Fluoride complexation of rutherfordium (Rf, element 104)

The fluoride complexation of the group-4 elements Zr, Hf and Rf, and of the pseudo-homolog Th, has been investigated in mixed HNO3/HF solutions by studying Kd values on both cation exchange resins (CIX) and anion exchange resins (AIX) using the automated rapid chemistry apparatus ARCA. On the CIX, the four elements are strongly retained as cations below 10-3M HF. For Zr and Hf, the decrease of the Kd values due to the formation of fluoride complexes occurs between 10-3M HF and 10-2M HF. For Rf and Th, this decrease is observed at one order of magnitude higher HF concentrations. On the AIX, for Zr and Hf, a rise of the Kd values due to the formation of anionic fluoride complexes is observed between 10-3M HF and 10-2M HF, i.e. in the same range of HF concentrations where the decrease of the Kd values on the CIX is observed, yielding a consistent picture. For Rf and Th, on the AIX, no rise of the Kd values is observed even if the HF concentration is increased up to 1 M. By varying the concentration of the counter ion NO3-which is competing for the binding sites on the AIX resin, it could be shown, nevertheless, that Rf does form anionic fluoride complexes. Apparently, there is a more specific competition of NO3-with respect to [RfFx](x-4)-than with [ZrFy](y-4)-and [HfFz](z-4)-.

Nanomessmaschine zur abbefehlerfreien Koordinatenmessung (Nano Measuring Machine for Zero Abbe Offset Coordinate-measuring)

Am Institut für Prozessmess- und Sensortechnik wird eine Nanomessmaschine für die dreidimensionale Koordinatenmessung mit einem Messbereich von 25 mm x 25 mm x 5 mm und einer Auflösung von 1,24 nm entwickelt. Das Gerät schließt mit seiner Auflösung und seinem Messbereich eine Gerätelücke in der Koordinatenmesstechnik. Drei Miniaturplanspiegelinterferometer, ein Antastsensor und zwei Winkelsensoren werden so angeordnet, dass in allen drei Koordinatenachsen abbefehlerfreie Messungen möglich sind. Anwendungsgebiet der neuen Nanomessmaschine ist die Präzisionsvermessung von Kleinteilen und Mikrostrukturen.

Efficacy and safety of sorafenib in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma with and without prior cytokine therapy, a subanalysis of TARGET

Before the development of targeted therapies, administration of cytokines (e.g., interleukin-2, interferon-alpha) was the primary systemic treatment option for advanced renal cell carcinoma. Sorafenib, an oral targeted, multikinase inhibitor, significantly prolonged progression-free survival and overall survival in the Treatment Approaches in Renal Cancer Global Evaluation Trial (TARGET), a large (N = 903) phase III, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma resistant to standard therapy. This analysis of a patient subgroup from TARGET evaluated the safety and efficacy of sorafenib in patients who had received prior cytokine therapy (sorafenib: n = 374; placebo: n = 368) and in patients who were cytokine-naïve (sorafenib: n = 77; placebo: n = 84). Progression-free survival was significantly prolonged with sorafenib therapy compared with placebo among patients with and without prior cytokine therapy (respectively 5.5 vs. 2.7 months; hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.64 and 5.8 vs. 2.8 months; hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.73). Clinical benefit rates for sorafenib-treated patients compared with placebo patients were also higher (cytokine-treated: 83 vs. 54.3%; cytokine-naïve: 85.7 vs. 56.0%). Sorafenib was well tolerated in both subgroups (grade 3/4: 20 and 22%, respectively). Sorafenib demonstrated a consistent, significant clinical benefit against advanced renal cell carcinoma, with a twofold improvement in progression-free survival and disease control rate, with similar toxicities in patients with or without prior cytokine treatment.

Anthracycline-rechallenge using pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in previously treated patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC): A meta-analysis using pooled individual data from four prospective trials

1047

Background: Few data are available on the efficacy of anthracycline rechallenge using PLD. Methods: Pooled individual data from 4 prospective trials (Keller, J Clin Oncol. 2004; O'Brien, Ann Oncol. 2004; Al-Batran, Br J Cancer. 2006; and Al-Batran, Oncology. 2006) were utilized to evaluate the activity of PLD in pts with MBC previously treated with conventional anthracyclines. Primary endpoint was clinical benefit rate (CBR), defined as objective response or stable disease, both lasting ≥ 6 months. CBR was assessed in the entire group (primary hypothesis CBR ≥ 30%) and in pre-defined subgroups of pts depending on the most important features of their prior anthracycline-based therapy. Results: The studies comprised a total 935 pts, of whom 274 pts had received PLD after prior exposure to conventional anthracyclines. At the time of PLD therapy, these (274) pts were heavily pre-treated for MBC (median lines of previous chemotherapy 4, range 1 to 9, and 93.4% of pts received PLD after ≥ 2 previous chemotherapies for MBC). Prior anthracycline treatment was adjuvant, anti-metastatic, or both in 14%, 46%, or 40% of pts, respectively. The overall CBR from PLD was 32.2% (95% CI, 26.7%-37.8%), with no difference between pts who were considered anthracycline resistant (based on the study records) and those who were not (31.9% vs. 31.6%, respectively; p = 1). There was also no difference in CBR from PLD between pts who received prior anthracyclines adjuvant only (33.3%), anti-metastatic only (34.4%) or both (29.4%; p = 0.71). There was a trend towards a higher CBR in pts who received PLD at > 12 months vs ≤ 12 months since the end of their prior conventional anthracycline treatment (34.2% vs. 26.3%, respectively; p = 0.21). Higher CBR (up to 47%) and longer survival times were observed in pts without taxane pretreatment or with a low number of previous chemotherapies, most likely reflecting a less advanced disease in these pts. Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrates a clinical benefit from PLD in MBC pts previously treated with multiple chemotherapies, including anthracyclines. Interestingly, the CBR was independent of resistance to, setting of, or time since previous conventional anthracycline therapy.

[Table: see text]

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression in patients with metastatic gastric cancer receiving first-line chemotherapy

4547

Background: In preclinical tumor models, VEGF and MMP-9 induced each other, resulting in the enhancement of tumor angiogenesis and the formation of metastases. This study evaluated MMP-9 and VEGF in patients (pts) with metastatic gastric cancer. Methods: Patient tumor samples from a phase III trial of the AIO were prospectively collected. VEGF and MMP-9 mRNA were isolated from paraffin embedded tissues using a new patented method based on nanotechnology. The expression was then assessed by qRT-PCR and by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: A total of 137 (training cohort 96; validation cohort 41) out of 220 pts enrolled were analyzed. In the training cohort, increased MMP-9 levels were strongly associated with increased VEGF expression, resistance to chemotherapy and shorter progression-free and overall survival. At the cut-off with the highest predictive value, the rate of disease progression as best response associated with elevated MMP9 expression was 50% (vs. 22.4%; Fisher's test p=.027) and median overall survival (OS) was 3.1 months (vs. 8.7 months, log rank p=.0000165). This prognostic value for survival was maintained when data were analyzed in the multivariate setting (relative hazard ratio for death 3.67, p=.00045) or were categorized according to the quartile (p=.004) or median (p=.024) distributions for MMP-9. VEGF showed a prognostic effect in pts with low MMP-9 expression, only. In the validation cohort, the prognostic value of increased MMP-9 expression could be confirmed at the best cut off derived from the training cohort, with the hazard ratio for death being 3.45 (p=.02). Interestingly, in the IHC, stromal but not tumoral MMP-9 protein expression predicted survival (log rank p=.033). Conclusions: Tumoral MMP-9 mRNA expression levels are the first validated molecular prognostic factor in metastatic gastric cancer. These results have implications for novel anti-protease/ anti-VEGF treatment strategies.

[Table: see text]

Indomethacin-loaded nanocapsules treatment reduces in vivo glioblastoma growth in a rat glioma model

Multimodal combinations of target agents with radiation and chemotherapy may enhance cancer treatment efficacy; however, despite these treatments, gliomas recur early due to their highly proliferative, infiltrative and invasive behaviors. Nanoparticles of biodegradable polymers for anticancer drug delivery have attracted intensive interest in recent years since they may provide a sustained, controlled and targeted delivery. In the present study, we investigated the effect of indomethacin-loaded nanocapsules in an experimental glioma model. The rats treated with indomethacin-loaded nanocapsules demonstrated a significant reduction in tumor size and half of these animals presented just cells with characteristics of a residual tumor, as shown by immunostaining for nestin. Pathological analyses showed that the treated gliomas presented a significant reduction in the mitotic index and other histological characteristics that indicate a less invasive/proliferative tumor. An important finding of the present study is that indomethacin carried by polymeric nanocapsules achieved higher intracerebral drug concentrations than those of indomethacin in solution. Furthermore, indomethacin achieved a greater concentration in the hemisphere where the glioma was implanted, compared with the contralateral healthy hemisphere. Indomethacin-loaded nanocapsule treatment did not cause characteristics of toxicity and increased the survival of animals. Thus, our results show that polymeric nanocapsules are able to increase the intratumoral bioavailability of indomethacin and reduce the growth of implanted gliomas. Data suggest that indomethacin-loaded nanocapsules could offer new and potentially highly effective strategies for the treatment of malignant gliomas.

[Interdisciplinary recommendations for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma]

With the introduction of targeted therapies, a paradigm shift for the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer has taken place. New compounds like sunitinib, sorafenib, bevacizumab and temsirolimus have become established as new therapeutic standards. An interdisciplinary consensus conference was held to discuss treatment sequences and open questions. Results from the 2007 conference provided the basis for the 2008 meeting. The results of the 2008 conference are presented as short theses.

Observation of the 3n evaporation channel in the complete hot-fusion reaction 26Mg + 248Cm leading to the new superheavy nuclide 271Hs

The analysis of a large body of heavy ion fusion reaction data with medium-heavy projectiles (6 < or = Z < or = 18) and actinide targets suggests a disappearance of the 3n exit channel with increasing atomic number of the projectile. Here, we report a measurement of the excitation function of the reaction (248)Cm ((26)Mg,xn)(274-x)Hs and the observation of the new nuclide (271)Hs produced in the 3n evaporation channel at a beam energy well below the Bass fusion barrier with a cross section comparable to the maxima of the 4n and 5n channels. This indicates the possible discovery of new neutron-rich transactinide nuclei using relatively light heavy ion beams of the most neutron-rich stable isotopes and actinide targets.

Selective cytotoxicity of indomethacin and indomethacin ethyl ester-loaded nanocapsules against glioma cell lines: an in vitro study

Gliomas are the most common and devastating tumors of the central nervous system. Several studies have suggested that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are promising anticancer agents. Biodegradable nanoparticulate systems have received considerable attention as potential drug delivery vehicles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of indomethacin-loaded nanocapsules and indomethacin ethyl ester-loaded nanocapsules on glioma cell lines. In addition, the effect of these formulations on normal neural tissue was also evaluated. In order to investigate this, glioma cell lines (U138-MG and C6) and hippocampal organotypic cultures were used. The main finding of the present study is that indomethacin-loaded nanocapsules formulation was more potent than a solution of indomethacin in decreasing the viability and cell proliferation of glioma lines. Indomethacin and indomethacin ethyl ester associated together in the same nanocapsule formulation caused a synergic effect decreasing glioma cell proliferation. In addition, when the glioma cells were exposed to 25 microM of indomethacin-loaded nanocapsules or indomethacin ethyl ester-loaded nanocapsules, a necrotic cell death was observed. Interestingly, 5 microM of indomethacin-loaded nanocapsules was able to cause an antiproliferative effect without promoting necrosis in glioma cells. Another important finding was that the cytotoxic effect induced by 25 microM or 50 microM of indomethacin-loaded nanocapsules or indomethacin ethyl ester-loaded nanocapsules, in glioma cells was not observed in the organotypic cultures, indicating selective cytotoxicity of those formulations for tumoral cells. Further investigations using in vivo glioma model should be helpful to confirm the distinct effects of indomethacin-loaded nanocapsules and indomethacin ethyl ester-loaded nanocapsules, in normal versus tumoral cells.

Rate-modulating PHBHV/PCL microparticles containing weak acid model drugs

In this work, we aimed to evaluate the influence of the proportions of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) in the poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBHV) blended microparticles on the drug release profiles of drug models and to determine the drug release mechanism. Diclofenac and indomethacin used as drug models showed encapsulation efficiencies close to 85%. The average diameters (122-273microm) and the specific surface areas (26-120m(2)g(-1)) of the microparticles were dependent on the PCL concentration in the blends. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses showed that the microparticle preparation process influenced the thermal behavior of PHBHV, as well as the glass transition temperature of PHBHV increased with the presence of indomethacin. The release profiles, described by a biexponential equation, showed sustained phase half-lives varying from 131 to 912min (diclofenac) and from 502 to 6300min (indomethacin) depending on the decrease of the PCL concentration. The product between the diffusion coefficient and the drug solubility in the matrix (DC(s,m)), which was proportional to the PCL concentration, was calculated by fitting the release data to the Baker-Lonsdale equation. The mechanism of release was mainly controlled by the drug diffusion and the drug release profiles were controlled by varying the PCL concentration systematically in the blended PHBHV/PCL microparticles.

[Interdisciplinary recommendations on targeted therapy in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma]

Recently, new data have been published on the treatment of metastasized renal cell cancer using targeted therapies. With the approval of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors Sunitinib and Sorafenib, two of these new therapies are now available in clinical practice. This has raised both new opportunities and new questions for the health care professionals involved. Here we report on a consensus conference addressing these questions with answers based on evidence from the recent literature.

Phase I trial of huA33 antibody plus 5-fluorouracil (5FU), leucovorin, and oxaliplatin in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer [LUD2003–005]

3022

Background: The selective targeting of tumors with monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has emerged as a new therapeutic approach in cancer therapy with the A33 glycoprotein being a promising target in colorectal cancer. Specific tumor localization and low toxicity of a humanised A33 specific mAb (huA33) has previously been demonstrated in patients with colorectal carcinoma. In the present study, we determined the safety and efficacy of the combination of huA33 and 5FU plus leucovorin and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX-4) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Methods: Patients had to present with metastatic colorectal cancer with an expected survival of at least 4 months and no more than 2 different pre-treatment regimens. Patients were excluded if they had previously received oxaliplatin or huA33 mAb. Eligible patients received huA33 (10 mg/m2) by iv infusion weekly for 12 weeks (cycle 1). On study day 15, standard FOLFOX-4 chemotherapy was administered every 2 weeks for 10 weeks. Responding patients received a second cycle of weekly huA33 (10 mg/m2) and biweekly FOLFOX-4 chemotherapy. Results: A total of 19 patients (11 female, 8 male) with a median age of 60 years entered the study. 5 patients had received prior chemotherapy, 2 radiation therapy and 18 surgery. Toxicities observed were as expected for FOLFOX-4 treatment alone with hematological side effects to be most prominent and included (only G3 and G4) 1 anemia and 10 neutropenias. The addition of huA33 to FOLFOX-4 did not change the pattern of known non-hematological toxicities with a low rate (14%) of huA33 mAb associated allergic reactions. One sudden death occurred at cycle five that was neither therapy nor disease related. Within the 16 patients currently available for response assessment, the overall response rate was 38% with 1 CR, 5 PR and 5 disease stabilizations. Conclusion: The combination of FOLFOX-4 as standard chemotherapy for this cohort of patients in combination with the humanized A33 antibody did not increase toxicities and was well tolerated. The overall response rate of 38% is in the response range published so far for the FOLFOX-4 regimen in this setting and warrants further analysis in a larger cohort of patients.

[Table: see text]