Structure-based discovery of CFTR potentiators and inhibitors

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a crucial ion channel whose loss of function leads to cystic fibrosis, while its hyperactivation leads to secretory diarrhea. Small molecules that improve CFTR folding (correctors) or function (potentiators) are clinically available. However, the only potentiator, ivacaftor, has suboptimal pharmacokinetics and inhibitors have yet to be clinically developed. Here we combine molecular docking, electrophysiology, cryo-EM, and medicinal chemistry to identify novel CFTR modulators. We docked ∼155 million molecules into the potentiator site on CFTR, synthesized 53 test ligands, and used structure-based optimization to identify candidate modulators. This approach uncovered novel mid-nanomolar potentiators as well as inhibitors that bind to the same allosteric site. These molecules represent potential leads for the development of more effective drugs for cystic fibrosis and secretory diarrhea, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale docking for ion channel drug discovery.

Small vs. Large Library Docking for Positive Allosteric Modulators of the Calcium Sensing Receptor

Drugs acting as positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) to enhance the activation of the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) and to suppress parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion can treat hyperparathyroidism but suffer from side effects including hypocalcemia and arrhythmias. Seeking new CaSR modulators, we docked libraries of 2.7 million and 1.2 billion molecules against transforming pockets in the active-state receptor dimer structure. Consistent with simulations suggesting that docking improves with library size, billion-molecule docking found new PAMs with a hit rate that was 2.7-fold higher than the million-molecule library and with hits up to 37-fold more potent. Structure-based optimization of ligands from both campaigns led to nanomolar leads, one of which was advanced to animal testing. This PAM displays 100-fold the potency of the standard of care, cinacalcet, in ex vivo organ assays, and reduces serum PTH levels in mice by up to 80% without the hypocalcemia typical of CaSR drugs. Cryo-EM structures with the new PAMs show that they induce residue rearrangements in the binding pockets and promote CaSR dimer conformations that are closer to the G-protein coupled state compared to established drugs. These findings highlight the promise of large library docking for therapeutic leads, especially when combined with experimental structure determination and mechanism.

Bespoke library docking for 5-HT2A receptor agonists with antidepressant activity

There is considerable interest in screening ultralarge chemical libraries for ligand discovery, both empirically and computationally1-4. Efforts have focused on readily synthesizable molecules, inevitably leaving many chemotypes unexplored. Here we investigate structure-based docking of a bespoke virtual library of tetrahydropyridines-a scaffold that is poorly sampled by a general billion-molecule virtual library but is well suited to many aminergic G-protein-coupled receptors. Using three inputs, each with diverse available derivatives, a one pot C-H alkenylation, electrocyclization and reduction provides the tetrahydropyridine core with up to six sites of derivatization5-7. Docking a virtual library of 75 million tetrahydropyridines against a model of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) led to the synthesis and testing of 17 initial molecules. Four of these molecules had low-micromolar activities against either the 5-HT2A or the 5-HT2B receptors. Structure-based optimization led to the 5-HT2AR agonists (R)-69 and (R)-70, with half-maximal effective concentration values of 41 nM and 110 nM, respectively, and unusual signalling kinetics that differ from psychedelic 5-HT2AR agonists. Cryo-electron microscopy structural analysis confirmed the predicted binding mode to 5-HT2AR. The favourable physical properties of these new agonists conferred high brain permeability, enabling mouse behavioural assays. Notably, neither had psychedelic activity, in contrast to classic 5-HT2AR agonists, whereas both had potent antidepressant activity in mouse models and had the same efficacy as antidepressants such as fluoxetine at as low as 1/40th of the dose. Prospects for using bespoke virtual libraries to sample pharmacologically relevant chemical space will be considered.

Structure-Based Design of a Chemical Probe Set for the 5-HT5A Serotonin Receptor

The 5-HT_5A receptor (5-HT_5AR), for which no selective agonists and a few antagonists exist, remains the least understood serotonin receptor. A single commercial antagonist, SB-699551, has been widely used to investigate the 5-HT_5AR function in neurological disorders, including pain, but this molecule has substantial liabilities as a chemical probe. Accordingly, we sought to develop an internally controlled probe set. Docking over 6 million molecules against a 5-HT_5AR homology model identified 5 mid-μM ligands, one of which was optimized to UCSF678, a 42 nM arrestin-biased partial agonist at the 5-HT_5AR with a more restricted off-target profile and decreased assay liabilities versus SB-699551. Site-directed mutagenesis supported the docked pose of UCSF678. Surprisingly, analogs of UCSF678 that lost the 5-HT_5AR activity revealed that 5-HT_5AR engagement is nonessential for alleviating pain, contrary to studies with less-selective ligands. UCSF678 and analogs constitute a selective probe set with which to study the function of the 5-HT_5AR.

Use of patient ethnography to support quality improvement in benign prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

Patient-centeredness is a primary aim of quality improvement (QI) but optimal strategies to achieve that goal remain elusive. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the commonest urologic diagnoses and significantly affects quality of life. Patient ethnography is an emerging qualitative method of observation and dynamic interviews to understand the context through which the patient experiences care. We implemented patient ethnography to support our QI infrastructure and improve patient-centeredness in BPH.

PROBLEM

Little is known about how to measure whether processes of care are patient-centered. We did not know whether the care processes our patients experienced provided value from their perspective.

GOALS

We sought to discover previously unrecognized components of care that patients perceived to be of low value. Our primary goal was to develop QI initiatives that targeted low-value themes identified in the ethnography. Our secondary goal was a rapid rollout of three targeted initiatives.

STRATEGY

We used a 4-step patient ethnography: (1) created detailed process maps to define phases of care, (2) interviewed patients, (3) synthesized transcript data in focus groups using the Crawford Slip method, and (4) targeted undesirable components of care for QI. Semi-structured interviews with seven representative patients identified low-value themes. Focus groups, comprised of primary care physicians, case coordinators, nurses, and urologists, evaluated the interview transcripts and generated improvement opportunities prioritized based on feasibility, patient value, scalability, and innovation. We used affinity mapping and priority matrix techniques to prioritize QI opportunities.

RESULTS

We identified five low-value themes from the patient interviews and developed corresponding QI opportunities. These included issues surrounding the referral and consultation process as well as postoperative care, especially home urinary catheter maintenance. Six months after completing the ethnography three of five targeted improvement opportunities had been implemented.

High-risk endometrial cancer in young indigent women

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate a different prevalence and clinical pattern of high-risk endometrial cancer in an indigent population of young women.

METHODS

Charts of 71 consecutive patients, treated for endometrial adenocarcinoma during a 6-year period, were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups contingent upon age--(i) those who were below 40 years and (ii) those who were over 40. Based on histological type, grade, and stage, both groups were subdivided into a low, intermediate, or high-risk cancer category.

RESULTS

Of the 13 (18.3%) patients in the younger age group, five patients (38.4%) had high-risk endometrial cancer, compared to only eight patients (13.8%) in the older age group.

CONCLUSION

In contradiction to previous reports, our results show that a higher proportion of young indigent women diagnosed with endometrial cancer have a high-risk cancer. Delay in diagnosis can explain only some of the discrepancies in the special clinical pattern of endometrial cancer among this population. Other possible explanations include nutritional differences, genetic susceptibility, immunological status, and high-risk behavior. More epidemiological studies are needed for complete understanding of the unfavorable outcome of endometrial cancer in these young women.

Uterine evacuation with misoprostol during radiotherapy for cervical cancer in pregnancy

Radiotherapy as definitive treatment for invasive cervical cancer during pregnancy causes spontaneous abortion in most cases. Surgical evacuation of the uterus is indicated when abortion does not occur, exposing patients to additional morbidity. Two Latin American women, diagnosed with FIGO stage IB2 cervical cancer at approximately 15 weeks gestation, underwent radiotherapy with radiosensitizing chemotherapy. After intrauterine fetal demise was detected, both women underwent induction with misoprostol. Results included one complete abortion and one incomplete abortion without complications or delays in treatment. These cases demonstrate that induction with misoprostol appears to be a safe and effective alternative to surgical evacuation of the uterus when spontaneous abortion fails to occur during radiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer.

Adenovirus-mediated thymidine kinase gene therapy in combination with topotecan for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer: 2.5-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Patients with recurrent ovarian cancer were treated intraperitoneally (ip) with a replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus (ADV) containing the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene. Vector delivery was followed by intravenous administration of an antiherpetic prodrug and a topoisomerase I inhibitor.

METHODS

Ten patients with stage IIIc epithelial ovarian cancer underwent secondary debulking to < or =0.5 cm residual tumor. Patients with normal ip flow received delivery of ip ADV. Two patients each were treated on dose level 1 (2 x 10(10) vector particles), dose level 2 (2 x 10(11)), and dose level 3 (2 x 10(12)); four patients were on dose level 4 (2 x 10(13)). Acyclovir and topotecan were started 24 h after vector delivery. Five patients underwent second-look surgery about 4 weeks after application of gene therapy (GT).

RESULTS

At the time of the second-look surgery, two out of five patients were free of tumor. Four weeks after GT none of the peritoneal biopsies showed residual vector DNA. Patients pretreated with an average of three different chemotherapeutic drugs and two different chemotherapy regimens had a median overall survival (OS) of 18.5 months. Three patients are still alive 30, 30, and 31 months after GT.

CONCLUSION

With the combination of secondary optimal debulking, GT, and topotecan, median OS was about one-third longer than in previously reported second-and third-line trials. Survival was comparable to that of patients of other studies with secondary cytoreductive surgery in combination with chemotherapy.

University of Kentucky community-based field experience: program description

Community-based field experiences (CBFE) provide students with exemplary experiential learning opportunities. The purposes of this paper are to describe the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD) CBFE and report the results of a two-year, self-report survey that assessed the primary course goal, students' perceptions of change in knowledge and skills related to nineteen areas of patient care (n = 90, 100% return rate), and their overall rating of the program. Knowledge and skill data were analyzed using the non-parametric binomial test for comparing proportions. A significant (.05 level) majority of students reported increases in knowledge in all areas to which they were exposed. Descriptive frequencies summarizing the results of the total CBFE experience indicate that the majority of students felt it was a positive experience. The CBFE continues to be a meaningful element in the UKCD curriculum as it provides students with a relevant, authentic educational experience.

Primary choriocarcinoma of the vulva

Primary extrauterine choriocarcinoma is very rare, found mostly in the genital tract (tube, cervix, ovary, vagina). Other sites such as lungs, gastrointestinal tract, heart, brain and submentum also have been reported. A 31-year-old woman presented with abnormal uterine bleeding 6 weeks after her last menstrual cycle. Her HCG titer level was 900 mIu/ml. She underwent dilation and curettage (D & C). Pathology failed to reveal any chorionic villi. Further evaluation was done, including a second D & C, laparoscopy, exploratory laparotomy, CT, MRI and ultrasound which all failed to define a source for the elevated HCG titer which subsequently rose to 95,000 mIu/ml 130 days after her last menstrual cycle. At that time a vulvar mass was observed. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) was positive for choriocarcinoma. The patient was treated with one course of methotrexate 60 mg intramuscularly every other day for 5 days. Actinomycin-D 0.5 mg given intravenously daily for 5 days was added to courses 2-7. Radiotherapy (4000 rads) was applied concomitant with the chemotherapy. The remainder of the mass was subsequently excised. The patient has remained with no evidence of disease for 10 years. This is the first case report of primary vulvar choriocarcinoma.

Concurrent primaries of vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma and endometrial adenocarcinoma in a 39-year old woman with in utero diethylstilbestrol exposure

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was used widely in the late 1940s in an attempt to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes. In 1971 the US Food and Drug Administration proscribed its use for pregnancy support secondary to its association with clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina. Several studies in animal models demonstrated an association with endometrial cancer among offspring following in utero DES exposure. To date, there is only one case report of endometrial cancer in women exposed to DES in utero. We present the first case, to our knowledge, of a woman exposed to DES in utero who presented with double primaries of clear cell cancer of the vagina concomitant with endometrial cancer.

Bedside multimarker testing for risk stratification in chest pain units: The chest pain evaluation by creatine kinase-MB, myoglobin, and troponin I (CHECKMATE) study

BACKGROUND

Earlier, rapid evaluation in chest pain units may make patient care more efficient. A multimarker strategy (MMS) testing for several markers of myocardial necrosis with different time-to-positivity profiles also may offer clinical advantages.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We prospectively compared bedside quantitative multimarker testing versus local laboratory results (LL) in 1005 patients in 6 chest pain units. Myoglobin, creatine kinase-MB, and troponin I were measured at 0, 3, 6, 9 to 12, and 16 to 24 hours after admission. Two MMS were defined: MMS-1 (all 3 markers) and MMS-2 (creatine kinase-MB and troponin I only). The primary assessment was to relate marker status with 30-day death or infarction. More patients were positive by 24 hours with MMS than with LL (MMS-1, 23.9%; MMS-2, 18.8%; LL, 8.8%; P=0.001, all comparisons), and they became positive sooner with MMS-1 (2.5 hours, P=0.023 versus LL) versus MMS-2 (2.8 hours, P=0.026 versus LL) or LL (3.4 hours). The relation between baseline MMS status and 30-day death or infarction was stronger (MMS-1: positive, 18.8% event rate versus negative, 3.0%, P=0.001; MMS-2: 21.9% versus 3.2%, P=0.001) than that for LL (13.6% versus 5.5%, P=0.038). MMS-1 discriminated 30-day death better (positive, 2.0% versus negative, 0.0%, P=0.007) than MMS-2 (positive, 1.8% versus negative, 0.2%; P=0.055) or LL (positive, 0.0% versus negative, 0.5%; P=1.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Rapid multimarker analysis identifies positive patients earlier and provides better risk stratification for mortality than a local laboratory-based, single-marker approach.

Effectiveness and safety of abciximab after failed thrombolytic therapy

Among 214 patients treated with abciximab within 24 hours of full-dose thrombolytic therapy, major bleeding occurred in 50 patients (23%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 18% to 30%) and intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 3 patients (1.4%; 95% CI 0.3% to 4%). The independent multivariate predictors of major bleeding were age (odds ratio [OR] 1.53/10 years, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.21, p = 0.03), time from thrombolytic to abciximab (OR 0.91/hour, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.99, p = 0.03), and intra-aortic balloon pump insertion (OR 4.42, 95% CI 2.00 to 9.72, p = 0.0002).

Extensive subcutaneous metastases from squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix in patient with HIV

Advanced human immunodeficiency viral disease is associated with a high prevalence of cervical squamous intraepithelial and invasive lesions and probably with a rapidly progressive course of disease. Metastases to the skin occur rarely in cervical cancer, even in terminal stage of the disease. A patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for 14 years was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer of the cervix, Stage I-B2 in June 1997. She underwent successful radiotherapy. She then presented in January 1999 with recurrence evidenced by extensive subcutaneous nodules and multiple metastases. The patient developed rapidly progressive disease and died within two months. Patients with HIV and cervical cancer may present with a more aggressive course of disease. Aggressive treatment and closer follow-up may be indicated.

Comparison of cardiac troponin T versus creatine kinase-MB for risk stratification in a chest pain evaluation unit

We evaluated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) for risk stratification of chest pain unit (CPU) patients. We studied 383 consecutive patients with chest pain assigned to our CPU by emergency department physicians. At baseline all had normal or nondiagnostic electrocardiograms, no high-risk clinical features, and negative CK/CK-MB. CK-MB and electrocardiograms were taken at 0, 4, 8, and 12 hours and cTnT at 0, 4, and 8 hours. Eight patients (2.1%) were CK-MB positive and 39 (10.2%) were cTnT positive, including all but 1 CK-MB-positive patient. All marker-positive patients were detected by 8 hours. Seven cTnT-positive patients and 1 cTnT-negative patient had myocardial infarction (p <0.0001). cTnT-positive patients were older, less likely to be women or smokers, and more often had diabetes mellitus or known coronary disease (CAD). Seventy-one percent of patients underwent diagnostic testing. cTnT-positive patients more often underwent angiography (46% vs 20%) and underwent stress testing less often (28% vs 57%) than cTnT-negative patients. When performed, their stress tests were more often positive (46% vs 14%) and they more often had angiographically significant lesions (89% vs 49%) and multivessel disease (67% vs 29%). There were no short-term deaths. Long-term mortality was higher in cTnT-positive patients (27% vs 7%, p <0.0001). Thus, cTnT identified more CPU patients with myocardial necrosis and multivessel CAD than CK-MB and a population with high long-term mortality risk. Routine use of cTnT in CPUs could facilitate risk stratification and management.

Cardiac markers: point of care testing

Point-of-care (POC) or "near-patient" testing allows diagnostic assays to be performed in locations such as the emergency department or intensive care unit where treatment decisions are made and care is delivered based on the results of these assays. Presently, there exist POC immunoassays for several cardiac markers including creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), myoglobin, troponin I, and troponin T that yield qualitative and quantitative results comparable to traditional central lab assays. In the evaluation of emergency room patients with chest pain, POC cardiac markers may improve triage and clinical outcomes. Existing POC assays combining myoglobin and CK-MB have high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction and may provide the earliest identification of myocardial injury. POC Troponin T assays are the most studied POC cardiac marker assays. Along with POC troponin I assays, these tests provide more sensitive identification of myocardial injury and valuable prognostic information. Prior studies of POC cardiac marker assays have not addressed whether POC testing affects patient outcome or process of care. In situations in which caregivers base triage, treatment and monitoring decisions on time-sensitive diagnostic results, POC tests linked with improved triage and treatment strategies may improve resource utilization and clinical outcomes.

Thymidine kinase (TK) gene therapy of solid tumors: valacyclovir facilitates outpatient treatment

BACKGROUND

In a Phase I study replication-deficient adenovirus containing the herpes simplex virus (HSV) thymidine kinase (TK) gene (AdV-HSV-TK) was instilled intraperitoneally in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Patients were treated with Acyclovir (ACV) or Valacyclovir (VCV) as enzymatic substrates. The purpose of this study was to compare serum levels of ACV and VCV.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The antiherpetic prodrug and Topotecan (1.0 mg/m2 over 30 minutes each day for 5 days) were started 24 hours after vector application. Eight patients received ACV (15 mg/kg i.v. over one hour every 8 hours for 42 doses), two patients were started on ACV for 5 days and then switched to oral VCV (2 g every 8 hours for a total of 42 doses). Blood samples were obtained 20 minutes prior to each drug.

RESULTS

Serum levels of ACV and VCV (converted to ACV) were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Suicide gene therapy with TK is under investigation in a variety of solid tumors. Replacing ACV by VCV will offer a cost-effective alternative and will significantly reduce duration of hospital stay improving quality of life and facilitating an outpatient gene therapy concept.

Psychological impact of receiving negative BRCA1 mutation test results in Ashkenazim

PURPOSE

Most DNA test results for breast/ovarian cancer susceptibility are negative. Because negative test results might be interpreted incorrectly and may have serious psychological and behavioral implications, determining the psychological impact of such results is important.

METHODS

A community-based sample of 289 Ashkenazim was tested for 185delAG. The 199 mutation-negatives provided data at baseline and follow-up. Increased risk participants included those who received negative test results but remained at increased risk because positive family and/or personal histories of breast or ovarian cancer made the results uninformative. Average risk meant those who tested negative and had negative family and personal histories of breast or ovarian cancer. Using a logistic regression analysis, both groups' psychological distress levels were compared at baseline and at 1 and 6 months after notification of DNA test results.

RESULTS

A logistic regression analysis showed significant but small differences in cancer-specific distress after 6 months between increased and average risk participants (P < 0.006). Increased risk participants reported more distress than average risk. General distress declined among all participants after 1 month. Although baseline and follow-up differences in cancer-specific distress obtained by the increased and average risk participants were statistically significant, none of the absolute levels observed reflected especially high degrees of stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Receipt of negative DNA test results does not have a deleterious psychological impact, whether results are informative or uninformative.

Telomere length in human white blood cells remains constant with age and is shorter in breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Telomeres, which are TTAGGG repeats at the end of the eukaryotic chromosome, are essential for complete DNA replication. Telomere length has been reported to decrease in peripheral WBC, unlike the telomerase activity found in these cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether telomere length in WBC is indeed age dependent and could serve as a genetic marker in breast or ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Five age groups: 20-29; 30-39; 4049; 50-59 and > or = 60 years were examined. The cancer patients were 18 women with ovarian cancer and 18 women with breast cancer. Southern blot analysis of the DNA from peripheral white blood cells (WBC) was performed using 32P-labeled (TTAGGG)3 probe. Blots were scanned in a phosphoimager and analyzed by computer-assisted image analysis.

RESULTS

No statistically significant correlation was observed between telomere length and age in either healthy females or cancer patients. However, significantly shorter median telomere length was found in WBC obtained from breast cancer patients as compared to healthy individuals and ovarian cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that telomere length in WBC is not age dependent, but is significantly shorter in breast cancer patients.

A phase I study of TNP-470 administered to patients with advanced squamous cell cancer of the cervix

A Phase I study of the novel angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470 was performed. Patients with inoperable recurring or metastatic squamous cell cancer of the cervix with evaluable disease, no coagulopathy, and adequate renal, hepatic, and hematological function were eligible. One course of treatment consisted of an i.v. infusion of TNP-470 over 60 min every other day for 28 days, followed by a 14-day rest period. The starting dose was 9.3 mg/m2. Eighteen evaluable patients were treated, with a median age of 48 years (range 27-55) and performance status Zubrod 1 (range 0-2). Grade 3 neurotoxicities consisting of weakness, nystagmus, diplopia, and ataxia were encountered in two patients receiving the 71.2 mg/m2 dose. An intermediate dose level of 60 mg/m2 was evaluated and found to be well tolerated by three patients. Only one patient experienced grade 3 nausea on the 60 mg/m2 dose level. No myelosuppression, retinal hemorrhage, weight loss, or significant alopecia were observed. One patient had a complete response, which continues for 26 months, and three patients with initially progressive disease stage had stable disease for 5, 7.7, and 19+ months. Other Phase I studies, including over 200 patients, were performed concurrently with this study. Based on this experience, the dose of TNP-470 recommended for further studies is 60 mg/m2 as a 60-min i.v. infusion every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Neurotoxicity was dose limiting, but appears to be reversible. Otherwise, the treatment was well tolerated. The drug may be active in squamous cell cancer of the cervix. Further studies of TNP-470 in squamous cell cancer of the cervix are warranted.

Phase I-II study of combined 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin chemotherapy and altered fractionation radiotherapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

Forty patients with advanced carcinoma of the cervix were prospectively treated by an intermodality approach using chemotherapy combination concomitant with split-course hyperfractionated radiation therapy (RT). Cisplatin (CDDP) (60 mg/m2) was administered before radiotherapy initiation followed by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (750 mg/m2) for 5 days during the first week of irradiation. The same schedule was repeated in the last week of the RT, with 5-FU administration (1,000 mg/m2) for only 3 days. RT consisted of 5,020 cGy to the pelvis, followed by two intracavitary applications for a total of 5,000-5,500 mg/h radium equivalent when possible: 140 cGy/fraction was administered in the morning and evening, with a 6-h interval. The remainder of the external beam radiation was delivered at a standard daily fractionation of 180 cGy/fraction to a total dose of 5,020 cGy. This regimen of RT with concomitant chemotherapy had minimal toxicity and did not cause significant prolongation of the treatment program. However, a high rate of late complications was noted in patients who had extended-field RT due to paraaortic lymph node involvement. Thirty-two patients had complete response (CR) (80%). 24 (75%) of whom have no evidence disease (NED), with a median follow-up of 24 months. Our study suggests that this regimen of combined chemotherapy and RT in this group of patients with poor prognosis is effective and well tolerated, with acceptable acute toxicity and late morbidity.

Human epithelial ovarian cancer xenotransplants into nude mice can be cured by adenovirus-mediated thymidine kinase gene therapy

BACKGROUND

Adenovirus-mediated suicide gene therapy of ovarian cancer has effective anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo. By transduction of ovarian adenocarcinoma with the Herpes Simplex Thymidine Kinase gene and subsequent treatment with the antiviral agent ganciclovir, prolongation of survival has been described in nude mice. So far, however, in animal models of solid tumors no cures have been reported after gene therapy.

METHODS

In a prospective randomized experimental design 76 mice with xenotransplanted serous ovarian carcinoma were treated with three different doses of ADV/RSV-TK at three different time points followed by intraperitoneal ganciclovir administration. The experiment was designed to show significance of survival differences upon doubling of the number of survived days at a p-value of 0.05 with a power of 80%. The endpoint of the trial was survival.

RESULTS

Treatment response was seen in all treated animals evident by significant prolongation of survival. Treatment response was dependent on the therapeutic viral dose and the tumor burden of the animal at the time of treatment. Two out of eight mice with early disease have now survived ten months without evidence of disease with untreated animals dying after nineteen days. Subcutaneous tumor development at the injection site was the reason of death in the remaining six mice of this group.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraperitoneal ADV/RSV-TK suicide gene therapy of epithelial ovarian cancer in combination with ganciclovir administration can cure nude mice with early disease. This treatment modality may lend itself to incorporation into the current treatment concept of human ovarian malignancy. Clinical trials are warranted.

Identification of a meiotically expressed carbohydrate antigen in ovarian carcinoma: I. Immunohistochemical localization

A monoclonal antibody developed against a meiotically expressed porcine oocyte carbohydrate antigen has been shown to recognize an antigen in ovarian surface epithelial cells. Immunohistochemical studies of ovaries demonstrated that this antigen is present in the ovarian surface epithelia (OSE) of numerous mammalian species, including the non-human primate and the human (1). Although most of the ovarian surface epithelial cells are lost during aging in the human, a few cells may remain in ovarian crypts. In view of theories that most ovarian carcinomas are derived from the OSE cells in aging women, the PS1 antibody has been used to evaluate ovarian tumors using immunocytochemistry to detect the PS1 antigen in paraffin embedded pathology tissues. The present study found that the PS1 antigen is abundant in a number of malignant ovarian tumors, but is not expressed in a non-malignant Brenner's (ovarian) tumor or granulosa cell tumors. This antibody therefore appears to have great potential for the histopathological and immunochemical analysis of ovarian tumors.

Phase II study of irinotecan in prior chemotherapy-treated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

PURPOSE

A phase II study was performed to evaluate the antitumor activity and toxicity of irinotecan (CPT-11), a water-soluble derivative of camptothecin, in patients with prior chemotherapy-treated squamous cell cancer of the cervix.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-two patients were included in the study. The median age was 44 years (range, 24 to 59 years). The median Zubrod performance status was 1. All patients were refractory to first-line chemotherapy and 88% had received prior radiotherapy. The initial dose of CPT-11 was 125 mg/m2 given as a weekly 90-minute intravenous infusion for 4 weeks, every 6 weeks. Subsequent doses were unchanged, reduced, or omitted according to toxicity grade.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were assessable for response. The overall response rate was 21%. The median time to response was 6 weeks and the median duration of response was 12 weeks. The overall median duration of survival was 6.4 months. A statistically significant survival advantage (median of 12.6 v 5.1 months) was found in patients whose disease responded to the treatment (P < .015). The major dose-limiting toxic effects (grade > or = 3) were nausea and vomiting (45%), diarrhea (24%), and granulocytopenia (36%). Grade > or = 3 anemia was encountered in 62% of patients and the incidence of thrombocytopenia was negligible. Less severe side effects were alopecia (48%), drug fever (43%), anorexia (33%), fatigue (33%), skin rash (21%), stomatitis (14%), and allergic reaction (9%). The gastrointestinal intolerance was dose-related. The incidence of bone marrow depression did not decrease with dose reduction, possibly because of a cumulative effect or hematologic intolerance by a subset of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CPT-11 has significant activity in refractory cervical carcinoma. Gastrointestinal intolerance and hematologic toxicity must be monitored carefully. Further studies of alternative schedules may improve the tolerance and response rate.

Malignant tumors arising in endometriosis: clinical-pathological study and flow cytometry analysis

BACKGROUND

Malignant transformation to endometriosis is a well documented phenomenon that occurs most commonly in the ovaries with cancer arising in extra-ovarian endometriosis being a rare event.

METHODS

A retrospective clinical-pathological evaluation of eleven cases with malignant tumors arising in endometriosis was performed to evaluate the prognostic impact of various factors. Nuclear DNA content (ploidy) was assessed through flow cytometric study.

RESULTS

Ovarian origin was identified in eight cases and three were associated with extra-ovarian endometriosis. Histologic type was endometrioid carcinoma in ten patients. The eleventh case had high grade endometrial stromal sarcoma. All tumors were diploid with no relation to stage, grade, or clinical outcome. The S-phase fraction (SPF) was analyzed in nine patients and no correlation could be demonstrated with any histologic parameters or clinical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The DNA content seems to have no association with the classical prognostic parameters in these cases.

Leuprolide acetate for treating refractory or persistent ovarian granulosa cell tumor

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate leuprolide acetate for treating refractory or persistent ovarian granulosa cell tumor (GCT).

STUDY DESIGN

We treated six patients who had recurrent or persistent ovarian GCT with monthly intramuscular injections of a depot formulation of leuprolide acetate, 7.5 mg. Four patients had received prior cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Initially these patients' tumors had responded to the cisplatin, but then the disease had progressed in all cases. One of these four patients also had received prior therapy with tamoxifen that had resulted in three months of stable disease. Two patients had received no prior chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Responses could be evaluated in five of the six patients; in the sixth patient, only survival was evaluable. Among the five evaluable patients, two achieved partial responses lasting 3 and 11 months, with disease progression-free intervals of 4 and 12 months. The other three patients (60%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20-95%), including two whose disease had progressed on chemotherapy, had stable disease with disease progression-free intervals of 3+, 3+ and 13+ months. The objective response rate was 40% (two of five patients; 95% CI, 10-90%). Cessation of disease progression was noted in all five of the evaluable patients (100%; 95% CI, 40-100%). The sixth patient, whose disease could not be evaluated, was treated with leuprolide acetate for 24 months and at this writing had no clinical evidence of disease. The therapy was convenient to administer, and no major side effects were noted. Leuprolide acetate thus appears to have activity in patients with refractory GCT, and it may prolong the disease progression-free interval. Further trials of this relatively nontoxic and convenient therapy are warranted.

Serous surface carcinoma of the peritoneum: useful role of cytology in differential diagnosis and follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of cytology in differentiating serous surface carcinoma of the peritoneum (SSCP) from other morphologically similar tumors, including ovarian carcinoma and other peritoneal lesions, and to define the value of cytology in the follow-up of patients with SSCP.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty-one ascitic fluids and seven peritoneal washings obtained from 19 patients with histologically confirmed SSCP were reviewed and their cytologic features tabulated and analyzed.

RESULTS

Eighteen of the specimens were from initial diagnostic paracenteses or exploratory laparotomies. These showed mostly three-dimensional tumor cell clusters, as well as single malignant cells, with occasional papillae. The cytoplasm was abundant and often vacuolated. The cytomorphologic features of SSCP enabled differentiation from other conditions involving the peritoneal surface, including mesothelial hyperplasia, malignant mesothelioma, endometriosis and endosalpingiosis. However, there were no characteristic features that differentiated SSCP from metastatic serous carcinoma of the ovary. Four of the peritoneal washings were from second-look operations; in each of these cases the presence of tumor cells in the cytologic preparations correlated with positive biopsy results. Furthermore, six of the paracenteses were performed for recurrent ascites and enabled detection of recurrent disease, obviating the need for invasive procedures.

CONCLUSION

Cytomorphologic examination of ascitic fluids and peritoneal washings serves a valuable role in the initial diagnosis of SSCP, in the detection of recurrent disease and as a useful adjunct to multiple biopsies in the second-look operation. It can differentiate SSCP from several other lesions but not from serous carcinoma of the ovary.

Ovarian tumors of low malignant potential. Correlation of DNA index and S-phase fraction with histopathologic grade and clinical outcome

BACKGROUND

DNA ploidy and/or S-phase fraction have been used as biologic predictors of aggressive behavior in a variety of solid tumors, including ovarian carcinomas. Recently, attention has focused on borderline lesions to determine if flow cytometry plays a role in separating potentially aggressive tumors from those which will pursue a more innocuous course.

METHODS

Paraffin-embedded tissue from 42 tumors with low malignant potential (LMP) were analyzed by flow cytometry (FC) to determine the DNA index (DI) and S-phase fraction (SPF). These result were then correlated with conventional pathologic parameters (size, nuclear grade, architecture, and mitotic index) and with clinical parameters (stage and age). Statistical analysis was carried out using the Fisher's Exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

Thirty-five cases (83.3%) were diploid, while 7 cases (16.7%) showed aneuploid stemlines, with a mean DI of 1.2 (range: 1.1-1.4). The mean SPF was 3.5% for the diploid tumors and 4.5% for the aneuploid tumors. Serous tumors comprised 74% of our cases; the remainder were either mucinous or endometrioid tumors. Complex solid architectural patterns were found in 29 tumors whereas high nuclear grade was seen in 24. A mitotic rate (MR) of 0-3/10 high power fields was seen in 29 tumors (69%), with only 5 having 10 or more mitotic figures. Aneuploidy statistically correlated with higher stage (P < 0.009). Marginal correlation was seen with a larger tumor size (P = 0.06). SPF showed a direct linear correlation with MR (P < 0.001). Also, smaller SPF's were seen in the serous tumors versus the mucinous and endometroid group (P < 0.05). Two patients with diploid and one patient with aneuploid stemlines had recurrent disease during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

DI and SPF correlated with some of the histologic parameters we evaluated. DI and SPF, however, could not predict which tumor(s) would behave in a more aggressive fashion.

Aggressive angiomyxoma of the pelvis and perineum. A case report

BACKGROUND

Aggressive angiomyxoma of the female perineum and pelvis is a slowly growing neoplasm occurring almost exclusively in women of reproductive age. The tumor is characterized by its locally infiltrative behavior. The high recurrence rate has been attributed to incomplete surgical excision.

CASE

A case of a huge, recurrent, aggressive angiomyxoma of the perineum and pelvis was treated.

CONCLUSION

Correct preoperative diagnosis and assessment of simultaneous perineal and pelvic involvement indicate a combined abdominoperineal surgical approach to achieve wide, tumor-free margins.

Salivary cortisol response to dental treatment of varying stress

The physiologic stress of various dental procedures (dental examination, dental prophylaxis, restoration, root canal therapy, and tooth extraction) was measured in 50 nonsmoking healthy men between the ages of 18 and 55 years (mean 34.6 years, range 21 to 53 years) with a salivary cortisol assay. Expectorated saliva was collected at four time points: 10 minutes before the start of the procedure, 15 minutes after the patient was seated, at the end of the procedure, and 1 hour after the completion of the procedure. Of the 196 samples included for analysis, mean cortisol values ranged from 0.1 to 3.8 micrograms/dl with a recovery of 100% +/- 8.4%. The mean cortisol value for the extraction group (1.09 +/- 0.42 microgram/dl) was significantly different (p < 0.05) from the mean values of the examination (0.46 +/- 0.10 microgram/dl), prophylaxis (0.64 +/- 0.64 microgram/dl), root canal (0.49 +/- 0.07 microgram/dl), and restorative (0.60 +/- 0.04 microgram/dl) groups as determined by the Duncan's multiple range test. Cortisol levels decreased from the initial reading to the end of the procedure by about 15% for patients undergoing an examination, root canal, and restorative procedure. Cortisol levels at the end of the procedure were elevated in the prophylaxis (55%) and extraction (148%) groups compared with the baseline cortisol recording. A minority of patients in the prophylaxis group had elevated cortisol levels throughout dental treatment, whereas cortisol levels were elevated during treatment in 80% of patients undergoing extraction. These data suggest that the adrenal stress response associated with tooth extraction(s) is greater than that associated with other routine dental procedures.

Response to patients' death and bereavement in dental practice

Coping with patient deaths and family bereavement has received minimal attention in dental education and literature. This study was conducted to determine how frequently dentists experience patient deaths, how they cope with the knowledge of a patient's death, and if they demonstrate need for emphasis in the dental curricula in the areas of death and bereavement. A survey adapted from Chiodo and Tolle (1988) was sent to all 2091 dentists in the State of Kentucky. The response rate was 47.68% (997 returned surveys). Findings include: (1) General dentists (GDs) have a significantly higher number of patients who die each year than do specialists (S) (GD = 7, S = 1.5); (2) coping behaviors range from sending sympathy cards (63%) to attending the funeral (23%); (3) patient deaths cause stress, most stress occurring when patients die unexpectedly; (4) the greatest stress was encountered when talking with the patient's family; and (5) most dentists (58%) believed that bereavement education should occur in dental school. In conclusion, this research adds to the limited literature on appropriate coping behaviors by dentists when patients die and suggests that death and bereavement education should occur in the dental school setting to prepare practicing dentists for coping with patient loss due to death, and to provide family bereavement support mechanisms.

Solitary breast metastasis as first manifestation of ovarian carcinoid tumor

Carcinoid tumor metastatic to the breast is very uncommon. The rarity of this finding may be the reason for its common misinterpretation as primary breast carcinoma. A patient with primary ovarian carcinoid that presented initially with a solitary breast mass is reported. A review of the literature discloses only 12 reported cases of carcinoid tumor metastatic to the breast, with none of the primaries found to be the ovary.

Second primary cancer arising from the neovulva following reconstruction with myocutaneous flaps

Myocutaneous flaps have been used for vulvar reconstruction following radical vulvectomy. For over 15 years the most common complications related to these flaps are sloughing of the skin and donor site wound infection. A new malignancy arising from the skin of the neovulva is an unusual occurrence. Two cases are presented. The skin of the neovulva may be exposed to the same neoplastic carcinogens that caused the initial lesion. In both patients, the polymerase chain reaction method failed to detect the presence of human papillomavirus DNA in either the initial lesion or the recurrent cancer.

Malacoplakia of the vagina presenting as a pelvic mass

Malacoplakia is an unusual type of chronic inflammation that rarely involves the female genital tract. A case of malacoplakia involving the vaginal cuff of a patient previously treated by radical hysterectomy for cervical carcinoma is presented.

Documenting medication use in adult dental patients: 1987-1991

The authors surveyed 5,002 dental outpatients to determine the prevalence and patterns of drug use. They found that drug use increased significantly with age and that a significant number of patients took medications that had potential for adverse dental effects. Thus, dentists should be aware of patient medications and the effects those drugs have on dental treatment.

Advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva after treatment for verrucous carcinoma. A case report

Verrucous carcinoma of the vulva, a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma, is a locally destructive, nonmetastasizing tumor. While controversy surrounds the choice of treatment for this lesion, which frequently recurs, it is generally accepted that a recurrence is almost always local, with histologic characteristics and biologic behavior the same as those of the primary tumor. A case of squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva with involvement of the regional lymph nodes after treatment of verrucous carcinoma is reported to increase awareness of the potential biologic behavior of this uncommon tumor.

Clinical and microbiological effects of a sanguinaria-containing mouthrinse and dentifrice with and without fluoride during 6 months of use

The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy and safety of sanguinaria-containing regimens with and without fluoride using the American Dental Association guidelines for evaluating chemotherapeutic agents. The study was a 6-month, double-blind, 4-cell, placebo-controlled, parallel investigation involving 120 subjects. Following screening procedures, subjects were randomly assigned to 4 groups. Group 1 received a dentifrice containing 0.075% sanguinaria extract (SaE) and 2.0% zinc chloride (ZnCl2) in a dicalcium phosphate base, plus an oral rinse containing 0.03% SaE and 0.2% ZnCl2. Group 2 received identical products without SaE or ZnCl2. Group 3 received a dentifrice containing 0.8% sodium monofluorophosphate, 0.075% SaE, and 0.05% ZnCl2 in a silica base, plus an oral rinse containing 0.03% SaE and 0.2% ZnCl2. Group 4 products were identical to those of Group 3 but without SaE and ZnCl2. Supragingival plaque and gingival inflammation were scored at 0, 1, 2, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 months; bleeding upon probing was measured at 1, 1.5, 3, and 6 months. Microbiological samples were taken from plaque, tongue, and cheek areas. The active products produced statistically significantly lower scores than the placebo agents for all indices (P less than .0001). Six-month plaque scores were 13.1% lower for Group 1 and 17.4% lower for Group 3 compared to placebo products. When the Plaque Severity Index was applied, the percentage reductions were 33% for Group 1 and 41% for Group 3 compared to placebos. Gingival inflammation scores were 16.7% lower for Group 1 and 18.1% lower for Group 3 at 6 months compared to placebo scores.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Survival after malignant pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade in advanced ovarian cancer

Malignant pericardial effusion and tamponade are rarely seen complications of epithelial ovarian cancer. With the use of multiagent chemotherapy these complications may be seen more frequently in the future. Therapy should be individualized, as long-term survival may be possible if the systemic manifestations of the cancer can be controlled.

Serous surface carcinoma of the peritoneum: a clinicopathologic study of 22 cases

Serous surface carcinoma (SSC) of the peritoneum is defined as a primary tumor histologically indistinguishable from serous carcinoma of the ovary, diffusely involving the peritoneal surface but sparing or only superficially invading the ovaries. In this study of 22 cases of SSC, it was found that the main clinical manifestations of SSC were abdominal pain and enlargement. In most cases, SSC evenly involved the entire mesothelial surface but rarely was predominant in or even limited to the pelvis. It frequently invaded the submesothelium, but deep invasion into abdominal and pelvic organs or local metastasis was rare, and distant metastasis was not seen at presentation. Microscopically, SSC was a high-grade tumor frequently showing high mitotic rate, psammomas bodies, and necrosis. The tumor was usually contiguous with hyperplastic mesothelium on either ovarian surface or other locations. Tumor cells in all cases except one showed cytoplasmic or surface neutral or acidic mucin or both. Tumor cells stained positive for keratin (100% of cases), epithelial membrane antigen (100%), Leu-M1 (45%), B72.3 (85%), vimentin (35%), and carcinoembryonic antigen (25%). Electron microscopic studies of six cases showed epithelial differentiation in each. Seven patients (32%) were alive with no clinical disease at 3 to 31 months, one patient (4%) was alive with extensive local disease at 24 months, 11 patients (50%) died almost exclusively of local recurrence at 1 to 70 months, and three patients (14%) died of operative complications. It is concluded that SSC arises from peritoneal mesothelium but has epithelial phenotype. It can be morphologically differentiated from other conditions with similar laparotomy findings, such as malignant mesothelioma, benign papillary mesothelioma, cystic mesothelioma, and benign or borderline peritoneal serous tumors. The prognosis of SSC is poor, and most patients die of uncontrollable local disease.

Primary malignant melanoma of the vagina: report of four cases and review of the literature

Four cases of malignant melanoma arising in the vagina are described, and the literature related to this unusual tumor is reviewed. The 2-year survival rate is better following radical surgery than after other treatment modalities; however, the 5-year survival rate is unrelated to type of therapy. Radical surgery appears to control local disease, but fails to address systemic spread of the tumor. Therefore, improvement in survival will require effective systemic therapy.

Detection of human papillomavirus DNA in advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma

Tissue specimens from 10 out of 12 patients with advanced epithelial ovarian adenocarcinoma contained DNA of human papillomavirus type 6 (HPV-6). HPV DNA was identified by in situ hybridization at high stringency using biotin-labeled DNA probes. Nonneoplastic tissue specimens from other pelvic sites of the same patients were also examined. None showed evidence of HPV DNA. The meaning of these findings in relation to epithelial ovarian carcinoma is discussed.

Incidence of anterior ridge deformities in partially edentulous patients

A random sample of 416 diagnostic casts was evaluated to determine the incidence and type of ridge deformities present in anterior ridges of partially edentulous patients. Loss of teeth resulted in 91% (31 of 34) of ridge deformities. The most prevalent defect was the class III or combination labiolingual and apicocoronal type of deformity.