The future of UK Antarctic science: strategic priorities essential needs and opportunities for international leadership

• The Antarctic region has been experiencing rapid change in recent decades due to human induced factors. Most notably, climate heating is causing ice sheet melting, leading to sea level rise and disruption in global ocean heat circulation, with far-reaching global consequences. • At the same time, this region holds unique research potential that can help address a range of critically important scientific priorities, including climate change impacts, ecosystem protection, the likelihood of extra-terrestrial life and monitoring of space debris. • Due to its long and impressive record of Antarctic research and its scientific, engineering and logistical capabilities in the region, the United Kingdom (UK) is strategically well-positioned to lead or play a key role in the delivery of these research priorities. • To achieve this potential, the UK must act collectively and in partnership with others, as the best and most urgent research benefits from collaboration, cooperation and cost sharing. Crucially, it must mobilise experts both from within the UK and internationally from a range of disciplines, including the social sciences. In the twenty-first century, Antarctic research must not exist within its own bubbl

Infection-related morbidity and mortality among older patients with DLBCL treated with full- or attenuated-dose R-CHOP

Infection-related morbidity and mortality are increased in older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) compared with population-matched controls. Key predictive factors for infection-related hospitalization during treatment with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) and deaths as a result of infection in older patients during and after treatment with R-CHOP remain incompletely understood. For this study, 690 consecutively treated patients age 70 years or older who received full-dose or attenuated-dose R-CHOP treatment were analyzed for risk of infection-related hospitalization and infection-related death. Median age was 77 years, and 34.4% were 80 years old or older. Median follow-up was 2.8 years (range, 0.4-8.9 years). Patient and baseline disease characteristics were assessed in addition to intended dose intensity (IDI). Of all patients, 72% were not hospitalized with infection. In 331 patients receiving an IDI ≥80%, 33% were hospitalized with ≥1 infections compared with 23.3% of 355 patients receiving an IDI of 80% across the whole cohort. Primary quinolone prophylaxis independently reduced infection-related admission. A total of 51 patients died as a result of infection. The 6-month, 12-month, 2-year, and 5-year cumulative incidences of infection-related death were 3.3%, 5.0%, 7.2%, and 11.1%, respectively. Key independent factors associated with infection-related death were an International Prognostic Index (IPI) score of 3 to 5, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G) score ≥6, and low albumin, which enabled us to generate a predictive risk score. We defined a smaller group (15%) of patients (IPI score of 0-2, albumin >36 g/L, CIRS-G score <6) in which no cases of infection-related deaths occurred at 5 years of follow-up. Whether patients at higher risk of infection-related death could be targeted with enhanced antimicrobial prophylaxis remains unknown and will require a randomized trial

Fractures are common within 18 months following first-line R-CHOP in older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and osteoporotic fracture are both more common in older patients. Exposure to R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone) is likely to increase the risk of fracture, but evidence is lacking to define fracture incidence in this group. Data on consecutive patients with DLBCL aged ≥70 years treated with 1 to 8 cycles of full or attenuated R-CHOP were retrospectively collected across 10 UK centers (2009-2019). Patients were followed up from starting R-CHOP for a minimum of 6 months and censored at 18 months; at last follow-up if <18 months; or at progression or death. Of 877 patients identified, 148 were excluded: 121 had progression or died before 6 months; 23 had follow-up <6 months. Across 729 remaining patients, the median age was 77 years, and 68% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 1. Eighty-one fractures occurred within 18 months of follow-up; 42 were symptomatic, including 30 requiring hospital attendance or admission. The cumulative fracture incidence was 6.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.7-8.2) at 6 months; 9.7% (95% CI, 7.8-12.1) at 12 months; and 11.4% (95% CI, 9.3-14.0) at 18 months. Multivariate analysis identified a predisposing history (osteoporosis, osteopenia, prior fracture, and rheumatoid arthritis [RhA]), DLBCL bone involvement at baseline, and receipt of prephase steroids as independent risk factors for fracture. There is a clinically relevant fracture risk and significant associated morbidity in older patients receiving R-CHOP. Careful attention to bone health is warranted in older patients receiving R-CHOP. Randomized studies are required to better define the most effective strategies to reduce fracture risk

Representative crude oil sampling during transfer operations

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Guidelines for surgical treatment of hepatoblastoma in the modern era - Recommendations from the childhood liver tumour strategy group of the international society of paediatric oncology (SIOPEL)

Cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and complete surgical resection are both crucial in the cure of hepatoblastoma. Radical resection can be obtained either conventionally by partial hepatectomy or with orthotopic liver transplant, but the surgical approach to hepatoblastoma differs considerably across the world. Our main aim in this paper is to present the surgical recommendations of the Childhood Liver Tumour Strategy Group of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOPEL), as well as to stimulate international debate on this issue. We discuss biopsy, verification of resectability, resection principles, indications and potential contraindications for orthotopic liver transplant, as well as thoracic surgery for pulmonary metastases. We suggest that heroic liver resections with a high probability of leaving residual tumour should be avoided whenever possible. In such cases primary orthotopic liver transplant should be considered. Superior survival rates in hepatoblastoma patients who have received a primary transplant after a good response to chemotherapy support the strategy of avoiding partial hepatectomy in cases where radical resection appears difficult and doubtful. We recommend early referral to a transplant surgeon in cases of. (i) multifocal or large solitary PRETEXT IV (PRE Treatment EXTent of disease scoring system) hepatoblastoma involving all four sectors of the liver and (ii) unifocal, centrally located tumours involving main hilar structures or main hepatic veins. Because complete tumour resection is a prerequisite for cure, any strategy leading to an increased resection rate will result in improved survival. We advise the more frequent use of orthotopic liver transplant, as well as the standardisation of techniques for partial liver resection. These guidelines should not be seen as final, but rather as a starting point for further discussion between the various national and international liver tumour study groups. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserve

Pretreatment prognostic factors for children with hepatoblastoma-- results from the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) study SIOPEL 1.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of pretreatment patient and tumour characteristics for overall (OS) and event-free (EFS) survival in 154 children affected by hepatoblastoma (HB) in the first prospective liver tumour study run by the International Society of Paediatric Oncology. The pretreatment characteristics studied were age, alpha-fetoprotein, platelet count, histology; from radiology: intrahepatic tumour extension (PRETEXT), lung metastases, enlarged hilar lymph nodes, vena cava or extrahepatic vena porta tumour extension and tumour focality. Five-year OS was 75% (95% confidence interval (CI) 68-82%) and EFS 66% (95% CI 59-74%). Both were univariately associated with PRETEXT and the presence of metastases. Additionally tumour focality and enlargement of hilar lymph nodes at diagnosis were univariately associated with EFS. In multivariate analysis, PRETEXT was the only predictor of OS; PRETEXT and metastases were predictors of EFS. There is a need to investigate further these factors to confirm their validity

Cisplatin, doxorubicin, and delayed surgery for childhood hepatoblastoma; a succesfull approach \ue2\u20ac\u201c Results of the first prospective study of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology.

PURPOSE: Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a rare malignant liver tumor which occurs almost exclusively in childhood. In the 1970s, survival was approximately 20% to 30%. Since the introduction of cisplatin (PLA) and doxorubicin (DO) into the chemotherapy regimens used to treat these patients, the survival rate has improved dramatically. In most recent studies, primary surgery preceded chemotherapy. In this study by the liver group of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology the aim was to improve survival and reduce operative morbidity and mortality by using preoperative chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After biopsy and assessment of pretreatment extent of disease all patients were treated with continuous 24-hour intravenous infusion of PLA 80 mg/m(2) followed by DO 60 mg/m(2) over 48 hours (PLADO). After four courses of this chemotherapy, patients were reassessed. Where possible, the primary tumor was resected and treatment completed with two more courses of chemotherapy. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-four patients were registered in the study, and 138 received preoperative chemotherapy. One hundred thirteen (82%) showed a partial response with tumor shrinkage and serial decrease of serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. One hundred fifteen patients had delayed surgery, and 106 (including six with liver transplants) had complete resection of primary tumor. Five-year event-free survival was 66%, and overall survival was 75%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that international collaboration on a large scale is feasible. The toxicity of chemotherapy and morbidity of surgery were acceptable and the overall survival gratifyingly high. We now regard PLADO chemotherapy and delayed surgery to be the best available treatment for children with HB. Other treatment programs should be measured against this standard

Surgical view of the treatment of patients with hepatoblastoma: results from the first prospective trial of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology Liver Tumor Study Group.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with hepatoblastoma (HB). The Society of Pediatric Oncology Liver Tumor Study Group launched its first prospective trial (SIOPEL-1) with the intention to treat all patients with preoperative chemotherapy and delayed surgical resection. The objective of this article was to assess the assumed surgical advantages of primary chemotherapy. METHODS: Between 1990 and 1994, 154 patients age < 16 years with HB were registered on SIOPEL-1. The pretreatment extent of disease was assessed, and, after undergoing biopsy, patients were treated with cisplatin 80 mg/m(2) intravenously over 24 hours and doxorubicin 60 mg/m(2) intravenously over 48 hours by continuous infusion (PLADO). Generally, tumors were resected after four of a total of six courses of PLADO. RESULTS: One hundred twenty eight patients underwent surgical resection (13 patients underwent primary surgery, and 115 patients underwent delayed surgery after PLADO). A pretreatment surgical biopsy was performed in 96 of 128 patients (75%). Biopsy complications occurred in 7 of 96 patients (7%). Twenty-two patients showed pulmonary metastases at the time of diagnosis, and 7 patients underwent thoracotomy. Operative morbidity and mortality were 18% and 5%, respectively. Complete macroscopic surgical resection was achieved in 106 patients (92%), including 6 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. The actuarial 5-year event free survival (EFS) rate for all 154 patients in the study was 66%, and the overall survival (OS) rate was 75%. For the 115 patients who were included in the surgical analysis that followed the exact protocol, the EFS and OS rates were 75% and 85%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Biopsy is a safe procedure and should be performed routinely. Preoperative chemotherapy seems to make tumor resection easier. Reresection of a positive resection margin does not necessarily have to be performed, because postoperative chemotherapy showed good results. Resection of lung metastases can be curative if there is local control of the primary tumor; however, results showed that the patient's prognosis was worse. Surgical morbidity or mortality rates were not necessarily higher in large multicenter studies. More importantly, countries of lesser economic status also can contribute effectively to these trials. Copyright 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.1028