Publications by authors named "Hazell S"

Using joint genomic-transcriptomic analysis of 243 samples, we reveal recurrent patterns of nongenetic evolution in ccRCC not exclusively governed by genetic factors, including T-cell depletion, tumor T-cell receptor coevolution, potential cGAS-STING repression, and increased cell proliferation. These patterns can aid clinical management and guide novel treatment approaches.

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While the key aspects of genetic evolution and their clinical implications in clear cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC) are well-documented, how genetic features co-evolve with the phenotype and tumor microenvironment (TME) remains elusive. Here, through joint genomic-transcriptomic analysis of 243 samples from 79 patients recruited to the TRACERx Renal study, we identify pervasive non-genetic intratumor heterogeneity, with over 40% not attributable to genetic alterations. By integrating tumor transcriptomes and phylogenetic structures, we observe convergent evolution to specific phenotypic traits, including cell proliferation, metabolic reprogramming and overexpression of putative cGAS-STING repressors amid high aneuploidy.

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Renal cell carcinoma is an immunogenic tumour with a prominent dysfunctional immune cell infiltrate, unable to control tumour growth. Although tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy have improved the outlook for some patients, many individuals are non-responders or relapse despite treatment. The hostile metabolic environment in RCC affects the ability of T-cells to maintain their own metabolic programme constraining T-cell immunity in RCC.

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Purpose: This study was undertaken to evaluate our 16-year experience with fistulas between the rectum and urethra or urinary bladder, collectively called recto-urinary fistulas (RUFs), and their devastating consequences in patients treated with radiation for prostate cancer.

Methods: We downloaded the records of all patients with radiation-related RUFS from 2004 to 2020 at our institution using the electronic medical record system. Details concerning patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches and surgical management were obtained and assessed.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study explores how genetic diversity within tumors, specifically clear cell renal cell carcinoma, evolves over time and space, using both modeling and real tumor analysis.
  • It finds that the way tumors grow (either on the surface or in volume) significantly influences the levels of subclonal diversity and helps interpret patient tumor characteristics.
  • Additionally, the research highlights that budding structures can be seen in early-stage tumors through imaging, potentially allowing predictions about future clonal evolution.
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ADAPTeR is a prospective, phase II study of nivolumab (anti-PD-1) in 15 treatment-naive patients (115 multiregion tumor samples) with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) aiming to understand the mechanism underpinning therapeutic response. Genomic analyses show no correlation between tumor molecular features and response, whereas ccRCC-specific human endogenous retrovirus expression indirectly correlates with clinical response. T cell receptor (TCR) analysis reveals a significantly higher number of expanded TCR clones pre-treatment in responders suggesting pre-existing immunity.

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Objectives: To assess the feasibility and uptake of a community-based prostate cancer (PCa) screening programme selecting men according to their genetic risk of PCa. To assess the uptake of PCa screening investigations by men invited for screening. The uptake of the pilot study would guide the opening of the larger BARCODE1 study recruiting 5000 men.

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The genetic evolutionary features of solid tumour growth are becoming increasingly well described, but the spatial and physical nature of subclonal growth remains unclear. Here, we utilize 102 macroscopic whole-tumour images from clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients, with matched genetic and phenotypic data from 756 biopsies. Utilizing a digital image processing pipeline, a renal pathologist marked the boundaries between tumour and normal tissue and extracted positions of boundary line and biopsy regions to X and Y coordinates.

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Objective: We determined the sensitivity and specificity of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) in detection of locally recurrent prostate cancer and extra prostatic extension in the post-radical radiotherapy setting. Histopathological reference standard was whole-mount prostatectomy specimens. We also assessed for any added value of the dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) sequence in detection and staging of local recurrence.

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Background: Cancer therapy is associated with severe financial burden. However, the magnitude and longitudinal patient relationship with financial toxicity (FT) in the initial course of therapy is unclear.

Methods: Patients with stage II-IV lung cancer were recruited in a prospective longitudinal study between July 2018 and March 2020.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study examines the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the immune systems of cancer patients, revealing differences between solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
  • Solid cancer patients show immune signatures similar to non-cancer COVID-19 patients, indicating they are not at higher risk for immune issues post-infection.
  • In contrast, hematological cancer patients exhibit varied immune responses, signs of T cell exhaustion, and prolonged virus shedding, suggesting unique challenges in managing their care.
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. The effects of therapeutic ionizing radiation in patients with PCT are not well understood. We report the case of a 55 year-old woman with a past medical history significant for kidney transplant with rejection and removal on hemodialysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, porphyria cutanea tarda, undifferentiated connective tissue disease probably systemic lupus, and hepatitis C, who underwent curative chemoradiation treatment for a recurrent vaginal squamous cell carcinoma.

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Background: Progressive, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often requires the initiation of new systemic therapy. However, in patients with NSCLC that is oligoprogressive (≤3 lesions), local radiotherapy (RT) may allow for the eradication of resistant microclones and, therefore, the continuation of otherwise effective systemic therapy.

Methods: Patients treated from 2008 to 2019 with definitive doses of RT to all sites of intracranial or extracranial oligoprogression without a change in systemic therapy were identified.

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Background: Patients with stage IV oligometastatic (≤ 3 sites) non-small-cell lung cancer have a progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival benefit when all sites of metastatic disease and the primary tumor are treated radically with consolidative radiotherapy (cRT). However, the optimal selection of patients most likely from cRT is yet to be defined.

Patients And Methods: Patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy to all metastatic sites and primary tumor (2008-2019) were retrospectively identified.

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Background: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a prostatic epithelial protein that is used as a radiotracer (68Ga-PSMA-11) for prostate cancer staging. PSMA-PET/CT (positron emission tomography/computed tomography) performed for prostate cancer has been observed to detect melanoma metastases. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of PSMA immunohistochemistry on resected melanoma metastases to explore its use as a diagnostic imaging biomarker for melanoma.

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Although thousands of solid tumors have been sequenced to date, a fundamental under-sampling bias is inherent in current methodologies. This is caused by a tissue sample input of fixed dimensions (e.g.

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Background: Unplanned hospitalization during cancer treatment is costly, can disrupt treatment, and affect patient quality of life. However, incidence and risks factors for hospitalization during lung cancer radiotherapy are not well characterized.

Methods: Patients treated with definitive intent radiation (≥45 Gy) for lung cancer between 2008 and 2018 at a tertiary academic institution were identified.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study aimed to compare cancer control outcomes between patients with high-grade soft tissue sarcomas treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) and those treated with radiation therapy (RT) alone.
  • A total of 64 patients were analyzed, revealing that the RT group was older, with more cardiovascular disease compared to the CRT group.
  • After adjusting for differences, both groups showed similar rates of local control, disease-free survival, and overall survival; however, CRT patients experienced higher acute dermatitis and surgical complications.
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Purpose: We investigate whether esophageal dose-length parameters (L) can robustly predict significant weight loss-≥5% weight loss during radiation therapy (RT) compared with the weight before RT-in patients with lung cancer treated with definitive intent.

Methods And Materials: Patients with lung cancer treated with conventionally fractionated RT between 2010 and 2018 were retrospectively identified. L and L, the length of full- and partial-circumferential esophagus receiving greater than a threshold dose in Gy, respectively, were created.

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Background: Advances in lung cancer therapy have resulted in improved clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, advances can come at a financial cost to patients and their families that poses a significant risk to overall quality of life (QoL). Financial distress has been shown to be associated with increased symptom burden and decreased treatment compliance but the magnitude of financial distress is not well characterized in lung cancer populations.

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Purpose: To report a planned analysis of the efficacy and toxicity of dose escalation to the intraprostatic dominant nodule identified on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging using standard and hypofractionated external beam radiation therapy.

Methods And Materials: DELINEATE is a single centre prospective phase 2 multicohort study including standard (cohort A: 74 Gy in 37 fractions) and moderately hypofractionated (cohort B: 60 Gy in 20 fractions) prostate image guided intensity modulated radiation therapy in patients with National Comprehensive Cancer Network intermediate- and high-risk disease. Patients received an integrated boost of 82 Gy (cohort A) and 67 Gy (cohort B) to lesions visible on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.

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The incorporation of magnetic resonance imaging in brachytherapy has resulted in an increased use of interstitial catheters in order to create a comprehensive treatment plan that covers the visualized tumor. However, the insertion with passive, image-guidance requires estimating the location of the tumor during the insertion process, rather than visualizing and inserting the catheters directly to the desired location under active tracking. In order to treat residual disease, multiparametric MR sequences can enhance the information available to the clinician.

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Background: Improvements in systemic therapy continue to increase survival for patients with brain metastases. Updated dosimetric models are required to optimize long-term safety of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for this indication.

Methods: Patients at a single institution receiving SRS from December 2011 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed.

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Background And Purpose: To assess the diagnostic accuracy and inter-observer agreement of T2-weighted (T2W) and diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for mapping intra-prostatic tumour lesions (IPLs) for the purpose of focal dose-escalation in prostate cancer radiotherapy.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-six men selected for radical treatment with radiotherapy were recruited prospectively and underwent pre-treatment T2W+DW-MRI and 5 mm spaced transperineal template-guided mapping prostate biopsies (TTMPB). A 'traffic-light' system was used to score both data sets.

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