Heart rates of male and female Sprague-Dawley and spontaneously hypertensive rats housed singly or in groups

This study was conducted to confirm our previous reports that group housing lowered basal heart rate and various evoked heart-rate responses in Sprague-Dawley male and female rats and to extend these observations to spontaneously hypertensive rats. Heart rate data were collected by using radiotelemetry. Initially, group- and single-housed rats were evaluated in the same animal room at the same time. Under these conditions, group-housing did not decrease heart rate in undisturbed male and female rats of either strain compared with single-housed rats. Separate studies then were conducted to examine single-housed rats living in the room with only single-housed rats. When group-housed rats were compared with these single-housed rats, undisturbed heart rates were reduced significantly, confirming our previous reports for Sprague-Dawley rats. However, evoked heart rate responses to acute procedures were not reduced universally in group-housed rats compared with either condition of single housing. Responses to some procedures were reduced, but others were not affected or were significantly enhanced by group housing compared with one or both of the single-housing conditions. This difference may have been due, in part, to different sensory stimuli being evoked by the various procedures. In addition, the variables of sex and strain interacted with housing condition. Additional studies are needed to resolve the mechanisms by which evoked cardiovascular responses are affected by housing, sex, and strain.

Widespread divergence between incipient Anopheles gambiae species revealed by whole genome sequences

The Afrotropical mosquito Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto, a major vector of malaria, is currently undergoing speciation into the M and S molecular forms. These forms have diverged in larval ecology and reproductive behavior through unknown genetic mechanisms, despite considerable levels of hybridization. Previous genome-wide scans using gene-based microarrays uncovered divergence between M and S that was largely confined to gene-poor pericentromeric regions, prompting a speciation-with-ongoing-gene-flow model that implicated only about 3% of the genome near centromeres in the speciation process. Here, based on the complete M and S genome sequences, we report widespread and heterogeneous genomic divergence inconsistent with appreciable levels of interform gene flow, suggesting a more advanced speciation process and greater challenges to identify genes critical to initiating that process.

Correlation between serum cardiac markers and myocardial infarct size quantified by myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy after alcohol septal ablation

Myocardial infarct (MI) size is a well-established prognostic marker but the association of serum markers with MI size, as measured by myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), has not been well studied in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) after alcohol septal ablation (ASA). Creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, troponin I, and brain natriuretic peptide were measured before and at multiple points after ASA in patients with HC and were correlated with MI size measured by MPI. MPI at rest was performed in 54 patients with HC at a median of 2 days after ASA. CK, CK-MB, and troponin I increased after ASA to peak levels at 12 hours and their cumulative levels (area under the curve) showed significant correlation with size of MI by MPI (r = 0.544, 0.408, and 0.477, p <0.001, 0.003, and 0.001, respectively). The best marker was level of CK at 12 hours (r = 0.609, p <0.0001) after ASA. Brain natriuretic peptide level did not change significantly after ASA (p = 1.0) and only weakly correlated with MI size by MPI (r = 0.130, p = 0.007). In conclusion, CK, CK-MB, and troponin I measured at 12 hours, at peak, and as the area under the curve correlated well with infarct size, but CK level at 12 hours was the best marker. CK continues to be a useful marker of MI size despite the introduction of newer, more specific markers, especially when infarct onset is known with certainty as in patients with HC undergoing ASA.

How much alcohol should we infuse in the coronary artery of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients?

BACKGROUND

Although alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is increasingly used in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) patients who are refractory to medical therapy, the amount of alcohol that is required has not been well studied. This study sought to determine the amount of alcohol that is necessary to achieve clinical benefits of ASA.

METHODS

Myocardial perfusion imaging was used to determine the size of the myocardial infarction produced by ASA in 54 HC patients. Left ventricular outflow gradients (LVOTg) were determined invasively before and after ASA and by Doppler echocardiography before and at a median of 3 months after ASA.

RESULTS

LVOTg decreased at rest and after provocation in response to ASA and this was maintained on follow-up at 3 months. There was no relationship between the amount of alcohol infused and the infarct mass as determined by myocardial perfusion imaging. While the infarct mass was not correlated with the drop in the LVOTg at rest or with provocation, the quantity of alcohol infused was correlated with the drop in LVOTg at rest (r = 0.27, p = 0.05) and with provocation (r = 0.34, p = 0.02). Furthermore, infusing more than 2ml of absolute alcohol was associated with a drop in the LVOTg by more than 60 mmHg at rest (p = 0.02) and by more than 130 mmHg with provocation (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although lower amounts of alcohol infusion are desirable to avoid side-effects, it might be prudent to infuse around 2 ml of absolute alcohol in order to achieve the desirable degree of LVOTg reduction in ASA.

Ensembl Genomes: extending Ensembl across the taxonomic space

Ensembl Genomes (http://www.ensemblgenomes.org) is a new portal offering integrated access to genome-scale data from non-vertebrate species of scientific interest, developed using the Ensembl genome annotation and visualisation platform. Ensembl Genomes consists of five sub-portals (for bacteria, protists, fungi, plants and invertebrate metazoa) designed to complement the availability of vertebrate genomes in Ensembl. Many of the databases supporting the portal have been built in close collaboration with the scientific community, which we consider as essential for maintaining the accuracy and usefulness of the resource. A common set of user interfaces (which include a graphical genome browser, FTP, BLAST search, a query optimised data warehouse, programmatic access, and a Perl API) is provided for all domains. Data types incorporated include annotation of (protein and non-protein coding) genes, cross references to external resources, and high throughput experimental data (e.g. data from large scale studies of gene expression and polymorphism visualised in their genomic context). Additionally, extensive comparative analysis has been performed, both within defined clades and across the wider taxonomy, and sequence alignments and gene trees resulting from this can be accessed through the site.

A multi-center phase II evaluation of the small molecule survivin suppressor YM155 in patients with unresectable stage III or IV melanoma

Melanoma continues to be a major health problem with no effective therapy. Melanocytes, both benign and malignant, express many anti-apoptotic factors. Survivin is a member of the family of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAP) and is preferentially expressed in tumor cells, including melanoma. YM155 is a small molecule suppressant of survivin that has been shown in preclinical cell lines, xenograft models and phase I studies to have anti-tumor activity.

METHODS

This was an open-label, multi-center, study of YM155 monotherapy in subjects with unresectable stage III or IV melanoma. Thirty-four chemotherapy naïve subjects were treated with YM155 at a dose of 4.8 mg/m(2)/day administered by continuous infusion for 168-hours (7 days) followed by a 14-day rest period, for up to 6 cycles or until disease progression.

RESULTS

One subject had a partial response to treatment seen at cycle two and lasting through cycle eight. Median progression-free survival was 1.3 months (95% CI; 1.3-2.7). Median overall survival was 9.9 months (95% CI; 7.0-14.5). Overall, YM155 was well tolerated with the most common (>20%) adverse events reported as fatigue, nausea, pyrexia, headache, arthralgia and back pain. Only four subjects required dose reductions.

CONCLUSIONS

YM155 was well tolerated in subjects with advanced melanoma; however, the pre-specified primary end-point for efficacy which required two responders in 29 evaluable subjects was not achieved.

Phase II, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial of weekly elesclomol plus paclitaxel versus paclitaxel alone for stage IV metastatic melanoma

PURPOSE

Elesclomol is a novel, small-molecule, oxidative stress inducer believed to exert selective cytotoxicity by increasing intracellular concentrations of reactive oxygen species, which results in cell death via mitochondrial apoptosis. We evaluated whether the addition of elesclomol to weekly paclitaxel could improve efficacy in patients with stage IV metastatic melanoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We randomly assigned patients with metastatic melanoma, measurable disease, and one or fewer prior chemotherapy regimens to elesclomol 213 mg/m(2) plus paclitaxel 80 mg/m(2) (E + P) or to paclitaxel 80 mg/m(2) alone at a 2:1 ratio; regimens were given as a 1-hour intravenous infusion weekly, during 3 of every 4 weeks until disease progression per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors or death occurred. Patients who experienced progression were unblended, and patients on paclitaxel alone were permitted to cross over to E + P. The primary efficacy end point was progression-free survival (PFS); secondary end points were response rate (RR), toxicity, and overall survival (OS; analyzed post hoc).

RESULTS

At 21 US sites, 53 patients were randomly assigned to E + P, and 28 patients were randomly assigned to paclitaxel. The addition of elesclomol to paclitaxel yielded a doubling of median PFS (112 v 56 days) and a 41.7% risk reduction for disease progression/death (hazard ratio, 0.583; P = .035). Respective RRs for the E + P and paclitaxel groups were 15% and 3%; median OS was 11.9 v 7.8 months. Of patients on paclitaxel alone, 19 (68%) of 28 crossed over to E + P after they experienced progression. Weekly E + P was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

E + P resulted in a statistically significant doubling of median PFS, with an acceptable toxicity profile and encouraging OS. A multinational, phase III trial (SYMMETRY) of E + P compared with paclitaxel alone in metastatic melanoma has closed.

Sequential multiple-assignment randomized trial design of neurobehavioral treatment for patients with metastatic malignant melanoma undergoing high-dose interferon-alpha therapy

BACKGROUND

Interferon-alpha therapy, which is used to treat metastatic malignant melanoma, can cause patients to develop two distinct neurobehavioral symptom complexes: a mood syndrome and a neurovegetative syndrome. Interferon-alpha effects on serotonin metabolism appear to contribute to the mood and anxiety syndrome, while the neurovegetative syndrome appears to be related to interferon-alpha effects on dopamine.

PURPOSE

Our goal is to propose a design for utilizing a sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial design for patients with malignant melanoma to test the relative efficacy of drugs that target serotonin versus dopamine metabolism during 4 weeks of intravenous, then 8 weeks of subcutaneous, interferon-alpha therapy.

METHODS

Patients will be offered participation in a double-blinded, randomized, controlled, 14-week trial involving two treatment phases. During the first month of intravenous interferon-alpha therapy, we will test the hypotheses that escitalopram will be more effective in reducing depressed mood, anxiety, and irritability, whereas methylphenidate will be more effective in diminishing interferon-alpha-induced neurovegetative symptoms, such as fatigue and psychomotor slowing. During the next 8 weeks of subcutaneous interferon therapy, participants whose symptoms do not improve significantly will be randomized to the alternate agent alone versus escitalopram and methylphenidate together.

RESULTS

We present a prototype for a single-center, sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial, which seeks to determine the efficacy of sequenced and targeted treatment for the two distinct symptom complexes suffered by patients treated with interferon-alpha.

LIMITATIONS

Because we cannot completely control for external factors, a relevant question is whether or not 'short-term' neuropsychiatric interventions can increase the number of interferon-alpha doses tolerated and improve long-term survival.

CONCLUSIONS

This sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial proposes a framework for developing optimal treatment strategies; however, additional studies are needed to determine the best strategy for treating or preventing neurobehavioral symptoms induced by the immunotherapy interferon-alpha.

Current distribution under electrodes in relation to stimulation current and skin blood flow: are modern electrodes really providing the current distribution during stimulation we believe they are?

Carbonized rubber electrodes were tested extensively when they were first developed 30 years ago, but modern carbonized rubber electrodes have not received the type of scrutiny that the first electrodes received. Modern electrodes differ from the original electrodes in that they come with a self-adhesive electrode gel called hydrogel as part of their composition. The present study was undertaken to examine the current distribution and impedance characteristics of five brands of carbonized rubber electrodes and to examine the current distribution between electrodes during electrical stimulation in six subjects. Several different electrode sizes were tested between 3 and 10 cm. The current flow between the electrodes was determined by measuring the voltage across the skin on human subjects in 15 discrete locations between the electrodes. Blood flow was also measured between the electrodes with a laser Doppler flow meter to assess the physiological effect of current distribution on the skin at several skin temperatures. The results of these studies showed that at low currents, such as is used in TENS, very little current is actually applied through the skin due to the high impedance of the electrodes. At current levels normally used for electrical stimulation for functional movement, while current flow is better in most electrodes, it is very uneven, resulting in high current density in the centre of the electrodes and a fall off of at least 50% in current intensity at the edges of the electrode. There was very little difference in current density between small and large electrodes due to the high current density in the centre. Skin blood flow altered the movement of current between the electrodes and also may contribute to electrode performance. The implication of these studies is that electrode design needs to be altered for better current distribution, especially at low stimulation currents.

A phase III multi-institutional randomized study of immunization with the gp100: 209–217(210M) peptide followed by high-dose IL-2 compared with high-dose IL-2 alone in patients with metastatic melanoma

CRA9011

Background: In a phase II study, 13 (42%) of 31 patients with metastatic melanoma receiving high-dose (HD) IL-2 plus gp100:209–217(210M) peptide experienced objective responses (S.A. Rosenberg, et al, Nature Medicine 4: 321–327, 1998). Other studies showed a lower response rate (RR) but no randomized studies have been done. Methods: A prospective randomized phase III trial was conducted at 21 centers with 185 patients. Eligibility: stage IV or locally advanced stage III cutaneous melanoma, HLA A0201, no brain metastases, eligible for HD IL-2, and no previous HD IL-2 or gp100:209–217(210M). Arm 1 received HD IL-2 alone (720,000 IU/kg/dose) and Arm 2 gp100:209–217(210M) peptide + Montanide ISA followed by HD IL-2. The primary objective was clinical response. Secondary objectives were toxicity, disease free/progression free survival, immunologic response and quality of life. Central HLA typing, pathology review, and blinded response assessment were done at the NIH. Central data monitoring was done by The EMMES Corp. and a Data Safety Monitoring Board. Results: Numbers of patients enrolled, treated, and evaluable for response in Arm 1 were 94, 93, and 93 respectively; in Arm 2 91, 86, and 86. Toxicities were consistent with HD IL-2 ± vaccine. Investigator assessed RR showed significant improvement in overall RR for Arm 2=22.1% vs 9.7% (P=0.0223, Chi-Square) and progression free survival (PFS) in favor of Arm 2=2.9 months (1.7–4.5) vs 1.6 (1.5–1.8) (P=0.0101). Median overall survival favors Arm 2=17.6 months (11.8–26.6) vs 12.8 (8.7–16.3) (P=0.0964). Blinded response review is ongoing. Conclusions: RR and PFS were superior with peptide vaccine and HD IL-2 compared to HD IL-2 alone. This represents the first evidence of clinical benefit of vaccination in patients with melanoma.

[Table: see text]

A phase III multi-institutional randomized study of immunization with the gp100: 209–217(210M) peptide followed by high-dose IL-2 compared with high-dose IL-2 alone in patients with metastatic melanoma

CRA9011

The full, final text of this abstract will be available in Part II of the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings, distributed onsite at the Meeting on May 30, 2009, and as a supplement to the June 20, 2009, issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

[Table: see text]

Randomized phase II study of the safety and efficacy of a human anti-αv integrin monoclonal antibody (CNTO 95) alone and in combination with dacarbazine in patients with stage IV metastatic melanoma: 12-month results

9029

Objectives: Evaluate the safety and efficacy of CNTO 95, a human anti-αv integrin monoclonal antibody, when administered alone or in combination with dacarbazine (DTIC). Methods: Patients with Stage IV metastatic melanoma were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive 5 or 10mg/kg CNTO 95 alone, or DTIC (1000mg/m2) + either 10mg/kg CNTO 95 or placebo administered intravenously once every 3 weeks for 8 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. DTIC arms were blinded; single-agent arms were open-label. The primary endpoint was progression free survival (PFS); secondary endpoints included partial response (PR), complete response (CR), stable disease (SD) and overall survival (OS). Major safety endpoints included the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs). Results: Patients were randomized to receive 5mg/kg CNTO 95 (n=32), 10mg/kg CNTO 95 (n=33), CNTO 95+DTIC (n=32), or placebo+DTIC (n=32). Baseline demographics were similar across groups. The median PFS for CNTO 95+DTIC was 75 days, placebo+DTIC was 54 days and both CNTO 95 alone arms were 42 days. Six patients achieved PR (2–10mg/kg CNTO 95, 1-CNTO 95+DTIC, 3-placebo+DTIC); one patient achieved CR (CNTO 95+DTIC). A higher proportion (43.3%) of patients achieved SD ≥ 12 wks in the CNTO 95+DTIC group compared with the other 3 groups (<20.0%). The median survival was 11.0 months for the patients in the CNTO 95+DTIC arm, 9.8 months and 14.9 months for the 5mg/kg and 10mg/kg arms, and 8.0 months for those in the DTIC control arm. The most common AEs were headache, nausea, fatigue, pyrexia, vomiting and transient uveitic reactions. Three patients (1–5mg/kg, 2-CNTO 95+DTIC) discontinued treatment due to AEs. A higher proportion of patients experienced SAEs in the placebo+DTIC group (29.0%) than in the 5mg/kg (12.9%), 10mg/kg (16.2%) or CNTO 95+DTIC (18.8%) groups. Conclusions: CNTO 95 alone or combined with DTIC was generally well tolerated. In patients with Stage IV metastatic melanoma, a trend toward improvement in PFS, OS and disease control was demonstrated with CNTO 95+DTIC.

Centocor, Centocor Research and Development, Inc.

Centocor Research and Development, Inc.

Johnson & Johnson

Centocor Research and Development, Inc.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Effects of a 2-, 3- and 4-electrode stimulator design on current dispersion on the surface and into the limb during electrical stimulation in controls and patients with wounds

Electrical stimulation is a widely used modality in the field of physical therapy and exercise physiology. The most common method for the application of electrical stimulation is a two-electrode system where one electrode is the source and the other is a reference. However, recent studies report that a more effective delivery system can be achieved if more than two electrodes are used. In the present investigation, the circuitry to deliver electrical stimulation through a 2-, 3- or 4-electrode delivery system was designed. The system was evaluated by its ability to deliver current on the surface of the skin as well as deep into the quadriceps muscle in six control subjects and in and around wounds in six other subjects. The results of the experiments showed that much better depth of penetration was achieved in a 4-electrode system (one electrode was on the opposite side of the limb and three electrodes were on top of the limb) than in either a 2- or a 3-electrode delivery system. In non-wounded skin, given the same current from the stimulator, the current in the quadriceps muscle was found to be double with a 4-electrode versus a 2-electrode system. In wounds, this same finding was seen. Here, blood flow, an indicator of the effectiveness of electrical stimulation in wounds, was three times higher if a multi-channel stimulator was used versus a 2-channel stimulator. Thus a multi-channel electrical stimulation system is more effective than a 2-electrode system.

Ensembl 2009

The Ensembl project (http://www.ensembl.org) is a comprehensive genome information system featuring an integrated set of genome annotation, databases, and other information for chordate, selected model organism and disease vector genomes. As of release 51 (November 2008), Ensembl fully supports 45 species, and three additional species have preliminary support. New species in the past year include orangutan and six additional low coverage mammalian genomes. Major additions and improvements to Ensembl since our previous report include a major redesign of our website; generation of multiple genome alignments and ancestral sequences using the new Enredo-Pecan-Ortheus pipeline and development of our software infrastructure, particularly to support the Ensembl Genomes project (http://www.ensemblgenomes.org/).

Temozolomide, thalidomide, and whole brain radiation therapy for patients with brain metastasis from metastatic melanoma: a phase II Cytokine Working Group study

BACKGROUND

The combination of temozolomide (TMZ) and thalidomide was reported to produce a high response rate, including shrinkage of brain metastases, in patients with metastatic melanoma. The authors tested the efficacy of a regimen including TMZ, thalidomide, and whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) in patients with brain (CNS) metastases from melanoma.

METHODS

Patients with melanoma, CNS metastases documented by magnetic resonance imaging, and no prior systemic chemotherapy received WBRT, 30 Gray in 10 fractions, Days 1 to 5 and 8 to 12; TMZ, 75 mg/m(2)/day, Weeks 1 to 6; and thalidomide, 100 mg/day, Weeks 1 to 4, then escalated by 100 mg/day at Weeks 5, 7, and 9 as tolerated to a maximum of 400 mg/day. CNS and systemic tumor response was assessed at Week 10. Patients without CNS or clinically significant systemic disease progression received additional cycles of TMZ at 10-week intervals.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients received treatment, and 3 exhibited CNS response (1 complete response, 2 partial responses) (response rate, 7.6%; 95% confidence interval, 0.7%-16.1%), all unconfirmed by repeat imaging. Seven patients had stable CNS disease at 10 weeks. No patient exhibited a systemic response. Only 4 patients received 2 cycles of therapy, and just 1 received 3. Median time to progression was 7 weeks, and median overall survival was 4 months. Grade 3-4 side effects included deep venous thrombosis (3), pulmonary embolism (1), and CNS events (12). Eighteen (45%) patients required admission for side effects (7) and/or symptomatic disease progression (11).

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of TMZ, thalidomide, and WBRT in the treatment of CNS metastatic melanoma is low. Other treatment approaches should be considered for this patient population.

Genomic resources for invertebrate vectors of human pathogens, and the role of VectorBase

High-throughput genome sequencing techniques have now reached vector biology with an emphasis on those species that are vectors of human pathogens. The first mosquito to be sequenced was Anopheles gambiae, the vector for Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria. Further mosquitoes have followed: Aedes aegypti (yellow fever and dengue fever vector) and Culex pipiens (lymphatic filariasis and West Nile fever). Species that are currently in sequencing include the body louse Pediculus humanus (Typhus vector), the triatomine Rhodnius prolixus (Chagas disease vector) and the tick Ixodes scapularis (Lyme disease vector). The motivations for sequencing vector genomes are to further understand vector biology, with an eye on developing new control strategies (for example novel chemical attractants or repellents) or understanding the limitations of current strategies (for example the mechanism of insecticide resistance); to analyse the mechanisms driving their evolution; and to perform an exhaustive analysis of the gene repertory. The proliferation of genomic data creates the need for efficient and accessible storage. We present VectorBase, a genomic resource centre that is both involved in the annotation of vector genomes and act as a portal for access to the genomic information (http://www.vectorbase.org).

Ensembl 2008

The Ensembl project (http://www.ensembl.org) is a comprehensive genome information system featuring an integrated set of genome annotation, databases and other information for chordate and selected model organism and disease vector genomes. As of release 47 (October 2007), Ensembl fully supports 35 species, with preliminary support for six additional species. New species in the past year include platypus and horse. Major additions and improvements to Ensembl since our previous report include extensive support for functional genomics data in the form of a specialized functional genomics database, genome-wide maps of protein–DNA interactions and the Ensembl regulatory build; support for customization of the Ensembl web interface through the addition of user accounts and user groups; and increased support for genome resequencing. We have also introduced new comparative genomics-based data mining options and report on the continued development of our software infrastructure.

A phase II study of YM155, a novel survivin suppressant, administered by 168 hour continuous infusion in patients with unresectable stage III or stage IV melanoma

8538

Background: In cell line studies, YM155 showed markedly potent antiproliferative activity against melanoma with 50% growth inhibition (GI50) values ranging from 0.35 nM to 910 nM. In melanoma tumor-bearing mouse xenograft models, YM155 showed significant antitumor activity including regression of tumors, at doses ranging from 1 to 10 mg/kg/day. Methods: Chemotherapy naive patients with unresectable Stage III or IV melanoma were eligible. The primary endpoint was tumor response defined by RECIST criteria. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival and toxicity. A Simon's two stage minimax design was utilized with the first stage requiring 1 response (N=27) and a total of 2 responses required at the conclusion of stage II (N=29). Patients were considered evaluable if they completed 2 cycles. YM155 was given as a 168-hour (7-day) continuous infusion every three weeks (1 cycle) at a dose of 4.8 mg/m2/day. Results: Enrollment is complete at 34 pts in order to reach 29 evaluable with treatment ongoing. Results are available for the first 26 pts. Median age was 59 y/o, (range 29 - 88) with ECOG PS of 0–1. There is one objective response of intrabdominal lymph nodes based on Investigator assessment at Cycle 2 confirmed at Cycle 4; another patient had a minor response (24% reduction) at Cycle 6 (currently at Cycle 8). Two subjects have shown stable disease after 6 cycles and remain on study. The median number of cycles is 3 (range 1 - 9). Two of 26 pts reported a grade 3 AE considered possibly related to YM155 (chest pain - nos and catheter related thrombosis). Nineteen of 26 pts have discontinued the study (18 PD, 1 withdrew consent). Conclusions: YM155 induced responses in 2 pts and was generally well tolerated. Given this encouraging response as a single agent, studies of YM155 combined with other agents are under consideration.

[Table: see text]

Subgroup analysis of efficacy and safety analysis of a randomized, double-blinded controlled phase II study of STA-4783 in combination with paclitaxel in patients with metastatic melanoma

8528

Background: STA-4783 (S), an inducer of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) is a bis-thiobenzoylhydrazide compound. S leads to up-regulation of hsp70 in tumor cell lines. Xenograft models of solid tumors showed synergistic anti-tumor activity in combination with paclitaxel (P). The combination P + S, in phase I and II studies, showed dose-related hsp70 induction (evidence of biological activity) and tolerability. Methods: Eligibility was based on a diagnosis of metastatic cutaneous melanoma, ECOG <=2, and prior treatment with 1 or no chemotherapy regimens. A total of 81 patients (pts) were randomized 2:1 (P 80 mg/m2 + S 213 mg/m2:P 80 mg/m2) 3 weeks out of 4 at 21 US clinical sites. The primary endpoint was progression free survival (PFS); secondary endpoints were response rate (RR), and adverse events (AEs). Results: Based on intent-to-treat analysis, the median PFS was 3.68 months (m) for P + S vs. 1.84 m in the P only arm (p=.035). RR was 15.1% in the P + S arm and 3.6% in the P arm. Subgroup analysis showed chemo- naive pts (n=23) with P + S showed a median PFS of 8.28 m vs. 2.40 in the P arm (n=9). For pts with 1 prior chemotherapy, (n=29), PFS on P + S was 3.12 m vs. 1.77 m on P (n=19). Of 19 pts who crossed over at progression, data are available for 14. PFS ranged from 0.72 to 5.5 m. Three of the 14 evaluable pts treated with P alone had rapid progression (0.95, 1.6, and 1.7 m) then significant inversion of the time to progression with the addition of S to P (2.3, 5.5, and 4.2 m) suggesting study drug effect. Scans were done at identical intervals (8 weeks). The proportion of pts with AEs of grade 3 or higher was 54% (n=52) in the P + S group and 57% in the P group (n=28); pts on P received a median of 2 cycles, while pts in the P + S group received a median of 4. Adverse events leading to discontinuation were low in both groups: 10% for the P + S, and 14% for P. Conclusions: The addition of S to P showed an increase in PFS vs. P alone particularly in chemo-naïve pts. A few pts failing single agent P appeared to benefit from P + S. Despite the additional treatment duration in the P + S group the drugs were well- tolerated, and showed mainly P related adverse events. A phase III study is planned to confirm a role for P + S in metastatic melanoma.

[Table: see text]

Ensembl 2007

The Ensembl (http://www.ensembl.org/) project provides a comprehensive and integrated source of annotation of chordate genome sequences. Over the past year the number of genomes available from Ensembl has increased from 15 to 33, with the addition of sites for the mammalian genomes of elephant, rabbit, armadillo, tenrec, platypus, pig, cat, bush baby, common shrew, microbat and european hedgehog; the fish genomes of stickleback and medaka and the second example of the genomes of the sea squirt (Ciona savignyi) and the mosquito (Aedes aegypti). Some of the major features added during the year include the first complete gene sets for genomes with low-sequence coverage, the introduction of new strain variation data and the introduction of new orthology/paralog annotations based on gene trees.