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Extramammary Paget disease of the vulva (EMPV) is a rare skin disorder commonly seen in postmenopausal Caucasian females that appears clinically as red, eczematous, pruriginous, and sometimes painful lesions. Although most cases are noninvasive, EMPV may be associated with an underlying or distant adenocarcinoma. EMPV has a chronic and relapsing course. The reference treatment is based on local surgical excision with negative margins. However, disease frequently extends far from the visible lesion, and surgical margins are frequently positive. Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an established treatment modality for various dermatooncologic conditions. For example, red light irradiation with the Aktilite CL 128 and Metvixia (Galderma SA) as a photosensitizing molecule is a conventional protocol approved and widely used in Europe for PDT treatment of actinic keratosis, but this treatment is not yet widely used for EMPV because it has never clearly been demonstrated and is very painful.
The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy and safety relating to the medical device PAGETEX as a new painless PDT device using Metvixia in the treatment of vulvar Paget disease. The primary end point is the disease control rate at 3 months in 30% of the patients included, defined as stability, partial response, or total response, considering the extent of the lesion. Secondary end points are the disease control rate at 6 months, patient quality of life, level of pain experienced by the patient at each PDT session, severity of erythema, presence of protoporphyrin IX in Paget cells after each PDT session, and overall satisfaction level of the patient.
The trial is an interventional, exploratory, simple group, nonrandomized, and single center (Lille University Hospital) study. Twenty-four patients will be included according to Simon’s optimal plan. Therapeutic procedure is based on a cycle of two PDT sessions with the PAGETEX medical device at 15-day intervals (Metvixia incubation during 30 minutes and 635 nm red light illumination with a low irradiance for 2 hours and 30 minutes for a total fluence of 12 J/cm²). At the assessment session, 3 months after inclusion, if the control of the disease is partial or null, the patient will complete another cycle of two PDT sessions. A final evaluation will be performed in all patients at 6 months. Analyses will be performed using SAS version 9.4 software (SAS Institute Inc). The characteristics of the patients at baseline will be described; qualitative variables will be described by numbers and percentages, and quantitative variables will be described either by the mean and standard deviation for Gaussian distribution or by the median and interquartile range (ie, 25th and 75th percentiles). The normality of the distributions will be tested by a Shapiro-Wilk test and checked graphically by histograms.
First patient was included in September 2019 and clinical investigations are planned until August 2022. The final results of this study are expected to be available in January 2023.
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new PDT protocol for the treatment of EMPV. The PAGETEX device could become the treatment of choice if it is effective, painless, and easy to implement and use in hospitals.
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03713203; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03713203
PRR1-10.2196/15026
Extramammary Paget disease of the vulva (EMPV) is invasive in 20% of cases. If the invasion is less than 1 mm, the evolution is the same as that of noninvasive lesions. Beyond 1 mm, or when there is an underlying carcinoma, the prognosis is worse with a risk of remote lymph node metastases [
The disease is usually observed in Caucasian women over age 70 years and is revealed by pruritus. The lesion is red and ulcerated with an irregular surface and is often mistaken for an eczematized inflammatory lesion. The disease sits on the lips and sometimes bilaterally extends to the perianal region. The actual extension may be more important than the clinical lesions, and multiple biopsies can be used to evaluate the extent of the lesions to guide the surgical procedure.
Histologically, the disease is characterized by intraepidermal proliferation of large epithelioid cells with abundant and clear granular or vacuolized cytoplasm. The reference treatment is based on surgical excision. This surgical treatment is facilitated by new techniques in plastic surgery and anesthesia that will limit postoperative sequelae. Unfortunately, besides the fact that the surgery is sometimes mutilating, local recurrences are also very frequent (up to 45% of the cases) even if the margins of excision are healthy [
It is therefore essential to have a painless therapeutic alternative allowing a complete remission rate without functional or aesthetic sequelae. PDT is a technique based on the combination of photosensitizing molecules (PS) capable of focusing in tumor cells and a focused light of an appropriate wavelength (PS dependent). The combination of these two factors specifically targets the injured tissues and destroys them. PS is administered topically and is more or less selectively concentrated in the damaged tissue by irradiation that is used at a wavelength appropriate to the photosensitizer and which leads to necrosis or apoptosis of the cells. The photosensitizer used most often is a precursor of porphyrin, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), and recently its methylated form, methyl aminolevulinate (MAL), was authorized in France under the name Metvixia. Conventional PDT usually includes incubation of 5-ALA or MAL for several hours. Applied to the skin, these prodrugs are converted endogenously by the biosynthetic pathway of heme in protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) and other intermediate photosensitive porphyrins, leading to a high and selective accumulation of PplX in the target lesion. Production of PpIX is visible by fluorescence when lesions are illuminated with a blue light. Abnormal cells accumulate more photosensitizer than normal cells. Illumination of these cells, using an appropriate light source, leads to apoptosis and selective necrosis of tumor cells, while sparing healthy adjacent tissues [
According to the product characteristics summary, Metvixia has been approved for use in combination with red light, so MAL-PDT has recently been introduced in clinical trials as a therapeutic option in EMPV [
The medical device PAGETEX consists of a textile diffuser support incorporating LEFs to diffuse light from a laser source. The complete device constitutes a source of nonlaser optical radiation and makes it possible to deliver a diffused and homogeneous illumination on vulvar lesions of the EMPV with an objective to perform an effective and painless PDT treatment on the affected region. This clinical protocol aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new PDT protocol for the treatment of the EMPV.
The study is interventional, exploratory, simple group, nonrandomized, and single-center. A total of 24 patients will be included according to Simon’s optimal plan: 8 patients will be included in a first step and 16 other patients in a second step if and only if the test is not stopped in step 1.
The study will be conducted at the Lille University Hospital, Lille, France, in the department of dermatology over a period of 30 months until the end of August 2022. Twenty-four patients will be recruited within 24 months and followed for 6 months.
PAGETEX is a new illumination device consisting of a light diffuser support (
PAGETEX light diffuser support.
PAGETEX light emitting fabrics.
Complete device with medical panty, light diffuser support and laser source.
To be eligible for the study, patients must meet all of the inclusion criteria described in
The main aims of the study are the efficacy of the device based on the disease control rate (stable, partial, or complete) considering the extent of the lesion at 3 months in 30% of the patients included and safety of the device based on the evaluation of adverse and serious adverse events.
Key secondary objectives are the disease control rate at 6 months, evolution of the quality of life, level of pain during PDT session, presence of Paget cells after staining of biopsies, presence of fluorescence in selected lesion after each PDT session, and evaluation of the tolerability and overall satisfaction level of the patient.
Inclusion criteria:
Women over age 18 years
Diagnosis of noninvasive primary or recurrent after surgical resection Paget disease of the vulva
Extramammary Paget disease of the vulva confirmed by biopsy within 1 year
Exclusion criteria:
Invasive Paget disease
Underlying adenocarcinoma
Treatment with imiquimod 5% cream in the last 3 months
Photodynamic therapy used to treat extramammary Paget disease of the vulva lesions in the last 3 months
Use of photosensitive agents in the last 3 months
Allergic or hypersensitivity to methyl aminolevulinate or any of the other ingredients in this medication (propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, cetostearyl alcohol, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate)
Allergic or hypersensitivity to peanut or soya due to the presence of peanut oil in Metvixia
Diagnosis of porphyria or immunity disorders (HIV, transplantation)
Treatment with topical corticosteroids on the affected area in the last 3 months
Outcomes and descriptions.
Outcomes | Inclusiona | PDT 1b | PDT 2c | Evaluation M3d | PDT 3e | PDT 4f | Evaluation M6g | |
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Evaluation of lesion area and aspect by investigator and a blinded independent committee of physicians from standardized photographs taken during inclusion | x |
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x |
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x |
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Disease control rate (stable, partial, complete response) |
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x |
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x |
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Local tolerance (adverse event, serious adverse event, concomitant treatments) |
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x | x | x | x | x | x |
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Evaluation of pain: visual analog scale graduated from 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain) |
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x | x |
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x | x |
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Severity of erythema (chromametry) | x |
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x |
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x |
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Quality of life and satisfaction (DLQIh, FSFIi, SF-36j, and HADSk) | x |
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x |
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x |
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Satisfaction questionnaire |
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x |
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Presence of Paget cells: Positive/negative biopsy | x |
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x |
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x |
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Presence of protoporphyrin IX in selected lesion (fluorescence detection) |
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x | x |
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x | x |
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aInclusion: D0.
bPDT 1: photodynamic therapy within 30 days or at D0.
cPDT 2: photodynamic therapy 15 days after PDT 1 (±2 days).
dEvaluation M3: D0 + 3 months (± 7 days).
ePDT 3 (optional): photodynamic therapy within 30 days after M3.
fPDT 4 (optional): photodynamic therapy 15 days after PDT 3 (±2 days).
gEvaluation M6: D0 + 6 months (±7 days).
hDLQI: Dermatology Life Quality Index.
iFSFI: Female Sexual Functioning Index.
jSF-36: 36-item Short Form Health Survey.
kHADS: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
A minimum efficacy of 30% was set, and efficacy of 60% is expected to be achieved [
There is no randomization; all patients receive PDT treatment with the PAGETEX device.
The study is not concerned with blinding as it is an uncontrolled clinical trial on a single group of patients receiving the same PDT treatment. However, to minimize the bias of investigator evaluation, an independent medical committee will evaluate the type of clinical response (stable, partial, complete, or no response) obtained at 3 and 6 months from standardized lesion photographs. Data will also be analyzed without blinding.
The course of the study is based on the protocol of PDT treatment with the Aktilite CL 128 (Galderma SA) applied in the dermatology department, to which have been added the investigation procedures specific to our research.
As shown in the flowchart (
Progress of study visits. M: month; PDT: photodynamic therapy.
At the inclusion visit, the investigator evaluates the appearance of the patient’s skin and the extent of the lesion. The largest vulvar lesion is selected, photographed, and measured with the Fotofinder dermoscope (Fotofinder Systems Inc) in natural light to define the basic extension of the disease before treatment. To confirm the presence of Paget cells and noninvasive EMPVA, a biopsy (3 mm in diameter and 2 to 3 mm deep) of the selected area is performed or results are obtained if the patient has had a biopsy within 1 year. The investigator grades the erythema, and pigmentation of the lesion is measured with the CR-400 Chroma Meter (Konica Minolta Sensing Europe BV). Colorimetric data and photograph of the lesion will be used as a basis for evaluation of disease control rate.
During PDT sessions, Metvixia is applied with a spatula on the selected vulvar lesion (approximately 1 mm thick and over an area of 5 to 10 mm of normal skin surrounding the lesion). The treated area is covered with a transparent occlusive dressing for 30 minutes. Then the light diffuser support is installed and retained by a medical textile panty. Illumination with 635 nm red light (12 J/cm²) is applied for 2 hours and 30 minutes. Pain is measured with a visual analog scale, and adverse events are collected.
At the evaluation visits, 3 and 6 months after initial treatment, the investigator and a blinded medical committee evaluate the disease control rate (stability, partial, or total response) by comparing the evolution of the selected lesion in terms of color and measures between the current visit and the first one.
Study procedures and measures.
Action | Inclusiona | PDT 1b | PDT 2c | Evaluation M3d | PDT 3e | PDT 4f | Evaluation M6g |
Informed consent | x |
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Medical examination | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
Selection criteria | x |
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Photographs of lesions under natural light | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
Biopsy | x |
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x |
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x |
HCGh pregnancy test |
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x | x |
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x | x |
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Erythema gradation | x |
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x |
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x |
Erythema measurement with CR-400 Chroma Meter | x |
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x |
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x |
DLQIi, FSFIj, SF-36k, and HADSl questionnaires | x |
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x |
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x |
Application and incubation of Metvixia |
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x | x |
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x | x |
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Illumination process |
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x | x |
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x | x |
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Photographs of lesions under fluorescent light |
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x | x |
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x | x |
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VASm measurement of pain |
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x | x |
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x | x |
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Evaluation of tolerance/AEn/SAEo |
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x | x | x | x | x | x |
Patient satisfaction |
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x |
aInclusion: D0.
bPDT 1: photodynamic therapy within 30 days or at D0.
cPDT 2: photodynamic therapy 15 days after PDT 1 (±2 days).
dEvaluation M3: D0 + 3 months (± 7 days).
ePDT 3 (optional): photodynamic therapy within 30 days after M3.
fPDT 4 (optional): photodynamic therapy 15 days after PDT 3 (±2 days).
gEvaluation M6: D0 + 6 months (±7 days).
hHCG: human chorionic gonadotropin test.
iDLQI: Dermatology Life Quality Index.
jFSFI: Female Sexual Functioning Index.
kSF-36: 36-item Short Form Health Survey.
lHADS: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
mVAS: visual analog scale.
nAE: adverse events.
oSAE: serious adverse events.
Collected data consisted of demographic data, medical history reviews, previous medical and surgery treatments, and assessments of the subjects’ skin erythema. For female subjects of childbearing age, a urine pregnancy test is performed at screening and before each PDT treatment. Visual analog scale of pain and questionnaires (Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI], Female Sexual Functioning Index [FSFI], 36-item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36], Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] and satisfaction) are used.
The data are collected through a case report form and saved in an electronic file (database). All participants receive a trial identifier, and only the investigator knows the personal details. The sponsor’s monitor plans several monitoring visits, after the first inclusion in the study site location and periodically to assess data quality and study integrity. The sponsor’s monitor reviews study records and directly compares them with source documents, discusses the conduct of the study with the investigator, and verifies that the facilities remain acceptable. The monitoring of the trial is carried out according to the monitoring plan. A planning meeting with the principal investigator is held before the start of the trial. During the trial, several checkpoints are defined, including the presence of signed informed consent forms obtained by the investigator, respect of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, reporting of any adverse events, and the monitoring of all steps of patient follow-up. At the end of the trial and once the final analysis is completed and validated, all the files are sealed and archived according to specific procedures in a secure location in the sponsor clinical research department.
The trial support unit coordinates data management. The database is stored and secured on the network of Lille University Hospital. Before the closeout of the database, data monitoring is performed using SAS software (SAS Institute Inc) based on consistency rules set with the project manager (eg, missing data, outliers, and inconsistency between several variables). The data are analyzed in the Unit of Methodology, Biostatistics and Data Management of Lille University Hospital (UMBD). Only the investigator participating in the study or a collaborator designated by the physician and participating in the study may modify the data. The data concerning this study are archived for a minimum period of 15 years from the end of the research or its early termination without prejudice to the laws and regulations in force.
All statistical analyses will be performed independently within the UMBD under the responsibility of Professor A Duhamel. Analyses will be performed using the SAS 9.4 or higher software (SAS Institute Inc). Characteristics of the patients at baseline will be described; qualitative variables will be described by numbers and percentages, and quantitative variables will be described either by the mean and standard deviation for Gaussian distribution or by the median and interquartile range (ie, 25th and 75th percentiles). The normality of the distributions will be tested by a Shapiro-Wilk test and checked graphically using histograms.
To answer to the main objective, the rejection rules of Simon’s optimal plan will be used. According to Simon’s optimal plan, after including 8 patients in a first step, the experimental treatment (PDT treatment with the PAGETEX device) will be rejected if the number of patients with disease control at 3 months (assessed by the investigator) is less than or equal to 3. If the trial continues in the second stage, the experimental treatment will be rejected if, out of the 24 patients, the number of patients with disease control at 3 months is less than or equal to 10. The 95% bilateral confidence interval of the 3-month disease control rate will be calculated. The control rates of the disease and its 95% confidence interval, as assessed by the investigating physician and the independent committee, will be calculated. Changes in the quality of life, sexual quality of life, anxiety, and depression measured by the DLQI, HADS, FSFI, and SF-36 questionnaires will be estimated using a mixed linear model (covariance pattern ) including time (inclusion visit, visit at 3 months, visit at 6 months) as the fixed effect. The pain experienced measured by the visual analog scale will be described as a continuous variable and as a qualitative variable to 4 classes. Severity of the erythema assessed by a 4-point ordinal scale will be described at each time (inclusion, 3 months, and 6 months). Severity of the erythema evaluated at follow-up visits will be compared to severity of the erythema evaluated at the inclusion visit using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Percentages of patients with a decrease in severity grade at 3 months and 6 months compared with baseline will be described. Evolution of the severity of the erythema quantified by a colorimetry will be evaluated by the same method. The presence of fluorescence in Paget cells after each PDT session will be described to prove the production of PpIX. The link between the presence of fluorescence after each PDT session and the disease control rates at 3 months and 6 months will be studied using a Fisher exact test. Finally, rates of patients with at least one Paget cell in the thickness of the epidermis biopsies, patient satisfaction questionnaires scores, and frequencies of adverse events will be described.
The trial is conducted in accordance with principles enunciated in the Declaration of Helsinki, as well as International Council for Harmonisation guidelines and article L1121-4 of the French Health Code. The study protocol has been submitted for review and approval by the French Ethics Committee (2018-68) and the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (2018-A01873-52 and 2018-002604-13). The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT03713203]. The investigator must ensure that subjects are informed clearly and fully about the purpose, potential risks, and other critical issues regarding clinical studies in which they volunteer to participate. Freely given written informed consent must be obtained from each subject prior to clinical study participation, including informed consent for any screening procedures conducted to establish subject eligibility for the study. The rights, safety, and well-being of the subjects are the most important considerations and should prevail over interests of science and society.
Patients or the public were not involved in the conceptualization or carrying out of this research. Concerning treatment of personal data, this study is in compliance with the French methodology of reference (MR0001), which is a simplified declaration of data from medical research to the French National Data Protection Authority. The only persons authorized to access data and modify files generated by the study will be persons directly involved in the study. The participants will have access to the data and be able to modify them at any moment through one of the referring investigators of the study. The sponsor affirms the patient’s right to protection against invasion of privacy.
The first patient was included in September 2019. Evaluation of disease control in the first 8 patients will determine the study's continuation (early 2020). The final visit of the last patient is expected to August 2022. Analysis of the results is scheduled for the end of 2022, and results are expected to be published at the beginning of 2023.
PDT using 5-aminolevulinic acid has been employed sporadically to treat EMPV even if it is not the common treatment of this pathology [
5-aminolevulinic acid
Dermatology Life Quality Index
extramammary Paget disease of the vulva
Female Sexual Functioning Index
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
light-emitting fabric
methyl aminolevulinate
photodynamic therapy
protoporphyrin IX
photosensitizing molecule
36-item Short Form Health Survey
Unit of Methodology, Biostatistics and Data Management
The authors wish to thank all research and medical personnel involved in the design and execution of this study. This study is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER FSE 2014-2020) and sponsored by the University of Lille Hospital. Galderma International graciously provided Metvixia (the form of MAL used in the intervention).
FL was responsible for drafting manuscript and writing the study protocol. CM, LM, DS, and SM were responsible for the collection of scientific background, conception of the methodology, and design of the study protocol. PD, ET, LZ, and SM were responsible for the design, conception, and validation of the device. All authors have read and approved the manuscript. AD is responsible for the statistical plan.
None declared.