Gemcitabine and Cisplatin Versus Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin, and Cisplatin in Advanced or Metastatic Bladder Cancer: Results of a Large, Randomized, Multinational, Multicenter, Phase III Study

PURPOSE

Gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC) and methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (MVAC) were compared in patients with locally advanced or metastatic transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urothelium.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with stage IV TCC and no prior systemic chemotherapy were randomized to GC (gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 days 1, 8, and 15; cisplatin 70 mg/m2 day 2) or standard MVAC every 28 days for a maximum of six cycles.

RESULTS

Four hundred five patients were randomized (GC, n = 203; MVAC, n = 202). The groups were well-balanced with respect to prognostic factors. Overall survival was similar on both arms (hazards ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82 to 1.32; P = .75), as were time to progressive disease (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.30), time to treatment failure (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.10), and response rate (GC, 49%; MVAC, 46%). More GC patients completed six cycles of therapy, with fewer dose adjustments. The toxic death rate was 1% on the GC arm and 3% on the MVAC arm. More GC than MVAC patients had grade 3/4 anemia (27% v 18%, respectively) and thrombocytopenia (57% v 21%, respectively). On both arms, the RBC transfusion rate was 13 of 100 cycles and grade 3/4 hemorrhage or hematuria was 2%; the platelet transfusion rate was four patients per 100 cycles and two patients per 100 cycles on GC and MVAC, respectively. More MVAC patients, compared with GC patients, had grade 3/4 neutropenia (82% v 71%, respectively), neutropenic fever (14% v 2%, respectively), neutropenic sepsis (12% v 1%, respectively), and grade 3/4 mucositis (22% v 1%, respectively) and alopecia (55% v 11%, respectively). Quality of life was maintained during treatment on both arms; however, more patients on GC fared better regarding weight, performance status, and fatigue.

CONCLUSION

GC provides a similar survival advantage to MVAC with a better safety profile and tolerability. This better-risk benefit ratio should change the standard of care for patients with locally advanced and metastatic TCC from MVAC to GC.

A Retrospective Analysis of the First 41 mCRPC Patients with Bone Pain Treated with Radium-223 at the National Institute of Oncology in Hungary

Radium-223 dichloride is an alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical which significantly prolongs overall survival in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and symptomatic bone metastases. This was a retrospective analysis of the efficacy and safety of Radium-223 in the first 41 patients treated at a single center in Hungary. Radium-223 was given at a dose of 50 kBq/kg intravenously every 4 weeks for up to 6 cycles. Between 23rd July 2014 and 23rd February 2016, 41 patients were treated. Patient demographics, laboratory values, treatment outcomes and adverse events were collected from medical records. The mean age was 72.2 years (SD: 7.1). 24 patients received Radium-223 as first-line treatment (58%), 7 patients as second (17%), 3 as third (7.3%), 6 as (14.6%), and 1 as fifth-line therapy (2.4%). The mean number of cycles administered was 5.5 (SD: 1.1). The most common side effects were anemia (32% grade 1-3), nausea (28%, grade 1), diarrhea (4%, grade 2), thrombocytopenia (4%, grade 3). The mean baseline PSA level was 307.2 ng/ml (SD: 525.7), which increased to a mean value of 728.5 ng/ml (SD: 1277) by the end of treatment. The baseline mean ALP of 521.1 U/L (SD: 728) decreased to 245.1 U/L (SD: 283.5). The majority of patients experienced a decrease (37%) or complete cessation (43%) of bone pain intensity. In our symptomatic prostate cancer patient population, Radium-223 proved to be efficient in terms of pain relief, with moderate side effects. No PSA response was detected, while alkaline phosphatase levels significantly decreased.

Allele loss of tumour suppressor genes on chromosome 17 in human testicular germ cell tumours

The molecular genetics of testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) are still largely unknown. We investigated 20 TGCT tumours for allelic losses (LOH) of tumour supressor genes BRCA1, TP53 and of THRA1 on chromosome 17. We observed an overall loss of 50% for the whole chromosome. Detailed deletion mapping revealed no losses for the BRCA1 gene, 42% LOH for THRA1 and 11% allelic loss for the region telomeric to BRCA1. We observed 11% LOH for TP53. Our results suggest that allelic losses of BRCA1 and TP53 genes do not play a pivotal role in TGCT but that dysfunction of THRA1 or tumour suppressor gene(s) in this region may have an impact in the development of this cancer.

Everolimus in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) who are intolerant of or have progressed after prior vascular endothelial growth factor receptor–tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGFr-TKI) therapy: An international expanded access program (EAP)

314

Background: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor everolimus is the first agent to show efficacy in a randomized, controlled phase III trial in patients with mRCC after progression on VEGFr-TKIs (RECORD-1). Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly improved (4.9 vs 1.9 months) and the risk of disease progression was reduced by 67% with everolimus compared with placebo. To fulfill an unmet medical need, everolimus was offered globally in this EAP. Presented here are preliminary results on 605 patients.

Methods: The program began in July 2008 (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00655252 ; EudraCT: 2007-005460-28), and since then over 1,000 patients in 34 countries have been enrolled. Patients with clear cell and non–clear cell mRCC who failed or became intolerant of VEGFr-TKIs received daily oral doses of everolimus with investigator assessment every 3 months.

Results: Data were collected for 605 patients who had discontinued treatment as of January 15, 2010. Evaluable patients had a mean age of 63 years, and most (94%) had progressed after prior VEGFr-TKI therapy. The adverse event (AE) profile did not differ significantly from that reported in the RECORD-1 trial. Most frequently reported grade 3–4 AEs were anemia (6.1%), stomatitis (4.6%), fatigue (4.6%), hyperglycemia (4.0%), and infection (3.6%). Grade 3–4 noninfectious pneumonitis was reported in 2.8%. Best overall response was stable disease, which was evident in 42% of patients.

Conclusions: The EAP has allowed patients with mRCC access to everolimus before marketing approval. The rapid enrollment rate of this EAP confirms the unmet medical need after failure of VEGFr-TKIs. Everolimus has shown good tolerability, and no new safety issues have been identified. The investigator-assessed response rate is consistent with that reported in the RECORD-1 trial. The EAP provides an efficient framework for the development of other programs for innovative anticancer agents in patients without satisfactory therapeutic options.

[Table: see text]

Decreased toxicity schedule of suitinib in renal cell cancer: 2 weeks on/1 week off

e16113

Background: Sunitinib (SU) is an oral multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFRs, PDGFRs, KIT, FLT3, CSF-1R and RET approved for treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC). Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics suggest that dose reduction might decrease the plasma concentration of SU and its major metabolite to an ineffective level. Methods: Pts with mRCC, measurable disease, ECOG PS 0–2 received SU 50 mg po daily 4 weeks on/2 weeks off. Results: Of 36 pts, median age 59.5 yrs (range 42–83), M/F (26:10), ECOG: 0 (21); 1 (9); 2 (6); prior nephrectomy (35),prior radiation therapy (28), prior cytokine therapy: IFNα (25), IL-2+IFNα (9) none (2); pts with 1 metastatic organ (24); 2 metastatic sites (7); ≥ 3 sites (5); Sites of metastases: Lung (27), Bone (11), Liver (3); MSCC risk factors: 0 (20), 1–2 (14); ≥3 (2). Objective response occurred: PR (13) 42%; CR (2) 5%; SD (9) 25%. Number of cycles (6 weeks cycles) given was: 162 (2–15).Main side effects were: fatigue 42% (Gr≥3: 17%), diarrhoea 42% (Gr≥3: 25%), nausea 31% (Gr≥3: 6%), stomatitis 10%, anorexia 10%, weight-loss 20% (Gr≥3: 11%), hand-foot syndrome 39% (Gr≥3: 17%), hypertension 28%, anemia 25%, neutropenia 8%, thrombopenia 11%, hypothyroidism 11%. Five cases of dose reduction and two cases of treatment discontinuation occurred due to toxicity. During the second part of the study if serious toxicity had been reported, instead of dose reduction, two weeks on and one week off schedule (50mg daily) had been offered to pts. 14 pts (79 cycles) were treated according to the schedule. Short term side effects decreased significantly: fatigue 28%, diarrhea 14%, nausea 14%, stomatitis 7%, anorexia 7%, weight-loss 7%, hand-foot syndrome 14%, hypertension 7%, anemia 14%, hypothyroidism 11%. Conclusions: Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the better tolerance of the SU, without decreasing the dose intensity of the treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase I study of TZT-1027, a novel synthetic dolastatin 10 derivative, for the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

The purpose of this phase I study was to evaluate the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), the recommended dose for phase II study, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of TZT-1,027 (soblidotin) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) when administered every 3-4 weeks.

METHODS

Eligible patients had the following characteristics: stage III/b or IV NSCLC that was refractory to conventional therapy or for which no standard therapy was available; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) <or=2; adequate organ function; and age >or=20 and <75 years. The patients were administered TZT-1,027 in escalating doses from 0.5 to 5.6 mg/m(2). Pharmacokinetic samples were collected during each treatment course.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients were enrolled. Three patients had DLTs, including neutropenia, neutropenia complicated by fever, myalgia, and neuropathic pain. The common toxicities included constipation, anorexia, alopecia, nausea, leukopenia, and neutropenia. One complete response and three partial responses were observed. The pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC and C (max)) of TZT-1,027 tended to increase linearly with dose.

CONCLUSIONS

DLTs included neutropenia, neutropenia complicated by fever, myalgia, and neuropathic pain. The MTD was 4.8 mg/m(2). The recommended phase II study dose of TZT-1027 is 4.8 mg/m(2) administered every 3-4 weeks.

Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAE) changes in testicular cancer patients treated with cisplatin: A pilot study of whether the acute ototoxic effect of cisplatin treatment can be detected

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Background: We studied the acute ototoxic effect of cisplatin in testicular cancer patients with two highly sensitive new methods for detecting high frequency hearing loss: distorsion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), and spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAE). Methods: Checking the acute effect, 32 (63 ears) testicular cancer patients (median age: 33 years, range: 16–59 years) were measured on the first day of their first cycle and after one week of their last cycle of cisplatin treatment. 20 mg/m2 cisplatin was administered for five days, in BEP chemotherapy regimen. The patients got on the average 2.19 cycles (2–3 cycles). We also measured the SOAE of ten healthy control persons (without chemotherapy) matching sex and age distribution of this group. A detailed medical history evaluated audiological risk factors and hearing problems. Tympanometry, DPOAE and SOAE were measured, to detect the acute changes in the inner ear after low cumulative dose of cisplatin treatment. Paired t-test, and sign test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The DPOAE did not show any changes close after cisplatin treatment (average: 2.19 cycles, 2–3 cycles), similarly to our earlier results with pure tone audiometry (PTA) and transiently evoked otoacoustic emission (TOAE). But the SOAE showed significant, early changes in incidence, shape and amplitude, in the treated group. 66% of the SOAE changed after treatment (p=0,006). In the control group (20 ears) the SOAE never changed in a three months period. (It behaves as a fingerprint) Conclusions: DPOAE did not change significantly after 2 or 3 cycles of cisplatin treatment, similarly to our earlier results with PTA, and TOAE, but the change of the SOAE-incidence, shape and amplitude close after cisplatin treatment shows acute changes in the inner ear function (first described in the literature) after administration of low cumulative dose of cisplatin. This case is the first indication of the possible clinical relevance of SOAE. Our observation has to be confirmed in further studies, with larger number of patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Characteristics and risk factors of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in testicular cancer patients detected by distortion product otoacoustic emission

OBJECTIVE

The characteristics and risk factors of the long-term ototoxic effect of cisplatin in testicular cancer patients was studied by measuring distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), which is a highly sensitive, new method for detecting high-frequency hearing loss.

METHODS

223 patients with a median follow-up time of 4.27 years (range 0.5-20 years) and a median age of 37 years (range 18-55 years) were assessed by DPOAE. 100 mg/m2 cisplatin were administered per cycle, in EP, BEP, VeIP, VIP or VPB regimens. The control group consisted of 40 testicular cancer patients without chemotherapy (median age 35 years, range 16-54 years). A detailed medical history evaluated audiological risk factors and hearing complaints. DPOAE was measured in eight frequencies from 750 to 8,000 Hz. Paired t test and Mann-Whitney test were used for statistical evaluation.

RESULTS

Symptomatic ototoxicity was observed in 20% of the patients. In patients receiving <or=300 mg/m2 cisplatin, no amplitude changes were detected. Beyond this dose, hearing impairment proved to be dose dependent. Contrary to the literature, not only high frequencies were affected. In patients receiving >or=400 mg/m2, our method could detect significant hearing impairment at lower frequencies that are important for speech perception. At 400 mg/m2, significant amplitude change was detected at 3,000 Hz (p = 0.01); at 500-600 mg/m2, significant amplitude change was detected at 1,500, 2,000 and 3,000 Hz (p = 0.004, 0.0001 and 0.0002, respectively), and at 700 mg/m2 significant amplitude change was detected at 3,000 Hz (p = 0.01). We detected the lowest amplitudes in those 44 patients who had symptomatic ototoxicity. The only statistically significant risk factor was the cumulative dose of cisplatin; neither smoking nor noise exposure were independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

DPOAE is a fast, noninvasive and reliable method in detecting late ototoxicity in testicular cancer patients. Contrary to the literature, not only high frequencies are affected. In patients receiving at least 400 mg/m2, using DPOAE we were able to detect significant hearing impairment at lower frequencies that are important for speech perception.

European consensus on diagnosis and treatment of germ cell cancer: a report of the European Germ Cell Cancer Consensus Group (EGCCCG)

Germ cell tumour is the most frequent malignant tumour type in young men with a 100% rise in the incidence every 20 years. Despite this, the high sensitivity of germ cell tumours to platinum-based chemotherapy, together with radiation and surgical measures, leads to the high cure rate of > or = 99% in early stages and 90%, 75-80% and 50% in advanced disease with 'good', 'intermediate' and 'poor' prognostic criteria (IGCCCG classification), respectively. The high cure rate in patients with limited metastatic disease allows the reduction of overall treatment load, and therefore less acute and long-term toxicity, e.g. organ sparing surgery for specific cases, reduced dose and treatment volume of irradiation or substitution of node dissection by surveillance or adjuvant chemotherapy according to the presence or absence of vascular invasion. Thus, different treatment options according to prognostic factors including histology, stage and patient factors and possibilities of the treating centre as well may be used to define the treatment strategy which is definitively chosen for an individual patient. However, this strategy of reduction of treatment load as well as the treatment itself require very high expertise of the treating physician with careful management and follow-up and thorough cooperation by the patient as well to maintain the high rate for cure. Treatment decisions must be based on the available evidence which has been the basis for this consensus guideline delivering a clear proposal for diagnostic and treatment measures in each stage of gonadal and extragonadal germ cell tumour and individual clinical situations. Since this guideline is based on the highest evidence level available today, a deviation from these proposals should be a rare and justified exception.

HER-2/neu as a Predictive Marker in a Population of Advanced Breast Cancer Patients Randomly Treated Either with Single-agent Doxorubicin or Single-agent Docetaxel

PURPOSE

To evaluate the predictive value of HER-2 in a population of advanced breast cancer patients randomly treated either with single-agent doxorubicin (A) or with single-agent docetaxel (T).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Patients from this study participated in a phase III clinical trial in which doxorubicin or docetaxel was administered for advanced disease. HER-2 was evaluated by IHC. In all positive cases, FISH was used to confirm the HER-2 positive status. The different cohorts of patients identified by HER-2 were examined to assess a possible relationship between HER-2 status and treatment effect.

RESULTS

Tumor samples were available for 176 of the 326 patients entered in the clinical trial (54%). HER-2 positivity was observed in 20% of the study population. A statistically significant interaction was found between response rates to the study drugs and HER-2 status, with HER-2 positive patients deriving the highest benefit from the use of T (odds ratio for HER-2 positive patients treated with T = 3.12 (95% CI 1.11-8.80), p = 0.03). The interaction between HER-2 and response rates to A and T was also confirmed by a multivariate analysis. No statistically significant interaction was found between HER-2 and drugs efficacy evaluated in terms of time to progression and overall survival, although in the HER-2 negative cohort A was at least as effective as T in term of overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that in HER-2 positive breast cancer patients docetaxel might be more active than doxorubicin, while in HER-2 negative patients doxorubicin might be at least as effective as docetaxel. Although the present results cannot have an impact on current practice, they allow us to formulate the hypothesis that HER-2 positive breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with regard to sensitivity to anthracyclines and taxanes, and that this might be dependent upon other molecular markers including the p-53 and topoisomerase II alpha genes. This hypothesis is currently being tested prospectively in two different 'bench to bed-side' clinical trials.

Somatic mutations of KIT in familial testicular germ cell tumours

Somatic mutations of the KIT gene have been reported in mast cell diseases and gastrointestinal stromal tumours. Recently, they have also been found in mediastinal and testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs), particularly in cases with bilateral disease. We screened the KIT coding sequence (except exon 1) for germline mutations in 240 pedigrees with two or more cases of TGCT. No germline mutations were found. Exons 10, 11 and 17 of KIT were examined for somatic mutations in 123 TGCT from 93 multiple-case testicular cancer families. Five somatic mutations were identified; four were missense amino-acid substitutions in exon 17 and one was a 12 bp in-frame deletion in exon 11. Two of seven TGCT from cases with bilateral disease carried KIT mutations compared with three out of 116 unilateral cases (P=0.026). The results indicate that somatic KIT mutations are implicated in the development of a minority of familial as well as sporadic TGCT. They also lend support to the hypothesis that KIT mutations primarily take place during embryogenesis such that primordial germ cells with KIT mutations are distributed to both testes.

A PET study on the characterization of partially reversible radiogenic lower motor neurone disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pathomechanism of the rare radiogenic lower motor neurone disease (LMND) on the basis of a case history involving a partial functional recovery.

PATIENT

A 31-year-old seminoma patient received postoperative para-aortic and para-iliac telecobalt irradiation with a biologically effective dose of 88 Gy(2) (44 Gy in 2 Gy fractions/day, with an estimated alpha/beta of 2 Gy) delivered to the spinal cord following a single cycle of chemotherapy. LMND developed 4 months after the completion of radiotherapy. The patient exhibited flaccid paraparesis of the lower extremities (without sensory or vegetative signs), followed by a worsening after further chemotherapy, due to pulmonary metastatization. A gradual spontaneous functional improvement commenced and led several years later to a stabilized state involving moderately severe symptoms.

METHODS

In the 15th year of the clinical course, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) with [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and [(11)C] methionine were conducted. Four lines of experiments (clonogenic assay using fibroblasts isolated from a skin biopsy sample of the patient, comet assay, micronucleus assay, and the testing of chromosome aberrations after in vitro irradiation of peripheral blood samples) were performed in a search for an increased individual radiosensitivity.

RESULTS

MRI investigations failed to reveal any pathological change. PET demonstrated an increased FDG accumulation, but a negligible [(11)C] methionine uptake in the irradiated spinal cord segments. The radiobiological investigations did not indicate any sign of an increased individual radiosensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that the observed partial functional recovery and stabilization of the symptoms of radiogenic LMND may be explained by the higher than normal density of sodium channels expressed along the demyelinated axons of the restored conduction. The increased energy demands of this type of conduction are proved by a higher metabolic rate (increased FDG uptake) of the irradiated spinal cord segments without a substantial regenerative process (lack of detectable protein synthesis).

Three-year results of the first educational and early detection program for testicular cancer in Hungary

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a testicular self-examination-based early-detection program may help in the early diagnosis of testicular cancer.

METHODS

Advertisements were placed in the media describing the early signs of testicular cancer, the risk factors, the correct method of self-examination and the importance of early detection. Between April 1995 and April 1998, 5,056 men underwent physical and ultrasound examination of the testicles, and in case of suspicious findings tumor markers were checked.

RESULTS

Testicular tumors were found in 1.28% of the men with symptoms. No tumors were found in men without symptoms or in men with pain, sensitivity to palpation, or complaints unrelated to the testicle. Of those with a palpable lump or swollen testicle, 4.5 and 3.9% were found to have a tumor. In total, 28 testicular cancers (15 seminomas and 13 nonseminomas) in 26 volunteers and 4 benign tumors were detected. The occurrence of cancer was most frequent in the age group of 15--40 years (1.6%).

CONCLUSION

The rate of cancer detection and the detected seminoma rate in the program are not sufficient to justify a widespread early detection program for testicular cancer (examination of men who reveal testicular abnormalities by self-examination) despite the increased tumor incidence. Early diagnosis should be based on an educational program for the population at risk, the training of staff engaged in the health care of the young, and the use of early ultrasound examination in men with palpable lumps and swollen testicles, especially in young men.

[Bilateral germ cell testicular tumors]

PURPOSE: To study the clinical characteristics of bilateral testicular tumors in the cisplatin era. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 1988 and November 1998 2386 testicular cancer patients were treated in our Department and 72 bilateral germ cell testicular cancer patients were retrospectively explored (3%). The incidence, the clinical and histological characteristics and, in the case of asynchronous tumor, the interval between the two tumors were analyzed. RESULTS: During the 10 years 19 synchronous (26.4%) and 53 asynchronous bilateral germ cell testicular cancers (73.6%) were treated. The incidence of bilateral synchronous seminoma was 68.4%. Among the asynchronous tumors 9 concordant seminomas and 9 concordant nonseminomas were detected. In the first, second and third 5-year follow-up period 39.6, 30.2, and 28.2% of asynchronous tumors were diagnosed. The incidence of seminoma after the first castration in the 5, 10 and 15 years was 19, 37.5, and 60%, respectively. The overall survival rates of synchronous and asynchronous testicular cancer were 84 and 93%. In cases of asynchronous tumor the prevalence of stage I cancer was significantly greater in a regularly controlled population (p=0.014) than in the not regularly followed population, but the survival rate was good in both groups. Nonseminoma showed up earlier as first and second tumor than seminoma (p=0.05, p=0.045). The interval between the two asynchronous tumors was shorter in the case of nonseminoma than in the case of seminoma (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The prognosis of bilateral germ cell testicular cancer is good because of the high incidence rate of seminoma and the effective treatment. With regular follow-up the early diagnosis of second testicular tumors is probable. The interval between the tumors depends on the patients' age and the histology of the second tumor, in the case of seminoma it is longer. The effect of the previous treatment on the incidence of seminoma and the interval between the two asynchronous tumors requires further investigations.

Gemcitabine and cisplatin versus methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin in advanced or metastatic bladder cancer: results of a large, randomized, multinational, multicenter, phase III study

PURPOSE

Gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC) and methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (MVAC) were compared in patients with locally advanced or metastatic transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urothelium.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with stage IV TCC and no prior systemic chemotherapy were randomized to GC (gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 days 1, 8 and 15; cisplatin 70 mg/m2 day 2) or standard MVAC every 28 days for a maximum of six cycles.

RESULTS

Four hundred five patients were randomized (GC, n = 203; MVAC, n = 202). The groups were well-balanced with respect to prognostic factors. Overall survival was similar on both arms (hazards ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82 to 1.32; P = .75), as were time to progressive disease (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.30), time to treatment failure (HR, 0.89; 95% CI 0.72 to 1.10), and response rate (GC, 49%; MVAC, 46%). More GC patients completed six cycles of therapy, with fewer dose adjustments. The toxic death rate was 1% on the GC arm and 3% on the MVAC arm. More GC than MVAC patients had grade 3/4 anemia (27% v 18%, respectively), and thrombocytopenia (57% v 21%, respectively). On both arms, the RBC transfusion rate was 13 of 100 cycles and grade 3/4 hemorrhage or hematuria was 2%; the platelet transfusion rate was four patients per 100 cycles and two patients per 100 cycles on GC and MVAC, respectively. More MVAC patients, compared with GC patients, had grade 3/4 neutropenia (82% v 71%, respectively), neutropenic fever (14% v 2%, respectively), neutropenic sepsis (12% v 1%, respectively), and grade 3/4 mucositis (22% v 1%, respectively) and alopecia (55% v 11%, respectively). Quality of life was maintained during treatment on both arms; however, more patients on GC fared better regarding weight, performance status, and fatigue.

CONCLUSION

GC provides a similar survival advantage to MVAC with a better safety profile and tolerability. This better-risk benefit ratio should change the standard of care for patients with locally advanced and metastatic TCC from MVAC to GC.

MRP expression of testicular cancers and its clinical relevance

BACKGROUND

The expression of a multidrug resistance associated protein (MRP) has been investigated in a variety of human tumors. However, there is a lack of data regarding its expression in germ cell testicular tumors (GCTTs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MRP expression was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using mouse monoclonal antibody (MRPm6) against human MRP in 56 testis cancer specimens. This antigen was also correlated with the histology, metastatic behavior, clinical stage and tumor suppressor protein p53 immunostaining of GCTTs.

RESULTS

All testis tumors, regardless of their histology, metastatic status and clinical stage gave positive signals. MRP was positive not only in the cytoplasm but, very interestingly, in the nuclei.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that ala GCTTs express high levels of MRP protein with no relation to any of clinicopathological variables investigated here. Since germ cell tumors are very sensitive to chemotherapy, the role of MRP as mediator of drug resistance seems unconvincing in this malignancy. MRP is located in the cytoplasm and the nuclei of tumor cells and may be involved in transportation and/or redistribution certain substrates from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

The effect of intravesical mitomycin C on the recurrence of superficial (Ta-T1) bladder cancer. A Hungarian Multicenter Study

We evaluated the prophylactic efficacy of instillations of intravesical mitomycin C in 57 patients with primary superficial bladder cancer in a multicenter clinical trial. After complete transurethral resection of Ta-T1 G1-G2 transitional cell bladder carcinomas, patients were treated with mitomycin 40 mg/50 ml saline of 15 instillations for 12 months. Most of the complications were mild and transient but two patients dropped out of the trial because of moderate side effects. Fifty-one patients were evaluable. We observed tumour recurrences in six patients (11.8%) during a median follow-up of 44.5 months. The recurrences were treated by transurethral resection. There was no muscle invasive progression in the recurrences. Our investigations confirm the effectiveness of mitomycin C in the treatment of patients with superficial bladder cancer.

[Letrozole (Femara), a new aromatase inhibitor for advanced breast cancer]

The study compares letrozole (Femara and aminoglutethimide (AG), a standard therapy for postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer, previously treated with anti-estrogens. 555 women were randomly assigned letrozole 2.5 mg once daily (n = 185), letrozole 0.5 mg once daily (n = 192) or aminoglutethimide 250 mg twice daily with corticosteroid support (n = 178) in an open-label, multicenter trial. The primary end-point was objective response rate (ORR), with time events as secondary. ORR was analysed nine months after enrollment of the last patient, while survival was analysed 15 months after the last patients was enrolled. We report the results of these analyses plus an extended period of observation (covering a total duration of approximately 45 months) to determine the duration of response and clinical benefit. Overall objective response rates (complete + partial) of 19.5%, 16.7% and 12.4% were seen for letrozole 2.5 mg, 0.5 mg and AG respectively. Median duration of response and stable disease was longest for letrozole 2.5 mg (21 months) compared with letrozole 0.5 mg (18 months) and AG (14 months). Letrozole 2.5 mg was superior to AG in time to progression, time to treatment failure and overall survival. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in fewer patients on letrozole (33%) than on AG (46%). Letrozole 2.5 mg offers longer disease control than aminoglutethimide and letrozole 0.5 mg in the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer, previously treated with anti-estrogens.

[The clinical value of mdm-2 (proto-oncogene) expression in testicular cancer, Correlation with tumor progression]

To determine whether mdm-2 protein level is aberrant in germ cell testicular tumors (GCTT) and if so, what is the relationship between mdm-2 overexpression and other disease parameter including histologic subtypes, p53 status, metastatic potential, and clinical stage, 81 testicular germ-cell tumors were screened for their mdm-2 expression at the protein levels using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot (WB) analysis. Overall, in this study 45 (55.6%) tumors showed positive mdm-2 nuclear immunoreactivity. The incidence of mdm-2 immunostaining was significantly higher (p = 0.0007) in non-seminomas (NSGCT) than in seminomas (S). The frequency of positive tumor was higher in tumors from metastatic patients than in tumors of patients free from metastasis (p = 0.011). Mdm-2 expression was detected significantly more frequently in tumors of advanced stages, i.e. II/B, II/C, and III versus tumors of early stages (I and II/A) (p = 0.0098). A significant difference could be established between the three stages of disease and the expression of mdm-2 (chi 2 = 0.0386), namely the incidence of mdm-2 expression increased with an advanced stage. Using Western blotting 22 (68.8%) out of 32 tumors overexpressed the mdm-2 oncoprotein of 90 kd (p90). Mdm-2 expression as detected by immunostaining may provide a reliable prognostic tool to subgroup of patients with more aggressive GCTT.

Prospective randomized trial of docetaxel versus doxorubicin in patients with metastatic breast cancer

PURPOSE

This phase III study compared docetaxel and doxorubicin in patients with metastatic breast cancer who had received previous alkylating agent-containing chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were randomized to receive an intravenous infusion of docetaxel 100 mg/m(2) or doxorubicin 75 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks for a maximum of seven treatment cycles.

RESULTS

A total of 326 patients were randomized, 165 to receive doxorubicin and 161 to receive docetaxel. Overall, docetaxel produced a significantly higher rate of objective response than did doxorubicin (47.8% v 33.3%; P =.008). Docetaxel was also significantly more active than doxorubicin in patients with negative prognostic factors, such as visceral metastases (objective response, 46% v 29%) and resistance to prior chemotherapy (47% v 25%). Median time to progression was longer in the docetaxel group (26 weeks v 21 weeks; difference not significant). Median overall survival was similar in the two groups (docetaxel, 15 months; doxorubicin, 14 months). There was one death due to infection in each group, and an additional four deaths due to cardiotoxicity in the doxorubicin group. Although neutropenia was similar in both groups, febrile neutropenia and severe infection occurred more frequently in the doxorubicin group. For severe nonhematologic toxicity, the incidences of cardiac toxicity, nausea, vomiting, and stomatitis were higher among patients receiving doxorubicin, whereas diarrhea, neuropathy, fluid retention, and skin and nail changes were higher among patients receiving docetaxel.

CONCLUSION

The observed differences in activity and toxicity profiles provide a basis for therapy choice and confirms the rationale for combination studies in early breast cancer.

mdm-2 expression in human testicular germ-cell tumors and its clinical value

BACKGROUND

In germ cell testicular tumors (GCTT) mdm-2 gene was analyzed for amplification and transcripts but not for protein. The purpose of this study is to determine whether mdm-2 protein level is aberrant in GCTT and if so, what is the relationship between mdm-2 overexpression and other disease parameters including histologic subtypes, p53 status, metastatic potential and clinical stage.

METHODS

81 testicular germ-cell tumors were screened for their mdm-2 expression at the protein levels using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot (WB) analysis.

RESULTS

Of 81 GCTTs 45 (55.55%) showed mdm-2 nuclear immunoreactivity, 34 (41.97%) of which were strongly positive. The incidence of mdm-2 immunostaining was significantly higher (P = 0.0007) in non-seminomas (NSGCT) than in seminomas (SGCT). The frequency of positive tumor was higher in tumors from metastatic patients than in tumors from metastatic-free patients (P = 0.011). mdm-2 expression was detected significantly more frequently in tumors of advanced stages, i.e. IIB, IIC and III versus tumors of early stages (I and II/A) (P = 0.0098). A significant difference between the three stages of disease as to the expression of mdm-2 (chi 2 = 0.0386) could be established, namely the incidence of mdm-2 expression increased with an increase in stage. Using Westem blotting 22 (68.75%) out of 32 tumors overexpressed the mdm-2 oncoprotein of 90 kd (p90).

CONCLUSIONS

mdm-2 expression as detected by immunohistochemistry may provide a reliable prognostic tool to isolate subgroups of patients with more aggressive GCTT.

[Bcl-2 expression in testicular cancer in relation to tumor progression]

Bcl-2 expression has been studied extensively in a variety of human tumors. However, there are lack of clinical data in regard to its expression in germ cell testicular tumors (GCTTs). In this study we screened bcl-2 expression in 70 patient with GCTTs using the immunohistochemistry (IHC) and streptavidin biotin alkaline phosphatase method. Furthermore, we correlated this expression with metastatic behaviour and clinical stage. Overall, 41 (58%) carcinomas stained with anti-bcl-2 (DAKO-124) monoclonal antibody, By histologic type, these lesions included 11 (42.3%) of 26 seminomas (S) and 30 (68.18%) of 44 non seminomatous germ cell testicular tumors (NSGCT). The incidence of bcl-2 immunostaining was higher (P = 0.05, two-tailed, Fisher's test) in NSGCT than in seminomas. Bcl-2 expression was higher in tumors from metastatic patients than in tumors from metastatic-free patient (p = 0). There was a significant difference between the three stages of disease as to the expression of bcl-2 (chi 2 = 0). High level of bcl-2 was clearly dominant in tumors of advanced stages. The present finding revealed that bcl-2 expression occurs in GCTTs. Further, they suggested that bcl-2 is associated with a more progressed malignant phenotype in these tumors.

Expression of bcl-2 in testicular carcinoma: correlation with tumor progression and MDR1/Pgp

BACKGROUND

The expression of bcl-2 has been studied extensively in a variety of human tumors. However, there is a lack of clinical data regarding its expression in germ cell testicular tumors (GCTTs).

METHODS

In this study, the authors screened 70 patients with GCTTs for bcl-2 expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the streptavidin-biotin-alkaline phosphatase method. This expression was also correlated with the metastatic behavior, clinical stages, and multidrug resistance gene product protein (MDR1/Pgp) immunostaining of GCTTs.

RESULTS

Overall, 41 carcinomas (58%) stained positively with anti-bcl-2 monoclonal antibody. According to histologic type, these lesions with positive staining included 11 of 26 seminomas (42.3%) and 30 of 44 nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumors (NSGCTs) (68%). The incidence of bcl-2 immunostaining was higher (P = 0.05, two-tailed Fisher's exact test) among NSGCTs than among seminomas. The expression of bcl-2 was more prevalent among tumors from patients with metastases than among tumors from metastasis free patients (P = 0.000). There was a significant difference between the three stages of disease in the expression of bcl-2 (chi2 = 0.000), i.e., bcl-2 expression was clearly dominant among tumors at advanced stages. A significant association between bcl-2 and Pgp immunostaining was established (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings revealed that bcl-2 expression occurs in GCTTs. Furthermore, they suggest that bcl-2 is associated with a more advanced malignant phenotype of this tumor.

Drug resistance and sensitivity of germ cell testicular tumors: evaluation of clinical relevance of MDR1/Pgp, p53, and metallothionein (MT) proteins

BACKGROUND

Although in vitro and clinical studies indicate that overexpression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), p53, or metallothionein (MT) is involved in modulating drug resistance/sensitivity of cancer cells, the clinical relevance of the overexpression remains to be elucidated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this paper the expression and clinical value of Pgp, p53, and MT were evaluated immunohistochemically in 77 specimens of germ cell testicular tumors (GCT). We also studied the interrelationship(s) between the investigated markers.

RESULTS

Pgp positivity correlated with cancers of advanced stages (P = 0.000). p53 and MT immunostaining does not predict a poor response to chemotherapy, but rather is correlated to a favorable clinical outcome (P = 0.001, P = 0.00006 respectively). We obtained an inverse association between Pgp and p53 (P = 0.0005), and positive strong association between p53 and MT immunoreactivity (P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results in patients with germ cell testicular tumors we assume that the poor clinical outcome seen in certain Pgp positive tumors is the consequence of Pgp association with a more progressive malignant phenotype, rather than its role in multidrug resistance (MDR). p53 and MT immunoreactivity predicts a better response rate to chemotherapy, wheres tumors lacking or demonstrating low MT and or p53 expression show a worse prognosis.

Letrozole, a new oral aromatase inhibitor: randomised trial comparing 2.5 mg daily, 0.5 mg daily and aminoglutethimide in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer. Letrozole International Trial Group (AR/BC3)

BACKGROUND

The study compares letrozole and aminoglutethimide (AG), a standard therapy for postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer, previously treated with antioestrogens.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

555 women were randomly assigned letrozole 2.5 mg once daily (n = 185), letrozole 0.5 mg once daily (n = 192) or aminoglutethimide 250 mg twice daily with corticosteroid support (n = 178) in an open-label, multicentre trial. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), with time events as secondary. ORR was analysed nine months after enrollment of the last patient, while survival was analysed 15 months after the last patient was enrolled. We report the results of these analyses plus an extended period of observation (covering a total duration of approximately 45 months) to determine the duration of response and clinical benefit.

RESULTS

Overall objective response rates (complete + partial) of 19.5%, 16.7% and 12.4% were seen for letrozole 2.5 mg, 0.5 mg and AG respectively. Median duration of response and stable disease was longest for letrozole 2.5 mg (21 months) compared with letrozole 0.5 mg (18 months) and AG (14 months). Letrozole 2.5 mg was superior to AG in time to progression, time to treatment failure and overall survival. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in fewer patients on letrozole (33%) than on AG (46%). Transient nausea was the most frequent event with letrozole (7% on 0.5 mg, 10% on 2.5 mg, 10% on AG), rash with AG (11%, 1% on 0.5 mg, 3% on 2.5 mg letrozole).

CONCLUSIONS

Letrozole 2.5 mg offers longer disease control than aminoglutethimide and letrozole 0.5 mg in the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer, previously treated with anti-oestrogens.

Differential expression of glutathione S-transferases in germ cell tumors of human testes

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoenzymes alfa, mu and pi were assessed by Western blotting in normal testes, seminomas and non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). GST alfa and mu were strongly expressed in all normal specimens (n = 6), the pi isoform, however, could not or barely be detected. Ten (92%) of 11 seminomas had GST pi and only 2 (16%) showed alfa expression. In contrast, twelve (80%) of 15 NSGCTs showed a significant level of GST alfa and only 2 (13%) had GST pi expression. The absence or paucity of mu isoform was characteristic for all neoplastic testicular tissues. A statistically significant relationship (P = 0.021) could be established between GST alfa and stages of disease, i.e., alfa isoform was prevalent in the later stage (IIB, III) NSGCT tumors. These results suggest that the poor prognosis of the later stage NSGCTs may be due to their high GST alfa content, while the GST pi does not seem to have role in this relation.

Filgrastim during combination chemotherapy of patients with poor-prognosis metastatic germ cell malignancy. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Genito-Urinary Group, and the Medical Research Council Testicular Cancer Working Party, Cambridge, United Kingdom

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of r-metHu granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on the proportion of patients with metastatic poor-prognosis malignant germ cell tumors who receive full dose-intensity combination chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a phase III study patients received six cycles of BEP/EP (etoposide, and cisplatin, plus or minus bleomycin) or six cycles of BOP/VIP-B (bleomycin, vincristine, cisplatin/etoposide, ifosfamide, cisplatin, bleomycin). A subset were secondarily randomized to receive or not receive filgrastim. Filgrastim 5 microg/kg/day was administered subcutaneously on days 3 through 9 after each BOP and on days 6 through 19 after each VIP, BEP, or EP cycle.

RESULTS

Eighty-five percent of 120 eligible patients randomized to filgrastim received at least six chemotherapy cycles compared with 70% of 130 patients randomized to not receive filgrastim (VCP = .003). Patients in the filgrastim-arm achieved significantly higher dose-intensities. Neutropenic fever occurred in 25 of 128 filgrastim-patients and in 38 of 129 non-filgrastim-patients (P = .052). Twelve and three toxic deaths occurred in the non-filgrastim- and filgrastim-arms, respectively. Nine of the 12 toxic deaths and all of the three toxic deaths were associated with febrile grade 4 neutropenia. Failure-free and overall survival were similar in both arms.

CONCLUSION

During combination chemotherapy in patients with malignant germ cell tumors, the routine use of filgrastim significantly improved the delivery of the planned treatment schedule without effect on failure-free or overall survival. The use of filgrastim was associated with a clinically important reduction in the number of toxic deaths, confined to the experimental intensified-chemotherapy schedule. This study does not support the routine use of filgrastim during standard chemotherapy with BEP.

Intensive induction-sequential chemotherapy with BOP/VIP-B compared with treatment with BEP/EP for poor-prognosis metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumor: a Randomized Medical Research Council/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer study

PURPOSE

The aim of this randomized trial was to assess the potential therapeutic advantage of an intensive induction-sequential chemotherapy schedule (bleomycin, vincristine, cisplatin [BOP])/etoposide, ifosfamide, cisplatin, and bleomycin [VIP-B]), compared with a regimen based on bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) (BEP/etoposide and cisplatin [EP]) for the treatment of patients with poor-prognosis metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients had one or more of the following: a retroperitoneal mass > or = 10 cm in diameter; mediastinal or supraclavicular mass > or = 5 cm in diameter; at least 20 lung metastases (any size); liver, bone, or brain metastases; and serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (betaHCG) > or = 10,000 IU/L or alfa fetoprotein (AFP) > or = 1,000 IU/L. A total of 380 patients were accrued between May 1990 and June 1994 into this joint Medical Research Council (MRC)/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) trial; of these, nine patients were deemed ineligible.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two arms in the proportion of patients who achieved a complete response (CR) with chemotherapy alone, ie, 79 of 185 assessable patients (57%) with BEP/EP and 72 of 186 (54%) with BOP/VIP-B (P = 0.687). With a median follow-up of 3.1 years (maximum, 5.8), a total of 107 patients (28%) had progressive disease. There was no significant difference in time to first disease progression, or failure-free or overall survival between the two arms (P = 0.21, 0.101, and 0.190, respectively). The 1-year failure-free survival rates for BEP/EP and BOP/VIP-B were 60% (95% confidence interval [CI], 53% to 67%) and 53% (95% CI, 47% to 61%). Grade 3 or 4 myelosuppression, febrile neutropenia, and weight loss were more pronounced with BOP/VIP-B than with BEP/EP, and there were more toxic deaths with BOP/VIP-B than BEP/EP (18 [9%] v nine [5%]).

CONCLUSION

The intensive BOP/VIP-B therapy was associated with more toxicity, but there was no evidence of an improvement in response rate or survival compared with treatment with BEP/EP.

Do metallothioneins affect the response to treatment in testis cancers?

PURPOSE

Data on the involvement of elevated metallothionein (MT) expression in resistance to some of the commonly used anticancer treatments are scattered and conflicting. This encouraged us to examine further the contribution of metallothionein expression to the development of this resistance phenotype.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks of primary untreated germ cell testicular tumor specimens, obtained from 77 patients following radical orchiectomy, were examined for their MT expression using monoclonal antibody and immunohistochemistry. Clinical staging, the chemotherapeutic schedule and evaluation of response to treatment (defining objective response) were performed according to UICC criteria.

RESULTS

All tumor types, including seminomas and nonseminomas, expressed MT, regardless of their histology and clinical stage. The immunoreactivity of MT showed a significant positive correlation with the clinical sensitivity of cancer to antitumor therapy (P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with germ cell testicular tumors, high MT expression, as detected by immunohistochemistry, predicts a better response rate to chemotherapy whereas tumors lacking or demonstrating low MT expression show a worse prognosis. These data do not support the hypothesis that MT overexpression contributes to cisplatinum resistance, at least in this tumor type.

Significance of examination of prostate-specific antigen and prostate-specific antigen density in patients with prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer

Authors investigated PSA concentration and preoperative prostate volume in 113 histologically proved BPH and 31 prostatic cancer patients. PSA concentration was measured with the Hybritech kit, the prostate volume by ultrasound with the help of an ellipse and calculated by computer. There was no correlation between the age of patients and volume of the prostate, whereas a correlation was proved between marker concentration and prostate volume (p < 0.0001). The difference obtained by the correlation of the prostate volume and the PSA concentration ratio between the BPH and 31 tumorous patients (PSA density) was highly significant (0.143 vs. 0.699, p < 0.001). The use of PSAD further improves the diagnostic value of PSA.

Is p53 expression, detected by immunohistochemistry, an important parameter of response to treatment in testis cancer?

BACKGROUND

Several prior studies revealed positive p53 expression via immunohistochemistry (IHC) in a large percentage of germ cell testicular cancers (GCTTs). However, the predicting and prognostic value of this protein remains to be defined. Therefore, the aim of our study was to further clarify the role of p53 protein in GCTTs and to look for correlations between its gene expression and other disease parameters, including histological subtype, stage and clinical resistance sensitivity. Furthermore, we correlated p53 protein expression with that of MDRI gene product protein (Pgp) in order to examine the interrelationship between these two markers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

77 untreated patients with GCTTs were investigated for their p53 expression using monoclonal antibody and immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded specimens. There were 34 patients with stage I, 16 with stage II, 27 with stage III disease.

RESULTS

All tumor types, except differentiated teratomas, were immunoreactive for p53 to a various extent ranging from scarcely positive to homogeneously stained tumor cells. Seminomas (S) and embryonal carcinoma (EC) components showed the most positive nuclear staining. p53 expression showed a significant inverse correlation with the stage of disease (P < 0.0003). There was a significant positive relationship between p53 immunoreactivity and response to treatment (P = 0.0012), i.e. high levels of p53 expression correlated with clinical sensitivity of the tumors to chemotherapy. We could demonstrate a statistically significant opposite relationship between p53 and Pgp immunoreactivity (P < 0.0005).

CONCLUSION

Our results show that p53 status in tumor cells may be a strong determinate of susceptibility to chemotherapy and that p53 overexpression has a favorable prognosis in terms of response to treatment in GCTTs. Moreover, the findings provide clinical evidence for the presense of significant relationship between p53 and MDR1/Pgp immunoreactivity. They also suggest that patients resistant to chemotherapy and lacking p53 expression might benefit from an alternative appropriately designed chemotherapeutic regimen to achieve further successful treatment in GCTTs.

[Metallothionein expression as a marker of therapeutic sensitivity in the early stages of testicular cancer]

Data concerning the involvement of elevated metallothionein (MT) expression in drug resistance are obviously scattered and contrasting. The presence of the MT gene product protein was screened in 51 untreated human germ cell testicular tumours, furthermore a relationship between MT expression and clinical resistance was investigated. Using monoclonal antibody and immunoenzyme staining elevated MT level could be demonstrated in nuclei and cytoplasm of both seminomas and non seminomatous germ cell testis tumours. Thirty-one tumours (61%) showed extensive, 15 (29%) focal positive staining. In contrast teratomas expressed this antigen negatively or scarcely. The highest level of MT was stated in early stages (I, IIA) compared with progressed stages (IIB, III) (p = 0.0004). Between the high level of MT and clinical resistance a converse correlation could be shown because the resistant tumours expressed no or low, while the sensitive tumours significantly high level of MT protein which can be used as an useful marker to identify patient subgroups sensitive to anticancer therapy, at least in testis tumours.

Multidrug resistance of testis cancers: the study of clinical relevance of P-glycoprotein expression

Germ cell testicular tumors (GCTTs) are very sensitive to anticancer treatment. However some patients ultimately die of their disease due to tumor resistance. Multidrug resistance is mediated by the mdr1 gene product P-glycoprotein (P-gp) which is one important mechanism of drug resistance. This study attempted to examine the correlation between P-gp and tumor progression and to evaluate the clinical relevance of P-gp immunoreactivity in patients with GCTT. Expression of the P-glycoprotein was screened in 48 primary human GCTTs, that have not been treated with chemotherapy, using monoclonal antibody (C219) and immunoenzyme staining. Of the samples from 14 seminomatous germ cell testicular tumors (SGCT, 2 seminomas (14%), and of 34 non-seminomatous tumors (NSGCT) 18 (53%) showed high expression of P-glycoprotein. This difference proved to be significant (P = 0.006). The expression of P-gp showed a statistically significant positive correlation with cancers of advanced stages (P = 0.003) and cancers that showed resistance to chemotherapy (P = 0.0052). Detection of P-gp expression in patients with GCTTs before the application of anti-cancer treatment can be used as a useful prognostic marker to isolate patient subgroups with worse prognosis and less susceptibility to chemotherapy.

[Correlation between p-53 expression and clinical resistance in testicular cancer]

One of the most common cellular gene which negatively regulates the cell cycle, thus functioning as tumour suppressor gene, is the p-53 gene. The presence of this mutated gene has been correlated with, the aggressiveness of several malignant neoplasmas. Expression of the p-53 gene product protein was screened in 55 untreated human germ cell testicular tumours, furthermore a relationship between p-53 expression and clinical resistance was investigated. Using monoclonal antibody and immunoenzyme staining elevated p-53 level could be demonstrated in nuclei of embryonal carcinoma (84%) and seminoma components (56%). Most of the choriocarcinoma cases showed positive staining. Teratomas expressed this antigen negatively or scarcely. In seminomas the highest level of p-53 was stated in stage I. In contrast the opposite tendency could be demonstrated in embryonal carcinomas where p-53 was ++ positive in stage III. Between the high level of p-53 and clinical resistance a converse correlation could be stated because the resistant tumours expressed no or low, the sensitive tumours high level of p-53 protein (P 0.01). These results suggest that elevated p-53 expression could be a prognostic marker of sensitivity in testis cancer.