Outpatient cancer rehabilitation services for gynecologic cancer survivors: Who participates, and do they benefit?

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Background: Women with gynecologic cancers are likely to experience acute, late, or lasting functional impairments that impact ability to complete activities of daily living and quality of life. While cancer rehabilitation interventions (physical or occupational therapy, PT/OT) treat functional impairment, the use, impact, and acceptability of these services in community-based settings is unknown. We describe outpatient PT/OT services used by gynecologic cancer survivors and evaluate the impact and acceptability of these services using patient-reported outcome measures (PROM). Methods: This retrospective study included women with history of gynecologic cancer (via ICD-10 code) who: (1) received community-based outpatient cancer PT/OT services provided by a single institution in 5 geographic regions of the United States in 2019, and (2) completed a PROM at evaluation and discharge. Data was extracted from PT/OT medical charts. We calculated descriptive statistics for all available patient and rehabilitation characteristics (including age, cancer type, complexity-level of rehabilitation, interventions provided and number of visits). To evaluate pre-post rehabilitation change for each PROM, we used paired samples t-tests, then calculated pre-post effect size (Hedge’s g) and the proportion who achieved the minimal detectable change (MDC). We calculated median Net Promotor Score (NPS, 0-10) to determine acceptability. Results: Women who received rehabilitation (N = 84) were 64.63 ± 11.04 (range = 40.82 – 90.82) years old with predominant diagnoses of ovarian (n = 35, 41.7%) or endometrial (n = 27, 32.1%) cancer. Most attended PT (vs. OT) and completed 13 sessions ( IQR= 8.0 – 19.0). Seventeen different PROM were used. From pre- to post- rehabilitation, a significant improvement was seen in four PROM: Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS; n= 20, M∆ = 12.88 ± 12.31, t(19) = 4.68, p = .00), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS; n= 14, M∆ = 6.55 ± 9.69, t(13) = 2.53, p = .03), Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS; n= 14, M∆ = 2.93 ± 2.31, t(13) = 4.72, p = .00), and Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS; n= 12, M∆ = 20.50 ± 20.61, t(11) = 3.45, p = .01). A large pre-post effect size (g ≥ 0.80) was observed for three PROM (17.6%), including: The PSFS ( n= 14, g = 1.47), LLIS, ( n= 12, g = 1.18), and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC6; n= 3, g = 1.77). Overall, 54.8% (n = 46) patients achieved the PROM MDC. Median acceptability was 10.0 out of 10.0 ( n= 64, IQR = 9.75 – 10.0). Conclusions: For women with gynecologic cancers and functional impairment, cancer rehabilitation improved patient-reported function and was highly acceptable. Future research is needed to understand diagnosis-specific considerations and to optimize timing of rehabilitation.

DACH1 mutation frequency in endometrial cancer is associated with high tumor mutation burden in a nationwide cohort

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Background: DACH1 is a novel transcriptional repressor and tumor suppressor gene. DACH1 mutations are associated with poor prognostic features and reduced overall survival in endometrial cancer, with an increased prevalence in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. Preliminary studies have suggested an association with an increase in tumor mutation burden. In this follow up study, we utilized the nationwide Oncology Research Information Exchange Network (ORIEN) to determine the frequency of DACH1 mutations in patients with endometrial cancer through a multi-institution analysis and evaluate its impact on RNA expression, clinical correlates, and outcomes. Methods: We obtained clinical and genomic data for 691 patients with endometrial cancer from nine U.S. institutions within the ORIEN collaborative. We examined the clinical attributes of the cancers with DACH1 status by comparing whole-exome sequencing (WES), RNA Sequencing (RNASeq), microsatellite instability (MSI), and tumor mutational burden (TMB). Results: Appalachian women with endometrial cancer had an increased frequency of DACH1 mutations (6/41 patients, 15%) compared to the non-Appalachian endometrial cancer population (24/581 patients, 4.1%) with p-value = 0.010, with the non-Appalachian DACH1 mutation frequency mirroring the rate of DACH1 gene mutation seen in TCGA at 3.8%. DACH1 mutated patients have a higher tumor mutation burden compared to DACH1 wild-type (32.2 vs. 4.62, p-value = 0.001) though no differences in microsatellite instability between DACH1 mutated and wild-type were present (p-value = 0.350). DACH1 mutations showed significant gene co-occurrence patterns with POLE, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. Conclusions: DACH1 mutations are prevalent in Kentucky patients with endometrial cancer, particularly those from the Appalachian region. These results were again reflected in the TCGA PanCancer Atlas as well as the ORIEN multi-institution cohort. These mutations are associated with high tumor mutational burden and co-occur with genome destabilizing gene mutations. These findings suggest DACH1 as a candidate biomarker for future trials with immunotherapy, particularly in endometrial cancers.

Prevalence and risk factors of preoperative anemia in patients undergoing hysterectomy for gynecologic cancer

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Background: Anemia is a common preoperative finding that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with gynecologic cancers. This study identified the prevalence and risk factors associated with anemia in women undergoing hysterectomy for gynecologic cancer. Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried from 2014 to 2020 for women above the age of 18 who underwent an open or minimally invasive hysterectomy and had a postoperative diagnosis of endometrial, cervical, ovarian, or fallopian tube cancer. Prevalence rates of anemia (hematocrit less than 30%) were calculated, and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated from logistic regression models adjusted for comorbidities. Results: A total of 62,708 patients were included in the analysis and 3351 (5.3%) had anemia. Mean hematocrit was 38.9 (SD 4.9). Overall, endometrial cancer was the most common diagnosis (73.1%) and mean age for all patients was 61.2 years (SD 12.1). Patients were predominantly non-Hispanic White (74.4%). Non-Hispanic Black patients were 1.98 (95% CI, 1.76 – 2.22) times at increased odds of anemia compared to non-Hispanic White patients. Similarly, Hispanic ethnicity was associated with increased odds of anemia compared to non-Hispanic White women (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.14 – 1.50). Underweight patients had 1.64 (95% CI, 1.27 – 2.12) increased odds of anemia compared to normal weight patients. Compared to patients that underwent minimally invasive surgery, those that had an open abdominal hysterectomy were at over 2.7-fold increased odds (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 2.53 – 3.04) of anemia. Those who reported greater than 10% loss of body weight in the last 6 months were 2.33 (95% CI, 5.06 – 6.81) times at increased odds of anemia. Other clinical factors associated with increased odds of anemia included metastatic cancer, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification score of 3 or more, and 2 or more comorbid conditions. Conclusions: There are multiple risk factors associated with preoperative anemia in patients undergoing hysterectomy for cancer. Identification of high-risk patients may help clinicians appropriately screen for and treat anemia prior to surgery.

Highly versatile antibody binding assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination

Monitoring the burden and spread of infection with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, whether within small communities or in large geographical settings, is of paramount importance for public health purposes. Serology, which detects the host antibody response to the infection, is the most appropriate tool for this task, since virus-derived markers are most reliably detected during the acute phase of infection. Here we show that our ELISA protocol, which is based on antibody binding to the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the S1 subunit of the viral Spike protein expressed as a novel fusion protein, detects antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. We also show that our ELISA is accurate and versatile. It compares favorably with commercial assays widely used in clinical practice to determine exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, our protocol accommodates use of various blood- and non-blood-derived biospecimens, such as breast milk, as well as dried blood obtained with microsampling cartridges that are appropriate for remote collection. As a result, our RBD-based ELISA protocols are well suited for seroepidemiology and other large-scale studies requiring parsimonious sample collection outside of healthcare settings.

Highly versatile antibody binding assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Monitoring the burden and spread of infection with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, whether within small communities or in large geographical settings, is of paramount importance for public health purposes. Serology, which detects the host antibody response to the infection, is the most appropriate tool for this task, since virus-derived markers are most reliably detected during the acute phase of infection. Here we show that our ELISA protocol, which is based on antibody binding to the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the S1 subunit of the viral Spike protein expressed as a novel fusion protein, detects antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination.

We also show that our ELISA is accurate and versatile. It compares favorably with commercial assays widely used in clinical practice to determine exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, our protocol accommodates use of various blood- and non-blood-derived biospecimens, such as breast milk, as well as dried blood obtained with microsampling cartridges that are appropriate for remote collection. As a result, our RBD-based ELISA protocols are well suited for seroepidemiology and other large-scale studies requiring parsimonious sample collection outside of healthcare settings.

Management of Dyspnea in Advanced Cancer: ASCO Guideline

PURPOSE

To provide guidance on the clinical management of dyspnea in adult patients with advanced cancer.

METHODS

ASCO convened an Expert Panel to review the evidence and formulate recommendations. An Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) systematic review provided the evidence base for nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions to alleviate dyspnea. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies with a concurrent comparison group published through early May 2020. The ASCO Expert Panel also wished to address dyspnea assessment, management of underlying conditions, and palliative care referrals, and for these questions, an additional systematic review identified RCTs, systematic reviews, and guidelines published through July 2020.

RESULTS

The AHRQ systematic review included 48 RCTs and two retrospective cohort studies. Lung cancer and mesothelioma were the most commonly addressed types of cancer. Nonpharmacologic interventions such as fans provided some relief from breathlessness. Support for pharmacologic interventions was limited. A meta-analysis of specialty breathlessness services reported improvements in distress because of dyspnea.

RECOMMENDATIONS

A hierarchical approach to dyspnea management is recommended, beginning with dyspnea assessment, ascertainment and management of potentially reversible causes, and referral to an interdisciplinary palliative care team. Nonpharmacologic interventions that may be offered to relieve dyspnea include airflow interventions (eg, a fan directed at the cheek), standard supplemental oxygen for patients with hypoxemia, and other psychoeducational, self-management, or complementary approaches. For patients who derive inadequate relief from nonpharmacologic interventions, systemic opioids should be offered. Other pharmacologic interventions, such as corticosteroids and benzodiazepines, are also discussed. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines .

Open label phase I trial using SPL-108 in combination with weekly paclitaxel final report with molecular correlates

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Background: Therapeutic options for patients with recurrent platinum resistant ovarian cancer are scarce and represent an unmet need in ovarian cancer. Chemotherapy resistance has been linked to many CD44 pathways including P-glycoprotein mediated efflux of chemotherapeutic agents. Our working hypothesis was that chemotherapy resistant ovarian tumors that expressed CD44 would revert drug resistance by using a CD44 inhibitor SPL-108, that had proven safe as a single agent. Methods: Patients with platinum refractory or resistant CD44+ ovarian tumors were eligible. We used a standard 3+3 phase I design, open-label, 2-arm trial of the combination of SPL-108 and IV paclitaxel (PTX): Arm 1 (2 cohorts) Safety Phase: Cohort 1: SPL-108 150 mg SQ Daily +80 mg PTX weekly Cohort 2: SPL-108 300mg daily +80 mg PTX weekly Arm 2 (1 cohort) Exploratory Phase: Cohort 3: SPL-108 daily dose 300 mg +80 mg PTX weekly Days 1-15 in 28 day cycles Primary end points were safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints included determining molecular signatures of response using NGS. Tumors were sequenced at the time of recurrence or initial diagnosis. Results: Fourteen patients were enrolled in the study. Prior number of treatments ranged from 2-6, except for one patient with platinum refractory disease that progressed during first line of therapy. There was no DLT and all cohorts were completed as designed. The treatment was well tolerated. There was one instance of a bowel micro-perforation that was treated medically. This patient had platinum refractory disease and eventually underwent an interval cytoreduction. There was one patient with grade 3 neurotoxicity. Sixty-two% of the patients had clinical benefit with 36% having a PR. Forty-three % of patient had a PFS of more than 6 months. Two patients enjoyed a PR of 12 months. Molecular profiling of the tumors revealed that all tumors had TP53 alterations and the 4 patients that did not have a response had tumors with TP53 truncations or a lack of function alteration. Conclusions: Daily SPL-108 300mg SQ in combination with weekly PTX is safe and feasible. The promising clinical activity on drug resistant ovarian tumors warrants further investigation. Resistance to SPL-108 are characterized by lack of function of TP53, mostly early truncations. It is possible that SPL-108 may be reactivating TP53 by promoting its active conformation. Once TP53 is active CD44 expression is abrogated at the promoter. Therefore SPL-108 is effectively acting on CD44 through 2 different mechanisms to promote chemotherapy sensitivity. Clinical trial information: NCT03078400.

Incorporation of HIPEC into a high volume ovarian cancer program: Initial results and outcomes

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Background: HIPEC showed a progression free survival when incorporated into interval cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer patients in a recent phase lll trial. This has led to a paradigm shift at many institutions and the consideration of HIPEC. The goal of this study is to report on the initiation of this program and change in practice at a high volume cancer center over a period of 1 year. Methods: Reviewed surgical cases from 1/2018 through 1/2019 where patients were thought to have a primary ovarian or fallopian tube cancer. Variables included age, stage, histology, primary or interval debulking surgery, number of neoadjuvant (NAJ) chemotherapy cycles. HIPEC patients were selected out and variables examined included intraoperative procedures, optimal cytoreduction, type of chemotherapy administered, postoperative complications, and ability to receive consolidation chemotherapy. Results: 35 cases where ovarian cancer known or suspected preoperatively. 23 patients had primary surgery consisting of tah/bso/surgical staging/tumor debulking. 0/23 of these patients were offered HIPEC chemotherapy as an upfront strategy. 12 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy for recurrent (2) or advanced (10) disease. 11/12 of these patients proceeded to an interval surgery. 6/11 (54%) were planned for HIPEC. This was aborted in 1/6 because of thrombocytopenia. 5/6 patients went on to receive HIPEC. They received 3-6 cycles of NAJ chemotherapy, platinum and taxane. 3/5 also received preoperative Avastin. All had R0 resection. 1 patient had a bowel resection. Either carboplatin or cisplatin was used for HIPEC over 90 minutes. 2/5 patients had postoperative G2-3 cytopenias. 3/5 patients were able to receive consolidation chemotherapy, 2 of them within six weeks of surgery and with Avastin containing regimens. Conclusions: In a large volume center initiating a HIPEC ovarian cancer program in less than one years’ time, HIPEC was offered to 50% of patients undergoing interval debulking for Stage III or IV serous ovarian cancer after NAJ chemotherapy and in rare cases for patients with recurrent cancer planned for cytoreduction. Patients may go on to receive postoperative chemotherapy but may have prolonged cytopenias and consolidation therapy delays. HIPEC was not incorporated into an upfront surgical strategy.[Table: see text]

Carcinosarcoma of the ovary treated with platinum and taxane: The memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center experience

INTRODUCTION

Due to the rarity of ovarian carcinosarcomas, the optimal chemotherapeutic regimen to treat this aggressive disease is yet to be determined. The purpose of this study was to determine the response rate, recurrence-free survival, and overall survival of patients with ovarian carcinosarcoma who were treated with the combination of platinum and a taxane as first-line chemotherapy.

METHODS

We identified all patients with ovarian carcinosarcoma who received a combination of platinum and taxane either after initial tumor resection or as neoadjuvant therapy. Data extracted from the medical records included residual tumor after surgery, number, type and dose of chemotherapy cycles, tumor response, and survival outcome.

RESULTS

Between 1991 and 2005, 30 patients were identified for analysis. Twenty-four patients had stage III disease, 5 had stage IV disease, and 1 had stage II disease. All patients underwent surgical resection and 17 (57%) were cytoreduced to less than 1 cm. Twenty-eight patients received chemotherapy after surgery, and 2 patients received chemotherapy before surgery. Twenty-four patients (80%) received carboplatin and paclitaxel, 3 (10%) received carboplatin and docetaxel, and 3 (10%) received cisplatin and paclitaxel. Twelve (40%) had a complete response, 7 (23%) a partial response, 2 (7%) stable disease, and 9 (30%) progression of disease. The median time to progression for responders was 12 months. With a median follow-up of 23 months, the median overall survival was 43 months for survivors. The 3- and 5-year survival rates were 53% and 30%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The combination of platinum and a taxane is a viable first-line treatment option for patients with ovarian carcinosarcoma.

Phase II study of tirapazamine plus cisplatin in patients with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity and toxicity of a tirapazamine (TPZ)/cisplatin drug combination in patients with stage IV or recurrent cervical cancer. The chemotherapy was administered for a maximum of eight cycles every 21 days. TPZ was administered intravenously at 330 mg/m(2) over a 2-h infusion, followed 1 h later by cisplatin intravenously at 75 mg/m(2) over 1 h on day 1. All patients received antiemetics including dexamethasone, ondansetron, and lorazepam. Subsequent doses were unchanged, reduced, or omitted according to observed toxicity and protocol guidelines. Response evaluation was performed every two cycles. Thirty-six patients with stage IV or recurrent cervical cancer were treated. Ninety-four percent of patients had prior radiotherapy. Two patients had prior chemotherapy. There were two complete responses and eight partial responses (27.8%). An additional 11 patients (30.6%) had stable disease as their best response. Response rate was greater in tumors outside of the previously radiated field (44.4% vs 11.1%). The median time to progression was 32.7 weeks. The most frequent grade 3 or 4 adverse events were nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, which occurred in 30.6%, 25%, and 22% of subjects, respectively. Anemia was the most frequent grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity at 8.3%. We conclude that the combination of cisplatin and TPZ was reasonably well tolerated in patients with recurrent or advanced cervical cancer. Further evaluation of this drug combination may be warranted.

A phase I study evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetics of weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin in relapsed ovarian cancer

This phase I study sought to determine the toxicity profile, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of giving carboplatin every 3 weeks and paclitaxel weekly in patients with relapsed ovarian cancer. Eligible patients with relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer and prior treatment with platinum- and paclitaxel-based therapy were treated with an escalating regimen of carboplatin (day 1) at an area under the curve (AUC) of 4–6 and 1-h infusions of paclitaxel (days 1, 8, and 15) at 50–80 mg/m2 cycled at 3-week intervals. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed on the first day of cycles 1 and 2. All patients had a platinum-free interval of greater than 6 months from the most recent platinum treatment. A total of 77 cycles were administered to 16 patients, with a similar median number of cycles per patient at each dose level varying from 4.6 to 5.3. Febrile neutropenia and grade 4 thrombocytopenia were the dose-limiting toxicities at dose levels 3 and 4 after the third cycle, with no mucositis, nausea, vomiting, or peripheral neuropathy observed greater than grade 2. The maximum tolerated dose of carboplatin was an AUC of 5 and 80 mg/m2 for paclitaxel. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed a marginal statistical difference with regard to reduced systemic paclitaxel concentration after cycle 2 compared with cycle 1 (P= 0.06). Of nine patients evaluable for a radiographic response, the response rate was 66.6% with a complete response of 33.3%. All five patients with nonmeasurable disease achieved a biochemical response. The combination of carboplatin given every 3 weeks at an AUC of 5 and 1-h weekly paclitaxel at 80 mg/m2 is a feasible and reasonably well-tolerated regimen and may have significant antitumor activity in relapsed ovarian cancer patients.

Apoptotic and cell cycle regulatory markers in uterine leiomyosarcoma

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the expression of apoptotic and cell cycle regulators p53, p21, p27, bax, and bcl-2 in uterine leiomyosarcoma in order to identify molecular pathways that possibly could be important in the development of leiomyosarcoma. A secondary aim was to examine if the apoptotic and cell cycle regulatory protein expression profile of uterine leiomyosarcoma is potentially useful for clinical prognostic purposes.

METHODS

A tissue microarray representing 36 uterine leiomyosarcomas and 19 uterine leiomyomas was created with 3 representative cores from each tumor. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for bcl-2, bax, p21, p27, and p53 using standard techniques. Staining was scored 0-12 for each marker, 0-3 being negative and 4-12 positive. Outcome analyses were performed only for leiomyosarcomas. First recurrence was determined from the time of initial diagnosis. Survival was determined from the time of initial diagnosis to last follow-up.

RESULTS

Associations were found between disease type (leiomyosarcoma vs. leiomyoma) and the positivity status of p21 (43% vs. 0%, P < 0.001), p53 (54% vs. 0%, P < 0.001), and bax (34% vs. 94%, P < 0.001). bcl-2-positive leiomyosarcoma was associated with a longer time to recurrence (P = 0.02) in a univariate analysis. In a multivariate analysis, tumor stage was the only independent significant prognostic factor (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The significant differential expression of apoptotic and cell cycle regulatory proteins in uterine leiomyosarcoma as compared to benign smooth muscle tumors suggests that pathways involving these proteins may be important in the development of malignant disease and, therefore, could be potential targets for molecular therapies.

Recurrence of prolactin-producing endometrial stromal sarcoma with sex-cord stromal component treated with progestin and aromatase inhibitor

INTRODUCTION

Endometrial stromal tumors with sex-cord-like elements are relatively rare. We report a case of this neoplasm with prolactin as a tumor marker for recurrent disease. We also report response of recurrent disease to progesterone and aromatase inhibitor.

CASE REPORT

A 48-year-old woman was diagnosed with Stage I endometrial stroma sarcoma with sex-cord component at the time of hysterectomy for presumed fibroid uterus. One and a half years later, she presented with recurrent disease in the abdomen associated with breast tenderness, galactorrhea, and an elevated prolactin level. She received three cycles of BEP (Bleomycin, Etoposide, Cisplatin) with partial response and followed by an optimal debulking procedure. Two out of a six additional planned cycles of BEP were administered with complete tumor response and normalized prolactin level. Second recurrence, 9 months later, again presented with galactorrhea and rising prolactin. Disease was progressive through three cycles of Docetaxel and Gemcitabine therapy, but had an objective response to treatment with anastrozole and megestrol acetate. Prolactin level normalized. Two years later there is stable disease and the patient remains symptom-free.

DISCUSSION

Endometrial stromal sarcoma with sex-cord stromal component may be hormonally functional. Similarly to pure endometrial stromal sarcomas, they may respond to hormonal treatment, and further study is warranted.

Oxidative stress aspects of the cytotoxicity of carbamide peroxide: in vitro studies

Carbamide peroxide is the active ingredient in many at-home patient-applied tooth whiteners. The cytotoxicity of carbamide peroxide, as related to oxidative stress, was evaluated in vitro with several human cell lines, including Smulow-Glickman (S-G) gingival epithelial cells. The potency of carbamide peroxide was related to its hydrogen peroxide component rather than to carbamide, was eliminated in the presence of exogenous catalase, and was enhanced in the presence of aminotriazole, an inhibitor of cellular catalase. The intracellular level of glutathione, a scavanger of toxic oxygen metabolites, was decreased in cells exposed to carbamide peroxide; at higher concentrations of carbamide peroxide, leakage of lactic acid dehydrogenase was also evident. Cells pretreated with the glutathione-depleting agents, buthionine sulfoximine, chlorodinitrobenzene, and bis(chloroethyl) nitrosourea, were hypersensitive to subsequent challenge with carbamide peroxide. Conversely, pretreatment with the iron chelator, deferoxamine, protected the cells against subsequent exposure to carbamide peroxide.