Safety of mRNA-COVID-19 Vaccines in Patients With Thoracic Cancers

BACKGROUND

Pivotal trials of COVID-19 vaccines did not include cancer patients with questions remaining in this population. Particularly in patients with thoracic malignancies receiving anticancer treatments, the safety of these vaccines has so far been little investigated.

METHODS

This is a prospective trial of patients with thoracic cancer receiving anticancer treatments and COVID-19 vaccines at the Division of Thoracic Oncology of European Institute of Oncology between February and September 2021.

RESULTS

A total 207 patients affected by thoracic cancers (199 lung cancers and 8 mesotheliomas) had received Covid-19 vaccines (206 mRNA vaccines and 1 virus-vectored vaccine). The majority of patients had at least one comorbidity (76.3%). They were concomitantly treating with targeted therapy (TT) (45.9%), immunotherapy (IO) (22.7%), and chemotherapy (CT) (14%). A total of 64 AEs (15.6%) were observed after administration of Sars-Cov-2 vaccine. The majority of AEs were grade 1 [G1] (6.3%) and G2 (8.8%), only two events were G3 (0.5%). The median follow-up was 9 months (range 1-22 months), during this follow-up 21 patients (10.1%) had a positive nasal swab, most of the patients were asymptomatic (67%) and the symptomatic ones (33%) had mild symptoms and fewer complications and hospitalizations.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 m-RNA vaccines appear to be safe in the cohort of patients with thoracic malignances in active treatment, including those receiving immunotherapy. Considering the high morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 in patients with lung cancer receiving active treatments, our study supports the current vaccine prioritization, third and/or fourth dose, of all cancer patients with active treatment.

Sex-based differences in response to anti-PD-1 or PD-L1 treatment in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer expressing high PD-L1 levels. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Background

In our previous works, we demonstrated that patients’ sex affects the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with several advanced solid tumors. Here, we assessed the sex-based heterogeneity of efficacy of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1)/anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) given as monotherapy, for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) expressing high PD-L1 levels, to evaluate if available evidence supports this therapeutic option for both women and men.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis including all randomized, controlled trials testing anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 drugs in monotherapy, as first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC expressing high PD-L1 levels. The primary endpoint was the difference in efficacy of anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 drugs versus chemotherapy, between men and women, measured in terms of the difference in overall survival (OS) log [hazard ratio (HR)] reported in male and female study participants.

Results

We analyzed four randomized, controlled trials, including 1672 patients, of whom 1224 (73.2%) were men and 448 (26.8%) were women. The pooled OS-HR comparing anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 versus chemotherapy was 0.59 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.50-0.69] for men and only 0.84 (95% CI, 0.64-1.10) for women. The pooled ratio of the OS-HRs reported in men versus women was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.52-0.98; P-heterogeneity: 0.04), indicating a significantly greater effect for men. No heterogeneity among single-study estimates was observed in either male patients (Q = 2.39, P = 0.50, I² = 0%) or in female patients (Q = 1.13, P = 0.50, I² = 0%).

Conclusion

Evidence available indicates anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 monotherapy as highly effective in men but not in women, even in NSCLCs expressing high PD-L1 levels. Prospective trials testing sex-based tailored immunotherapy strategies are needed.

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Sex-based heterogeneity of efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

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Sex-tailored immunotherapy strategies.

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NSCLC expressing high PD-L1 levels.

Thymic carcinoma with Lynch syndrome or microsatellite instability, a rare entity responsive to immunotherapy

IMPORTANCE

Thymic carcinoma (TC) is a rare aggressive tumour occurring in adults characterised by one of the lowest tumor mutational burdens (TMB). Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a mutational signature, caused by defects in the DNA MisMatch Repair (MMR) system, that predicts benefit from immunotherapy and causes high TMB. Fragmentary and unstructured evidence of these conditions co-occurring are reported in literature.

OBJECTIVE

Review available data on the co-occurrence of these two conditions and determine its frequency in our institute case series.

DESIGN

We performed a systematic analysis of literature and a retrospective evaluation of all the cases of TET treated at our institution from 2000 to 2020, selecting patients with a medical history of multiple tumours to enhance a priori probability of identifying cases with underlying predisposition.

RESULTS

Literature yielded 3 cases of patients with MSI TC, for which MMR gene alteration was reported. None of them received immunotherapy. Of 366 patients with TETs treated in our institute, 32 had a medical history of multiple tumours and 25 of 32 (19 thymomas and 6 TCs) had available tissue for MMR analysis. One patient with TC showed a high TMB, and MSI due to MLH1 mutation and was treated in a phase II study with avelumab and axitinib combination obtaining a long-lasting partial response. MLH1 alterations are shared across MSI TC cases.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This analysis highlights the usefulness of MSI testing in patients with TC. The observation of cases of TC occurring in patients with Lynch syndrome and the unexpected homogeneity of gene alterations support further investigation.

Correction to: Gr-MDSC-linked asset as a potential immune biomarker in pretreated NSCLC receiving nivolumab as second-line therapy

Acknowledgements section was missing.

Gr-MDSC-linked asset as a potential immune biomarker in pretreated NSCLC receiving nivolumab as second-line therapy

PURPOSE

Immunotherapy is a new standard first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) with high programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (≥ 50%) and second-line treatment regardless of PD-L1 status, though not all patients benefit from this approach. Much effort is ongoing to identify robust prognostic and predictive biomarkers of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, overcoming PD-L1 that appears limited in its ability to discriminate patient candidates to this new class of anticancer agents. The purpose of this research study is to identify potential new biomarkers for immunotherapy in lung cancer.

METHODS

Fifty-three consecutive patients with advanced NSCLC treated with nivolumab were enrolled in the study. All the patients received a blood analysis looking for the relationship between different populations of baseline white blood cells and granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Gr-MDSC) detected by flow cytometry, to identify and characterize patients with poor likelihood of benefit from nivolumab in NSCLC second-line setting, regardless of clinical feature and PDL1 expression.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that high baseline levels of Gr-MDSC and low baseline CD8/Gr-MDSC ratio are associated with significantly better (P = 0.02) response to immunotherapy treatment. Log-rank tests suggested a significant improvement in OS and PFS with high baseline levels of Gr-MDSC levels (≥ 6 cell/μl), low absolute neutrophil count (< 5840/μl), high eosinophil count (> 90 /μl), and NLR < 3. The multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant improvement for PFS (P = 0.003) and OS (P = 0.05) in favour of the identified good prognostic Gr-MDSC-linked asset group, compared with the poor prognosis group.

CONCLUSION

The role of Gr-MDSC appears interesting as a potential biomarker in NSCLC patients receiving immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Further analyses are needed to confirmed and study in deep the role of these particular cells and their role in cancer response and progression during ICI therapy.

Pendant ionic groups of conjugated oligoelectrolytes govern their ability to intercalate into microbial membranes

The ionic groups of lipid membrane intercalating conjugated oligoelectrolytes affect their interaction with E. coli and application in microbial fuel cells.

Bipolar or borderline: a clinical overview

OBJECTIVE

To examine the empirical literature on diagnostic validators in borderline personality and bipolar illness.

METHOD

Using principles of evidence-based medicine, the highest levels of evidence were emphasized in interpretation of similarities or differences between bipolar illness and borderline personality on the five standard diagnostic validators in psychiatric nosology: symptoms, course, genetics, treatment response, and neurobiology.

RESULTS

Bipolar illness and borderline personality were found to be similar in the nosological validator of symptoms of mood lability and impulsivity, but differed notably on all other diagnostic validators, especially the course validator of past sexual abuse and the genetic validator of a bipolar family history. They also differ notably in the symptom validator of parasuicidal self-harm. Treatment response and neurobiological differences were also present and consistent.

CONCLUSION

This review of the literature indicates that these two conditions, bipolar illness and borderline personality, are different and can be distinguished. The much stronger biological and genetic evidence for bipolar illness in particular suggests that the two conditions can be reasonably seen as different kinds of clinical entities, namely a biological disease versus a psychosocially caused clinical picture. If this interpretation is correct, similarities between the two conditions, such as mood lability and impulsivity, are superficial, while differences are profound. Further, true comorbidity may be much less common than often presumed.

Gene expression profiling reveals GC and CEACAM1 as new tools in the diagnosis of lung carcinoids

Background:

Classification of lung carcinoids into typical and atypical is a diagnostic challenge since no immunohistochemical tools are available to support pathologists in distinguishing between the two subtypes. A differential diagnosis is essential for clinicians to correctly discuss therapy, prognosis and follow-up with patients. Indeed, the distinction between the two typical and atypical subtypes on biopsies/cytological specimens is still unfeasible and sometimes limited also after radical surgeries. By comparing the gene expression profile of typical (TC) and atypical carcinoids (AC), we intended to find genes specifically expressed in one of the two subtypes that could be used as diagnostic markers.

Methods:

Expression profiling, with Affymetrix arrays, was performed on six typical and seven atypical samples. Data were validated on an independent cohort of 29 tumours, by means of quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results:

High-throughput gene expression profiling was successfully used to identify a gene signature specific for atypical lung carcinoids. Among the 273 upregulated genes in the atypical vs typical subtype, GC (vitamin D-binding protein) and CEACAM1 (carcinoembryonic antigen family member) emerged as potent diagnostic markers. Quantitative PCR and IHC on a validation set of 17 ACs and 12 TCs confirmed their reproducibility and feasibility.

Conclusions:

GC and CEACAM1 can distinguish between TC and AC, defining an IHC assay potentially useful for routine cytological and histochemical diagnostic procedures. The high sensitivity and reproducibility of this new diagnostic algorithm strongly support a further validation on a wider sample size.

Gemcitabine-induced progressive and sustained tumour response in a patient with multi-drug resistant uterine leiomyosarcoma

Background:

despite the fact that the combination of gemcitabine (GCB) and docetaxel shows an increased benefit for disease-free survival and overall survival compared to GCB alone in patients with soft-tissue sarcoma, GCB mono-chemotherapy should be considered as a preferable option with respect to the combination because of its lower toxicity profile and the possibility of it being administered continuously for a long time period.

Case report:

we report a clinical case of a woman with advanced high-grade uterine leiomyosarcoma, refractory to ifosfamide, doxorubicin and trabectedin, who experienced a sustained and progressive response to GCB alone.

Conclusions:

GCB given as mono-chemotherapy can obtain long-lasting tumour control in patients heavily pre-treated with various chemotherapeutic regimes for uterine LMS and should be considered as a possible option for this subset of patients.

The amyloidogenic potential and behavioral correlates of stress

Observations of elevated basal cortisol levels in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients prompted the hypothesis that stress and glucocorticoids (GC) may contribute to the development and/or maintenance of AD. Consistent with that hypothesis, we show that stress and GC provoke misprocessing of amyloid precursor peptide in the rat hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, resulting in increased levels of the peptide C-terminal fragment 99 (C99), whose further proteolytic cleavage results in the generation of amyloid-beta (Abeta). We also show that exogenous Abeta can reproduce the effects of stress and GC on C99 production and that a history of stress strikingly potentiates the C99-inducing effects of Abeta and GC. Previous work has indicated a role for Abeta in disruption of synaptic function and cognitive behaviors, and AD patients reportedly show signs of heightened anxiety. Here, behavioral analysis revealed that like stress and GC, Abeta administration causes spatial memory deficits that are exacerbated by stress and GC; additionally, Abeta, stress and GC induced a state of hyperanxiety. Given that the intrinsic properties of C99 and Abeta include neuroendangerment and behavioral impairment, our findings suggest a causal role for stress and GC in the etiopathogenesis of AD, and demonstrate that stressful life events and GC therapy can have a cumulative impact on the course of AD development and progression.

Opinions concerning euthanasia, life-sustaining treatment and acceleration of death: results of an Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) survey

BACKGROUND

Advance directives, acceleration of death, euthanasia and 'life-sustaining treatment' have sparked much heated debate among the media, the public, doctors and political leaders. We evaluate the personal opinions of Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) members.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A 30-item questionnaire was developed and delivered to all 1,832 AIOM members.

RESULTS

Six-hundred and eighty-five (37%) oncologists completed and returned the questionnaires. Sixty-three per cent felt culturally and psychologically prepared to face these issues. Fifty-four per cent believed that what had been decided while the patient enjoyed good health is no longer applicable in an advanced state of terminal illness. Thirty-nine per cent believed that doctors should abide by these directives, while 49% believed that this should be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Fourteen per cent of oncologists were favourable towards euthanasia and 42% only in particular circumstances. Fifty-six per cent had received at least one request for accelerating death: 15% consented, 50% discussed it with the patient and 31% refused.

CONCLUSION

Advance directives, euthanasia, accelerated death and life-sustaining treatment represent considerable challenges for Italian oncologists. Although prepared to face these issues, AIOM members ask for a debate within the medical world and for a shared judicial regulation.

Optimizing clinical care of patients with metastatic breast cancer: a new oral vinorelbine plus trastuzumab combination

BACKGROUND

Trastuzumab (T) combined with i.v. vinorelbine (i.v.VNR) is an active regimen for patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC). In order to further improve quality of life of patients undergoing treatment for ABC, a new regimen using oral vinorelbine (oVNR) (d1 + d3) plus q3wks T was tested (ToVNR).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with ABC, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu 3+ or FISH positive received 288 treatment cycles with T 6 mg/kg (loading dose, 8 mg/kg) on d1 and oVNR 55 mg/m(2) on d1 + d3, q3wks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients and 286 treatment cycles were evaluated (two patients were lost to follow-up). Treatment was very well tolerated. Two patients had complete response (CR), 14 partial response (PR), 17 stable disease (SD) and four disease progression (PD) (overall response rate: 43%). Clinical benefit rate (CR + PR + SD >24 months) was 73%. Median time to progression was 8.9 months (range 2-27) and median duration of response was 10.9 months (range 2-27).

CONCLUSIONS

The ToVNR combination is active and very well tolerated. It favorably compares with the combination of T and weekly i.v. administered VNR, allowing a more convenient once every three weeks hospital admission and leaving patients and care providers free from the unpleasant effect of i.v.VNR.

[Air pollution in urban areas as a risk factor for health in the general population and in workers. Environmental and biologic monitoring of 1-3 butadiene]

Exposure to 1,3-butadiene (BD), a probable carcinogen to humans, was investigated in two groups of subjects working in a refinery plant: 28 occupationally exposed workers and 21 subjects non-occupationally exposed controls. BD in blood was higher in the exposed workers than in controls. Excretion of urinary mercapturic acids N-acetyl-S-(3,4-hydroxybutyl)-l-cysteine (MI), was not influenced by occupational exposure. The present study shows that unmetabolised BD in biological fluids, represents the biomarker of choice for assessing occupational exposure to low airborne concentrations of BD.

Brain metastases in patients with advanced breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The incidence of brain metastases (BM) is apparently rising in patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC). We performed a case control study to define current features of breast cancer related to central nervous system (CNS) metastases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From March 1999 to May 2006, we identified 72 patients with symptomatic BM of breast cancer. A comparison group was randomly selected assigning to each case two patients with primary breast cancer and no BM, matched for year of diagnosis, age and tumour stage (pT status and nodal status).

RESULTS

Cases had a significantly higher rate of negative estrogen receptors (ERs) (60% in cases vs. 29% in controls), negative progesterone receptors (PgRs) (79% vs. 43%), HER2/neu over expression (44% vs. 13%) and immunostaining for Ki-67 > or =20% (84% vs. 55%), with p-value <0.001 for all four parameters in univariate analyses. On multivariate analysis, HER2/neu over expression and Ki-67 -20% were independent predictive factors of brain relapse (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.55, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.10-5.94 and OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.01-8.73, respectively). Endocrine unresponsive tumours (both ER and PgR <10%) showed an increased risk of relapse with BM of borderline significance (OR 1.91, 95% CI 0.87-4.12).

CONCLUSION

Patients with ER and PgR negative tumours either with or without HER-2/neu over expression should be considered at higher risk of BM.

Understanding the choice of participating in clinical trials

9091

Background: The choice of whether to participate in a clinical trial by patients (pts) with cancer can be influenced, beyond trial information, by patient's own emotional and cultural properties, including past history as well as prejudices. Our hypothesis was that a better knowledge of these cultural and emotional features might be useful to improve patients-doctor dialogue, leading patients to a more conscious motivation to make the choice. Methods: We developed a 17-items, multiple-choice and open-answer questionnaire, to capture motivations for participating, or declining to take part, in clinical trials. Further information included family relationships, schooling and clinical symptoms. Patients were required to have advanced lung or breast cancer and to have never discussed participation in a clinical trial. Results: The questionnaire was answered by all the 42 pts who received it. Eighty-three percent of pts were positive about their participation. Trust in the investigator (43%) or in the Institute (21%) and hope to receive a new chance for cure (71%), both for themselves and for others, were a major motivation for a positive answer. Forty-eight percent thought participation in a clinical trial as a sign that no other “standard” treatments are available; 19% were worried of unknown side effects and 76% considered detailed information on expected toxicity to be helpful in making the decision. Sixty percent of patients were afraid of losing “precious time” by participating in a trial; 9% felt exploited as “guinea pigs” and 31% had a some degree of fear that a clinical trial is primarily motivated by economical interests. The most important reasons for accepting an oral experimental drug were its easy use (46%) and having more freedom (36%) Conclusions: Italian patients with advanced breast or lung cancer positively viewed participation in a clinical trial. Several hopes, prejudices and fears have been captured by the questionnaire, which might lead to improve the informed consent documentation and the consciousness of patients in taking their choice. Validation of the findings in a larger cohort of patients will lead to a study on the effect of a specific intervention on informing patients about clinical research.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLA) at a metronomic schedule for patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC)

10571

Background: The anti-angiogenic efficacy of chemotherapy (CT) is probably best obtained by administration of low doses of cytotoxics on a frequent or continuous schedule. The aim of this pilot study was to assess feasibility, clinical efficacy and tolerability of PLA, using a “metronomic” schedule in ABC. This schedule has been previously tested in the treatment of Kaposi sarcoma. Methods: From January to November 2005, 36 pts with ABC were treated with PLA, at a dose 20 mg/m2 q14. Almost all the pts were heavily pretreated for ABC and 44% of them received previous anthracycline therapy in adjuvant or metastatic setting. Results: Thirty-four pts were evaluable for toxicity and 29 for response. One pt (3%) had CR, 3 (11%) PR, 12 (41%) NC and 13 (45%) PD, for an overall clinical benefit of 28%. Median response duration was 2.59 mos; median TTP was 3.38 mos (95% CI 2.11–4.64). Treatment was well tolerated with neither G3-G4 NCI-CTC hematological toxicity. Only one pt experienced G3 palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE). PPE was observed in other 15 pts (39%), with G2 occurring in 7 (21%). Other common G2 non-hematological toxicities were mucositis in 3 pts (9%) and constipation in 3 pts (9%) Dose reduction, due to subjective or hematological toxicity, was required in 10 pts (36%). No decrease in LVEF > 10% from baseline was observed. Conclusions: Metronomic PLA schedule in pretreated ABC pts seems to be an active and well-tolerated regimen. As to dose-dense CT, targets of metronomic CT might be, in addition to malignant cells, also endothelial and other stromal cells of the progressing metastasis, leading ultimately to the stability and eventually regression of the neoplastic lesion. The lower toxicity profile of the metronomic schedules make their use in pts with ABC very attractive and their testing in the adjuvant setting extremely challenging.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Dose-finding and pharmacokinetic study of an all-oral combination regimen of oral vinorelbine and capecitabine for patients with metastatic breast cancer

PURPOSE

A phase I study was performed to determine the maximal tolerated dose, recommended doses (RDs), safety and efficacy of oral vinorelbine when combined with capecitabine in an all-oral chemotherapy regimen in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), with pharmacokinetic blood sampling to investigate potential drug-drug interactions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-four patients with MBC received as first- or second-line chemotherapy, oral vinorelbine at a dose of 60 or 80 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 (and 15) with escalating doses of capecitabine from 1650 to 2500 mg/m2/day days 1-14 every 3 or 4 weeks. Three schedules were tested: day 1, day 8 and weekly regimens of oral vinorelbine with a 14-day course of capecitabine every 3 weeks; and a days 1 and 8 regimen of oral vinorelbine with a 14-day course of capecitabine every 4 weeks.

RESULTS

With oral vinorelbine at 60 mg/m2, the RDs were established as oral vinorelbine 60 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 plus capecitabine 2250 mg/m2/day days 1-14 and oral vinorelbine 60 mg/m2/week plus capecitabine 2000 mg/m2/day days 1-14. With oral vinorelbine at 80 mg/m2, the RD was oral vinorelbine 80 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 plus capecitabine 2000 mg/m2/day days 1-14. Neutropenia was the main dose-limiting toxicity of the combination; it was reported in 40 patients (90.9%), with grade 3 in 14 patients (31.8%) and 6.2% of cycles, and grade 4 in 12 patients (27.3%) and 4.3% of cycles. Complications were rare with only three patients experiencing febrile neutropenia (one episode each). The most frequent non-haematological toxicity was gastrointestinal; however, the incidence of grade 3 was low, with no episode of grade 4. Hand-foot syndrome was reported in 14 patients (31.8%) and 22.6% of cycles, with grade 2 in two patients (4.5%) and 1.2% of cycles (two episodes each). No episode of grade 3 was observed. Objective responses were reported in 18 patients (three complete responses and 15 partial responses), yielding a response rate of 40.9% in the intention-to-treat population according to the investigator assessment. Results from the pharmacokinetic study demonstrated the absence of mutual pharmacokinetic interactions when both drugs were co-administered.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of oral vinorelbine and capecitabine is safe and easy to administer in an outpatient setting. This all-oral combination chemotherapy may offer a good alternative to the intravenous route for patients with MBC. Based on these promising results, a phase II study has started using oral vinorelbine 60 mg/m2/week with capecitabine 2000 mg/m2/day days 1-14 every 3 weeks as first-line chemotherapy in patients with MBC.

Yeasts associated to Malbec grape berries from Mendoza, Argentina

AIMS

The aims of this work were to evaluate different pre-isolation treatments applied to complete yeast extraction from grapes and to identify the yeast microflora associated to Malbec grapes from two vineyards located in Mendoza, Argentina.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The pre-isolation treatments evaluated were shaking, jet streaming with pressurized water and grape blending. The overall results clearly indicated that when a more vigorous and disruptive pre-isolation treatment was applied; larger numbers of yeast species were recovered. The yeast population on healthy and ripe Malbec grapes was in the order of 10(5)-10(6) CFU g(-1). Eight different yeast species were isolated from berries, including Kloeckera apiculata, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Pichia membranifaciens, Saccharomycodes ludwigii, Candida species (Candida stellata and Candida raghi), Issatchenkia orientalis and Rhodotorula spp.

CONCLUSIONS

Grape blending gave the highest yeast counts. Rainfall near grape harvest time quantitatively and qualitatively modifies the yeast microflora. The yeast species identified on ripe grapes from the Mendoza region, partially match those previously documented in different parts of the world related. S. ludwigii has not been previously reported in grapes.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The report is on yeast microbiota in grapes from Mendoza, Argentina. Saccharomycodes ludwigii was found in high percentage (17%), this species has not been described before on grapes surface. The importance of pre-isolation steps to the recovery of high number of yeasts was shown. Influence of climatic conditions near harvest time on microflora was confirmed.

Corticosteroid status influences the volume of the rat cingulate cortex - a magnetic resonance imaging study

Imbalances in the corticosteroid milieu result in reductions in hippocampal volume in humans and experimental rodents. The functional correlates of these changes include deficits in cognitive performance and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Since other limbic structures which are intricately connected with the hippocampal formation, also play an important role in behavioural and neuroendocrine functions, we here used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyse how two of these areas, the anterior cingulate and retrosplenial cortex, respond to chronic alterations of adrenocortical status: hypocortisolism (induced by adrenalectomy, ADX), normocortisolism (ADX with low-dose corticosterone replacement), and hypercortisolism (ADX with high-dose dexamethasone supplementation). Hypercortisolism was associated with a significant reduction in the volume (absolute and normalized) of the left anterior cingulate gyrus as measured by MRI and confirmed using classical histological methods; a similar trend was observed in the right anterior cingulate region. In contrast, hypercortisolism did not influence the volume of the adjacent retrosplenial cortex. The volumes of the anterior cingulate gyrus and retrosplenial cortex were unaffected by the absence of adrenocortical hormones. These findings are the first to suggest that corticosteroid influences on the structure of the limbic system extend beyond the hippocampal formation, i.e., to fronto-limbic areas also.

Dynamics of indigenous yeast populations during spontaneous fermentation of wines from Mendoza, Argentina

Fermentation of wine is a complex microbial reaction, which involves the sequential development of various species of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria. Of these, yeasts are the main group responsible for alcoholic fermentation. The aim of this work was to study, under industrial conditions, the evolution of yeast populations and to describe the individual evolution of the most important yeasts during three spontaneous fermentations of Malbec musts from Argentina. This work shows the significant participation of non-Saccharomyces yeasts during spontaneous fermentation of musts, with the ubiquitous presence of three main species: Kloeckera apiculata, Candida stellata and Metschnikowia pulcherrima.

Imatinib administration in two patients with liver metastases from GIST and severe jaundice

Imatinib is the only effective and approved systemic therapy for the treatment of patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). Although metastases from GISTs most commonly involve the liver, yielding hyperbilirubinaemia, very few data on imatinib administration in subjects with jaundice are available. We provide evidence that imatinib tolerability was not adversely affected by jaundice in two patients with advanced GIST.

Phase I study of twelve-day prolonged infusion of high-dose ifosfamide and doxorubicin as first-line chemotherapy in adult patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas

PURPOSE

To determine whether a prolonged 12-day continuous infusion allows the administration of high-dose ifosfamide (IFO) with an acceptable toxicity profile when combined with full-dose doxorubicin (Adriamycin; ADM) as first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Escalating doses of continuous infusion IFO (8-15 g/m2) given on days 1 to 12 in combination with ADM 75 mg/m2 given on day 8 and prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support were administered every 4 weeks to 35 chemonaïve patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas.

RESULTS

The maximum tolerated dose was IFO 15 g/m2. Hematological toxicity was the main dose-limiting toxicity and was dose dependent. Furthermore, thrombocytopenia was cumulative. Grade 4 (WHO) neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were recorded in 48% and 14% of courses, respectively. Eight patients experienced febrile neutropenia. A partial response was observed in 16 out of 30 assessable patients [53%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 25-63]; median time to progression was 25 weeks (range 4-91).

CONCLUSIONS

This study proved that a prolonged 12-day continuous infusion allows an increase in the total IFO dose that can be safely combined with ADM. A multicentric phase II study by the Italian Sarcoma Group to assess its antitumor activity is currently ongoing in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas.

Gemcitabine-induced systemic capillary leak syndrome

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare disorder with a high mortality rate, characterized by rapidly developing edema, weight gain and hypotension, hemoconcentration and hypoproteinemia. This syndrome is caused by sudden, reversible capillary hyperpermeability with a rapid extravasation of plasma from the intravascular to the interstitial space. Even though SCLS has been suggested to be the pathogenic mechanism for the pulmonary toxicity of gemcitabine (GCB), a new deoxycytidine analogue with structural similarities to cytosine arabinoside, a direct correlation between GCB and SCLS has never been reported. We describe a case of repeated SCLS after GCB administration in a 51-year-old male with locally-advanced non-small-cell lung cancer treated with a combination of cisplatin and GCB. The detection of GCB-induced SCLS supports the hypothesis that SCLS could be the pathogenic way of GCB pulmonary toxicity. This finding can help to better understand and treat the potentially deadly GCB-related acute respiratory distress syndrome that is being recognized.

Functional feature of a novel model of blood brain barrier: studies on permeation of test compounds

Drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) is subject to the permeability limitations imposed by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Several systems in vitro have been described to reproduce the physical and biochemical behavior of intact BBB, most of which lack the feature of the in vivo barrier. We developed a fully formed monolayer of RBE4.B immortalized rat brain microvessel endothelial cells (ECs), grown on top of polycarbonate filter inserts with cortical neuronal cells grown on the outside. Neurons induce ECs to synthesize and sort occludin to the cell periphery. Occludin localization is regulated by both compositions of the substratum and soluble signals released by cortical co-cultured neurons. The observed effects do not require strict physical contact among cells and neurons. To assess the physiological function of the barrier we examined the transendothelial transfer of three test compounds: dopamine, L-tryptophan and L-DOPA. Polycarbonate filter inserts, where ECs were co-cultured with neurons, were assumed as open two compartments vertical dynamic models. Permeation studies demonstrated that the ECs/neurons co-cultures possess permeability characteristics approaching those of a functional BBB: the system behaved as a selective interface that excludes dopamine permeation, yet permits L-tryptophan and L-DOPA to cross. The movement of test compounds from the donor to the acceptor compartment was observed at a distinct time from the start of co-culture. Transfer was determined using standard kinetic equations. Different performance was observed after 5 and 7 days of co-culture. After 5 days dopamine, L-tryptophan and L-DOPA passively permeate through the membrane as indicated by fittings with a first-order kinetic process equation. After 7 days of co-culture, occludin localizes at ECs periphery, dopamine does not cross the barrier to any further extent, while the transfer of L-tryptophan and L-DOPA fits well with a saturable Michaelis-Menten kinetic process, thus indicating the involvement of a specific carrier-mediated transport mechanism. Permeation studies confirmed that culture of ECs in the presence of neurons induces the characteristic permeability limitations of a functional BBB.

Cisplatin and vinorelbine as second-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) resistant to taxol plus gemcitabine

The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity of cisplatin (CDDP) plus vinorelbine (VNR) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progressing after paclitaxel plus gemcitabine. Treatment consisted of CDDP 80 mg/m(2) administered on day 1 and VNR 25 mg/m(2) administered on day 1 and 8, repeated every 3 weeks. Nine patients who relapsed after partial response and eight patients refractory to prior CT received a minimum of two treatment cycles: three patients achieved a PR (18%; 95% CI: 4-43%), four had stable disease and 10 had disease progression. All responses were observed among the nine patients responsive to prior treatment. Median survival was 35 weeks. No patients required dose-reduction, treatment discontinuation or delay because of toxicity. Our results indicate a reasonable antitumor efficacy and no relevant toxicity of a second-line CDDP-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC. We recommend the use of this regimen for patients not refractory to primary treatment.

Vinorelbine, cisplatin and continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (ViFuP) in metastatic breast cancer patients: a phase II study

PURPOSE

Chemotherapy regimens for patients with advanced breast cancer or large primary tumours (including locally advanced disease) usually contain anthracyclines, taxanes or both. We investigated a multi-agent regimen for patients for whom anthracyclines and/or taxanes may not be suitable. We assessed efficacy in terms of response rate and time to progression of a combination with continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), vinorelbine and cisplatin (ViFuP regimen), as a first or subsequent line treatment for metastatic breast cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred consecutive patients with advanced breast cancer were treated with 5-FU 200 mg/m2 administered continuously through a permanent central venous line; vinorelbine was given on days 1 and 3 at a dose of 20 mg and cisplatin was administered at 60 mg/m2 on day one. Therapy was given every three weeks. The median age was 50 years (range 23-72). Fifty-two patients had received prior chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer, and sixty-one percent had previously received anthracyclines, thirty-five percent taxanes and twenty-nine percent 5-FU as a bolus injection. All patients were assessable for toxicity, four patients were not assessable for response.

RESULTS

There were four complete responses (4%). Forty-nine patients had a partial response (overall response rate, 55%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 45%-65%). After a median follow-up of 10.2 months, median duration of response is 5.2 months (range 1.5-20.7+ months), time to progression (TTP) is 6.8 months (range 0.3-24.7 months). Acute toxicity, including myelosuppression, was mild: only 18% of patients had grade 4 granulocytopenia and one patient experienced grade 4 diarrhea. Only 15% of patients had any non-hematological grade 3 toxicity including nausea (4%), stomatitis (4%), diarrhea (2%), fatigue (1%), fever (1%), photosensitivity (1%), hand-foot syndrome (1%). Grade 2 alopecia was observed only in six patients (6%). Eleven patients developed a right diaphragmatic supra elevation, while deep vein thrombosis, central venous catheter associated, occurred in eight patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a combination chemotherapy with noteworthy efficacy and well tolerated subjectively as either a first- or second-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer patients. The regimen warrants further development focusing on the comparison with either continuous administration of oral fluoropyrimidine derivatives.

Phase I and pharmacologic study of weekly gemcitabine and paclitaxel in chemo-naïve patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Gemcitabine (GEM) and paclitaxel (TAX) are active, non-cross-resistant drugs in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We performed a phase I study to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), antitumor activity and pharmacokinetics of GEM and TAX given weekly in chemo-naïve patients with advanced NSCLC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Escalating doses of GEM (800-2000 mg/m2) and TAX (60-100 mg/m2) were administered on days 1, 8, 15 every 4 weeks to 35 patients with advanced NSCLC. Plasma pharmacokinetics of TAX and GEM was assessed at the three higher dose-levels.

RESULTS

Dose-escalation was discontinued in absence of MTD because of increased cumulative toxicity leading to dose modification or treatment delay at levels 6 and 7 (TAX 100 mg/m2 plus GEM 1750 and, respectively, 2000 mg/m2). Hematological toxicity included grade 4 neutropenia in 3% of cycles, grade 3 thrombocytopenia in one cycle and febrile neutropenia in three cycles. Maximal non-hematological toxicity was grade 3 elevation in serum transaminases and grade 2 neuro-sensory toxicity in 8% and 5% of cycles, respectively. At the two higher dose-levels a non-linear pharmacokinetics of GEM was observed with a remarkable variability of Cmax and AUC. No pharmacokinetic interactions were reported. Objectives responses were seen at all dose levels, with an overall response rate of 43% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 25.5%-62.6%) in 30 evaluable patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The weekly administration of GEM and TAX is very well tolerated, and has shown promising antitumor activity in NSCLC. In view of the cumulative toxicity and of the pharmacokinetic profile of GEM, doses of 1500 mg/m2 of GEM and 100 mg/m2 of TAX are recommended for phase II studies.

Neurons and ECM regulate occludin localization in brain endothelial cells

We report that extracellular matrix and neurons modulate the expression of occludin, one of the main components of tight junctions, by rat brain endothelial cells (RBE4.B). Of the three extracellular matrix proteins which we tested (collagen I, collagen IV, and laminin), collagen IV stimulated at the best the expression of occludin mRNA. The corresponding protein, however, was not synthesized. Significant amounts of occludin accumulated only when RBE4.B cells were cultured on collagen IV-coated inserts, in the presence of cortical neurons, plated on laminin-coated companion wells. Finally, occludin segregated at the cell periphery, only when endothelial cells were co-cultured with neurons for > or = 1 week.

Ifosfamide in the elderly: clinical considerations for a better drug management

The therapeutic strategy used for elderly affected by malignant neoplasms should take into account the common variables present in oncological patients, and the specific alteration of the elderly metabolism and their possible morbidity. Ifosfamide is an active drug for various tumors with elevated incidence in the elderly. We analyze the principle criteria in the selection of these patients and the alterations of metabolism which correlates to aging with their consequences on the pharmacokinetics of ifosfamide. Finally, we propose clinical guidelines to optimize the use of ifosfamide in elderly patients affected by malignant tumors.