The loss of tactile sensation is a commonly known drawback of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Since the advent of MIS, research activities in providing tactile information to the surgeon are still ongoing, in order to improve patient safety and to extend the indications for MIS. We have designed a tactile sensor system comprising a tactile laparoscopic grasper for surgical palpation. For this purpose, we developed a novel tactile sensor technology which allows the manufacturing of an integrated sensor array within an acceptable price range. The array was integrated into the jaws of a 10mm laparoscopic grasper. The tactile data are transferred wirelessly via Bluetooth and are presented visually to the surgeon. The goal was to be able to obtain information about the shape and consistency of tissue structures by gently compressing the tissue between the jaws of the tactile instrument and thus to be able to recognize and assess anatomical or pathological structures, even if they are hidden in the tissue. With a prototype of the tactile sensor system we have conducted bench-tests as well as in-vitro and in-vivo experiments. The system proved feasibility in an experimental environment, it was easy to use, and the novel tactile sensor array was applicable for both palpation and grasping manoeuvres with forces of up to 60N. The tactile data turned out to be a useful supplement to the minimal amount of haptic feedback that is provided by current endoscopic instruments and the endoscopic image under certain conditions.
Background Response remains an important endpoint in clinical cancer trials. However, the prognostic utility of best tumor response in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) remains vague. Objective To define the prognostic relevance of the depth of remission in mRCC Design, setting, and participants Pooled data of 2,749 patients from phase II and III clinical trials of the Pfizer data-base in mRCC was analyzed. Tumor-shrinkage was categorized by fractions of best percent change in the sum of the largest diameter of target lesions. Outcome was computed by Kaplan-Meier curves and correlation was assessed by Cox regression, including a 6-month landmark. Intervention Sunitinib, sorafenib, axitinib, temsirolimus, temsirolimus and/or IFN-α. Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis Categorized tumor-shrinkage, overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS). Results and limitations Major tumor shrinkage of 60% or more occurred in about 10% of patients and was associated with a median overall survival (OS) of 54.5 months. With depth of remission, OS expectations declined steadily (26.4, 16.6, 10.4, and 7.3 months). The association was maintained when stratified by type of therapy, line of therapy, and performance status. The 6-month landmark Cox proportional regression analyses confirmed the prognostic relevance of major tumor shrinkage (HR 0.29; CI 95% 0.22–0.39; p<0.001). The major limitation of our study is the variability of imaging intervals among studies. Conclusions This is the first and largest analysis of best tumor response in mRCC. We demonstrate that depth of remission is an independent prognostic factor in mRCC. Patient summary It remains unknown whether tumor shrinkage during therapy is needed to achieve clinical activity in mRCC. Our analysis shows that the magnitude of tumor shrinkage correlates with a better survival in patients. This observation may be used as a clinical research tool in future trials. Trial registration NCT00054886, NCT00077974, NCT00267748, NCT00338884, NCT00137423, NCT00083889, NCT00065468, NCT00678392
Derived from this process, this paper gives an overview on Sunitinib therapy management recommendations deducted from published evidence and consensus agreement among experts.
The German AMNOG healthcare reform includes a mandatory early-benefit-assessment (EBA) at launch. As per German social code, EBA is based on registration trials and includes evaluation of the patient-relevant effect of the new medicines compared to an appropriate comparator as defined by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA). Current EBA decisions released have unveiled issues regarding the acceptance of some patient-relevant endpoints as G-BA and IQWiG are grading the endpoints, focusing on overall survival as the preferred endpoint in oncology.A taskforce of experienced German outcomes research, medical, health-technology assessment and biostatistics researchers in industry was appointed. After agreement on core assumptions, a draft position was prepared. Input on iterative versions was solicited from a panel of reviewers from industry and external stakeholders.Distinctive features of registration trials in oncology need to be considered when these studies form basis for EBA, especially in cancer-indications with long post-progression survival; and with several consecutive therapeutic options available post-progression. Ethical committees, caregivers and patients often demand cross-over-designs diluting the treatment-effect on overall survival. Regulatory authorities require evaluation of morbidity-related study endpoints including survival of patients without their disease getting worse (i.e., progression-free survival). Also, progression requires treatment-changes, another strong indicator for its relevance to patients.Based on specific guidelines and clinical trial programs that were developed to be consistent with regulatory guidance, endpoints in oncology are thoroughly evaluated in terms of their patient-relevance. This extensive knowledge and experience should be fully acknowledged during EBA when assessing the patient-relevant benefit of innovative medicines in oncology.JEL codesD61; H51; I18.
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