Abstract 3499
Background
Viscum album L. (VA, European mistletoe) is frequently used as an immunomodulatory agent alongside conventional therapies in cancer patients in Europe. VA has been associated with improvement in health-related quality of life and a reduction in chemotherapy-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Mixed findings have been published regarding effects on overall survival. Beneficial effects of VA are believed to be related to its immunomodulatory properties. Recent evidence regarding immunotherapy in oncology has suggested an association between immune-related ADRs and beneficial outcomes. We investigated the immune-related events and ADR profiles related to VA therapy commencing with a low or high dose.
Methods
The medical records of 2393 cancer patients treated between 2000 and 2013 were assessed. Patients were retrospectively divided into two groups based on if their first VA application was low or high according to the appropriate Summary of Product Characteristics. Groups were compared by demographic, disease characteristics, details of treatment and ADRs.
Results
967 patients received a low dose of VA on their first ever application and 1426 patients received a high dose. Groups did not differ by age, but significant differences were observed for gender, type and stage of cancer, type and administration of VA. Commencing VA therapy with a high dose was associated with a higher incidence of ADRs compared to commencing with a low dose (12.6% versus 0.7%). Adjusting for age, tumour site and stage produced an odds ratio of 36.8 (95% CI = 15.4-120.6, p
Conclusions
Commencing VA therapy with a high dose was highly associated with ADRs compared to a low dose, however, nearly all ADRs were expected, of mild to moderate intensity and most were desired reactions. Future research will investigate whether higher incidences of immune-related events are indicators of beneficial immunomodulation and thus better clinical outcomes.
Clinical trial identification
Legal entity responsible for the study
Forschungsinstitut Havelhöhe, Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe
Funding
Helixor, Abnoba
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Resources from the same session
ZUMA-3: A phase 1/2 multi-center study evaluation the safety and efficacy of KTE-C19 anti-CD19 CAR T cells in adult patients with relapsed/refractory B precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R ALL)
Presenter: Bijal Shah
Session: Poster display
Resources:
Abstract
ZUMA-2: A phase 2 multi-center study evaluating the efficacy of KTE-C19 (Anti-CD19 CAR T cells) in patients with relapsed/refractory Mantle cell lymphoma (R/R MCL)
Presenter: Michael Wang
Session: Poster Display
Resources:
Abstract
ZUMA-1: A phase 2 multi-center study evaluating anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in patients with refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
Presenter: Sattva Neelapu
Session: Poster Display
Resources:
Abstract
Younger age as a prognostic indicator in breast cancer: Correlation between clinical-pathologic factors and miRNAs and long-term follow-up
Presenter: Maria Teresa Martinez
Session: Poster display
Resources:
Abstract
Window study of the PARP inhibitor rucaparib in patients with primary triple negative or BRCA1/2 related breast cancer (RIO)
Presenter: Christy Toms
Session: Poster display
Resources:
Abstract
Whole exome sequencing (WES) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in routine clinical practice for colorectal cancer (CRC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (pts)
Presenter: Géraldine Perkins
Session: Poster display
Resources:
Abstract
What is the optimal annual interpretive volume for a radiologist reading screening mammograms?
Presenter: Asli Uluturk
Session: Poster display
Resources:
Abstract
What decides breast conservation versus mastectomy in the background of diverse sociocultural environment, an Indian study
Presenter: Poonamalle Padmanabhan Bapsy
Session: Poster display
Resources:
Abstract
Waiting time to diagnosis and treatment of the head and neck cancer in four institutions in Portugal
Presenter: Ana Castro
Session: Poster display
Resources:
Abstract
Wait times for diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer: a single centre experience
Presenter: Catherine Labbe
Session: Poster Display
Resources:
Abstract