Dose Dependent Effects of G-CSF on Ca27.29 in Early Stage Breast Cancer Patients

Background:13% of 2556 patients (pts) examined in the SUCCESS trial showed elevated levels of Ca27.29 only after chemotherapy (SABCS2008). Early data indicate a possible relationship between the administration of G-CSF and a rise in the tumor marker. This analysis focuses on the dose dependency of this effect.Methods:The SUCCESS Trial is a phase III trial comparing FEC-Docetaxel vs. FEC-Doc-Gemcitabine regime and 2 vs. 5 years of treatment with zoledronate in patients with primary breast cancer in 3754 pts (BC) (N+ or high risk). Blood samples for this analysis are drawn before and after chemotherapy (CHT). Ca27.29 has been measured with ST AIA-PACK Ca27.29 reagent using MUC-1 for AIA-600II (Tosoh Bioscience, Tessenderlo, Belgium). The cutoff for Ca27.29 is >=32 U/ml. For chi² analysis patients were grouped to increasing or not increasing values of Ca27.29 and 1 to 6 cycles with G-CSF or no G-CSF at all. The absolute difference of Ca27.29 values before and after CHT was correlated with the number of G-CSF cycles administered.Results:The analysis of Ca27.29 is based on the data of 2556 pts. 1252 pts (49%) received at least one course of G-CSF. 338 pts (13%) exceeded the threshold for CA27.29 only after CHT. In this group 209 pts (62%) received G-CSF and 129 (38%) did not. 1043 pts with stable or decreased CA27.29 received G-CSF (47%) and 1175 did not (53%). This difference was highly significant (p<0.0001). Correlating the number of G-CSF cycles received during CHT with the absolute difference in Ca27.29 levels showed a highly significant positive correlation of 0.13 (Spearman-Rho; p<0.0001[two-sided]).Discussion and Conclusion:This analysis gives strong evidence that there is a dose dependent correlation between elevated levels of CA27.29 post CHT and the application of G-CSF. This might be attributed to an illegitimate expression of MUC-1 in leucocytes during leucopoiesis. Whether this effect is also related to the destruction of remaining disseminated tumor cells needs to be further evaluated.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 6030.

Factors influencing long-term changes in mental health after interferon-alpha treatment of chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Antiviral treatment with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is associated with several acute psychiatric side effects. Little is known about long-term effects on mental health after treatment independent from viral response and the influence of pre-existing psychiatric risk-factors.

AIM

To evaluate long-term effects of antiviral treatment with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) on mental health in patients with psychiatric risk factors.

METHOD

We prospectively investigated long-term mental health changes in 81 hepatitis C virus-infected patients. Psychiatric outcome was measured with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Global Social Functioning Scale and the Global Clinical Impression Scale 6 months after the end of antiviral treatment with IFN-alpha and ribavirin.

RESULTS

Six months after antiviral therapy, 49% of the patients showed a worsening and 27.2% an improvement of depression scores. The most important predictor for a long-term improvement of depression scores was a pre-treatment MADRS score > or =5 (OR 14.21, 95% CI: 2.51-81.30). Patients with pre-existing psychiatric disorders (OR = 0.117, 95% CI: 0.024-0.558), methadone substitution (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.045-0.887) or genotype 2/3 (OR = 0.341, 95% CI: 0.138-0.845) were significantly less likely to show a long-term worsening of depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-existing psychiatric risk factors increase the chance for a long-term improvement and reduce the risk for a long-term worsening of mental health after antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis C with IFN-alpha.

Manual stereotactic aspiration of spontaneous deep-seated intracerebral haematomas in non-comatose patients

Manual stereotactic aspiration was used in 46 consecutive non-comatose patients with haematomas within the basal ganglia and the results were compared with those obtained in a similar group of 39 patients who were treated purely medically in another hospital. The operation was performed in the subacute stage, and in most cases three target-points were chosen on the scan with the largest expansion of the haematoma. The haematoma was manually aspirated with a syringe device in different depths in regard to the target-points, and mean proportion aspirated was 90.2%. The level of consciousness improved markedly and GCS scores after stereotactic surgery were significantly higher than those after medical treatment (p < 0.0001). Peri-ictal mortality was significantly reduced in the surgical group and with improved levels of consciousness, the patients were suitable for further rehabilitative treatment earlier. This resulted in a significantly reduced in-patient stay. Manual stereotactic aspiration of deep-seated intracerebral haematomas in the subacute stage proved to be a simple and safe method with high efficacy.

Persistance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood of breast cancer (BC) patients two years after primary diagnosis

554

Background: In metastatic BC, CTCs have shown to predict treatment efficacy and reduced survival. Recent data also indicate a potential prognostic relevance of CTCs after adjuvant chemotherapy. The SUCCESS trial evaluates the role of persisting CTCs two years after diagnosis in primary BC patients treated with zoledronate. Methods: We analyzed 23 mL of peripheral blood in N+ and high-risk N- primary BC pts receiving 3xFEC(500/100/500)-3xDoc100 q3w vs. 3xFEC(500/100/500)-3xDocgemcitabine (75/1000 d1+8) chemotherapy followed by 2 yrs (4mg q3mx24m) vs. 5 yrs (4mg q3mx24m followed by q6mx36m) of zoledronate. CTC results after two years are shown. CTCs were assessed with the CellSearchSystem (Veridex, Warren, USA). After immunomagnetic enrichment with an anti-Epcam-antibody, cells were labelled with anti-cytokeratin (8,18,19) and anti-CD45 antibodies. Pts were examined after a mean of 29 months (range 20–43). Results: The data of 579 pts two years after diagnosis are available. 4.3% of pts (n = 25) presented with >1CTC in peripheral blood. In pts with the detection of CTCs, the mean number of cells was 1 (range 1–29). While we found 1 CTC in 5.9% and 2 CTCs in 1.6% of pts, 1.5% had 3–5 CTCs, 1.2% >5 CTCs. The presence of >1CTC did not correlate with tumor size (p = 0.41), nodal status (p = 0.41), grading (p = 0.45), hormonal status (p = 0.92) or HER-2-Status of the tumor (p = 0.59). In this patient group, 9.7% and 6.9% of pts had presented with >1CTC at primary diagnosis and after chemotherapy, respectively. While the presence of CTCs at diagnosis was associated with CTCs after two years (p = 0.03), there was no correlation of CTCs after chemotherapy with the results at primary diagnosis (p = 0.08) or at two years (p = 0.23). In 184 postmenopausal HR+ pts endocrine treatment data was analyzed. CTCs at two years were detected in 6.8% of pts on tamoxifen (n = 9), while 1.9% of pts were positive on anastrozole treatment (n = 1; p = 0.19). Conclusions: CTCs persisting cytostatic, endocrine and zoledronate treatment, can be observed in a relevant number of clinically recurrence-free BC patients. Longer follow-up within the German SUCCESS study will give further insight in their prognostic relevance and show whether they can be used for real time tumor phenotyping or serve as treatment target.

[Table: see text]

Topotecan weekly versus routine 5-day schedule in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (TOWER): A randomized, multicenter trial of the North-Eastern German Society of Gynecological Oncology (NOGGO)

5553

Background: In women with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer, weekly administration of topotecan (Tw) may be equally effective, but better tolerated than conventional 5-day dosing (Tc). We conducted a randomized multicenter trial to validate this assumption. Methods: The trial was pre-registered at clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT00170677 ). Women with platinum-resistant ovarian and fallopian tube cancers or primary peritoneal carcinoma, and measurable or assessable disease (GCIG criteria) were randomized to receive either Tw (d1,8,15/q28d, 4 mg/m2) or Tc (d1–5/q21d, 1.25 mg/m2). The predefined stopping rule, based on the primary endpoint of best CA-125 or tumor response, was not reached (presented at ASCO 2007, Abstract 5526). This permitted the accrual of 194 patients, 154 of whom could be assessed for CA-125 or tumor response (SD + CR + PR). We also compared progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS), as well as toxicity between trial groups. Results: Mean age was 61.8 (SD 9.8) years, and 59 women were on third-line treatment. Patients received a total of 809 cycles of chemotherapy. Demographic baseline characteristics, tumor stages and grades, and previous lines of chemotherapy were well balanced between treatment groups. There were 35 / 75 (47%) and 45 / 79 (57%) responses in the Tw and Tc groups, respectively (risk ratio [RR] 1.22, 95% CI 0.89–1.66). Median PFS and OS did not differ markedly between both regimens (3.2 versus 4.4 months, hazard ratio [HR] 1.30, 95% CI 0.96–1.77 and 9.8 versus 10.0 months, HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.77–1.52). The risk of grade III/IV hematological toxicity was significantly lower in the Tw group (anemia: RR 0.35, p = 0.007, neutropenia: RR 0.38, p = 0.0001, thrombopenia: RR 0.23, p = 0.0004). Conclusions: Weekly administration of topotecan shows no substantial difference in endpoints of effectiveness compared to conventional dosing, but is associated with a significantly lower likelihood of severe hematological toxicity. Weekly topotecan should be considered as a possible treatment alternative in women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer because of its favourable benefit-risk-profile.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular comorbidities of hypokalemic and normokalemic primary aldosteronism: results of the German Conn's Registry

CONTEXT

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is associated with vascular end-organ damage.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to evaluate differences regarding comorbidities between the hypokalemic and normokalemic form of PA.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study collected from six German centers (German Conn's registry) between 1990 and 2007.

PATIENTS

Of 640 registered patients with PA, 553 patients were analyzed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Comorbidities depending on hypokalemia or normokalemia were examined.

RESULTS

Of the 553 patients (61 +/- 13 yr, range 13-96), 56.1% had hypokalemic PA. The systolic (164 +/- 29 vs. 155 +/- 27 mm Hg; P < 0.01) and diastolic (96 +/- 18 vs. 93 +/- 15 mm Hg; P < 0.05) blood pressures were significantly higher in hypokalemic patients than in those with the normokalemic variant. The prevalence of cardiovascular events (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, chronic cardiac insufficiency, coronary angioplasty) was 16.3%. Atrial fibrillation occurred in 7.1% and other atrial or ventricular arrhythmia in 5.2% of the patients. Angina pectoris and chronic cardiac insufficiency were significantly more prevalent in hypokalemic PA (9.0 vs. 2.1%, P < 0.001; 5.5 vs. 2.1%, P < 0.01). Overall, cerebrovascular comorbidities were not different between hypokalemic and normokalemic patients, however, stroke tended to be more prevalent in normokalemic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate a high prevalence of comorbidities in patients with PA. The hypokalemic variant is defined by a higher morbidity than the normokalemic variant regarding some cardiovascular but not cerebrovascular events. Thus, PA should be sought not only in hypokalemic but also in normokalemic hypertensives because high-excess morbidity occurs in both subgroups.

A novel view on stem cell development: analysing the shape of cellular genealogies

OBJECTIVES

The analysis of individual cell fates within a population of stem and progenitor cells is still a major experimental challenge in stem cell biology. However, new monitoring techniques, such as high-resolution time-lapse video microscopy, facilitate tracking and quantitative analysis of single cells and their progeny. Information on cellular development, divisional history and differentiation are naturally comprised into a pedigree-like structure, denoted as cellular genealogy. To extract reliable information concerning effecting variables and control mechanisms underlying cell fate decisions, it is necessary to analyse a large number of cellular genealogies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here, we propose a set of statistical measures that are specifically tailored for the analysis of cellular genealogies. These measures address the degree and symmetry of cellular expansion, as well as occurrence and correlation of characteristic events such as cell death. Furthermore, we discuss two different methods for reconstruction of lineage fate decisions and show their impact on the interpretation of asymmetric developments. In order to illustrate these techniques, and to circumvent the present shortage of available experimental data, we obtain cellular genealogies from a single-cell-based mathematical model of haematopoietic stem cell organization.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Based on statistical analysis of cellular genealogies, we conclude that effects of external variables, such as growth conditions, are imprinted in their topology. Moreover, we demonstrate that it is essential to analyse timing of cell fate-specific changes and of occurrence of cell death events in the divisional context in order to understand the mechanisms of lineage commitment.

Toxicity analysis of a phase III study evaluating FEC-Doc vs. FEC-Doc in combination with gemcitabine as adjuvant treatment for breast cancer – the SUCCESS-trial

Abstract #4108

Background:&#x2028; Taxane containing regimens have been established as standard of care for node-positive primary breast cancer patients and have shown superiority to mere anthracycline containing regimens. The SUCCESS-trial evaluates, whether adjuvant taxane based treatment can be further improved by the addition of Gemcitabine.&#x2028; Methods:&#x2028; The SUCCESS-Study is an open-label randomized controlled, Phase III study comparing the disease free survival after randomisation in patients treated with 3 cycles of Epirubicin(100 mg/m²)-Fluorouracil(500)-Cyclophosphamide(500, FEC)-chemotherapy, followed by 3 cycles of Docetaxel(100 mg/mg², D) versus 3 cycles of FEC, followed by 3 cycles of Gemcitabine(1,000mg/m² d1,8)-Docetaxel(75 mg/m²)(DG). Complete, monitored toxicity data of 2.691 pts were available for this analysis.&#x2028; Results:&#x2028; Dose reduction &gt;20% (3.97% vs 2.90%) and postponement of treatment cycles &gt;7die (22,85% vs 14.19%) was rare, but more frequent in the FEC-DG arm (both p&lt; .001). Cytostatic treatment was prematurely stopped in 119 pts (4,4%) receiving FEC-DG and in 103 pts (3,8%) with FEC-D (p=0,21). G-CSF support was applied in 850 (29.2%) vs. 602 pts (20.7%, p&lt; .001). Toxicities NCI grade &gt; 2 which occurred with incidence &gt; 1% or significantly different in the two arms are depicted in Table 1. Afebrile and febrile neutropenia and anemia did not differ between the two arms, but thrombocytopenia was more frequent in FEC-DG (1.7%, p= .007). Hand-foot syndrome and neuropathy was more frequent in the FEC-D arm (p= .09 and p= .02, respectively).&#x2028; Conclusion:&#x2028; No unexpected toxicities were observed and severe adverse effects were rare in both treatment arms. With the addition of gemcitabine to FEC-D adjuvant chemotherapy toxicity was moderately increased. Outcome data will have to be awaited to further interpret these findings.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 4108.

Evaluation of the tumor marker Ca27.29 for risk stratification and treatment monitoring in primary breast cancer

11005

Background: Several trials have shown an earlier detection of metast. disease in breast cancer pts by the use of TU- markers. Whether this lead time advantage can be translated into improved outcome is discussed controversially. We prospectively evaluated the role of Ca27.29 in breast cancer pts at primary diagnosis and during adjuvant systemic treatment within the German SUCCESS-Trial (n=3658 pts planned). Methods: The SUCCESS-Trial compares sequential chemotherapy with FEC-Docetaxel(Doc) vs. FEC- DocGemcitabine, followed by zoledronate 2 vs. 5 years in primary high risk N0 and N+ breast cancer pts. Ca27.29 levels were assessed using the specific ST AIA-PACK Ca27.29 reagents directed against MUC-1 for AIA-600II (Tosoh Bioscience, Tessenderlo, Belgium). Cut-off levels for the assay was 24 U/ml. Results: We analyzed 1098 breast cancer pts prospectively before start and after completion of chemotherapy. 21% of pts (n=226; median 17U/ml; range 4–410) had tumor marker elevation = 24 U/ml before and 48% (n=524; median 23U/ml; range 4–198) after completion of chemotherapy. Ca27.29 levels before and after chemo correl. significantly (p<.001). Of those pts who presented with elevated values initially, 14% remained positive, while 84% had normal Ca27.29 after chemo. Those pts with initially negative blood sampling, returned with high Ca27.29 in 38% and normal values in 62% of cases. While Ca27.29 was well balanced between the two treatment arms at primary diagnosis with a rate of 10% with elevated Ca27.29 in each arm, significantly more pts showed high Ca27.29 with FEC-DocGemcitabine compared to FEC-Doc (27% vs. 21%, p<.001). Ca27.29 elevation did not correl. with most conventional prognostic factors such as tumor size (p=.23), histopath. grading (p=.98) or HR-status (p=.46). However, we found a significant correlation of Ca 27.29 with the presence of lymph node metastases (p=.01) and Her2/neu-over-expression of the primary tumor (p=.04). Conclusions: Measurement Ca27.29 in peripheral blood of primary breast cancer is feasible and reproducible. Whether it can be used for risk stratification leading to more tailored treatment approaches and for the monitoring of treatment efficacy in individual pts will show further follow-up of the SUCCESS-Study.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Randomised phase II study comparing topotecan/carboplatin administration for 5 versus 3 days in the treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Topotecan is an active drug in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). In our previous study, a combination of topotecan with cisplatin was associated with a median overall survival of 7.6 or 8.7 months, depending on the duration of treatment. We have replaced cisplatin by carboplatin in this trial, with the objective of creating a more convenient schedule for our patients. Furthermore, we have also compared the standard 5-day schedule with an experimental 3-day schedule.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 100 patients with metastatic disease were included. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either topotecan 0.75 mg/m2, days 1-5, and carboplatin AUC 5, day 5 (arm A) or topotecan 1.25 mg/m2, days 1-3, and carboplatin AUC 5, day 3 (arm B). Six cycles were given at a 3-week interval.

RESULTS

A total of 91 patients were assessable for response. The response during therapy was 86.9% in arm A and 80.0% in arm B. Median survival in arm A was 11.8 months and in arm B 11.6 months (P=0.37).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of topotecan and carboplatin is active in extensive-disease SCLC. Toxicity and median survival were comparable in both arms. Three days of treatment seems to be similar to the 5-day regimen.

[Evaluation of cefoxitin and cefotaxime screening plates for the detection of methicillin-resistance in Staphylococcus aureus]

Detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates represents a serious problem to low and media level microbiology labs. In this work cefoxitin (FOX) and cefotaxime (CTX) screen plates (AS) (8-16 microg/ml) with and without 4% of NaCl were evaluated to detect MRSA. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were determined. The AS oxacillin and the agglutination test MRSA-Screen Latex for the detection of PLP2a were used as reference methods for the evaluation of the different studied screening plates. The 100% (94 strains) PLP2a positive were detected as MRSA with FOX (8 microg/ml), and CTX (8 microg/ml with 4% NaCl) AS. The advantage of FOX AS (8 microg/ml) is that it does not need the addition of NaCl, and CTX AS (8 microg/ml with 4% NaCl) is that cefotaxime is an antimicrobial easily accessible in our country.

Titan Radar Mapper observations from Cassini's T3 fly-by

Cassini's Titan Radar Mapper imaged the surface of Saturn's moon Titan on its February 2005 fly-by (denoted T3), collecting high-resolution synthetic-aperture radar and larger-scale radiometry and scatterometry data. These data provide the first definitive identification of impact craters on the surface of Titan, networks of fluvial channels and surficial dark streaks that may be longitudinal dunes. Here we describe this great diversity of landforms. We conclude that much of the surface thus far imaged by radar of the haze-shrouded Titan is very young, with persistent geologic activity.

Cassini Radar Views the Surface of Titan

The Cassini Titan Radar Mapper imaged about 1% of Titan's surface at a resolution of approximately 0.5 kilometer, and larger areas of the globe in lower resolution modes. The images reveal a complex surface, with areas of low relief and a variety of geologic features suggestive of dome-like volcanic constructs, flows, and sinuous channels. The surface appears to be young, with few impact craters. Scattering and dielectric properties are consistent with porous ice or organics. Dark patches in the radar images show high brightness temperatures and high emissivity and are consistent with frozen hydrocarbons.

Analysis of pig-to-human porcine endogenous retrovirus transmission in a triple-species kidney xenotransplantation model

Clinical pig-to-human xenotransplantation might be associated with the risk of transmission of xenozoonoses, especially porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs). We have established a pig-to-humanised-cynomolgus monkey xenotransplantation model allowing the analysis of potential PERV-transmission from normal or transgenic porcine organs to human vascular tissue. Pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation was performed in cynomolgus monkeys. An interposition graft constructed from a human saphena vein replaced the porcine kidney vein. After graft rejection and/or death of the recipient (survival 2, 4, 6, 13, 16, 19 days), the human interposition grafts were removed. Human endothelial cells (huECs) were isolated from the interposition grafts and cultivated in vitro. Explanted human vascular tissue, isolated huECs, plasma and serum samples of the graft recipients were characterised by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry and screened for indications of PERV transmission by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RT assay. PERV-specific immune response of recipients was analysed by Western blot. No evidence of PERV infection or PERV-specific immune response was detected.

Pilot study for comparison of reticulocyte-micronulei with lymphocyte-micronuclei in human biomonitoring

Biomonitoring tries to determine the consequences for humans of exposures to environmental or pharmaceutical agents. Different end points have been employed to assess the burden of genomic damage. This is the first report comparing a recently introduced new end point, the reticulocyte-micronuclei analyzed by flow cytometry with the widely used lymphocyte-micronucleus assay, applied to two exposure scenarios leading to enhanced genomic damage. Radioiodine therapy was chosen to represent a short time exposure and hemodialysis treatment in end-stage renal failure was chosen to represent a chronic exposure. The results show that iodine radiation induced measurable genomic damage in the lymphocyte-micronucleus assay as well as in the reticulocyte-micronucleus test. Of two groups of patients under hemodialysis treatment, a reduced genomic damage was found with the lymphocyte-micronucleus test, but not with the reticulocyte-micronucleus test in the group undergoing daily hemodialysis, which removes uremic toxins more efficiently as compared to conventional hemodialysis, the treatment applied in the other group. The limited life-span of reticulocytes may make them less suitable for accumulation of chronic low level damage than lymphocytes. In conclusion, the lymphocyte-micronucleus test may be applicable to more exposure situations (including low chronic exposure), but the reticulocyte-micronucleus assay may be easier to perform in a clinical setting. The latter reflects a more rapid reduction of genomic damage after an acute exposure.

High interobserver variability in endosonographic staging of upper gastrointestinal cancers

Mostly based on results of experienced examiners, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been reported to be highly accurate for locoregional staging of upper gastrointestinal cancers. However, data on interobserver variability among EUS examiners, depending on their experience levels, is sparse. A study was therefore conducted to analyse well-documented videotapes of EUS examinations of 108 patients with resected cancers of the esophagus (n = 55) or stomach (n = 53) in a strictly blinded fashion by 5 examiners, all of whom were experienced in EUS (more than 300 examinations: n = 3, more than 100 examinations: n = 2). Besides the individual accuracy rates in cancer staging, a kappa-statistic was calculated to check for interobserver variability. Under the conditions described, the staging accuracy of all investigators was lower than that usually achieved under clinical routine conditions. The mean T staging accuracy was 41.1 % +/- 9.4 and 46.9 % +/- 5.4 in gastric and esophageal cancers, respectively. For N-staging the respective values were 47.9 % +/- 5.1 (stomach) and 67.7 % +/- 5.4 (oesophagus). Kappa-values were above 0.4 only in the staging of non-invasive esophagogastric tumours of the N0 and T1-category, corresponding to a fairly good agreement among the five investigators. Differences depending on experience levels could not be consistently found. Hence, it can be concluded that endosonographic cancer staging performed in a blinded manner results in a low accuracy and high interobserver variability even among experienced examiners.

Accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography in upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions: a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is commonly agreed to be the best imaging method for diagnosing and differentiating between submucosal lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. However, most of the current evidence for this derives from retrospective multicenter studies. A prospective multicenter analysis of the performance of EUS in diagnosing submucosal lesions in everyday practice was therefore conducted.

METHODS

Over a 2-year period, this study included 150 patients (52% men, mean age 59.8 years) from 23 centers who had a presumptive diagnosis of a submucosal lesion on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The patients' symptoms and EUS results were recorded. Endoscopic and endosonographic findings regarding lesion size, layer of origin, and the presumptive diagnosis (benign or malignant) were recorded. The reference methods used were surgery, biopsy, other imaging tests, and a follow-up period of 6 months.

RESULTS

Of the 150 patients, 102 had an intramural lesion (84 tumors, 18 other lesions such as cysts, aberrant pancreas, etc.), and 48 had an extraluminal compression--in most cases (n = 35) by normal organs or structures. For differentiating between a submucosal and an extraluminal compression, the sensitivity and specificity of endoscopy were 87% and 29%, whereas those of EUS were 92% and 100%. However, the sensitivity and specificity of EUS for differentiating between malignant and benign submucosal tumors were only 64% and 80%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of EUS in differentiating between submucosal tumors and extraluminal compressions is substantially superior to that of endoscopy, but EUS is still inadequate for differential diagnosis between benign and malignant submucosal tumors. However, EUS is still the best method of visualizing submucosal lesions precisely. The influence of EUS on the further management in these patients remains to be examined in subsequent studies.

Accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography in upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions: a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is commonly agreed to be the best imaging method for diagnosing and differentiating between submucosal lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. However, most of the current evidence for this derives from retrospective multicenter studies. A prospective multicenter analysis of the performance of EUS in diagnosing submucosal lesions in everyday practice was therefore conducted.

METHODS

Over a 2-year period, this study included 150 patients (52% men, mean age 59.8 years) from 23 centers who had a presumptive diagnosis of a submucosal lesion on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The patients' symptoms and EUS results were recorded. Endoscopic and endosonographic findings regarding lesion size, layer of origin, and the presumptive diagnosis (benign or malignant) were recorded. The reference methods used were surgery, biopsy, other imaging tests, and a follow-up period of 6 months.

RESULTS

Of the 150 patients, 102 had an intramural lesion (84 tumors, 18 other lesions such as cysts, aberrant pancreas, etc.), and 48 had an extraluminal compression--in most cases (n = 35) by normal organs or structures. For differentiating between a submucosal and an extraluminal compression, the sensitivity and specificity of endoscopy were 87% and 29%, whereas those of EUS were 92% and 100%. However, the sensitivity and specificity of EUS for differentiating between malignant and benign submucosal tumors were only 64% and 80%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of EUS in differentiating between submucosal tumors and extraluminal compressions is substantially superior to that of endoscopy, but EUS is still inadequate for differential diagnosis between benign and malignant submucosal tumors. However, EUS is still the best method of visualizing submucosal lesions precisely. The influence of EUS on the further management in these patients remains to be examined in subsequent studies.

Accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography in upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions: a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is commonly agreed to be the best imaging method for diagnosing and differentiating between submucosal lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. However, most of the current evidence for this derives from retrospective multicenter studies. A prospective multicenter analysis of the performance of EUS in diagnosing submucosal lesions in everyday practice was therefore conducted.

METHODS

Over a 2-year period, this study included 150 patients (52% men, mean age 59.8 years) from 23 centers who had a presumptive diagnosis of a submucosal lesion on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The patients' symptoms and EUS results were recorded. Endoscopic and endosonographic findings regarding lesion size, layer of origin, and the presumptive diagnosis (benign or malignant) were recorded. The reference methods used were surgery, biopsy, other imaging tests, and a follow-up period of 6 months.

RESULTS

Of the 150 patients, 102 had an intramural lesion (84 tumors, 18 other lesions such as cysts, aberrant pancreas, etc.), and 48 had an extraluminal compression--in most cases (n = 35) by normal organs or structures. For differentiating between a submucosal and an extraluminal compression, the sensitivity and specificity of endoscopy were 87% and 29%, whereas those of EUS were 92% and 100%. However, the sensitivity and specificity of EUS for differentiating between malignant and benign submucosal tumors were only 64% and 80%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of EUS in differentiating between submucosal tumors and extraluminal compressions is substantially superior to that of endoscopy, but EUS is still inadequate for differential diagnosis between benign and malignant submucosal tumors. However, EUS is still the best method of visualizing submucosal lesions precisely. The influence of EUS on the further management in these patients remains to be examined in subsequent studies.

You get what you expect? A critical appraisal of imaging methodology in endosonographic cancer staging

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

After an initial period of excellent results with newly introduced imaging procedures, the accuracy of most imaging methods declines in later publications. This effect may be due to various methodological factors involved in the research. Using the example of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), this study aimed to elucidate one of the factors possibly concerned--namely, the extent to which the examiners are adequately blinded.

METHODS

Well documented videotapes of EUS examinations of 101 patients with resected tumours of the oesophagus (n=32), stomach (n=33), or pancreas (n=36) were evaluated in three different ways: firstly, retrospective analysis under routine clinical conditions; secondly, evaluation of EUS videotapes in a strictly blinded fashion; and thirdly, evaluation of the same videotapes but with additional information from the video endoscopic appearance (oesophageal/gastric cancer) or from computed tomography results (pancreatic cancer). Histopathological T staging was used as the reference method.

RESULTS

The accuracy of EUS in T staging was 73% under routine conditions. This value fell significantly to 53% for the blinded evaluation but increased again to 62% for the unblinded evaluation. The sensitivity of staging T1/T2 tumours was 72% (routine EUS), 59% (blinded EUS), and 70% (unblinded EUS). The respective values for advanced tumours were 85%, 74%, and 72%.

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of EUS for T staging in clinical practice appears to be lower than has previously been reported. In addition, blinded analysis produced significantly poorer results, which improved when another test was added. It may be speculated that better results with routine EUS obtained in a clinical setting are due to additional sources of information.

C1-inhibitor for prophylaxis of xenograft rejection after pig to cynomolgus monkey kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

Early rejection of discordant porcine xenografts in primate recipients is initiated by the intragraft binding of either preformed (hyperacute xenograft rejection) or induced (acute vascular rejection) antiporcine recipient antibodies with subsequent complement activation via the classical pathway. We have investigated the efficacy of the supplemental administration of C1-inhibitor (C1-INH), a specific inhibitor of the classical complement activation pathway, for prophylaxis of xenograft rejection in a pig to primate kidney xenotransplantation setting.

METHODS

Based on the results of pharmacokinetic studies performed in two nontransplanted monkeys, supplemental C1-INH therapy was administered daily to three Cynomolgus monkeys receiving a life-supporting porcine kidney transplant together with cyclophosphamide-induction/cyclosporine A/mycophenolat-mofetil/steroid immunosuppressive therapy.

RESULTS

In the three monkeys receiving porcine kidney xenografts and continuous C1-INH treatment none of the grafts underwent hyperacute rejection; all xenografts showed initial function. Recipient survival was 13, 15, and 5 days. No graft was lost due to acute vascular rejection. All animals died with a functioning graft (latest creatinine 96, 112, and 96 micromol/liter) due to bacterial septicemia.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that, in our model, supplemental C1-INH therapy together with a standard immunosuppressive regimen can be helpful for prevention of xenograft rejection in a pig to primate kidney xenotransplantation setting. The optimal dose and duration of C1-INH treatment, however, has yet to be determined.

Cytomegalovirus early promoter induced expression of hCD59 in porcine organs provides protection against hyperacute rejection

The critical shortage of human donor organs has generated growing interest for porcine to human xenotransplantation. The major immunological barrier to xenotransplantation is the hyperacute rejection (HAR) response that is mediated by preformed xenoreactive antibodies and complement. A promising strategy to control the complement activation, is the expression of human complement regulatory proteins in transgenic animals. We have used the human early cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter to drive expression of the human complement regulatory protein CD59 (hCD59) in transgenic pigs. A total of eight live transgenic founder animals was born from which five transgenic lines could be established. mRNA analysis and Western blotting revealed high expression of hCD59 in heart, kidney, skeletal muscle, and skin in animals of lines 1 and 5, as well as in the pancreas of four lines. This pattern of expression was confirmed by immunhistological staining. A cell-specific expression in heart and kidney tissue of transgenic lines 1 and 5 was determined. Primary fibroblasts and endothelial cell cultures derived from the aorta of transgenic pigs showed a significantly diminished sensitivity against the challenge with xenoreactive human antibodies and complement whereas non-transgenic control cells were highly susceptible to complement mediated lysis. Ex vivo perfusion of kidneys with pooled human blood revealed a significant protective effect of hCD59 against HAR. The average survival of transgenic kidneys was significantly extended (P<0.05) over nontransgenic controls (207.5+/-54.6 vs. 57.5+/-64.5 min). These data support the concept that hCD59 protects nonprimate cells against human complement mediated lysis and suggest that donor pigs transgenic for hCD59 could play a crucial role in clinical xenotransplantation. Two of five hCD59 transgenic lines showed strong hCD59 expression in several organs relevant for xenotransplantation and a protective effect against HAR. This indicates that the use of the CMV-promoter can facilitate the selection process for optimized transgene expression.

C1-Inhibitor for treatment of acute vascular xenograft rejection in cynomolgus recipients of h-DAF transgenic porcine kidneys

At present, the major barrier to successful discordant xenotransplantation of unmodified or complement regulator transgenic porcine xenografts is acute vascular xenograft rejection (AVR). AVR is associated with the intragraft deposition of induced recipient xenoreactive antibodies and subsequent complement activation. In a life-supporting pig to primate kidney xenotransplantation setting using h-DAF transgenic donor organs and postoperative immunosuppression, episodes of AVR were either treated with boluses of cyclophosphamide and steroids or with the same regimen supplemented by a three-day course of C1-Inhibitor, a multifunctional complement regulator. In 8 out of 10 animals stable initial graft function was achieved; in all animals one or more episodes of AVR were observed. When, in 4 animals, C1-Inhibitor was added to the standard anti-rejection treatment regimen, AVR was successfully reversed in 6 out of 7 episodes, while in another group of 4 animals receiving the standard anti-rejection treatment 0 out of 4 episodes of AVR responded to treatment. Response to anti-rejection treatment was associated with a significant increase in recipient survival time. We conclude that AVR of h-DAF transgenic porcine kidneys can be successfully treated by additional short-term fluid phase complement inhibition.

Neurological and mental outcome after severe head injury in childhood: a long-term follow-up of 318 children

PURPOSE

Identification of prognostic risk factors in paediatric head injury.

METHOD

Long-term follow-up of 318 children with severe head injuries with a mean follow-up period of 8 years and 9 months. The neurological and mental outcome was classified by the Glasgow Outcome Scale and the Frankfurt Mental Outcome Scale.

RESULTS

Prognostic risk factors were a primary post-traumatic vigilance disturbance longer than 24 hours, less than seven points on the Glasgow Coma Scale, an increased intracranial pressure with cerebral perfusion pressure below 50 mmHg, age at accident younger than 2 years, physical abuse and the development of post-traumatic epilepsy.

CONCLUSIONS

The infant brain is more vulnerable to lasting deficits and is more prone to post-traumatic seizure development. Post-traumatic epilepsy itself causes a deterioration in outcome because of the developmental disturbance at epilepsy onset and often unfavourable course. Physically abused children with their often multiple and repeated head injuries are predestined for poor outcome.

Child abuse and neglect: a public health perspective

Child abuse and neglect prevention are now poised at the threshold of the public health arena just as the prevention of communicable diseases and unintentional injuries once stood. The principles of public health combined with epidemiology helped eradicate smallpox. The expertise of many disciplines and the three-pronged (primary, secondary, and tertiary) prevention approach have moved the concept of unintentional injuries from "accidents will happen" to predictable and, therefore, preventable. Child abuse and neglect are now seen as epidemic in society. Through surveillance, intervention, prevention, and policy changes, the rate of child abuse and neglect can be significantly impacted in the same way that rates of unintentional injuries and communicable diseases have been reduced.

Intradural and extradural spinal metastases

Intradural spinal metastases are uncommon. The outcome of surgical treatment of intra- and extramedullary intradural metastases is considered to be poor, with rapid clinical deterioration. The question of optimal treatment remains controversial. We present an overview of the clinical outcome and surgical treatment of 220 spinal metastases carried out in our centre from 1980 to 1999, with particular emphasis on 11 intradural metastases. Clinical history, signs, surgical approach, outcome, and radiological reports were obtained by review of patient charts. Secondary spinal tumours most often originated from carcinomas of the breast, lung, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, and prostate. In 12% of cases, no primary tumour could be found. Drop metastases of intracranial pathology appeared in 3%. Intradural metastases were seen in 11 patients and formed a very heterogeneous group with predominance of melanoma, lymphoma, and medulloblastoma. Functional recovery and survival time were worse in intradural metastases than in extradural metastases, and the patients were younger. Treatment of metastases is designed to relieve pain and preserve or restore neurological function palliatively. Intradural metastases are a devastating condition with usually fatal outcome. Selected patients who undergo aggressive surgical treatment may have substantially increased survival.

Recurrence of benign spinal neoplasms

The outcome of surgical treatment of benign spinal neoplasms is considered to be excellent, with good improvement of neurological function. The risk of recurrence is estimated to be very low, except with subtotal resections. This retrospective study was designed to establish the course of illness, clinical outcome, and recurrence rate of benign spinal tumours. We present an overview of the clinical outcome and surgical treatment of 197 benign spinal tumours carried out in our centre from 1980 to 1999. Clinical history, signs, surgical approach, outcome, and radiological reports were obtained by reviewing patient charts. The most frequent benign tumour was meningeoma (41%), closely followed by neurinoma (33%) and neurofibroma (6.1%). Of all tumours, 79.7% were completely resected. Recurrence happened in 10.2% on an average of 4.3 years postoperatively. Only 2 patients suffered from neurofibromatosis. All neurinomas were completely resected at first operation, whereas three out of seven recurrent meningeomas and all ependymomas were classified as subtotally resected. Seventy per cent were treated by repeated surgical intervention. Benign tumours usually can be completely removed without adding to patients' neurological deficits. Benign tumours recur in 10.2% of cases, thus requiring long-term follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies are recommended up to 5 years postoperatively as a routine procedure.