Michael C Tjong

Dr. Michael C Tjong


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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17 February 2022 in Radiotherapy and Oncology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MTMichael C Tjong
Michael C Tjong
DBDanielle S. Bitterman
Danielle S. Bitterman
KBKristen Brantley
Kristen Brantley
ANAnju Nohria
Anju Nohria
UHUdo Hoffmann
Udo Hoffmann
RMRaymond H. Mak
Raymond H. Mak
In patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) post-radiotherapy, mean heart dose (MHD) and the percent of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery receiving ≥15 Gy (LADV15) are associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE). We developed a MACE prediction model in this population. Total 701 patients with LA-NSCLC treated with curative-intent radiotherapy reviewed, split by diagnosis date into "development" (n = 500) and later (n = 201) "test" cohorts. Development patients were analyzed using a multivariable Cox-proportional hazard model with backward elimination scheme (Bonferroni-adjusted α = 0.025). Potential predictors were selected a priori: age, coronary heart disease (CHD), Framingham Risk, hypertension, MHD, LADV15, intensity modulated radiotherapy use, and CHD and LADV15 interaction (CHD:LADV15). Cardiac doses as quadratic, square root, and logarithmic (ln[X + 1]) forms were explored. Models were internally validated with bootstrapping. Final model incorporated CHD, Hypertension, Logarithmic LADV15, and CHD*ln[LADV15 + 1] (CHyLL; β coefficients: 5.51, 1.28, 1.48, -1.36; all p < 0.025; bootstrapping c-index: 0.80; test cohort c-index: 0.76). Possible risk score range: 0-8.11. MACE incidence was 6.8% and 23.6% at 48 months (p = 0.041), and survival rates were 51.6% and 35.0% (p = 0.099), in the low-risk (score <5.00) and high-risk (score ≥5) test groups, respectively. Using the model, calculated LADV15 constraints for patients without CHD were 11.3% and 28.3% for those with and without hypertension, respectively, to remain low-risk. Pre-existing CHD, hypertension, and LADV15 were important factors in predicting MACE after radiotherapy. CHyLL has the potential to estimate personalized LADV15 constraints based on cardiac risk factors and acceptable MACE thresholds.

7 January 2022 in Current Oncology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MTMichael C Tjong
Michael C Tjong
MRMalavan Ragulojan
Malavan Ragulojan
IPIan Poon
Ian Poon
ALAlexander Louie
Alexander Louie
SCSusanna Cheng
Susanna Cheng
PCParneet K. Cheema
Parneet K. Cheema
Background: The safety impact of radiotherapy (RT) timing relative to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. We investigated if RT within 14 days (Interval 1) and 90 days (Interval 2) of ICI use is associated with toxicities compared to RT outside these intervals. Methods: Advanced NSCLC patients treated with both RT and ICIs were reviewed. Toxicities were graded as per CTCAE v4.0 and attributed to either ICIs or RT by clinicians. Associations between RT timing and Grade ≥2 toxicities were analyzed using logistic regression models adjusted for patient, disease, and treatment factors (α = 0.05). Results: Sixty-four patients were identified. Twenty received RT within Interval 1 and 40 within Interval 2. There were 20 Grade ≥2 toxicities in 18 (28%) patients; pneumonitis (6) and nausea (2) were most prevalent. One treatment-related death (immune encephalitis) was observed. Rates of patients with Grade ≥2 toxicities were 35%/25% in the group with/without RT within Interval 1 and 30%/25% in the group with/without RT within Interval 2. No significant association between RT timing relative to ICI use period and Grade ≥2 toxicities was observed. Conclusion: Albeit limited by the small sample size, the result suggested that pausing ICIs around RT use may not be necessary.