logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2020
20m 29s

TERAVOLT registry sheds light on charact...

MEDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
About this episode

How do patients with thoracic cancers fare when they develop COVID-19? The researchers behind the TERAVOLT registry are trying to find out.

TERAVOLT investigator Alessio Cortellini, MD, of the University of L’Aquila (Italy), joined host David Henry, MD, to discuss the TERAVOLT registry and its findings, which were recently presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Virtual Congress 2020. What is TERAVOLT?

  • TERAVOLT is an international registry of patients with thoracic cancers and COVID-19 that was launched in March 2020 by Marina Garassino, MD, of the National Cancer Institute of Milan.
  • The registry enrolls patients with any solid thoracic cancer – small cell and non–small cell lung cancer, mesothelioma, thymic epithelial tumors, and other pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms.
  • Patients are deemed to have COVID-19 if they test positive by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction or serology or if they have radiologic or clinical characteristics of COVID-19 and known interaction with a COVID-positive person.
  • TERAVOLT website: http://teravolt-consortium.org/

TERAVOLT data at ESMO 2020

  • Data presented at ESMO 2020 included 1,012 patients from 20 countries, mostly in Europe (74%) and North America (23%).
  • The data encompass patient characteristics, oncologic treatment and COVID-directed therapy, and outcomes.
  • In all, 32% of patients died of COVID-19.
  • A multivariable model revealed several factors associated with an increased risk of mortality, including:
    • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 2 or greater (odds ratio, 3.6; P < .001)
    • Stage IV cancer (OR, 1.9; P < .001)
    • Former or current smoker (OR, 1.8; P < .01)
    • Prior steroid use (OR, 1.7; P < .01)
    • Age 65 years or older (OR, 1.5; P = .01)
    • Receiving chemotherapy or no systemic treatment versus immunotherapy, chemoimmunotherapy, or targeted therapy (OR, 1.4; P = .03)
  • Espinar JB et al. ESMO 2020, Abstract LBA75. https://bit.ly/371aGIJ

A tool to predict mortality

  • Based on their findings, TERAVOLT researchers developed a nomogram that can help predict mortality in patients with thoracic cancers and COVID-19.
  • Patients receive points based on ECOG performance status, cancer stage, smoking habits, age, steroid use, and systemic cancer treatment.
    • For example, a 70-year-old smoker with an ECOG score of 2 who is receiving third-line treatment with docetaxel for stage IV squamous non–small cell lung cancer would have a score of 260 points, which translates to a greater than 60% risk of death.
    • A 50-year-old never-smoker with an ECOG score of 0 who is receiving first-line osimertinib for stage IV non–small cell lung cancer would have a score of 55 points, which translates to a less than 20% risk of death.

Disclosures:

Dr. Cortellini and Dr. Henry have no financial disclosures relevant to this episode.

*  *  *

For more MDedge Podcasts, go to mdedge.com/podcasts

Email the show: podcasts@mdedge.com

Interact with us on Twitter: @MDedgehemonc

David Henry on Twitter: @davidhenrymd

 

Up next
May 2021
Biosimilars with Dr. Gary Lyman
Existing biosimilars are safe, effective alternatives to their reference biologics, and are increasingly being incorporated into oncology treatment guidelines. Technological advances that have emerged in the years since biologic agents entered the market allow for the careful ass ... Show More
32m 6s
May 2021
Advanced bladder cancer: Dr. Arjun Balar talks treatment strategies in a changing field
Systemic treatment for advanced urothelial cancer is quickly evolving. On this week’s podcast, Arjun Balar, MD, director of the genitourinary medical oncology program at New York University discusses his approach amid changing times with guest host Alan Lyss, MD, a community-base ... Show More
27m 25s
May 2021
Gene therapies in hemophilia with Dr. Glenn Pierce
A “very basic” type of gene therapy could potentially cure hemophilia, but a major hurdle has been the lack of an effective mode of delivery. Recent strides in using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are changing that, and Glenn Pierce, MD, World Federation of Hemophilia Vice ... Show More
24m 10s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2019
Job satisfaction among dermatology hospitalists; plus understanding your millennial patients, and treating infections in atopic dermatitis
More patients are being admitted to the hospital with skin problems, and specialized dermatologists are needed to provide effective treatment. Dr. Vincent DeLeo talks with Dr. Michi M. Shinohara about the evolving role of the dermatology hospitalist in the inpatient setting. Dr. ... Show More
17m 9s
May 26
Why Your Skin Is Begging You to Heal Your Gut First
Skin issues like acne, eczema, and rosacea are deeply connected to internal imbalances, especially those originating in the gut. It is important to explore diet—particularly sugar, refined carbs, and dairy—because it can drive inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal disrup ... Show More
53m 56s
Sep 2024
#126: Dermatology in Greece Part III - Promoting Health through Cosmetic Dermatology
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Fotini Bageorgou, MD. Dr. Bageorgou is an internationally renowned dermatologist, specifically for her work in cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Bageorgou is currently honored to be president of the International Peeling Society. Dr. Bageorgou tells us a ... Show More
49m 51s
May 2024
PRETTY CURIOUS | What’s the Deal with Psoriasis?
We’re getting personal on this episode of Pretty Curious with Jonthan’s dermatologist, Dr. Ali Shahbaz! The two walk through Jonthan’s psoriasis journey and along the way, Dr. Shahbaz answers all our questions like what are the different types of psoriasis, what are some common t ... Show More
45m 57s
Mar 2021
Treating Adult Acne & Rosacea From The Inside Out with Dr. Todd LePine
Treating Adult Acne & Rosacea From The Inside Out | This episode is sponsored by ButcherBox and AquaTru Our skin is a reflection of what’s going on with our health beneath the surface; skin problems often signal that something is off in our body. Acne rosacea is an inflammatory c ... Show More
43m 30s
Jan 2025
Heart Disease, Hormones & LPa Explained by Dr. Darshan Shah
Dr. Darshan Shah reveals the shocking truth about the prevalence and danger of high Lp(a), citing personal anecdotes and expounding on how lifestyle changes, though beneficial, aren't always enough to mitigate the risks associated with this particular marker. The episode delves i ... Show More
1h 1m
Apr 2020
136: Alternative Solutions For Rosacea w/ Dr. Peter Lio
Rosacea is a skin condition best known for causing redness and flushing. But is can also lead to pustules and comedones. My guest today will share more about rosacea, as well as possible treatment options. My guest today is Dr. Peter Lio, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermato ... Show More
27 m
Feb 2024
The Science of Resilience: How You Can Heal From Within | Dr. Domenick Sportelli
Dr. Sportelli is a Medical Physician who received a Bachelors degree in Biology as well as a Masters of Science degree in Biology from Montclair State University. He attended NYIT School of Osteopathic Medicine, and upon graduating with Honors in clinical science, Dr. Sportelli p ... Show More
1h 53m
Sep 2024
Beyond the Digest: September 2024
Beyond the Digest are bonus episodes to the DermSurgery Digest that include reviews of interesting and relevant articles in dermatologic surgery literature. This episode features articles from the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network(JNCCN), the Journal of the Ame ... Show More
32m 45s
Oct 2024
Is Your Skincare More Important Than This?
Get Dr. Mina's free PDF on How to create Healthy Skin Habits here. Between juggling demanding careers, personal goals, and family responsibilities, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. But here’s the thing: all that busyness affects more than just our stress levels; it impac ... Show More
15m 28s