A dose and schedule optimizing evaluation of MG98 given as either a 2 hour IV infusion twice weekly or as a 7 day continuous infusion in combination with interferon alpha (INF) in nephrectomized patients (pts) with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC)

14557

Background: RCC is often associated with hypermethylated and silenced tumour suppressor genes. The enzyme DNMT1 is responsible for the majority of cellular DNA methylating capacity. MG98 is a second generation antisense inhibitor of DNMT1 which has been shown to reduce DNMT1 mRNA and protein. Methods: A trial of MG98 given as a 2 hour IV infusion twice weekly (Intermittent Schedule, IS) or as a 7 day continuous infusion (CI) in combination with INF has been conducted with nephrectomized pts with advanced RCC. Main endpoints: identification of the optimum regimen, safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and the degree of PBL DNMT1 mRNA suppression. Results: CI schedule: dose levels of 125mg of MG98 combined with 12 MIU of INF (125/12) and 125/9 have been evaluated (9 pts). The MTD has been reached; thrombocytopenia is dose limiting at 125/12. Pt demographics: M:F= 6:3, mean age of 63.2y (52–71). Most common Adverse Events (AEs): fever and chills (gr.1), fatigue (gr.1–2; 100% of pts), nausea and anorexia (gr.1–2), vomiting (gr.2; 66%). Best response: Stable Disease (SD) =3; Partial Response (PR) =1. Currently within the IS schedule, 3 dose levels (9 pts) have been evaluated: 160/12, 200/12 and 200/9, totaling 26 cycles. The MTD has been reached, with GI/constitutional symptoms being dose limiting at 200/12. Demographics: M:F= 7:2 median age 59.8y (40–76). Most common AEs in the first 3 pts are nausea and chills (100% of patients); fatigue (gr.1–2) and fever (66%; gr. 1–3). Best responses: 3 SD, 1 PR. PK evaluation on both schedules revealed no interaction between INF and MG98. DNMT1 inhibition data will be presented. Conclusions: Combination of INF and MG98 exhibits clinical activity and acceptable safety.

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The PACT trial: Interim results of a randomized trial of TNFerade biologic plus chemoradiation (CRT) compared to CRT alone in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC)

4102

Background: TNFerade is a second-generation replication-deficient adenovector, carrying the transgene encoding human TNF-α, regulated by the stress-inducible promoter Egr-1. In a phase I trial of TNFerade + radiation in 36 patients with advanced or refractory solid tumors, a 47% objective tumor response rate was observed, including 100% complete responses in 3 stage 4 melanoma patients, with 2/3 disease-free at >3.5 years. Methods: This controlled phase II trial randomizes 74 patients with newly diagnosed unresectable LAPC to 5-wks of TNFerade (4 × 1011 pu via weekly intratumoral injection) + CRT (5-FU [200 mg/m2/day CIV × 5 days/wk] and 50.4 Gy radiation) or CRT alone. All patients receive maintenance gemcitabine. Endpoints: Progression-free survival, safety, radiographic tumor response, CA 19–9 and survival. Results: In dose escalation (n=50) dose-limiting toxicities occurred in 3 patients at 1 × 1012 pu (pancreatitis in 2 and biliary obstruction), setting the MTD at 4 × 1011 pu. Compared with the first two cohorts (n=30), the MTD (n = 11) was associated with greater locoregional control and progression-free survival, a higher rate of stable or decreasing CA 19–9, improved overall survival (median = 11.2), and a high (45%) resection rate. Accrual continues in the randomized phase of the study at 20+ centers. The most frequent adverse events in the first 16 enrolled patients have been nausea (75%), abdominal pain (63%), constipation (50%), anemia (38%), diarrhea (38%), vomiting (38%), and weight loss (38%), with no significant difference in severity or frequency between the TNFerade + CRT and CRT groups. No thromboembolic events have been reported. Serum TNF-alpha levels have remained low (peak = 45.3 pg/mL, in a CRT patient). CA 19–9 has been stable (no change > 100 U/mL) or decreased in all but one CRT patient. Conclusions: These initial data indicate that TNFerade plus CRT, given as weekly intratumoral injections to patients with LAPC, is feasible and tolerable compared to CRT alone. With continued accrual, comparative tumor response and toxicity data will be available and updated.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase 2 trial of talabostat and cisplatin in patients with stage IV melanoma

8040

Background: Talabostat (TAL) is an oral inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidases such as fibroblast activation protein found on the stroma of tumors, draining lymph nodes, and in melanomas. TAL up-regulates cytokines and chemokines, leading to specific T-cell immunity and T-cell independent activity. TAL significantly enhances the activity of cisplatin (C) in mice, and reduces tumor size >60% in melanoma xenografts (A375, A2058). This trial evaluated the activity of TAL and C in patients with Stage IV melanoma. Methods: Open-label, single-arm, Phase 2 study of 4 x 3-week cycles of C-75mg/m2 (Day 1) and TAL-300mcg BID orally on Days 2–15 with dose-escalation to TAL-400mcg BID depending on tolerability. Single-agent TAL could be continued beyond 4 cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Eligibility criteria included: ≤1 prior bio- or chemotherapy regimen, ECOG 0–2, measureable disease per RECIST, no symptomatic CNS metastases, LDH, ALT, and AST <3X ULN. Primary endpoint was disease response; secondary endpoints included PFS, duration of response, and survival. Results: 74 patients (50 men, 24 women) entered the study; median age was 58 years (range 27 to 79); 94.6% were caucasian. Most patients (71.4%) were M1c, and the majority (64.3%) had received at least 1 prior regimen; 72.9% of these had received prior cytokine treatment. A PR was reported in 5/42 evaluable patients (11.9%), and SD for at least 4 cycles in an additional 21/42 (50%). Median PFS and survival are currently estimated at 2.6 months (95% CI 2.1, 3.4) and 8.5 months (95% CI 5.4, infinity), respectively in the ITT population. Most frequent AEs were nausea (46%), fatigue (35%), and vomiting (34%); the high unevaluability rate patients was due to non-compliance related to C-associated N/V (thus the dose of C was reduced mid-study from 100 to 75mg/m2). Grade 3 toxicities were neutropenia, fatigue, and dehydration, all at 3.4%. Grade 4 toxicities were organ failure, renal failure, and PD (1 patient each). 4 patients died due to PD, and 1 each due to renal and organ failure. Conclusions: The combination of TAL and C is active in patients with Stage IV melanoma. Most AEs were related to C-associated nausea and vomiting, limiting the oral delivery of TAL. Additional studies of TAL in melanoma with other drug combinations are warranted.

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Safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of AMG 706, panitumumab, and gemcitabine/cisplatin (GC) for the treatment of advanced solid malignancies

13005

Background: AMG 706 is an investigational, oral, multi-kinase inhibitor with both antiangiogenic and direct antitumor activity targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and Kit receptors. Panitumumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) and has shown efficacy and tolerability in pts with solid tumors. The primary objectives of the first part of this multicenter, 2-part, dose-finding study were to establish the safety and tolerability of AMG 706 + panitumumab with GC. Secondary objectives included PK of all agents. Methods: Pts were sequentially enrolled in 1 of 5 AMG 706 dose cohorts: no AMG 706, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, and 125 mg QD; all pts received panitumumab (9 mg/kg i.v. on day 1), G (1250 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1 and 8), and C (75 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1) Q3W. Pts had advanced cancer for which GC is indicated, ECOG of 0 or 1, no symptomatic or untreated CNS metastases, no history of venous thrombosis, and no more than 1 prior chemotherapy regimen for advanced disease. Results: As of 8/05, 15 pts were enrolled (n = 7, no AMG 706; n = 8, AMG 706 50 mg QD). Baseline characteristics included 8M/7F, median (range) age of 61 (32, 72) years, 9 with ECOG 0 and 6 with ECOG 1. Tumor types included: non-small cell lung (8), pancreatic (3), esophageal (2), ovarian (1), and unknown (1). Safety for all 15 pts is presented (see table ). The PK of AMG 706 at 50 mg when coadministered with panitumumab/GC was similar to the PK for AMG 706 monotherapy at the same dose. Conclusions: These data suggest that AMG 706 can be safely combined with panitumumab and GC with no effect on the PK of AMG 706 at 50 mg QD. Updated safety and PK data will be presented.

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Sexual behaviour, condom use, and disclosure of HIV status in HIV infected heterosexual individuals attending an inner London HIV clinic

BACKGROUND

The National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV for England (2001) emphasised the role of HIV services in reducing secondary transmission of HIV through prevention work with HIV infected people.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the sexual behaviour, condom use, and disclosure of HIV status of HIV infected heterosexuals attending an inner London HIV clinic.

DESIGN

Cross sectional questionnaire study of heterosexual HIV infected individuals attending an HIV outpatient clinic.

METHODS

We collected demographic data for all respondents and sexual behaviour data for those sexually active over the past year using a self administered questionnaire. Viral load and CD4 count for responders and age, sex, ethnicity, viral load, and CD4 count for non-responders were obtained from the clinic database.

RESULTS

The response rate was 47.3% (n = 142). 100 participants reported being sexually active in the past year, of whom 73% used condoms when they last had vaginal sex. Knowledge of partner's HIV status was the only variable significantly associated with the participant disclosing their HIV status to their partner (p<0.001). In those who had disclosed their status, only knowledge of partner's HIV status was significantly associated with condom use (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Issues relating to non-disclosure and partner notification in HIV infected heterosexuals will need to be better understood to improve sexual health in this group and to reduce onward transmission of HIV.

Public involvement in modernising genitourinary medicine clinics: using general public and patient opinion to influence models of service delivery

OBJECTIVES

To determine which of the options available to modernise genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in the UK are most acceptable to patients and potential patients; to assess whether the views of a general population sample differ from those of clinic attenders. .

METHODS

A questionnaire was used to explore the acceptability of different ways of delivering sexual healthcare including the potential trade-off between convenience/range of services with cost/staffing constraints. Potential differences in responses by age, sex, ethnicity and current attendance at a GUM clinic were evaluated using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

542 respondents in the community and 202 clinic attenders provided responses. Delivery of sexual healthcare by specialist nurses and general practitioners was acceptable to 81% and 72% of interviewees, respectively, assuming common protocols were adhered to. The proportion of individuals who would accept a consultation with a nurse increased to 91% if the waiting time for an appointment could be reduced as a result. Men were less likely to accept a consultation with a nurse (odds ratio (OR) 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35 to 0.79), and Asian (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.64) and other black (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.87) ethnic groups were less likely to accept a consultation with a general practitioner. 44% of patients preferred walk-in clinics even if waiting times for an appointment were reduced to 48 h.

CONCLUSION

Delivery of sexual healthcare by nurses and general practitioners was generally found to be acceptable, although this varies by patient sex and ethnicity. Some differences exist between the preferences of a general population sample compared with clinic attenders, but overall there is a high level of concordance. Walk-in clinics remain a popular choice even when appointment waiting times are short.

The effect of dislike of school on risk of teenage pregnancy: testing of hypotheses using longitudinal data from a randomised trial of sex education

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To examine whether attitude to school is associated with subsequent risk of teenage pregnancy. To test two hypotheses that attitude to school is linked to pregnancy via pathways involving young people having "alternative" expectations or deficits in sexual health knowledge and confidence.

DESIGN

Analysis of longitudinal data arising from a trial of sex education. Examination of associations between attitude to school and protected first sex, unprotected first sex, unprotected and protected last sex, and pregnancy, both crude and adjusting in turn for expectation of parenting by age 20, lack of expectation of education/training at age 20, and sexual health knowledge and confidence.

SETTING

Schools in central and southern England.

PARTICIPANTS

Girls of median age 13.7 years at baseline, 14.7 years at follow up 1, and 16.0 years at follow up 2.

MAIN RESULTS

In unadjusted analysis, attitude to school was significantly associated with protected and unprotected first sex by follow up 1, protected first sex between follow up 1 and 2, unprotected last sex, and pregnancy. Dislike of school was more strongly associated with increased risk of these outcomes than was ambivalence to school. These associations remained after adjusting for socioeconomic status and for expectation of parenting, lack of expectation of education/training, and various indicators of knowledge and confidence about sexual health.

CONCLUSIONS

Dislike of school is associated with subsequent increased risk of teenage pregnancy but the mechanism underlying any possible causal link is unlikely to involve "alternative" expectations or deficits in sexual health knowledge or confidence.

Phase I trial of a murine antibody to MUC1 in patients with metastatic cancer: evidence for the activation of humoral and cellular antitumor immunity

BACKGROUND

BrevaRex mAb-AR20.5 is a murine anti-MUC1 monoclonal antibody generated to induce MUC1 antigen-specific immune responses through the formation of immune complexes with circulating MUC1 and/or MUC1-expressing tumor cells that may target these immune complexes (IC) to receptors on dendritic cells (DCs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A phase I study focusing on safety and immunology evaluated 1, 2 and 4-mg doses. Seventeen patients with MUC1-positive cancers received intravenous infusions of the antibody over 30 min on weeks 1, 3, 5, 9, 13 and 17 of treatment.

RESULTS

mAb-AR20.5 was well-tolerated, not associated with dose-limiting toxicity, and did not induce hypersensitivity reactions. Overall, five of 15 evaluable patients developed human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA), five developed anti-idiotypic antibodies (Ab2) and seven developed anti-MUC1 antibodies. Immune responses were most prominent in the 2-mg dose cohort for all parameters tested, and treatment-emergent MUC1-specific T-cell responses were detected in five of 10 evaluable patients treated with mAb-AR20.5.

CONCLUSIONS

The injection of a murine antibody to MUC1 induces MUC1-specific immune responses in advanced cancer patients. Anti-MUC1 antibody increases correlated with decrease or stabilization of CA15.3 levels (P=0.03). The 2-mg dose of mAb-AR20.5 showed strongest biological activity, and will be evaluated in future efficacy trials.

The development of clinical guidelines on paracentesis for ascites related to malignancy

Malignancy-related ascites gives rise to troublesome symptoms and carries a poor prognosis. Abdominal paracentesis is a widely used and effective procedure for symptom relief, but practice with regard to the procedure itself may vary considerably. Evidence obtained in the context of liver disease probably influences practice in malignancy, although the pathophysiology involved is different. Anecdotal evidence suggested a difference in practice between the Exeter and District Hospice and the adjoining hospital, and this was confirmed by a review of case notes. Patients undergoing paracentesis in the hospital were more likely to have prior ultrasound assessment and to be given intravenous fluids, and had longer drainage times and longer inpatient stays. It seemed that some practices were placing unnecessary burdens on patients whose life expectancy was short. A set of clinical guidelines for the procedure was drawn up, based on the limited evidence available and the practice within the hospice. These guidelines emphasise performing ultrasound investigations only in cases of diagnostic uncertainty, allowing up to 5 L of fluid to drain without clamping, leaving drains in for no more than 6 h and giving intravenous fluids only when specifically indicated. These guidelines were introduced on the oncology ward of the adjoining hospital. The impact on practice was assessed by means of a retrospective case note review of all procedures carried out on the ward in the 6 months before and after the guidelines were introduced. The introduction of guidelines resulted in significant reductions in prior ultrasound assessment, mean length of time drains were left in and mean length of inpatient stay for planned procedures. There were no cases of symptomatic hypotension in the postguidelines group.