presenting with a slow-growing right parotid lump. Clinical examination revealed a small right parotid nodule, grade I House-Brackmann score and cervical lymphadenopathy. Radiological investigations revealed a well-circumscribed lobulated lesion in the anterior right parotid gland and reactive lymph nodes. Surgical management included a right partial parotidectomy. Immunohistochemistry was negative for S100, positive with DOG-1 and widespread PAS-D-resistant granules throughout the tumour cells, confirming a diagnosis of ACC. ACC is an important differential diagnosis to consider in salivary gland pathology in the female adolescent patient.

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The analysis of gut microbiota in patients with bile acid diarrhoea treated with colesevelam (2023)

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Kumar A; Quraishi MN; Al-Hassi HO; El-Asrag ME; Segal JP; Jain M; Steed H; Butterworth J; Farmer A; Mclaughlin J; Beggs A; Brookes MJ Authors Full Name Kumar, Aditi; Quraishi, Mohammed Nabil; Al-Hassi, Hafid O; El-Asrag, Mohammed E; Segal, Jonathan P; Jain, Manushri; Steed, Helen; *Butterworth, Jeffrey; Farmer, Adam; Mclaughlin, John; Beggs, Andrew; Brookes, Matthew

Citation:
Frontiers in Microbiology. 14:1134105, 2023. [epub ahead of print]

Abstract:
Introduction: Bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) is a common disorder that results from an increased loss of primary bile acids and can result in a change in microbiome. The aims of this study were to characterise the microbiome in different cohorts of patients with BAD and to determine if treatment with a bile acid sequestrant, colesevelam, can alter the microbiome and improve microbial diversity. Materials and methods: Patients with symptoms of diarrhoea underwent 75-selenium homocholic acid (75SeHCAT) testing and were categorised into four cohorts: idiopathic BAD, post-cholecystectomy BAD, post-operative Crohn's disease BAD and 75SeHCAT negative control group. Patients with a positive 75SeHCAT (<15%) were given a trial of treatment with colesevelam. Stool samples were collected pre-treatment, 4-weeks, 8-weeks and 6-12 months post-treatment. Faecal 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis was undertaken. Results: A total of 257 samples were analysed from 134 patients. alpha-diversity was significantly reduced in patients with BAD and more specifically, in the idiopathic BAD cohort and in patients with severe disease (SeHCAT <5%); p < 0.05. Colesevelam did not alter bacterial alpha/beta-diversity but patients who clinically responded to treatment had a significantly greater abundance of Fusobacteria and Ruminococcus, both of which aid in the conversion of primary to secondary bile acids. Conclusion: This is the first study to examine treatment effects on the microbiome in BAD, which demonstrated a possible association with colesevelam on the microbiome through bile acid modulation in clinical responders. Larger studies are now needed to establish a causal relationship with colesevelam and the inter-crosstalk between bile acids and the microbiome.

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