Edible Insects: Perceptions of Marketing, Economic, and Social Aspects among Citizens of Different Countries

Because edible insects (EI) have been, in recent years, recommended as a nutritious animal protein food with enormous environmental advantages over other sources of animal protein for human consumption, studies aimed at investigating the consumer perspective have become more prominent. Hence, this study intended to examine the perceptions of participants from different countries about the commercialization and economic and social impacts of edible insects. The study was made using a questionnaire survey, and data were collected in Brazil, Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey. The final number of received answers was 7222 participants. For the treatment of the results, different statistical techniques were used: factor analysis, internal reliability by Cronbach's alpha, cluster analysis, ANOVA to test differences between groups, and Chi-square tests. The results obtained confirmed the validity of the scale, constituted by 12 out of the 14 items initially considered, distributed by 4 factors: the first related to the economic impact of EIs, the second related to the motivation for consumption of EIs, the third related to the places of purchase of EIs, and the fourth corresponding to a question presented to the participants as a false statement. A cluster analysis allowed identifying three clusters, with significant differences between them according to all the sociodemographic variables tested. Also, it was found that the participants expressed an exceptionally high level of agreement with aspects such as the difficulty in finding EIs on sale, knowledge acting as a strong motivator for EI consumption, and the role of personalities and influencers in increasing the will to consume EIs. Finally, practically all sociodemographic variables were found to be significantly associated with perceptions (country, sex, education, living environment, and income), but not age. In conclusion, the perceptions about EI commercialization were investigated and revealed differences among samples originating from different countries. Moreover, the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants were found to be strongly associated with their perceptions.

Application of Nanoparticles in Cancer Treatment: A Concise Review

Timely diagnosis and appropriate antitumoral treatments remain of utmost importance, since cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Within this context, nanotechnology offers specific benefits in terms of cancer therapy by reducing its adverse effects and guiding drugs to selectively target cancer cells. In this comprehensive review, we have summarized the most relevant novel outcomes in the range of 2010-2023, covering the design and application of nanosystems for cancer therapy. We have established the general requirements for nanoparticles to be used in drug delivery and strategies for their uptake in tumor microenvironment and vasculature, including the reticuloendothelial system uptake and surface functionalization with protein corona. After a brief review of the classes of nanovectors, we have covered different classes of nanoparticles used in cancer therapies. First, the advances in the encapsulation of drugs (such as paclitaxel and fisetin) into nanoliposomes and nanoemulsions are described, as well as their relevance in current clinical trials. Then, polymeric nanoparticles are presented, namely the ones comprising poly lactic-co-glycolic acid, polyethylene glycol (and PEG dilemma) and dendrimers. The relevance of quantum dots in bioimaging is also covered, namely the systems with zinc sulfide and indium phosphide. Afterwards, we have reviewed gold nanoparticles (spheres and anisotropic) and their application in plasmon-induced photothermal therapy. The clinical relevance of iron oxide nanoparticles, such as magnetite and maghemite, has been analyzed in different fields, namely for magnetic resonance imaging, immunotherapy, hyperthermia, and drug delivery. Lastly, we have covered the recent advances in the systems using carbon nanomaterials, namely graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and carbon dots. Finally, we have compared the strategies of passive and active targeting of nanoparticles and their relevance in cancer theranostics. This review aims to be a (nano)mark on the ongoing journey towards realizing the remarkable potential of different nanoparticles in the realm of cancer therapeutics.

Wood-Poly(furfuryl Alcohol) Prepreg: A Novel, Ecofriendly Laminate Composite

Prepregs are commonly fabricated with non-renewable petroleum-based materials. To reduce the impact of the manufacturing of these materials and to produce more sustainable prepregs, this research aims to manufacture poly(furfuryl alcohol)/wood veneer prepregs and their posterior molding in laminate composites. For this purpose, the vacuum infusion process was used to impregnate the wood veneers, and compression molding was applied to manufacture three- and four-layer laminate composites. Scanning electronic microscopy was used to evaluate the impregnation. the laminate manufacturing and differential scanning calorimetry were used to predict the shelf-life of the prepregs, Fourier-transform infrared was used to evaluate the induced hydrolysis resistance, and thermogravimetric analysis was used to determine the thermal degradation of the laminates. Moreover, water uptake and flexural, compressive, and tensile properties were evaluated. The kinetic models were effective and showed a shelf life for the laminates of approximately 30 days in storage at -7 °C, which is an interesting result for laminates with lignocellulosic materials. FTIR proved the laminates' excellent resistance to hydrolysis. The water absorption, thermal stability, and mechanical properties did not differ as the amount of wood veneer increased, but these results were up to ~40% higher compared with unidirectional wood laminates found in the literature, which is probably linked to the excellent interface observed with SEM.

HPV testing for cervical cancer screening: Should reflex cytology be performed after a positive test for HPV 16 and 18?

At Portuguese-organized cervical cancer (CC) screening programs, all women testing positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and/or 18 are referred for immediate colposcopy. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of reflex cytology in women who test positive for HPV 16 and/or 18 to improve the efficiency of CC screening. A cross-sectional and retrospective study was performed based on data from the routine CC screening protocol in force at Cova da Beira University Hospital Center, Portugal between August 2012 and June 2021. The screening method was the Cobas 4800 HPV test using the liquid medium Surepath. In all the selected cases, the patient's HPV test results and the cytology and histology findings of the biopsies obtained using colposcopy were analyzed. This study included 339 women who first tested positive for HPV 16 and/or 18 and were referred for immediate colposcopy, in whom 40 (11.8%) cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL+) were diagnosed. Of these, 12 (30%) had reflex cytology negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) and 14 (35%) had HSIL+ cytology. After 3 years, 14 (9.3%) of the 150 women who were still undergoing follow-up were diagnosed with histologic HSIL+ lesions, of which 5 (35.7%) had baseline NILM cytology. Despite the small sample, the results of this study allow us to conclude that reflex cytology is not useful for discrimination to immediate referral for colposcopy in women who test positive for HPV 16 and/or 18, as most women with a histologic diagnosis of an HSIL+ lesion had Collapse

Key Words

• Cervical cancer
• Colposcopy
• HPV
• HSIL
• Reflex cytology

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MESH Headings

• Female
• Humans
• Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis
• Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology
• Uterine Cervical Dysplasia/diagnosis
• Uterine Cervical Dysplasia/pathology
• Human papillomavirus 16
• Papillomavirus Infections
• Early Detection of Cancer/methods
• Retrospective Studies
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Reflex

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Grants Collapse

Affiliation(s)

Vitor Caeiro Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior (UBI), Covilhã, Portugal.
Bruno Esteves Clinical Pathology at Cova da Beira University Hospital Center (CHUCB), Covilhã, Portugal
José Fonseca-Moutinho Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior (UBI), Covilhã, Portugal

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Nanotechnology Applied to Cellulosic Materials

In recent years, nanocellulosic materials have attracted special attention because of their performance in different advanced applications, biodegradability, availability, and biocompatibility. Nanocellulosic materials can assume three distinct morphologies, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibers (CNF), and bacterial cellulose (BC). This review consists of two main parts related to obtaining and applying nanocelluloses in advanced materials. In the first part, the mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic treatments necessary for the production of nanocelluloses are discussed. Among chemical pretreatments, the most common approaches are described, such as acid- and alkali-catalyzed organosolvation, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation, ammonium persulfate (APS) and sodium persulfate (SPS) oxidative treatments, ozone, extraction with ionic liquids, and acid hydrolysis. As for mechanical/physical treatments, methods reviewed include refining, high-pressure homogenization, microfluidization, grinding, cryogenic crushing, steam blasting, ultrasound, extrusion, aqueous counter collision, and electrospinning. The application of nanocellulose focused, in particular, on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with CNC, CNF, and BC. With the development of TENGs, an unparalleled revolution is expected; there will be self-powered sensors, wearable and implantable electronic components, and a series of other innovative applications. In the future new era of TENGs, nanocellulose will certainly be a promising material in their constitution.

Flexible Neural Probe Fabrication Enhanced with a Low-Temperature Cured Polyimide and Platinum Electrodeposition

Polyimide is an emerging and very interesting material for substrate and passivation of neural probes. However, the standard curing temperature of polyimide (350 °C) is critical for the microelectrodes and contact pads of the neural probe, due to the thermal oxidation of the metals during the passivation process of the neural probe. Here, the fabrication process of a flexible neural probe, enhanced with a photosensitive and low-temperature cured polyimide, is presented. Annealing tests were performed with metallic films deposited on polyimide, which led to the reduction of the curing temperature to 250 °C, with no significant irregularities in the metallic sample annealed at that temperature and an effective polyimide curing. The use of a lower curing temperature reduces the thermal oxidation of the metals during the polyimide curing process to passivate the neural probe. Additionally, in this fabrication process, the microelectrodes of the neural probe were coated with electrodeposited platinum (Pt), only after the passivation process, and its electrochemical performance was accessed. At 1 kHz, the impedance of the microelectrodes before Pt electrodeposition was approximately 1.2 MΩ, and after Pt electrodeposition, it was approximately 350 kΩ. Pt electrodeposition changed the equivalent circuit of the microelectrodes and reduced their impedance, which will be crucial for future in-vivo tests to acquire the electrical activity of the neurons with the fabricated neural probe.

Repeated Positive Cervical HPV Testing and Absent or Minor Cytology Abnormality at Pap Smear. What is the Next Step?

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) screening has significantly reduced cervical cancer (CC) mortality. Women who consecutively test positive for high-risk HPV without and minor changes on reflex cytology (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance [ASC-US] or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion [LSIL]) or dysplasia on cervical colposcopy-oriented biopsy are always referred to colposcopy. The aim of the present study was to assess whether this guidance is appropriate for COBAS HPV testing with reflex cytology.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, retrospective study was carried out in 5,227 women who underwent routine CC screening over a period of five years (2012-2017). All HPV tests were performed using Cobas®4800 HPV. The study included women attending gynecology appointments whose first HPV test was positive and who had any type of follow-up. Patients' HPV test results as well as cytology and biopsy findings obtained during the abovementioned period were analyzed. A descriptive and comparative statistical study was conducted using this data.

RESULTS

A total of 765 out of 6003 HPV tests performed in 5,227 women were positive, and 141 women who had a positive HPV test (with negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy [NILM] or inflammation, or ASC-US and LSIL cytology, but no lesions on colposcopy, or absence of dysplasia on histology) repeated the HPV test at least once. Of these 141 women, 6 were diagnosed with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) during the follow-up period. All cases of HSIL were diagnosed after the second HPV test.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that, at cervical cancer screening, all women testing positive for HPV regardless of Pap smear result should be referred to colposcopy.

Phase Ib study of tivozanib (AV-951) in combination with temsirolimus in patients with renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Tivozanib is a potent and selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR)-1, -2 and -3, with a long half-life. Tivozanib has demonstrated clinical activity and acceptable tolerability in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This phase Ib study determined the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) and evaluated the safety and clinical activity of tivozanib plus temsirolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with advanced RCC were administered open-label tivozanib 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5mg/d orally (3 weeks on/1 week off) and temsirolimus 15 or 25 mg/week intravenously in a 3+3 dose-escalation design and subsequent expansion cohort.

RESULTS

Of 27 patients treated, 20 patients had received ≥ 1 prior VEGF-targeted therapy. No dose-limiting toxicities occurred; the RP2D was determined to be tivozanib 1.5mg/d plus temsirolimus 25mg/week. Combination of tivozanib plus temsirolimus demonstrated acceptable tolerability and suggested no synergistic toxicity. The most common grade ≤ 3 adverse events were fatigue and thrombocytopenia (15% each). One patient each required dose reduction of tivozanib or temsirolimus due to an adverse event. Confirmed partial responses and stable disease were achieved at 23% and 68%, respectively. Pharmacokinetic analyses may suggest lack of an interaction between tivozanib and temsirolimus.

CONCLUSIONS

In this small phase Ib study, tivozanib and temsirolimus were safely combined at the fully recommended dose and schedule of both agents. The observed clinical activity and manageable toxicity profile of this combination warrant further exploration in patients with RCC.

Activity of tivozanib (AV-951) in patients (Pts) with different histologic subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC)

327

Background: This phase 2 randomized discontinuation trial evaluated tivozanib, a potent and selective vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1, -2, and -3 kinase inhibitor. Median progression-free survival (PFS) in all pts was 11.8 mo, and the objective response rate (ORR) was 27%.

Methods: Pts received 1.5 mg/d tivozanib (3 wk on, 1 wk off = 1 cycle). A retrospective analysis evaluated efficacy and safety by histologic subtype. Response was evaluated by independent radiology review using standard RECIST criteria.

Results: 272 pts were enrolled: 70% were male; median age was 56 y (range, 26–79). 226 (83%) pts had clear cell (CC) RCC; 46 had non–clear cell (NCC) RCC, including 11 with papillary RCC. Of pts with CC RCC, 176 (78%) had undergone nephrectomy; of pts with NCC RCC, 23 (50%) had undergone nephrectomy. Median treatment duration was 8.5 mo (range, 0.03– 23.8) as of the data cutoff. Median PFS was 12.5 mo (range, 9.9–17.7) for pts with CC RCC, not yet reached for pts with papillary RCC, and 5.4 mo (range, 3.7–12.0) for pts with other NCC subtypes. ORR and disease control rate (DCR; ORR + stable disease), respectively, were 29% and 85% for pts with CC RCC, 18% and 100% for pts with papillary RCC, and 17% and 74% for pts with other NCC subtypes. For pts with CC RCC, median PFS, ORR, and DCR, respectively, were 14.8 mo, 32%, and 88% for those who had undergone nephrectomy and 8.9 mo, 18%, and 76% for those who had not. Among pts with NCC RCC, median PFS was 6.6 mo for pts who had undergone nephrectomy and 7.2 mo for pts without nephrectomy; ORR was 17% for both NCC subgroups, with a DCR of 78% for pts who had undergone nephrectomy and 83% for pts who had not. Common drug- related adverse events (AEs) for pts with CC and NCC RCC, respectively, included hypertension (49% and 48%), dysphonia (22% and 22%), asthenia (12% and 13%), and diarrhea (13% and 9%). The most common grade ≥3 drug-related AE was hypertension (CC, 8%; NCC, 4%).

Conclusions: Disease control was observed for pts with all RCC histologic subtypes. The rate of AEs was similar among patients with CC and NCC RCC and consistent with that of a selective VEGFR inhibitor with minimal off-target toxicities. Tivozanib is currently being tested in a phase 3 trial in pts with CC RCC.

[Table: see text]

A phase I trial of combined tivozanib (AV-951) and temsirolimus therapy in patients (pts) with renal cell carcinoma (RCC)

330

Background: Tivozanib, a potent and selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR)-1, -2, and -3, has demonstrated antitumor activity in a phase II study in RCC (Proceedings of ASCO 2009, Abstract 5032). Temsirolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, is approved for treatment of advanced RCC. This phase Ib open-label study examined combination tivozanib and temsirolimus therapy in pts with advanced RCC to determine the safety and tolerability, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and clinical activity of this drug regimen.

Methods: Pts with advanced RCC (with clear cell component) who had failed up to 1 prior VEGF-targeted therapy received daily oral tivozanib (3 wks on, 1 wk off = 1 cycle) and intravenous temsirolimus (once weekly). A standard 3+3 dose escalation design was used at four levels: 0.5 mg/d tivozanib and 15 mg/wk temsirolimus; 1.0 mg/d and 15 mg/wk; 1.5 mg/d and 15 mg/wk; and 1.5 mg/d and 25 mg/wk.

Results: As of 9/15/10, 28 pts had been treated and accrual was closed. Demographic features were: 26 male/2 female; 89% Caucasian; median age 62 years (range, 43–71); Karnofsky Performance Status of 100/90/80 for 16, 7, and 4 pts respectively (1 pt missing data). Twenty of 28 pts (71%) had received prior VEGF-targeted therapy. Median duration of treatment was 21.1 wks (range, 0.3–94.0). Treatment-related adverse events seen in ≥10% of pts were (number of pts with all grades/grade 3 toxicity): fatigue (14/3), decreased appetite (9/0), stomatitis (7/1), thrombocytopenia (6/1), diarrhea (6/0), nausea (6/1), vomiting (3/0), and decreased weight (3/0). There were no grade 4 events. The MTD of this combination was tivozanib 1.5 mg/d and temsirolimus 25 mg/wk, and no dose limiting toxicities were encountered. Clinical activity was observed, including tumor responses in pts who had failed VEGF targeted therapies.

Conclusions: The combination of tivozanib with temsirolimus was well tolerated and showed clinical activity in patients with advanced RCC. Tivozanib is the first VEGFR TKI that can be combined with temsirolimus at the full dose and schedule of both agents.

[Table: see text]

A phase III, randomized, controlled study to compare tivozanib with sorafenib in patients (pts) with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC)

310

Background: Drugs that block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway signaling, such as the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib, have become standard treatment for pts with RCC. Tivozanib (AV-951) is a potent, selective small-molecule pan-VEGF receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor, with activity against the VEGFR-1, -2, and -3 kinases at subnanomolar concentrations. Preliminary results from a phase II randomized discontinuation trial of tivozanib (1.5 mg/d; 3 wks on, 1 wk off) in pts with RCC demonstrated an objective response rate (ORR) of 27% and a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 11.8 mo by independent radiology review, with a favorable safety profile. Patients with clear cell RCC who had undergone nephrectomy had an ORR of 32% and median PFS of 14.8 mo (Bhargava, et al. ASCO 2010. Abstract 4599). Based on this antitumor activity a phase III, randomized, controlled, global, multicenter trial is currently in progress to compare tivozanib with sorafenib in pts with advanced RCC.

Methods: Approximately 500 adults with clear cell RCC who have undergone nephrectomy and received ≤ 1 prior systemic treatment (no prior VEGF-targeted therapy) were randomized 1:1 to treatment with tivozanib or sorafenib. Pts are receiving 1.5 mg/d tivozanib orally in 4-week cycles (3 wks on, 1 wk off) or continuous 400 mg sorafenib orally twice daily. The primary endpoint will be PFS by independent radiology review; secondary endpoints will include overall survival, ORR, and duration of response. Safety is being monitored through adverse event reporting and laboratory analyses; toxicities are graded using the NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0. The effect of therapy on health-related quality of life will be compared between arms using kidney cancer-specific (FKSI-DRS), oncology (FACT-G), and general (EQ-5D) assessments. Pharmacokinetics and biomarker analyses will be performed.

Results: Pending.

Conclusions: Enrollment completed in August 2010. An ongoing extension study will allow access to tivozanib for pts who demonstrate progressive disease on sorafenib, as well as long-term treatment with tivozanib or sorafenib for pts who demonstrate clinical benefit.

[Table: see text]

A phase Ib, open-label, dose-escalation study of tivozanib and FOLFOX6 in patients (pts) with advanced gastrointestinal (GI) tumors

549

Background: Tivozanib (AV-951), a highly potent and selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR)-1, -2, and -3, has shown additive antitumor activity with fluorouracil (5-FU) in preclinical studies. An open-label phase Ib study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), pharmacokinetics (PK), and antitumor activity of escalating doses of tivozanib combined with standard-dose FOLFOX6 (i.e., oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and 5-FU) in pts with advanced GI tumors.

Methods: Tivozanib was administered orally once daily in 4-week cycles (3 weeks on, 1 week off), with FOLFOX6 administered on days 1 and 15 of each cycle. Pts were allowed to continue tivozanib following discontinuation of FOLFOX6.

Results: 22 pts (14 male/8 female; median age of 58 years [range, 40-75]) received 0.5 mg (n = 9), 1.0 mg (n = 3), or 1.5 mg (n = 10) tivozanib plus FOLFOX6. Pts received a median of 8.1 weeks (range, 0.1 - 43.1) of treatment. DLTs were observed in 2 pts receiving 0.5 mg tivozanib (reversible grade 3 diarrhea and grade 3 and 4 transaminase elevations, respectively) and in 2 pts receiving 1.5 mg tivozanib (reversible grade 3 seizures and grade 3 vertigo, respectively). Other grade 3/4 drug-related adverse events (AEs) included neutropenia, fatigue, and hypertension (n = 2 each); and pyrexia, pulmonary embolism, and thrombosis (n = 1 each). There was no indication that drug-related AEs in this study were more frequent or severe than those observed with tivozanib or FOLFOX6 alone. The MTD was 1.5 mg tivozanib with full dose FOLFOX6. The PK profiles of tivozanib, oxaliplatin, and 5-FU will be presented. Several durable partial responses were observed. Additional safety and efficacy data are being obtained in 8 pts currently being treated at the 1.5-mg dose level.

Conclusions: The combination of tivozanib and FOLFOX6 is tolerable and safe, with tivozanib given at its recommended dose of 1.5 mg. Observed clinical activity merits further exploration in several GI tumors, and these studies are being planned.

[Table: see text]

Updated activity and safety results of a phase II randomized discontinuation trial (RDT) of AV-951, a potent and selective VEGFR1, 2, and 3 kinase inhibitor, in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC)

5032

Background: AV-951 is a potent inhibitor of VEGFR-1, 2 & 3 kinases (IC50 0.21, 0.16 and 0.24 nM respectively), and inhibits cKit and PDGFR at 10-times higher concentrations (IC50 1.63 and 1.72 nM respectively). In a phase II RDT of AV-951 (1.5 mg/day; 3 wks on, 1 wk off) in RCC, preliminary ORR at wk 16 was 28% (ASCO GU. 2008; abstract #283). Methods: Pts with locally advanced or metastatic RCC (any histology) and no prior VEGF-targeted therapy received AV-951 for 16 wks, after which further treatment was assigned based on response. Pts with ≥ 25% tumor shrinkage continued treatment with AV-951, while pts with < 25% change from baseline were randomly assigned to receive AV-951 or placebo for 12 wks (double-blinded). The primary end points were (1) objective response rate (ORR) at 16 wks, (2) percentage of randomly assigned pts remaining progression free at 12 wks following randomization, (3) safety profile. Results: 272 pts were enrolled: 70% male, 93% white, median age 56 yrs. 53% pts were treatement naïve, 72% had undergone nephrectomy and 83% had RCC with clear cell component. With a median duration of treatment of 5 mo (range 0–12 mo), the investigator assessed ORR (CR+PR) is 27.2% (30% in clear cell RCC), SD 60.5% and Disease Control Rate (CR/PR + SD) 88%. 118 (43%) pts were randomized to AV-951 or placebo. The most common treatment-related AEs (all grades) were hypertension (HTN, 42%) and dysphonia (16%). Guidelines for management of HTN were provided to investigators, and 52% pts received anti-hypertensives. Minimal (all grades) diarrhea (9%), fatigue (8%), stomatitis (3%) and hand-foot syndrome (2%) were observed. Laboratory abnormalities (all grades) were notable for minimal neutropenia (8%) and elevations of AST (21%) and ALT (21%). AEs led to dose reduction in 4% and treatment discontinuation in 5.5% of pts. Conclusions: Interim results of this phase II study demonstrate that AV-951 is active in RCC. The AE profile of AV-951 is consistent with that of a selective VEGFR inhibitor, with minimal off-target toxicities. Updated results of ORR (including independent radiology assessment), safety, percentage of randomly assigned pts remaining progression free at 12 wks, and overall PFS will be presented.

[Table: see text]