Association of a gene-expression subtype to outcome and treatment response in patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved and currently used in the clinical management of recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) patients. The reported benefit in clinical trials is variable and heterogeneous. Our study aims at exploring and comparing the predictive role of gene-expression signatures with classical biomarkers for immunotherapy-treated R/M HNSCC patients in a multicentric phase IIIb trial.

The prognostic significance of tumor-immune microenvironment in ascites of patients with high-grade serous carcinoma.

Background: High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is often associated with ascites at presentation. Our objective was to quantify immune cells (ICs) in ascites prior to any treatment was given and evaluate their impact on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Patients And Methods: Forty-seven patients with primary HGSC and ascites were included.

Complete response in the axilla and the non-triple negative subtype are favourable prognostic factors for survival outcomes in inflammatory breast cancer.

Aim: To assess real-world outcomes and prognostic factors of non-metastatic inflammatory breast cancer according to immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based subtype and treatment regimen.

Methods: An institutional retrospective analysis of patients treated with neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NAST) for stage III inflammatory breast cancer diagnosed between 2001 and 2018 was performed. The survival outcomes in relation to patient characteristics, tumour characteristics, treatment modality and response to NAST were analyzed.

Establishment of a virtual transborder tumor board for cancer patients in Central and Southeastern Europe : An initiative of the Central European Cooperative Oncology Group (CECOG).

Purpose: To establish a transborder virtual tumor board (VTB) fostering state-of-the-art management of cancer patients by exchanging knowledge and expertise among oncologists in Central and Southeastern Europe (CEE).

Methods: We established and implemented a VTB based on the WebEx platform. This allowed for password-protected and secure upload of patient cases to be presented and discussed among colleagues from various oncology centers scattered throughout CEE in order to arrive at a recommendation for further diagnoses and/or treatment.