A preliminary investigation of the reliability and validity of the Brief Assessment Schedule Depression Cards and the Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen to screen for depression in older stroke survivors

OBJECTIVE

To conduct an initial assessment of the reliability and validity of the Brief Assessment Schedule Depression Cards (BASDEC) and the Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS) to screen for depression in older stroke survivors.

METHODS

Participants from four inpatient rehabilitation units completed the BASDEC and the BDI-FS together with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for comparison. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis 1 Disorders (SCID) was then completed with all participants to ascertain a criterion depression diagnosis. The BASDEC and BDI-FS were subsequently completed for a second time.

RESULTS

Forty-nine stroke survivors (M=78.80, SD=6.79 years) were included. The BASDEC and BDI-FS demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The BASDEC (cut-off >or=7) resulted in a sensitivity of 1.0 and specificity of 0.95 for detecting major depression whereas the BDI-FS (cut-off >or=4) had a sensitivity of 0.71 and specificity of 0.74. When participants with minor depression were included in analyses, sensitivity lowered to 0.69 (specificity=0.97) for the BASDEC and 0.62 (specificity=0.78) for the BDI-FS.

CONCLUSIONS

The BASDEC and BDI-FS were found to have acceptable reliability. The BASDEC demonstrated some advantage in criterion validity over the BDI-FS at the examined cut-offs.

A phase I trial of bexarotene, a retinoid X receptor agonist, in non-M3 acute myeloid leukemia

7061

Background: In vitro, bexarotene inhibits the proliferation of non-M3 AML cell lines and induces differentiation of leukemic blasts. This phase I study was designed to evaluate the safety of escalating doses of bexarotene in patients with non-M3 AML and has completed enrollment. Methods: Bexarotene was administered daily until disease progression occurred. Dose escalation occurred in cohorts of 3–6 patients through 6 dose levels ranging from 100–400mg/m2. Results: 27 patients were enrolled: 19M/8F, median age 69 (range 51–82), 13 prior MDS, 12 primary refractory, median number of induction attempts 2, no prior chemotherapy 3, prior autologous stem cell transplant 5, 26 blood transfusion dependent, 18 platelet transfusion dependent, and 20 neutropenic. Despite prophylactic use of antihyperlipidemic agents, 4 patients developed grade ≥3 hypertriglyceridemia. Two patients developed a syndrome reminiscent of retinoic acid syndrome, consisting of dyspnea, pleural/pericardial effusions, and edema in the setting of a rising neutrophil count. This syndrome resolved with stopping bexarotene and initiating steroids. Evidence of activity was noted with bone marrow blasts decreasing to ≤5% in 4 patients. Seven patients showed evidence of neutrophil response (pretreatment median ANC 364/μL, range 28–1,242/μL, treatment ANC 3,540/μL, range 1,200–26,207/μL). Flow sorted peripheral blood neutrophils were collected from 3 of these patients and examined by FISH. Between 92–100% of neutrophils contained the patient's leukemic cytogenetic abnormality suggesting differentiation of the leukemic blasts. Eleven patients with platelet counts <100,000/μL had increases in their platelet counts >20,000/μL (peak range 40- 292x103/μL). Five of these patients with platelet counts <20,000/μL had improvement to 40–91,000/μL and became transfusion independent. Conclusions: Bexarotene is well tolerated at the dose levels studied. Evidence for clinical activity has been seen as exemplified by improvement in platelet counts, increased neutrophil counts and decreased bone marrow blasts. We postulate that bexarotene may induce leukemic blast differentiation in non-M3 AML and represent a novel non-cytotoxic treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Tanespimycin (T) + bortezomib (BZ) in multiple myeloma (MM): Pharmacology, safety and activity in relapsed/refractory (rel/ref) patients (Pts)

3532

Background: Tanespimycin (17-AAG/KOS 953) disrupts Hsp90, a molecular chaperone of MM client proteins including IL-6 and IGF-1R that are key to MM growth, survival and drug resistance. Single agent T was well tolerated with modest anti- MM activity. Preclinical studies suggest potential synergy with BZ. Methods: Pts received BZ as IVB followed by 1-hr infusion of T on D1,4,8,11 q 21d. Results: 49 pts were enrolled in 7 cohorts (T 100- 340 mg/m2; BZ 0.7 - 1.3 mg/m2). PK of T was similar with or without BZ. Inhibition of 20S proteasome with T+BZ was not different vs. historical BZ single agent data. PBLs showed induction of Hsp70 4h post-infusion with maintenance of induction prior to T infusion across the dosing interval; pAKT plus total AKT were also reduced 4 and 72h following infusion. CD138 but not CD4 or CD8 cells from serial BM aspirates showed induction of apoptosis by flow cytometry. In addition, ↓expression of IGR-1R and IL-6R client proteins was seen after treatment. Safety: In Cohort 7, 19 pts received T 340 / BZ 1.3 mg/m2. Common all-grade (G) drug-related toxicity (n=19) included diarrhea (42%), nausea (32%), vomiting (26%), ↑ AST/ALT/Alk Phos (26%/21%/21%), myalgias (16%), and dizziness (16%). G3 thrombocytopenia was noted in 16% with no other G3 toxicity observed in more than 1 pt. DLT was seen in 2 pts: G3 myalgias/cramps and dehydration (reversible in both). G1–2 only treatment-emergent peripheral neuropathy was recorded in 15%. Activity: Responses have been seen across dose levels in BZ-naïve, pre-treated and ref pts (“ref” defined as no response to or disease progression within 60d of last dose of BZ-containing regimen). Specifically, 1 BZ-ref pt with 3 prior regimens had confirmed PR after 2 cycles and continues in Cycle 9 (M-spike ↓92%); a 2nd pt with 2 prior regimens achieved PR after 2 cycles and continues in Cycle 7; a 3rd pt with 7 prior regimens with confirmed PR after 3 cycles continues in Cycle 6. Conclusions: Treatment with T 340/ BZ 1.3 combination had generally manageable toxicity. Durable Hsp90 inhibition and similar proteasome inhibition (vs single-agent BZ) was seen. Importantly, anti-MM activity in BZ-ref pts was observed and further investigation of this combination in rel/ref MM is therefore warranted.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Quality of life in colorectal cancer patients with hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) pumps

19602

Background: More than half of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer will develop hepatic metastases. Most patients with hepatic metastases will recur within two years after resection. Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) pumps deliver regional treatment. However, very few studies quantitatively explore the patient's experience of living with an HAI pump and how this experience impacts HAI-related quality of life (QOL). This study explored the impact of HAI pump treatment on patient's overall QOL within the specific domains of physical, psychological, social, and functional well-being. Methods: Twenty-five colorectal cancer patients treated with HAI pumps completed an HAI pump- specific QOL assessment tool at one data collection time point. The QOL assessment tool items were derived from the investigator's previous QOL research with this patient population [Blair et al., 2002, Annals of Surgical Oncology]. Demographic, disease and QOL data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 25 patients accrued, 32% were receiving treatments through their HAI pump and 68% were not. There were no significant difference in QOL between treatment status, gender, and age (<65 or = 65). Currently treated pump patients experienced more appetite changes (p=0.03), sleep changes (p=0.08), and more restrictions in traveling (p=0.08). Male patients had more concerns with lifting heavy items (p=0.05), while female patients had more concerns with isolation (p=0.17) and changes in the type of clothing worn (p=0.16). Younger patients had more concerns with vigorous activity (p=0.01), bending (p=0.08), and were more self-conscious of their appearance with the pump (p=0.01). Conclusions: Overall, in this study, colorectal cancer patients with HAI pumps reported good QOL and were satisfied with their overall treatment experience. Although there was no comparative statistical analysis performed in this study, several QOL concerns remain worrisome for patients. Defining these specific QOL concerns in HAI patients will enhance clinical understanding of their unique experience with this treatment modality and impact patient management. This will enable further development of educational tools and research to test interventions to support HAI patients and sustain their QOL.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Clinical predictors of larynx preservation (LP) after multiagent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (MCCRT)

6075

Background: Identification of patients (pts) with larynx and hypopharynx (HP) squamous cell cancer (SCC) most likely to benefit from a LP strategy remains problematic. We retrospectively reviewed the Cleveland Clinic experience using MCCRT to identify potential clinical predictors for success. Methods: Definitive CCRT was considered appropriate for pts with locoregionally confined larynx or HP SCC except for those with cartilage invasion or laryngeal destruction. Cisplatin (20 mg/m2/day) and 5-FU (1,000 mg/m2/day) were given as continuous intravenous infusions on days 1–4 during the first and fourth weeks of either once or twice daily radiation. Laryngectomy was only performed for locally persistent or recurrent disease. Results: Between 1989 and 2006, 115 pts were treated; 87 (76%) were male, and 102 (89%) were white. The median age was 59 (range 31–77) years. The primary site was the HP in 46 pts (40%) , supraglottis in 50 (43%) and glottis in 19 (17%). Tumor was T1 in 4 (3%), T2 in 31 (27%), T3 in 42 (37%), T4 in 37 (32%), and TX in 1 (1%). Disease was stage II in 8 (7%), III in 34 (30%), and IV in 73 (63%). With a median follow up of 62 (range 5–195) months, the 5-year Kaplan-Meier projected local control rate without surgery is 82%. Residual primary site disease was found in only 5 pts after MCCRT. Primary site recurrence developed in 14 more pts. Surgical salvage was successful in 13 of these 19 pts (68%). The 5-year projected local control rate (including surgical salvage) is 94%. Late complications after successful LP included permanent tracheotomy in 3, and feeding tube dependence in 7 pts. For all 115 pts, the 5-year projected freedom from recurrence is 64%, overall survival 58% and laryngectomy-free survival 52%. Local control without surgery was more likely in pts with T1–2 compared to T3–4 tumors (97% vs. 75%, P=0.01), but was not predicted by age, race, tumor differentiation, primary site, nodal status, stage, radiation schedule (daily vs. twice daily), baseline hemoglobin, or continued smoking. Conclusions: This MCCRT regimen can be expected to result in successful LP in all clinical subsets of appropriately selected pts with larynx and HP SCC. Although local failure was more likely in pts with T3 or T4 tumors, it was infrequent, and subsequent surgical salvage was highly effective.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II trial of carboplatin and infusional cyclosporine with alpha-interferon in recurrent ovarian cancer: a California Cancer Consortium Trial

The purpose of this study was to estimate the response rate of 26-h continuous infusion cyclosporine A (CSA) combined with carboplatin (CBDCA) and subcutaneous alpha-interferon (IFN), in recurrent ovarian cancer (OC), and to measure their effects on CBDCA pharmacokinetics. OC patients relapsing following platinum-based chemotherapy received CBDCA area under the curve (AUC 3) with CSA and IFN, every 3 weeks. The pharmacokinetics of CSA and CBDCA were determined in a subset of patients. Thirty patients received 84 courses of therapy. Three partial responses were observed. Nine patients were stable for >4 months. Toxicity was similar to that observed in our previously reported phase I study and consisted of myelosuppression, nausea, vomiting, and headache. The mean end of infusion CSA level (high-performance liquid chromatographic assay [HPLC]) was 1109 +/- 291 microg/mL (mean +/- SD). CBDCA pharmacokinetics revealed a measured AUC of 3.61 versus a targeted AUC of 3, suggesting a possible effect of IFN on CBDCA levels versus errors in the estimation of CBDCA clearance using measured creatinine clearance. Steady-state levels of >1 microg/mL CSA (HPLC assay) are achievable in vivo. Insufficient clinical resistance reversal was observed in this study to warrant further investigation of this combination.

Safety and pharmacokinetics of intravenous VEGF Trap plus FOLFOX4 in a combination phase I clinical trial of patients with advanced solid tumors

13061

Background: VEGF Trap is a potent angiogenesis inhibitor comprising portions of human VEGF receptor VEGFR1 (Flt-1) and VEGFR2 (KDR) extracellular domains fused to the Fc portion of human IgG. VEGF Trap binds VEGF and neutralizes all VEGF-A isoforms plus placental growth factor. FOLFOX4 is an approved chemotherapy regimen for the treatment of colorectal cancer. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of VEGF Trap plus FOLFOX4 administered intravenously. Methods: Successive cohorts of 3–6 patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors received intravenous VEGF Trap plus FOLFOX4 every 2 weeks. Study endpoints included safety, PK, and immunogenicity. Antitumor activity was assessed by CT scan. Results: Six pts (3 male/3 female), median age 55 (25–74), ECOG PS 0/1/2: 2/4/0, with a variety of advanced solid tumors, including 2 gastric and 2 neuroendocrine tumors, have received a total of 19 cycles of VEGF Trap plus FOLFOX4 across 2 VEGF Trap dose levels (2.0 mg/kg, 4.0 mg/kg) to date. Three of these 6 pts had grade 3 AEs (hypertension [n=2], neutropenia [n=2]), which were manageable and reversible. However, no dose-limiting toxicities or grade 4 AEs have been encountered so far. Preliminary mean free VEGF Trap clearance was 17.1 mL/kg/day. No pts have developed anti-VEGF Trap antibodies. Conclusions: VEGF Trap may be safely combined with FOLFOX4 at the dose levels studied. Preliminary free VEGF Trap clearance did not differ significantly from that seen with single-agent exposure; chemotherapy PK analysis is pending. The maximum tolerated dose has not yet been reached, and dose escalation continues. Updated safety, pharmacokinetic, and preliminary efficacy results from this ongoing study will be presented.

[Table: see text]

A phase I trial of bexarotene, a retinoid X receptor agonist, in relapsed or refractory non-M3 acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

6567

Background: In vitro, bexarotene inhibits the proliferation of non-M3 AML cell lines and induces differentiation of leukemic blasts. This phase I study was designed to evaluate the safety of escalating doses of bexarotene in patients with relapsed or refractory non-M3 AML. Methods: Bexarotene was administered orally daily until disease progression occurred. Five dose levels ranging from 100 to 300 mg/m2 were planned. Dose escalation occurred in cohorts of 3–6 patients based on dose-limiting toxicity. Results: Fourteen patients have been enrolled in 4 dose cohorts (100–250 mg/m2) with enrollment demographics: 8M/6F, median age 63 (range 51–76), 6 prior MDS, 6 primary refractory, median number of induction attempts 2, prior autologous stem cell transplant 4, 14 blood transfusion dependent, 12 platelet transfusion dependent, and 12 neutropenic. Two patients developed hypothyroidism. Despite prophylactic use of antihyperlipidemic agents, 4 patients developed grade 2 or 3 hypertriglyceridemia. Two patients developed a syndrome reminiscent of retinoic acid syndrome, consisting of dyspnea/hypoxia, pleural/pericardial effusions, weight gain/edema and dry cough in the setting of a rapidly rising neutrophil count. This syndrome resolved within 48 hours of stopping bexarotene and initiating steroids. One patient had a WBC rise from 1.7×103/μL (ANC 1,037/μL, 18% blasts) pre-bexarotene to 23.9×103/μL (ANC 19,368/μL, 3% blasts) during this syndrome. Flow cell sorted peripheral blood neutrophils all contained this patient’s original t(8;21) by FISH, suggesting differentiation of the leukemic blasts. Bone marrow blasts decreased to ≤5% in two patients. Three platelet transfusion dependent patients had increases in their platelet counts to a peak count of 40–292×103/μL on bexarotene. Conclusion: Daily oral bexarotene is well tolerated at the dose levels studied to date. Early evidence for activity has been seen as exemplified by improvement in platelet counts, decreased bone marrow blast counts, blast differentiation and possible retinoic acid syndrome. Patient enrollment is ongoing.

[Table: see text]

The predictive value of baseline fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) standardized uptake value (SUV) for overall survival in patients (pts) with locally advanced esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer

4062

Background: The predictive value of FDG-PET SUV in pts with esophageal and GEJ cancer has been subject of recent interest. The heterogeneity of disease stages and treatments made interpretation of reported data difficult.We evaluated the value of baseline FDG-PET SUV in a homogeneous patient (pt) population treated in a uniform fashion. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 71 pts with stages II-IVa esophageal and GEJ cancer treated on 2 phase 2 trials at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Data was collected on baseline pt and tumor characteristics, baseline SUV uptake, and outcomes. Results: All pts were treated with preoperative concurrent fluorouracil/cisplatin chemoradiotherapy (CRT); 69 pts proceeded to esophagectomy and 58 pts received additional postoperative adjuvant CRT. Median pt age was 60 (range 33–75) years, 86% were male, 89% had adenocarcinoma, 35%, 41% and 24% had stage II, III and IVa disease respectively. Pts have been followed for a median of 14 (range 3–50) months. All pts underwent a baseline FDG-PET scan with a mean primary site SUV of 8.9 (range 0–28.2). Pathological response (complete or partial) was achieved after induction CRT in 54% and was more likely in those with a baseline primary site SUV ≥ 7.3 (OR: 3.95, 1.43–10.9, P=0.008). Recurrence developed in 33 pts (46.5%) with distant metastases identified in 31 of these 33. The Kaplan-Meier 2-year projected overall survival for all 71 pts is 58% with a median of 31 months. Mortality was less in pts with baseline SUV ≥ 5.0 (HR: 0.44, 0.20–0.94, P = 0.033). After adjusting for clinical stage at diagnosis, tumor location and histology, baseline SUV ≥ 5 was still predictive of improved survival in multivariate analysis (HR: 0.35, 0.15–0.85, P = 0.02). Conclusions: In this retrospective analysis, esophageal and GEJ cancer pts with a higher baseline primary site SUV were more likely to respond to induction CRT and had better overall survival. This observation suggests that the subset of pts with more metabolically active tumor may derive greater benefit from multimodality treatments that include CRT. A prospectively designed trial would be required to confirm this hypothesis.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase 1 clinical trial of KOS-953 + bortezomib (BZ) in relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (MM)

3066

Background: KOS-953 (17-AAG in Cremophor) inhibits HSP90 chaperone function, resulting in disruption of protein complexes and proteasomal degradation. Single-agent 17-AAG is active in relapsed/refractory MM patients (pts) (ASH 2005 A#361), with a recommended dose ≥ 275 mg/m2. In vitro, BZ + KOS-953 show additive cytotoxicity of myeloma cells. Objectives: Define phase 2 dose of BZ+KOS-953 in pts with relapsed refractory MM. Determine PK of KOS-953 and its active metabolite. Evaluate proteasome inhibition in whole blood lysates and explore changes in intracellular signaling proteins in pt PBMCs and MM cells. Methods: Pts received BZ as IV bolus followed by 1-hour infusion KOS-953 twice weekly for 2 out of 3 weeks. Dose escalation occurred in a step-wise manner. PK and collection of surrogates are performed following the 1st and 4th infusion. Pts assessed for response by EBMT criteria. Results: 20 pts were enrolled in 4 cohorts: BZ+KOS-953 (mg/m2): 0.7+100 (n=3); 1.0+100 (n=3); 1.0+150 (n=8); and 1.3+150 (n=6), receiving a total of 103+ cycles (median 5 cycles; range <1 - 17). Demographics: 10F/10M; median age/KPS 64y/90; median # of prior regimens 4 (range 2–16); 75% prior BZ (5 with ≥2 prior BZ); 95% prior thalidomide; 15% prior lenalidomide; 70% prior SCT(s). DLT observed in Cohort 2 (n=1 grade 4 hepatotoxicity in a setting of congestive heart failure secondary to cardiac amyloidosis) and in Cohort 3 (n=1 pancreatitis). Other Grade 3–4 toxicity (1 each): thrombocytopenia with Herpes Zoster recurrence and pneumonia; septic thrombophlebitis. Drug-related toxicity (mild-to-moderate): diarrhea (n=8), fatigue (n=8), constipation (n=7), neuropathy (n=7), ↑AST (n=5), muscle cramps (n=5) and rash (n=4). PK similar to single-agent trial; stationary kinetics noted upon twice weekly dosing. 20S proteasome function (1.3 mg/m2, end of infusion): 50% decrease (similar to predicted values). Response was seen in 6 out of 12 BZ-refractory patients (1 nCR, 5 MR) and 3 out of 4 BZ-naïve pts (1 nCR, 2 MR). Conclusions: Dose escalation continues with no additive toxicity or PK interactions to date. Similar inhibition of the 20S proteasome is observed compared to BZ alone. Encouraging activity is seen in both BZ-naïve and BZ-refractory heavily pre-treated MM pts.

[Table: see text]

Validation of short term recall of mobile phone use for the Interphone study

AIM

To validate short term recall of mobile phone use within Interphone, an international collaborative case control study of tumours of the brain, acoustic nerve, and salivary glands related to mobile telephone use.

METHODS

Mobile phone use of 672 volunteers in 11 countries was recorded by operators or through the use of software modified phones, and compared to use recalled six months later using the Interphone study questionnaire. Agreement between recalled and actual phone use was analysed using both categorical and continuous measures of number and duration of phone calls.

RESULTS

Correlations between recalled and actual phone use were moderate to high (ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 across countries) and of the same order for number and duration of calls. The kappa statistic demonstrated fair to moderate agreement for both number and duration of calls (weighted kappa ranging from 0.20 to 0.60 across countries). On average, subjects underestimated the number of calls per month (geometric mean ratio of recalled to actual = 0.92, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.99), whereas duration of calls was overestimated (geometric mean ratio = 1.42, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.56). The ratio of recalled to actual use increased with level of use, showing underestimation in light users and overestimation in heavy users. There was substantial heterogeneity in this ratio between countries. Inter-individual variation was also large, and increased with level of use.

CONCLUSIONS

Volunteer subjects recalled their recent phone use with moderate systematic error and substantial random error. This large random error can be expected to reduce the power of the Interphone study to detect an increase in risk of brain, acoustic nerve, and parotid gland tumours with increasing mobile phone use, if one exists.

Tables for the selection of correct blood pressure cuff size based on self-reported height and weight and estimating equations for mid-arm circumference: data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

The purpose of this study was to develop practical prediction equations for estimating adult mid-arm circumference (AC) using self-reported height and weight data from NHANES III 1988-1994 and NHANES 1999-2000. Both surveys used a complex sample design to obtain nationally representative data for the US civilian noninstitutionalized population. The analytic sample consisted of 4801 men and 4854 women in NHANES III and 1960 men and 2180 women from NHANES 1999-2000. Self-reported weight, height, and age data from NHANES III were used for model building, and similar data from NHANES 1999-2000 were used for validation. An all-possible regressions procedure by gender was used to derive the mid-AC prediction equations. The final prediction equations for adult mid-AC are (for self-reported weight in pounds and height in inches) for men: AC (cm) = 32.52145 + 0.10975 x (wt)-0.26057 x (ht)-0.03028 x (age), R2 = 0.76; and for women: AC (cm) = 30.22126 + 0.13534 x (wt)-0.34121 x (ht) + 0.09014 x (age)-0.00082565 x (age2), R2 = 0.81. Based on these equations, tables were created to predict mid-AC using self-reported height and weight. Clinicians can refer to our prediction equations and reference tables to determine mid-AC and proper BP cuff sizes.

US demographic trends in mid-arm circumference and recommended blood pressure cuffs: 1988–2002

Mid-arm circumference (AC) measurement is a prerequisite for the selection of properly sized blood pressure (BP) cuffs and accurate BP readings. This study examined trends in the frequency distribution of mid-AC and corresponding recommended BP cuff sizes using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988-1994) and NHANES 1999-2002 data. Both surveys used a complex sample design to obtain nationally representative samples of the civilian noninstitutionalized US population. The sample consisted of 7453 men and 8372 women from NHANES III and 4295 men and 4838 women from NHANES 1999-2002. Mean mid-AC (cm) and associated American Heart Association-defined cuff sizes were assessed. Variables were analysed by gender, age, race/ethnicity, and by hypertension or diabetic co-morbidity. Mid-AC increased significantly between surveys for all age groups; the greatest increase in mid-AC occurred in the 20-39 year age group. Data from NHANES 1992-2002 show that among nonHispanic white and nonHispanic black men aged 20-59 years, the mean mid-AC was >34 cm. Among NHB women aged 40 years and above, the mean mid-AC was greater than or equal to 34 cm. In all, 42% of all men and 26% of all women aged 40-59 years required large BP cuffs. In all, 39% of individuals classified as hypertensive and 47% of self-reported diabetics required a BP cuff greater than the standard adult size. In conclusion, mean mid-AC has increased across many demographic subgroups in the US with implications for the accuracy of BP measurement in clinical practice.

A single-centre assessment of long-term quality-of-life status after sibling allogeneic stem cell transplantation for chronic myeloid leukaemia in first chronic phase

A total of 75 patients underwent sibling allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for chronic myeloid leukaemia in first chronic phase from 1984 to 2000. Of these patients, 51 (68%) were alive at a median follow-up of 98 months (range 34-217 months). Nine (18%) patients relapsed and seven (14%) received donor lymphocyte transfusions. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed cross-sectionally using the EORTC QLQ-C30, a Leukaemia-BMT-specific module and questionnaires on sexual functioning, fertility and late effects. A total of 46 (90%) replied. Scores for Role (P=0.018) and Cognitive (P<0.001) function were significantly lower when compared to an age-adjusted general population. Dyspnoea (P=0.022) and Financial Difficulties (P<0.001) were significantly more common in the SCT group. No difference was found for scores in the Physical, Emotional and Social domains or the overall Global Health Status/QoL. Decreased sexual functioning was found in one-third of respondents. Although most BMT recipients reported a good QoL, a minority have difficulty with reintegration into professional roles and consequent monetary problems. Identified cognitive and sexual impairments highlight the need for long-term access to psychosocial support.

A study of radiotherapy modalities combined with continuous 5-FU infusion for locally advanced gastrointestinal malignancies

AIM

We describe the feasibility of combining infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT).

METHODS

Patients with surgically resectable locally advanced gastrointestinal cancers were treated concurrently during surgery with IORT and a 72 h infusion of 5-FU. Patients without previous external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) were subsequently treated with EBRT (40-50Gy) concurrent with a 21-day continuous infusion of 5-FU. Pancreatic, gastric, duodenal, ampullary, recurrent colorectal, and recurrent anal cancer were included.

RESULTS

During IORT/5-FU, no chemotherapy-related grade III or IV hematologic or gastrointestinal toxicity was noted. Post-surgical recovery or wound healing was not affected. One of nine patients who received post-operative radiation required a treatment break. During follow-up, there were more complications in patients with pelvic tumours, especially those with previous radiation. Nine patients have had local and/or local regional recurrences, two of these in the IORT field.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with a combination of IORT and 5-FU followed by EBRT and 5-FU is feasible. However, long-term complications may be increased in previously irradiated recurrent pelvic tumours.

Ischaemia–reperfusion is an event triggered by immune complexes and complement

Background

Reperfusion injury is a common clinical problem that lacks effective therapy. Two decades of research implicating oxygen free radicals and neutrophils has not led to a single successful clinical trial.

Methods

The aim was to review new clinical and preclinical data pertaining to the alleviation of reperfusion injury. A review of the literature was undertaken by searching the MEDLINE database for the period 1966–2003 without language restrictions.

Results and conclusion

Evidence now points to complement and immune complexes as critical players in mediating reperfusion injury. Ischaemia is postulated to induce a phenotypical cellular change through the surface expression of a neoantigen. Preformed circulating natural IgM antibodies are then trapped and complement is activated. Final events leading to reperfusion injury include formation of the membrane attack complex and mast cell degranulation.

A model for co-expression pattern analysis of genes implicated in angiogenesis and tumour cell invasion in cervical cancer

To date, numerous genes have been identified which are involved in both tumour neovascularisation (angiogenesis) and tumour cell invasion, and most of them are also expressed to some extent under normal physiological conditions. However, little is known about how these genes co-express in these settings. This study was undertaken to quantitate mRNA levels in normal and malignant cervical tissues of nine selected genes (VEGF(121), VEGF(165), VEGF(189), VEGF-C, eIF-4E, b-FGF, TSP-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9) implicated in the above processes using real-time quantitative RT-PCR. In addition, the Spearman's rank correlation was used to determine their co-expression patterns. The transcript levels for the different VEGF-A splice variants (VEGF(121), VEGF(165), VEGF(189)) were at least 10-fold higher in the cancer cases, with the highest levels in the primary tumours demonstrating lympho-vascular space involvement. The lymphangiogenic factor VEGF-C and MMP-9 were upregulated 130- and 80-fold respectively in cervical cancers. The highest levels of VEGF-C mRNA were found in the lymph-node positive group. The transcript levels for b-FGF were similar in normal cervical tissue and early-stage cervical cancer, however, higher levels were found in the cervical cancers with advanced stage disease. Comparing gene transcript levels between recurrent and non-recurrent cervical cancer patients revealed significant differences (P=0.038) in transcript levels for the angiogenesis inhibitor TSP-2, with the highest levels in non-recurrent cases. Co-expression pattern analysis in normal cervical tissue revealed highly significant co-expressions (P<0.0001) between TSP-2 and most other genes analysed (VEGF(121), VEGF(165), VEGF-C, b-FGF and MMP-2). In cervical cancer, TSP-2 appears only to be highly co-expressed with MMP-2 (P<0.0001). In contrast to normal cervical tissue, we found a highly significant co-expression (P<0.0001) between MMP-9 and VEGF(189) in cervical cancer. The combined application of real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Spearman's rank correlation identifies gene transcripts which are simultaneously co-expressed. Our results revealed a significant co-expression between the angiogenesis inhibitor TSP-2 and most other genes analysed in normal cervical tissue. In cervical cancer, we found a strong upregulation of VEGF-C and MMP-9 mRNA, with a highly significant co-expression between MMP-9 and VEGF(189).