Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 and carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater: expression differences in tumour histotypes

The human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) is the major means by which gemcitabine enters human cells; recent evidence exists that hENT1 is expressed in carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater and that it should be considered as a molecular prognostic marker for patients with resected ampullary cancer. Aim of the present study is to evaluate the variations of hENT1 expression in ampullary carcinomas and to correlate such variations with histological subtypes and clinicopathological parameters. Forty-one ampullary carcinomas were histologically classified into intestinal, pancreaticobiliary and unusual types. hENT1 and Ki67 expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and apoptotic cells were identified by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL) method. hENT1 overexpression was detected in 63.4% ampullary carcinomas. A significant difference in terms of hENT1 and Ki67 expression was found between intestinal vs. pancreaticobiliary types (P=0.03 and P=0.009 respectively). Moreover, a significant statistical positive correlation was found between apoptotic and proliferative Index (P=0.036), while no significant correlation was found between hENT1 and apoptosis. Our results on hENT1 expression suggest that classification of ampullary carcinoma by morphological subtypes may represent an additional tool in prospective clinical trials aimed at examining treatment efficacy; in addition, data obtained from Ki67 and TUNEL suggest a key role of hENT1 in tumour growth of ampullary carcinoma.

New molecular targets in bone metastases

Bone metastases have a major impact on morbidity and on mortality in cancer patients. Despite its clinical relevance, metastasis remains the most poorly elucidated aspect of carcinogenesis. The biological mechanisms leading to bone metastasis establishment have been referred as "vicious circle," a complex network between cancer cells and the bone microenvironment. This review is aimed to underline the new molecular targets in bone metastases management other than bisphosphonates. Different pathways or molecules such as RANK/RANKL/OPG, cathepsin K, endothelin-1, Wnt/DKK1, Src have recently emerged as potential targets and nowadays preclinical and clinical trials are underway. The results from those in the advanced clinical phases are encouraging and underlined the need to design large randomised clinical trials to validate these results in the next future. Targeting the bone by preventing skeletal related events (SREs) and bone metastases has major clinical impact in improving survival in bone metastatic patients and in preventing disease relapse in adjuvant setting.

New perspectives: role of Sunitinib in breast cancer

Sunitinib malate (SU11248) is a multitarget oral tyrosine kinase receptor (RTKs) inhibitor which was approved by FDA in renal cells carcinoma (RCC) and imatinib-resistant or imatinib-intollerant gastro-intestinal stromal tumour (GIST). Sunitinib is able to inhibit RTKs such as receptors for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-Rα and β) and for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFRs). It is able to inhibit KIT receptor, colony stimulating factor type 1 receptor (CSF-1R), glial cell line neutrophic factor receptor (RET), fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3 (FLT-3 or CD135), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and AKT (protein kinase B) in tumour cells. Many Sunitinib targets play important roles in growth and survival of human breast cancer (BC). The "rationale" of Sunitinib in BC (with or without others antiagiogenetic therapy) is its ability to block simultaneously intracellular portion of RTKs inhibiting many downstream signals. We overviewed the most relevant studies concerning Sunitinib in metastatic BC.

Early magnesium modifications as a surrogate marker of efficacy of cetuximab-based anticancer treatment in KRAS wild-type advanced colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

KRAS wild-type mutational status is necessary but not sufficient to get benefit from epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition. Predictive markers are currently being evaluated. In this study, we investigated early hypomagnesemia as a predictor of efficacy and outcome in terms of time to progression (TtP) and overall survival (OS) in a cohort of patients affected by advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma KRAS wild-type cetuximab-treated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and forty-three patients affected by stage IV colorectal adenocarcinoma KRAS wild type receiving cetuximab + irinotecan (CTX+IRI) as third-line anticancer treatment and resistant to oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy were retrospectively included. Magnesium plasma levels were measured before the first day and 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after CTX+IRI infusion.

RESULTS

The median magnesium basal value showed a statistically significant decrease after the start of CTX+IRI treatment (at 28 days, P < 0.0001). Patients with an early decrease of magnesium levels >50% compared with the basal level had a higher tumor response rate (55.8% versus 16.7%, P < 0.0001), a longer TtP (6.3 versus 3.6, P < 0.0001) and a longer median OS (11.0 versus 8.1, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown that early hypomagnesemia could be a predictor of efficacy and outcome in those patients. Magnesium circulating level is an easy and inexpensive biomarker to routinely be detected in patients treated with cetuximab.

Adjuvant colon cancer chemotherapy: where we are and where we'll go

Many patients with early-stage colon cancer are cured with surgery alone, even if the standard of care remains an uniform approach to adjuvant chemotherapy based primarily on tumour stage. Consequently, it is important to individualize decision-making in this subset of patients with the aim to identify potential prognostic and predictive markers in colon cancer. While 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin are widely known as gold treatment in the post-operative of stage III, well-validated molecular markers might help define which patients with stage II disease are likely to benefit from adjuvant therapy as well. Herein we review the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in colon cancer and analyzed the date on the clinical development of molecular markers to individualize another therapeutic approach in colon cancer.

Chemotherapy in biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND

Biliary Tract Cancer is a rare and aggressive tumor characterized by unresponsiveness to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the vast majority of cases. Surgery offers the only possibility of a cure, though post-operative disease recurrence is common. Only few randomized trials with few patients have been conducted to in this setting of patients and standard chemotherapy has not been established yet.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

This article summarizes the most important clinical trials regarding chemotherapy for biliary tract cancer and the first evidences regarding the adjuvant treatment. Moreover the clinical trials evaluating targeted therapy will be described, especially those assessing the role of anti-EGFR and antiangiogenic agents.

Cutting the limits of aminobisphosphonates: new strategies for the potentiation of their anti-tumour effects

Therapy with aminobisphosphonate (N-BPs), and zoledronic acid (ZOL) especially, has become a standard of care for patients with malignant bone disease. In addition, preclinical and preliminary clinical data suggest that N-BPs exert their direct or indirect anti-tumour effects on cancer growth factor release, cancer cell adhesion, invasion and viability, cancer angiogenesis and cancer cell apoptosis. Here, we will discuss the molecular mechanisms of the antitumour effects induced by ZOL. Despite their well-established in vitro anti-tumour effects N-BPs have not clear in vivo anti-tumour activity in humans. The bases of these discrepancies will be discussed in the text with a special focus on the pharmacokinetic limits of N-BPs. Moreover, the following molecular and pharmacological strategies in order to overcome N-BPs limitations will be described: i) development of pharmacological combinations with other biological agents; ii) finding of new molecular targets of N-BPs; iii) development of new pharmacological formulations of N-BPs. Finally, a new scenario of integrated bio-medicine and pharmacology will be depicted in order to drive the optimization of anti-cancer activity of N-BPs.

Genetic modulation of the Let-7 microRNA binding to KRAS 3'-untranslated region and survival of metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with salvage cetuximab-irinotecan

There is increasing evidence that the Let-7 microRNA (miRNA) exerts an effect as a tumor suppressor by targeting the KRAS mRNA. The Let-7 complementary site (LCS6) T>G variant in the KRAS 3'-untranslated region weakens Let-7 binding. We analyzed whether the LCS6 variant may be clinically relevant to patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) treated with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy. LCS6 genotypes and KRAS/BRAF mutations were determined in the tumor DNA of 134 patients with MCRC who underwent salvage cetuximab-irinotecan therapy. There were 34 G-allele (T/G+G/G) carriers (25%) and 100 T/T genotype carriers (75%). G-allele carriers were significantly more frequent in the KRAS mutation group than in patients with KRAS wild type (P=0.004). In the 121 patients without BRAF V600E mutation, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) times were compared between carriers of the LCS6 G-allele genotypes and carriers of the wild-type T/T genotype. LCS6 G-allele carriers showed worse OS (P=0.001) and PFS (P=0.004) than T/T genotype carriers (confirmed in the multivariate model including the KRAS status). In the exploratory analysis of the 55 unresponsive patients with KRAS mutation, LCS6 G-allele carriers showed adverse OS and PFS times. These findings deserve additional investigations as they may open novel perspectives for the treatment of patients with MCRC.

New perspectives: role of sunitinib in breast cancer

Sunitinib malate (SU11248) is a multitarget oral tyrosine kinase receptor (RTKs) inhibitor which was approved by FDA in renal cells carcinoma (RCC) and imatinib-resistant or imatinib-intollerant gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST). Sunitinib is able to inhibit RTKs such as receptors for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-R alpha and beta) and for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFRs). It is able to inhibit KIT receptor, colony stimulating factor type 1 receptor (CSF- 1R), glial cell line neutrophic factor receptor (RET), fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3 (FLT-3 or CD135), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and AKT (protein kinase B) in tumour cells. Many sunitinib targets play important roles in growth and survival of human breast cancer (BC). The "rationale" of sunitinib in BC (with or without others antiagiogenetic therapy) is its ability to block simultaneously intracellular portion of RTKs inhibiting many downstream signals. We overviewed the most relevant studies concerning sunitinib in metastatic BC.

A survey on Prader-Willi syndrome in the Italian population: prevalence of historical and clinical signs

Clinical criteria for the diagnosis of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) were established by consensus in 1993 (Holm et al.). Specific molecular testing is now available and the purpose of diagnostic criteria has shifted to identify individuals to test, thus avoiding the expense of unnecessary analysis. The aim of this study was to find clinical indicators to select patients with suspected PWS for laboratory testing. We analyzed the prevalence of clinical signs and symptoms in 147 genetically diagnosed Italian patients with PWS (67 males and 80 females), aged from 9 months to 34.6 years (13.6 +/- 8.3 years), using the consensus diagnostic criteria, and according to age, sex and type of genetic abnormality. The prevalence of several clinical features changed significantly with age, but very few with sex. According to genetic subtypes (deletion vs UPD), only hypopigmentation and acromicria were more frequent in patients with deletion. Some criteria considered as minor or supportive by Holm et al. have higher prevalence than some major criteria. In conclusion, in order to identify patients with suspected PWS to submit to laboratory testing, we recommend a classification of clinical criteria according to age, giving more attention to those so-called minor or supportive criteria.

KRAS codon 61, 146 and BRAF mutations predict resistance to cetuximab plus irinotecan in KRAS codon 12 and 13 wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer

Background:

KRAS codons 12 and 13 mutations predict resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (moAbs) in metastatic colorectal cancer. Also, BRAF V600E mutation has been associated with resistance. Additional KRAS mutations are described in CRC.

Methods:

We investigated the role of KRAS codons 61 and 146 and BRAF V600E mutations in predicting resistance to cetuximab plus irinotecan in a cohort of KRAS codons 12 and 13 wild-type patients.

Results:

Among 87 KRAS codons 12 and 13 wild-type patients, KRAS codons 61 and 146 were mutated in 7 and 1 case, respectively. None of mutated patients responded vs 22 of 68 wild type (P=0.096). Eleven patients were not evaluable. KRAS mutations were associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS, HR: 0.46, P=0.028). None of 13 BRAF-mutated patients responded vs 24 of 74 BRAF wild type (P=0.016). BRAF mutation was associated with a trend towards shorter PFS (HR: 0.59, P=0.073). In the subgroup of BRAF wild-type patients, KRAS codons 61/146 mutations determined a lower response rate (0 vs 37%, P=0.047) and worse PFS (HR: 0.45, P=0.023). Patients bearing KRAS or BRAF mutations had poorer response rate (0 vs 37%, P=0.0005) and PFS (HR: 0.51, P=0.006) compared with KRAS and BRAF wild-type patients.

Conclusion:

Assessing KRAS codons 61/146 and BRAF V600E mutations might help optimising the selection of the candidate patients to receive anti-EGFR moAbs.

Fixed dose rate (FDR) gemcitabine (G) and capecitabine (C) in patients with metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC): Final results of phase II trial

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Background: The combination of fixed dose rate (FDR) gemcitabine (C) and capecitabine (G) has been demonstrated to be well tolerated in patients with advanced cancers. To determine the activity and safety of this combination in metastatic metastatic biliary tract cancer patients, a phase II trial was conducted. Methods: Patients with unresectable BTC who had pathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma, no prior chemotherapy, ECOG PS < 2 and measurable disease were enrolled. Treatment consisted of FDR G at 800 mg/m(2) infused in 80 minutes on days 1 and 8 every 21 days with C administered orally bid in equal doses (650 mg/m2 bid) for 14 days (28 doses). Results: Between Feb 2005 and Sept 2008, 30 pts were enrolled. Median age was 67 (45–86) with 14 males. 30 pts were evaluable for response and toxicity. A total of 219 cycles were administered (median, 8; range, 2–16). One patient achieved CR and 8 pts achieved PR giving an overall response rate of 30.0% in intention-to-treat population (95% CI, 19.2–42.6%). And 11 pts (36.6%) had stable disease. The median time to progression of all patients was 7.4 months (mo) (95% CI, 3.2–19.5). The median overall survival was 15.3 mo (95% CI, 4.6–27.9). Grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were noted in 13.3% and 6.6% of the pts, respectively. Grade 2/3 non-hematologic toxicities were asthenia (50.0 % of pts), diarrhea (16.6%), stomatitis (23.3%) and hand-foot syndrome (6.6%). There was no treatment-related death. Gemcitabine was skipped at least once/reduced in 20%/15% of the patients, respectively. Capecitabine was skipped at least once/reduced in 20%/25% of the patients, respectively. Conclusions: The combination of FDR gemcitabine and capecitabine in this three week cycle is safe and seems to have advantages in activity over other regimens in advanced biliary cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.