Durable Responses in Patients With Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma on Sequential Dual-agent Immunotherapy After Progressing on Single-agent Immunotherapy

OBJECTIVES

Biliary tract tumors have a poor prognosis despite advancements in targeted therapies. More recent studies have started to investigate the use of combination immunotherapy in advanced biliary cancers. However, currently, there are no clinical trials investigating the use of dual-agent immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab as a sequential treatment after patients have progressed on single-agent immunotherapy. In this case series, we discussed 3 patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma who have an objective response to dual-agent immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab after having disease progression on pembrolizumab and multiple other failed lines of treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case series, including 3 patients treated at the University of California, Irvine Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, was completed.

RESULTS

Although none of the 3 patients had microsatellite instability or high tumor-mutation burden and were not necessarily predicted to have a response to dual-agent immunotherapy, all 3 patients had an objective radiographic and/or tumor-marker response to a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series serves as proof of the concept that sequential immunotherapy can be beneficial after progression on single-agent immunotherapy for patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma. This study can also serve as the foundation to build further tests on the true effectiveness and ideal duration of sequential therapy with dual immunotherapy agents.

A phase 1b multicenter study of trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) in combination with irinotecan (IRI) in patients (pts) with metastatic or unresectable gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (mGEC) after at least one line of treatment with a fluoropyrimidine and platinum (FP) containing regimen

e16006

Background: FTD/TPI, an antimetabolite, is approved for treatment of refractory mGEC. This study sought to determine whether the combination of FTD/TPI with IRI (“TASIRI”) was safe and effective in mGEC previously treated with FP. Methods: This investigator‐initiated, multicenter, open‐label, single-dose level, single‐arm phase 1b study enrolled pts with mGEC previously treated with at least one line of FP containing regimen. FTD/TPI was given at 25 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1 to 5 with 180 mg/m2 IRI on day 1 of a 14‐day cycle. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival at six months (mo) (PFS-6). The aim was to show an improvement of PFS-6 from 15% to at least 30% based on historical controls. Results: At the time of data-cutoff (03Feb2021), 23 pts were screened and ultimately 20 pts were treated. The study met its primary endpoint. With a median follow-up of 9.8 mo (range 0.7 – 17), 8 pts are still on treatment and 4 pts have died. PFS-6 is 53.9% (lower limit of 95% CI: 28%). Median PFS and overall survival are 6.9 mo and not reached, respectively. At the time of data-cutoff, data were available for 13 pts with measurable disease by RECIST criteria and at least 1 on-treatment scan. Of those, 11 had stable disease and 2 had progressive disease as best response (5 pts had tumor shrinkage < 30%), therefore the disease control rate was 84.6%. The most common any grade (G) treatment related adverse events (TRAE) were nausea (n = 14, 70%), diarrhea (n = 9, 45%), and fatigue (n = 8, 40%). G3-4 TRAE in > 5% of pts were anemia (17%) and neutropenia (9%). 2 serious TRAE were reported: G4 febrile neutropenia (n = 1) and G3 hypotension (n = 1). There was no G5 TRAE. Conclusions: The combination of TASIRI showed encouraging clinical activity with a meaningful improvement in PFS-6 compared to historic controls. TASIRI was well tolerated and no new safety signals were seen. TASIRI warrants further investigation for patients with refractory mGEC and limited treatment options. Updated results with longer follow-up will be presented at the meeting. Clinical trial information: NCT04074343.

A phase Ib multicenter study of trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) in combination with irinotecan (IRI) in patients with advanced recurrent or unresectable gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (aGEC) after at least one line of treatment with a fluoropyrimidine and platinum containing regimen

TPS251

Background: In 2L+ aGEC, taxanes +/- ramucirumab or IRI are recommended treatment options. IRI has been tested in multiple single arm and randomized trials in second line (2L)+ aGEC, with reported objective response rates (ORR) in the 15-29% range and median progression-free survival (PFS) of <3 months (mo). Outcomes for aGEC remain poor with a median overall survival (OS) of 9.6 mo and PFS at 6 mo (PFS6) of only 36%. The TAGS trial in third line (3L)+ aGEC showed a significant improvement in OS from 3.6 mo to 5.7 mo with FTD/TPI over placebo. A 2L treatment with taxanes after 1L platinum containing regimens is currently associated with worsening peripheral neuropathy, which often leads to dose reductions, treatment delays, and a reduced quality of life for patients. The feasibility of FTD/TPI combined with IRI (+/- bevacizumab) in a modified 14-day schedule has been published for advanced colon cancer (PMID: 31924737) with no new safety signals while also encouraging activity in a cohort of heavily pretreated patients. Methods: Hypothesis:The combination of FTD/TPI with IRI in 2L+ aGEC is feasible, clinically active, and provides a treatment option which is not associated with development of peripheral neuropathy. Trial Design: 2-center, prospective, open label, non-randomized phase 1b trial. Eligibility: Diagnosis of aGEC, 1+ line of treatment including a fluoropyrimidine/platinum, ECOG 0-2, adequate organ function. Treatment:FTD/TPI 25mg/m2 on days 1-5 and IRI 180mg/m2 on day 1 every 14 days. G-CSF in allowed as needed. Primary objective: Feasibility of the regimen and estimate of efficacy. Primary endpoint: PFS6. Secondary objectives: OS, ORR, adverse events. Total number of pts to be enrolled N=20. Current enrollment (September 2020) N=14. Clinical trial information: NCT04074343.

Pilot study of the safety and feasibility of immediate adjuvant chemotherapy (IAC) in nonmetastatic colonic adenocarcinoma (nmCC)

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Background: The optimal timing of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in nmCC is poorly defined. Delays in AC result in decreased survivalbut fear of postoperative complications often causes long intervals between surgery and AC initiation. Given the transient immune suppression, inflammatory changes and increase in circulating tumor cells occurring in the perioperative period, effective cytotoxic treatments should be considered at this time to limit metastatic spread. The immediate adjuvant chemotherapy concept intends to capitalize on the therapeutic benefits that can be achieved in the perioperative period (intraoperative and early postoperative). We aim to demonstrate that IAC is safe and tolerable for patients with nmCC. Methods: Patients with nmCC microsatellite stable invasive adenocarcinomas were treated with intravenous Leucovorin 20mg/m2 followed by a single dose of 5-Flurouracil 400mg/m2 at the time of minimally invasive surgical resection. High risk stage II and stage III received the first dose of standard AC at 14 days after surgery. Serial measurements of blood-based biomarkers (circulating tumor cells, cell free DNA, and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio were measured. Quality of life (QOL) was measured using EORTC QLQ-C30. Results: Of the 20 patients recruited, 40% had final pathology of stage III, 40% stage II and 20% stage I. All patients received intra-operative chemotherapy with no associated morbidity. Median length of stay was 2 days (range of 2-4). Grade 1 complications were reported in 2 (10%) of patients. No grade 2 or higher adverse events were reported. There was no mortality. Early postoperative AC was administered to 65% of patients. The median time to AC was 14 days (range 14-36). Overall quality of life and health scores were similar before surgery and at 30-day postoperatively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A protocol based on immediate adjuvant chemotherapy starting at the time of surgical resection was found to be safe and feasible in nmCC with no adverse effects on surgical morbidity or quality of life. Further prospective studies are needed to explore the oncologic benefit of this novel systemic treatment approach.

A Phase 2 Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter Trial of Imexon Plus Gemcitabine Versus Gemcitabine Plus Placebo in Patients With Metastatic Chemotherapy-naïve Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Imexon is a cyanoaziridine-derived iminopyrrolidone which has synergistic cytotoxicity with gemcitabine. A phase 1 study of the combination demonstrated good tolerance with encouraging clinical activity and thus we conducted this randomized phase II study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with measurable, metastatic, treatment-naive pancreatic adenocarcinoma were randomized 1:1 to receive gemcitabine at 1000 mg/m days 1, 8, and 15 with either imexon, 875 mg/m or placebo days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival and response rate.

RESULTS

A total of 142 patients were randomized, 72 to the imexon containing arm and 70 to the placebo arm. Patients in the imexon arm received an average of 3.6 cycles (range, 1 to 23) compared with 4.4 (range, 1 to 21) in the placebo arm. There was no increased rate of ≥grade 3 toxicity in the imexon arm. Seven patients had objective responses in the imexon arm (13.7%), whereas 9 did in the placebo arm (17%). In the imexon arm, 23 patients had ≥50% reduction in CA 19-9 from baseline (33%), whereas 22 did in the placebo arm (31.4%). The median progression-free survival was 2.8 months in the imexon arm (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-4.1 m) and 3.8 months in the placebo arm (95% CI, 2.2-4.7 m), P=0.504. The median overall survival time in the imexon arm was 5.2 months (95% CI, 4.2-6.7 m) as compared with 6.8 m (95% CI, 4.9-8.5 m) in the placebo arm, P=0.6822.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of imexon and gemcitabine does not result in improved outcome as initial therapy of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Phase II Trial Using a Combination of Oxaliplatin, Capecitabine, and Celecoxib with Concurrent Radiation for Newly Diagnosed Resectable Rectal Cancer

LESSONS LEARNED

Colorectal cancers exhibit a high level of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression with strong preclinical rationale for improved clinical outcomes with COX-2 inhibition. Celecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor and we have shown that it can be safely combined with capecitabine and oxaliplatin as part of neoadjuvant treatment with radiation therapy (RT) in rectal cancer.There was a significant improvement in skin toxicity with this combination as compared with historical data. Considering the field has moved on to single-agent capecitabine, we believe future trials with capecitabine and celecoxib hold potential.

BACKGROUND

Improved survival is seen among patients with rectal cancer who achieve pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is increased in gastrointestinal malignancies and it may serve as a target to enhance pathologic response. A trial combining chemoradiation and COX-2 inhibition was conducted to evaluate the pCR rate, surgical outcomes, survival, and treatment toxicity.

METHODS

Patients with resectable (T3-4, N1-2) rectal cancer within 12 cm of the anal verge were included in this phase II clinical trial. The neoadjuvant treatment consisted of capecitabine 850 mg/m² b.i.d. Monday through Friday for 5 weeks, weekly oxaliplatin 50 mg/m² intravenous (IV), celecoxib 200 mg b.i.d. daily, along with concurrent 45 gray radiation therapy in 25 fractions.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients were included in the final analysis. The primary endpoint was pCR: 31% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16%-50%). Secondary endpoints were surgical downstaging (SD): 75% (95% CI: 57%-89%) and sphincter-sparing surgery (SSS): 56% (95% CI: 38%-74%). Common grade >3 toxicities were diarrhea and abnormal liver function tests (9% each). Grade 0 and 1 toxicities included radiation dermatitis (59% and 34%, respectively) and proctitis (63% and 28%, respectively). At 3 years, disease-free survival and overall survival (OS) were 84% (95% CI: 65%-93%) and 94% (95% CI: 77%-98%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Chemoradiation with celecoxib in rectal cancer was well tolerated and demonstrated high rates of pCR, SD, and SSS. Improvement in skin toxicity (34% grade 1 and no grade 3/4) as compared with historical results (43%-78% grade 3/4) seems to be a significant improvement with addition of celecoxib to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Phase II Trial of Sorafenib in Combination with Capecitabine in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: INST 08-20

LESSONS LEARNED

There continues to be a lack of systemic options for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); sorafenib and, very recently, regorafenib are the only approved options. There exists a potential to combine sorafenib with chemotherapeutic agents shown to be active in HCC, such as capecitabine, safely.Good tumor response was observed, with objective improvement in a few patients seldom seen by single agent sorafenib; however, because of the limited number of patients, meaningful conclusions on survival cannot be drawn.

BACKGROUND

Sorafenib is the currently approved first-line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Capecitabine has antitumor activity in hepatobiliary cancers. The combination of the two, if tolerated, could possibly improve antitumor response, and survival.

METHODS

Patients with advanced HCC ineligible for locoregional therapy, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of ≤2, Child-Pugh class A or B-7 cirrhosis, hemoglobin ≥8.5 g/dL, platelets ≥50,000/μL, absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥1,500 cells/μL, and serum creatinine of ≤2.0 mg/dL were recruited. All subjects received a combination of sorafenib and capecitabine, on a 14-day 7-days on 7-days off schedule. The primary end point was safety and secondary end points were overall survival (OS) and disease control rate.

RESULTS

A total of 15 out of 47 patients met inclusion criteria. Median age was 64 years (56-79) and 77% were male. With a median follow-up of 12 months, median OS was 12.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.5-23.4). Disease control rate was 77% (complete response 8%, partial response 8%, and stable disease 61%). Common adverse events were as follows: (a) thrombocytopenia (64%); (b) anemia (14%); (c) hypophosphatemia (21%); (d) hypomagnesemia (14%); (e) hyperbilirubinemia (21%); (f) increased aspartate transaminase (AST) (14%); (g) hand-foot syndrome (21%); and (h) deep vein thrombosis (21%).

CONCLUSION

At tolerable doses, the combination of sorafenib and capecitabine seems an active and safe palliative treatment for HCC in class A and B-7 patients with cirrhosis. The small sample size does not allow comparison with single-agent sorafenib.

INST OX-05-024: first line gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and erlotinib for primary hepatocellular carcinoma and bile duct cancers: a multicenter Phase II trial

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) incidence is increasing in the USA. Gemcitabine (G) and oxaliplatin (O) are active in HCC and biliary duct cancer (BDC). Erlotinib (E) is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with known activity against both. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of the combination G+O+E. Patients with either of the two diagnosis were treated in a phase II trial. Simons 2 stage design was used. A disease‐control rate (DCR), complete response (CR) + partial response (PR)+ stable disease (SD) at 24 weeks of ≤20% and >40% (P0 and P1 of 0.2 and 0.4, respectively) were set as undesirable (null) and desirable results. 26 HCC and 7 BDC patients were accrued. In HCC, 1 PR, 10 SD, and 9 PDs were seen. DCR in HCC was 42%. Among seven (7) patients with BDC, one patient was not evaluable; one achieved a long lasting PR, and five patients had SD and DCR was 86%. Median overall survival (OS) times and progression‐free survivals (PFS) were 196 and 149 days in HCC and 238 days and not reached in BDC. PFS at 26 weeks in HCC was 41% and at 21 weeks in BDC was 60%. Grade 3 toxicities in >5% of patients were fatigue (12.9%), neutropenia (9.6%), thrombocytopenia (9.6%), and diarrhea (6.4%). G+O+E exceeded both preset P0a and P1 of the primary objective with a PFS of 41% at 26 weeks for HCC and preliminary BDC data may warrant further investigations.

A phase I study of sunitinib plus capecitabine in patients with advanced solid tumors

PURPOSE

This open-label, phase I, dose-escalation study assessed the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of sunitinib in combination with capecitabine in patients with advanced solid tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sunitinib (25, 37.5, or 50 mg) was administered orally once daily on three dosing schedules: 4 weeks on treatment, 2 weeks off treatment (Schedule 4/2); 2 weeks on treatment, 1 week off treatment (Schedule 2/1); and continuous daily dosing (CDD schedule). Capecitabine (825, 1,000, or 1,250 mg/m(2)) was administered orally twice daily on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks for all patients. Sunitinib and capecitabine doses were escalated in serial patient cohorts.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients were treated. Grade 3 adverse events included abdominal pain, mucosal inflammation, fatigue, neutropenia, and hand-foot syndrome. The MTD for Schedule 4/2 and the CDD schedule was sunitinib 37.5 mg/d plus capecitabine 1,000 mg/m(2) twice per day; the MTD for Schedule 2/1 was sunitinib 50 mg/d plus capecitabine 1,000 mg/m(2) twice per day. There were no clinically significant pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions. Nine partial responses were confirmed in patients with pancreatic cancer (n = 3) and breast, thyroid, neuroendocrine, bladder, and colorectal cancer, and cholangiocarcinoma (each n = 1).

CONCLUSION

The combination of sunitinib and capecitabine resulted in an acceptable safety profile in patients with advanced solid tumors. Further evaluation of sunitinib in combination with capecitabine may be undertaken using the MTD for any of the three treatment schedules.

CHANGES IN THE NUMBER OF SMALL LYMPHOCYTES OF THE BLOOD FOLLOWING LIGATION OF THE THORACIC DUCT

This report has attempted to analyze the changes in the absolute number of small lymphocytes in the blood stream of the cat following the intrathoracic ligation of the thoracic duct. Such a ligation produced an immediate decrease in the number of small lymphocytes to the extent of 56 per cent, but it was found that the preoperative level was again reached at about the end of 3 weeks. One is led to believe that the gradual return of the number of small lymphocytes to the preligation level took place pari passu with the establishment of the collateral circulation of the thoracic duct, although there is no absolute proof of this. Yet it is definite that the thoracic duct is an important avenue for the entrance of small lymphocytes into the blood stream, and that it is the pathway through which at least half of the small lymphocytes reach the circulating blood in the cat.

Phase II studies of antiangiogenic four drug regimens for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma: FUNIL-retinoid and the FUNIL-thalidomide protocols

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The objective of these studies was to determine the activity of two alternative 4- drug combinations using cis-retinoic acid or thalidomide administered with a previously developed combination of 5 fluorouracil, interferon-alpha, and interleukin 2 (FUNIL), for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RRC).

METHODS

Patients enrolled in these studies had progressive measurable metastatic renal cell cancer and signed an informed consent. Treatments included continuous infusions of 5-fluorouracil, interferon-alpha, 6 MIU/m2 given subcutaneous on days 1, 3, and 5 every week, interleukin-2 6 MIU/m2/day given by continuous infusion days 2 to 5 every week, and either cis-retinoic acid at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day orally in two divided doses or thalidomide given at an initial dose of 200 mg per day. Each cycle consisted of 6 or 4 weeks of the combinations, respectively, followed by a 2-week rest. Patients were evaluated for response prior to each successive cycle. A 2-step mini-max statistical design was used.

RESULTS

In the cis-retinoid study, 20 patients were enrolled. One patient was ineligible. There were 1 complete and 2 partial responses (one confirmed and one unconfirmed) (15.8%), 1 stable disease, and 15 disease progression. In the thalidomide combination study, 20 patients were enrolled, but only 19 are assessable. One patient progressed early and was never treated. There were 2 partial responses (10.5%), 4 stable disease, and 13 progressive disease.

CONCLUSION

Neither the FUNIL-cis-retinoid nor the FUNIL-thalidomide regimens met their primary objective first step endpoint of 3 confirmed responses. Both regimens had significant adverse effects and neither is considered promising for further study.

Angiogenesis in gynecological oncology-mechanism of tumor progression and therapeutic targets

The purpose of this article is to review the current literature pertaining to various angiogenic stimulators and angiogenesis inhibitors in gynecological malignancies and the relevance of these markers in the prognosis of these diseases. We also summarize the antiangiogenic drugs currently in development and in clinical use in gynecological oncology. The information was obtained from a computer search of MEDLINE for studies published in the English language regarding angiogenesis and angiogenesis inhibitors in gynecological malignancies between 1970 and December 2003; additional sources were identified through cross-referencing. In ovarian cancer, various different angiogenic activators have been found to correlate with microvessed density (MVD), stage, lymph node and peritoneal metastasis, and survival. In cervical cancer, correlation has been seen between increased angiogenic markers and stage, grade, tumor size, and survival. Studies in endometriat cancer show correlation of angiogenic markers with stage, grade, MVD, and survival. Whereas, in gestational trophoblastic neoplasm (GTD) only few markers have been studied, and some correlated with progression. Information on anti angiogenic drugs currently in ongoing and upcoming trials in gynecological malignancies is also presented. Angiogenesis factors may have a prognostic role to play in patients with gynecological cancers and should continue to be investigated as clinically useful tumor markers. Antiangiogenic-targeted therapies offer an attractive strategy for clinical investigation in gynecologic oncology.

TLK-286

Telik Inc is developing TLK-286, a modified glutathione analog prodrug, for the potential treatment of cancer.

Salivary cortisol levels and work-related stress among emergency department nurses

The objective of this study was to assess and compare the self-perceived work-related stress of emergency department (ED) and general ward (GW) nurses and to assess the relationship between self-perceived stress and salivary cortisol levels in these groups of nurses. Seventy-three female ED (n = 23) and GW (n = 50) nurses from a general hospital completed a self-administered questionnaire. A modified mental health professional stress scale (PSS) was used to measure self-perceived work-related stress. Salivary samples were collected at the start and end of morning shiftwork. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used to determine the salivary cortisol concentration (nmol/L). ED nurses perceived that nursing was more stressful (mean, 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35 to 1.81) than did GW nurses (mean, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.40). On the PSS subscales, scores of organizational structure and process, lack of resources, and conflict with other professionals were higher in ED nurses (all P < 0.01). The morning cortisol was significantly lower in ED (geometric mean, 9.10; 95% CI, 6.62 to 12.42 nmol/L) than in GW (geometric mean, 15.45; 95% CI, 11.86 to 20.14 nmol/L) nurses. Log morning salivary cortisol was negatively correlated with PSS (r = -0.255), scores of organizational structure and process, and conflict with other professionals (all P < 0.05). The difference between morning and afternoon cortisol concentration in ED nurses (geometric mean, 6.35; 95% CI 4.14 to 9.93 nmol/L) was lower than in GW nurses (geometric mean, 12.42; 95% CI, 9.38 to 16.28 nmol/L). The log value of the difference correlated marginally with PSS (r = -0.21, P = 0.07) and significantly with scores of organizational structure and process, lack of resources, and conflict with other professionals (all P < 0.05). There was no difference between the two groups in afternoon salivary cortisol level. ED nurses perceived more stress compared with GW nurses. Morning salivary cortisol concentration is better correlated with PSS compared with the morning-afternoon salivary cortisol difference. The result raises the possibility of using a single morning salivary cortisol sample to reflect self-perceived stress.

The emergency medicine department system: a study of the effects of computerization on the quality of medical records

A template based computerized medical record system known as the Emergency Medicine Department System (EMDS) was installed in the emergency department of the National University Hospital, Singapore, replacing handwritten records. A study was carried out to show how the implementation of the EMDS improved the quality of medical records. A retrospective review of old manual records and the ones generated by the EMDS was done by means of a scoring system. The raw scores represent the amount of information captured. The calculated means of scores were then used to compare the records. It was found that EMDS improves the quantity of data capture over the old records in all sections compared. This was seen regardless of the experience of the user. The use of a non-structured generic template results in less data captured compared with a structured symptom-specific template. The design of questions has a great influence in that a double-choice question captures more data than single-choice questions. Building in 'locking' or enforcement mechanisms in the EMDS also helped achieve almost full capture of critical information, such as examination time.

Effects of food restriction on systolic mechanical behavior of the ventricular pump in middle-aged and senescent rats

Previous work from our laboratory has revealed that the intrinsic contractility of the left ventricle is depressed in rats at 24 months, and the ventricular internal resistance shows declines with age. The aim of this study was to determine whether food restriction (FR) delays the development of age-related changes in left ventricular (LV) contractility and internal resistance. Male Fischer 344 rats that began FR at the ages of 12 and 18 months were fed on alternate days for 6 months and compared with age-matched ad libitum (AL)-fed rats. Rats studied at the ages of 18 and 24 months were referred to as middle-aged and senescent rats, respectively, and were anesthetized and thoracotomized. We measured LV pressure and ascending aortic flow waves by using a high-fidelity pressure sensor and an electromagnetic flow probe, respectively. The elastance-resistance model was used to generate Emax and Qmax to describe the physical properties of the left ventricle; Emax is the maximal systolic elastance to represent the myocardial contractility; Qmax is the theoretical maximal flow to be inversely related to the LV internal resistance. Neither age nor diet affected basal heart rate, LV end-systolic pressure, or cardiac output. Emax normalized to LV weight (Emaxn) exhibited a decline from 941.9+/-62.7 mmHg/ml-g to 690.2+/-57.5 mmHg/ml-g with age in AL-fed rats but not FR rats. Qmax showed an increase with age from 36.55+/-2.78 ml/s to 44.22+/-2.62 ml/s in AL-fed rats or from 36.01+/-2.09 ml/s to 43.52+/-2.74 ml/s in FR rats. There was no effect of diet on Qmax. In conclusion, FR prevents or delays the reduction in myocardial contractility that occurred between 18 and 24 months of age in AL rats. However, FR does not affect the age-related changes in ventricular internal resistance.

Exposure assessment of indoor allergens, endotoxin, and airborne fungi for homes in southern Taiwan

This study was undertaken to examine the seasonal variations of domestic Der p 1, Der p 2, and endotoxin on mattress and airborne fungal concentrations in homes of asthmatic and nonasthmatic children in southern Taiwan, where temperature and relative humidity are usually high throughout the year. A group of asthmatic children (10-12 years old) were selected randomly based on a citywide questionnaire survey. The nonasthmatic children were chosen to be in the comparison group by matching in age, gender, and proximity of residence. Environmental sampling of domestic microbes was conducted once a month for a year. Twelve calendar months were grouped into spring, summer, fall, and winter according to weather data (mainly average temperature and humidity) from the Central Weather Bureau. Dust samples from a child's mattress and airborne samples from a child's bedroom were collected and analyzed for allergens of Der p 1 and Der p 2, endotoxin, and fungi respectively. Results show that about 65% of children's mattresses in our region have Der p 1 levels greater than 2 microg/g. It is also apparent that most airborne fungal concentrations found in homes of either asthmatic or nonasthmatic children are higher than the recommended levels of concern. The predominant genera are Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, and yeast. In addition, seasonal effects seem to be a critical factor for the concentrations and distributions of domestic endotoxin in these study homes. The implication of long-term exposure to these high levels of environmental microbes and how their effects vary with seasons remain to be further characterized.

Outpatient ureteroscopic lithotripsy: selective internal stenting and factors enhancing success

PURPOSE

To evaluate a policy of selective, short-duration internal stenting after outpatient ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 1997 to April 1998, 62 patients (34 male, 28 female) with a mean age of 50 (range 21-80) years underwent outpatient ureteroscopic lithotripsy using a holmium laser (365 microm; 0.5-1.4J/5-10 Hz) and 6F/7.5F semirigid ureteroscope. Internal stents were inserted selectively in patients with severe preoperative obstruction (intravenous urogram finding), tight stone impaction (endoscopic finding), or significant residual obstruction (on-table retrograde pyelogram finding) despite stone clearance. Patient demographics, stone measures, stone clearance rates, complications, postoperative pain scores, analgesic requirement, and follow-up imaging were compared for the stented and unstented patients.

RESULTS

With the present criteria of selective internal stenting, stents were inserted in 56% of the patients for a mean duration of 3.6 weeks. Excluding those patients with residual stones requiring further interventions, the stenting rate was 39% with a mean duration of 1.9 weeks. There was no difference in patient characteristics, stone burden, and stone levels between the stented and unstented group. The mean operating time for the unstented group was shorter than for the stented group (45.6 minutes v 56.6 minutes; P = 0.03). The stone clearance rates were similar for the two groups (96% v 97%), but the complication rate of the stented group was higher (8.6% v 3.7%). The mean postoperative pain score and analgesic requirement were similar in the two groups on postoperative day 1 but significantly less in the unstented group on day 3.

CONCLUSIONS

The criteria for selective internal stenting are useful in determining when a stent should be used. By omitting the stent insertion in the absence of these criteria, operating time, postoperative pain, and analgesic requirement were reduced without increasing the complication rate. Ureteral stricturing was absent despite the low stenting rate.

Emergency department organisation for disasters: a review of emergency department disaster plans in public hospitals of Singapore

Disaster management plans of emergency departments (EDs) in four major public hospitals were reviewed. A comparison was made between these plans, and they were analyzed to gain an understanding of the differing objectives and doctrines behind the practices. These were summarized into five major management concepts, which are considered to be critical to the success of a disaster plan: 1) staff mobilization systems (cascading vs batch mobilization); 2) staff deployment systems; 3) team organization (surgeons vs residents); 4) area management (the role of the area manager); 5) casualty volume management (accommodation vs expansion vs extension concepts). The concepts derived should serve as a useful guide to the development of an ED disaster plan and potentially influence how new ED facilities could be planned.

Prevalence of and factors related to pneumoconiosis among foundry workers in central Taiwan

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and factors related to pneumoconiosis in foundry workers. Seven hundred and eighteen workers from 50 foundries in central Taiwan were interviewed using a constructed questionnaire. A full-sized PA chest radiograph was used to diagnose pneumoconiosis, according to ILO criteria. Overall, pneumoconiosis was found in 7.5% of the workers. The highest prevalence was found among furnace workers (15.9%) and molding workers (8.40%). All foundry workers except those in administrative positions had a significantly increased risk of developing pneumoconiosis. Using a multiple logistic regression, compared to administrative workers, furnace workers had the highest risk (10.63 times), followed by post-treatment workers (6.63 times), and molding workers (5.41 times). In conclusion, the prevalence of pneumoconiosis was significantly related to high concentrations of dust, especially with a high proportion of free silica, however, smoking and length of exposure were also contributing factors.

Outpatient treatment of middle and lower ureteric stones: extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy versus ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of middle and lower ureteric stones. From January 1996 to March 1997, 61 patients treated by URSL and 49 patients treated by ESWL were studied, both were conducted as outpatient procedures. URSL using Holmium laser and semirigid ureteroscope (Fr.8.5) performed under general anaesthesia had single session stone clearance rates of 100% and 95% for middle and lower stones respectively. There were 6 complications including 5 readmissions (2 febrile episodes, 2 severe pain spells, and 1 stent migration) and 1 stricture formation. ESWL using the Dornier MFL 5000 lithotriptor had a single session success rate of 51% and overall success rate of 78% after retreatment (retreatment rate 35%). No significant complication or readmission was noted. Seventy-two per cent of patients required intravenous fentanyl for pain control. The efficiency quotients calculated for the URSL group and the ESWL group were 97% and 58% respectively. In summary, in the treatment of middle and lower ureteric calculi, ESWL carries reasonable success rate, especially with retreatment; and minimal morbidity. On the other hand, URSL is highly effective in rapidly clearing the stones, a low risk of complication is noted. Both can be conducted as an outpatient treatment modality.

Low frequency of c-kit expression and detection of an aberrant Kit message among Hong Kong Chinese myelogenous leukaemia patients

The c-kit proto-oncogene encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor. It is expressed by the primitive CD34 positive haemopoietic stem cells and interacts with the Kit ligand for signal transduction. It was reported to be expressed in over 80% of acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) patients in North America and Japan. We analyzed 20 AML patients for c-kit expression using either Northern blot analysis or flow cytometry with the YB5.B8 anti-c-kit antibodies. Only 6 out of 20 AML patients expressed the c-kit mRNA or protein product. However, a previously unreported abnormal sized 1.7-1.9 kb transcript was detected in the blast cells of 1 AML patient, 1 acute mixed lineage leukaemia patient and 1 chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) patient in myeloblastic transformation. Our data suggested that in most Hong Kong Chinese AML patients, leukaemia transformation may have occurred at a c-kit negative stage. Alternatively, the abnormal sized c-kit transcript that was detected in some Chinese myeloid leukaemia patients may represent an aberrant c-kit receptor that plays an important role in leukaemogenesis.

Chemotherapy of AIDS--related Kaposi's sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common tumor associated with AIDS. A growing number of patients with this tumor are presenting at later stages of HIV with more rapidly progressive, extensive, or symptomatic KS or with tumors involving visceral organs. Chemotherapy treatment is effective in inducing tumor regression, reducing edema, and ameliorating symptoms caused by these tumors. Side effects and toxicities from these agents, however, can be quite pronounced, especially in patients with advanced AIDS Antiretroviral therapy, prophylaxis for opportunistic infections, and the use of hematopoietic growth factors should be routinely included in the management of these patients. Newer chemotherapeutic agents and combination regimens may be more effective or less toxic than previously evaluated regimens.

Dynorphin neurotoxicity induced nitric oxide synthase expression in ventral horn cells of rat spinal cord

Nitric oxide (NO) mediation in the spinal cord injury induced by intrathecal (i.t.) dynorphin (Dyn) administration was studied with NADPH-diaphorase (Nd) histochemistry. Normally, there was rarely NO synthase (NOS) activity in spinal cord motomeurons, and Dyn A(1-17) 10 nmol, which produced only transient paralysis, did not induce Nd/NOS expression in ventral horn cells. After a paralyzing dose of i.t. Dyn A(1-17) 20 nmol, which definitely produced permanent paraplegia and neuronal death, Nd/NOS began to express in motoneurons at 30 min, increased in numbers and intensities at 2-4 h and persisted up to 8 h. Most of Nd/NOS motoneurons disappeared at 24 h coincident with the neuronal death. Quite a few intensively-stained Nd-positive small cells and swollen varicosities became visible only in rats with permanent paraplegia and neuronal death, beginning at 2 h, maximizing at 3-4 h and remaining up to 24 h. These results suggest that NOS expression was induced in the ventral horn of spinal cord, including small cells and varicosities as well as motoneurons closely correlated in time and degree with pathological changes in motoneurons caused by spinal Dyn neurotoxicity.

Comparison of prophylactic ampicillin/sulbactam with gentamicin and metronidazole in elective colorectal surgery: a randomized clinical study

A randomized control clinical study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of prophylactic ampicillin/sulbactam in preventing wound infection after elective colorectal surgery with a combination of gentamicin and metronidazole. Over a 2-year period, 143 patients were recruited, but 15 patients were subsequently excluded due to the use of additional antibiotics for the treatment of pulmonary or urinary infection or early postoperative death without wound infection. Of the 128 evaluable patients, six of the 63 patients (9.5%) in the ampicillin/sulbactam group and seven of the 65 patients (10.7%) in the gentamicin and metronidazole group developed wound infection. We conclude that prophylactic ampicillin/sulbactam is effective in reducing the risk of wound infection following colorectal surgery.

Reengineering managed behavioral healthcare

Reengineering is an industrial method for rethinking and redesigning basic business processes in order to improve performance and lower cost. Just as many of the corporate clients of managed behavioral healthcare companies go through reengineering initiatives, behavioral healthcare needs to streamline its production processes, in order to deliver services that are high quality but affordable. Traditional, cumbersome, bureaucratic and labor-intensive work processes must be reexamined. This article reviews basic principles of reengineering in the context of the evolving managed behavioral healthcare industry, defines ten core processes for managed behavioral healthcare companies and then illustrates how reengineering methods can be applied to two intermediate processes: "manage access" and "manage network."

A thrombosed saccular posterior cerebral artery aneurysm in an infant

A case of recurrent hemiplegia due to saccular aneurysm of the left posterior cerebral artery in a female infant is described. The diagnosis was made at angiography, prompted by CT detection of a hyperdense, intra-aneurysmal thrombus, and was confirmed at subsequent surgery.

Influence of thalassemia on the response to recombinant human erythropoietin in dialysis patients

Thalassemia is a common genetic disorder among the South Chinese. To see if thalassemia would adversely affect the erythrocyte response to recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO, Epogen) in dialysis patients, the response to rHuEPO in 4 dialysis patients with thalassemic traits (thal-t) was compared with that of 4 control patients who were matched for age, sex, mode of dialysis and baseline hemoglobin levels over a 6-month period. Patients with thal-t showed a reduced erythrocyte response to rHuEPO compared to control dialysis patients as reflected by a reduced reticulocyte index, a slower rise in hemoglobin or hematocrit levels, requirement of a higher cumulated dose of rHuEPO to achieve a target hemoglobin of 10 g/dl and a higher maintenance dose of rHuEPO. A dialysis patient with hemoglobin H disease (HbHD) was also studied. He failed to respond to rHuEPO despite that the dose was increased to 250 U/kg/week. In contrast, his matched control dialysis patient, despite a lower baseline hemoglobin level (6.1 versus 8.8 g/dl), was able to reach a target hemoglobin level of 10 g/dl by 6 weeks and could be maintained at this level with 50 U/kg/week. The patient with HbHD had splenomegaly and a higher baseline serum erythropoietin level, reticulocyte count, serum bilirubin, serum ferritin and serum iron saturation than control patients and patients with thal-t. It was concluded that thal-t reduces the erythrocyte response to rHuEPO in dialysis patients and that in the presence of active hemolysis and enhanced endogenous erythropoietin secretion, dialysis patients with HbHD are resistant to treatment with rHuEPO.

An exploratory study of attitudes, beliefs and practices related to the interim dietary guidelines for reducing cancer in the elderly

In this pilot study, a self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the health attitudes, beliefs and practices related to each of the Interim Dietary Guidelines for Reducing Cancer Risk (I.D.G.R.C.R.) in a convenience sample of elderly Caucasian subjects (N = 30) over 60 years old. The questionnaire items included personal efficacy, perceived motivators and barriers, and current practices related to the compliance of each of the dietary guidelines. The distributions of responses to the questionnaire items show variations in the subjects' attitudes, beliefs and current dietary practices related to each of the dietary guidelines. Most subjects reported current practice of most guidelines except the guideline of a low fat diet. Most of the time, the subjects perceived one or more motivations to comply with the guidelines of eating fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, and eating dark green or deep yellow vegetables. Taste and health benefits were shown to be important factors among motivators influencing the compliance to the dietary guidelines. The findings of this exploratory study have direct implications for planning nutrition intervention programs for cancer risk reduction in the elderly.

Managing mental health care

Managed mental health has evolved from company-run employee assistance programs and a few specialty utilization review firms to a mind-boggling array of specialists. New developments portend a more comprehensive, measurable and aggressively interventionist industry in the making.

Potent and selective activity of a new carbocyclic nucleoside analog (carbovir: NSC 614846) against human immunodeficiency virus in vitro

Carbocyclic 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (Carbovir: NSC 614846), a novel nucleoside analog, emerged as a potent and selective anti-HIV agent from a large screening program conducted by the National Cancer Institute and its contractors. Its hydrolytic stability and its ability to inhibit the infectivity and replication of HIV in T-cells at concentrations of approximately 200- to 400-fold below toxic concentrations make carbovir a top-priority candidate for development as a potential antiretroviral agent in the treatment of AIDS patients.

Effects of Panax ginseng on blood alcohol clearance in man

1. Fourteen healthy male volunteers were studied to assess the effects of Panax ginseng on blood alcohol clearance, utilizing each subject as his own control. 2. At 40 min after the last drink, the blood alcohol level in the test group receiving ginseng extract (3 g/65 kg body weight) along with alcohol (72 g/65 kg body weight) was about 35% lower than their control values. 3. When the blood alcohol level was compared on individual bases, alcohol concentrations in 10 out of 14 test subjects ranged from 32 to 51% lower than their control values. 4. These results demonstrate that P. ginseng extract enhances blood alcohol clearance in man.

The next generation of managed mental health care

The rise in mental health claims and the tremendous expansion of psychiatric facilities and services have put payers and providers alike on the defensive. Payers cut benefits, while providers rush to justify even clearly needed care. The venturesome in both camps will be intrigued by General Telephone of California's comprehensive, managed mental health care program, combining the PPO concept with provider risk and strong case management, as described by the authors, Vice Presidents of Preferred Health Care, Ltd.

Effects of Panax ginseng extract on the benzo(a)pyrene metabolizing enzyme system

Ethanol extract of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, which has been used for centuries as a tonic in Asian countries, exhibited a selective induction of epoxide hydratase and cytosolic glutathione transferase activity without the concurrent induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity. Thus, Panax ginseng appears to have the potential to alter the metabolic patterns of benzo(a)pyrene and its reactive metabolites.

Fat embolism syndrome with total hip replacement

Two cases of fulminant fat embolism syndrome that were fatal are reported as complications of total hip replacement. The major clinical features were severe hypotension and cardiac arrest in one case and postoperative coma in the other case. Both patients had severe acute respiratory failure that resulted from pulmonary oedema.