COVID-19, Social Justice, and Clinical Cancer Research

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and related socioeconomic events have markedly changed the environment in which cancer clinical trials are conducted. These events have resulted in a substantial, immediate-term decrease in accrual to both diagnostic and therapeutic cancer investigations as well as substantive alterations in patterns of oncologic care. The sponsors of clinical trials, including the US National Cancer Institute, as well as the cancer centers and community oncology practices that conduct such studies, have all markedly adapted their models of care, usage of healthcare personnel, and regulatory requirements in the attempt to continue clinical cancer investigations while maintaining high levels of patient safety. In doing so, major changes in clinical trials practice have been embraced nationwide. There is a growing consensus that the regulatory and clinical research process alterations that have been adopted in response to the pandemic (such as the use of telemedicine visits to reduce patient travel requirements and the application of remote informed consent procedures) should be implemented long term. The COVID-19 outbreak has also refocused the oncologic clinical trials community on the need to bring clinical trials closer to patients by dramatically enhancing clinical trial access, especially for minority and underserved communities that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. In this commentary, changes to the program of clinical trials supported by the National Cancer Institute that could improve clinical trial availability, effectiveness, and diversity are proposed.

Abstract CT099: DNA damage response and therapeutic activity following once-daily administration of the Wee 1 inhibitor AZD1775 (adavosertib)

Background:

Wee1 tyrosine kinase phosphorylates and inactivates cyclin dependent kinase (Cdk) 1 as part of DNA damage response (DDR) signaling, resulting in G2 cell cycle arrest to enable DNA repair. We are conducting a Phase I study of oral Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors using twice-daily (Arm A) and once-daily (Arm B) dosing. Results for Arm A were published previously. Here, we report updated pharmacodynamic (PD), pharmacokinetic (PK), and clinical response results for Arm B.

Methods:

In Arm B, AZD1775 was administered once daily on days 1-5 and 8-12 of each 21-day cycle in a 3+3 design. Primary objectives were to establish safety, tolerability, PK, and MTD. Secondary objectives included determining PD effects on DDR markers in tumor tissue and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and tumor response (RECIST 1.1).

Post-treatment PD effects were established in Arm A. Given the importance of sustained molecular target control in maximizing targeted therapy efficacy, paired tumor biopsies in Arm B were obtained at baseline and day 8 (pre-dose) to assess durability of Wee1 inhibition and downstream PD effects. Immunofluorescence assays were used to measure target inhibition (pY15-Cdk1/2) and DDR markers (e.g., γH2AX).

Results:

Arm B included 42 pts; of the 34 evaluable for response, 6 (18%) had a partial response (PR; 4 ovarian, 2 endometrial), and 20 (59%) had stable disease (SD; 2-26 cycles, mean 7). Of 10 evaluable BRCA-deficient pts, 2 had a PR (20%) and 6 had SD (60%; mean: 7.17 cycles). AZD1775 was well-tolerated, as previously reported.

Three of 11 paired biopsies had elevated baseline pY15-Cdk (8-23% nuclear area positive [NAP]) and showed persistence of target suppression following the dosing break during days 6-8. Of the 8 pts with low baseline pY15-Cdk (0-3% NAP), 5 had elevated pY15-Cdk levels at day 8 (range: 192-1094%), suggesting a target rebound effect. Of the 8 pts with elevated pY15-CdK at baseline or day 8, 4 (50%) achieved a PR. Day 8 γH2AX activation was detected for 3 pts, all who progressed within 2 cycles.

Preliminary PK data revealed low plasma drug concentrations at day 8 pre-dose (55 ± 50 nM; n = 4) relative to peak levels at day 5 (1697 ± 1062 nM; n = 9).

Conclusions:

Daily AZD1775 exhibits antitumor activity in pts with both BRCA-proficient and -deficient ovarian and endometrial cancer. Responses amongst pts with elevated pY15-Cdk levels at baseline or day 8 provide additional clinical/PD evidence for the presumed mechanism of action of AZ1775 on the cell cycle and suggest that levels of pY15-Cdk may be an important correlate of response. In contrast, γH2AX activation on day 8 demonstrates the presence of drug-induced DNA double strand breaks that are not associated with clinical drug activity. PK data confirmed substantially reduced plasma AZD1775 concentrations at day 8. Ongoing genomic and CTC analyses may uncover additional molecular determinants of response.

NCT01748825. Supported in part by NCI Contract HHSN261200800001E.

Citation Format: Arjun Mittra, Geraldine O'Sullivan Coyne, Shivaani Kummar, Khanh Do, Ashley Bruns, Lamin Juwara, Richard Piekarz, Larry Rubinstein, Sheila Prindiville, Elad Sharon, Howard Streicher, Tiffaney Hsia, Ganesh Mugundu, Jiuping Ji, Deborah Wilsker, Angie B. Dull, Brandon Miller, Robert J. Kinders, Ralph Parchment, James H. Doroshow, Alice P. Chen, Naoko Takebe. DNA damage response and therapeutic activity following once-daily administration of the Wee 1 inhibitor AZD1775 (adavosertib) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT099.

Abstract 1757: Patterns of clonal chromosomal aberrations in invasive breast cancer compared to adjacent DCIS lesions detected by a ten-probe FISH panel

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) refers to lesions with malignant epithelial cells that have not invaded the surrounding stroma. These lesions are confined to the ducts of the breast. It is thought that DCIS represents a stage that precedes invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). However the linkage between these two lesions is still obscure.

In order to analyze the patterns of genetic alterations as an approach to understand the correlation between DCIS and IDC, we developed four panels of FISH probes consisting of a total of eight gene specific probes and two centromeric probes and conducted a systematic FISH evaluation of breast tumor specimens containing both lesions. The gene probes tested for oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes specific for breast tumorigenesis while the centromeric probes were included to reflect and adjust for the ploidy of the cells.

Objectives

Determine gain and loss patterns of the oncogene and tumor suppressor gene probes within DCIS and IDC Compare similarities in the genetic make-up of DCIS and corresponding IDC lesions from the same case Characterize clonal evolution from DCIS lesions to IDC

The database of the “Breast Susceptibility Study” conducted at the Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland was searched for patients whose pathology reports were positive for breast carcinoma with neighboring DCIS. Archived paraffin blocks were analyzed by a pathologist for the presence of invasive cancer and DCIS. Representative areas were marked on thick sections. The material was micro-dissected and disintegrated using the Hedley method. The resulting single cell suspensions were cytospun onto slides. The best cytospin for each lesion was. hybridized with four FISH probe panels subsequently. An Imaging relocation software allowed us to assess the same cells for all four sets of probes. For each lesion, manual counting of 150-200 nuclei was performed and tabulated into an excel spreadsheet to allow analysis of signal patterns. In collaboration with NCBI, algorithms were developed to compare clonal patterns.

Preliminary data show that there are often major clones both in the DCIS and the IDC that present strong similarities to each other. However, the clones can differ in specific gains or losses of the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes tested. The signals depicted in the table represent an attempt to delineate major clones within the DCIS and IDC populations.

This study will improve our understanding of the molecular events that are involved in the progression from pre-invasive to invasive cancer and may lead to the development of prognostic biomarkers that can predict this transition.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1757.

The influence of a gene expression profile on breast cancer decisions

PURPOSE

The Oncotype Dx Recurrence Score (RS), is often employed in patients with estrogen receptor-positive, node negative (ER+LN-) breast cancer. We investigated the impact of the RS on actual chemotherapy administration and the effect of the assay on a panel of breast oncology experts.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The prospective adjuvant chemotherapy recommendations (prior to RS) and actual adjuvant therapy (after RS) for consecutive patients with ER+LN- breast cancer were recorded. After 6 months and with the same information, a panel of five experts made adjuvant therapy recommendations with and without RS and rated the strength of their recommendations. Rates of panel consensus, recommendation changes, and changes in recommendation strength were compared.

RESULTS

There were 29 patients (28 women). RS results altered the plan for chemotherapy in 9 patients (31%); 7 of 13 patients (54%) initially recommended for chemotherapy did not receive it, and 2 of 16 (13%) received chemotherapy following initial recommendations against it. RS results changed the panel's chemotherapy recommendation in 7 patients (24%): 5 of 12 (42%) recommendations for changed to against, and 2 of 17 (12%) recommendations against changed to for chemotherapy. RS increased consensus by the panel 10%, but did not increase the reported strength in chemotherapy recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

RS results were associated with real-world decision changes in 31% of patients and 24% of panel recommendations and increased panel consensus by 10%. However RS did not increase the strength of panelist's recommendations.

Effect of exemestane on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer

Abstract #5086

Background: The aromatase inhibitors (AIs) show promise for breast cancer prevention in postmenopausal women. However these agents have been shown to decrease bone mineral density in women with breast cancer. Exemestane, a steroidal aromatase inhibitor, may be more bone sparing than the non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors.
 Methods: We conducted a phase II trial of exemestane in postmenopausal women at increased risk of breast cancer to assess the effect on anterior-posterior (AP) spine and total hip bone mineral density (BMD). Eligible participants are at increased risk for breast cancer by virtue of: Gail model risk > 1.7% over 5 years; high risk pathological lesion (e.g. lobular neoplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ); known BRCA1/2 deleterious mutation or prior stage I/II breast cancer at least 2 years from breast cancer treatment and not treated with AIs. Women were required to undergo DEXA scan of the AP spine and hip at baseline and were excluded if AP spine T-score was ≤-2.5. AP spine measurements were done twice at each time point and the results averaged. Study participants receive exemestane 25 mg, calcium carbonate 1200 mg and vitamin D 400 IU daily for two years. We report the results of a planned interim safety analysis assessing one year change in bone density in the first 18 subjects. Student's t-test was used to determine relative change from baseline in AP spine and total hip BMD.
 Results: To date, 30 women have enrolled in the trial and 21 have completed 1 year of exemestane. Three women discontinued agent after an average of 3 months due to joint pain. For the 21 included in this analysis 15 were eligible due to a high risk pathological lesion, 4 by Gail Model and 2 by prior breast cancers. The average change in AP spine BMD from baseline to 1 year (N= 21) is –1.3 %, range -10.0 to +7.0% (p=0.20 for the null hypothesis of zero overall change; 95% C.I. for the mean -3.2% to +0.7%). Average AP spine T score is -0.28 at baseline and -0.45 at one year. Change in total hip BMD is -1.4%, range -7.5% to 5.9% (p=0.058, 95% C.I. -2.8% to +0.1%). Average total hip T score is -0.05 at baseline and -0.17 at one year.
 Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that exemestane 25 mg/day for one year with concurrent calcium and vitamin D has acceptable effects on bone density in postmenopausal high risk women, although there were wide ranges in effects. The observed average reduction in BMD is less than the reported effect in treatment studies of women with invasive breast cancer. Studies are in progress to determine whether exemestane use by postmenopausal women is effective in reducing the risk of invasive breast cancer.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 5086.

Effect of raloxifene on mammographic density and breast magnetic resonance imaging in premenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Mammographic density is a risk factor for breast cancer. Mammographic density and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volume (MRIV) assess the amount of fibroglandular tissue in the breast. Mammographic density and MRIV can be modulated with hormonal interventions, suggesting that these imaging modalities may be useful as surrogate endpoint biomarkers for breast cancer chemoprevention trials. We evaluated the effect of raloxifene on mammographic density and MRIV in premenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer.

METHODS

Mammograms and MRI were obtained at baseline and after 1 and 2 years of 60 mg raloxifene by mouth daily for 27 premenopausal women. Mammographic percent dense area was calculated using a semiquantitative thresholding technique. T(1)-weighted spoiled gradient-echo MRI with fat suppression was used to determine breast MRIV using a semiautomatic method. Mean change in mammographic density and median change in MRIV were assessed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

No significant change in mammographic density was seen after treatment with raloxifene. Mean change after 1 year was 1% [95% confidence interval (95% CI), -3 to +5] and after 2 years was 1% (95% CI, -2 to +5). MRIV decreased on raloxifene. Median relative change in MRIV after 1 year was -17% (95% CI, -28 to -9; P = 0.0017) and after 2 years was -16% (95% CI, -31 to -4; P = 0.0004).

CONCLUSIONS

In high-risk premenopausal women, mammographic density did not change on raloxifene, whereas MRIV significantly declined. Our findings suggest that MRIV is a promising surrogate biomarker in premenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer and should be investigated further in breast cancer prevention trials.

The effect of raloxifene on breast MRI volume in premenopausal women at increased risk for invasive breast cancer

1518

Background: Breast MRI volume (MRIV) and mammographic density (MD) assess the amount of fibroglandular tissue in the breast. While increased MD is associated with a 4 to 6 fold increase in breast cancer risk, the association between MRIV and breast cancer is unknown. Previous studies have shown that MRIV and MD can be modulated with hormonal interventions. We evaluated the effect of raloxifene on MRIV in premenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer. We have previously reported that raloxifene did not change MD in this cohort. Raloxifene is indicated for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis but not for prevention of breast cancer or for use in premenopausal women. Methods: Premenopausal women at increased risk by virtue of: Gail model risk > 1.7% over 5 years; lobular neoplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ, BRCA1/2 mutation positive, or a very strong family history were eligible for this phase II chemoprevention study. MRIs obtained at baseline and after two years on raloxifene 60 mg daily, and one year after discontinuing the drug were evaluated.T1 weighted spoiled gradient-echo MRI with fat suppression was used to determine volume using a semiautomatic method, after visual verification. Median relative change in MRIV was assessed by the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: 19 of 30 subjects who started study drug had breast MRI at baseline and after 2 years on raloxifene; median relative change was -16% (range -57 to +25%) (p=0.0004). 17 subjects had MRI at year 2 and one year after stopping drug. No significant change in MRIV was observed after stopping raloxifene, median relative change -9% (p=0.64). Conclusions: MRIV significantly declined while on raloxifene. In contrast no significant change in percent mammographic density in this same cohort was seen. Our findings suggest that MRIV may be a better surrogate biomarker than MD in premenopausal women at risk for breast cancer because of less variation in its measurement. MRIV should be further evaluated as a potential surrogate biomarker in prevention studies.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Evolution of the Colored Eco-Genetic Relationship Map (CEGRM) for Assessing Social Functioning in Women in Hereditary Breast-Ovarian (HBOC) Families

The CEGRM was initially conceived as a simple, concise, visual representation of the social interaction domains of information, tangible services and emotional exchanges (Kenen, R., & Peters, J. (2001). J Genet Counsel, 10, 289-309). A blend of the genetic pedigree, genogram, and ecomap, the CEGRM was developed to facilitate contemporary genetic counseling goals. An exploratory pilot study of 20 subjects showed that it was feasible, comfortable and efficiently accomplished, and that the process was useful both for assessment and as an intervention with study participants (Peters, J. A., Kenen, R., Giusti, R., Loud, J., Weissman, N., & Greene, M. H. (2004). Am J Med Genet Part A, 130A, 258-264). Subsequently, we have extended the CEGRM to 150 women from hereditary breast/ovarian cancer (HBOC) families; three different investigators have successfully administered this tool. The preliminary findings from the exploratory study were confirmed in the larger sample. Engaging in the interactive, insight-promoting CEGRM process provides a novel tool for assessing the social context of genetic testing, and helping high-risk women better understand and integrate genetic information into their personal and family identities, health beliefs, and decisions.

Lack of association between sputum atypia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mortality

HYPOTHESIS

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer are thought to share common elements in pathogenesis. The authors hypothesized that sputum atypia would reflect the processes leading to progressive airflow obstruction and might be a novel biomarker of more rapidly progressive COPD.

METHODS

The authors analyzed the association between COPD death and sputum cytologic atypia in an ongoing cohort of 2013 smokers with varying degrees of airflow obstruction during the period between January 1, 1993, and July 1, 2001.

RESULTS

There were 326 deaths attributed to COPD over 4495 person-years, giving a COPD death rate of 7.25 deaths per 100 person-years, which is highly elevated compared with fewer than 0.2 COPD deaths per 100 person-years for the United States population aged between 65 and 74 years. Sputum atypia was not associated with either the degree of airflow obstruction or death from COPD. COPD death was associated with age and degree of airflow obstruction, as expected.

CONCLUSION

Sputum cytologic atypia is not predictive of death from COPD. As sputum cytologic grades of moderate or worse atypia are associated with a significant increase in the risk for lung cancer and do not denote a group with increased competing death rates from COPD, patients with sputum atypia are a good high risk group in whom chemoprevention and early detection studies can be conducted.

Risk factors for advanced colonic neoplasia and hyperplastic polyps in asymptomatic individuals

CONTEXT

Knowledge of risk factors for colorectal neoplasia could inform risk reduction strategies for asymptomatic individuals. Few studies have evaluated risk factors for advanced colorectal neoplasia in asymptomatic individuals, compared risk factors between persons with and without polyps, or included most purported risk factors in a multivariate analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine risk factors associated with advanced colorectal neoplasia in a cohort of asymptomatic persons with complete colonoscopy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Prospective, cross-sectional study of 3121 asymptomatic patients aged 50 to 75 years from 13 Veterans Affairs medical centers conducted between February 1994 and January 1997. All participants had complete colonoscopy to determine the prevalence of advanced neoplasia, defined as an adenoma that was 10 mm or more in diameter, a villous adenoma, an adenoma with high-grade dysplasia, or invasive cancer. Variables examined included history of first-degree relative with colorectal cancer, prior cholecystectomy, serum cholesterol level, physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, and dietary factors.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

An age-adjusted analysis was performed for each variable to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) associated with having advanced neoplasia compared with having no polyps. We developed a multivariate logistic regression model to identify the most informative risk factors. A secondary analysis examined risk factors for having hyperplastic polyps compared with having no polyps and compared with having advanced neoplasia.

RESULTS

Three hundred twenty-nine participants had advanced neoplasia and 1441 had no polyps. In multivariate analyses, we found positive associations for history of a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.16-2.35), current smoking (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.33-2.58), and current moderate to heavy alcohol use (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03). Inverse associations were found for cereal fiber intake (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99), vitamin D intake (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90-0.99), and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48-0.91). In the univariate analysis, the inverse association was found with cereal fiber intake greater than 4.2 g/d, vitamin D intake greater than 645 IU/d, and daily use of NSAIDs. Marginal factors included physical activity, daily multivitamin use, and intake of calcium and fat derived from red meat. No association was found for body mass index, prior cholecystectomy, or serum cholesterol level. Three hundred ninety-one patients had hyperplastic polyps as the worst lesion found at colonoscopy. Risk variables were similar to those for patients with no polyps, except that past and current smoking were associated with an increased risk of hyperplastic polyps.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data endorse several important risk factors for advanced colonic neoplasia and provide a rationale for prudent risk reduction strategies. Further study is needed to determine if lifestyle changes can moderate the risk of colorectal cancer.

A phase I/II trial of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and gemcitabine in untreated patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Paclitaxel and carboplatin is widely used in the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, median survival remains < 1 year. One strategy to improve survival is to add a third active drug with a differing mechanism of action. Gemcitabine is a novel antimetabolite with considerable activity in NSCLC. The primary objective of this Phase I/II study was to determine the maximally tolerated dose of gemcitabine administered with fixed doses of paclitaxel and carboplatin in untreated patients with advanced NSCLC.

Angiogenic squamous dysplasia in bronchi of individuals at high risk for lung cancer

Lung carcinogenesis is assumed to be a multistep process, but detailed understanding of the sequential morphological and molecular changes preceding invasive lung cancer remains elusive. To better understand early lung carcinogenesis, we initiated a program of fluorescence bronchoscopy in smokers at high risk for lung cancer. In the bronchial biopsies from these subjects, we observed a unique lesion consisting of capillary blood vessels closely juxtaposed to and projecting into metaplastic or dysplastic squamous bronchial epithelium, angiogenic squamous dysplasia (ASD). Serial sections of the capillary projections confirmed that they represent intramucosal capillary loops. Microvessel density in ASD was elevated in comparison to normal mucosa (P = 0.0003) but not in comparison to other forms of hyperplasia or dysplasia. ASD thus represents a qualitatively distinct form of angiogenesis in which there is architectural rearrangement of the capillary microvasculature. Genetic analysis of surface epithelium in a random subset of lesions revealed loss of heterozygosity at chromosome 3p in 53% of ASD lesions. No confirmed p53 mutations were identified. Compared with normal epithelium, proliferative activity was markedly elevated in ASD lesions. ASD occurred in 54 of 158 (34%) high-risk smokers without carcinoma and in 6 of 10 patients with squamous carcinoma who underwent fluorescence bronchoscopy. One early-stage invasive carcinoma was noteworthy for the occurrence of ASD juxtaposed to invasive tumor. Seventy-seven (59%) of the ASD lesions were detected by abnormal fluorescence alone. Twenty bronchial sites (11 patients) were rebiopsied 1 year after the initial diagnosis. At nine (45%) of these sites, the lesion was found to persist. The lesion was not present in biopsies from 16 normal nonsmoker control subjects. The presence of this lesion in high-risk smokers suggests that aberrant patterns of microvascularization may occur at an early stage of bronchial carcinogenesis.

Screening for lung cancer revisited and the role of sputum cytology and fluorescence bronchoscopy in a high-risk group

Lung cancer is an epidemic disease that is underrepresented in the research funding for early detection and chemoprevention arenas. Screening programs have been discouraged for both financial and political reasons. Yet, increasing evidence suggests that screening and early detection may improve outcome in lung cancer. Sputum cytology examination has been shown in several studies to lead to detection of lung cancer at an earlier stage, resulting in an improved 5-year survival rate. Monoclonal antibody detection, fluorescence bronchoscopy, and low-dose spiral CT increase diagnostic sensitivity and improve the ability to localize early-stage lesions. Utilizing these new techniques and improving the definition of high-risk groups may improve the success and cost-effectiveness of early detection based on sputum cytology. The ultimate goal of improving long-term survival in lung cancer will be achieved only when cancer can be detected in its early stages and lesions can be localized in large numbers. Advances in the last 15 years offer an encouraging vision for the value of early detection and effective treatment for lung cancer.

Pilot trial of the safety, tolerability, and retinoid levels of N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide in combination with tamoxifen in patients at high risk for developing invasive breast cancer

PURPOSE

N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (¿4-HPR, Fenretinide; R.W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Springhouse, PA) and tamoxifen (TAM) have synergistic antitumor and chemopreventive activity against mammary cancer in preclinical studies. We performed a pilot study of this combination in women at high risk for developing breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-two women were treated with four cycles of 4-HPR, 200 mg orally (PO) for 25 days of each 28-day cycle, and TAM, 20 mg PO once daily for 23 months beginning after 1 month of 4-HPR alone. Tolerability, dark adaptometry, tissue biopsies, and retinoid plasma concentrations (Cp) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Symptomatic reversible nyctalopia developed in two patients (6%) on 4-HPR, but 16 (73%) of 22 patients had reversible changes in dark adaptation, which correlated with relative decrease in Cp retinol (P </=.01). Four patients stopped treatment for side effects, and 84% of patients had hot flashes. Other commonly reported (grade </= 2) reversible toxicities included skin and ocular dryness, fatigue, and mood changes. Serum high-density lipoprotein increased and cholesterol decreased from baseline to month 4. Baseline mean +/- SD Cp retinol was 708 +/- 280 ng/mL. Mean +/- SD Cp of 4-HPR, N-(4-methoxyphenyl) retinamide (4-MPR), and retinol after 1 month of 4-HPR were 0.34 +/- 0.21 micromol/L, 0.28 +/- 0.21 micromol/L, and 282 +/- 127 ng/mL, respectively. Mean retinoid Cps did not change after 3 months of 4-HPR + TAM.

CONCLUSIONS

TAM administration did not affect Cp 4-HPR or 4-MPR. Reversible nyctalopia correlated with relative decrease in Cp retinol but was not symptomatic for most patients. TAM + 4-HPR has acceptable tolerability for this high-risk cohort.