Galectin-3: an early predictive biomarker of modulation of airway remodeling in patients with severe asthma treated with omalizumab for 36 months

Background

Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by three cardinal features: chronic inflammation, variable airflow obstruction, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Asthma has traditionally been defined using nonspecific clinical and physiologic variables that encompass multiple phenotypes and are treated with nonspecific anti-inflammatory therapies. Based on the modulation of airway remodeling after 12 months of anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) treatment, we identified two phenotypes (omalizumab responder, OR; and non-omalizumab responder, NOR) and performed morphometric analysis of bronchial biopsy specimens. We also found that these two phenotypes were correlated with the presence/absence of galectin-3 (Gal-3) at baseline (i.e., before treatment). The aims of the present study were to investigate the histological and molecular effects of long-term treatment (36 months) with anti-IgE and to analyze the behavior of OR and NOR patients.

Methods

All patients were treated with the monoclonal antibody anti-IgE omalizumab for 36 months. The bronchial biopsy specimens were evaluated using morphometric, eosinophilic, and proteomic analysis (MudPIT). New data were compared with previous data, and unsupervised cluster analysis of protein profiles was performed.

Results

After 36 months of treatment with omalizumab, reduction of reticular basement membrane (RBM) thickness was confirmed in OR patients (Gal-3-positive at baseline); similarly, the protein profiles (over 500 proteins identified) revealed that, in the OR group, levels of proteins specifically related to fibrosis and inflammation (e.g., smooth muscle and extracellular matrix proteins (including periostin), Gal-3, and keratins decreased by between 5- and 50-fold. Eosinophil levels were consistent with molecular data and decreased by about tenfold less in ORs and increased by twofold to tenfold more in NORs. This tendency was confirmed (p < 0.05) based on both fold change and DAVE algorithms, thus indicating a clear response to anti-IgE treatment in Gal-3-positive patients.

Conclusions

Our results showed that omalizumab can be considered a disease-modifying treatment in OR. The proteomic signatures confirmed the presence of Gal-3 at baseline to be a biomarker of long-term reduction in bronchial RBM thickness, eosinophilic inflammation, and muscular and fibrotic components in omalizumab-treated patients with severe asthma. Our findings suggest a possible relationship between Gal-3 positivity and improved pulmonary function.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13601-017-0143-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Molecular diagnosis and precision medicine in allergy management

Precision medicine (PM) can be defined as a structural model aimed at customizing healthcare, with medical decisions/products tailored on an individual patient at a highly detailed level. In this sense, allergy diagnostics based on molecular allergen components allows to accurately define the patient's IgE repertoire. The availability of highly specialized singleplexed and multiplexed platforms support allergists with an advanced diagnostic armamentarium. The therapeutic intervention, driven by the standard diagnostic approach, but further supported by these innovative tools may result, for instance, in a more appropriate prescription of allergen immunotherapy (AIT). Also, the phenotyping of patients, which may have relevant effects on the treatment strategy, could be take advantage by the molecular allergy diagnosis.

CD4(+)CD25(high)CD127(-) regulatory T-cells in COPD: smoke and drugs effect

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disorder characterized by poorly reversible airway obstruction and its pathogenesis remains largely misunderstood. Local changes of regulatory T-cell populations in the lungs of COPD patients have been demonstrated although data concerning their pathologic role are contrasting. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relative percentage of regulatory T-cells in the peripheral blood of current and former smoker subjects, affected or not by COPD. Furthermore, the effect of different concentrations of budesonide and formoterol, on regulatory T-cells has been investigated.

Methods

T regulatory lymphocytes were isolated and assessed as CD4⁺CD25^highCD127^- cells by flow cytometry and cultured for 48 hours in the absence or in the presence of budesonide and/or formoterol at different doses.

Results

CD4⁺CD25^highCD127^- regulatory T-cells percentage was significantly reduced in COPD patients, both current and former smokers, with respect to volunteers. Furthermore, CD4⁺CD25^highCD127^- cells of COPD patients showed a not statistically significant response to drugs compared to healthy subjects.

Discussion

Our results evidenced a different behaviour of CD4⁺CD25^highCD127^- Treg cells in COPD patients after in vitro treatments.

Conclusions

Based on our data, we suggested a possible role of CD4 CD25^highCD127 T-cells in COPD pathogenesis.

Molecular phenotyping and biomarker development: are we on our way towards targeted therapy for severe asthma?

Although different phenotypes of severe asthma can be identified, all are characterized by common symptoms. Due to their heterogeneity, they exhibit differences in pathogenesis, etiology and clinical responses to therapeutic approaches. The identification of distinct molecular phenotypes to define severe asthmatic patients will allow us to better understand the pathophysiology of the disease and thus to more precisely target the treatment for each patient. To achieve this goal, a systematic search for new, reliable and stable biomarkers specific for each phenotype is essential. This review focuses on the current known molecular phenotypes of severe asthma and highlights the need for biomarkers that could (either alone or in combination) be predictive of the treatment outcome.

Biomarkers and severe asthma: a critical appraisal

Severe asthma (SA) is a clinically and etiologically heterogeneous respiratory disease which affects among 5–10 % of asthmatic patients. Despite high-dose therapy, a large patients percentage is not fully controlled and has a poor quality of life. In this review, we describe the biomarkers actually known in scientific literature and used in clinical practice for SA assessment and management: neutrophils, eosinophils, periostin, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, exhaled breath condensate and galectins. Moreover, we give an overview on clinical and biological features characterizing severe asthma, paying special attention to the potential use of these ones as reliable markers. We finally underline the need to define different biomarkers panels to select patients affected by severe asthma for specific and personalized therapeutic approach.

Administration of a polyvalent mechanical bacterial lysate to elderly patients with COPD: Effects on circulating T, B and NK cells

The modifications of the subsets of circulating lymphocytes were evaluated in a group of patients with COPD undergoing treatment with a polyvalent mechanical bacterial lysate (PMBL), a drug that is able to significantly modify the natural history of these patients. Using multicolor immune-florescence and flow cytometry, T, B subsets and NK cells were extensively studied both in the group of treated patients and in a disease and age matched controls. Despite the age, in treated patients, T and NK cells were significantly increased in numbers of circulating cells, but not in percentages, while B cells remained unmodified. CD3+4+T cells were increased in treated patients, while CD3+CD8T cells were unmodified by the treatment. Activated T cells were increased but Treg, resulted reduced both in percentage than in absolute numbers. Transitional B cells resulted increased (in percentage and in absolute numbers) in their late maturation step (T3), while only early Naïve B cells were increased by the treatment, while other naïve subpopulations were unmodified. Memory B cells were reduced in percentage (but remained unmodified as absolute numbers), while the most immature form of memory B cells was significantly increased. Finally, both switch memory B cells and plasma cells resulted unmodified by the PMBL treatment. These results clearly indicated that the administration of the PMBL, even in elderly patients with COPD, was able to induce a significant immune-stimulation and these results, at cellular level, clearly support the evidence that the mechanism of action of PMBL is strictly related to a direct effect on immune-competent cells.

Omalizumab modulates bronchial reticular basement membrane thickness and eosinophil infiltration in severe persistent allergic asthma patients

Severe persistent asthma causes a substantial morbidity and mortality burden and is frequently not well controlled, despite intensive guideline-based therapy. The unique monoclonal antibody approved for patients with severe allergic asthma is omalizumab: a recombinant humanised murine against IgE antibodies. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of long-term anti-IgE on the thickening of the reticular basement membrane (RBM) and eosinophil infiltration in bronchial biopsies from patients with severe persistent allergic asthma. Biopsies were obtained from 11 patients with severe persistent allergic asthma before and after (12 months) treatment with omalizumab. RBM thickness and eosinophils were measured by using light microscope image analysis. A significant mean reduction in RBM thickness and eosinophil infiltration were measured after one-year omalizumab treatment. No correlation between eosinophil reduction and RBM thickness reduction was found. No correlation between each of the previous two parameters and clinical parameters was detected. In conclusion, our study showed that a substantial proportion of severe asthmatics reduced the original bronchial RBM thickness and eosinophil infiltration after one-year treatment with anti-IgE, thus emphasizing the possible role of omalizumab in affecting airway remodeling in severe persistent allergic asthma.

Salbutamol: how does it enter smooth muscle cells?

Polyspecific organic cation transporters (OCTs) in human cell membranes are involved in the uptake, distribution and excretion of cationic compounds. Although their relevance to drug disposition in the liver, small intestine and kidney has been investigated previously, less is known about the influence of these transporters on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of inhaled drugs. Drugs that are commonly administered by inhalation for the treatment of respiratory diseases, such as glucocorticoids and cationic β(2)-agonists, might interact with several of these transporters, which are strongly expressed on the surfaces of airway epithelial cells. We evaluated the expression of OCT3 and measured the in vitro uptake of the short-acting β(2)-agonist salbutamol (SALB), alone or in combination with corticosterone (CS) and beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP), by bronchial smooth muscle cells. Our results showed that these cells express the OCT3 transporter and that SALB enters the cell in a transporter-independent fashion. Moreover, CS and BDP have different activities on SALB transport inside the cell. CS increases SALB transport and BDP decreases SALB transport, although neither of these effects are statistically significant. A better understanding of these mechanisms might lead to the improved treatment of airway diseases.

COPD treatment: real life and experimental effects on peripheral NK cells, their receptors expression and their IFN-γ secretion

A role in pulmonary immunity has been ascribed to Natural Killer (NK) cells and several in vitro studies have shown a corticosteroid-induced inhibition of NK cells mediated cytotoxicity. Several clinical trials on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have suggested a relationship between COPD treatment and occurrence of respiratory infections. Aims of our study were to investigate if real life COPD treatment affects peripheral blood NK cells total count and their receptors expression and to assess if different doses of formoterol and budesonide, administered alone or in combination, are able to modulate the surface expression of activating (NKp30, NKp44, NKp46 and NKG2D) and inhibitory (KIR2DL2/L3, KIR3DL1 and NKG2A) receptors on peripheral blood NK cells of COPD patients. Moreover, we evaluated the potential effect of treatment with budesonide and/or formoterol on IFN-γ secretion in vitro. NK cells were isolated from peripheral blood of 7 healthy volunteers, 9 chronic bronchitis (CB) and 11 COPD patients. Total NK cells count and activating and inhibitory receptors expression were evaluated. NK cells were cultured for 20h in 96-well plates with IL-2 (100IU/ml)+IL-12 (2.5ng/ml), with or without budesonide (Bud; 1 and 0.01μM) and formoterol (For; 30 and 0.3nM) alone or in combination. Cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and IFN-γ was measured in cell supernatants by ELISA test. No difference between real life treated COPD, CB and healthy subjects was found concerning NK total count and NK cell receptors expression. When cells were stimulated over night with cytokines and treated with drugs, only NKG2D receptor was modulated. Its expression was significantly downregulated by budesonide alone and in combination with formoterol in COPD patients. IFN-γ production induced by stimulation with IL-2+IL-12 was decreased in a highly significant way (p<0.01) by all treatments in all groups. Even if in vitro experiments with budesonide, alone or in combination with formoterol, showed a modulation of NKG2D receptor expression and IFN-γ production, our ex vivo results show that real life LABA and ICS treatment does not influence peripheral NK cells count and their receptors phenotype.

Thyrotropin receptor autoantibody measurement following radiometabolic treatment of hyperthyroidism: comparison between different methods

BACKGROUND

TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease (GD). The use of human recombinant TSH-receptor far improved the analytical performance of TRAb assays (2nd-generation assays). The 3rd-generation assay is based on the inhibition of binding of a human biotin-labeled monoclonal thyroid- stimulating antibody (M22) to TSH-receptor by the autoantibodies present in the serum.

AIM

We aimed to assess the ability of the 2nd- and 3rd-generation assays to detect serum TRAb following radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism.

METHODS

Sera from 47 hyperthyroid (25 autoimmune, 22 non-autoimmune) patients were tested using the two different assays before and at different time intervals after radioiodine therapy. The modifications of TRAb were evaluated, as well as the correlation between the two methods.

RESULTS

The results obtained by the two methods proved to be closely correlated. A rise in TRAb was invariably observed in GD patients following radioiodine, with a median peak at 6 months, irrespective of their initial clinical status, presence of ophthalmopathy, smoking habits or other variables. Such a rise was nearly superimposable using both methods. No TRAb appearance was observed in patients with non-autoimmune hyperthyroidism.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of methods of higher sensitivity with respect to that formerly used indicate that nearly all GD patients develop TRAb following radioiodine, and that this phenomenon is transient and not related to baseline conditions and clinical outcome/efficacy of treatment.

Phase I trial of vorinostat and doxorubicin in solid tumours: histone deacetylase 2 expression as a predictive marker

Background:

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) can sensitise cancer cells to topoisomerase inhibitors by increasing their access and binding to DNA.

Methods:

This phase I trial was designed to determine the toxicity profile, tolerability, and recommended phase II dose of escalating doses of the HDACi vorinostat, with weekly doxorubicin.

Results:

In total, 32 patients were treated; vorinostat was dosed at 400, 600, 800, or 1000 mg day⁻¹ on days 1–3, followed by doxorubicin (20 mg m⁻²) on day 3 for 3 of 4 weeks. Maximal tolerated dose was determined to be 800 mg day⁻¹ of vorinostat. Dose-limiting toxicities were grade 3 nausea/vomiting (two out of six) and fatigue (one out of six) at 1000 mg day⁻¹. Non-dose-limiting grade 3/4 toxicities included haematological toxicity and venous thromboembolism. Antitumor activity in 24 evaluable patients included two partial responses (breast and prostate cancer). Two patients with melanoma had stable disease for ⩾8 months. Histone hyperacetylation changes in peripheral blood mononuclear and tumour cells were comparable. Histone hyperacetylation seemed to correlate with pre-treatment HDAC2 expression.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that vorinostat can be combined with weekly doxorubicin in this schedule at a dose of 800 mg day⁻¹. The HDAC2 expression may be a marker predictive of HDAC inhibition. Antitumor activity of this regimen in breast cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma seems interesting.

A phase Ib trial of Bcl-2 inhibitor obatoclax in combination with carboplatin and etoposide for previously untreated patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC)

3576

Background: Obatoclax (Ob) is a small-molecule antagonist of all the Bcl-2 prosurvival proteins. In vitro it enhances the effects of the drugs cisplatin and etoposide. Bcl-2 family proteins are frequently expressed in SCLC, and SCLC cell lines are sensitive to Ob. Methods: This study was designed to find the maximal tolerated doses (MTD) of oOb when given on a 21 day (D) cycle together with carboplatin (AUC 5 D1) and etoposide (100 mg/m2 D1–3), in separate dose escalations using Ob as a 3-hr infusion D1–3 and as a 24-hr infusion D1–3. Eligible patients had ES-SCLC, measurable disease, ≤1 prior therapy, ECOG PS ≤1, and adequate hematological, renal and hepatic function. 3- 6 patients were enrolled into ascending dose cohorts with standard DLT rules evaluating safety in C1 to determine dose escalation. Results: 24 patients were enrolled into 5 dosing cohorts (14 males; median age 67). A total of 66 cycles (C) have been administered to date. There were no DLTs in the initial cohorts using Ob 15 mg over 3 hr or Ob 30 mg over 24 hr. Two DLTs occurred in the Ob 30 mg over 3 hr cohort - both due to myelosuppression in previously treated patients. As a result, the trial was amended to exclude previously treated patients. 5 previously untreated patients receiving Ob 30 over 3 hr had no DLTs. There were no DLTs in the Ob 45 mg over 24 hr cohort but 2 patients in the Ob 24-hr infusion cohorts had infusion pump malfunctions while at home. There were 2 DLTs in the Ob 45 mg over 3 hr cohort (somnolence, euphoria, & disorientation) establishing MTD of Ob 30 mg over 3 hr daily x 3. After C2 the 6 previously untreated patients on Ob 24-hr infusion cohorts had 3 PRs, 1 SD, 1 PD, and 1 Unk; the 2 previously treated patients had PRs. After C2 all 7 previously-untreated patients at 15 or 30 mg in the 3-hr infusion cohorts have PR; the 3 previously treated patients had SD. Conclusions: Ob can be combined with carboplatin and etoposide using either a 3-hr or a 24-hr infusion, and both regimens are associated with high early response rates in ES-SCLC, perhaps due to inhibition of mcl-1. Due to practical issues with the 24-hr infusion arm, the 3-hr 30 mg MTD dose will be utilized in a randomized phase II versus carboplatin and etoposide alone.

[Table: see text]

Single-agent and combination activity of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA, vorinostat) in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines

e14586

Background: SCLC represents a major therapeutic challenge. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDAC-I) are a new class of drugs. Exposure to HDAC-Is results in hyperacetylation of core histone proteins, with subsequent chromatin decondensation, and increased topoisomerase inhibitor (TI) DNA binding, with potentiation of DNA damage and apoptosis. This synergy is only observed when the HDAC-I precedes the TI. We investigated the activity of SAHA, an HDAC-I with broad activity in different cancer cell lines, and the potential synergy between SAHA and TIs, in SCLC cell lines. Methods: TIs were obtained from chemical supply companies and SAHA from Merck. Four different cell lines (DMS-114, NCI-H69, NCI-H82, and NCI-H526) were grown and cryopreserved in the recommended media. Drug activity was determined by a high-throughput CellTiter-Blue cell viability assay. A luciferase based assay (Caspase-Glo 3/7) was used to confirm apoptosis as the cause of cell viability reductions. The Chou and Talalay method was used to optimize the drug doses to use in a combination, and to determine the influence of drug sequencing on any additive or synergistic anti- tumor effect. Results: The 72 hours inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) values corresponding to each drug and cell line is reported in the Table . Using the CellTiter-Blue cell viability assay, the combination index (CI) for SAHA with each of 2 TIs (topotecan and etoposide) was calculated concurrently and sequentially. The strongest synergism was always detected when SAHA and the TI were combined sequentially (SAHA first). This observation was reproduced when the CI was calculated using the Caspase-Glo 3/7 luciferase based assay. Conclusions: The anti-tumor activity of SAHA in SCLC cell lines is comparable to that of common TIs. The synergism observed between SAHA and TIs is sequence specific and highest when drugs are used sequentially (SAHA first). Clinical confirmation of this synergism is warranted in patients with SCLC. [Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Evidence for long-term survival in a sizeable proportion of good performance status (PS) patients (pts) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

e19016

Background: Approximately 40% of NSCLC pts present with metastatic disease where treatment is considered palliative. Here we examine whether prolonged survival is possible in a sizeable proportion of NSCLC pts with good PS and stage IV disease particularly given the availability of personalized chemotherapy approaches. Methods: NSCLC pts with stage IV disease and an ECOG PS of 0/1 were prospectively accrued to four phase II clinical trials, at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and treated with the following regimens; Trial A) carboplatin/gemcitabine first-line followed by docetaxel second-line, Trial B) docetaxel and gefitinib combination therapy in patients aged 70 years or older, Trial C) combination therapy with carboplatin/paclitaxel/atrasentan, Trial D) personalized therapy (PT) based on ERCC1 and RRM1. Pts with low RRM1/low ERCC1 received gemcitabine/carboplatin; low RRM1/high ERCC1, gemcitabine/docetaxel; high RRM1/low ERCC, docetaxel/carboplatin; high RRM1/high ERCC1, vinorelbine/docetaxel. Data were updated as of 10/23/08. Overall survival was estimated using the piecewise exponential survival function which showed a dramatic shift at 29 months. Results: A total number of 181 pts were accrued. The median survival for the entire cohort was 10.5 months improving dramatically to 85.3 months, if alive at 29 months (adjusted P = 0.005). In the entire cohort, 16.7% of pts survived to 29 months compared to 25% of pts in the PT group. For pts who were alive at 29 months, the probabilities of surviving to 48, 60, 72 and 84 months were 79%, 68%, 59% and 51%, respectively. Conclusions: Long term survival is possible in a sizeable proportion of stage IV NSCLC with good PS. Our treatment paradigm should shift from palliation to achieving long term survival. Molecularly-based PT may be one way of achieving this goal.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Predictive scoring systems for brain metastasis at diagnosis and at recurrence in non-small cell lung cancer

e19020

Background: Brain metastasis (BM) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) but large studies analyzing potential factors that could be predictive of BM at diagnosis or recurrence are lacking. We have developed 2 predictive scoring models to identify the patients at risk. Methods: A retrospective analysis on 4,294 NSCLC cases, seen between 1994 and 2006, at the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL was performed utilizing the cancer center's registry data. 477 (11.12%) patients had BM at the time diagnosis and additional 252 (5.82%) patients developed new BM as first recurrence. Results: For patients with BM at diagnosis, age younger than 63 years, non squamous histology and current or never smoking status were all significant in both univariate and multivariate analysis (N= 4174). Based on calculated odds ratios, a scoring system of 0 to 6 points was developed for these patients. Higher scores predicted higher risk for BM (0- 2=3.38%, 3- 4=9.93%, 5=13.65% and 6=21.03%; p <.0001). For patients with new BM at first recurrence, age younger than 63 years, non squamous histology, and the stage at diagnosis (i.e., BM risk in stage III>IV>II>I), were all significant in both univariate and multivariate analysis (N=4291). Based on calculated odds ratios, a scoring system of 0 to 7 points was developed for these patients. Higher scores predicted higher risk for BM (0–1=3.38%, 2–3=4.72%, 4–5= 8.76%, and 6–7=11.83%; p<.0001). Similar risk percentage results were seen after testing the 2 scoring systems in 3 chronologically divided patient groups. Conclusions: The 2 scoring systems developed based only on clinical data were predictive of BM in NSCLC at diagnosis and recurrence. These scoring systems should be helpful for establishing initial and follow up cranial imaging schedules in NSCLC patients.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Prevalence of post-partum thyroiditis in Liguria (Italy): an observational study

BACKGROUND

Post-partum thyroiditis (PPT) is an autoimmune disorder occurring within the first year following delivery. A variable prevalence has been reported in different surveys. We prospectively evaluated PPT prevalence and outcome in a cohort of pregnant women living in a well-defined geographic area.

AIM

A subset from a group of healthy women consecutively evaluated for thyroid function and thyroid autoimmunity during pregnancy, referring to the same obstetric unit, were followed up at 4-6 months and 1 yr after delivery.

MATERIALS/SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Follow-up for PPT was performed in 258 pregnant women. Control data were obtained in a comparable group of healthy non-pregnant women. Free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), TSH thyroglobulin/thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (TgAb/TPOAb), and urinary iodine excretion were measured.

RESULTS

Autoantibody positivity was observed in 9.3% of pregnant, similar to control women. Forty-three out of 59 autoantibody-positive women were followed up; 23 showed PPT at the first control, 18 had hypothyroidism at 1 yr (5 had not shown PPT at the first control). Among 215 out of 584 autoantibody-negative women followed up, 27 developed PPT (15 of them without thyroid autoantibodies); 16 developed thyroid autoantibodies without PPT. After 1 yr, 9 women had hypothyroidism: only 1 of them was autoantibody-negative at the former control. Urinary iodine was increased in several pregnant women.

CONCLUSIONS

An overall PPT prevalence of about 18% may be estimated. PPT was also observed in autoantibody- negative women. Differences with other surveys may be related to both study protocol and characteristics of the population studied.

Cardiac toxicity: old and new issues in anti-cancer drugs

Although rare, cardiotoxicity is a significant complication of cancer treatment. The incidence and severity of cardiovascular side effects are dependent on the type of drugs used, dose and schedule employed, and age of patients, as well as the presence of coexisting cardiac diseases and previous mediastinal irradiation. Classically, anthracyclines are among one of the most active agents in oncology, but their use is often hampered by their cumulative dose-limiting cardiotoxicity. In the past decade, combination therapy with new drugs such as taxanes or anti- EGFR, and Her-2 therapy as a single agent have also resulted in unexpected cardiotoxicity. Cardiac damage can be secondary to an alteration of cardiac rhythm, changes in blood pressure and ischaemia, and can also alter the ability of the heart to contract and/or relax. The clinical spectrum of these toxicities can range from subclinical abnormalities to being catastrophic, life-threatening and sometimes fatal. Knowledge of this toxicity can aid clinicians to choose the optimal and least toxic regimen suitable for an individual patient. In this work we present an exhaustive review of the cardiovascular side effects associated to new anticancer drugs, from new formulations of anthracyclines to tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies.

A phase I study (CA180021-Segment 2) of dasatinib in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors

14042

Background: SPRYCEL™ is a potent, orally active, multi-targeted kinase inhibitor, active against BCR-ABL and SRC family kinases. We report the results of a Phase I dose-escalation study evaluating safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and biomarkers of dasatinib in pts with advanced solid tumors. Methods: Pts with adequate hematologic, renal, cardiac and liver function received oral dasatinib once daily for 7 days per week. Three doses and schedules were examined: 90 mg BID; 140 mg QD; and 180 mg QD. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic biomarkers were collected on Days 1 and 26 of Cycle 1. Tissue biomarkers were assessed at screening. CT was performed at least every 8 weeks, and FDG-PET at weeks 4, and 8. Results: 26 pts [M=15, F=11] ECOG PS ≤ 2 with epithelial tumors (n=14) or other solid tumors (n=12) have been treated in escalating dose levels. Toxicity was generally mild; most patients came off study for progressive disease. DLTs of pleural effusions were seen in 3/9 subjects on the 180 mg cohort, 2 of whom had pre-existing effusions. Patients with pleural effusion have been excluded from future enrollment. The maximum tolerated dose has not been identified. There have been no objective responses on CT. Six patients have had stable disease with continued study treatment for 2–10 months. Conclusions: Dasatinib can be safely administered at doses of 140 and 180 mg QD. Clinical efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and correlative studies of tumor biopsy material and early FDG-PET results will be reported.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Randomized phase II study of erlotinib alone and in combination with bortezomib in previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

7680

Background: Treatment options for previously treated NSCLC are limited, warranting consideration of novel combinations. This study evaluated the activity and toxicity of erlotinib with bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor. Dosing was based on the approved indication for erlotinib and on phase I data for the combination. Methods: Patients (pts) with Stage IIIB/IV NSCLC who progressed following one prior line of chemotherapy, with no prior exposure to an EGF-receptor inhibitor and ECOG performance status 0 or 1 were randomly assigned to erlotinib 150 mg po daily alone (arm A) or in combination with bortezomib 1.6 mg/m2 iv on days 1 and 8 (arm B) of a 21-day cycle. Response was evaluated by RECIST and toxicity was graded using NCI CTCAE 3.0. A Simon optimal two-stage design was used to evaluate anti-tumor activity in response-evaluable pts. Results: Fifty pts were treated at 17 sites (January-June 2006); baseline characteristics and treatment intensity were comparable in both arms. Among 24 response-evaluable pts in each arm, there were 3 partial responses (PR) and 1 complete response in arm A and 2 PR in arm B. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.7 and 1.4 months in arms A and B, respectively. The study was halted as required at the planned interim analysis due to insufficient clinical activity in arm B. Activity and toxicity in arm A were consistent with published reports for erlotinib alone. Adverse-event profiles were as expected in both arms, with no significant additivity. In arm B, one pt died of pneumonia. The most common grade 3 treatment-related toxicity was skin rash (12% arm A and 8% arm B), and rash severity correlated with PFS: grades 2/3, 2.8 months PFS (20 pts); grades 0/1, 1.4 months PFS (28 pts), p=0.032. In arm B, one pt each had grade 3 anorexia, hypokalemia, and worsened peripheral sensory neuropathy compared with baseline. There were no grade 4 treatment related toxicities in either arm. Conclusions: The combination of erlotinib and bortezomib in the doses and schedules used in this trial was well tolerated but did not show sufficient activity at this dose and schedule to warrant further development.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II trial of docetaxel (D) plus gefitinib (G) in elderly (≥70 years) patients with advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (ANSCLC)

7690

Background: Adding G to first-line doublet chemotherapy did not improve survival in comparison to doublet chemotherapy alone in phase III trials (INTACT 1 and INTACT2). We hypothesized that therapy with D and G will yield similar efficacy to doublet chemotherapy but with improved toxicity profile that would be especially meaningful for elderly patients. We report here the results of a completed phase II trial. Methods: Previously untreated elderly patients with ANSCLC with ECOG performance status (PS) of 0 or 1, were eligible. D was given at 75 mg/m2 IV on day1, Q 21 days. G given orally daily; starting day 1, at a dose of 250mg. D-G was given for 2 cycles beyond maximal response. G was continued until progression. Tumors were assessed every two cycles while on D-G and every two months while on G. The RECIST criteria were used to measure responses. Results: Forty-four eligible patients were enrolled from 07/2003 to 11/2005. Demographic characteristics were M/F = 25/19; Median age 75 years (range; 70 to 84 years); ECOG PS 0/1= 27/16; Stage IV/IIIB = 38/6; Never-smoker/smoker 8/36; Adenocarcinoma/non-adeno-NSCLC 30/14; Median number of D-G cycles administered is 4 (range; 1 to 6). Median duration on maintenance D was 5 months (range; 1 to 36) Overall response rate was 29% (CR- 2%; PR- 27%) with 48% stable disease. Median progression free survival (PFS) was 8 months (95% CI: 6.2–10.6), PFS at 12 months was 34%, and 24 months was 19%. Median Overall Survival (OS) was 12 months (95% CI: 5.6–17.5). OS at 12 months was 52% and 24 months was 20%. The most common hematologic and non- hematologic adverse events were lymphopenia/anemia, and fatigue/hyperglycemia (steroid-induced)/dyspnea, respectively. Three patients had febrile neutropenia (6.8%). Detailed toxicity analyses will be reported at the meeting. Conclusion: The combination of D and G demonstrates comparable efficacy to conventionally used doublet chemotherapy regimens. The relatively favorable toxicity profile warrants further development of this approach, especially in clinical situations or special populations where toxicities are an impediment to treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II trial of patients (pts) with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) immunized with p53-transduced dendritic cells (p53-DC): Immune sensitization to chemotherapy (CT)

3012

Background: Although ES-SCLC is initially, very responsive to CT, responses are not durable and relapse is characterized by chemoresistance. High incidence of p53 gene mutations, which prolong the protein’s half life, result in its frequent overexpression and enhanced detection in SCLC cells. This in turn allows for their recognition by p53-specific cytotoxic T cells. Here, we evaluated the clinical and immune response of a vaccine (vac) using p53-DC. Methods: Eligibility: Untreated, ES-SCLC pts. Age = 18 years. Performance status (PS) 0–2. Treated and controlled brain metastases. Adequate renal, hepatic and bone marrow function. Toxicity (T), survival (MST) and clinical and p53- specific immune responses were determined by CTCAE v2.0, Kaplan-Meier, RECIST and ELISPOT and tetramer staining respectively. Pts first received CT to best clinical response. Eight weeks later, those with minor progression (PD) or better, underwent leukapheresis. DC, generated from peripheral blood precursors, were infected with an adenoviral construct containing p53 (Advexin; Ad-p53) to produce the p53-DC vac. Each vaccination consisted of subcutaneous injections in 4 different nodal basins every 2 weeks x3 (2–5×106 p53-DC/dose). Results: Thirty-six pts received at least one vac; median age=58.8, (range=39–79), M/F=13/23, PS 0/1=16/20. All pts were evaluable for T and MST. Total vac=127 (median=3, range=2–6). Overall, vac was well tolerated (no > grade 2 toxicities detected). p53-specific immune response was positive in 11/21 (52.4%) pts; pending in 15 pts. After 3 vac doses, 10 (27.7%) pts. had stable disease (SD) and 26 (72.2%) had PD. Pts with SD were re-vaccinated (x3). Upon PD, all pts were offered further CT. Clinical response to post-vac CT was evaluated in 22 pts. Ten pts (45%) responded to post-vac CT (second line=7, third line=3) and 6 pts had SD. MST=473 days (95% CI: 380,534). Conclusions: ES-SCLC pts were treated safely with p53-DC vaccine and demonstrated significant immune response. The p53-DC vaccine appears to sensitize ES-SCLC to subsequent CT resulting in improved survival.

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Phase I trial of a sequence-specific combination of the HDAC inhibitor, vorinostat (SAHA) followed by doxorubicin in advanced solid tumor malignancies

3502

Background: Preclinical cell culture and xenograft studies suggest that pre-exposure of cancer cells to a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) may potentiate topoisomerase (topo) inhibitors. The HDACi-induced histone acetylation and chromatin modulation facilitates DNA access and target recruitment for topo II inhibitors. Methods: This Phase I trial explores the safety, tolerability and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of a weekly schedule of escalating vorinostat doses (twice daily days 1–3) followed by doxorubicin (20 mg/m2) on day 3 (3 out of 4 weeks). Histone acetylation and topo II expression are evaluated in pre-and post-vorinostat peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in tumor cells of the 30 patients treated at the MTD. Results: To date, 15 patients [median age 54 (38–73)] have been treated in 4 vorinostat cohorts: 200, 300, 400, 500 mg bid. Tumor types included: breast (3), melanoma (3), pancreatic (2) and one each of SCLC, sarcoma, endometrial, colon, prostate, renal cell and bladder cancer. Dose-limiting toxicities included a grade 3 thrombocytopenia (1/6) at the 400 mg bid dose. Non-dose limiting Grade 3 and 4 toxicities include neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, pulmonary embolus, and anemia (1 pt each). Currently, vorinostat doses of 500 mg bid are being evaluated. One confirmed partial response in a breast cancer patient, as well as minor responses in a melanoma and a prostate cancer patient were seen in 10 evaluable patients. Patients received a median number of 2 (1–9+) treatment cycles. Doxorubicin is stopped after 6 cycles and patients continue on vorinostat alone. H3 and H4 histone acetylation and topo II expression will be correlated with vorinostat dose, plasma concentration and response. Conclusion: A sequence-specific combination of vorinostat and doxorubicin is active without exacerbation of doxorubicin toxicity. The tolerated vorinostat dose exceeds the proposed single agent dose for vorinostat derived from patients with hematological malignancies. Histone hyperacetylation occurs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells at all levels. The anti-tumor activity in breast cancer and melanoma will be further explored.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.