Randomized phase II study of erlotinib (E) or intercalated E with carboplatin/paclitaxel (CP) in chemotherapy-naive advanced NSCLC: Correlation of biomarker status and clinical benefit

8026

Background: E plus chemotherapy showed no additive effects in NSCLC but preclinical studies suggested that intercalation of E and chemotherapy could give synergy. Clinical studies suggested that EGFR mutations could aid in pt selection. KRAS mutation status of tumors was also evaluated. We conducted a randomized phase II study of E and E intercalated with CP in pts with chemonaive NSCLC. Methods: Stage IIIB/IV EGFR+ NSCLC pts were randomized to E 150 mg/d or CP d1 plus E days 2–15 q21 days (ECP). After 4 cycles, E continued until PD. Tumor tissue was evaluated by IHC (EGFR), FISH (EGFR gene copy number), and PCR amplification followed by DNA sequencing (EGFR and KRAS mutations). Results: Among 143 pts randomized 53% EGFR FISH+; 13% activating EGFR mutations and 8% non-activating EGFR mutations (evaluable samples=114); and 22% KRAS mutations (evaluable samples=130). No pt had both EGFR and KRAS mutations. EGFR-activating mutations were higher among females (19% vs 6% males), adenocarcinoma histology (17% vs 0% others), Asians (45% vs 7% non-Asian), and never smokers (29% vs 7% former and 0% current); KRAS mutations were higher in current smokers (41% vs 27% former and 0% never) and adenocarcinoma histology (22% vs 18% squamous). In the E arm, 6-mo PFS probability for the efficacy evaluable population (n=69) was significantly higher in pts with EGFR activating mutations vs no mutations (89% vs 25%, HR=0.17, P=0.001), numerically higher in pts with EGFR FISH+ vs FISH- (40% vs 22%, HR=0.61, P=0.07), and with KRAS wild type vs mutation+ (38% vs 12%, HR=0.56, P=0.10). Response rates, PFS and OS by type of EGFR/KRAS mutation will be presented. In the ECP arm, 6-mo PFS probability for the efficacy evaluable population (n=68) was numerically higher in pts with EGFR activating mutations (42% vs 29%, HR=0.72, P=0.53), numerically higher in pts with wild type KRAS (32% vs 9%, HR=0.57, P=0.08), and numerically lower in pts with EGFR FISH+ vs FISH- (23% vs 30%, HR=0.93, P=0.78). Conclusions: Activating EGFR mutations correlate with increased 6 mo PFS probability in 1st line therapy with E. EGFR FISH + and absence of KRAS mutation trend towards increased 6 mo PFS rate with E.

[Table: see text]

Biomarker analysis from completely resected NSCLC patients enrolled in an adjuvant erlotinib clinical trial (RADIANT)

7520

Background: RADIANT is a phase III trial comparing erlotinib 150 mg daily vs. placebo (2:1) in stage IB-IIIA NSCLC patients with EGFR-positive tumors (IHC and/or FISH), following complete surgical resection. Planned accrual is 945 patients. Correlative biomarker studies on primary tumor tissue, whole blood, and serum are key components of the study. Methods: Tumor tissue was evaluated by IHC for protein expression of EGFR (PharmDx Kit, Dako with + ≥ 1% positive tumor cells), by FISH for gene expression of EGFR (Vysis, Abbott), and by Wave HS for EGFR and Kras mutations. Results: Among 655 tissue samples analyzed, 96% were EGFR IHC+ and 74% EGFR FISH+. Of the 476 tissue samples analyzed to date for mutations (mut), 12% had activating EGFR and 19% had Kras mut. Preliminary comparisons suggest that EGFR mut rate increased while Kras mut rate decreased with tumor stage. EGFR mut occurred in 29/178 (16%) females (F) vs. 23/271 (8%) males (M), 19/57 (33%) Asians (A) vs. 33/392 (8%) non-Asians (NA), and 29/66 (44%) never smokers (NS) vs. 23/383 (6%) current or former smokers (S). The differences between A vs. NA and NS vs. S were significantly different (P <0.0001) for all comparisons made. Kras mut occurred in 40/180 (22%) F vs. 48/280 (17%) M, 4/57 (7%) A vs. 84/403 (21%) NA, and 3/68 (4%) NS vs. 85/392 (22%) S. The difference between A vs. NA and NS vs. S were significantly different (P ≤0.0389) for all comparisons made. In adenoca, 51/254 (20%) had EGFR and 79/261 (30%) had Kras mut, and in SCC, 0/157 (0%) had EGFR and 3/162 (2%) had Kras mut. One tumor sample demonstrated both an activating EGFR and Kras mut. Conclusions: Ongoing comprehensive biomarker assessment in the RADIANT population indicates successful sample collection and analysis. FISH positivity rates are greater than observed in late-stage tumors. Remaining results in this early-stage population are consistent with those observed in advanced-stage disease. Once complete, this study will provide a robust biomarker dataset on which to evaluate predictive and prognostic response markers, which may help determine who may benefit from treatment with erlotinib in the adjuvant setting.

[Table: see text]

What is the association between wealth and mental health?

BACKGROUND

Socioeconomic inequalities in mental health have been shown in a number of populations. This study aims to investigate the association between asset wealth and psychological distress in New Zealand and whether it is independent of other socioeconomic measures and baseline health status.

METHODS

Data for this study were from the first three waves of the Survey of Families, Income and Employment (SoFIE) conducted in New Zealand (2002-2004/05) (n = 15 340). The Kessler-10 was used as a measure of psychological distress. The association of quintiles of wealth with psychological distress was investigated using logistic regression, controlling for confounders, socioeconomic variables and prior health status.

RESULTS

The odds ratio (OR) of reporting high psychological distress were greater in the lowest wealth quintile compared with the highest (OR 3.06, 95% CI 2.68 to 3.50). Adjusting for age and sex did not alter the relationship; however, adjusting for income and area deprivation attenuated the OR to 1.73 (95% CI 1.48 to 2.04). Further controlling for baseline health status reduced the OR to 1.45 (95% CI 1.23 to 1.71), although the confidence interval still excluded the null.

CONCLUSIONS

Inequalities in wealth are strongly associated with psychological distress, over and above other confounding demographic variables and baseline health status. Much, but not all, of that association is confounded by adult socioeconomic position. This suggests that policy measures to improve asset wealth, through savings and home ownership, may have positive health implications and help to reduce health inequalities.

Adverse drug reactions associated with first-line anti-tuberculosis drug regimens

BACKGROUND

Standard treatment of active tuberculosis (TB) consists of isoniazid (INH), rifampin (RMP), pyrazinamide (PZA) and ethambutol (EMB). Although this regimen is effective in treating active TB, it is associated with many adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and poses a significant challenge to completion of treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the incidence of major ADRs and risk factors associated with first-line anti-tuberculosis medications.

METHODS

This study evaluated patients receiving treatment for active TB from a population-based database (2000-2005). The nature of the ADRs, likelihood of association with the study medications and severity were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 1061 patients received treatment, of whom 318 (30%) had at least one major ADR. The overall incidence of all major ADRs was 7.3 events per 100 person-months (95%CI 7.2-7.5): 23.3 (95%CI 23.0-23.7) when on all four first-line drugs, 13.6 (95%CI 13.3-14.0) when on RMP, INH and PZA, and 2.4 (95%CI 2.3-2.6) when on INH and RMP. Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) revealed that combination regimens containing PZA, females, subjects aged 35-59 and >or=60 years, baseline aspartate aminotransferase >or=80 U/l and drug resistance were associated with any major event.

CONCLUSIONS

First-line anti-tuberculosis drugs are associated with significant ADRs. There are several risk factors associated with the development of ADRs, including exposure to regimens containing PZA.

Interferon-based combination anti-viral therapy for hepatitis C virus after liver transplantation: a review and quantitative analysis

Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation (LT) is universal. However, the efficacy, tolerability and safety of combination interferon and ribavirin (IFN-RIB) or peginterferon and ribavirin (PEG-RIB) anti-viral therapies post-LT are uncertain. We performed a comprehensive search of major medical databases (1980-2005) and conference proceedings (1996-2005). The main outcome measure was sustained virological response (SVR, undetectable HCV RNA) at 6 months. Summary estimates were calculated using random-effects models. Twenty-seven IFN-RIB and 21 PEG-RIB studies were included. IFN-RIB was associated with a pooled SVR rate of 24% (95% CI, 20-27%), while PEG-RIB was associated with an SVR rate of 27% (23-31%). Pooled discontinuation rates were 24% (21-27%) with IFN-RIB and 26% (20-32%) with PEG-RIB. The pooled rate of acute graft rejection was 2% (1-3%) with IFN-RIB and 5% (3-7%) with PEG-RIB. IFN-RIB and PEG-RIB therapies in HCV infection post-LT were associated with similar but overall low SVR and were poorly tolerated. The rate of acute rejection was small. The therapeutic advantage of PEG-RIB therapy observed in non-transplant chronic HCV infection appears to be attenuated post-LT. Clinical trials are needed to evaluate reasons for this post-transplant therapeutic disadvantage and to find strategies to ameliorate them.

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine in Gambian multigravidae

We investigated the ability of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine to prevent anaemia and low birthweight in Gambian multigravidae. Between July 2002 and February 2004, 2688 multigravidae living in a rural area of The Gambia received SP (1346 women) or placebo (1342 women) up to four times during pregnancy and were followed until 6-weeks post-partum. Shortly after delivery, 10.7% of women in the intervention group and 8.8% in the control group were severely anaemic [Hb < 7 g/dl, risk difference = 0.02 (95% CI -0.01, 0.04), P = 0.17]. The overall mean birthweight of infants born to women who had received SP (3103 g) was very similar to that observed in infants born to women in the control group [3075 g; difference = 28 g (95% CI -11 g, 67 g), P = 0.16]. However, among women who did not use a bednet (either insecticide treated or untreated), infants born to women who had received SP weighed more than infants born to women in the control group [3147 g vs. 3044 g; difference 143 g (95% CI 53 g, 232 g), interaction test P < 0.001]. This study did not show that IPTp with SP benefited Gambian multigravidae overall but that it may benefit a sub-group of women who do not use a bednet. In areas such as The Gambia, provision of insecticide-treated bednets to multigravidae may provide an adequate means of protection against malaria in pregnancy without the need for additional IPTp.

Interferon-based combination anti-viral therapy for hepatitis C virus after liver transplantation: a review and quantitative analysis

Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation (LT) is universal. However, the efficacy, tolerability and safety of combination interferon and ribavirin (IFN-RIB) or peginterferon and ribavirin (PEG-RIB) anti-viral therapies post-LT are uncertain. We performed a comprehensive search of major medical databases (1980-2005) and conference proceedings (1996-2005). The main outcome measure was sustained virological response (SVR, undetectable HCV RNA) at 6 months. Summary estimates were calculated using random-effects models. Twenty-seven IFN-RIB and 21 PEG-RIB studies were included. IFN-RIB was associated with a pooled SVR rate of 24% (95% CI, 20-27%), while PEG-RIB was associated with an SVR rate of 27% (23-31%). Pooled discontinuation rates were 24% (21-27%) with IFN-RIB and 26% (20-32%) with PEG-RIB. The pooled rate of acute graft rejection was 2% (1-3%) with IFN-RIB and 5% (3-7%) with PEG-RIB. IFN-RIB and PEG-RIB therapies in HCV infection post-LT were associated with similar but overall low SVR and were poorly tolerated. The rate of acute rejection was small. The therapeutic advantage of PEG-RIB therapy observed in non-transplant chronic HCV infection appears to be attenuated post-LT. Clinical trials are needed to evaluate reasons for this post-transplant therapeutic disadvantage and to find strategies to ameliorate them.

Nonlinear optical properties of glasses in the system Ge/Ga-Sb-S/Se

We report n2 measurements of selected chalcogenide glasses using a modified Z-scan technique. Measurements were made with picosecond pulses emitted by a 10 Hz Q-switched, mode-locked Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm under conditions suitable to characterize ultrafast nonlinearities. The nonlinear index increases significantly up to 246 times the n2 for fused silica with an increase of SbS3 units and also very slightly with the replacement of Ge by Ga or S by Se. We have attributed the variation of n2 to the total number of electronic lone pairs and to the position of the absorption band gap, which are induced by the presence of GaS4 units or Se-Se bonds in the glass structure.

Detecting quantitative trait loci affecting beef tenderness on bovine chromosome 7 near calpastatin and lysyl oxidase

From a study of 3 large half-sib families of cattle, we describe linkage between DNA polymorphisms on bovine chromosome 7 and meat tenderness. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for Longissimus lumborum peak force (LLPF) and Semitendonosis adhesion (STADH) were located to this map of DNA markers, which includes the calpastatin (CAST) and lysyl oxidase (LOX) genes. The LLPF QTL has a maximum lodscore of 4.9 and allele substitution of approximately 0.80 of a phenotypic standard deviation, and the peak is located over the CAST gene. The STADH QTL has a maximum lodscore of 3.5 and an allele substitution of approximately 0.37 of a phenotypic standard deviation, and the peak is located over the LOX gene. This suggests 2 separate likelihood peaks on the chromosome. Further analyses of meat tenderness measures in the Longissimus lumborum, LLPF and LL compression (LLC), in which outlier individuals or kill groups are removed, demonstrate large shifts in the location of LLPF QTL, as well as confirming that there are indeed 2 QTL on bovine chromosome 7. We found that both QTL are reflected in both LLPF and LLC measurements, suggesting that both these components of tenderness, myofibrillar and connective tissue, are detected by both measurements in this muscle.

Mapping and pyramiding of qualitative and quantitative resistance to stripe rust in barley

The identification and location of sources of genetic resistance to plant diseases are important contributions to the development of resistant varieties. The combination of different sources and types of resistance in the same genotype should assist in the development of durably resistant varieties. Using a doubled haploid (DH), mapping population of barley, we mapped a qualitative resistance gene ( Rpsx) to barley stripe rust in the accession CI10587 (PI 243183) to the long arm of chromosome 1(7H). We combined the Rpsx gene, through a series of crosses, with three mapped and validated barley stripe rust resistance QTL alleles located on chromosomes 4(4H) (QTL4), 5(1H) (QTL5), and 7(5H) (QTL7). Three different barley DH populations were developed from these crosses, two combining Rpsx with QTL4 and QTL7, and the third combining Rpsx with QTL5. Disease severity testing in four environments and QTL mapping analyses confirmed the effects and locations of Rpsx, QTL4, and QTL5, thereby validating the original estimates of QTL location and effect. QTL alleles on chromosomes 4(4H) and 5(1H) were effective in decreasing disease severity in the absence of the resistance allele at Rpsx. Quantitative resistance effects were mainly additive, although magnitude interactions were detected. Our results indicate that combining qualitative and quantitative resistance in the same genotype is feasible. However, the durability of such resistance pyramids will require challenge from virulent isolates, which currently are not reported in North America.

Drink and drug driving: what's the skipper up to?

OBJECTIVE

Since the introduction of random breath testing (RBT) in Australia there has been a significant reduction in drink driving, as measured by alcohol-related crashes. In contrast, the prevalence of drug-related road fatalities is on the increase. One strategy that targets drink- and/or drug-driving is the promotion of a designated driver or 'skipper'. This paper determines to what extent the 'skipper' is driving alcohol or drug-free.

METHODS

A convenience sample of university students from The University of Western Australia completed a questionnaire that included questions on drug and alcohol use while driving as the designated 'skipper'.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 286 participants was 21 years. Among the students who reported acting as the designated 'skipper' during the past 12 months, 26% of the students drove, as the designated 'skipper,' while feeling the effects of alcohol. Similarly, 18% of students who reported using drugs drove, as the 'skipper', while feeling the effects of the drug. Multivariate analysis identified that the presence of random drug testing would act as a deterrent for drug driving while the designated 'skipper'.

CONCLUSION

Although three-quarters of designated 'skippers' do not drink and/or drug drive, a sizeable proportion of young drivers continue to place themselves and, more importantly, their passengers and the entire community at an elevated risk of injury.

IMPLICATIONS

Campaigns that target the responsibility of the 'skipper' and that are included as part of drink-driving campaigns would be beneficial. It is premature to be making recommendations on random drug testing for drivers.

The nursing outcomes classification: its relevance to school nursing

Two surveys were conducted to determine school nurses' perceptions of the relevance of 190 outcomes developed by the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) research team to school nursing practice. First, a national random survey of members of the National Association of School Nurses was conducted. Participants were asked to identify the percentage of children and families for whom school nurses affect health outcomes. Usable responses were returned from 227 school nurses (22% response rate). Ninety outcomes were perceived as relevant for 30% or more of children and families; 8 outcomes were perceived as relevant for 50% or more of children and families. A second survey--targeting state representatives attending a school nursing leadership meeting--was conducted using a revised version of the instrument. The legend was changed to degree of relevance to school nursing practice, with a response scale of 0 to 10. Usable responses were returned from 31 state representatives (41% response rate). The means of 172 of 190 outcomes were above 5 (median point on the 10-point scale of relevance). The findings of both surveys indicate that a large number of NOC outcomes are useful for documentation of the effectiveness of nursing interventions in school settings.

Genetic control of susceptibility to UV-induced immunosuppression by interacting quantitative trait loci

Ultraviolet B radiation (290-320 nm) initiates a dose and wavelength dependent down-regulation of cell-mediated immunity which is critical in experimental ultraviolet radiation (UV) carcinogenesis, preventing immune attack on highly antigenic UV-induced tumors. UV-induced immunosuppression has been demonstrated in humans and may be a risk factor for skin cancer. In this study, we have investigated genetic linkage of the autosomal loci controlling this trait. Previously, we had derived a model describing control of susceptibility to UV-induced immunosuppression in inbred mice by unlinked interacting autosomal and X-linked loci. A genome-wide scan using MIT microsatellite markers was carried out on 100 backcross (BALB/c x (BALB/c x C57BL/6) F1) mice derived from the inbred strains BALB/c (low susceptibility) and C57BL/6 (high susceptibility) and tested for systemic UV-induced immunosuppression of a contact hypersensitivity response. The values for % suppression for each animal and the genotype data were used to investigate genetic linkage by multiple regression analysis. Significance was assessed using the permutation test. Both main effects and interactive effects were investigated, first with each genotype marker singly, and secondly, in a novel approach using markers pairwise. A joint model was derived in which all loci and pairs of loci identified were included simultaneously in a multiple regression model. This model indicates four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with significant main effects, one on chromosome 10 which decreased susceptibility to UV-induced immunosuppression and QTLs on chromosomes 6, 17 and 1 which increased susceptibility. Additionally, loci on chromosomes 14 and 19 showed significant interaction with the locus on chromosome 1. Further investigation indicated a potential three-way interaction involving the loci on chromosomes 1, 14 and 19.

Laryngeal swabs for diagnosing tuberculosis

The value of smear and culture of laryngeal swabs as a method of confirming pulmonary tuberculosis was investigated in Indian children. A total of 116 children with 'suspected' tuberculosis had a Mantoux test and chest X-ray. Of these, 51 had a positive Mantoux and/or chest X-ray compatible with tuberculosis, and this group had two laryngeal swabs taken on each of 3 consecutive days. The Mantoux test was positive in 37 (73%) of the 51 'probable' cases. Chest X-ray was abnormal in 36 (71%) cases and compatible with tuberculosis in 20 (39.7%). Mycobacterium tuberculosis was cultured from laryngeal swabs in 14 (28%) children and in another three children smears were positive but culture-negative. The overall confirmation rate for tuberculosis was 33%. Laryngeal swabs are a simple method of confirming tuberculosis and may be undertaken in out-patients.

Platelet function in dogs treated for lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma and supplemented with dietary n-3 fatty acids

A prospective randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed to test the hypothesis that dogs with malignancies that are supplemented with n-3 fatty acids do not have clinical or laboratory evidence of coagulation disorders or altered platelet function when compared with unsupplemented dogs with similar malignancies. Thirteen dogs with hemangiosarcoma and 66 dogs with lymphoma were evaluated. Coagulation status of the dogs with lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma was evaluated with prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, and in vitro platelet aggregometry using the whole-blood method. These tests were performed at 5 time points: before beginning the diet (week 0), at weeks 3, 15, and 21, and at 1 year or when progressive disease was evident. Alterations in platelet function in dogs receiving a diet supplemented with dietary n-3 fatty acids were not identified when compared to dogs fed a control diet. Dietary n-3 fatty acid supplementation using this dosage and ratio in dogs with lymphoma or hemangiosarcoma did not induce clinically significant hemorrhage in these animals. Therefore, supplementation with n-3 fatty acids did not result in clinical or laboratory evidence relating to uncontrolled hemorrhage in these dogs.

GIGANTEA: a circadian clock-controlled gene that regulates photoperiodic flowering in Arabidopsis and encodes a protein with several possible membrane-spanning domains

Flowering of Arabidopsis is promoted by long days and delayed by short days. Mutations in the GIGANTEA (GI) gene delay flowering under long days but have little or no effect under short days. We have now isolated the GI gene and show that it encodes a novel, putative membrane protein. By comparing the sequence of the Arabidopsis gene with that of a likely rice orthologue and by sequencing mutant alleles, we identify regions of the GI protein that are likely to be important for its function. We show that GI expression is regulated by the circadian clock with a peak in transcript levels 8-10 h after dawn. The timing, height and duration of this peak are influenced by daylength. We analysed the interactions between GI and the LHY, CCA1 and ELF3 genes, previously shown to affect daylength responses; we show that the rhythmic pattern of GI expression is altered in the elf3, CCA1-OX and lhy genotypes, and that CCA1 and LHY expression are reduced by gi mutations. Our results are consistent with the idea that GI plays an important role in regulating the expression of flowering time genes during the promotion of flowering by photoperiod.