Women's experience of using the Mooncup

The Mooncup is a menstrual cup that is an alternative to conventional sanitary protection. We aimed to determine whether the Mooncup is tolerated by asking 53 healthy female volunteers to record the frequency of changing sanitary protection and leakage over three menstrual cycles with regular sanitary protection and three cycles with the Mooncup. We measured the frequency of leakage and changing the Mooncup along with acceptability of the Mooncup. A total of 126 baseline cycles and 71 cycles with the Mooncup were recorded. The Mooncup leaked 0.5 times less frequently and required to be changed 2.8 times less frequently, on average, during one menstrual period than regular sanitary protection. Of the participants, 55% will carry on using the Mooncup for sanitary protection. Thus, we have concluded that, the Mooncup is acceptable for most women but could not be used for the objective measurement of menstrual blood loss because of the leakage that did occur.

E4201: Randomized phase II study of gemcitabine in combination with radiation therapy versus gemcitabine alone in patients with locally advanced, unresectable, pancreatic cancer (LAPC): Quality-of-life (QOL) analysis

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Background: E4201 compared radiation and gemcitabine (RT+Gem) versus Gem alone in LAPC. The primary endpoint was overall survival; secondary objectives included: objective response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), toxicity and QOL. We previously reported that RT+Gem was associated with improved overall survival compared with Gem alone [median survival time, 11 months and 9.2 months, respectively; p=0.034], without impact in RR or PFS. (ASCO 2008, abstract # 4506). We now report on QOL as measured by the Hep subscale from the FACT-Hepatobiliary [FACT-Hep] between both arms. Methods: Eligible patients had LAPC adenocarcinoma, PS <2, without prior therapy. They were randomized to Arm A: Gem alone (1,000 mg/m2/week x 3, every 4 weeks, 7 cycles), or Arm B: RT (50.4Gy/28 fractions) plus Gem (600 mg/m2/weekly x 6) followed by 5 cycles of Gem alone (1,000 mg/m2/weekly x 3 every 4 wks). The FACT-Hep was administered at baseline (before starting induction), 6 weeks (immediately after completing induction), week 16 (Arm A) or week 15 (Arm B) mid-consolidation, and at 9 months. Results: From April, 2003 to December, 2005, 74 patients were enrolled, 71 were eligible [37 Arm A; 34 Arm B]. Grade ≥3 was reported in 80% and 82.4% in ARM A and B, respectively (p=1.00). Grade IV toxicities, mainly gastrointestinal and hematologic, were more common in ARM B (41.2% vs 5.7%, p=<0.0001). QOL compliance declined over time, most commonly attributable to either patients or staff choosing not to complete or administer the instrument due to declining health (96%, 69%, 60%, and 40% at baseline, week 6, 15/16 weeks and 9 months, respectively). Within Arm B, QoL scores dropped significantly from baseline to 6 weeks. By week 15, QoL scores for patients on Arm B rebounded to levels similar to baseline. Two-sided Wilcoxon rank sum tests failed to suggest differences in median FACT-Hep subscale score between treatment arms at any of the four time-points (alpha = 0.10). Conclusions: RT+Gem is associated with an overall survival benefit without apparent long term adverse impact on QOL when compared with Gem alone.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Outcome prediction based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair paths in patients (pts) with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) treated with preoperative (preop) cisplatin (C)-based chemoradiation (CRT): Results from the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)

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Background: EAC has eluded cure even with platin-based CRT. Stratifying pts by likelihood of success is one approach to improving outcomes. We assessed whether SNPs in DNA repair paths are associated with complete pathologic response (pCR) in EAC pts who received C-based CRT followed by surgery. Methods: Patients and specimens: Pretreatment biopsy or post-CRT resection samples were obtained from pts (EAC, stage II-IVa) treated on a randomized phase II trial, E1201 (n=86), of preop CRT (RT to 45 Gy). Arm A: Preop C 30 mg/m2 + irinotecan (I) 50 mg/m2 days (d) 1, 8, 22, 29 with RT. Post-op C 30 mg/m2 + I 65 mg/m2 d 1, 8 q21 days x 3. Arm B: Preop C 30 mg/m2 + paclitaxel (P) 50 mg/m2 d 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 with RT. Post-op C 75 mg/m2 + P 175 mg/m2 d 1 q21 days x 3. Clinical outcome - pCR: (A) 14% [95% CI 5.5%, 28.5%]; (B) 16% [95% CI 6.7%, 30.1%]. Median overall survival (OS): (A) 34.9 m (months) [90% CI 23.5, not reached]; (B) 20.9 m [90% CI 17.4, 46.7]. Experimental procedure: Normal tissue was microdissected from unstained sections of paraffin-embedded tissue. DNA was extracted (Qiagen). Genotyping was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (Sequenom) for all SNPs. Each SNP was dichotomized a priori into: (1) major homozygote vs (2) minor (heterozygote plus minor homozygote) allele groups. Data analysis was performed centrally, with lab investigators blinded to clinical data. Exact logistic regression was used to derive ORs for non-pCR, using the major homozygote as the reference (2-sided p values). Results: Germline DNA was available in 68 pts; 60 were eligible and began therapy ( Table ). Conclusions: In this homogenous, well-defined cohort, the XRCC1 Arg399Gln minor allele group was associated with lower pCR (p=0.06). Lab data on a panel of additional SNPs have been collected and are under analysis for presentation at the meeting.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

Association of arytenoid chondritis with equine lymphocyte antigens but no association with laryngeal hemiplegia, umbilical hernias and cryptorchidism

Associations were sought between ELA A1-A10 and W11 antigens and the presence of laryngeal hemiplegia, arytenoid chondritis, umbilical hernias and cryptorchidism in Thoroughbreds and/or Quarter Horses. No significant associations were detected between laryngeal hemiplegia and any ELA antigen in Thoroughbreds. The association between arytenoid chondritis and A9 was significant with a relative risk (RR) of 15.6 and aetiologic fraction (EF) of 0.80 in Thoroughbreds. There were apparent associations based on RR between A4 and A5 in Quarter Horses with umbilical hernias (RR = 7.5 and 6.1 respectively); however, these were not statistically significant. No significant associations were detected with cryptorchidism in Quarter Horses when the control population included both sexes. When only unaffected males were used as the control group, there was an apparent increase in relative risk with A6 (from RR = 1.7 to 4.3); however this was not statistically significant. Cryptorchidism in Thoroughbreds showed an increased relative risk with A5 regardless of whether the control population included males and females (RR = 4.1) or only males (RR = 4.7) but the increases were not statistically significant.

International Bordetella pertussis assay standardization and harmonization meeting report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 19-20 July 2007

An international meeting on Bordetella pertussis assay standardization and harmonization was held at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, 19–20 July 2007. The goal of the meeting was to harmonize the immunoassays used for pertussis diagnostics and vaccine evaluation, as agreed upon by academic and government researchers, regulatory authorities, vaccine manufacturers, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The primary objectives were (1) to provide epidemiologic, laboratory, and statistical background for support of global harmonization; (2) to overview the current status of global epidemiology, pathogenesis and immunology of pertussis; (3) to develop a consensus opinion on existing gaps in understanding standardization of pertussis assays used for serodiagnosis and vaccine evaluation; and (4) to search for a multicenter process for addressing these priority gaps. Presentations and discussions by content experts addressed these objectives. A prioritized list of action items to improve standardization and harmonization of pertussis assays was identified during a group discussion at the end of the meeting. The major items included: (1) to identify a group that will organize, prepare, maintain, and distribute proficiency panels and key reagents such as reference and control sera; (2) to encourage the development and identification of one or more reference laboratories that can serve as an anchor and resource for other laboratories; (3) to define a performance-based assay method that can serve as a reference point for evaluating laboratory differences; (4) to develop guidance on quality of other reagents, e.g., pertussis toxin and other antigens, and methods to demonstrate their suitability; (5) to establish an international working group to harmonize the criteria to evaluate the results obtained on reference and proficiency panel sera; (6) to create an inventory to determine the amount of appropriate and well-characterized sera that are available globally to be used as bridging reagents for vaccine licensure; and (7) to seek specific guidance from regulatory authorities regarding the expectations and requirements for the licensure of new multicomponent pertussis vaccines.

Functional characterization of TIP60 sumoylation in UV-irradiated DNA damage response

The histone acetyltransferase TIP60 regulates the DNA damage response following genotoxic stress by acetylating histone and remodeling chromatin. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the TIP60-dependent response to UV-induced DNA damage remain poorly understood. To systematically analyse proteins that regulate TIP60 activity in response to UV irradiation, we performed a proteomic analysis of proteins selectively bound to TIP60 in response to UV irradiation using mass spectrometry and identified a novel regulatory mechanism by which TIP60 orchestrates transcriptional activation of p53-dependent checkpoint response in UV-irradiated cells. The initial step of this pathway involves UV-induced association of TIP60 with SUMO-conjugation enzymes and site-specific sumoylation of TIP60 at lysines 430 and 451 via Ubc9. This sumoylation initiates the relocation of TIP60 from nucleoplasm to the promyelocytic leukemia body, which is essential for the UV-irradiated DNA damage repair response via a p53-dependent pathway. Significantly, inhibition of TIP60 sumoylation by overexpression of non-sumoylatable mutant abrogates the p53-dependent DNA damage response, demonstrating the importance of TIP60 sumoylation in response to UV irradiation. Our biochemical characterization demonstrated that the sumoylation of TIP60 augments its acetyltransferase activity in vitro and in vivo. Thus, this study shed new light on the function and regulation of TIP60 activity in UV-irradiated DNA damage response.

Phase II trial of irinotecan/docetaxel for advanced pancreatic cancer with randomization between irinotecan/docetaxel and irinotecan/docetaxel plus C225, a monoclonal antibody to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-r) : Eastern Cooperative Oncology

4519

Background: Gemcitabine (G) is standard for metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC), with median survivals of 6 months (m). Second cytotoxic or biologic agents do not substantially advance survival. EGFR is expressed on PC and a phase II trial of G plus cetuximab (C) resulted in favorable 1 year survival. A phase II trial of irinotecan/docetaxel (I/D) chemotherapy reported a median survival for metastatic patients (pts) of 9 m. We conducted this randomized phase II trial to confirm the activity of this non-G regimen, and determine whether combining it with C was feasible and active. The primary endpoint was response. Methods: Pts required histologic confirmation of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, evidence of distant metastases, ECOG PS 0–1, normal bilirubin, written informed consent, and were randomly assigned to Arm A (N=47) or B (N=45). Imaging with CT or MR within 4 weeks (wk) was used for tumor measurement. Dexamethasone was given 12 hours (h), 1 h before and 12 h after chemotherapy. Pts on Arm A received D 35 mg/m2 over 1 h and I 35 mg/m2 over 30 minutes weekly x 4 in a 6 wk cycle. Pts on Arm B received the same therapy, but C (loading dose 400 mg/m2 wk 1, 250 mg/m2 weekly thereafter) was given before D. Pts not receiving therapeutic anticoagulation received enoxaparin 40 mg per day. Pts were restaged (RECIST) after 2 cycles. Results: Median age Arm A: 59.9, Arm B: 60.2 years. Arm A 55% male, 32% PS 0, 97% EGFR immuno+. Arm B 84% male, 42% PS 0, 97% EGFR +. Median number of cycles for each arm 2 (1 -10). >4 cycles were delivered to 10.5% of pts Arm A, 20.9% Arm B. Grade ¾ neutropenia 26% Arm A, 33% Arm B. Grade 3 nausea 28% Arm A, 18% Arm B; Grade ¾ diarrhea 33% Arm A, 44.4% Arm B. 1 treatment-related death per arm. Median overall survival (OS), with 70.2% of pts known to have died, 6.5m [(95% CI (4.8, 8.6)] in Arm A. With 86.7% of pts known to have died in Arm B, OS 7.4 m [95% CI (4.4, 10.7)]. Response/progression data will be available at time of presentation. Conclusions: Weekly I/D ± C is associated with high rates of grade ¾ neutropenia/diarrhea. Median survival is 6.5m for I/D and 7.4m for I/D/C. Non-G containing therapy is active in metastatic PC.

[Table: see text]

Entering a Clinical Trial: Is It Right For You?–A randomized study of the Clinical Trials Video and its impact on the informed consent process

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Background: In an effort to improve the informed consent process for subjects considering participation in a clinical trial, we created an educational video: “Entering a Clinical Trial: Is it Right for You?” In this randomized study, we assessed the effect of the video on patients’ understanding and perceptions of clinical trials. We also assessed patient satisfaction with the video and how the video impacted decision-making and patient-provider communication. Methods: We recruited 90 adults considering cancer clinical trials of whom 77 participated. After discussing the trial with the physician and reading the trial consent form, patients were randomized to receive (n=38) or not receive (n=39) the study video. Using a validated questionnaire, we interviewed subjects to assess objective understanding of the trial, our primary endpoint, and self-reported understanding of clinical trials. All subjects completed a second interview assessing secondary endpoints, including patient-provider communication, satisfaction with video, and decision-making. We used linear regression (two-sided tests) to conduct the primary analysis and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and descriptive statistics to analyze the secondary aims. Results: Neither objective nor self-reported understanding of clinical trials differed between the two groups (Mean 86.5 vs. 87, p=0.75). 85% (61/72) indicated the video was an important source of information about clinical trials; 89% of those who watched the video with their family/friends (n=37) said the video helped loved ones better understand clinical trials; 73% indicated it helped their family accept their decision about participation. 81% (58/72) felt better prepared to discuss the trial with their physician after watching the video. Of those who found the video helpful with decision- making, 80% (21/26) were considering a trial for the first time compared with 19% (5/26) veterans who had previously participated in a clinical trial. Conclusions: The video did not measurably improve subjects’ understanding of their clinical trials. However, subjects reported that the video was an important source of information, helped them educate their families, and enhanced patient-provider communication.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Hyperbaric oxygen pre-breathe modifies the outcome of decompression sickness

Deep sea divers, aviators and astronauts are at risk of decompression sickness when the ambient pressure reductions exceed a critical threshold. Venous bubbles associated with decompression sickness have the potential to react with the vascular membrane and adjacent blood products, eliciting an inflammatory cascade. Preventive measures usually involve careful decompression procedures to avoid or reduce bubble formation. De-nitrogenation with 100% oxygen pre-breathing as a preventive measure has been well established at least in altitude decompression exposures. The objective of this study was to determine the physiological and biochemical effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Pre-breathe (HBOP) upon decompression from a hyperbaric exposure. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of eight groups. Two experimental groups received HBOP at 1 and 18 hours prior to decompression, as compared with ground level oxygen or non-treated groups that still experienced decompression stress, and the associated non-decompressed controls. The results showed decreased extravascular lung water (pulmonary edema), bronchoalveolar lavage and pleural protein and arterial, broncho-alveolar lavage, and urine leukotriene E4 (LKE4) levels in both the 1Hr and 18Hr HBOP decompressed rats compared to non-oxygenated decompressed rats, as well as a decreased overall expression of signs of decompression sickness. This study indicates that HBOP-treated rats exhibit fewer signs and complications of decompression sickness compared with non-treated or ground level oxygen treated rats.

Quantitative and morphological assessment of early gestational sacs using three-dimensional ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE

Our main objective was to determine the value of three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) and Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) in the evaluation of gestational sac volume and morphology during early pregnancy.

METHODS

Twenty-eight normal early pregnancies were scanned approximately every 2 weeks using transabdominal (TAS) and transvaginal (TVS) sonography. The VOCAL technique was used to create computerized surface models to classify gestational sac shapes as discoid or ellipsoid. Serial sac volume changes were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Bland-Altman plots determined examiner bias and limits of agreement (LOA) for sac volume measurements. Gestational sac volumes were compared between the two-dimensional (2D) ellipsoid and VOCAL techniques. Differences between volume measurements were tested using the two-tailed paired t-test with statistical significance at the P < 0.05 level.

RESULTS

Each subject was examined at a mean +/- SD menstrual age of 7.9 +/- 0.6 weeks (Scan 1), 9.9 +/- 0.6 weeks (Scan 2), and 11.9 +/- 0.6 weeks (Scan 3). Sac volumes significantly increased over time from 22 +/- 11 mL at Scan 1, to 57 +/- 21 mL at Scan 2 and 116 +/- 35 mL at Scan 3 (P < 0.001). Predominant sac shapes were classified as ellipsoid (76.2%) or discoid (23.8%). Additional descriptors included: concave (60.7%), irregular (53.6%), or smooth (7.1%), with 19% of the overall group having more than one additional shape attribute. Clinically acceptable volume measurement bias and agreement were found for the following comparisons: (1) TAS versus TVS; (2) interobserver volume measurements; and (3) intraobserver volume measurements. The VOCAL technique yielded slightly greater sac volumes (64 +/- 45.4 mL) when compared to the 2D ellipsoid model (48.6 +/- 36.8 mL) (28.9 +/- 24.3% (95% limit of agreement range, - 18.7 to 76.5%), P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Reproducible sac volume measurements can be obtained using VOCAL with either TAS or TVS. Early gestational sacs variably appear as discoid or ellipsoid structures with a concave indentation from the placenta. Sac volumes can be underestimated if an ellipsoid shape is assumed. Morphological and quantitative analysis of the gestational sac may provide baseline parameters for studying patients at risk for early pregnancy failure.

Impact of patient and physician factors on oncologists’ recommendations for adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colon cancer

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Background: Population-based studies indicate that elderly patients with colon cancer are less likely to receive adjuvant therapy (tx). Lack of tx may reflect patient preference, appropriate consideration of comorbid illness, or physician bias. Methods: To study physician preference for tx of elderly patients with colon cancer, a vignette-based survey was developed then mailed to a nationally representative sample of 1,000 oncologists. Patient age (61/72/83 yrs), comorbidity level (none/mild/severe CHF with symptoms on minimal exertion) and preference were varied across 8 vignettes. Physician preference for recommending tx was measured using a 7-pt Likert scale; mixed effects linear regression was used to evaluate the results. Results: 485 oncologists returned the survey (RR = 49%); 363 that had seen patients with colon cancer during the previous year were included in further analyses. Median age of the respondents was 52 (range 30–77), 73 (20%) were women. Median time since graduation from medical school was 25 yrs (range 5–53); 17% were employed in academic centers, 8% in HMOs and the remainder in the community. Patient age and comorbid illness interacted to significantly influence physician recommendations. Among patients with mild comorbidity, physician preference for tx of an 83 yr old patient was 1.1 lower than for a 72 yr old (3.8 vs 4.9 on a 7-pt Likert scale) and 1.7 lower than for a 61 yr old (each p<0.0001). This age effect was similar among patients with no comorbidity (p=0.30), with physicians’ preferences consistently higher by about 1.5 than for patients with mild comorbidity (p<0.0001). Among patients with severe comorbidity, preference for tx of an 83 yr old was only 0.9 lower than for a 61 yr old patient (p<0.0001), whereas the decrease was 2.6 for a 61 yr old with severe vs mild comorbidity. Patient preference against tx resulted in 0.3 (p<.0001) decrease in physicians’ recommendations for tx. Among physician factors, only type of employment was associated with tx recommendations with a 0.3 decrease in preference for tx (p=0.0014) among academic oncologists. Conclusions: Patient rather than physician factors have the greatest effect on oncologists’ preferences for adjuvant tx with age and severe comorbidity having the strongest effect.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.