Prognostic implication of smoking history in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

7699

Background: The AJCC disease stage, performance status (PS), and weight loss are established and important prognostic factors in patients with NSCLC. However, it is controversial whether smoking history affects the prognosis or not. We therefore assessed prognostic implication of smoking in patients with NSCLC. Methods: This retrospective study was performed using an institutional database for 1,440 NSCLC patients between 1995 and 2005. The characteristics of these patients were as follows: median age, 68 years (range,19–93); male/female, 947/493 patients; smokers/never-smokers, 897/543 patients; ECOG PS 0–1/2–4, 1319/121 patients; AJCC disease stage I-II/III-IV, 715/725 patients; squamous cell/non-squamous cell histologies, 391/1,049 patients; and weight loss > 5%/0–5%, 229/1,211 patients. Results: At a median follow-up time of 17 months (range, 1–59.7 months), the median survival time in smokers was 25 months, and significantly shorter than that in never-smokers (52 months, P < 0.0001). In a multivariate analysis using a Cox regression model, significance of the risk of death in smoking was confirmed when adjusted for age, sex, AJCC disease stage, ECOG PS, weight loss, and histologic subtypes (HR = 1.227, 95% CI 1.018–1.478, P = 0.032). Conclusions: Smoking history was considered to be a possible prognostic factor in patients with NSCLC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase II trial of combination chemotherapy with irinotecan and amrubicin in pretreated patients with non-small cell lung cancer

18111

Background: Amrubicin, a totally synthetic anthracycline, is a topoisomerase II inhibitor and highly effective for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as a single agent with response rates of 25% to 28%. We previously conducted a phase I trial of combination chemotherapy with irinotecan and amrubicin for NSCLC and found acceptable toxicity profiles with a favorable efficacy in patients with pretreated NSCLC. The aim of this phase II trial was to further evaluate its efficacy and toxicity in this population. Methods: Primary endpoint was objective response. Patients with NSCLC previously treated with one or two chemotherapy regimens were enrolled in this trial. Irinotecan and amrubicin were both administered on days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks at doses of 100 and 40 mg/m2, respectively. Response and toxicity were assessed according to the RECIST guideline and NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0. Results: Thirty-one pretreated NSCLC patients were enrolled between 2004 and 2006. A median number of courses administered was 3 (range: 1 to 6). All patients and courses were assessable for efficacy and safety. Demographics of the patients were as follows: M/F: 21/10, Ad/others: 21/10, ECOG-PS 0/1: 12/19, and smoker/non-smoker: 21/10. Platinum-based regimens were commonly used as the prior chemotherapy. Objective response was obtained in 9 of the 31 patients with a response rate of 29.0% (95%CI: 12.1–46.0%). Grade 4 leukopenia and neutropenia were observed in 6 (19%) and 14 (45%) patients, respectively, whereas thrombocytopenia were generally mild. Grade 3 febrile neutropenia was observed in 7 patients (23%), of whom two patients further developed Grade 4 and 5 septic shock each. Other grade 3 or greater non-hematological toxicities included diarrhea, vomiting, pneumonitis, liver dysfunction in 4, 1, 1 and 2 patients, respectively. At the time of this analysis with a median follow-up time in the surviving patients of 7.5 months, median survival time and median progression-free survival time were 11.9 and 4.0 months, respectively. Conclusion: This combination seemed highly effective for pretreated NSCLC despite the moderate toxicity profiles. Development of efficient patient selection is needed to avoid the serious toxicities.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Results of a randomized phase III study to compare the overall survival of gefitinib (IRESSA) versus docetaxel in Japanese patients with non-small cell lung cancer who failed one or two chemotherapy regimens

LBA7509

Background: This phase III study (V-15–32) compared gefitinib vs docetaxel on overall survival (OS) in Japanese patients (pts) with pretreated advanced NSCLC. Methods: Pts with advanced or metastatic (Stage IIIb or IV) NSCLC who failed 1 or 2 chemotherapy regimens were randomized to gefitinib (250 mg/day) or docetaxel (60 mg/m2 every 3 weeks). Non-inferiority of the primary endpoint, OS, was assessed by the confidence interval (CI) of the hazard ratio (HR; gefitinib/docetaxel) derived from an unadjusted Cox proportional hazard model. Results: 489 eligible pts were recruited. Non-inferiority in OS was not achieved (HR 1.12; 95.24% CI 0.89, 1.40) according to predefined criterion (upper CI limit for HR <1.25); however, no significant difference in OS (p=0.330) or PFS (p=0.335) was apparent between treatments. Post study, 36% of gefitinib-treated pts received subsequent docetaxel and 40% received no other therapy apart from gefitinib; 53% of docetaxel-treated pts received subsequent gefitinib and 26% received no other therapy apart from docetaxel. Gefitinib significantly improved ORR (22.5% vs 12.8%; p=0.009), TTF (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.51, 0.77; p<0.001), and QoL (FACT-L trial outcome index 20.5% vs 8.7%; p=0.002; FACT-L 23.4% vs 13.9%; p=0.023), vs docetaxel. Additional subgroup analyses will be presented. Grade 3/4 AEs occurred in 40.6% (gefitinib) and 81.6% (docetaxel) of pts. Incidence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) was 5.7% (n=14) and 2.9% (n=7), respectively. There were 4 deaths due to AEs in the gefitinib arm (3 possibly treatment-related due to ILD; 1 due to pneumonia that was not considered treatment-related) and none in the docetaxel arm. Conclusions: Whilst non-inferiority in OS between gefitinib and docetaxel was not demonstrated according to predefined criteria, there was no statistically significant difference in survival between the two arms. Secondary endpoints largely unaffected by subsequent therapy provide further evidence of clinical efficacy of gefitinib in these pts. AEs were consistent with those previously observed for both treatments.

[Table: see text]

Phase I/II study of oral TS-1 and gemcitabine in elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Thoracic Oncology Research Group 0502

18137

Background: Optimal treatment for elderly patients with NSCLC has been under active investigation. This study evaluated the safety and initial efficacy of a novel combination regimen of oral fluoropyrimidine TS-1 plus gemcitabine (GEM) for elderly patients (pts) with advanced NSCLC. Methods: A phase I/II trial in 11 centers examined TS-1 and GEM in pts with age = 70, stage IIIB/IV previously untreated NSCLC. The starting dose was 60 mg/m2day (day 1–14) for TS-1 and 800 mg/m2 for GEM (day 8, 15). GEM was increased to 1,000 mg/m2 at dose level 2 and TS-1 was increased to 80 mg/mg2/day at dose level 3. Phase II portion of the study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of the combination regimen at the dose determined in the phase I portion. The primary endpoint was objective response rate. Results: Twenty two pts were enrolled in the phase I portion: 6 pts on dose level 1, 10 on dose level 2 and 6 on dose level 3. Median age of this group was 75 yrs (range 70–85). Dose limiting toxicities included Gr. 4 neutropenia (2 pts) and Gr.3 skin toxicity (4 pts). The recommended dose (RD) was TS-1 60 mg/day and GEM 1,000 mg/m2, with which 20 pts were subsequently treated in the phase II portion. The median age of 30 pts treated with the RD was 76 yrs (range 70–85). Grade (Gr) 3/4 toxicities include neutropenia (12 pts; 7 with Gr 4), thrombocytopenia (4 pts; 0 with Gr 4), skin toxicity (8 pts), thrombus (1 pt) and peumonitis (2 pts). Nine patients (30%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 14 to 46%) had partial responses and 16 (53%, 95% CI = 35 to 71%) had stable disease. Conclusions: Encouraging antitumor activity and safety of TS-1 plus gemcitabine support further development of this combination therapy for elderly patients with advanced NSCLC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Randomized controlled trial comparing docetaxel (D)-cisplatin (P) combination with D alone in elderly patients (pts) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): JCOG0207

7629

Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy is currently recommended as the standard approach for pts with advanced NSCLC. However prospective clinical trials specifically designed for elderly pts demonstrating the P benefit are still lacking. Therefore, we conducted a phase III trial to determine whether the addition of P to single agent-chemotherapy for elderly NSCLC pts could improve survival. Methods: Eligibility criteria included; chemotherapy-naive; stage III/IV NSCLC; age=70 and PS 0–1. Pts were randomized to receive either DP or D with minimization method balancing site, age (=74/=75) and stage (III/IV), and both regimens were given every 4 weeks. DP comprised D (20 mg/m2) and P (25 mg/m2) iv on days 1, 8, 15. D comprised D (25 mg/m2) iv on the same schedule. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The planned sample size was 115 pts in each arm to provide 80% power to detect 0.667 hazard ratio for DP to D in OS and 2.5% one-sided alpha. Results: Between Apr 2003 and Apr 2006, 126 pts were randomized (D/DP: 63/63). The second planned interim analysis was performed on 112 assessable pts (D/DP:56/56, median age 76, =74/=75: 39/61%, male/female: 77/23%, PS 0/1: 39/61%, III/IV: 30/70%). Maturity of information, defined proportion of interim events to the planned events, was 26% (=49/191). As the one-sided p-value(p=0.00515) of the stratified log-rank test by age and stage was not lower than the critical value for the interim analysis, the formal criterion for stopping the trial failed to meet. However the Data and Safety Monitoring Board recommended study termination and disclosure of the results based on the strong interaction (two-sided p=0.077, hazard ratios [95% C.I.] for =74/=75: 0.23 [0.09–0.62]/0.72 [0.35- 1.49]) that DP may be beneficial for subgroup of age between 70- 74. Major Grade 3–4 toxicities were (%D/DP): neutropenia 4.9/13.1, anemia 1.6/16.4, anorexia 8.3/24.2, infection 11.7/8.1, pneumonitis 1.7/1.6. TRD occurred in 1 pt in DP arm. Conclusions: The interpretation of study results is limited due to early stopping and resultant loss of statistical power. But these data indicated that =74 young elderly have no more need to evaluate tolerability and efficacy of P.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase I/II study of pemetrexed plus cisplatin in Japanese patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma

18152

Background: Pemetrexed (pem) is globally used for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma (MPM) in combination with cisplatin (cis). Pharmacokinetic (PK) difference of pem/cis between Western and Asian population (pop) so far remains unknown. To investigate safety/efficacy of pem/cis therapy and PK profiles of pem/cis for Japanese (Jpn) MPM patients (pts), we designed a phase I/II study. Methods: Primary objectives in phase (Ph) I part were to determine a recommended dose (RD), and in Ph II part were to examine the efficacy of the RD and safety. PK profiles were to be analyzed as a secondary objective. A cohort of 6 pts, starting from a dose of pem 500 mg/m2 and cis 75 mg/m2 (level 1: LV1), was used in the dose-escalation Ph I. The efficacy of the RD was to be evaluated in at least 18 pts in the study. Key eligibility criteria were: histologic diagnosis of MPM incurable by surgery, no prior systemic chemotherapy, and a performance status 0–1. Under full vitamin supplementation, pem was administered as a 10-min. infusion on day 1 of a 21-day cycle, followed by cis administration as a 2-hr. infusion 30 min. after pem administration. For comparison of PK profiles, PK data of this study and a Western phase III study were analyzed by pop PK approach. Results: In Ph I, 13 pts were enrolled: 7 in LV1 and 6 in level -1 (LV-1: pem 500 mg/m2 and cis 60 mg/m2). Two dose-limiting toxicities were observed in LV1: pneumonitis and neutropenia. The RD were then determined to be LV1. In Ph II, 12 pts were enrolled in LV1. For safety, one drug-related death was reported among 25 pts due to worsening of underlying pneumonia observed before enrollment. The most common G3/4 toxicities were neutropenia and hemoglobin decrease. For efficacy, a partial response was achieved for 7 of 19 pts who received LV1. Response rate was 36.8% (95% CI: 16.3- 61.6). PK profiles of pem/cis in Jpn pts were similar to those in Western. The results of other secondary objectives, e.g., progression-free survival, QOL, and pulmonary function test, will be presented in the conference. Conclusions: The profiles of efficacy/safety/PK shown in this study are almost comparable to those in Western pts, and indicate that pem/cis therapy will be a promising therapy for Jpn MPM pts.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Prenatal and Postnatal Neuromuscular Development of the Ureterovesical Junction

PURPOSE

The mechanisms underlying functional maturation of the ureterovesical junction during infancy are still not fully understood. We analyzed the development of smooth muscle components of the ureterovesical junction and their nerve supply in the fetal, newborn and adolescent pig.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bladder specimens were obtained from porcine fetuses at gestational ages 60 days (5) and 90 days (5), newborn piglets (5) and 6-month-old pigs (4). Serial sections of the ureterovesical junction were investigated by Masson's trichrome, and hematoxylin and eosin histological staining, enzyme immunohistochemistry for alpha-smooth muscle actin and desmin, as well as double immunofluorescence staining using the neuronal marker peripherin and smooth muscle actin.

RESULTS

At day 60 the detrusor muscle already consisted of distinctive muscle bundles with rich innervation, while the smooth muscle coat of the extravesical ureter and subsequently the intravesical ureter had only started to differentiate. At day 60 innervation of the extravesical ureteral smooth muscle was well developed, while the innervation of the intramural part did not mature until birth. Muscle fibers of the periureteral sheath were well distinguishable at day 60 but innervation of these fibers was sparse during fetal life and showed a remarkable increase during the postnatal period. All smooth muscle components showed a striking increase in muscle bulk between the neonatal and adolescent stages.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that the smooth muscle components and innervation of the ureterovesical junction continue to mature during the postnatal period. This may have implications for managing ureterovesical junction disorders.

Comparison in prognosis after VATS lobectomy and open lobectomy for stage I lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become an attractive surgical procedure, but several issues remain to be resolved. Prognosis after VATS lobectomy is important to evaluate the adequacy of VATS lobectomy as a cancer operation. Interestingly, several investigators, including us, have reported that prognosis after VATS lobectomy was superior to that after open lobectomy in early non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One of the possible reasons is the low invasiveness of VATS lobectomy. But we considered that patient bias might have some influence favoring VATS lobectomy. To evaluate our hypothesis, we reviewed medical records of stage I NSCLC patients undergoing operation between 1993 and 2002. We compared and evaluated the relationship between patient characteristics and prognosis after VATS and open lobectomy. We focused particularly on histological type, classifying it into four subgroups; (1) bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC), (2) mixed BAC + papillary adenocarcinoma (BAC + Pap), (3) other adenocarcinoma (Other adeno), (4) squamous cell carcinoma + others (Sq + others).

RESULTS

A total of 165 patients underwent VATS lobectomy, and 123 patients underwent open lobectomy. The 5-year survival rate of the VATS lobectomy group was 94.5% and that of the open lobectomy group was 81.5%. Univariate Cox regression of survival revealed that male, CEA > 5, Other adeno, Sq + others, open lobectomy, and tumor size > 3 cm were significant negative prognostic variables. Multivariate Cox regression of survival revealed that histological subtype and tumor size were independent prognostic factors, but surgical procedure was not an independent prognostic factor.

COMMENTS

Prognosis after VATS lobectomy was superior to that after open lobectomy, but patient bias influenced the prognosis in favor of VATS lobectomy, and the surgical procedure itself was not a prognostic factor.

Kidney development in the nitrofen-induced pulmonary hypoplasia and congenital diaphragmatic hernia in rats

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The relationship of the developing lung and kidney is not completely understood. Renal enlargement has been reported in association with pulmonary hypoplasia in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Recent studies suggest that retinoids may be involved in the pathogenesis of CDH. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of pulmonary hypoplasia on renal development and to evaluate retinoids status of kidneys in the nitrofen model of CDH.

METHODS

Pregnant rats were exposed to either olive oil or 100 mg of nitrofen on day 9.5 of gestation. Fetuses were recovered at term and divided into 3 groups: 1, control (n = 69); 2, nitrofen without CDH (n = 25); and 3, nitrofen with CDH (n = 40). Kidneys were dissected, weighed, and processed for biochemical measurements of DNA, proteins, total retinol content, and for immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cells.

RESULTS

Kidneys were smaller in nitrofen-exposed animals vs control animals (group 3, 0.65 +/- 0.08; group 2, 0.62 +/- 0.09 vs group 1, 0.73 +/- 0.09% of body weight, P < .001), and there were no differences between right and left kidney weight in all the 3 groups. Regression of total kidney weight on body weight showed a linear direct correlation between them in all the groups. Total amount of DNA was significantly reduced in nitrofen-exposed animals vs controls (group 3, 80.58 +/- 35.65; group 2, 64.71 +/- 20.28 vs group 1, 110.34 +/- 42.15 microg, P < .01), but the DNA concentration remained the same in the 3 groups (group 3, 3.59 +/- 1.26; group 2, 3.06 +/- 1.19; group 1, 3.43 +/- 1.05 microg DNA/mg kidney). Total protein content (group 3, 1145.59 +/- 500.36; group 2, 993.2 +/- 276.62; group 1, 1287.48 +/- 312.52 microg), protein concentration (group 3, 49.76 +/- 11.12; group 2, 43.95 +/- 6.79; group 1, 47.38 +/- 6.93 microg protein/mg kidney), and protein-to-DNA ratio (group 3, 15.12 +/- 5.98; group 2, 16.22 +/- 6.85; group I, 16.16 +/- 7.02 microg/microg) were similar in all groups. Retinol concentration was significantly reduced in both nitrofen-exposed groups compared with the control group (group 3, 1.35 +/- 0.24; group 2, 1.28 +/- 0.11; group 1, 2.53+/-0.61 microg retinol/g kidney). Proliferation index was similar in all 3 groups (group 3, 50.43 +/- 8.81; group 2, 47.96 +/- 6.01; group 1, 47.64 +/- 5.76% of proliferating cells).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data clearly show that renal enlargement in association with pulmonary hypoplasia is not seen in the nitrofen-induced CDH. These results rule out any possible relationship between lung and kidney development. Moreover, kidneys are hypoplastic in both nitrofen-exposed groups and have reduced retinol content, suggesting that a retinoid pathway disruption could be the common mechanism in the pathogenesis of lung and kidney hypoplasia in the nitrofen model of CDH.

Second primary cancer in survivors following concurrent chemoradiation for locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Long-term cancer survivors risk development of second primary cancers (SPC). Vigilant follow-up may be required. We report outcomes of 92 patients who underwent chemoradiation for unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer, with a median follow-up of 8.9 years. The incidence of SPC was 2.4 per 100 patient-years (95% confidence interval: 1.0–4.9).

A randomized double-blind phase IIa dose-finding study of ZD6474 in Japanese patients with NSCLC

7067

Background: ZD6474 is a once-daily oral therapy that selectively inhibits key signaling pathways in cancer by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-dependent tumor angiogenesis, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)- and RET-dependent cancer cell proliferation and survival. ZD6474 was evaluated as monotherapy in an ongoing randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, Phase IIa, dose-finding, multicenter study in Japan. Methods: Patients with locally advanced or metastatic (stage IIIB/IV) or recurrent non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), after failure of one or two platinum-based chemotherapy regimens, were eligible for this study. Patients were randomized to receive ZD6474 100, 200 or 300 mg/day in a 1:1:1 ratio, with stratification according to sex, histology (adenocarcinoma vs other histology) and smoking status (smoker vs non-smoker). Tumor response was assessed every 4 weeks for the first 24 weeks of treatment and then every 8 weeks until progressive disease (PD) or withdrawal due to any reasons other than PD. The primary objective was the objective response rate, as evaluated by RECIST. Secondary objectives included disease control rate, tolerability and safety. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed using CTC version 3.0. Results: A total of 53 patients (34 males/19 females, median age 60 years [range 30–78], 35 adenocarcinomas and 33 smokers) with a WHO PS status of 0 (n = 20) or 1 (n = 33) were recruited from eight centers between December 2004 and September 2005. Among 53 patients, 6 partial responses (PR; 11%, 2 males/4 females, 6 adenocarcinomas, 2 smokers/4 non-smokers) have been confirmed and disease control (PR or stable disease≥ 8 weeks) has been observed in 27 patients (51%). The most common AEs were rash and diarrhea, and asymptomatic QTc prolongation was also observed. One patient died due to drug-related interstitial lung disease. Conclusions: In this ongoing trial, ZD6474 has demonstrated antitumor activity as monotherapy in patients with refractory NSCLC, with 11% experiencing a PR and 51% having disease control. The tolerability profile of ZD6474 was consistent with that seen previously.

[Table: see text]

Factors affecting the risk of brain metastases after chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC)

17019

Background: With an improvement in treatment outcome in patients with LA-NSCLC undergoing radical chemoradiotherapy, brain metastasis has become a greater problem. We assessed the cumulative incidence of brain metastases and its risk factors in such patients with LA-NSCLC. Methods: Between 1993 and 2003, 85 consecutive patients with stage IIIA or IIIB NSCLC underwent chemoradiotherapy in our institution. The characteristics of these patients were as follows: median age, 64 years (range, 39 to 74 years); stage IIIA/IIIB, 30/55 patients; squamous-cell/nonsquamous-cell histologies, 39/46 patients. Concurrent and sequential chemoradiotherapy were administered for 78 and 7 patients, respectively. Only two patients underwent surgical resection after chemoradiotherapy. Fifty-seven patients received conventional thoracic radiotherapy with a total dose of 59.5 ± 1.4 Gy (range, 40 to 70 Gy), and 28 received twice-daily radiotherapy with a total dose of 71.5 ± 6.5 Gy (range, 43 to 86 Gy). Thirty-eight patients received a combination chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and docetaxel, and the remaining 47 received the other platinum-based regimens. Results: At a median follow-up time of 51 months (range, 9 to 131 months), median survival time was 25 months, with a 3-year survival rate of 36.9%. The median disease-free survival time was 13 months. During treatment and observation periods, 21 (24.7%) patients had developed brain metastases. Thirteen (15.3%) patients experienced brain metastases as the first site of relapse, and in nine (10.6%), brain was the sole site of relapse. The cumulative risk of brain metastases was 15.4% at 1-year, 21.1% at 2-year, and 25.7% at 3-year, respectively. In a multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard model, T-factor (T4 vs. T1–3) was the most predictive of brain failure (hazard ratio, 3.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.35 to 9.13; p = 0.01). Conclusions: In patients with LA-NSCLC undergoing chemoradiotherapy, brain was one of the most common sites of failure when locoregional control was achieved. Although efficacy of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) on survival remains unclear for such patients with NSCLC, identification of patients more likely to have a benefit from PCI would be useful.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Clinical factors affecting the late resistance to gefitinib in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

7191

Background: The mechanism of late resistance of NSCLC to gefitinib is unclear. In this study, we assessed clinical factors affecting the late resistance in patients with NSCLC. Methods: Between 2000 and 2004, 197 consecutive patients with NSCLC underwent treatment with gefitinib in our institutions. Of those, 56 patients who had received a prior chemotherapy and continued treatment with gefitinib during at least 6 months were included in this study. The characteristics of these patients were as follows: median age, 62.5 years (range, 28 to 77 years); male/female, 22/34 patients; PS 0/1/2/3/4, 15/31/8/0/2 patients; and adeno/nonadenocarcinoma, 52/4 patients. Thirty-two patients never smoked and 24 were former or current smokers. Nineteen patients underwent surgical resection of NSCLC. Numbers of chemotherapy regimens were one in 31 patients, two in 18, three in 6, four in 1, respectively. Results: Of 56 patients, three achieved a CR and 39 attained a PR, with an overall response rate of 75% (95% CI, 69.2 to 80.8%). The remaining 14 patients had a long SD. At a median follow-up time of 21.6 months (range, 7.7 to 59.7 months), median time to progression was 19.5 months, with progression-free survival rates of 68.5% at 1-year, 33.6% at 2-year, and 21.2% at 3-year, respectively. In a univariate analysis regarding progression-free survival, presences of metastasis to brain (p = 0.008), bone (p = 0.025), liver (p = 0.046), and adrenal (p = 0.008), decreased levels of hemoglobin (p = 0.021) and albumin (p = 0.017), and use of multiple chemotherapy regimens prior to treatment with gefitinib (p = 0.026) were significant factors. In a multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard model, presence of brain metastasis was a significant factor clinically affecting the late resistance to gefitinib (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.10 to 4.17, p = 0.025). In addition, decreased hemoglobin level (p = 0.074) and prior multiple chemotherapy regimens (p = 0.069) were tended to be significant. Conclusions: In patients undergoing treatment with gefitinib, presence of brain metastasis was an important factor indicative of the emergence of late resistance in this study. It is needed to confirm this finding in a large cohort of patients with NSCLC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Increased CXCR3 expression associated with CD3-positive lymphocytes in the liver and biliary remnant in biliary atresia

BACKGROUND

Lymphocyte-mediated inflammatory damage of the bile ducts has been proposed as a potential mechanism in the pathogenesis of biliary atresia (BA). Chemokines regulate leukocyte migration and act as critical organizers of cell distribution in inflammatory responses. The aim of this study was to analyze the infiltration of T lymphocytes and the expression of a chemokine receptor, CXCR3, predominantly expressed on type 1 polarized T cells (T(H)1, T(C)1) in the liver and excised biliary remnants in infants with BA.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry for CD3, CD8, and CXCR3 was performed using liver biopsy specimens collected from the following 3 age-matched groups of patients: group 1, BA (nonsyndromic) at the time of Kasai portoenterostomy (n = 10); group 2, congenital choledochal dilatation (n = 2); and group 3, other cholestatic diseases including paucity of intrahepatic bile ducts and cholestasis (n = 3) related to total parenteral nutrition. Cellular staining on each section was graded from 0 to 4 and compared using nonparametric statistics.

RESULTS

Infiltrating CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the portal tracts were significantly increased in group 1 (3.1 +/- 0.4, 2.8 +/- 0.4), compared with groups 2 (1.0 +/- 0.0, 1.0 +/- 0.0) and 3 (1.7 +/- 0.3, 1.5 +/- 0.5) (P < .01, P < .05). CXCR3+ mononuclear cells were significantly increased in group 1 (2.6 +/- 0.3) compared with groups 2 (0.5 +/- 0.5) and 3 (0.7 +/- 0.3) (P < .05). They were mainly found in the portal tracts with a similar distribution to CD3+ cells. CXCR3+ cells and CD3+ cells also showed a similar distribution in specimens of biliary remnants from just below the portal plate.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased expression of CXCR3 associated with a significantly increased CD3 and CD8 T-cell infiltration suggests that CXCR3+ lymphocytes in a type 1 (T(H)1, T(C)1) cytokine milieu may play a role in the pathogenesis of BA.

Effect of VEGF on the branching morphogenesis of normal and nitrofen-induced hypoplastic fetal rat lung explants

PURPOSE

Changes in vascular structures as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) downregulation have been reported in hypoplastic lungs associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. We hypothesized that VEGF may accelerate branching morphogenesis and thus may modulate lung growth in normal and nitrofen-induced pulmonary hypoplastic lungs.

METHODS

A hypoplastic fetal lung model and a normal control lung model were induced by feeding pregnant rats with or without nitrofen, respectively. Fetal lungs harvested on day 13.5 were cultured at ambient oxygen tensions for 72 hours with 0, 25, 50, or 100 ng/mL of exogenous rat VEGF added daily in the serum-free medium. The rates of increase in bud count and airway contour were evaluated. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was carried out to evaluate the expression of surfactant protein C mRNA in the explants at the end of culture.

RESULTS

Vascular endothelial growth factor accelerated the increase in bud count and airway contour in normal and hypoplastic lung explants compared to controls. Surfactant protein C mRNA expression was significantly increased at 50 ng/mL VEGF compared to controls in both normal and hypoplastic lung explants.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that VEGF plays an important role in lung morphogenesis and may accelerate lung growth in nitrofen-induced hypoplastic lung.

Elevated expression of IL2 is associated with increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells in biliary atresia

AIM OF STUDY

Lymphocyte-mediated inflammation within the liver and bile ducts has been proposed as a potential mechanism in the pathogenesis of biliary atresia (BA). Recent reports have suggested that BA is associated with upregulation of TH1-type inflammatory cytokines. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qrt-PCR) is a useful tool to assess immune cell density and cytokine gene expression in tissues. The aim of this study was to characterize the inflammation in BA by quantifying lymphocyte density and expression of TH1 cytokines such as IL2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in liver biopsies using qrt-PCR.

METHODS

Total RNA was extracted from archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded liver biopsy specimens collected from three age-matched groups of patients: group I, nonsyndromic BA at the time of Kasai portoenterostomy (n = 10); group II, choledochal dilatation at the time of surgery (n = 2); group III, other cholestatic diseases including biliary hypoplasia and parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (n = 3). Qrt reverse transcription-PCR was performed to measure the relative levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of CD4, CD8, IL2, and TNF-alpha. Their levels were normalized to the level of beta-actin expression. The numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes infiltrating portal tracts were also measured using immunohistochemistry. Data were expressed as median and ranges, and statistical comparison and correlation was by nonparametric test (Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman rank).

RESULTS

CD8 mRNA expression was significantly increased in group I (median 0.26, range 0.11-6.29) compared with groups II and III (0.002, 0-0.004 and 0.02, 0-0.12) (P < .05). Levels of IL2 mRNA expression were also significantly increased in group I (1.22, 0.05-7.54) compared with groups II (0.58, 0-1.17) and III (0, 0-0.03) (P < .05). In contrast, there was no significant increase in CD4 and TNF-alpha expression in group I compared with groups II and III. There was a significant correlation between the number of CD8+ lymphocytes in portal tracts and the levels of CD8 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

Increased expression of IL2 and increased CD8 T-cell infiltration in liver biopsy specimens from infants with BA suggest the possibility that IL2 plays a role in the pathogenesis of this condition.

Untranslated region haplotype in dysbindin gene: analysis in schizophrenia

Genome-scans performed in schizophrenia families have provided evidence for region 6p24-21 where variability may confer susceptibility to schizophrenia. Recent studies have implicated that gene DTNBP1 (dysbindin) in this region is strongly associated with schizophrenia. In a family based association study we investigated three markers located in the untranslated region of the DTNBP1 gene: rs909706, rs1047631 and rs742106. The sample size of our study is 117 families. No biased transmission towards the disorder was detected by haplotype analysis using TRANSMIT.

Effect of nitric oxide on fibroblast growth factor-10 and bone morphogenetic protein 4 expressions in the branching morphogenesis of fetal rat lung explants

PURPOSE

Nitric oxide (NO) can accelerate branching morphogenesis of fetal rat lung explants in vitro, whereas its exact mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the effect of NO on the expression of fibroblast growth factor-10 (FGF10) and bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4), which plays an important role in bud formation.

METHODS

Fetal rat lungs harvested on day 13.5 of gestation were cultured in serum-free medium for 72 hours with 0, 50, 100, and 200 micromol/L of an NO donor, DETA NONOate (DETA/NO) (n = 4, 3, 6, and 5). The ratio of bud increment of each cultured lung was calculated, and the FGF10 and BMP4 mRNA expression levels were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Bud increment ratio was significantly increased in 50, 100, and 200 micromol/L DETA/NO (3.3 +/- 0.2, 3.0 +/- 0.3, and 3.5 +/- 0.5) compared to controls (1.9 +/- 0.3) (P < .05). There was a significant increase in BMP4 mRNA expression in 100 micromol/L DETA/NO (190% +/- 20%) compared to controls (100% +/- 30%) (P < .05), whereas FGF10 mRNA expression was not significantly different between each DETA/NO group and controls.

CONCLUSION

The NO donor not only promotes branching of fetal lung explants but also upregulates expression of BMP4, which is an important regulator of branching morphogenesis.

Expression of vasoactive mediators during mechanical ventilation in nitrofen-induced diaphragmatic hernia in rats

The high mortality in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has been attributed to pulmonary hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH). Endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) have been reported to be important vasoactive mediators in the perinatal pulmonary circulation. The exact mechanism by which these vasoactive mediators interact to regulate the perinatal pulmonary vascular tone in CDH with PPH is not fully understood. We hypothesized that the altered pulmonary vascular reactivity in CDH is due to imbalance in vasoactive mediators. This study was designed to investigate mRNA expression of ET-1, eNOS, and CGRP in CDH lung in the perinatal period. A CDH model was induced in pregnant rats following administration of nitrofen. In control animals, the same dose of olive oil was given without nitrofen. Cesarean section was performed on day 21 of gestation. The newborn rats were intubated and ventilated, and ventilation was continued for 1-6 h. Left lungs were collected from both groups at 0, 1, and 6 h after ventilation (n=8 in each group). Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction on lung tissue was performed to evaluate the relative level of ET-1, eNOS, and CGRP mRNA expression. The results showed a significant increase in ET-1 mRNA in CDH lung at 1 and 6 h after ventilation compared with controls. In CDH lung, eNOS mRNA and CGRP mRNA levels were significantly increased at 1 h but were similar to control values at 6 h after ventilation. The increased expression of vasoconstrictor ET-1 mRNA and vasodilators eNOS mRNA and CGRP mRNA in the CDH lung at 1 h after ventilation suggests that pulmonary vascular tone is rapidly changing after birth. An imbalance in the production of vasoconstrictors and vasodilators by the CDH lung may contribute to high pulmonary vascular resistance.

Effect of nitric oxide on the development of nitrofen-induced fetal hypoplastic lung explants

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important cell-signaling molecule, and its generators, nitric oxide synthases, are expressed temporospatially in fetal rat lung. Recently, NO has been reported to modulate branching of the fetal rat lung lobe in vitro. We designed this study to evaluate the effect of NO on the morphogenesis of hypoplastic lung using nitrofen-induced rat lung explant model.

METHODS

A hypoplastic fetal lung model and a normal control lung model were induced by feeding a pregnant rat with nitrofen (100 mg) or olive oil on day 9.5 of gestation, respectively. Fetal lungs were harvested on day 13.5 and placed in organ culture containing serum-free medium Dulbecco modified Eagle medium. An NO donor, DETA NONOate (DETA/NO), was added daily in the culture medium. The lung cultures were divided into 4 groups: group 1 (n = 8), normal controls without DETA/NO; group 2 (n = 22), normal controls with DETA/NO; group 3 (n = 13), hypoplastic lungs without DETA/NO; group 4 (n = 22), hypoplastic lungs with DETA/NO. The fetal lungs were incubated for 48 hours at 37 degrees C with 5% CO2. Lung bud count and area of the specimens were measured under computer-assisted digital tracings. The rate of increase in bud count and lung area was calculated as the ratio of each value at 48 hours minus each value at 0 hour, divided by the value at 0 hour.

RESULTS

The lung bud count was significantly increased in group 2 compared with group 1 at a concentration of 50 micromol/L DETA/NO (P < .05). In the nitrofen group, the lung bud count was significantly increased in group 4 compared with group 3 at 100 micromol/L DETA/NO added (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the rate of increase in whole lung area among the 4 groups. The peak increase rates of lung area and bud count were significantly lower in group 4 compared with group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the NO donor, DETA/NO, promotes branching of the nitrofen-induced hypoplastic fetal lung explant. These data suggest that NO may modulate the development of the nitrofen-induced hypoplastic lung.

The role of oxygen tension in the regulation of embryonic lung development

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Oxygen tension is an important physiologic mediator of embryonic and fetal development. In vitro studies have demonstrated that the proper embryonic development is dependent upon low oxygen tension and even short exposure to normoxic environments (21%) can be detrimental to embryonic development. We hypothesized that low oxygen tension promotes lung growth in embryonic organ culture and therefore designed this study to investigate embryonic lung growth in normoxic and hypoxic conditions using simple closed chamber.

METHODS

Fetal rat lungs were harvested on day 13.5 and placed in organ culture containing serum-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with antibiotics. The lung cultures were divided into normoxic group, with a 21% oxygen concentration (n = 15), and hypoxic group (n = 15). Hypoxic condition (6% oxygen) was achieved using Oxoid Campygen in a closed chamber. The lungs were placed in 5% carbon dioxide, 37 degrees C incubator for 48 hours. Media were not changed during the incubation period. The morphometric analysis was measured at 0 hour and at 48 hours by counting total terminal buds and entire epithelial contour using Image J software. The fold increase in branching was calculated as the ratio of buds present at 48 hours minus the buds present at 0 hour divided by the number of buds at 0 hour. The increase in entire epithelial contour over 48 hours was calculated in exactly the same way as described above.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the increase in total terminal buds count in the hypoxic group (2.06 +/- 0.19) compared with the normoxic group (2.59 +/- 0.21), and no significant difference in the increase in entire epithelial contour in the hypoxic group (1.45 +/- 0.11) compared with the normoxic group (1.63 +/- 0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Although hypoxia has been reported to be an important regulator of murine vascular development, our data show that the embryonic lung growth in whole lung organ culture under hypoxic condition is not significantly different from that in normoxic condition.

Multi-institutional phase II trial of irinotecan, cisplatin, and etoposide for sensitive relapsed small-cell lung cancer

Irinotecan (CPT-11) has been shown to exhibit excellent antitumour activity against small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). A multi-institutional phase II study was therefore conducted to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of CPT-11 combined with cisplatin (CDDP) and etoposide (ETOP) (PEI regimen) for the treatment of sensitive relapsed SCLC. Patients who responded to first-line chemotherapy but relapsed more than 8 weeks after the completion of first-line therapy (n=40) were treated using the PEI regimen, which consisted of CDDP (25 mg m⁻²) weekly for 9 weeks, ETOP (60 mg m⁻²) for 3 days on weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, and CPT-11 (90 mg m⁻²) on weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8 with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support. Five complete responses and 26 partial responses were observed, and the overall response rate was 78% (95% confidence interval 61.5–89.2%). The median survival time was 11.8 months, and the estimated 1-year survival rate was 49%. Grade 3/4 leucocytopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were observed in 55, 73, and 33% of the patients, respectively. Nonhaematological toxicities were mild and transient in all patients. In conclusion, the PEI regimen is considered to be highly active and well tolerated for the treatment of sensitive relapsed SCLC.