MICRODOSIMETRIC APPLICATIONS IN PROTON AND HEAVY ION THERAPY USING SILICON MICRODOSIMETERS

Using the CMRP 'bridge' μ+ probe, microdosimetric measurements were undertaken out-of-field using a therapeutic scanning proton pencil beam and in-field using a 12C ion therapy field. These measurements were undertaken at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA and at HIMAC, Chiba, Japan, respectively. For a typical proton field used in the treatment of deep-seated tumors, we observed dose-equivalent values ranging from 0.62 to 0.99 mSv/Gy at locations downstream of the distal edge. Lateral measurements at depths close to the entrance and along the SOBP plateau were found to reach maximum values of 3.1 mSv/Gy and 5.3 mSv/Gy at 10 mm from the field edge, respectively, and decreased to ~0.04 mSv/Gy 120 mm from the field edge. The ability to measure the dose-equivalent with high spatial resolution is particularly relevant to healthy tissue dose calculations in hadron therapy treatments. We have also shown qualitatively and quantitively the effects critical organ motion would have in treatment using microdosimetric spectra. Large differences in spectra and RBE10 were observed for treatments where miscalculations of 12C ion range would result in critical structures being irradiated, showing the importance of motion management.

Detection of circulating tumour cell clusters in human glioblastoma

Human glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive, invasive and hypervascularised malignant brain cancer. Individual circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are sporadically found in GBM patients, yet it is unclear whether multicellular CTC clusters are generated in this disease and whether they can bypass the physical hurdle of the blood-brain barrier.  Here, we assessed CTC presence and composition at multiple time points in 13 patients with progressing GBM during an open-label phase 1/2a study with the microtubule inhibitor BAL101553. We observe CTC clusters ranging from 2 to 23 cells and present at multiple sampling time points in a GBM patient with pleomorphism and extensive necrosis, throughout disease progression. Exome sequencing of GBM CTC clusters highlights variants in 58 cancer-associated genes including ATM, PMS2, POLE, APC, XPO1, TFRC, JAK2, ERBB4 and ALK. Together, our findings represent the first evidence of the presence of CTC clusters in GBM.

Correlation between gonial angle and dynamic tongue collapse in children with snoring/sleep disordered breathing - an exploratory pilot study

BACKGROUND

Drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is hoped to identify reasons of failure of adenotonsillectomy (AT) in treating pediatric sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Maxillomandibular disproportion has been studied as another association which may explain alternative pathogenesis of SDB. We aimed to explore the relation between the size of the gonial angle and inclination of the epiglottis measured from cone beam CT (CBCT) and tongue base collapse based on DISE in children with SDB.

METHOD

A retrospective chart review was conducted at a tertiary pediatric center. Children (6-17 years old) assessed at a multi-disciplinary Upper Airway Clinic, diagnosed with SDB and maxillo-mandibular disproportion (MMD), and who underwent DISE were eligible. Variables obtained from the electronic medical records of the clinic and prospective database included demographics, comorbidities, surgeries performed, investigations, DISE findings and CBCT findings. The gonial angle of subjects with and without tongue base collapse (TBC) on SNP were compared.

RESULTS

In total 29 patients (13 male, 8 female) age 6-17 (median= 9) were eligible for the study from January 2009 - July 2016. We included 11 subjects, and 10 comparators. The mean gonial angle of the TBC group was 139.3°± 7.6°, while that of the comparison group was 129.4°±3.5 (mean difference -9.937, 95% CI of -15.454 to - 4.421, P = 0.001, power of test 0.95). Additionally, the mean inclination of the epiglottis had a mild positive correlation (r=0.32, p<0.05) with the gonial angle, in the whole cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study suggests that TBC may be mediated by a wider gonial angle in children with SDB patients. The posterior tilt of the epiglottis on CBCT may be a surrogate sign of TBC.

Completing the cervical screening pathway: Factors that facilitate the increase of self-collection uptake among under-screened and never-screened women, an Australian pilot study

Objectives

To examine factors that enhance under-screened and never-screened women's completion of the self-collection alternative pathway of the Renewed National Cervical Screening Program (ncsp) in Victoria, Australia.

Background

With the Australian ncsp changing, starting on 1 December 2017, the Medical Services Advisory Committee (msac) recommended implementing human papillomavirus (hpv) testing using a self-collected sample for under-screened and never-screened populations. In response, a multi-agency group implemented an hpv self-collection pilot project to trial self-collection screening pathways for eligible women.

Methods

Quantitative data were collected on participation rates and compliance rates with follow-up procedures across three primary health care settings. Forty women who self-collected were interviewed in a semi-structured format, and seven agency staff completed in-depth interviews. Qualitative data were used to identify and understand clinical and personal enablers that assisted women to complete self-collection cervical screening pathways successfully.

Results

Eighty-five per cent (10 women) of participants who tested positive for hpv successfully received their results and completed follow-up procedures as required. Two remaining participants also received hpv-positive results. However, agencies were unable to engage them in follow-up services and procedures. The overall participation rate in screening (self-collection or Pap test) was 85.7% (84 women), with 79 women self-collecting. Qualitative data indicated that clear explanations on self-collection, development of trusting, empathetic relationships with health professionals, and recognition of participants' past experiences were critical to the successful completion of the self-collection pathway. When asked about possible inhibitors to screening and to following up on results and appointments, women cited poor physical and mental health, as well as financial and other structural barriers.

Conclusion

A well-implemented process, led by trusted, knowledgeable, and engaged health care professionals who can provide appropriate support and information, can assist under-screened and never-screened women to complete the hpv self-collection pathway successfully.

Self-collection for under-screened women in a National Cervical Screening Program: pilot study

BACKGROUND

Commencing 1 December 2017, Australia introduced human papillomavirus (hpv)-based cervical screening. As part of this Australian renewed National Cervical Screening Program (ncsp) women who are either never- or under-screened and who refuse a practitioner collected sample will be able to collect their own sample for cervical screening. The aim of this study is to examine the quantitative results of a pilot study into the acceptability of the self-collection alternative pathway.

METHODS

Eligible participants were offered the opportunity to collect their own sample. Those who agreed were given a flocked swab and an instruction sheet and took their own sample in an area of the health care clinic that afforded them adequate privacy. These samples were then given to clinic staff who returned them to Victorian Cytology Service (vcs) Pathology for hpv nucleic acid testing.

RESULTS

Of 98 eligible women, seventy-nine undertook self-collection for hpv-based cervical screening. Seventy-seven produced valid results, 14 were positive for oncogenic hpv, with 10 undertaking follow-up. Three women were found to have cervical squamous abnormalities with two of those being high-grade intraepithelial squamous lesions.

CONCLUSION

The pilot study for self-collection for cervical screening produced quantitative data that were similar to that already reported in the literature, but had a much higher rate of acceptance compared with self-collection programs based in the home.

Utilisation of anti-TNF levels in a UK tertiary IBD centre

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain how anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) drug and anti-drug antibody levels testing is used in a 'real-world' setting to optimise inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected patient data.

SETTING

Tertiary IBD centre in London, UK.

PATIENTS

All patients at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals on anti-TNF who had levels measured between the start of testing in 2012 and October 2014.

INTERVENTIONS

Anti-TNF drug and anti-drug antibody levels as part of routine monitoring.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Indication for measuring levels and changes in management made as a result of the levels.

RESULTS

330 infliximab levels were carried out in 199 patients and 143 adalimumab levels were carried out in 103 patients. Levels were primarily done in those with evidence of loss of response; 37% of infliximab levels and 52% of adalimumab levels. Levels resulted in a change in management in 26% of patients in infliximab group and 25% of patients in adalimumab group; however, this was greater in those with loss of response, 62% and 61% respectively. Anti-drug antibodies were detected in 7% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our early experience has demonstrated that measuring anti-TNF drug and anti-drug antibody levels can be useful in the optimisation of IBD management. In an increasing number of patients, particularly those with evidence of loss of response, it allows early decisions to be made regarding changing therapy. It also offers the potential for significant cost-saving by preventing pointless dose escalation in the context of therapeutic levels or when high-level anti-drug antibodies are present.

Phase 1/2a trial of daily oral BAL101553, a novel tumor checkpoint controller (TCC), in advanced solid tumors

2532

Background: BAL101553 (prodrug of BAL27862) is a small molecule TCC that binds microtubules and promotes tumor cell death by activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint. In a previous study (NCT01397929, Lopez et al. JCO 34, 2016; abstr 2525), 2-h IV infusion on Days 1, 8, 15 (q28d) of BAL101553 up to 80 mg/m2 (maximum administered dose, MAD) showed vascular toxicities, including transient hypertension, which appeared to be Cmax related. The recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) was 30 mg/m2 weekly IV. Based on nonclinical models, antiproliferative effects of BAL27862 are driven by AUC. This trial explores whether once daily oral administration of BAL101553 reduces Cmax-related toxicity and improves the therapeutic window (NCT02490800). Methods: Patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors who failed standard therapy, received QD oral BAL101553 (28-d cycles) in a 3+3 dose-escalation design to determine the MTD. Adverse events were assessed by CTCAEv4 grade (G); tumor response by RECIST 1.1; serial PK on Day 1 of Cycles 1 and 2. Results: In the ongoing study, 19 pts (9M/10F; median age 67 y) received doses of 2, 4, 8, 16 or 30 mg oral BAL101553 QD. The MAD was 30 mg with DLTs of reversible G2 hallucination and asymptomatic, reversible G3 electrolyte imbalances. No DLTs were observed at ≤ 16 mg. Dosing is ongoing between 16 and 30 mg QD to determine the MTD. BAL27862 exposures after oral QD dosing of BAL101553 compared to weekly 2-h infusions suggested high relative oral bioavailability. The BAL27862 weekly AUC at the oral MAD (30 mg QD) compared to the RP2D of 30 mg/m2 for 2-h IV was more than 5-fold higher (19,656 vs 3,584 ng*h/mL) and Cmax was 1.5-fold lower (171 vs 266 ng/mL). Both Cmaxand AUC were dose-proportional, with low/moderate variability. Oral BAL101553 had no effects on blood pressure and showed no vascular toxicity. 5 pts had stable disease (2 pts [cholangiocarcinoma, neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer] > 4 cycles). Conclusions: Daily oral BAL101553 enables higher weekly exposures of BAL27862 with lower Cmax levels compared with a 2-h weekly infusion, due to the absence of Cmax related vascular toxicity. Doses up to 16 mg QD are well tolerated. The MAD has been identified as 30 mg QD; definition of the MTD is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT02490800.

A phase I study to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and antitumor activities of daily oral BAL101553, a novel tumor checkpoint controller (TCC) in adult patients with progressive or recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) or high-grade glioma

TPS2601

Background: BAL101553 (prodrug of BAL27862) is a novel TCC that promotes tumor cell death by modulating the spindle assembly checkpoint. BAL27862 is a lipophilic, small molecule (MW 387) shown in rats to penetrate the brain (1:1 plasma ratio) and has shown promising antitumor activity in orthotopic preclinical models of GBM as monotherapy or in combination with radiotherapy (RT) with/without chemotherapy. In a completed Phase 1 study with 2-h IV infusions (Days 1, 8, 15, q28d, NCT01397929 , CDI-CS-001, Lopez et al. J Clin Oncol 34, 2016 suppl; 2525), dose-limiting vascular effects were observed and appeared Cmax related. Preclinical data suggest that antiproliferative effects of BAL101553/27862 are driven by exposure (AUC); thus vascular toxicity and antitumor activity are mediated by different PK drivers. In this ongoing study (NCT02490800, CDI-CS-002), daily oral BAL101553 was initially examined in solid-tumor patients; no vascular toxicities were observed at doses up to the MAD of 30 mg QD. Given this absence, the study was amended to enroll separate cohorts of patients with progressive or recurrent GBM or high-grade glioma. Methods: This is an ongoing multicenter, open-label, Phase 1 dose-escalation study using a 3+3 design to determine the MTD, characterize dose-limiting toxicities and assess the PK, PD and antitumor activities of daily oral administration of BAL101553 in consecutive 28-day cycles at a starting dose of 8 mg QD. Patients with histologically-confirmed GBM or high-grade glioma, with progressive or recurrent disease after prior RT with/without chemotherapy, are eligible for enrollment. This includes patients with histologically-confirmed low-grade glioma with unequivocal evidence by imaging of transformation to high-grade glioma. Adverse events are assessed using CTCAEv4; tumor response by RANO (every 2 cycles). The dose escalation allows for doubling of dose levels depending on observed toxicities. PD assessments include circulating tumor cells. PK profiles are assessed throughout the first two treatment cycles. Clinical trial information: NCT02490800.

A phase I study to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and antitumor activities of BAL101553, a novel tumor checkpoint controller (TCC), administered as 48-hour infusion in adult patients with advanced solid tumors

TPS2602

Background: BAL101553 (prodrug of BAL27862), is a novel TCC that promotes tumor cell death by modulating the spindle assembly checkpoint. BAL27862 has shown potent antitumor activity in diverse preclinical tumor models, including models refractory to standard therapies. In a completed Phase 1 study using 2-h IV infusions (Days 1, 8, 15, q28d, NCT01397929 , CDI-CS-001, Lopez et al. JCO 34, 2016 suppl; 2525) dose-limiting vascular effects were observed and appeared Cmax related. The recommended Phase 2 dose for 2-h IV BAL101553 is 30 mg/m2. Vascular toxicity was not observed in an ongoing study with oral BAL101553 (NCT02490800, CDI-CS-002) at daily doses up to 30 mg (QD). Preclinical data suggest that antiproliferative effects of BAL101553/27862 are driven by exposure (AUC); thus vascular toxicity and antitumor activity are mediated by different PK drivers. BAL27862 has a half-life of ~15 h. Based on PK-modeling, extending the infusion from 2 h to 48 h was expected to result in ~4-fold higher AUC at a given Cmaxlevel and thereby improve the therapeutic window. Methods: This is an ongoing multicenter, open-label, Phase 1 dose-escalation study (NCT02895360, CDI-CS-003/SAKK67/15) using a 3+3 design to determine the MTD, characterize dose-limiting toxicities and assess the PK, PD and antitumor activities of 48-h infusions of BAL101553 in consecutive 28-day cycles at a starting dose of 30 mg/m2 administered on Day 1, 8 and 15 (q28d). The dose escalation scheme foresees up to ~ 50% dose increments depending on observed toxicities. During cycle 2, patients receive 7 days oral (QD) BAL101553 (Day 15–21) instead of the weekly IV infusion to assess absolute oral bioavailability. Patients with histologically-confirmed advanced or recurrent solid tumors are eligible for enrollment. Adverse events are assessed using CTCAEv4; tumor response by RECIST 1.1 (every 2 cycles). PD assessments include optional tumor biopsies and circulating tumor cells. PK profiles are assessed during the first 2 cycles. Two dose cohorts (30 and 45 mg/m2) have completed without DLTs or signs of vascular toxicity. Clinical trial information: NCT02895360.

Predictors of student performance on the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment at a new school of pharmacy using admissions and demographic data

OBJECTIVES

To characterize student performance on the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) and to determine the significance of specific admissions criteria and pharmacy school performance to predict student performance on the PCOA during the first through third professional years.

METHODS

Multivariate linear regression models were developed to study the relationships between various independent variables and students' PCOA total scores during the first through third professional years.

RESULTS

To date, four cohorts have successfully taken the PCOA examination. Results indicate that the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT), and cumulative pharmacy grade point average were the only consistent significant predictors of higher PCOA total scores across all students who have taken the exam at our school of pharmacy.

CONCLUSION

The school should examine and clarify the role of PCOA within its curricular assessment program. Results suggest that certain admissions criteria and performance in pharmacy school are associated with higher PCOA scores.

Condoms and sexual health education as evidence: impact of criminalization of in-call venues and managers on migrant sex workers access to HIV/STI prevention in a Canadian setting

Background

Despite a large body of evidence globally demonstrating that the criminalization of sex workers increases HIV/STI risks, we know far less about the impact of criminalization and policing of managers and in-call establishments on HIV/STI prevention among sex workers, and even less so among migrant sex workers.

Methods

Analysis draws on ethnographic fieldwork and 46 qualitative interviews with migrant sex workers, managers and business owners of in-call sex work venues in Metro Vancouver, Canada.

Results

The criminalization of in-call venues and third parties explicitly limits sex workers’ access to HIV/STI prevention, including manager restrictions on condoms and limited onsite access to sexual health information and HIV/STI testing. With limited labour protections and socio-cultural barriers, criminalization and policing undermine the health and human rights of migrant sex workers working in –call venues.

Conclusions

This research supports growing evidence-based calls for decriminalization of sex work, including the removal of criminal sanctions targeting third parties and in-call venues, alongside programs and policies that better protect the working conditions of migrant sex workers as critical to HIV/STI prevention and human rights.

Percutaneous transcatheter renal embolization with absolute ethanol for uncontrolled nephrotic syndrome: Case reports

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate renal ethanol embolization in 2 patients with uncontrolled nephrotic syndrome.

Material and Methods: Three kidneys in 2 patients with uncontrolled nephrotic syndrome were embolized with absolute ethanol. The embolization technique, patient outcome and complications were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: The treatment was successful in both patients, with angiography-verified exclusion of blood flow to the renal arteries. Elimination of proteinuria was achieved in both patients and their body weight decreased by 25 and 10 kg, respectively. Hospitalization and protein substitution were no longer needed. No complications occurred.

Conclusion: Permanent bilateral ethanol embolization of the renal arteries is a feasible method of managing a treatment-resistant nephrotic syndrome in selected patients. Non-target embolization can be avoided by using a balloon occlusion catheter.