[Tracheoplasty for tracheal cuff stenosis post long-term tracheostomy]

We encountered a case of tracheal stenosis post tracheostomy, so-called cuff stenosis. A 43-year-old man with ventricular septal defect (VSD) was treated by oral endotracheal intubation because of heart-failure and pneumonia, and tracheostomy was performed. He was placed on artificial ventilation for almost 3 months. Four months after discharge, he complained of dyspnea and was treated by oral endotracheal intubation again. At that time bronchofiberscopy demonstrated severe circumferential stenosis of the trachea 4 cm from the tracheostomy spot and that was compatible with the cuff site. Although the stenotic portion was dilated by an endotracheal tube, 47-days after dilation, the portion was restenosed to almost 7 mm in diameter. Therefore, surgical treatment was necessary and tracheoplasty was performed by end-to-end suture after 2 cm (4 ring) resection of trachea. Tracheoplasty is the most reliable method of treating cuff stenosis after tracheostomy.

Surface plasmon interference excited by tightly focused laser beams

We show that interfering surface plasmon polaritons can be excited with a focused laser beam at normal incidence to a plane metal film. No protrusions or holes are needed in this excitation scheme. Depending on the axial position of the focus, the intensity distribution on the metal surface is either dominated by interferences between counterpropagating plasmons or by a two-lobe pattern characteristic of localized surface plasmon excitation. Our experiments can be accurately explained by use of the angular spectrum representation and provide a simple means for locally exciting standing surface plasmon polaritons.

Photo-induced lipid peroxidation of erythrocyte membranes by a bis-methanophosphonate fullerene

Using human erythrocyte membranes (EMs) as a model system, we have examined photo-induced lipid peroxidation by a bis-methanophosphonate fullerene (BMPF) and four other fullerene derivatives including a mono-methanophosphonic acid fullerene (MMPF), a dimalonic acid C(60) (DMA C(60)), a trimalonic acid C(60) (TMA C(60)) and a polyhydroxylated fullerene (fullerol). Lipid peroxidation was assessed as the malondialdehyde (MDA) level measured by the thiobarbituric acid assay. It was observed that BMPF increased the MDA level of EMs after irradiation in both time- and dose-dependent manners. The photo-induced activity became very significant (p<0.01) under the conditions of either the concentration of 10 microM and irradiation time of 30 min or the concentration of 5 microM and irradiation time of 60 min. Involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the activity was also examined by specific inhibitors of singlet oxygen, superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals, respectively. While all three kinds were found responsible for the activity, the former two might play more important roles than the last one. Furthermore, the activity of BMPF was the strongest among all tested fullerene derivatives. These results indicated BMPF was a potential photosensitizer that would find application in photodynamic therapy.

A phase II study of weekly low-dose paclitaxel plus 24-hour infusion of cisplatin as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC)

1100

Background: The dose and schedule of paclitaxel have been evolving in the past 15 years. However, the lowest effective dose of weekly paclitaxel remains unclear. In this study, we examined if a very low dose of paclitaxel can be effective in MBC. Except for the dose of paclitaxel, the chemotherapy regimen and the patient population of this study were very similar to one of our previous report (Cancer 2002; 95:2044–50). Methods: Women with chemotherapy-naïve metastatic BC, adequate performance status and organ functions were eligible. All patients received paclitaxel, 50 mg/m2 iv 1 hr on D1, 8 and 15, and cisplatin, 40 mg/m2 iv 24 hrs on D1 and 8, every 4 weeks. Patients continued this low-dose regimen until progressive disease (PD) or prohibitive toxicities occurred. Patients who had PD or stable disease (SD) without clinical benefit were shifted to paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 iv 1 hr on D1, 8 and 15, and cisplatin, 40 mg/m2 iv 24 hrs on D1 and 8, every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR). Simon’s optimal two-stage design (P0, P1,a, and βare 20%, 40%, 0.05, and 0.2, respectively) was adopted. More than 4 objective responses were needed in the first 13 patients, and a total of 43 patients will be enrolled. Results: After a median follow-up duration of 16.5 months, 27 patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. Their median age was 52.7 years (range: 30.1∼69.4). Twenty patients were hormone receptor (+), while 6 patients were Her-2/neu (+). A total of 121 cycles of protocol treatment were administered as of Dec. 2006. There were 0 complete response and 14 partial responses, for an ORR of 51.9%. Nine of 14 responders remain progression-free. The PFS was 9.6 months (95% of CI: 5.53∼13.67%) and the OS not reached. Grade 3–4 anemia, neutropenia, liver toxicity, thrombocytopenia, and skin toxicities were reported in 8, 6, 2, 1, and 1 patients, respectively. Neurotoxicity was common (22/27), but all were grade 1 or 2. Conclusions: The preliminary results of this study suggest that weekly low-dose paclitaxel is as effective as conventional-dose paclitaxel, and the treatment-related toxicities were more acceptable.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Application of pharmacodynamic assays in a phase Ia trial of Apo2L/TRAIL in patients with advanced tumors

3535

Background: Recombinant human (rh) Apo2L/TRAIL is a dual pro-poptotic receptor agonist (PARA) that induces apoptosis by binding to pro-apoptotic receptors DR4 and DR5, which recruit a death inducing signaling complex upon ligand binding. This results in activation of the effector caspase 3/7, that subsequently cleaves intracellular substrates to execute cellular apoptosis. A Phase1a trial is underway to evaluate the safety and tolerability of rhApo2L/TRAIL in patients with advanced tumors. The aim of this study was to develop and validate high-throughput pharmacodynamic assays to monitor rhApo2L/TRAIL activity in easily accessible patient samples such as serum. Methods: To monitor rhApo2L/TRAIL activity in patients, we optimized assays to measure the release of the apoptotic markers caspase 3/7, cytokeratin 18 (CK18), and genomic DNA (gDNA) in serum. Serum caspase 3/7 levels were monitored using the Caspase Glo kit, which generates a luminescent signal upon cleavage of a caspase 3/7 substrate; cleavage of the caspase substrate CK18 was measured using an optimized form of the M30 ELISA assay; gDNA was measured using a β-actin-specific TaqMan real-time PCR assay. Mice bearing Colo205 xenografts were treated with rhApo2L/TRAIL and sera were collected and assayed for apoptotic markers. Upon validating these assays, we monitored the levels of apoptotic markers in cancer patients who received rhApo2L/TRAIL. Results: We detected transient increases in apoptotic markers in mouse sera 8–24 hr after treatment with rhApo2L/TRAIL. This increase was dose-dependent and correlated with active caspase 3 detected by IHC in Colo205 tumors. In the phase Ia study, increases in serum caspase 3/7 and gDNA levels were observed in >50% of colorectal, lung and sarcoma patients evaluated. Preliminary analyses show the percentage of increase correlates using both analytes and is dose-dependent. Conclusions: These findings support the use of serum-based pharmacodynamic assays as a means to monitor rhApo2L/TRAIL activity in patients with advanced tumors. A complete analysis of all patient serum samples from the ongoing phase Ia trial will be reported.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The association of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) polymorphisms and clinicopathological factors with skin rash on gefitinib use

18118

Background: Skin rash is the most common toxicity of EGFR-targeted therapy. Skin rash of EGFR inhibitor is associated with longer survival or tumor response. However, the clinical and genetic factors associated with this skin rash are not well understood. Methods: Fifty-two non-small-cell lung cancer patients enrolled in a prospective clinical trial of first-line gefitinib treatment were genotyped for EGFR intron 1 CA repeat polymorphism (CAn) and single nucleotide polymorphisms at promoters G-216T, C-191A, and R521K. Grade 2 to 3 skin rash within 4 weeks of treatment (early G2/3 rash) was correlated with the genotype and clinicopathological features of the patients by multivariate logistic regression. Results: Seventeen patients (32.7%) developed early G2/3 rash. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the CAn genotype was associated with early G2/3 rash and the effect was modified by patient age. Early G2/3 rash developed in 21% of patients with homozygous long allele (19 to 22 repeats, L) genotype (4/19), 31% of heterozygous short allele (15 to 18 repeats, S) / L genotype (8/26), and 71% of S/S genotype (5/7), respectively. The median ages of patients with early G2/3 rash and patients without early G2/3 rash were 57 years (range: 39–77) and 69 years (range: 43–86), respectively. The estimated logarithm of odds ratio (ln OR) for early G2/3 rash, as compared to S/S genotype, for S/L genotype was -0.038 multiplied by patient age (P = 0.011); and the ln OR for L/L genotype was -0.050 multiplied by patient age (P = 0.004). Fifty patients were evaluable for response. In logistic regression analysis, early G2/3 rash correlated with tumor response (P = 0.027). However, the CAn genotype was not significantly correlated with tumor response (P = 0.43). Conclusions: Homozygous short allele of EGFR CAn is more likely to develop skin rashes on gefitinib treatment. Genotyping of EGFR CAn appears to be a useful predictive marker for development of skin rashes on gefitinib use.

[Table: see text]

Preferential chemosensitivity to gemcitabine by cyclin E overexpression in human gastric cancers

21020

Background: Exploration of molecular determinants for chemosensitivity is the key element of personalized cancer therapy. Cyclin E is a major G1-phase cyclin, together with the CDK2, which mediates phosphorylation and functional inactivation of Rb protein. Cyclin E overexpression has been demonstrated in a variety of cancers, including human gastric cancers (GC), while its biologic significance in drug therapy remains unclear. Previously, we have demonstrated that cyclin D1 overexpression plays an important role in differential chemosensitivity of human GC cells (Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res 2004; 45: abstract 4888). In this study, we examine the roles between cyclin E overexpression and chemosensitivity of human GC cells. Methods: Compared human gastric cancer cells (NCI-N87) with stably transfected cells (N87-CyE), which have 2-fold overexpression of cyclin E, the IC50 for gemcitabine (2'-2'-difluoro- deoxycytidine, dFdC) was more than 1-log lower in N87-CyE (17.0 ± 2.7 nM) than N87 cells (113.7 ± 6.5 nM) by MTT colorimetric cytotoxicity assay. In contrast, the N87-CyE cells are only slightly more chemosensitive to taxanes (paclitaxel and docetaxel), and confer largely identical chemosensitivity to 5-FU, cisplatin, and irinotecan (CPT-11). We applied RNA interference (RNAi) of cyclin E to N87 cells. The stably transfected N87-CyE/RNAi cells readily confer gemcitabine resistance with the IC50 for gemcitabine of 124.5 ± 1.6 nM. Results: Gemcitabine-induced apoptosis in N87, N87-CyE, or N87-CyE/RNAi cells was shown in either caspase-3 or PARP (poly ADP-ribose polymerase) cleavage assay by Western blotting, and Annexin-V-FITC apoptosis detection by flowcytometry. The threshold concentration of gemcitabine for caspase-3 and PARP cleavage was 10–25 nM for N87-CyE, and 100–200 nM for N87 or N87-CyE/RNAi, respectively. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that preferential chemosensitivity to gemcitabine by cyclin E overexpression in gastric cancer cells. Gemcitabine-induced apoptosis is enhanced by cyclin E overexpression, while is reduced by RNAi of cyclin E. Further studies for potential clinical use of gemcitabine in personalized chemotherapy for cyclin E or cyclin D1-overexpressing GC are warranted (supported by the grants of NHRI-CN-CA9201S, Taiwan).

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II study of weekly docetaxel and gemcitabine in relapsed patients (pts) with advanced, platinum-exposed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

18039

Background: Docetaxel (D) has, clear-cut therapeutic superiority compared to best supportive care, or ifosfamide/vinorelbine in relapsed NSCLC and, as a result, is the standard of comparison in the second line setting. In the pre-pemetrexed era, gemcitabine (G) in phase II studies also demonstrated activity in the salvage setting with favorable survival rates. We therefore mounted a phase II trial pairing these two agents in pts with progressive disease (PD) after prior platinum-based therapy. Methods: Pts with advanced NSCLC and ECOG PS 0–1 progressing either during or after prior platin-based therapy received D 40 mg/m2 days 1 and 8, in combination with G 800 mg/m2 days 1 and 8 every 3 wks. In the absence of dose limiting myelosuppression or other gr=3 toxicities, the dose of G was escalated on an intra-patient basis to 1 g/m2 days 1 and 8. Pts continued treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Results: 35 pts were enrolled: 20 pts (57%) were male; 69% were ECOG PS 1; 57% had received prior XRT. Median age was 61 (range 30–79); median time from initial diagnosis to enrollment was 12.4 months. 170 cycles total were administered (median 4, range 1–16). Overall response rate was 23% (95% CI 12–39%). Median event free survival (EFS) was 5.7 months; median overall survival 12.5 mos; with 1 year survival rate of 51%, and 2 year survival rate 20%. Those enrolled within 12 months of initial diagnosis had poorer EFS compared to those beyond 12 months (log rank p=0.04). There were no treatment-related deaths. Typical grade = 3 toxicities included neutropenia (43%), neutropenic fever (9%) diarrhea (6%), pneumonitis (9%), LFT elevations (9%) and dermatitis (9%), including nail changes. Conclusions: Combination docetaxel and gemcitabine administered days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks in good performance NSCLC pts with PD after/during platinum-based therapy appears encouraging, and presents a viable option in this population. Proof of benefit vs. docetaxel alone requires phase III testing.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

E2F1 overexpression associated with TS and survivin gene expressions in non-small cell lung cancer

7669

Background: The thymidylate synthase (TS) expression is related to 5-FU sensitivity. The survivin expression is associated with tumor apoptosis, an indicator to predict the efficacy of chemotherapy. Recently, TS and Survivin have been reported to be E2F1 target genes. We investigate the clinical significance of the E2F1 gene expression in relation to gene expressions of TS and Survivin among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: One hundred and twenty-seven NSCLC patients were investigated. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to evaluate gene expressions of E2F1, TS, and survivin. The Ki-67 proliferation index and the apoptotic index using TUNEL method were also evaluated. Results: The E2F1 gene expression was significantly higher in stage II to III tumors than in stage I tumors (p=0.006). The E2F1 gene expression significantly correlated with the Ki-67 proliferation index (p<0.001), while no correlation was observed between the E2F1 gene expression and the apoptotic index. Regarding E2F1-target genes, the E2F1 gene expression significantly correlated with the TS gene expression (p<0.001). The E2F1 gene expression also significantly correlated with the survivin gene expression (p<0.001). The TS expression and the survivin expression significantly correlated with the Ki-67 proliferation index (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). There was a significant inverse relationship between the survivin expression and the apoptotic index (p<0.001). The overall survival was significantly lower in patients with high-E2F1 tumors than in those with low-E2F1 tumors (p=0.002), especially among patients with stage II to III NSCLCs (p=0.018). The Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the E2F1 status was a significant prognostic factor for NSCLC patients (p=0.026). Conclusions: The present study revealed the E2F1 gene expression to correlate with TS and survivin gene expressions, and tumor proliferation. E2F1 overexpression could occur to produce more aggressive tumors with high proliferation rate and chemo-resistance during progression of NSCLCs. The suppression of E2F1 by RNA interference would be a useful strategy for cancer gene therapy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Ionization-induced electron trapping in ultrarelativistic plasma wakes

The onset of trapping of electrons born inside a highly relativistic, 3D beam-driven plasma wake is investigated. Trapping occurs in the transition regions of a Li plasma confined by He gas. Li plasma electrons support the wake, and higher ionization potential He atoms are ionized as the beam is focused by Li ions and can be trapped. As the wake amplitude is increased, the onset of trapping is observed. Some electrons gain up to 7.6 GeV in a 30.5 cm plasma. The experimentally inferred trapping threshold is at a wake amplitude of 36 GV/m, in good agreement with an analytical model and PIC simulations.

Bacterial inactivation using a low-temperature atmospheric plasma brush sustained with argon gas

This study investigated the bacterial inactivation/sterilization effects of a new atmospheric plasma source, which is a brush-shaped argon glow discharge created under 1 atm pressure. Such an atmospheric plasma brush requires extremely low power of less than 20 W to operate; and therefore is essentially a low-temperature discharge as confirmed by gas-phase temperature measurements. Two bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Micrococcus luteus (M. luteus), seeded in various media were subjected to plasma treatment and their survivability was examined. It was found that such argon atmospheric plasma brush is very effective in destruction of the bacteria cells. With nutrient broth and standard methods agar as supporting media, a cell reduction in a level of 6 orders of magnitude was observed for E. coli within 3-4 min plasma treatment. A similar level of cell reduction was also observed for M. luteus in the two media with 2 or 3 min plasma treatment. The plasma treatment effects on the bacteria cell structures were also examined using scanning electron microscopy and the cell structure damages due to the plasma exposure were observed on both bacteria. The possible sterilization mechanism of the argon plasmas is also discussed in this article.

Passive derivation of basic walker-assisted gait characteristics from measured forces and moments

This work describes a method that passively assesses basic walker-assisted gait characteristic, including heel strikes, toe-off events, as well as stride time, double support and right & left single support phases using only force-moment measurements from the walker's handles. The passively derived gait characteristics were validated against motion capture gait analysis and showed good correlations. This research is part of an effort that aims to identify user intent, from measuring forces and moments exerted on the handles of the walker as well as from perceiving the environment, and to incorporate identified intent into a passive shared steering control system for the walker. The primary focus of the work leading to This work is to identify the double support phase, and to engage the steering control at the beginning of this phase to maximize the user's stability. However, the application of the method presented and the instrumented walker can be extended to longitudinal outside the lab Gait assessment.

HIV infection changes glomerular podocyte cytoskeletal composition and results in distinct cellular mechanical properties

In addition to forming the selective filtration barrier for the renal glomerulus, podocytes maintain glomerular capillary architecture by opposing distending hemodynamic forces. To understand the relationship of cytoskeletal properties and the mechanical characteristics of podocytes, we studied filamin expression and distribution and measured cell membrane deformability in conditionally immortalized wild-type (WT) mouse podocytes, and in podocytes derived from a mouse model of HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). In the WT cells, filamin and F-actin were localized at the periphery and in prominent stress fibers. In the HIVAN cells, filamin expression was reduced, and stress fibers were sparse. In a microaspiration assay, HIVAN cells ruptured under minimal negative pressure. Atomic force microscopy demonstrated that the WT cells had a stiffness of 17 kPa, whereas the value for the HIVAN cells was 4 kPa. These results demonstrate that the mechanical properties of WT and HIVAN podocytes are markedly different in a manner that is consistent with differences in the composition and arrangement of their cytoskeletons. The mechanical properties of the WT podocytes suggest that these cells can better maintain capillary integrity than the HIVAN podocytes and implicate pathological assembly of the cytoskeleton as a mechanism of HIVAN.

Cold plasma brush generated at atmospheric pressure

A cold plasma brush is generated at atmospheric pressure with low power consumption in the level of several watts (as low as 4 W) up to tens of watts (up to 45 W). The plasma can be ignited and sustained in both continuous and pulsed modes with different plasma gases such as argon or helium, but argon was selected as a primary gas for use in this work. The brush-shaped plasma is formed and extended outside of the discharge chamber with typical dimension of 10-15 mm in width and less than 1.0 mm in thickness, which are adjustable by changing the discharge chamber design and operating conditions. The brush-shaped plasma provides some unique features and distinct nonequilibrium plasma characteristics. Temperature measurements using a thermocouple thermometer showed that the gas phase temperatures of the plasma brush are close to room temperature (as low as 42 degrees C) when running with a relatively high gas flow rate of about 3500 ml/min. For an argon plasma brush, the operating voltage from less than 500 V to about 2500 V was tested, with an argon gas flow rate varied from less than 1000 to 3500 ml/min. The cold plasma brush can most efficiently use the discharge power as well as the plasma gas for material and surface treatment. The very low power consumption of such an atmospheric argon plasma brush provides many unique advantages in practical applications including battery-powered operation and use in large-scale applications. Several polymer film samples were tested for surface treatment with the newly developed device, and successful changes of the wettability property from hydrophobic to hydrophilic were achieved within a few seconds.

Improvement in glycaemic control with rosiglitazone/metformin fixed-dose combination therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes with very poor glycaemic control

OBJECTIVE

Traditional first-line intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes and very poor glycaemic control is insulin therapy or high doses of sulfonylureas if there is no evidence of volume depletion. This study explored the safety and efficacy of open-label treatment with rosiglitazone and metformin (RSG/MET) fixed-dose combination therapy (AVANDAMET) in patients with type 2 diabetes with very poor glycaemic control, to better characterize the magnitude of glycated haemoglobin (A1c) reduction after 24 weeks of therapy.

METHODS

In this multicentre, open-label trial, 190 patients with an A1c greater than 11% or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) greater than 15 mmol/l were included after failing to meet glycaemic entry criteria for a primary double-blind, controlled, randomized study. Unless tolerability issues arose, eligible patients initiated RSG/MET 4 mg/1000 mg fixed-dose combination therapy and were up-titrated in increments of 2 mg/500 mg at 4-week intervals to a daily dose of 8 mg/2000 mg or the maximum tolerated dose. Patients were assessed for efficacy and safety at five visits over a 24-week period. The primary efficacy end point was change from baseline in A1c at week 24. Secondary efficacy end points included the proportion of patients achieving defined A1c targets, change from baseline to week 24 in FPG and insulin sensitivity.

RESULTS

The majority of patients (78%) completed 24 weeks of open-label treatment. At week 24, clinically significant mean reduction in A1c from 11.8 to 7.8% (mean reduction, 4.0 +/- 2.2%; p < 0.0001) and mean FPG reduction from 16.9 to 9.2 mmol/l (mean reduction, 7.7 +/- 4.4 mmol/l; p < 0.0001) were observed. A clinically significant reduction in FPG (5.2 mmol/l) was observed after 4 weeks of treatment with RSG/MET fixed-dose combination therapy. Despite a high mean baseline A1c of 11.8%, 33% of patients achieved treatment goal of A1c less than or equal to 6.5% at week 24, and 44% achieved an A1c less than 7% at week 24. RSG/MET fixed-dose combination was well tolerated, with a low incidence of hypoglycaemia (2%) and mean increase in weight from baseline of 2.6 +/- 5.2 kg, and few patients withdrew (2.6%) because of an adverse event.

CONCLUSIONS

RSG/MET fixed-dose combination therapy was effective as initial therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes and very high levels of A1c and/or FPG, as demonstrated by robust and relatively rapid improvements in glycaemic control. RSG/MET fixed-dose combination was well tolerated as first-line therapy with no new tolerability issues identified.

Positron production by x rays emitted by betatron motion in a plasma wiggler

Positrons in the energy range of 3-30 MeV, produced by x rays emitted by betatron motion in a plasma wiggler of 28.5 GeV electrons from the SLAC accelerator, have been measured. The extremely high-strength plasma wiggler is an ion column induced by the electron beam as it propagates through and ionizes dense lithium vapor. X rays in the range of 1-50 MeV in a forward cone angle of 0.1 mrad collide with a 1.7 mm thick tungsten target to produce electron-positron pairs. The positron spectra are found to be strongly influenced by the plasma density and length as well as the electron bunch length. By characterizing the beam propagation in the ion column these influences are quantified and result in excellent agreement between the measured and calculated positron spectra.

Stability of E-cadherin methylation status in gastric mucosa associated with histology changes

BACKGROUND

We have previously shown reversal of E-cadherin methylation in gastric mucosa from patients with dyspepsia at week 6 after Helicobacter pylori-eradication therapy. But the long-term methylation status of these patients was unknown.

AIM

To investigate the methylation status at E-cadherin at year 3 after H. pylori-eradication therapy.

METHODS

35 patients (25 with and 10 without H. pylori eradicated) enrolled in our previous study were recruited into the present study (year 3 analysis). Methylation at E-cadherin was evaluated by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction method.

RESULTS

There was no difference in age and sex distribution in the two groups. Methylation at E-cadherin in patients with H. pylori eradicated at weeks 0, 6 and year 3 were 52%, 20% and 20%, respectively. Concordant methylation status at week 6 and year 3 was 92%. Methylation at E-cadherin in patients without H. pylori at weeks 0, 6 and year 3 were 50%, 60% and 60%, respectively. Concordant methylation status between week 6 and year 3 was 90%. Stability of E-cadherin methylation status was associated with histological changes. No association between E-cadherin methylation status and age was observed.

CONCLUSION

The methylation pattern is stable for a long period, thus suggesting the effect of environment on methylation.

On multiscale approaches to three-dimensional modelling of morphogenesis

In this paper we present the foundation of a unified, object-oriented, three-dimensional biomodelling environment, which allows us to integrate multiple submodels at scales from subcellular to those of tissues and organs. Our current implementation combines a modified discrete model from statistical mechanics, the Cellular Potts Model, with a continuum reaction-diffusion model and a state automaton with well-defined conditions for cell differentiation transitions to model genetic regulation. This environment allows us to rapidly and compactly create computational models of a class of complex-developmental phenomena. To illustrate model development, we simulate a simplified version of the formation of the skeletal pattern in a growing embryonic vertebrate limb.

Evaluations of biomarkers associated with 5-FU sensitivity for non-small-cell lung cancer patients postoperatively treated with UFT

The sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been reported to be associated with target molecule thymidylate synthase (TS), fluoropyrimidine-metabolising enzymes such as orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT), and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD). We performed an immunohistochemical study on the clinical significance of TS, OPRT, and DPD expression using 151 resected non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients postoperatively treated with a combination of tegafur and uracil (UFT). Eighty-two carcinomas were TS-positive, 105 carcinomas were OPRT-positive, 68 carcinomas were DPD-positive. No correlation was observed in the HSCORE between the TS and OPRT expression (r=0.203), between the TS and DPD expression (r=0.098), or between the OPRT and DPD expression (r=0.074). Regarding the survival of NSCLC patients treated with UFT, the 5-year survival rate of patients with TS-negative tumours was significantly higher than that with TS-positive tumours (P=0.0133). The 5-year survival rate of patients with OPRT-positive stage II to III tumours was significantly higher than that with OPRT-negative stage II to III tumours (P=0.0145). In addition, the 5-year survival rate of patients with DPD-negative tumours was also significantly higher than that with DPD-positive tumours (P=0.0004). A Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed the TS status (hazard ratio 2.663; P=0.0003), OPRT status (hazard ratio 2.543; P=0.0005), and DPD status (hazard ratio 2.840; P<0.0001) to all be significant prognostic factors for the survival of resected NSCLC patients postoperatively treated with UFT.

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and platinum in patients with advanced ovarian cancer in late relapse (>6 months)

15035

Background: Platinum and doxorubicin have different mechanisms of action, show no cross-resistance, and their toxicities do not overlap. Because pegylated liposomaI doxorubicin (Lipo-Dox was manufactured by TTY Biopharm Company Ltd. in Taiwan) appears to be a promising form of delivering doxorubicin with decrease of some of the most problematic toxicities, a combination with platinum should be assessed. Methods: An open-label, non-comparative, single center phase II clinical trial. Eligible patients must have histologically proven advance ovarian cancer with two-dimensioned measurable disease or evaluable disease (defined as CA-125 ≥ 40 U/ml), who have been treated with one or two previous platinum- and taxane-based regimen. All patients will hospitalize for 24 hours for treatment. The dose of platinum is fixed (cisplatin at 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin at AUC=5) on D1 and the initial dose of pegylated liposomaI doxorubicin (Lipo-Dox) is 35 mg/m2 on D2 at a 4-week interval. Results: Twenty patients were enrolled from July 2002 to January 2004 and follow up until June 2004. All eligible patients are assessable for response and toxicity. The overall response rate was 80%. Of the 20 patients eligible for response evaluation, 10 (50%) patients had a complete response, 6 (30%) had partial response, 3 (15%) were with stable disease, and 1 (5%) showed progressive disease. An overall response (OR) was achieved in 80% of patients. In patients achieving an OR based on WHO criteria, median CA125 levels declined from 142 U/ml (range, 13–3670 U/ml) during the baseline to 26.5 U/ml (range, 5–375 U/ml) during the last cycle. Median time to response was 65 days (range, 12–188 days). Median duration of response was 471 days (range 146–1085 days). Furthermore, the median time to progression was 481 days (range, 138–1136 days). The main toxicity was myelosuppression, with grade 3 and 4 neutropenia in 3 patients, anemia in 4 patients, and leukopenia in 2 patients. Conclusions: Based on effectiveness and toxicity advantages, the combination of pegylated liposomaI doxorubicin (Lipo-Dox) and platinum should be considered in patients with advanced ovarian cancer in late relapse.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Hypogammaglobulinemia increases the risk of chemotherapy associated febrile neutropenia in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

18549

Background: Infections are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Hypogammaglobulinemia, in general, increases the susceptibility to infections in patients with CLL. We conducted a case-control study to investigate whether hypogammaglobulinemia (Immunoglobulin-G (IgG) level <600 mg/dL) increases the risk of febrile neutropenic episodes in CLL patients with chemotherapy associated neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <0.5 × 109/L). Methods: The source cohort consisted of all consecutive patients with CLL seen at our institution between Jan 2002 to June 2005.We identified 8 cases of chemotherapy associated febrile neutropenia; controls consisted of 18 patients, with neutropenia but no fever (n = 4) or no neutropenia (n = 14). Results: The two groups were comparable except for a higher proportion of patients with Rai stage-4 disease in the febrile neutropenia cohort (100% vs. 17%, p < 0.001). Eight of the 8 patients in febrile neutropenia group were found to be hypogammaglobulinemic as compared to 2 of 18 controls (100% vs 11%, P value < 0.001). The median IgG level was 400 mg/dL (range, 300–488 mg/dL) in the febrile neutropenia group compared to 820 mg/dL (range, 121–1700 mg/dL) in the control group (p = 0.003).The relative risk of developing chemotherapy associate febrile neutropenia in the presence of underlying hypogammaglobulinemia was 4.5 (95% confidence intervals, 1.9–10.7). Conclusions: Patients with CLL who are hypogammaglobulinemic are candidates for prophylactic administration of intravenous immune-globulin prior to initiation of myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.