Phase I dose-escalation study of the pan-HER inhibitor, PF299804, in patients with advanced malignant solid tumors

PURPOSE

PF299804 is a potent, orally available, irreversible inhibitor of tyrosine kinase human epidermal growth factor receptors (HER) 1 (EGFR), HER2, and HER4. This first-in-human study investigated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of PF299804 in patients with advanced solid malignancies.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

PF299804 was administered once daily continuously (schedule A) and intermittently (schedule B). Dose escalation proceeded until intolerable toxicities occurred. Skin biopsies were taken predose and after 14 days of treatment to establish a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship. Tumor response was measured once every 2 cycles. Efficacy was correlated with tumor genotypes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

RESULTS

121 patients were included (111 in schedule A, 10 in schedule B). The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was 45 mg/d. Dose-limiting toxicities included stomatitis and skin toxicities. Most adverse events were mild and comprised skin toxicities, fatigue, and gastrointestinal side-effects including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Pharmacokinetic analyses revealed dose-dependent increases in PF299804 exposure associated with target inhibition in skin biopsy samples. Fifty-seven patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were treated in this study. Four patients, all previously treated with gefitinib or erlotinib (2 with exon 19 deletions, 1 with exon 20 insertion, 1 mutational status unknown), had a partial response to PF299804.

CONCLUSIONS

The MTD of PF299804 is 45 mg/d. Both continuous and intermittent treatment schedules were well tolerated, and encouraging signs of antitumor activity were observed in gefitinib/erlotinib treated NSCLC patients.

[Pleiotropic effects of nicotinic acid therapy in men with coronary heart disease and elevated lipoprotein(a) levels]

PURPOSE

To assess effects of niacin on risk factors of atherosclerosis in men with coronary heart disease (CHD) and high lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty men (mean age 54+/-6 years) with angiographic evidence of CHD were randomized into two groups. Active group (n=30) received extended release nicotinic acid 1500 mg, control group consisted of remaining 30 patients. All patients received basic therapy with atorvastatin 10-40 mg qd. Blood samples were collected for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Lp(a), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PL-2), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), complex of tissue-type plasminogen activator with plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (tPA/PAI-1). Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) was measured at baseline and after 6-months therapy.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the clinical and biochemical characteristics. During the study lipid profile data were within the target levels. In the active group median percent decrease of Lp(a) level was 23% (from 84+/-40 to 67+/-25 mg/dl after 6 weeks and up to 65+/-37 mg/dl after 6 months of treatment, p<0.01); LDL-C, TG, tPA/PAI-1, and Lp-PL-2 mass levels decreased by 25, 20, 25, and 32%, respectively; HDL-C increased by 16% (p<0.05 vs baseline, respectively). Nicotinic acid treatment produced statistically significant reduction nicotinic acid of the mean CIMT (right: 0.83+/-0.16 vs 0.77+/-0.17 mm, p<0.05; left: 0.88+/-0.21 vs 0.82+/-0.17, p<0.05). In control group no changes of CIMT or blood tests were observed.

CONCLUSION

In men with CHD and Lp(a) excess of addition to atorvastatin results in regression of CIMT on an average of 0.06 mm in 6 months. Such rapid and significant effect on the arterial wall structure can be attributed to the complex influence of nicotinic acid on Lp(a), lipids, Lp-PL-2 and thrombogenic factors. This is the first study providing the evidence of using Lp(a) as one of therapeutic targets in patients with high Lp(a) levels for achieving beneficial effect on a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis.

[Side effects of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). Lupus erythematosus induced by Atorvastatin therapy]

The paper describes the case of 56 years old woman admitted to the Toxicology Department because of skin lesions, joint and muscle pain and elevated activity of transaminases and creatine phosfokinase as well in biochemical analysis. The symptoms occurred after 6 days of the Atorvastatin therapy. The clinical picture indicated side effects of the hipolipemic therapy, but the presence of the skin lesions suggested drug induced collagenosis (lupus erythrematosus, dermatomyositis). Immunological studies confirmed association with antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-Mi-2 autoantibodies in the serum. Immunosuppressive therapy was ordered with clinical and biochemical improvement.

Statins for multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the human central nervous system. Statins, prescribed as cholesterol lowering agents, have shown beneficial effects for treating MS in experimental and preliminary clinical studies.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of statins administered alone or as add-on to approved treatments for MS.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane MS Group Trials Register (April 2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2010), MEDLINE (PubMed) (January 1966 to April 2010), EMBASE (January 1974 to April 2010), the Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM) (1979 to April 2010) and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) (1979 to April 2010). We searched trials registers and conference proceedings and contacted pharmaceutical companies and authors of included studies included for additional information.There were no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing statins with placebo, or comparing statins in combination with approved treatments alone in for patients with MS.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Two trials involving 71 participants were included. Both trials compared atorvastatin plus beta interferon with beta interferon alone for treating MS. Only one was assessed of good methodological quality while the other one of poor methodological quality. Neither of them showed statistically significant difference between both treatment groups in reducing relapses, preventing disease progression or developing new T2 or gadolinium-enhanced lesions on MRI after 9 or 24 months follow up period. When combined with beta interferon, atorvastatin resulted to be safe and well tolerated, no serious adverse effects were reported. Changes on quality of life after receiving statins were not reported in the trials. Six trials which assess simvastatin or atorvastatin monotherapy or added to beta interferon for MS are still ongoing or awaiting publication.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to support statins as an effective treatment for patients with MS. Future high quality randomised controlled trials are needed.Improvements in methodology in trials which are ongoing or awaiting publication, are required for meaningful synthesis of data.

Effect of combined administration of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and atorvastatin on the liver of rats

Ginger is known to possess hypolipidemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Combination therapy often takes advantage of complementary effects of different agents. This study investigated the combined effect of ginger extract (GE) and atorvastatin on lipid profile and on atorvastatin-induced hepatic injury. Rats were randomized into: control; GE (400 mg/kg); atorvastatin (20 mg/kg) alone or with GE or vitamin E, and atorvastatin (80 mg/kg) alone or with GE or vitamin E. Administration of 80 mg/kg atorvastatin for 4 weeks had major hepatotoxic effect whereas the lower dose (20 mg/kg) seems to cause mild liver injury. Besides lowering serum total cholesterol and hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), atorvastatin significantly increased serum aminotransferases, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). Concurrent administration of GE and atorvastatin had the opposite effect. Histopathological study revealed that GE reduced liver lesions induced by atorvastatin. The results indicate that the ability of ginger to lower serum cholesterol and to decrease aminotransferases, MDA and NO is clinically important, because its chronic administration will neither lead to side-effects nor to hepatic changes as occurs with high atorvastatin doses. Therefore, combination regimens containing GE and low dose of statins could be advantageous in treating hypercholesterolemic patients which are susceptible to liver function abnormalities.

Attainment of Canadian and European guidelines' lipid targets with atorvastatin plus ezetimibe vs. doubling the dose of atorvastatin

BACKGROUND

Canadian and European treatment guidelines identify low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as a primary treatment target for hypercholesterolaemia.

OBJECTIVES

This post hoc analysis compared ezetimibe 10 mg (ezetimibe) added to atorvastatin vs. doubling the atorvastatin dose on achievement of the 2009 Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) and the 2007 Joint European Prevention Guidelines primary and optional secondary lipid targets and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels.

METHODS

After stabilisation on atorvastatin, hypercholesterolaemic patients at moderately high risk (MHR) for coronary heart disease (CHD) not at LDL-C < 2.6 mmol/l were randomised to atorvastatin 20 mg vs. doubling their atorvastatin dose to 40 mg; and patients at high risk (HR) for CHD not at LDL-C < 1.8 mmol/l were randomised to atorvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe vs. doubling their atorvastatin dose to 80 mg for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

When treated with atorvastatin plus ezetimibe, MHR and HR patients had greater attainment of LDL-C, most lipids and lipoproteins and/or hs-CRP targets compared with doubling their atorvastatin dose. More MHR and HR patients achieved dual targets of LDL-C and: Apolipoprotein (Apo) B, total cholesterol (total-C), total-C/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non-HDL-C, triglycerides, Apo B/Apo A-I or hs-CRP with ezetimibe + atorvastatin treatment compared with doubling their atorvastatin dose.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrated greater achievement of single/dual treatment targets as set by Canadian and European treatment guidelines with ezetimibe added to atorvastatin 20 mg or 40 mg compared with doubling the atorvastatin dose to 40 mg or 80 mg in MHR and HR patients, respectively.

Hypocholesterolemia secondary to atrovastatin therapy

After the advent of Statins in 1960's, they are being extensively used as Antiathrogenic drug for Primary Hyperlipidemia, Angina, Ischemic Heart Disease (Medical or Post Surgical), Atherosclerosis, Diabetes mellitus and Hypertension. Rarely, these drugs have been observed to cause hypocholesterolemia. We present a case of forty years old male who was started on Atorvastatin after his angioplasty following anterior myocardial infarction. Six weeks after the start of antilipid drug patient developed symptoms of phobias, nightmares, insomnia, forgetfulness, body aches, muscle cramps, cognitive, sexual and psychomotor disturbances. On investigation he was found to have hypocholesterolemia. Atorvastatin was stopped and dietary restrictrictions were lifted. Over five month patients symptoms resolved as the serum cholesterol levels became normal. Because of similarities of symptoms of hypocholesterolemia secondary to antilipid therapy and the disease itself, hypocholesterolemia was overlooked initially by physicians. Patients on antilipids must be evaluated for any fall in serum cholerterol if they develop unusual symptoms and patients on long-term antilipids must have regularly lipid profile checked.

Incremental cholesterol reduction with ezetimibe/simvastatin, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin in UK General Practice (IN-PRACTICE): randomised controlled trial of achievement of Joint British Societies (JBS-2) cholesterol targets

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare ezetimibe/simvastatin combination therapy with intensified statin monotherapy as alternative treatment strategies to achieve the Joint British Societies (JBS)-2 and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target of < 2 mmol/l for secondary prevention or JBS-2 LDL-C target of < 2 mmol/l for primary prevention in high-risk patients who have failed to reach target with simvastatin 40 mg.

METHODS

This is a prospective, double-blind study conducted in 34 UK primary care centres; 1748 patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes or high risk of CVD who had been taking simvastatin 40 mg for > or = 6 weeks were screened and 786 (45%) with fasting LDL-C > or = 2.0 mmol/l (and < 4.2 mmol/l) at screening and after a further 6-week run-in period on simvastatin 40 mg were randomised to ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/40 mg (as a combination tablet; n = 261), atorvastatin 40 mg (n = 263) or rosuvastatin 5 mg (n = 73) or 10 mg (n = 189) once daily for 6 weeks. Rosuvastatin dose was based on UK prescribing instructions. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients achieving LDL-C < 2 mmol/l at the end of the study.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients (adjusted for baseline differences) achieving LDL-C < 2 mmol/l was 69.4% with ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/40 mg, compared with 33.5% for atorvastatin 40 mg [odds ratio 4.5 (95% CI: 3.0-6.8); p < 0.001] and 14.3% for rosuvastatin 5 or 10 mg [odds ratio 13.6 (95% CI: 8.6-21.6); p < 0.001]. Similar results were observed for achievement of total cholesterol < 4.0 mmol/l. All study treatments were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 45% of patients screened had not achieved LDL-C < 2 mmol/l after > or = 12 weeks of treatment with simvastatin 40 mg. In this group, treatment with ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/40 mg achieved target LDL-C levels in a significantly higher proportion of patients during a 6-week period than switching to either atorvastatin 40 mg or rosuvastatin 5-10 mg.

Approach to the patient who is intolerant of statin therapy

Myopathy occurs in approximately 10% of statin-treated patients and is most commonly manifested by myalgias with or without plasma creatine kinase (CK) elevations. Predisposition exists in patients treated with high doses of potent statins and those who are older, female, have a genetic predisposition, and when statins are coadministered with drugs that compete with or inhibit drug metabolism. In symptomatic patients, CK levels may assist in guiding management. If less than five times the upper limit of normal, the existing statin should be titrated to achieve cholesterol goals and the CK repeated when symptoms appear or worsen. In patients with moderate to severe symptoms and any patient with CK elevated to more than 5-fold the upper limit of normal, the statin should be stopped. Once asymptomatic and CK is reduced (if elevated previously), cholesterol goals can be approached by: 1) a different statin (e.g. fluvastatin or pravastatin), starting with a low dose and titrating up; 2) an alternate daily or weekly more potent statin (e.g. rosuvastatin or atorvastatin); or 3) the combination of the lowest tolerated statin with a cholesterol absorption inhibitor (ezetimibe) and/or bile acid sequestrant. Over-the-counter preparations, e.g. red yeast rice, containing natural statin-like agents, or plant sterols can also lower cholesterol. These, however, have limited efficacy to achieve targeted cholesterol levels for most patients. In patients without CK elevations and symptoms, progress can be followed clinically, but in patients who show CK elevations, CK should be monitored. At present, the superiority of one approach has not been demonstrated, and the need for clinical trials in well-characterized patients with statin intolerance cannot be dismissed.

Atorvastatin induced multiple organ failure

A 71-year-old African American woman presented with a past medical history significant for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. She was being treated with atorvastatin and verapamil in addition to a few other medications. She complained of nausea, vomiting, myalgia, generalized weakness and dark urine. Initial evaluation revealed clinical icterus and mild mental confusion. Admission laboratory results showed features of multiple organ dysfunction. Over the course of four to five days the patient deteriorated to multiple organ failure resulting in death. Extensive work up for the etiology for multiple organ failure was noncontributory. We presume the cause for multiple organ failure could be the result of drug-drug interaction, atorvastatin and verapamil, as verapamil is known to increase the serum concentration of atorvastatin significantly.

[A comparative study of the efficacy and safety Zhibitai and atorvastatin]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the lipid lowing effect and the clinical safety between intensive therapy with Chinese medicine Zhibitai and atorvastatin in patients with moderate and high risk of atherosclerosis.

METHODS

All the patients were randomly divided in to a Zhibitai group (n = 85) receiving 480 mg of Zhibitai orally twice a day or an atorvastatin group (n = 84) receiving 10 mg atorvastatin orally once daily. Blood lipoproteins, myocardial enzymes, liver and renal function were measured before treatment and at the fourth and eighth week after therapy, while high sensitive c reactive protein (hs-CRP), P-selectin, matrix-metall proteinase-9 (MMP-9) and soluble intercellular adhering molecule-1 (SICAM-1) were detected before treatment and eighth week after therapy in all patients.

RESULTS

TC and LDL-C were significantly decreased while HDL-C was increased in both groups after 4 and 8 weeks treatment (P < 0.05). TG was decreased in Zhibitai group after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, but it was decreased in atorvastatin group only after 8 weeks of treatment. Inflammatory factors such as hs-CRP, P-selectin, MMP-9, SICAM-1 were decreased significantly (all P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference between the two groups. There were no difference in liver and kidney function, myocardial enzymes and incidence of muscle-ache and digestive system side reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Besides the lipoprotein disorder, inflammatory factors in patients with moderate and high risk of atherosclerosis could be regulated with intensive therapy of Zhibitai. Most importantly, it is safe to use Zhibitai clinically.

[Statin-induced dysphagia]

A 68-year-old man was referred with progressive dysphagia. During the course, the patient developed muscle fatigue and additional signs of myopathy such as high levels of creatine kinase. The dysphagia was a late-onset side-effect to the treatment with lipid-lowering drugs. Cessation of treatment gives quick remission of symptoms and normalization of creatine kinase. As an increasing number of patients are being treated with lipid-lowering drugs, it is important to recall that myopathy is a dangerous side-effect which may have either quick or delayed onset, and that dysphagia can be the initial symptom.

[Individual pharmacotherapy safety in the assessment of cytochrome P-450 3A4 (CYP3A4) isoenzyme activity]

Modern methods for the evaluation of drug interaction at the level of biotransformation system are discussed with special reference to the lidocaine test (MEGX) and measurement of cytochrome P-450 activity in patients with drug-induced oxidative processes in the liver. Interaction of atorvastatin with clopidogrel are shown to slightly reduce the desaggregative effect of the latter. It is concluded that MEGX test widens opportunities for personalization and safe pharmacotherapy.

[Effect of atorvastatin (liptonorm) on indicators of the lipid spectrum of blood in patients with the metabolic syndrome]

In this work the effects of Atorvastatin (liptonorm) in a dosage of 10 mg/24h during 12 months concerning the basic indicators of a lipid spectrum of blood in the patients with a metabolic syndrome are estimated. We have noticed its positive effect concerning not only the general cholesterol and cholesterol lipoproteid of low density, but also concerning thriglicerol and cholesterol lipoproteid of high density, which confirms its favorable influence on the basic indicators of a lipid spectrum in the patients with a metabolic syndrome.

Effects of low-dose atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on plasma lipid profiles: a long-term, randomized, open-label study in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Despite the favorable effects of reduction of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease, many patients treated with lipid-lowering HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) do not achieve goal LDL-C levels. This may be due to high doses of statins prescribed that could potentially induce adverse effects and compromise patient safety and compliance with considerable expense in the long-term. We compared the actions of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin, administered at the low dosages of 10 and 20 mg/day, respectively, in reducing plasma LDL-C levels and their effects on other components of the atherogenic lipid profile in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia.

METHODS

In this randomized, parallel group, open-label clinical study, 106 patients with LDL-C >200 mg/dL were treated with rosuvastatin 10 mg/day (group A; n = 52), or atorvastatin 20 mg/day (group B; n = 54) for 48 weeks.

RESULTS

At 48 weeks, rosuvastatin 10 mg/day was associated with a significantly greater reduction in plasma LDL-C levels compared with atorvastatin 20 mg/day (-44.32% vs -30%; p < 0.005). Compared with atorvastatin, rosuvastatin also produced a greater reduction in plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels (p < 0.005). Plasma HDL-C levels were not affected significantly, independent of the drug used.

CONCLUSION

In high-risk patients with primary hypercholesterolemia, rosuvastatin 10 mg/day was more efficacious than atorvastatin 20 mg/day in reducing plasma LDL-C levels, enabling goal LDL-C levels to be achieved and improving other lipid parameters. Both treatments were well tolerated over 48 weeks.