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Spaziani M, Carlomagno F, Tarantino C, Angelini F, Paparella R, Tarani L, Putotto C, Badagliacca R, Pozza C, Isidori AM, Gianfrilli D. From Klinefelter Syndrome to High Grade Aneuploidies: Expanding the Gene-dosage Effect of Supernumerary X Chromosomes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e1564-e1573. [PMID: 38193351 PMCID: PMC11244175 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High-grade aneuploidies of X and Y sex chromosomes (HGAs) are exceedingly rare and complex conditions. We aimed to investigate the effect of supernumerary X chromosomes (extra-Xs) on the clinical, hormonal, metabolic, and echocardiographic features of patients with HGAs. DESIGN AND METHODS In a cross-sectional study, we compared 23 subjects with HGAs and 46 age-matched subjects with 47,XXY Klinefelter syndrome (KS), according to the number of extra-Xs: two (47,XXY and 48,XXYY), three (48,XXXY and 49,XXXYY), or four supernumerary Xs (49,XXXXY). A second cohort consisting of 46 pubertal stage-matched KS subjects was employed for validation. Clinical, hormonal, metabolic and ultrasonographic parameters were collected and analyzed. RESULTS The increase in the number of extra-Xs was associated with a progressive adverse effect on height, pubertal development, testicular volume and function, adrenal steroidogenesis, and thyroid function. A progressive linear increase in ACTH and a decrease in cortisol/ACTH ratios were found. Weight and body mass index, Sertoli cell function, lipid profile, and glucose tolerance post-oral glucose tolerance test were all worse in the HGA cohort compared to KS. Cardiac evaluation revealed a linear association with reduced left and right end-diastolic diameters and reduced ejection fraction. CONCLUSION The increase in the number of extra-Xs is associated with a "dose-dependent" progressive impairment in steroid producing glands, thyroid function, cardiac structure, and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Spaziani
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Carlomagno
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Tarantino
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Angelini
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Paparella
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Putotto
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Badagliacca
- Department of Clinical, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pozza
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Endocrine and Andrological Regional Rare Disease Center (Endo-ERN accredited), Policlinico Umberto I, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Nabbout R, Hilgers RD. Innovative methodologies for rare diseases clinical trials. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:190. [PMID: 38715067 PMCID: PMC11077753 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03189-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rima Nabbout
- Reference centre for rare epilepsies Université Paris cité, Paris, France.
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France.
- Institut Imagine, INSERM U1163, Paris, France.
| | - Ralf-Dieter Hilgers
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute of Medical Statistics, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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3
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Geroldinger M, Verbeeck J, Hooker AC, Thiel KE, Molenberghs G, Nyberg J, Bauer J, Laimer M, Wally V, Bathke AC, Zimmermann G. Statistical recommendations for count, binary, and ordinal data in rare disease cross-over trials. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:391. [PMID: 38115074 PMCID: PMC10729462 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02990-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recommendations for statistical methods in rare disease trials are scarce, especially for cross-over designs. As a result various state-of-the-art methodologies were compared as neutrally as possible using an illustrative data set from epidermolysis bullosa research to build recommendations for count, binary, and ordinal outcome variables. For this purpose, parametric (model averaging), semiparametric (generalized estimating equations type [GEE-like]) and nonparametric (generalized pairwise comparisons [GPC] and a marginal model implemented in the R package nparLD) methods were chosen by an international consortium of statisticians. RESULTS It was found that there is no uniformly best method for the aforementioned types of outcome variables, but in particular situations, there are methods that perform better than others. Especially if maximizing power is the primary goal, the prioritized unmatched GPC method was able to achieve particularly good results, besides being appropriate for prioritizing clinically relevant time points. Model averaging led to favorable results in some scenarios especially within the binary outcome setting and, like the GEE-like semiparametric method, also allows for considering period and carry-over effects properly. Inference based on the nonparametric marginal model was able to achieve high power, especially in the ordinal outcome scenario, despite small sample sizes due to separate testing of treatment periods, and is suitable when longitudinal and interaction effects have to be considered. CONCLUSION Overall, a balance has to be found between achieving high power, accounting for cross-over, period, or carry-over effects, and prioritizing clinically relevant time points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Geroldinger
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 21, Salzburg, 5020, Austria.
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Centre, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Paracelsus Medical University, Ignaz-Harrer Straße 79, Salzburg, 5020, Austria.
| | - Johan Verbeeck
- I-BioStat, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Andrew C Hooker
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Konstantin E Thiel
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 21, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Geert Molenberghs
- I-BioStat, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
- I-BioStat, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joakim Nyberg
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johann Bauer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Martin Laimer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Verena Wally
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Arne C Bathke
- Intelligent Data Analytics (IDA) Lab Salzburg, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Interfaces, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Georg Zimmermann
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 21, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
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4
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del Álamo M, Bührer C, Fisher D, Griese M, Lingor P, Palladini G, Sireau N, Hivert V, Sangiorgi L, Guillot F, Halftermeyer J, Soucková L, Nosková K, Demlová R. Identifying obstacles hindering the conduct of academic-sponsored trials for drug repurposing on rare-diseases: an analysis of six use cases. Trials 2022; 23:783. [PMID: 36109818 PMCID: PMC9479412 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06713-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Academic-sponsored trials for rare diseases face many challenges; the present paper identifies hurdles in the set-up of six multinational clinical trials for drug repurposing, as use cases.
Methods
Six academic-sponsored multinational trials aiming to generate knowledge on rare diseases drug repurposing were used as examples to identify problems in their set-up. Coordinating investigators leading these trials provided feedback on hurdles linked to study, country, and site set up, on the basis of pre-identified categories established through the analysis of previous peer-reviewed publications.
Results
Administrative burden and lack of harmonization for trial-site agreements were deemed as a major hurdle. Other main identified obstacles included the following: (1) complexity and restriction on the use of public funding, especially in a multinational set up, (2) drug supply, including procurement tendering rules and country-specific requirements for drug stability, and (3) lack of harmonization on regulatory requirements to get trial approvals.
Conclusion
A better knowledge of the non-commercial clinical research landscape and its challenges and requirements is needed to make drugs—especially those with less commercial gain—accessible to rare diseases patients. Better information about existing resources like research infrastructures, clinical research programs, and counseling mechanisms is needed to support and guide clinicians through the many challenges associated to the set-up of academic-sponsored multinational trials.
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Hecksteden A, Forster S, Egger F, Buder F, Kellner R, Meyer T. Dwarfs on the Shoulders of Giants: Bayesian Analysis With Informative Priors in Elite Sports Research and Decision Making. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:793603. [PMID: 35368412 PMCID: PMC8970347 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.793603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While sample sizes in elite sports are necessarily small, so are the effects that may be relevant. This conundrum is complicated by an understandable reluctance of athletes to comply with extensive study requirements. In Bayesian analyses, pre-existing knowledge (e.g., from sub-elite trials) can be formally included to supplement scarce data. Moreover, some design specifics for small sample research extend to the extreme case of a single subject. This provides the basis for actionable feedback (e.g., about individual responses) thereby incentivising participation. As a proof-of-concept, we conducted a replicated cross-over trial on the effect of cold-water immersion (CWI) on sprint performance recovery in soccer players. Times for 30 m linear sprint and the initial 5 m section, respectively, were measured by light gates before and 24 h after induction of fatigue. Data were analysed by Bayesian and by standard frequentist methods. Informative priors are based on a published metaanalysis. Seven players completed the trial. Sprint performance was 4.156 ± 0.193 s for 30 m linear sprint and 0.978 ± 0.064 s for the initial 5 m section. CWI improved recovery of sprint time for the initial 5 m section (difference to control: −0.060 ± 0.060 s, p = 0.004) but not for the full 30 m sprint (0.002 ± 0.115 s, p = 0.959), with general agreement between Bayesian and frequentist interval estimates. On the individual level, relevant differences between analytical approaches were present for most players. Changes in the two performance measures are correlated (p = 0.009) with a fairly good reproducibility of individual response patterns. Bayesian analyses with informative priors may be a practicable and meaningful option particularly for very small samples and when the analytical aim is decision making (use / don't use in the specific setting) rather than generalizable inference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hecksteden
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- *Correspondence: Anne Hecksteden
| | - Sabrina Forster
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Florian Egger
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Felix Buder
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Ralf Kellner
- Quantitative Methods and Statistics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Financial Data Analytics, University of Passau, Passau, Germany
| | - Tim Meyer
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
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6
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Ott P, Ala A, Askari FK, Czlonkowska A, Hilgers R, Poujois A, Roberts EA, Sandahl TD, Weiss KH, Ferenci P, Schilsky ML. Designing Clinical Trials in Wilson's Disease. Hepatology 2021; 74:3460-3471. [PMID: 34320232 PMCID: PMC9291486 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Wilson's disease (WD) is an autosomal-recessive disorder caused by ATP7B gene mutations leading to pathological accumulation of copper in the liver and brain. Adoption of initial treatments for WD was based on empirical observations. These therapies are effective, but there are still unmet needs for which treatment modalities are being developed. An increase of therapeutical trials is anticipated. APPROACH AND RESULTS The first Wilson Disease Aarhus Symposium (May 2019) included a workshop on randomized clinical trial design. The authors of the article were organizers or presented during this workshop, and this article presents their consensus on the design of clinical trials for WD, addressing trial population, treatment comparators, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and treatment endpoints. To achieve adequate recruitment of patients with this rare disorder, the study groups should include all clinical phenotypes and treatment-experienced as well as treatment-naïve patients. CONCLUSIONS The primary study endpoint should be clinical or a composite endpoint until appropriate surrogate endpoints are validated. Standardization of clinical trials will permit pooling of data and allow for better treatment comparisons, as well as reduce the future numbers of patients needed per trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ott
- Department of Hepatology and GastroenterologyAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Aftab Ala
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyThe Royal Surrey NHS Foundation TrustGuildfordUnited Kingdom,Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUnited Kingdom,Institute of Liver StudiesKing’s College HospitalLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Anna Czlonkowska
- Second Department of NeurologyInstitute of Psychiatry and NeurologyWarsawPoland
| | | | - Aurélia Poujois
- Neurology Department and National Reference Centre for Wilson’s DiseaseRothschild Foundation HospitalParisFrance
| | - Eve A. Roberts
- Departments of Paediatrics, Medicine, and Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | - Karl Heinz Weiss
- Salem Medical CenterHeidelbergGermany,Department of Internal MedicineIV at University Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Peter Ferenci
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Michael L. Schilsky
- Departments of Medicine and SurgeryYale University Medical CenterNew HavenCTUSA
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7
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Izem R, McCarter R. Randomized and non-randomized designs for causal inference with longitudinal data in rare disorders. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:491. [PMID: 34814939 PMCID: PMC8609847 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-02124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In the United States, approximately 7000 rare diseases affect 30 million patients, and only 10% of these diseases have existing therapies. Sound study design and causal inference methods are essential to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy, safety, and effectiveness of new therapies. In the rare diseases setting, several factors challenge the use of typical parallel control designs: the small patient population size, genotypic and phenotypic diversity, and the complexity and incomplete understanding of the disorder’s progression. Repeated measures, when spaced appropriately relative to disease progression and exploited in design and analysis, can increase study power and reduce variability in treatment effect estimation. This paper reviews these longitudinal designs and draws the parallel between some new and existing randomized studies in rare diseases and their less well-known controlled observational study designs. We show that self-controlled randomized crossover and N-of-1 designs have similar considerations as the observational case series and case-crossover designs. Also, randomized sequential designs have similar considerations to longitudinal cohort studies using sequential matching or weighting to control confounding. We discuss design and analysis considerations for valid causal inference and illustrate them with examples of analyses in multiple rare disorders, including urea cycle disorder and cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Izem
- Division of Biostatistics and Study Methodology, Children's Research Institute at Children's National Medical Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Robert McCarter
- Division of Biostatistics and Study Methodology, Children's Research Institute at Children's National Medical Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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8
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Sampath V, Ramchandran R. The Yin and the Yang of Transformative Research During the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Perspective. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:650302. [PMID: 34249804 PMCID: PMC8264183 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.650302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the necessity for scientists from diverse disciplines to collaboratively mitigate the singular calamity facing humanity this century. The ability of researchers to combine exponential advances in technology and scientific acumen has resulted in landmark discoveries in pediatric research and is surmounting the COVID-19 challenge. Several of these discoveries exist in a realm of research that is not classically "basic" or "clinical." Translational research characterizes this domain partially, but does not fully capture the integrated research approaches that have spurred these discoveries. Herein, we share our perspective on the common themes underpinning the basic and clinical research. We also highlight major differences in the scope, emphasis, approach, and limitations of basic and clinical research that impede multi-disciplinary approaches that facilitate truly transformative research. These differences in research thinking and methodology are ingrained during training wherein the limitations of the chosen discipline, and strengths of alternate disciplines are not adequately explored. Insular approaches are particularly limited in impacting complex diseases pathophysiology in the era of precision medicine. We propose that integration of -omics technologies, systems biology, adaptive clinical trial designs, humanized animal models, and precision pre-clinical model systems must be incorporated into research training of future scientists. Several initiatives from the NIH and other institutions are facilitating such broad-based "research without frontiers" training that paves the way for seamless, multi-disciplinary, research. Such efforts become "transformative" when scientific challenges are tackled in partnership with a willingness to share ideas, tackle challenges, and develop tools/models from the very beginning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh Sampath
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Ramani Ramchandran
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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9
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Kada A, Tohyama J, Shiraishi H, Takahashi Y, Nakagawa E, Akiyama T, Saito AM, Inoue Y, Kato M. A Single-Arm Open-Label Clinical Trial on the Efficacy and Safety of Sirolimus for Epileptic Seizures Associated with Focal Cortical Dysplasia Type II: A Study Protocol. Kurume Med J 2021; 66:115-120. [PMID: 34135202 DOI: 10.2739/kurumemedj.ms662007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Epileptic seizures are core symptoms in focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), a disease that often develops in infancy. Such seizures are refractory to conventional antiepileptic drugs (AED) and temporarily disappear in response to AED in only 17% of patients. Currently, surgical resection is an important option for the treatment of epileptic seizures in FCD. In 2015, Korean and Japanese groups independently reported that FCD is caused by somatic mosaic mutation of the MTOR gene in the brain tissue. Based on these results we decided to test a novel treatment using sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, for epileptic seizures in patients with FCD type II. A single arm open-label clinical trial for FCD type II patients is being conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sirolimus. The dose of sirolimus is fixed for the first 4 weeks and dose adjustment is achieved to maintain a blood level of 5 to 15 ng/mL during 8 to 24 weeks after initiation of administration, and it is kept within this level during a maintenance therapy period of 12 weeks. Primary endpoint is a reduction in the rate of incidence of focal seizures (including focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures) per 28 days during the maintenance therapy period from the observation period. To evaluate the frequency of epileptic seizures, registry data will be used as an external control group. We hope that the results of this trial will lead to future innovative treatments for FCD type II patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Kada
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center
| | - Jun Tohyama
- Department of Child Neurology, National Hospital Organization Nishi-Niigata Chuo National Hospital
| | | | - Yukitoshi Takahashi
- Department of Pediatrics, National Epilepsy Center, National Hospital Organization Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders
| | - Eiji Nakagawa
- Department of Child Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
| | - Tomoyuki Akiyama
- Department of Child Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Akiko M Saito
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center
| | - Yushi Inoue
- National Epilepsy Center, National Hospital Organization Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders
| | - Mitsuhiro Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Showa University School of Medicine
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Winter E, Schliebner S. Current Advances in Clinical Trials for Rare Disease Populations: Spotlight on the Patient. Curr Rev Clin Exp Pharmacol 2021; 17:39-45. [PMID: 33726656 DOI: 10.2174/1574884716666210316120615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Characterized by small, highly heterogeneous patient populations, rare disease trials magnify the challenges often encountered in traditional clinical trials. In recent years, there have been increased efforts by stakeholders to improve drug development in rare diseases through novel approaches to clinical trial designs and statistical analyses. We highlight and discuss some of the current and emerging approaches aimed at overcoming challenges in rare disease clinical trials, with a focus on the ultimate stakeholder, the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Winter
- Pfizer Inc, Clinical Pharmacology, New York, NY. United States
| | - Scott Schliebner
- PRA Health Sciences, Center for Rare Diseases, Seattle, WA. United States
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11
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Wally V, Reisenberger M, Kitzmüller S, Laimer M. Small molecule drug development for rare genodermatoses - evaluation of the current status in epidermolysis bullosa. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:292. [PMID: 33076941 PMCID: PMC7574495 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01467-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hereditary epidermolysis bullosa (EB) comprises a heterogeneous group of rare genodermatoses, which are caused by mutations in genes involved in the maintenance of the structural and functional integrity of dermo-epidermal adhesion in various stratified epithelia. In severe variants, generalized skin disease, extracutaneous manifestations and multi-organ involvement cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Causal and early treatment by re-expression of a respective mutated gene is the major long-term goal in therapy development. However, characterization and targeted modulation of pathogenic molecular cascades in EB also holds great promise as a symptom-relieving approach to ameliorate phenotype, complications and quality of life. Small molecules are chemical structures of less than 900 Da that can diffuse across cell membranes and interfere with target biomolecules, thus influencing their function at different levels. They constitute the vast majority of active components of all approved drugs. Methods We performed PubMed and Google Scholar search for publications and screened FDA- and EMA-hosted clinical trial registries to identify studies using small molecule-based drugs for epidermolysis bullosa. Upon detailed analysis this resulted in the identification of a total of 84 studies. Results We identified 52 publications and 32 registered trials that investigate small molecules for their safety and efficacy as treatment for different aspects of epidermolysis bullosa. Further, a total of 38 different small molecules clinically used in EB were found. Most frequent outcome measures concerned wound healing, reduction in blister numbers, as well as reduction of itch and pain, predominantly for EBS and RDEB. Conclusion We provide a comprehensive summary of the current status of clinical small molecule development for EB and discuss prospects and limitations in orphan drug development for rare conditions like EB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Wally
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Manuela Reisenberger
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sophie Kitzmüller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Martin Laimer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
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12
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Patson N, Mukaka M, Otwombe KN, Kazembe L, Mathanga DP, Mwapasa V, Kabaghe AN, Eijkemans MJC, Laufer MK, Chirwa T. Systematic review of statistical methods for safety data in malaria chemoprevention in pregnancy trials. Malar J 2020; 19:119. [PMID: 32197619 PMCID: PMC7085184 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03190-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drug safety assessments in clinical trials present unique analytical challenges. Some of these include adjusting for individual follow-up time, repeated measurements of multiple outcomes and missing data among others. Furthermore, pre-specifying appropriate analysis becomes difficult as some safety endpoints are unexpected. Although existing guidelines such as CONSORT encourage thorough reporting of adverse events (AEs) in clinical trials, they provide limited details for safety data analysis. The limited guidelines may influence suboptimal analysis by failing to account for some analysis challenges above. A typical example where such challenges exist are trials of anti-malarial drugs for malaria prevention during pregnancy. Lack of proper standardized evaluation of the safety of antimalarial drugs has limited the ability to draw conclusions about safety. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to establish the current practice in statistical analysis for preventive antimalarial drug safety in pregnancy. Methods The search included five databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Malaria in Pregnancy Library and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) to identify original English articles reporting Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on anti-malarial drugs for malaria prevention in pregnancy published from January 2010 to July 2019. Results Eighteen trials were included in this review that collected multiple longitudinal safety outcomes including AEs. Statistical analysis and reporting of the safety outcomes in all the trials used descriptive statistics; proportions/counts (n = 18, 100%) and mean/median (n = 2, 11.1%). Results presentation included tabular (n = 16, 88.9%) and text description (n = 2, 11.1%). Univariate inferential methods were reported in most trials (n = 16, 88.9%); including Chi square/Fisher’s exact test (n = 12, 66.7%), t test (n = 2, 11.1%) and Mann–Whitney/Wilcoxon test (n = 1, 5.6%). Multivariable methods, including Poisson and negative binomial were reported in few trials (n = 3, 16.7%). Assessment of a potential link between missing efficacy data and safety outcomes was not reported in any of the trials that reported efficacy missing data (n = 7, 38.9%). Conclusion The review demonstrated that statistical analysis of safety data in anti-malarial drugs for malarial chemoprevention in pregnancy RCTs is inadequate. The analyses insufficiently account for multiple safety outcomes potential dependence, follow-up time and informative missing data which can compromise anti-malarial drug safety evidence development, based on the available data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel Patson
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mavuto Mukaka
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kennedy N Otwombe
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lawrence Kazembe
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Don P Mathanga
- University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Victor Mwapasa
- University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Marinus J C Eijkemans
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., HSF-1 Room 480, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Tobias Chirwa
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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13
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Lee KJ, Moreno-Betancur M, Kasza J, Marschner IC, Barnett AG, Carlin JB. Biostatistics: a fundamental discipline at the core of modern health data science. Med J Aust 2019; 211:444-446.e1. [PMID: 31656046 PMCID: PMC6899583 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Lee
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | | | - Ian C Marschner
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
| | - Adrian G Barnett
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD
| | - John B Carlin
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
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14
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Dhaese SAM, Colin P, Willems H, Heffernan A, Gadeyne B, Van Vooren S, Depuydt P, Hoste E, Stove V, Verstraete AG, Lipman J, Roberts JA, De Waele JJ. Saturable elimination of piperacillin in critically ill patients: implications for continuous infusion. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2019; 54:741-749. [PMID: 31479741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2019.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate saturation of piperacillin elimination in critically ill adult patients. Seventeen critically ill adult patients received continuous and intermittent infusion of piperacillin/tazobactam. Piperacillin plasma concentrations (n = 217) were analysed using population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) modelling. Post-hoc simulations were performed to evaluate the type I error rate associated with the study. Unseen data were used to validate the final model. The mean error (ME) and root mean square error (RMSE) were calculated as a measure of bias and imprecision, respectively. A PopPK model with parallel linear and non-linear elimination best fitted the data. The median and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the model parameters drug clearance (CL), volume of central compartment (V), volume of peripheral compartment (Vp) and intercompartmental clearance (Q) were 9 (7.69-11) L/h, 6.18 (4.93-11.2) L, 11.17 (7.26-12) L and 15.61 (12.66-23.8) L/h, respectively. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) and the maximum elimination rate for Michaelis-Menten elimination (Vmax) were estimated without population variability in the model to avoid overfitting and inflation of the type I error rate. The population estimates for Km and Vmax were 37.09 mg/L and 353.57 mg/h, respectively. The bias (ME) was -20.8 (95% CI -26.2 to -15.4) mg/L, whilst imprecision (RMSE) was 49.2 (95% CI 41.2-56) mg/L. In conclusion, piperacillin elimination is (partially) saturable. Moreover, the population estimate for Km lies within the therapeutic window and therefore saturation of elimination should be accounted for when defining optimum dosing regimens for piperacillin in critically ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A M Dhaese
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Critical Care Medicine, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - P Colin
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Anesthesiology, Groningen, The Netherlands; Ghent University, Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Analysis, Ghent, Belgium
| | - H Willems
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Critical Care Medicine, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - A Heffernan
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Medicine, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia; Centre for Translational Anti-infective Pharmacodynamics, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - B Gadeyne
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Critical Care Medicine, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - S Van Vooren
- Ghent University, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | - P Depuydt
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Critical Care Medicine, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - E Hoste
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Critical Care Medicine, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - V Stove
- Ghent University, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent University Hospital, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent, Belgium
| | - A G Verstraete
- Ghent University, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent University Hospital, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent, Belgium
| | - J Lipman
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; CHU Nîmes, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Nîmes, France
| | - J A Roberts
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Centre for Translational Anti-infective Pharmacodynamics, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Department of Pharmacy, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - J J De Waele
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Critical Care Medicine, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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15
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Gaasterland CMW, van der Weide MCJ–, du Prie – Olthof MJ, Donk M, Kaatee MM, Kaczmarek R, Lavery C, Leeson-Beevers K, O’Neill N, Timmis O, van Nederveen V, Vroom E, van der Lee JH. The patient's view on rare disease trial design - a qualitative study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2019; 14:31. [PMID: 30732630 PMCID: PMC6367834 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-019-1002-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trials in rare diseases are more challenging than trials in frequent diseases. Small numbers of eligible trial participants, often complicated by heterogeneity among rare disease patients, hamper the design and conduct of a 'classical' Randomized Controlled Trial. Therefore, novel designs are developed by statisticians. However, it is important to be aware of possible design aspects that may jeopardize the feasibility of trial conduct. If the burden of participation is considered out of proportion by patients or parents, recruitment may fail or participants may drop out before trial completion. In order to maximize the chance of success of trials in small populations, it is important to know which aspects of trial design are considered important by patients. RESULTS We have interviewed all ten members of the Patient Think Tank (PTT) of the ASTERIX project, a European research consortium on methodology for clinical trials in small populations. The PTT members are rare disease patient representatives who have completed extensive training in clinical trial methodology. We have analyzed the interviews qualitatively according to Grounded Theory using a thematic analysis, and we structured the topics in four chronologically ordered themes: 1. Involvement in trial design; 2. Opinions on trial design; 3. Trial participation; 4. Phase after the trial. Our main findings are that the PTT-members recommend that patients are involved in trial design from an early stage on, and have influence on the outcomes and measurement instruments that are chosen in the trial, the length of the study, the choice of participants, and the information that is sent to potential participants. Also, according to the PTT-members, patient groups should consider setting up disease registries, placebo groups should be minimized, and more education on clinical trials is advised. CONCLUSIONS Rare disease patient representatives who have been educated about clinical trial methodology think it is important to involve patient representatives in research at an early stage. They can be of advice in trial design in such a way that the ratio of potential benefit and burden of trial participation as well as the chosen outcome measures and in- and exclusion criteria are optimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. M. W. Gaasterland
- Pediatric clinical Research Office, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. C. Jansen – van der Weide
- Pediatric clinical Research Office, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. J. du Prie – Olthof
- Pediatric clinical Research Office, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. Donk
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M. M. Kaatee
- PSC Patients Europe, Bennebroek, the Netherlands
| | - R. Kaczmarek
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Immunochemistry, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
- Polish Hemophilia Society, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - N. O’Neill
- EUPATI Fellow, Bennebroek, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - E. Vroom
- Duchenne Parent Project, Veenendaal, The Netherlands
| | - J. H. van der Lee
- Pediatric clinical Research Office, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Jordan LC. Stroke in Children. Stroke 2019; 50:230-232. [DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.118.023549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lori C. Jordan
- From the Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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17
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Orphan drugs: major development challenges at the clinical stage. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:867-872. [PMID: 30658132 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Biotechnology has provided powerful tools to assist in research and development (R&D) for rare diseases. However, orphan drug development presents several major challenges and obstacles, such as low disease prevalence, disease severity, small and heterogeneous patient populations, difficulties in patient recruitment, and limited knowledge of the natural history of disease, among others. Several strategies can be used to plan for and overcome these clinical and regulatory challenges, namely improved clinical trial design, improved patient recruitment, and closer collaboration with the regulatory authorities and with patient associations. As growth in the orphan drug market is expected over the next few years, improving its relevance in the global pharmaceutical market, further challenges might present themselves in the development of orphan drugs.
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