A 2 weeks on and 1 week off schedule of sunitinib is associated with decreased toxicity in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) with sunitinib is often associated with toxicity necessitating dose reduction. Maintaining adequate dosing and drug levels are essential for optimising clinical efficacy. Standard sunitinib schedule is 4 weeks of treatment and 2 weeks of rest (schedule 4/2). Empirically, several mRCC patients at The Cleveland Clinic (CCF) have been changed from schedule 4/2 to 2 weeks of treatment/1 week off (schedule 2/1) after experiencing toxicity, in an attempt to maintain daily dosing. The medical records of 30 mRCC patients on sunitinib who were changed from schedule 4/2 to schedule 2/1 at CCF were retrospectively reviewed. Toxicity on each schedule was recorded during routine clinic visits and graded using Common Toxicity Criteria, version 4.0. 97% of patients on schedule 4/2 had grade 3 or 4 toxicity that led to changing to schedule 2/1. There were no grade 4 toxicities on schedule 2/1, and 27% of patients experienced grade 3 toxicity (p=0.0001). Two of the most common toxicities, fatigue and hand-foot syndrome (HFS), were significantly less frequent on schedule 2/1 than on schedule 4/2 (p=0.0003; p=0.0004, respectively). Median overall treatment duration on schedule 4/2 was 12.6 months (range 1.2 months-5.1 years) and median overall treatment duration on schedule 2/1 was 11.9 months (range 0.9+ to 73.3+ months). Treatment with sunitinib on schedule 2/1 is associated with significantly decreased toxicity in patients who experience grade 3 or greater toxicity on schedule 4/2, and can extend treatment duration considerably. Prospective clinical trials are required to define the optimal sunitinib schedule to balance efficacy and toxicity.

Portion weights of food served in English schools: have they changed following the introduction of nutrient-based standards?

BACKGROUND

Mandatory food-based and nutrient-based standards for the food provided in English schools were introduced in 2008 (primary) and 2009 (secondary) and have had a positive impact on pupils' food choice and nutrient intake at school. There are no recommendations for portion sizes in England, although anecdotal evidence suggests that portions of food and drink sold in schools have decreased since the standards were introduced.

METHODS

Data were collected from 136 primary and 80 secondary schools in 2009 and 2010/11, respectively. All food and drink items provided at lunchtime were weighed on five consecutive days at each school. The mean and median weight, SD, and 25th and 75th centile for each individual food were calculated. Data were compared with the results obtained from similar surveys in 2004 and 2005, as well as with portion size recommendations for Scottish schools.

RESULTS

The proportion of food items that differed in weight since 2004/05 varied from 13% in primary schools to 29% in secondary schools. Changes in weight were equally likely to be positive or negative, with the exception of portions of fruit and vegetables, which had decreased. Primary schools were more likely to meet portion size recommendations than secondary schools.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the items that were directly comparable over time, a limited number showed a significant change in portion size since the standards for school food were introduced. Portion weight recommendations are based on a balanced healthy diet, and pupils should eat all the components of meals offered by schools to meet dietary recommendations.

Influence of reported study design characteristics on intervention effect estimates from randomised controlled trials: combined analysis of meta-epidemiological studies

BACKGROUND

The design of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) should incorporate characteristics (such as concealment of randomised allocation and blinding of participants and personnel) that avoid biases resulting from lack of comparability of the intervention and control groups. Empirical evidence suggests that the absence of such characteristics leads to biased intervention effect estimates, but the findings of different studies are not consistent.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the influence of unclear or inadequate random sequence generation and allocation concealment, and unclear or absent double blinding, on intervention effect estimates and between-trial heterogeneity, and whether or not these influences vary with type of clinical area, intervention, comparison and outcome measure.

DATA SOURCES AND METHODS

Data were combined from seven contributing meta-epidemiological studies (collections of meta-analyses in which trial characteristics are assessed and results recorded). The resulting database was used to identify and remove overlapping meta-analyses. Outcomes were coded such that odds ratios < 1 correspond to beneficial intervention effects. Outcome measures were classified as mortality, other objective or subjective. We examined agreement between assessments of trial characteristics in trials assessed in more than one contributing study. We used hierarchical Bayesian bias models to estimate the effect of trial characteristics on average bias [quantified as ratios of odds ratios (RORs) with 95% credible intervals (CrIs) comparing trials with and without a characteristic] and in increasing between-trial heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The analysis data set contained 1973 trials included in 234 meta-analyses. Median kappa statistics for agreement between assessments of trial characteristics were: sequence generation 0.60, allocation concealment 0.58 and blinding 0.87. Intervention effect estimates were exaggerated by an average 11% in trials with inadequate or unclear (compared with adequate) sequence generation (ROR 0.89, 95% CrI 0.82 to 0.96); between-trial heterogeneity was higher among such trials. Bias associated with inadequate or unclear sequence generation was greatest for subjective outcomes (ROR 0.83, 95% CrI 0.74 to 0.94) and the increase in heterogeneity was greatest for such outcomes [standard deviation (SD) 0.20, 95% CrI 0.03 to 0.32]. The effect of inadequate or unclear (compared with adequate) allocation concealment was greatest among meta-analyses with a subjectively assessed outcome intervention effect (ROR 0.85, 95% CrI 0.75 to 0.95), and the increase in between-trial heterogeneity was also greatest for such outcomes (SD 0.20, 95% CrI 0.02 to 0.33). Lack of, or unclear, double blinding (compared with double blinding) was associated with an average 13% exaggeration of intervention effects (ROR 0.87, 95% CrI 0.79 to 0.96), and between-trial heterogeneity was increased for such studies (SD 0.14, 95% CrI 0.02 to 0.30). Average bias (ROR 0.78, 95% CrI 0.65 to 0.92) and between-trial heterogeneity (SD 0.37, 95% CrI 0.19 to 0.53) were greatest for meta-analyses assessing subjective outcomes. Among meta-analyses with subjectively assessed outcomes, the effect of lack of blinding appeared greater than the effect of inadequate or unclear sequence generation or allocation concealment.

CONCLUSIONS

Bias associated with specific reported study design characteristics leads to exaggeration of beneficial intervention effect estimates and increases in between-trial heterogeneity. For each of the three characteristics assessed, these effects were greatest for subjectively assessed outcomes. Assessments of the risk of bias in RCTs should account for these findings. Further research is needed to understand the effects of attrition bias, as well as the relative importance of blinding of patients, care-givers and outcome assessors, and thus separate the effects of performance and detection bias.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Primary anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-refractory metastatic renal cell carcinoma: clinical characteristics, risk factors, and subsequent therapy

BACKGROUND

A subset of patients treated with initial anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy exhibit progressive disease (PD) as the best response per RECIST criteria.

METHODS

Data from patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with anti-VEGF therapy were collected through the International mRCC Database Consortium from 12 centers.

RESULTS

One thousand and fifty-six assessable patients received initial VEGF inhibitors and 272 (26%) of these patients had PD as best response. Initial treatment included sunitinib (n = 203), sorafenib (n = 51), or bevacizumab (n = 18). Six percent of patients were at favorable risk, 55% at intermediate risk, and 39% at poor risk. On multivariable analysis, predictors of PD were Karnofsky performance status < 80% [odds ratio (OR) = 2.3, P < 0.0001], diagnosis to treatment < 1 year (OR = 2.1, P < 0.0001), neutrophilia (OR = 1.9, P = 0.0021), thrombocytosis (OR = 1.7, P = 0.0068), and anemia (OR = 1.6, P = 0.0058). Median progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with PD versus without PD was 2.4 versus 11 months (P < 0.0001) and overall survival (OS) was 6.8 versus 29 months (P < 0.0001), respectively. One hundred and eight (40%) VEGF-refractory patients proceeded to receive further systemic therapies. Response rate, PFS, and OS for subsequent therapy were 9%, 2.5 months, and 7.4 months, respectively, with no statistical differences between patients who received VEGF versus mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary anti-VEGF-refractory mRCC patients have a dismal prognosis. Second-line anti-mTOR and anti-VEGF agents produce similar outcomes.

Progression-free survival as a clinical trial endpoint in advanced renal cell carcinoma

Traditionally, overall survival (os) has been considered the "gold standard" for evaluating new systemic oncologic therapies, because death is easy to define, is easily compared across disease sites, and is not subject to investigator bias. However, as the available options for continuing therapy increase, the use of os as a clinical trial endpoint has become problematic because of the increasing crossover and contamination of trials. As a result, the approval of promising new therapies may be delayed.Many clinicians believe that progression-free survival (pfs) is a more viable option for evaluating new therapies in metastatic and advanced renal cell carcinoma. As with all endpoints, pfs has inherent biases, and those biases must be addressed to ensure that trial results are not compromised and that they will be accepted by regulatory authorities. In this paper, we examine the issues surrounding the use of pfs as a clinical trial endpoint, and we suggest solutions to ensure that data integrity is maintained.

Progression-Free Survival as a Clinical Trial Endpoint in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

Traditionally, overall survival (os) has been considered the “gold standard” for evaluating new systemic oncologic therapies, because death is easy to define, is easily compared across disease sites, and is not subject to investigator bias. However, as the available options for continuing therapy increase, the use of os as a clinical trial endpoint has become problematic because of the increasing crossover and contamination of trials. As a result, the approval of promising new therapies may be delayed. Many clinicians believe that progression-free survival (pfs) is a more viable option for evaluating new therapies in metastatic and advanced renal cell carcinoma. As with all endpoints, pfs has inherent biases, and those biases must be addressed to ensure that trial results are not compromised and that they will be accepted by regulatory authorities. In this paper, we examine the issues surrounding the use of pfs as a clinical trial endpoint, and we suggest solutions to ensure that data integrity is maintained.

Erlotinib 'dosing-to-rash': a phase II intrapatient dose escalation and pharmacologic study of erlotinib in previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the anticancer activity of erlotinib in patients with previously treated, advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose dose is increased to that associated with a maximal level of tolerable skin toxicity (i.e., target rash (TR)); to characterise the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of higher doses of erlotinib.

METHODS

Patients initially received erlotinib 150 mg per day. The dose was successively increased in each patient to that associated with a TR. Anticancer activity was evaluated. Plasma, skin, and hair were sampled for PK and PD studies.

RESULTS

Erlotinib dose escalation to 200-475 mg per day was feasible in 38 (90%) of 42 patients. Twenty-four (57%) patients developed a TR, but 19 (79%) did so at 150 mg per day. Five (12%) patients, all of whom developed a TR, had a partial response. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.3 months (95% CI: 1.61, 4.14); median PFS was 3.5 months and 1.9 months, respectively, for patients who did and did not experience a TR (hazard ratio, 0.51; P=0.051). Neither rash severity nor response correlated with erlotinib exposure.

CONCLUSION

Intrapatient dose escalation of erlotinib does not appreciably increase the propensity to experience a maximal level of tolerable skin toxicity, or appear to increase the anticancer activity of erlotinib in NSCLC.

Sunitinib causes macrocytosis in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Sunitinib is approved for treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Based on a clinical observation that patients receiving sunitinib developed macrocytosis, we undertook a study to further define this observation.

METHODS

In a retrospective review of RCC patients treated at a single centre, data on treatment duration, hematology parameters, concomitant medications, vitamin B₁₂and folate levels, and thyroid function were recorded.

RESULTS

The 43 patients reviewed had received a median of 5 cycles of sunitinib. Overall, 21 patients (49%) developed macrocytosis after a median of 3 cycles. Of the 9 patients that received 2 or fewer cycles, none developed macrocytosis. Among patients with macrocytosis, 9 (43%) had anemia at the time macrocytosis was first documented. In patients who did not develop macrocytosis, 82% showed a trend of increasing mean corpuscular volume.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with sunitinib in patients with RCC can cause macrocytosis. The frequency of macrocytosis increases with duration of treatment. The mechanism of sunitinib-associated macrocytosis remains to be elucidated.

Preclinical and clinical activity of sunitinib in patients with cisplatin-refractory or multiply relapsed germ cell tumors: a Canadian Urologic Oncology Group/German Testicular Cancer Study Group cooperative study

BACKGROUND

The objective of the study was to investigate the activity of sunitinib in a cell line model and subsequently in patients with cisplatin-refractory or multiply relapsed germ cell tumors (GCT).

METHODS

The effect of sunitinib on cell proliferation in cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-refractory GCT cell lines was evaluated after 48-h sunitinib exposure by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay, and IC(50) (concentration that causes 50% inhibition of growth) doses were determined. Sunitinib was subsequently administered at a dose of 50 mg/day for 4 weeks followed by a 2-week break to 33 patients using a Simon two-stage design.

RESULTS

Sunitinib demonstrated comparable dose-dependent growth inhibition in cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant cell lines, with IC(50) between 3.0 and 3.8 μM. Patient characteristics were as follows: median of 2 (1-6) cisplatin-containing regimens; high-dose chemotherapy 67%; late relapse 33%; and cisplatin refractory or absolute cisplatin refractory 54%. Toxic effects included fatigue (39%), anorexia (21%), diarrhea (27%), mucositis (45%), nausea (33%), hand-foot syndrome (12%), dyspepsia (27%), and skin rash (18%). No unexpected side-effects were observed. Thirty -two of 33 patients were assessable for response. Three confirmed partial responses (PRs) and one unconfirmed PR were seen for a total response rate of 13%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2 months, with a 6-month PFS rate of 11%.

CONCLUSIONS

Sunitinib shows in vitro activity in cisplatin-resistant GCT cell lines. Modest clinical activity in heavily pretreated GCT patients was observed.

Primary anti-VEGF-refractory metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC): Clinical characteristics, risk factors, and subsequent therapy

305

Background: A proportion of patients treated with anti-VEGF therapy first line exhibit progressive disease (PD) as best response (per RECIST). The characteristics and outcome of this population are poorly understood.

Methods: Data from patients with mRCC treated with anti-VEGF therapy were collected through the International mRCC Database Consortium from 12 centers.

Results: One thousand fifty-six evaluable patients were treated with VEGF-inhibitors as their first-line antiangiogenic therapy. Of those, 272 (26%) patients had PD as best response. Their initial treatment was sunitinib (n=203), sorafenib (n=51), or bevacizumab (n=18). Six percent of patients were favorable risk, 55% intermediate risk, and 39% poor risk as per Heng et al JCO 2009 prognostic factors. On multivariable analysis, predictors of PD at first restaging were KPS < 80% (OR 2.3, p < 0.0001), diagnosis to treatment < 1 year (OR 2.1, p < 0.0001), neutrophilia (OR 1.9, p = 0.0021), thrombocytosis (OR 1.7, p = 0.0068), and anemia (OR 1.6, p = 0.0058). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with primary refractory disease vs. patients without (i.e., partial response or stable disease) was 2.4 vs. 11 months (p<0.0001) and 6.8 vs. 29 months (p<0.0001), respectively. Only 108 (40%) VEGF-refractory patients proceeded to receive 2nd line VEGF inhibitors (sunitinib (n=32), sorafenib (n=44), axitinib (n=2), bevacizumab (n=4)), mTOR inhibitors (temsirolimus (n=14), everolimus (n=11)), or interferon (n=1). The response rate, PFS and OS of this second-line therapy was 9%, 2.5 months and 7.4 months, respectively. The response rate, PFS and OS of those receiving second-line VEGF vs. mTOR inhibitors was 10% vs. 6% (p=NS), 2.8 vs. 2.0 months (p=0.069) and 7.9 vs. 4.7 months (p=0.40), respectively.

Conclusions: Primary anti-VEGF-refractory mRCC patients have a dismal prognosis. Second-line anti-mTOR agents may not be better than alternate anti-VEGF agents after primary anti-VEGF failure. Investigation into the mechanism of primary resistance and alternative therapeutic strategies are needed.

[Table: see text]

The neoadjuvant management of bladder cancer in Canada: A survey of genitourinary medical oncologists

285

Background: The uptake of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) for the treatment of stage II/III bladder cancer remains variable despite evidence supporting its use. The aim of this study is to better understand the use of NC in Canada to facilitate standardization of practice and develop a platform for clinical trials.

Methods: The survey was initially tested on a subset of medical oncologists. It was then e-mailed to 30 medical oncologists across Canada who primarily treat bladder cancer.

Results: In total, 25 (83%) surveys were completed. Respondents were 92% academic based, 100% full time, and 52% in practice for >10 years. The majority of referrals for all stages came from urologists with 4 respondents (16%) seeing 5-10 cases/yr, 10 (40%) seeing 11-15/yr, 5 (20%) seeing 16- 20/yr and 6 (24%) seeing >20/yr. Of these 8 reported having only 1-2 referrals for NC; 7 had 3-4 NC referrals; 7 had 5-6 NC referrals; and 2 reported seeing >6 referrals/year. Patients referred for NC tended to be younger (50-65); Performance Status (PS) 0/1; T-stage T3a/T3b; or nodal status N1/N2. 96% indicated they do offer NC to selected patients as both standard of care and to downsize tumors. Key factors cited for not offering NC were: Age >85, PS 3/4; T-stage T2a or T4a; Nodal status: N3; GFR <40ml/min. Main baseline staging modalities included CT chest/abdomen/pelvis, bone scan and cystoscopy. Gemcitabine/cisplatin was most commonly used with 20% using high-dose MVAC. Six (27%) reported doing midway staging with CT abdomen/pelvis and cystoscopy; 36% report staging after completion of chemo. Average time from last chemotherapy to cystectomy was 4-6 wks, with no patients being offered adjuvant chemotherapy postoperatively.

Conclusions: The majority of GU MO in Canada would offer NC. Stage, PS, renal function, and comorbidities were the biggest determinants of offering NC, while age played a lesser role. The number of overall referrals for NC, however, remains relatively low. We plan to survey urologists in Canada to determine if differences in attitudes about NC or barriers to referrals account for the low number of referrals.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The effect of low serum sodium on treatment outcome to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeted therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Results from a large international collaboration

322

Background: Hyponatremia has been associated with poor survival in many solid tumors and more recently found to be of prognostic and predictive value in metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) patients (pts) treated with immunotherapy (Jeppesen et al, Br J Cancer. 2010). We sought to investigate the influence of baseline hyponatremia in mRCC pts treated with contemporary vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)- targeted therapy in a larger international and multi-institutional database.

Methods: Baseline characteristics and outcomes on 855 pts treated with first-line anti-VEGF therapy for mRCC were available from 8 Cancer Centers to study the impact of hyponatremia (defined as serum Na<135 mmol/L) on clinical outcome as measured by overall survival (OS), time to treatment failure (TTF), best response (CR, PR, SD and PD).

Results: Median OS after treatment initiation was 16.8 months (mos) (95% CI: 14.9, 18.5 mos), with 334 (39%) of patients remaining alive. Median follow-up in pts alive was 18.8 mos. Median baseline serum sodium was 138 mmol/L (range: 122–159), and hyponatremia was found in 16.7% of pts. On univariate analysis, hyponatremia was associated with shorter OS (6.5 vs. 18.8 mos; HR 2.32 [95% CI: 1.86–2.89], p<0.0001), shorter TTF (2.8 vs. 6.9 mos.; HR 2.20 [95% CI: 1.81–2.68], p<0.0001), and lower disease control rate (DCR) as defined by CR+PR+SD (51.2% vs. 74.6%, OR 0.36 [95% CI: 0.2–0.57], p<0.0001). In multivariate analysis adjusted for MSKCC or Heng's risk criteria (JCO 2009), these effects remain significant with p<0.001 for OS and TTF and p=0.01 for DCR. The results were similar (p<0.001) if sodium was analyzed as a continuous variable.

Conclusions: This is the first large multi-institutional report to show that low serum sodium is independently associated with a worse outcome in mRCC pts treated with VEGF-targeted agents.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Intermittent androgen-deprivation therapy in the management of castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPCa): Results of a multi-institutional randomized prospective clinical trial

131

Background: Patients who develop CRPCa typically continue on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Whether these patients need to remain on ADT has not been well studied. We conducted a multicenter randomized trial to compare intermittent versus continuous approach to ADT in CRPCa patients. Overall survival, health related quality of life (QOL) and cost were the main endpoints. We hypothesized that the intermittent approach would be cost-saving while maintaining similar oncologic and QOL outcomes.

Methods: CRPCa patients were randomized 1:2 to continuous or intermittent luteinizing hormone releasing hormone agonists (LHRHa). Patients were followed with clinical assessments, laboratory investigations, and QOL questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 or PROSQOLI) every 2 months. If the serum testosterone rose above castrate levels (1.75nmol/L), LHRHa were re-initiated. The study was designed to close if >50% of patients needed to restart ADT in the intermittent arm.

Results: 31 patients were followed with a median follow-up of 26.8 months; 18 in the intermittent arm and 13 in the continuous. 12/18 patients on the intermittent arm were re-initiated on LHRHa at a median time of 17.9 months. There was no difference in overall or cancer-specific survival between the two arms. There was no statistically significant difference in QOL between the two arms at 0 and 12 months. The total mean costs at 24 months were significantly lower in the intermittent arm (3135 $CAD vs 8253 $CAD, p=0.0167) compared to the continuous arm largely due to the reduced costs of the LHRHa.

Conclusions: We have observed that intermittent ADT in patients with CRPCa, using a testosterone of >1.75 ngmol/L as a trigger to re-initiate LHRHa, results in a substantial cost savings with no negative impact on oncologic and QOL outcomes. These findings need to be corroborated in a study with a larger sample size.

[Table: see text]

Efficacy of targeted drug therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the elderly patient population

318

Background: Targeted therapy has become the mainstay of treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). The efficacy of this therapy on the older population is poorly understood.

Methods: Data from patients with mRCC treated with first-line anti-VEGF therapy were collected through the International mRCC Database Consortium from 14 centers.

Results: One thousand three hundred eighty-one patients were treated with targeted therapy as their first-line treatment. Of those, 144 (10%) were seventy-five years or older (median=78 years, range=75–89). Four percent of these individuals were favorable risk, 69% intermediate risk, and 27% poor risk as per Heng et al. JCO 2009 prognostic factors. There was no statistical difference in these prognostic groups between the older (≥75) and younger populations (<75) (p=0.1779). The initial treatment for those ≥ 75 years was with sunitinib (n=98), sorafenib (n=35), bevacizumab (n=7), and AZD2171 (n=4). The older population had fewer nephrectomies (71% vs. 80%, p=0.0133) and fewer brain metastases (3% vs. 9%, p=0.0128). Only 23% of older patients went on to receive second line therapy in comparison to 39% of the younger population (p<0.0001). The overall response rate, median treatment duration and overall survival for the older vs. younger group were 18% vs. 25% (p=0.0975), 5.5 months vs. 7.5 months (p=0.1388), and 16.8 months vs. 19.7 months (p=0.3321), respectively. When adjusted for known poor prognostic factors, age over 75 years was not found to be associated with poorer overall survival (HR 1.002, 95%CI 0.781–1.285) or shorter treatment duration (HR 1.018, 95%CI 0.827–1.252).

Conclusions: Overall response rates, treatment duration, and overall survival rates are not different between the older and younger populations and age is not a prognostic factor. Thus, the decision to treat with targeted therapy should not depend on age alone.

[Table: see text]

Proteomics of isolated mitotic chromosomes identifies the kinetochore protein Ska3/Rama1

Despite many decades of study, mitotic chromosomes remain poorly characterized with respect to their structure and composition. Here, we have purified mitotic chromosomes from nocodazole-treated chicken DT40 cells. These chromosomes have a 0.7:1:1 ratio of nonhistone proteins to histones to DNA. They also contain a significant content of RNAs that have yet to be characterized. Overall, the isolated chromosomes contained >4000 polypeptides, >500 of which are either novel or uncharacterized. Elsewhere, we have developed an approach for comparing the results of multiple proteomics experiments. As a validation of this approach, one of 13 novel centromere proteins identified was found to occur in a complex with the previously described proteins Ska1 and Ska2. This novel protein, now known as Ska3/Rama1, occupies a unique domain in the outer kinetochore and was revealed by RNA interference (RNAi) experiments to be essential for cell cycle progression in human cells. The approach presented here offers a powerful way to define the functional proteome of complex organelles and structures whose composition is not simple or fixed.

The search for pain relief in people with chronic fatigue syndrome: a descriptive study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use and perceived benefit of complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) and physiotherapy treatments tried by people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) to ease painful symptoms. This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design. People with CFS who experienced pain were recruited to this study. Participants were asked during a semistructured interview about the treatments they had tried to relieve their pain. Each interview was conducted in the home of the participant. Fifty participants were recruited, of which, 10 participants were severely disabled by CFS. Eighteen participants were trying different forms of CAM treatment for pain relief at the time of assessment. Three participants were currently receiving physiotherapy. Throughout the duration of their illness 45 participants reported trying 19 different CAM treatments in the search for pain relief. Acupuncture was reported to provide the most pain relief (n=16). Twenty-seven participants reported a total of 16 different interventions prescribed by their physiotherapist. The results of this study suggest some physiotherapy and CAM treatments may help people manage painful CFS symptoms. Future research should be directed to evaluating the effectiveness of interventions such as acupuncture or gentle soft tissue therapies to reduce pain in people with CFS.

A randomized controlled trial of the effect of school food and dining room modifications on classroom behaviour in secondary school children

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Adequate nutrition is considered important for learning, but there is little robust research on the association between diet and learning in school-aged children in industrialized countries. This study investigated the effect of tailored modifications to the food and dining experience in secondary schools on learning-related behaviours.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

In 2008, 12 co-educational secondary schools in England were recruited. Schools were randomly allocated to receive a tailored action plan and support to modify their food provision and dining environment over a 15-week period (intervention or to control). Learning-related behaviours were systematically observed during post-lunchtime classes at all schools. Observations were made by trained observers using a validated protocol to determine whether pupils were 'on-task' (concentrating and alert) or 'off-task' (disruptive or disengaged).

RESULTS

In total, 156 pupils were observed (control n = 58, intervention n = 98) at baseline (12,210 and 20,560 observations, control and intervention, respectively) and at follow-up (16,846 and 23,462, respectively). On-task and off-task behaviours were similar across treatment groups at baseline. At follow-up, intervention group pupils were 18% more likely to be on-task (odds ratio (OR) 1.18, 95% confidence interval ((95% CI) 1.05-1.33) and 14% less likely to be off-task (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.98) compared with control group pupils.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that modifying food provision and the dining environment can improve learning-related behaviours of secondary school pupils in the post-lunch period. This finding supports ongoing investment and interventions by local authorities across the United Kingdom to improve school food and lunchtime dining facilities.

School lunch and learning behaviour in primary schools: an intervention study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

In addition to the nutritional benefits of healthier school food, anecdotes describe improvements in children's behaviour and educational outcomes when school food or the school dining room environment is improved. This study hypothesized that a school food and dining room intervention would improve pupils' learning-related classroom behaviour.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A controlled intervention trial involving six primary schools matched in triplets and randomly assigned to a 12-week intervention (promotion of healthier school food at lunchtime and changes in the school dining environment) or 12-week wait-listed control group. Study outcome was learning-related behaviours measured in a random sample of 146 pupils in years 3-5.

RESULTS

On-task and off-task behaviours were observed and used as proxy measures for concentration and disengagement (disruption), respectively. Teacher-pupil on-task engagement was 3.4 times more likely in the intervention schools compared with the control schools (adjusted model odds ratio (OR)=3.40 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.56, 7.36), P=0.009). However, on-task pupil-pupil behaviour was less likely in the intervention group (adjusted model OR=0.45 (95% CI=0.28, 0.70), P<0.001). Similarly, off-task pupil-pupil behaviour was more likely in the intervention group than in the control group in both the unadjusted model (OR=2.18 (95% CI=1.52, 3.13), P<0.001) and the adjusted model (OR=2.28 (95% CI=1.25, 4.17), P=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers some support for the hypothesis that a school food and dining room intervention can have a positive impact on pupils' alertness. However, if raised alertness is not channelled and supervised, it may result in increased off-task behaviour when pupils are working together.