TPS6130 Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in approximately 85% of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cases and plays a critical role in tumor cell proliferation. Becotatug vedotin (MRG003) is a novel EGFR-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) with promising anti-tumor activity in NPC. Pucotenlimab is a recombinant humanized programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitor. Although platinum-based chemotherapy combined with a PD-1 inhibitor represents the current standard first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic (R/M) NPC, treatment-related toxicities and suboptimal efficacy remain significant challenges. Preclinical and early clinical data have demonstrated synergistic anti-tumor activity of MRG003 combined with pucotenlimab in platinum-refractory R/M NPC. However, the efficacy and safety of this platinum-free combination as a first-line therapy for R/M NPC remain uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of becotatug vedotin plus pucotenlimab as a novel first-line treatment for patients with R/M NPC. Methods: This is an open-label, single-arm, phase II trial enrolling patients with R/M NPC eligible for first-line systemic therapy. Inclusion criteria include: age 18 to 75 years; ECOG performance status score of 0 or 1; histologically or cytologically confirmed NPC; stage IVB (UICC/AJCC 8th edition) or locoregional recurrence not amenable to curative local therapy; at least one measurable lesion per RECIST v1.1; and adequate organ function. Key exclusion criteria include severe uncontrolled pulmonary disease, active autoimmune disease, or a history of autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppressive therapy. Eligible patients receive becotatug vedotin (2.0 mg/kg, IV, D1, Q3W) and pucotenlimab (200 mg, IV, D1, Q3W) until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or death. Dose adjustments are permitted based on toxicities. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS), defined as the time from treatment initiation to disease progression or death from any cause. Secondary endpoints include objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DoR), overall survival (OS), treatment-related safety, and predictive biomarkers. Research Sponsor: Lepu Biopharma Co., Ltd. Clinical trial information: NCT07381699 .

In this study, a bimodal heterostructure TiB2/Al composites with designable coarse/fine grain partition were fabricated by combining multi-stage ball milling with a powder assembly process during powder metallurgy. The effects of different coarse/fine-grained fractions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of heterostructure composites were systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that the bimodal heterostructure can induce additional hetero-deformation induced (HDI) hardening compared to the fine-grained homogenous structure composites, effectively enhancing dislocation storage of coarse-grained zones and plastic deformation capability of fine-grained zones. Thereby promoting the strength-ductility synergy of the composites. When the coarse-grained mass fraction reaches 25 wt% (HS25), the elongation to failure of the bimodal heterostructure TiB2/Al composites increases from 8.1% for homogenous structure composites to 13%. Moreover, its strength rises by 11% compare to the heterostructure composites with 50 wt% coarse grain (HS50) without compromising the ductility. It provides an inspired strategy for developing Al matrix composites with coordinated matching of strength and ductility.

BackgroundEpithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMCa) is a low-grade malignant tumor that occurs primarily in the salivary glands. Its occurrence in the nasopharynx is exceedingly rare. Due to its scarcity, there is currently a lack of standardized treatment protocols, and robust prognostic data remain limited.MethodsWe report a case series of two patients with histopathologically confirmed nasopharyngeal EMCa, supplemented by a systematic literature review to summarize its clinicopathological characteristics, treatment modalities, and prognostic factors.ResultsThe two cases exhibited strikingly divergent outcomes. The first patient (Case 1) underwent surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy, achieving a complete clinical response and remaining disease-free at 31 months. In contrast, the second patient (Case 2) presented a markedly more aggressive profile, characterized by younger age, neurological symptoms, and an atypically high 18F-FDG uptake on PET/CT, a notable deviation from the typically non-significant avidity reported for EMCa. Despite aggressive multimodal therapy, the disease progressed rapidly with extensive metastases. Subsequent institution of a combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimen successfully achieved disease stabilization.ConclusionOur cases illustrate the heterogeneous clinical behavior of nasopharyngeal EMCa, ranging from indolent disease to aggressive progression. Our observations suggest that high 18F-FDG uptake may serve as a critical biomarker for an aggressive phenotype. Given this variability, individualized treatment strategies may be warranted, and further studies are needed to better define optimal management for this rare tumor.

Aiming at the problems of low specific strength and specific modulus of Al-Si alloys, Ti5Si3 reinforced aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) were prepared by using Al-Si-Ti as in-situ composite system via powder metallurgy method below Al-Si eutectic temperature. The microstructure evolution of in-situ reinforcements and its influence on the mechanical performance of AMCs are systemically investigated by controlling Ti-Si interdiffusion reaction process. The results show that Ti5Si3 reinforcements are in-situ synthesized in AMCs. As the holding time extends, the in-situ formed reinforcements gradually transform from Ti5Si3@Ti core-shell structure to Ti5Si3 nano cluster particles due to Ti core is progressively being completely consumed. However, AMCs exhibit a better strength-ductility matching when Ti5Si3@Ti core-shell structure reinforcements are retained due to its excellent crack passivation ability, especially the thickness ratio of Ti core radius to Ti5Si3 shell reaches 1.27. By forming a coherent/semi-coherent composite interface of Al/TiSi/Ti5Si3, making Ti5Si3 nano particles exhibit good interface bonding with Al matrix, which enables the strengthening effect can be fully exerted and effectively reduces the stress concentration. Under the combined effect of dispersion strengthening, grain refining strengthening, dislocation strengthening and load transfer strengthening, Ti5Si3 nano clusters reinforced AMCs show the highest tensile strength of 367 MPa while maintaining a good elongation of 6.5%. As the holding time is further extended to 120 min, the defects appeared in the matrix, leading to premature failure during loading and decline in performance for AMCs.

TPS6135 Background: The efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant therapy for resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC) remain uncertain, and optimal treatment protocols needs further explored. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in 90% of head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCC) and plays a critical role in tumor proliferation and survival. Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) represent an emerging class of cancer therapeutics that combines several mechanisms of action to improve efficacy and reduce the systemic toxicity. Becotatug Vedotin is a novel ADC molecule of an anti-EGFR humanized immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody conjugated with monomethyl auristatin E via a valine-citrulline linker. Studies have shown that combining immunotherapy with an Anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody may produces a synergistic anti-tumor effect. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant Becotatug Vedotin, alone or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors Penpulimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, or Ivonescimab, a bispecific anti-PD-1/VEGF-A antibody, in patients with resectable LAHNSCC. Methods: This is a randomized, non-comparative, multicenter phase II clinical trial. Key eligible patients aged 18–70 years with previously untreated, pathologically confirmed LAHNSCC (oral, laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, and oropharyngeal carcinoma), resectable and ECOG 0–1 will be enrolled. Main exclusions include active autoimmune diseases, use of immunosuppressive drugs, or systemic corticosteroids. Patients will be allocated to 3 cohorts, and all will receive three preoperative cycles of Becotatug Vedotin(2.3 mg/kg, ivgtt, Q3W) with or without immune checkpoint inhibitors: Cohort 1 (monotherapy); Cohort 2 (combined with Penpulimab, 200 mg, ivgtt, Q3W); Cohort 3 (combined with Ivonescimab, 10 mg/kg, ivgtt, Q3W). Surgery will be scheduled 2 to 4 weeks after the completion of neoadjuvant therapy, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy based on risk factors. Subjects in Cohorts 2 and 3 will continue immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for 14 cycles following the completion of radiotherapy. Dose adjustments are permitted based on toxicity. The primary endpoint is Pathologic Complete Response (PCR).Secondary endpoints include major Pathological Response (MPR), objective Response Rate (ORR), 1-year Event-Free Survival (EFS) Rate, 2-year Overall Survival (OS) Rate, treatment-related safety, and predictive biomarkers. Research Sponsor: Lepu Biopharma Co., Ltd. Clinical trial information: NCT07381075 .

H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are highly aggressive, immunosuppressive tumors that are resistant to conventional therapies. Median overall survival is typically 8–11 months after diagnosis; fewer than 10

TPS6114 Background: The administration of first-line pembrolizumab monotherapy or pembrolizumab combined chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival among patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC). However, over 80% of the patients still experience disease progression within a year. Upon progression, treatment options are notably limited. Therefore, there is a dearth of a standardized treatment for R/M HNSCC after the failure of PD-1 (L1) inhibitors and/or platinum-based therapy. This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of AK117 (anti-CD47) combined with Cetuximab or AK104 (PD-1/CTLA-4 Bispecial Antibody) in this patient subset. Methods: This is a non-randomized, two-group, phase II study. The inclusion criteria include: 1) Pathological or radiological diagnosis of R/M HNSCC (including oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and pharynx) and cannot be cured by local treatment; 2) Failure of PD-1 (L1) inhibitors and/or platinum-based therapy; 3) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status (PS) 0-1 and expected survival ≥3 months. Key exclusion criteria are active autoimmune diseases, use of immunosuppressive drugs, or any severe or uncontrolled systemic disease. We group the patients based on the duration of first-line PD-1 (L1) inhibitors from start to failure (Group 1: the duration ≤ 3 months; Group 2: the duration > 3 months). Group 1 patients receive AK117 (45mg/kg, day 1, every 3 weeks) in combination with Cetuximab (initial dose 400mg/m 2 , subsequent doses of 250mg/m 2 , day 1, every week) maintained for one year or until progression or intolerable toxicity occurred. Group 2 patients are treated with AK117 (45mg/kg, day 1, every 3 weeks) in combination with AK104 (10mg/kg, day 1, every 3 weeks) maintained for one year or until progression or intolerable toxicity occurred. The primary endpoints are incidence of adverse events and overall survival. Secondary endpoints are objective response rate, progression free survival, disease control rate, and duration of response. Clinical trial information: NCT06508606 .

It is of great significance to find safe and effective radiosensitizers. A primary investigation has been made on fisetin's modification of radiation effect, but its radiosensitization and related mechanisms still need to be deeply clarified. Furthermore, fisetin with high hydrophobicity is difficult to dissolve in water, severely limiting its research and application. In this study, we fabricated a safe and soluble radiosensitizer fisetin micelle for precisely enhancing radiotherapy by inhibiting platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFRβ)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) signaling pathway in the tumor. Systematic and detailed studies were performed to verify its radiosensitization effect in vitro and in vivo. On the cellular level, fisetin micelles selectively increased the radiosensitivity of tumor cells (CT26 and 4T1 cells) and had little effect on the sensitivity of normal mouse cells (L929 cells) to radiation. In the mouse models of colon and breast cancers, fisetin micelles showed an efficient radiosensitization capacity without apparent toxicity. Additionally, we first found that fisetin micelles played a radiotherapy sensitization role by inhibiting the PDGFRβ/STAT1/STAT3/Bcl-2 pathway activity. In general, this work not only confirmed that fisetin micelles precisely exhibit a radiosensitization effect in vitro and in vivo, but also profoundly explored its mechanisms underlying, to provide a theoretical and experimental basis for the clinical application of fisetin micelles.

The clinical activity of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NAIC) for treating locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (LA-OSCC) remains uncertain. This single-arm, phase II trial (ChiCTR2200066119) tested 2 cycles of NAIC with camrelizumab plus nab-paclitaxel and cisplatin in LA-OSCC patients. For primary endpoint, the major pathological response (MPR) rate was 69.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 49.2%-84.7%). The treatment was well-tolerated, with only 2 patients (6.45%) having grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events during neoadjuvant treatment. For secondary endpoints, the pathological complete response rate was 41.4% (95%CI: 23.5%-61.1%) and the objective response rate was 82.8% (24/29, 95%CI: 64.2%-94.2%). The 18-month overall survival and disease-free survival probabilities were 96.77% (95%CI: 79.23%-99.54%) and 85.71% (95%CI: 53.95%-96.22%), respectively. Exploratory analysis showed that patients with MPR exhibited higher density of baseline CD4_Tfh_CXCL13 cells, and increased density of tertiary lymphoid structures after NAIC. Baseline CD4_Tfh_CXCL13 cells might be potential predictive biomarker of efficacy. The interaction between CXCL13 on CD4_Tfh_CXCL13 cells and CXCR5 on B cells may play a role in treatment response. These findings suggest the potential of NAIC as a promising treatment for LA-OSCC and offer preliminary insights into responsive biomarkers.

TPS6120 Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients frequently experience malnutrition and weight loss, exacerbated by cancer cachexia and treatment-related side effects during concurrent radiotherapy. Nano-crystalline megestrol acetate (NMA) improves bioavailability and efficacy compared to conventional formulations, demonstrating enhanced appetite, weight gain, and quality of life (QoL) in cancer cachexia. Methods: This randomized, parallel-controlled Phase II trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of NMA in improving nutritional outcomes in HNSCC patients undergoing postoperative CCRT. The study enrolls 96 HNSCC post-surgery patients. Participants are stratified by pre-treatment weight loss (>5% vs. ≤5%) and standard treatment regimen (radiotherapy vs. concurrent chemoradiotherapy), then randomized 1:1 to receive NMA (625 mg/day) plus standard treatment or standard treatment alone. The novel aspects of this design include the use of a nano-crystalline formulation to overcome absorption challenges, allowing effective drug delivery in fasting states. Additionally, comprehensive endpoints assess appetite status (A/CS-12 score), weight changes, lean body mass, inflammatory and nutritional markers, and QoL, providing an integrated evaluation of nutritional and clinical benefits. 12 of planned 96 patients have been enrolled. Clinical trial information: NCT06772428 .

Purpose: Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) exhibit more aggressive metastatic features compared to Adults (AD), despite generally low tumor proliferation. This study aims to identify molecular differences between AYA and AD PTC through transcriptome analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and to understand the increased aggressiveness in AYA. Experimental Design: RNA sequencing was performed on PTC samples from 501 patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), divided into AYA (15-30 years) and AD (≥30 years) groups. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between tumor and normal tissues and between age groups. These DEGs were validated in an independent cohort of 13 patients (7 AYA, 6 AD) using RNA sequencing and IHC. Functional enrichment analyses identified significant pathways associated with these DEGs. Results: We identified 239 core DEGs between AYA and AD PTC. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the importance of cell adhesion, ion transmembrane transport, and cell signal transduction in tumor invasion. Key genes in AYA, including upregulated CXCR4, OPCML, and S100A2, and downregulated ATP1A3, CHL1, HLA-DRA, and IL-1 Beta, are crucial for tumor high invasiveness. IL-1 Beta, CXCR4, HLA-DRA are associated with immune cell infiltration. Conclusions: PTC in AYA patients shows distinct molecular profiles characterized by high metastatic potential. Incorporating age-specific molecular markers into clinical management could improve diagnostic accuracy and personalize treatment strategies for AYA patients. Future research should validate these findings in larger cohorts and explore the therapeutic potential of these markers.

BackgroundWhether radiotherapy can improve the long-term survival of HER-2+ metastatic breast cancer remains unclear. We launched this study to explore the effect of HER-2+ metastatic breast cancer patients through anti-HER-2 targeted therapy + radiotherapy.Methods488 HER-2 + metastatic breast cancer patients who received anti-HER2 targeted ± local radiotherapy from March 2006 to September 2021 were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into a radiotherapy group (n=207) and a non-radiotherapy group (n=281) based on whether they received radiotherapy or not. 1: 1 propensity matching analysis was used to determine two groups of patients with similar baselines.ResultsBefore matching, the radiotherapy group (n=207) had a median overall survival (mOS) of 51.7 months (48.8-63.8), which was superior to the non-radiotherapy group’s (n=281) mOS of 33.9 months (27.9-39.9) (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the radiotherapy group exhibited better 1-year (94.6% vs 83.9%), 3-year (70.8% vs 45.5%), and 5-year (43.3% vs 25.0%) survival rates compared to the control group. Propensity score matching analysis identified 135 pairs of baseline-matched patients. In the matched groups, the mOS was 57.2 (44.5-69.8) months in the radiotherapy group (n=135) and 34.1 (27.5-40.6) months in the non-radiotherapy group (n=135), showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the radiotherapy group demonstrated 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 93.2%, 71.5%, and 46.9%, respectively, while those in the non-radiotherapy group were 89.4%, 45.8%, and 22.2%, respectively. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that the presence of brain metastasis, liver metastasis, and radiotherapy were identified as independent predictive factors significantly associated with OS.ConclusionIn patients with HER-2 positive metastatic breast cancer, radiotherapy was associated with better survival benefits compared to those who did not receive radiotherapy.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) have light weight and high specific strength, showing great potentials for making key structural components in aerospace and transportation industries. Aiming to address the bottleneck problem of unsatisfactory strengthening effect caused by the weak intrinsic interface and adverse interface reaction between CNTs and Al matrix, Si alloying element was added into Al-CNTs system via powder metallurgy method in this study. It was found that the introduction of Si element led to an inhibitory effect on Al-CNTs interface reaction. The discontinuous Al/Si/CNTs composite interface formed by the precipitation of Si significantly improved the wettability of Al/CNTs interface and enhanced its interface bonding through the pinning effect of Si particles, effectively promoting the full play of the load-bearing effect of CNTs. Furthermore, Si particles were effectively refined and passivated through appropriate heat treatment, which facilitated its dispersion strengthening and dislocation strengthening effect, and significantly reduced cracks of coarse Si particles. As a result, the synergistic strengthening effect of CNTs and micro-nano Si particles was significantly exerted in AMCs, remarkably improving the performance of Al–Si-CNTs composites.

BACKGROUND:Limited studies have explored the joint effect of physical activity (PA) and dietary quality (DQ) on the mortality outcomes of the cancer population. The authors aim to investigate the separate and joint prognostic effect of PA and DQ on the survival of US cancer survivors. METHODS:Data of cancer survivors ( n =3007, representing 22 million cancer survivors) were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018. PA was assessed using the self-reported Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and DQ was evaluated through the Health Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015). Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves and the Cox proportional hazard model were used to evaluate the associations between separate and joint prognostic effects of PA and DQ with mortality outcomes among cancer survivors. RESULTS:In the joint analyses, cancer survivors with sufficiently active PA (≥600 MET-min/week) and qualified DQ (≥60) presented reduced risks of all-cause mortality (HR 0.45, 95% CI: 0.35-0.59) as compared with each lifestyle intervention separately. Meanwhile, the joint effects of either insufficiently or sufficiently active PA (>0 MET-min/week) and qualified DQ (≥60) were associated with lower risks for cancer (HR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.40-0.90) and noncancer mortality (HR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.32-0.59). CONCLUSIONS:Our study highlights the combination of active PA and qualified DQ was strongly associated with reduced mortality risk of cancer survivors. Our findings might help to refine the lifestyle intervention recommendations for this population.

Objectives The TROPION-Lung-01 trial demonstrated that datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) produced significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) than docetaxel (DXT) in previously treated advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Dato-DXd will be the first novel trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP-2) directed antibody-drug conjugate approved for NSCLC. Nevertheless, its expensive pricing may impose a significant financial burden on patients and healthcare systems worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the cost and efficacy of Dato-DXd for previously treated advanced/metastatic NSCLC from the perspectives of payers in the United States (US) and China. Methods We established a Markov model, based on data from the TROPION-Lung-01 trial, to assess the cost and efficacy of Dato-DXd versus DXT for treated advanced/metastatic NSCLC. The main outcomes were quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Direct medical costs and utility values were sourced from published literature, the US government database, and local databases. We validated the robustness of this model through sensitivity analyses. Results Compared to DXT, patients with previously treated, stage IIIB, IIIC, or IV NSCLC treated with Dato-DXd saw an increase of 0.47 QALYs in the US and 0.68 QALYs in China for intention-to-treat populations, leading to an ICER of $80119/QALY in the US and $115643/QALY in China, respectively. In subgroup analysis, the ICERs of Dato-DXd versus DXT were $40485/QALY in SCC and $87070/QALY in NSCC populations in the US. In China, the ICERs were $96721 /QALY and $121223/QALY in SCC and NSCC populations, respectively. The sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of our models. Conclusions In the US, Dato-DXd proved cost-effective compared to DXT for previously treated stage IIIB, IIIC, or IV NSCLC patients. However, in China, Dato-Dxd is not considered economical for this patient subset. To reach the cost-effectiveness threshold in China, the pricing of the Dato-DXd at $8.973 per mg is required.

Radiotherapy (RT) is a crucial treatment for cancer; however, its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects on normal tissues, radioresistance, and tumor recurrence. To overcome these challenges, hydrogels have been employed for delivery of radiosensitizers and other therapeutic agents. This review summarizes recent advancements in the application of hydrogel-based local drug delivery systems for improving the therapeutic efficacy of RT in cancer treatment. Firstly, we introduce the classification and properties of hydrogels. Next, we detail hydrogel-based platforms designed to enhance both external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy. We also discuss hydrogels used in combination therapy involving RT and immunotherapy. Lastly, we highlight the challenges that hydrogels face in RT. By surveying the latest developments in hydrogel applications for RT, this review aims to provide insights into the development of more effective and targeted cancer therapies.

6024 Background: To investigate the efficacy and toxicities associated with adding nimotuzumab to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC) patients who received induction chemotherapy (IC). Methods: Patients with stage III-IVA nasopharyngeal carcinoma who received IC (TPF/TP/GP) and platinum-based CCRT between January 2017 and October 2021 were retrospectively included. We performed propensity score matching (PSM) to balance and control confounding factors, and the matching variables included gender, age, T stage, N stage, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status. Patients were divided into two treatment groups: CCRT+nimotuzumab (200mg iv, weekly for 7 courses) and CCRT alone. Primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), the secondary endpoints were locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). Results: We screened 242 patients in the analysis. After PSM, 121 (50.0%) and 121 (50.0%) had CCRT+nimotuzumab and CCRT alone, respectively. The 3-year OS was 95.4% and 88.0% in those with and without nimotuzumab treatment (P=0.041), and the 3-year DFS of the CCRT+nimotuzumab group was significantly better than that in the CCRT alone group (90.3% vs. 77.5%, P=0.003). Similar LRFS was found between those with and without nimotuzumab treatment (96.5% vs. 93.7%, P=0.297). The 3-year DMFS for CCRT+nimotuzumab versus CCRT alone was 92.9% versus 82.5% (P=0.008). No significant differences in major toxicities were found between the two treatment arms including hematologic toxicities, hepatoxicity, nephrotoxicity, gastrointestinal reactions, and mucositis (P>0.05). Conclusions: The addition of nimotuzumab to CCRT after IC in LANPC has shown promising results in treatment outcomes and acceptable toxicities.

Background: Treatment delays have frequently been observed in cancer patients. Whether the treatment delays would impair the survival of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is still unclear. Methods: The data were derived from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2015. Patients were divided into groups of timely treatment (<1 month), intermediate delay (1 and 2 months), and long delay (3-6 months). The influence of different treatment delay intervals on long-term survival was evaluated by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results: In total, 2,048 patients with NPC were included in our study. There were 551 patients in the early stage (I, II stage: 26.9 %) and 1,497 patients in the advanced stage (III, IV stage: 73.1 %). No significant difference in overall survival (OS) or cancer-specific survival (CSS) was observed among the groups with various treatment delay intervals (p = 0.48 in OS and p = 0.43 in CSS, respectively). However, upon adjusting for covariates, a significantly improved OS probability emerged in patients with intermediate treatment delays compared to those who received timely interventions in both the entire study population (adjustedHazard Ratio (aHR)=0.86, 95 % CI: 0.74-0.99, p = 0.043) and the subgroup with advanced stage (aHR=0.85, 95 % CI: 0.72-1.00, p = 0.049). Regarding the CSS probability, similar associations were also observed in the entire study population (aHR=0.84, 95 % CI: 0.71-0.98, p = 0.030) as well as the advanced-stage patients (aHR=0.83, 95 % CI: 0.70-0.99, p = 0.038). Conclusions: Our results revealed that treatment delays are not associated with worse survival of NPC patients. Tumor-specific characteristics and subsequent treatment modalities play more pivotal roles in the prognosis of NPC.

The significance of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in breast cancer patients who initially have clinically node-positive (cN +) status but achieve downstaging to ypN0 following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the impact of PMRT in this patient subset. Patients were enrolled from West China Hospital, Sichuan University from 2008 to 2019. Overall survival (OS), Locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and assessed with the log-rank test. The impact of PMRT was further analyzed by the Cox proportional hazards model. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce the selection bias. Of the 333 eligible patients, 189 (56.8