Women are Taking the Hit: Examining the Unique Consequences of Cannabis Use Across the Female Lifespan

Cannabis use has risen dramatically in recent years due to global decriminalization and a resurgence in the interest of potential therapeutic benefits. While emerging research is shaping our understanding of the benefits and harms of cannabis, there remains a paucity of data specifically focused on how cannabis affects the female population. The female experience of cannabis use is unique, both in the societal context and because of the biological ramifications. This is increasingly important given the rise in cannabis potency, as well as the implications this has for the prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). Therefore, this scoping review aims to discuss the prevalence of cannabis use and CUD in women throughout their lifespan and provide a balanced prospective on the positive and negative consequences of cannabis use. In doing so, this review will highlight the necessity for continued research that goes beyond sex differences.

Efficacy of Withania somnifera supplementation on adult's cognition and mood

The present study examined the effects of a proprietary Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root and leaf extract (NooGandha® Specnova LLC, USA) supplement for improving cognitive abilities, cortisol levels, and self-reported mood, stress, food cravings, and anxiety with adults who have perceived stress. Healthy adults (n = 43 women and n = 17 men; mean age = 34.41 years) who reported experiencing perceived stress were randomized to the following groups: Ashwagandha (400 mg/d), Ashwagandha (225 mg/d), and placebo for 30 days. The following outcomes were assessed at Day 0, Day 15, and Day 30: saliva cortisol levels, cognitive performance (i.e., CNS vital signs), and the self-reported measures of Trait Anxiety Inventory, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Food Cravings Questionnaire-15. For the self-report assessments, significant main effects for time were evidenced for anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and food cravings, p's < 0.01. The main effect for group and the interactions were non-significant. For the CNS vital signs, significant differences were observed in cognitive flexibility, visual memory, reaction time, psychomotor speed, and executive functioning, p's < 0.05, with the Ashwagandha groups often out-performing the placebo group. Both Ashwagandha groups had reductions in cortisol levels over time, with significant reductions evidenced for the Ashwagandha 225 mg/d group from Day 0 to Day 15 to Day 30. The placebo group had a non-significant increase in cortisol levels from Day 0 to Day 15–30. No adverse events were reported. In conclusion, Ashwagandha supplementation may improve the physiological, cognitive, and psychological effects of stress.

Screening for obstructive sleep apnea with novel hybrid acoustic smartphone app technology

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has a high prevalence, with an estimated 425 million adults with apnea hypopnea index (AHI) of ≥15 events/hour, and is significantly underdiagnosed. This presents a significant pain point for both the sufferers, and for healthcare systems, particularly in a post COVID-19 pandemic world. As such, it presents an opportunity for new technologies that can enable screening in both developing and developed countries. In this work, the performance of a non-contact OSA screener App that can run on both Apple and Android smartphones is presented.

Methods

The subtle breathing patterns of a person in bed can be measured via a smartphone using the "Firefly" app technology platform [and underpinning software development kit (SDK)], which utilizes advanced digital signal processing (DSP) technology and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to identify detailed sleep stages, respiration rate, snoring, and OSA patterns. The smartphone is simply placed adjacent to the subject, such as on a bedside table, night stand or shelf, during the sleep session. The system was trained on a set of 128 overnights recorded at a sleep laboratory, where volunteers underwent simultaneous full polysomnography (PSG), and "Firefly" smartphone app analysis. A separate independent test set of 120 recordings was collected across a range of Apple iOS and Android smartphones, and withheld for performance evaluation by a different team. An operating point tuned for mid-sensitivity (i.e., balancing sensitivity and specificity) was chosen for the screener.

Results

The performance on the test set is comparable to ambulatory OSA screeners, and other smartphone screening apps, with a sensitivity of 88.3% and specificity of 80.0% [with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92], for a clinical threshold for the AHI of ≥15 events/hour of detected sleep time.

Conclusions

The "Firefly" app based sensing technology offers the potential to significantly lower the barrier of entry to OSA screening, as no hardware (other than the user's personal smartphone) is required. Additionally, multi-night analysis is possible in the home environment, without requiring the wearing of a portable PSG or other home sleep test (HST).

Crude Fat, Diethyl Ether Extraction, in Feed, Cereal Grain, and Forage (Randall/Soxtec/Submersion Method): Collaborative Study

A method for determining crude fat in animal feed, cereal grain, and forage (plant tissue) was collaboratively studied. Crude fat was extracted from the animal feed, cereal grain, or forage material with diethyl ether by the Randall method, also called the Soxtec method or the submersion method. The proposed submersion method considerably decreases the extraction time required to complete a batch of samples. The increase in throughput is very desirable in the quest for faster turnaround times and the greater efficiency in the use of labor. In addition, this method provides for reclamation of the solvent as a step of the method. The submersion method for fat extraction was previously studied for meat and meat products and was accepted as AOAC Official Method 991.36. Fourteen blind samples were sent to 12 collaborators in the United States, Sweden, Canada, and Germany. The within-laboratory relative standard deviation (repeatability) ranged from 1.09 to 9.26% for crude fat. Among-laboratory (including within) relative standard deviation (reproducibility) ranged from 1.0 to 21.0%. The method is recommended for Official First Action.

Crude Fat, Hexanes Extraction, in Feed, Cereal Grain, and Forage (Randall/Soxtec/Submersion Method): Collaborative Study

A method for determining crude fat in animal feed, cereal grain, and forage (plant tissue) was collaboratively studied. Crude fat was extracted from the animal feed, cereal grain, or forage material with hexanes by the Randall method, also called the Soxtec method or the submersion method. The use of hexanes provides for an alternative to diethyl ether for fat extractions. The proposed submersion method considerably decreases the extraction time required to complete a batch of samples compared to Soxhlet. The increase in throughput is very desirable in the quest for faster turnaround times and the greater efficiency in the use of labor. In addition, this method provides for reclamation of the solvent as a step of the method. The submersion method for fat extraction was previously studied for meat and meat products and was accepted as AOAC Official Method 991.36. Fourteen blind samples were sent to 14 collaborators in the United States, Sweden, Canada, and Germany. The within-laboratory relative standard deviation (repeatability) ranged from 1.23 to 5.80% for crude fat. Among-laboratory (including within) relative standard deviation (reproducibility) ranged from 1.88 to 14.1%. The method is recommended for Official First Action.

Abstract P1-08-03: An early look at incidence and survival by HR and HER2 status among young US women with stage I-III breast cancer: SEER 2010-15

Background: Population-based contemporary incidence and survival patterns for breast cancer by receptor status (hormone receptor [HR]; human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2]) among young US women have not been described.

Methods: We identified pre-, peri-, and early postmenopausal women ages 20-29 (n=1,617), 30-39 (n=12,910), 40-49 (n=47,313), and 50-59 (n=68,870) diagnosed with Stage I-III breast cancer from 2010-15 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database using SEER*Stat version 8.3.5. Of these, respective totals for women with reported HR and non-borderline HER2 status were 1533 (94.8%), 12,225 (94.6%), 44,684 (94.4%), and 64,844 (94.2%). Using this analytic sample, we estimated annual percentage change (APC) in incidence. Restricting the sample to women diagnosed from 2010-14, we estimated four-year survival (maximum available follow-up). Analyses were stratified by age group and receptor status.

Results: The proportion of HER2+/HR+ cancer was highest among women 20-29, decreasing with increasing age; that for HER2+/HR- cancer was lower, differing less across age groups (Table 1). For HER2- cancer, the proportion of HER2-/HR+ cancer was lowest for women 20-29 and increased with age; the opposite pattern was observed for HER2-/HR- cancer. Overall, stage I-III breast cancer increased in incidence from 2010-15 for all age groups, with the APC greatest in women 20-29 [2.20](30-39 [1.98], 40-49 [1.91], 50-59 [1.62]). The patterns for the APCs by age and receptor status tended to reflect those for the observed proportions, except those for women with HER2+/HR- cancer, which tended to increase with increasing age (Table 1). Four-year survival estimates for women 20-29, although imprecise, differed by HER2 status, being higher for those with HER2+ than HER2- cancer, and this difference persisted for HR+ and HR- cancers among these women (Table 2). In the other age groups, survival differed by HR status, being higher for women with HR+ than HR- cancer.

Conclusions: Using SEER data representative of over one-quarter of the US population, Stage I-III breast cancer has increased among young women in recent years. In particular, HER2+/HR+ and HER2-/HR- cancers were over-represented and estimated to have the highest APCs among women 20-39 compared to those 40-59. Receptor status was observed to influence survival differently across age groups. The differences in four-year survival observed among women 20-29 with HR+ cancers may have implications as we consider anti-estrogen therapy options for these youngest premenopausal women.

Table 1:Breast Cancer Frequency and APCReceptorsAge 20-2930-3940-4950-59 N (%)   HER2+/HR+331(21.6)2225(18.2)5865(13.1)7706(11.9)HER2+/HR-109(7.1)863(7.0)2254(5.0)3664(5.7)HER2-/HR+733(47.8)6769(55.2)30809(69.0)45693(70.5)HER2-/HR-360(23.5)2398(19.6)5756(12.9)7781(12.0) APCHER2+/HR+5.44.93.94.4HER2+/HR-1.22.14.43.2HER2-/HR+-1.11.51.91.6HER2-/HR-6.50.5-1.1-1.5

Table 2:Four-Year Breast Cancer SurvivalReceptorsAge 20-2930-3940-4950-59 %(SE)   HER2+/HR+95.3(1.7)95.5(0.6)96.0(0.4)94.4(0.4)HER2-/HR+95.0(2.9)91.9(1.3)90.8(0.9)90.8(0.7)HER2-/HR+90.6(1.6)93.1(0.4)96.2(0.2)95.6(0.1)HER2-/HR-82.2(2.8)80.3(1.1)82.8(0.7)82.5(0.6)SE: standard error

Citation Format: Thomas A, Rhoads A, Pinkerton E, Melin S, Oleson JJ, McNally LR, Hundley WG, Conway K, Lynch CF, Romitti PA. An early look at incidence and survival by HR and HER2 status among young US women with stage I-III breast cancer: SEER 2010-15 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-08-03.

Recruiting the ABCD sample: Design considerations and procedures

The ABCD study is a new and ongoing project of very substantial size and scale involving 21 data acquisition sites. It aims to recruit 11,500 children and follow them for ten years with extensive assessments at multiple timepoints. To deliver on its potential to adequately describe adolescent development, it is essential that it adopt recruitment procedures that are efficient and effective and will yield a sample that reflects the nation’s diversity in an epidemiologically informed manner. Here, we describe the sampling plans and recruitment procedures of this study. Participants are largely recruited through the school systems with school selection informed by gender, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and urbanicity. Procedures for school selection designed to mitigate selection biases, dynamic monitoring of the accumulating sample to correct deviations from recruitment targets, and a description of the recruitment procedures designed to foster a collaborative attitude between the researchers, the schools and the local communities, are provided.

Abstract P6-09-08: Exposure to multiple sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and breast cancer incidence

Background. Previous epidemiologic studies, including our own, have consistently linked long-term exposure to single-source polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to increased breast cancer incidence. It is unclear whether single sources, specific groups, or all PAH sources should be targeted for breast cancer risk reduction. This study considers the impact on breast cancer incidence from multiple PAH exposure sources in a single model, which better reflects exposure to these complex mixtures.

Methods. In a population-based case-control study conducted on Long Island, New York (N=1,508 breast cancer cases/1,556 controls), a Bayesian hierarchical regression approach was used to estimate adjusted posterior means and credible intervals (CrI) for the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for PAH exposure sources, considered singly and as groups: active smoking; residential environmental tobacco smoke (ETS); indoor and outdoor air pollution; and grilled/smoked meat intake.

Results. Most women were exposed to PAHs from multiple sources. In a hierarchical model, breast cancer incidence was positively associated with ETS from a spouse (OR=1.20, 95%CrI=1.03, 1.42) and residential synthetic firelog burning (OR=1.30, 95%CrI=1.06, 1.60). Additionally, PAH exposure groups, including ingestion (OR=1.45, 95%CrI=1.16, 1.79), indoor stove/fireplace use (OR=1.30, 95%CrI=1.02, 1.62), and total indoor sources (active smoking, ETS from spouse, grilled/smoked meat intake, stove/fireplace use, OR=1.46, 95%CrI=1.03, 2.05), were associated with increased breast cancer incidence.

Conclusions. Groups of PAH sources, especially those for ingestion and indoor sources, were associated with a 30-50% increase in breast cancer incidence. PAH exposure is ubiquitous and a potentially modifiable breast cancer risk factor.

Citation Format: White AJ, Bradshaw PT, Herring AH, Teitelbaum SL, Beyea J, Stellman SD, Steck SE, Mordukhovich I, Eng SM, Engel LS, Conway K, Hatch M, Neugut AI, Santella RM, Gammon MD. Exposure to multiple sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and breast cancer incidence. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-09-08.

Abstract P1-08-04: Sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with gene-specific promoter methylation in women with breast cancer

Tobacco smoke, diet, and indoor and outdoor air pollution, all major sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), have been associated with breast cancer incidence. Aberrant methylation may be an early event in carcinogenesis, but whether PAHs influence the epigenome is unclear. Few studies have evaluated whether PAHs are associated with methylation, particularly in breast tumors where methylation changes are particularly relevant. In a population-based case-control study, we measured promoter methylation of 13 breast cancer-related genes in breast tumor tissue (n=765-851 cases) and global methylation in peripheral blood (1,055 cases/1,101 controls). PAH sources (current active smoking, residential environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), vehicular traffic, synthetic log burning, and grilled/smoked meat intake) were evaluated separately. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). When comparing methylated versus unmethylated genes, synthetic log use was associated with increased ORs for CDH1 (OR=2.28, 95%CI=1.07-4.83), HIN1 (OR=2.11, 95%CI=1.32-3.38) and RARβ methylation (OR=1.82, 95%CI=1.18-2.83) and decreased ORs for BRCA1 methylation (OR=0.44, 95%CI=0.30-0.65). Residential ETS was associated with decreased ORs for ESR1 (OR=0.74, 95%CI=0.56-0.99) and CCND2 methylation (OR=0.65, 95%CI=0.44-0.96). Current smoking and vehicular traffic were associated with decreased ORs for DAPK (OR=0.53, 95%CI=0.28-0.99) and increased ORs for TWIST1 methylation (OR=2.79, 95%CI=1.24-6.30), respectively. In controls, synthetic log use was inversely associated with LINE-1 methylation (OR=0.60, 95%CI=0.42-0.87). PAH sources were associated with hypo- and hypermethylation at multiple promoter regions in breast tumors and LINE-1 hypomethylation in blood of controls. Methylation may be a potential biologic mechanism for the association between PAHs and breast cancer incidence.

Citation Format: White AJ, Chen J, McCullough LE, Xu X, Cho YH, Conway K, Beyea J, Stellman SD, Steck SE, Mordukhovich I, Eng SM, Terry MB, Engel LS, Hatch M, Neugut AI, Hibshoosh H, Santella RM, Gammon MD. Sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with gene-specific promoter methylation in women with breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-08-04.

Usual vulval intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-positive women - a case series

Usual or undifferentiated type vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is more common in young women and is usually associated with high-risk human papillomavirus infection. It is associated with the development of basaloid or warty squamous cell carcinoma. Studies have shown that HIV-positive women have an increased risk of VIN and invasive vulval carcinoma, but there is a paucity of data about this cohort of women. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical features and treatment responses of HIV-positive women diagnosed with VIN in a specialist vulval dermatology clinic. HIV-positive women diagnosed with VIN from 2007 to 2013 were retrospectively identified. Data were collected on demographics, clinical features, treatments and outcomes. Seven cases were retrospectively identified. The median CD4 cell count at presentation was 500 cells/mm³ (range 59-761). Five had multifocal VIN. Five were treated with imiquimod alone, one had surgical excision and one patient was treated with imiquimod and surgery. Five of the seven had complete resolution of disease. HIV-positive patients with VIN had good responses to treatment with imiquimod. They were likely to be stable on combination antiretroviral therapy at presentation, have multifocal disease and concurrent vaginal, anal or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Essential steps in the performance of safe retroperitoneal aortic surgery

Endovascular stent grafting has become the primary modality when assessing patients for treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The traditional open approach is transperitoneal (TP) but many suggest the retroperitoneal method (RP) has significant benefits. Retroperitoneal aortic surgery may be unfamiliar to many surgeons as they have been trained in the TP approach. This paper provides specific tips for the critical steps of this approach enabling it to be performed with ease and minimal morbidity.

Lopinavir and atazanavir in pregnancy: comparable infant outcomes, virological efficacies and preterm delivery rates

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to identify differences in infant outcomes, virological efficacy, and preterm delivery (PTD) outcome between women exposed to lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) and those exposed to atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r).

METHODS

A retrospective case note review was carried out. The case notes of 493 women who conceived while on LPV/r or ATV/r or initiated LPV/r or ATV/r during pregnancy and who delivered between 1 September 2007 and 30 August 2012 were reviewed. Data collected included demographics, antiretroviral use, HIV markers, and pregnancy and infant outcomes. Infant outcomes, virological efficacies and PTD rates for LPV/r and ATV/r were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 306 women received LPV/r (82 conceiving while on the drug and 224 commencing it post-conception) and 187 received ATV/r (96 conceiving while on the drug and 91 commencing it post-conception). Comparing the two protease inhibitors (PIs), viral suppression rates were similar and, in women starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) post-conception, the median times to first undetectable HIV viral load were not significantly different (P = 0.64). PTD rates did not differ by therapy overall (ATV/r, 13%; LPV/r, 14%) or when considering the timing of first exposure (conceiving on ART, P = 0.81; commencing ART in pregnancy, P = 0.08). Poor fetal outcomes were very uncommon. There were two transmissions, giving a mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate of 0.4% (95% confidence interval 0.05-1.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Both ART regimens were well tolerated and successful in preventing MTCT. No significant differences in tolerability or in pregnancy or infant outcomes were observed, which supports the provision of a choice of PI in pregnancy.

Calvarial syphilis in an HIV-positive man

Bone involvement in secondary and tertiary syphilis is a well-documented but unusual phenomenon. We report the case of an atypical presentation of secondary syphilis in a 25-year-old HIV-positive man who has sex with men. He presented initially with headaches and an unusual calvarial swelling. The skull findings were consistent with osteitis and he later developed systemic symptoms. Treponema pallidum serology was positive and the lesions and systemic symptoms resolved completely after administration of appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Therapy for HIV: past, present, and future

Initial therapies for HIV infection comprised nucleoside analogues, but as single or dual agents, they failed to prevent disease progression. When a new class of drug was introduced, the protease inhibitors, an effective triple therapy became possible-namely, highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART. HAART reduced viral replication almost completely and enabled immune system recovery. The probability of classical infections and tumors attributed to HIV were dramatically reduced, and life expectancy correspondingly increased. The initial disadvantages of HAART included the need for strict adherence to prevent drug resistance, the cost that initially precluded their widespread use in the developing world, and the short- and long-term side effects. One of the most disabling long-term complications was HIV lipodystrophy, which in extreme cases lead to severe peripheral fat wasting and central fat gain. In recent years, many of these disadvantages have been addressed: Once-daily drug combinations improve adherence; global access to HAART has been markedly improved; and new drugs enable patients to avoid many of the initial side effects. Future research will determine at what CD4 count HAART should be initiated, and new approaches such as immunotherapeutic HIV vaccines are being tested with the aim to delay or obviate the need for antiretroviral drugs.

Women's experiences of preeclampsia: Australian action on preeclampsia survey of women and their confidants

INTRODUCTION

The experience of normal pregnancy is often disrupted for women with preeclampsia (PE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Postal survey of the 112 members of the consumer group, Australian Action on Pre-Eclampsia (AAPEC).

RESULTS

Surveys were returned by 68 women (61% response rate) and from 64 (57%) partners, close relatives or friends. Respondents reported experiencing pre-eclampsia (n = 53), eclampsia (n = 5), and/or Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets (HELLP syndrome) (n = 26). Many women had no knowledge of PE prior to diagnosis (77%) and, once diagnosed, did not appreciate how serious or life threatening it was (50%). Women wanted access to information about PE. Their experience contributed substantial anxiety towards future pregnancies. Partners/friends/relatives expressed fear for the woman and/or her baby and had no prior understanding of PE.

CONCLUSIONS

The PE experience had a substantial effect on women, their confidants, and their babies and affected their approach to future pregnancies. Access to information about PE was viewed as very important.

Breast cancer molecular profiles and tumor response of neoadjuvant doxorubicin and paclitaxel: The I-SPY TRIAL (CALGB 150007/150012, ACRIN 6657)

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Background: I-SPY is a multi-center trial designed to identify predictive markers of pathological complete response (pCR) and survival of women with locally advanced breast cancers (3cm or greater). Women received neoadjuvant doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide then paclitaxel. Methods: 237 women enrolled, 216 completed serial imaging and core biopsies. Pre-treatment assays include: Agilent expression arrays, MIP aCGH, p53 gene chip and sequencing, IHC and reverse phase protein arrays (RPMA). Response to therapy was measured by serial MRI, pCR and residual cancer burden (RCB). Associations among molecular markers, pCR, RCB and survival were evaluated using chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test. Results: Median tumor size was 6cm, % pCR and RCB 0/1 was 27% and 36% for the entire study; % pCR rate for the 144 Agilent arrays was 25%. Distribution, rates of pCR and RCB 0/1 are shown in the Table for molecular and IHC markers. DFS and OS will be presented. Several molecular subtypes, including NKI 70 gene low, luminal A, 21 gene set low and IHC HR+, define 15–28% of patients with 3–10% pCR, yet excellent early survival. Wound healing, most discriminatory for prognosis, is not predictive of chemotherapy response. By RPMA, patients with pCR had increased phosphorylation of 4EBP1, eNOS, cAbl, STAT5, EGFR, AKT (p<0.05). In ER+ patients with poor MR response, pIRS, pIGFR, p706S were activated (p<0.05). RCB is a more refined way to measure pCR and was more predictive of DFS and OS (p=0.01) than pCR alone with a mean follow up of 3.9 years. MR volume is highly predictive of pCR and RCB. For specific subtypes, e.g. basal, RCB is predictive of DFS (p<0.00001). Conclusions: LABC have aggressive biology. Response to therapy and outcome can be predicted by many biomarkers. The I-SPY data set provides a platform to compare, contrast and combine marker signatures to tailor therapy and demonstrates the power of the neoadjuvant setting. Support: ACRIN U01 CA079778 ; CALGB CA31964, CA33601; NCI SPORE CA58207.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

P53 mutation and differential response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with locally advanced breast cancer: Results from the I-SPY trial (CALGB 150007/1500012 and ACRIN 6657)

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Background: Independent of other factors, p53 status may influence sensitivity to anthracycline (A)- and taxane (T)-based chemotherapy. We investigated p53 as a predictive marker of differential neoadjuvant chemoresponse by examining change in MRI longest diameter (LD) during sequential A- then T-based chemotherapy in a prospective clinical trial. Methods: 171 patients (pts) with newly diagnosed locally advanced breast cancer received neoadjuvant A- then T-based chemotherapy. LD were obtained pretherapy, between regimens, and posttherapy but prior to surgery. P53 mutation analysis was performed on pretherapy tissue using gene chip technology, SSCP, and sequencing. Subtypes were by IHC: LumA (ER/PR+/HER2-), LumB (ER/PR+/HER2+), Basal (triple negative), HER2 (HER2+/ER/PR-). Results: 99 pts had p53 mutant (M) tumors and 72 were wildtype (WT). M and WT did not differ by age, menopausal status, or HER2. M were significantly more common among basal (71%) and HER2 (59%) than Lum A (24%). Anthracycline response did not differ between WT and M within subtypes. Within HER2, Basal, and LumB, WT had higher taxane- and overall responses than M; within LumB these were statistically significant (p=0.03 and 0.05 respectively). Conclusions: P53 mutation status may affect chemosensitivity even within hormone receptor/HER2 subsets. In this dataset response to anthracycline appeared independent of p53 status within subtypes, while WT tumors responded better to taxanes and overall in LumB, with a similar trend among basal and HER2. Mutational subset and correlative analyses with gene expression, molecular subtyping, and IHC data are ongoing and will be presented. [Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Breast cancer molecular profiles and tumor response of neoadjuvant doxorubicin and paclitaxel: The I-SPY TRIAL (CALGB 150007/150012, ACRIN 6657)

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The full, final text of this abstract will be available in Part II of the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings, distributed onsite at the Meeting on May 30, 2009, and as a supplement to the June 20, 2009, issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

[Table: see text]

Does the 'gateway' matter? Associations between the order of drug use initiation and the development of drug dependence in the National Comorbidity Study Replication

BACKGROUND

The 'gateway' pattern of drug initiation describes a normative sequence, beginning with alcohol and tobacco use, followed by cannabis, then other illicit drugs. Previous work has suggested that 'violations' of this sequence may be predictors of later problems but other determinants were not considered. We have examined the role of pre-existing mental disorders and sociodemographics in explaining the predictive effects of violations using data from the US National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R).

METHOD

The NCS-R is a nationally representative face-to-face household survey of 9282 English-speaking respondents aged 18 years and older that used the World Health Organization (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) to assess DSM-IV mental and substance disorders. Drug initiation was estimated using retrospective age-of-onset reports and 'violations' defined as inconsistent with the normative initiation order. Predictors of violations were examined using multivariable logistic regressions. Discrete-time survival analysis was used to see whether violations predicted progression to dependence.

RESULTS

Gateway violations were largely unrelated to later dependence risk, with the exception of small increases in risk of alcohol and other illicit drug dependence for those who initiated use of other illicit drugs before cannabis. Early-onset internalizing disorders were predictors of gateway violations, and both internalizing and externalizing disorders increased the risks of dependence among users of all drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Drug use initiation follows a strong normative pattern, deviations from which are not strongly predictive of later problems. By contrast, adolescents who have already developed mental health problems are at risk for deviations from the normative sequence of drug initiation and for the development of dependence.

Method of detection of local recurrence in patients following breast conserving surgery and its utility for surveillance

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Background: It is estimated that approximately 10% of all breast cancer patients will develop local recurrence (LR) at 10 years. Routine surveillance for detection of early breast cancer recurrence is widely performed despite lack of conclusive evidence for an improvement in patient quality of life or potential for cure. A number of historical studies evaluating the effectiveness of routine screening for LR following treatment for early-stage breast cancer have suggested that the diagnosis of LR is more frequent during a routine visit and occurring in asymptomatic patients. However, differentiating the method of detection is not often elucidated. In this study we evaluated the manner in which patients presented with an isolated LR in clinical practice. Methods: Our routine patient follow-up consists of physical exam and mammogram every 6 mos for the first 2 years following breast conserving surgery (BCS) and yearly thereafter. We queried our prospectively collected breast cancer database (1632 patients from July 1986 - July 2004) for patients with an isolated LR following BCS (n=59 (3.6%); two patients had bilateral LRs). Medical records were not available for three patients. Results: At a median follow-up of 45 mos (range: 5–122 mos) there were 58 evaluable LRs: 15 DCIS, 31 infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC), 6 infiltrating lobular (ILC), 2 mixed IDC/ILC, 3 invasive cancers NOS and 1 unknown. Patient presentation was as follows: 25 were diagnosed by self-exam, 28 on screening mammogram, 2 were diagnosed by physician (includes one referral), and 3 unknown. Mammogram detected recurrences were more frequent among patients with DCIS whereas self-detected recurrences were more common in patients with IDC (79% vs 33% and 21% vs 67%, respectively; P<0.2). Mean tumor size was larger in self-presentation (2.1 cm; range: 0.8–4.5 cm) than in mammogram detected group (1.6 cm; range 0.4–6 cm). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the value of mammography as compared to patient detected LRs. Whether a survival advantage exists remains uncertain. Nevertheless routine physician examination in this setting is highly insensitive and its further utility must be considered when devising cost-effective strategies for surveillance of breast cancer patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Gene expression subtype and p53 mutational status are correlated among neoadjuvantly treated breast cancers in UNC LCCC9819 and I-SPY1 (CALGB 150007/ACRIN 6657)

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Background: LCCC9819 and I-SPY1 are designed to examine multiple potential predictive markers and assays simultaneously in biopsies from neoadjuvantly treated patients. Both p53 mutation status and molecular ‘intrinsic‘ subtype have been associated with chemosensitivity. In this preliminary analysis, we present the p53 mutation spectra by molecular subtype from patients enrolled in the combined LCCC 9819 and I-SPY1 datasets. Methods: Patients received neoadjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy with pre-therapy biopsies. p53 mutation analysis was performed by p53 GeneChip assay for point mutations/1 bp deletions followed by SSCP if GeneChip-negative. Abnormal GeneChip or SSCP were confirmed by sequencing. DNA microarrays used Agilent human microarrays and a common reference strategy approach. Results: 51 patients were treated on LCCC9819 and have available molecular analyses; 87 from I-SPY1. 111 patients have completed p53 mutation analysis, revealing a high proportion (42%) with abnormal p53. Of these, several were in known hotspots, including R175H (4 mutations), R248L (1), R273H (3), and R273C (2). Most were missense mutations (81%), however, there were 8 (17%) null and 1 (2%) silent mutations. Most (91%) mutations were in the DNA binding domain. Molecular subtypes are known on 111 tumors: 22% Luminal A, 22% Luminal B, 3% Normal-like, 23% HER2+/ER−, 27% Basal-like, and 3% unclassified. Among those with both assays complete, we found that p53 mutations differed by subtype (Table). Conclusions: P53 mutations are common in these independent neoadjuvant datasets, and differ in frequency between molecular subtypes, which may have implications for predictive factor identification. Future analyses will include aCGH, cell cycle protein analysis, proteomics, and clinical data including response to chemotherapy. (supported by UNC Breast SPORE-CA58223, NIH M01RR00046, DAMD 17–02–1-0521).

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Harmonized French version of the Aging Males' Symptoms Scale

Interest in clinical investigations about the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of aging men has increased in recent years. The aim of this paper is to inform the scientific community about a harmonized French Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) Scale. There were two slightly different French AMS Scales, which both underwent an up-to-date linguistic and cultural translation process, i.e. were valid to be applied in research. However, it was felt to be unfortunate that two versions of one language in one country existed. Therefore, an ad hoc committee of both translation teams were asked to develop a harmonized single French AMS Scale. The harmonization meeting developed a consensus item-by-item and the new French reference scale was agreed upon. It was agreed that only this scale should be published to avoid confusion among future users. The French AMS Scale published in this paper should be used for future research and necessary cultural/linguistic adaptations in the French-speaking world.

Outcome of 112 consecutive patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm greater than 5·5 cm turned down for elective repair at a university hospital

Background

The UK Small Aneurysm study has demonstrated the low risk of rupture in aneurysms less than 5·5 cm in diameter. However, the natural history of aneurysms greater than 5·5 cm remains unresolved. Questions of equipoise probably preclude another trial in patients with an AAA over 5·5 cm. In this centre, the authors prospectively maintain records of all patients refused elective aneurysm surgery. This study aimed to document the outcome of all patients referred with an AAA greater than 5·5 cm in diameter, and to determine the cause of death and risk of rupture in all patients.

Methods

Details of all patients presenting with an AAA from 1989 to 1999 were recorded and demographic details on all patients with an AAA greater than 5·5 cm were collected. The endpoint was 1 May 1999. Copies of death certificates for deceased patients were obtained from the Office of National Statistics, local in-hospital patient records and general practitioner records. Results of post-mortem examinations were also retrieved. Aneurysms were stratified according to size at presentation (5·5–5·9, 6·0–7·0, more than 7·0 cm) and reasons for non-intervention were documented.

Results

Some 112 patients were turned down over 10 years (11·4 per year). The mean(s.d.) age of this patient group was 77·7(7·7) years; there were 74 men and 38 women. Crude mortality data are shown in the Fig. below (Kaplan–Meier curve). At the end of the study period, 87 patients (76 per cent) were dead, 26 (30 per cent) from a ruptured AAA. Mean survival times were: 23 months (5·5–5·9 cm), 20 months (6·0–7·0 cm) and 15 months (greater than 7·0 cm).

Conclusion

While recognizing the problems with death certification, rupture still seems to be a significant cause of death in patients with untreated AAAs greater than 5·5 cm. While little difference is observed in 5·5–7·0-cm range, patients with an AAA greater than 7·0 cm seem to have a much poorer prognosis.

Sustained immunological effects of Glatiramer acetate in patients with multiple sclerosis treated for over 6 years

The availability of a group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients at the University of Maryland, who had participated in the pivotal Copaxone trial in the early 1990s, provided an opportunity to examine the long-term immunologic effects of Glatiramer acetate (GA) treatment in MS. Forty-eight GA-reactive T-cell lines (TCL) were generated from 10 MS patients who have been receiving GA treatment for 6-9 years. Proliferative responses, cytokine production, and cross-reactivity with myelin basic protein (MBP) and the MBP immunodominant peptide 83-99 were compared to responses obtained from 10 MS patients who were tested pretreatment and after a shorter period of treatment ranging from 1 to 10 months. The results indicate that while long-term treatment with GA results in a 2.9-fold decrease in the estimated precursor frequency of GA-reactive T-cells, the sustained response to GA remains Th2-biased and in part cross-reactive with MBP and MBP (83-99) as measured by proliferation and cytokine release assays. The results indicate that despite a drop in the precursor frequency of GA-reactive T-cells with long-term treatment, the sustained response remains predominantly Th2-biased and cross-reactive with MBP, which is consistent with the anti-inflammatory effects of the drug and bystander suppression.

Couples' grief and experience of support in the aftermath of miscarriage

The aim of this prospective study involving 39 women and 32 partners was to investigate the grief response of both the woman and her partner to miscarriage and to ascertain if support received was adequate and appropriate to their needs. Previous research shows that partners' grief can often be delayed and chronic. Special emphasis is placed on this area in this study. The miscarriage was found to be a significant event and the majority of women and partners still experienced feelings of loss up to 4 months afterwards, describing their reactions as sad or very sad. Scores on the first administration of the Perinatal Grief Scale showed that, in contrast with previous findings, partners scored significantly higher than the women on the three subscales and overall. Partners' scores on the second administration were also higher than those for the women but the difference was not significant. The women tended to receive and welcome social support more than the partners. Support received from health professionals was not always optimal, particularly for partners. Pregnancy subsequent to miscarriage was often viewed with some anxiety. It is argued that the results of the study have important implications for health practice.

Altered response of a human squamous cell carcinoma cell line to 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) after transfer of a normal chromosome 11

Previous work in our laboratory using functional assays for tumorigenicity identified a tumor suppressor element on human chromosome 11q for the cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cell line A388.6TG.c2. In this report, we screened a variety of agents for differential effects on A388.6TG.c2 compared to a growth-suppressed chromosome 11 microcell hybrid of A388.6TG.c2. One of the agents, 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3); calcitriol), exerted a growth-altering effect on A388.6TG.c2, which formed rounded cell clusters across the surface of the raft by Day 6 of treatment. In contrast, full-length chromosome 11 hybrids of A388.6TG.c2, as well as two other squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (FaDu and A431), when treated with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), failed to demonstrate this cell-clumping phenotype. To pursue the hypothesis that the growth suppressor element is involved in altering the response to 1, 25(OH)(2)D(3), we tested microcell hybrids carrying t(X;11) chromosomes lacking large portions of 11q. Although these hybrids, like the parent A388.6TG.c2 cells, demonstrated extensive growth in organotypic cultures, they failed to form cell clusters with 1, 25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment. These results suggest that the chromosome 11 element that alters the response to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) is distinct from the growth-suppressing element. An examination of differentiation marker expression revealed identical patterns of basal and suprabasal markers for A388.6TG.c2 and for a chromosome 11 hybrid with or without treatment with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). Finally, characterization of candidate tumor suppressor gene PPP2R1B, which encodes for a subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), showed seemingly insignificant alterations by cDNA sequence analysis. Collectively, the data suggest that human chromosome 11 contains two different tumor suppressor elements that may account for the two areas of loss of heterozygosity observed on the long arm of this chromosome.

Te Whanau Cadillac--a waka for change

Community action research is an effective mechanism to improve the relationship between research and public health practice. The Alcohol and Public Health Research Unit (APHRU) and its Maöri research partner Whariki have developed practice in building partnerships with communities characterized by mutual respect of the different resources the partners bring to public health. A current APHRU/Whariki project focused on youth and drugs is a partnership with six communities in rural and urban areas throughout New Zealand, many predominantly Maöri. This project illustrates a model that aims to bridge the gap between research and practice, and to improve health and well-being through working with communities to increase their capacity to deal with alcohol and drug issues, and to introduce sustainable initiatives.

[Evaluation of the quality of life of infants and very young children: validation of a questionnaire. Multicenter European study]

In the last few years, evaluating quality of life in children has become possible using specific instruments; nevertheless, there is still an unsolved issue concerning the earliest ages, when the child is not able to give his/her own opinion. QUALIN, a new instrument designed to assess an infant's quality of life (between the ages of three months and three years) was developed from the study of spontaneous criteria used by parents or caregivers (paediatricians or nurses) when they think about the quality of life of a baby (preliminary survey including 800 open-ended questionnaires).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One thousand four hundred and twelve children under the age of three were included in this validation study. QUALIN questionnaire is a 34-item scale and can be completed by parents or caregivers. Two forms are available: one form is designed for children under the age of one and the other is designed for children between the ages of one and three. The QUALIN questionnaire was translated into English, Italian and Spanish, and a European multicentric validation study was conducted in Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland. Data were collected with QUALIN questionnaires from children's parents and paediatricians.

RESULTS

The psychometric properties of the scale are satisfactory (acceptability 90%, Cronbach's coefficient alpha over 0.75, correlations between two raters over 0.50, construct validity with principal component analysis showed emerging factors in agreement with the hypotheses linked to the questionnaire construction). The results are interesting, showing significant differences according to the health status of the children and their country of origin.

CONCLUSION

The QUALIN questionnaire can be used for studies concerning the quality of life of children less than three years of age.

Lack of association of rare alleles in the HRAS variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) region with adult glioma

HRAS rare alleles have been associated with the increased susceptibility to a variety of cancers. In the present study we examined the hypothesis that HRAS rare alleles are a risk factor for adult glioma in a population-based case-control study of adult glioma in six San Francisco Bay Area counties. We compared the prevalence of rare alleles in the variable number of tandem repeats region of HRAS in the germline DNA from 73 white adults who had gliomas with that of 65 controls. Overall, the prevalence of rare alleles in cases was not different from the prevalence of those in controls according to two definitions of rare alleles. We found that 25 of 73 (34%) of cases versus 25 of 65 (38%) of controls had at least one allele that was not 30, 46, 69, or 87 repeats; 4 of 73 (5%) of cases versus 6 of 65 (9%) of controls carried one or more alleles with 33, 39, 42, 53, 59, 63, 68, 105, or 114 repeats. The proportion of rare alleles was somewhat higher among subjects with anaplastic astrocytoma. Among women, cases were less likely than controls to have HRAS rare alleles, whereas among men, cases were slightly more likely to have HRAS rare alleles, but none of these results approach statistical significance. Our data do not suggest an excess of HRAS rare alleles among adult glioma cases.

HER-2/neu amplification in benign breast disease and the risk of subsequent breast cancer

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of HER-2/neu gene amplification and/or overexpression in benign breast disease was associated with an increased risk of subsequent breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a nested case-control study of a cohort of women who were diagnosed with benign breast disease at the Mayo Clinic and who were subsequently observed for the development of breast cancer. Patients who developed breast cancer formed the case group, and a matched sample from the remaining cohort served as controls. Benign tissue samples from 137 cases and 156 controls and malignant tissues from 99 cases provided DNA or tissue for evaluation of HER-2/neu amplification and protein overexpression.

RESULTS

Among the controls, seven benign tissues (4.5%) demonstrated low-level HER-2/neu amplification, whereas 13 benign (9.5%) and 18 malignant (18%) tissue specimens from cases exhibited amplification. HER-2/neu amplification in benign breast biopsies was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (odds ratio ¿OR = 2.2; 95% confidence interval ¿CI, 0.9 to 5.8); this association approached statistical significance. The risks for breast cancer associated with benign breast histopathologic diagnoses were OR = 1.1 (95% CI, 0.6 to 1.9) for lesions exhibiting proliferation without atypia and OR = 1.5 (95% CI, 0.4 to 5.6) for the diagnosis of atypical ductal hyperplasia. For women having both HER-2/neu amplification and a proliferative histopathologic diagnosis (either typical or atypical), the risk of breast cancer was more than seven-fold (OR = 7.2; 95% CI, 0.9 to 60.8). Overexpression of the HER-2/neu protein product, defined as membrane staining in 10% or more of epithelial cells, was found in 30% of the breast tumors but was not detected in any of the benign breast tissues. Case patients who had HER-2/neu gene amplification in their malignant tumor were more likely to have had HER-2/neu amplification in their prior benign biopsy (P =.06, Fisher's exact test).

CONCLUSION

Women with benign breast biopsies demonstrating both HER-2/neu amplification and a proliferative histopathologic diagnosis may be at substantially increased risk for subsequent breast cancer.

Risk of breast cancer according to the status of HER-2/neu oncogene amplification

We examined risk factors for breast cancer after subdividing cases based on the presence of HER-2/neu oncogene amplification in their tumors. Data were from the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, a population-based, case-control study of 577 invasive breast cancer patients, diagnosed during 1993-1996 and ages 20-74 years, and 790 controls frequency-matched on race and age. Information on breast cancer risk factors was obtained from structured personal interviews. About 20% of paraffin-embedded tissues from the breast cancers of cases were identified as positive for HER-2/neu amplification (HER-2/neu+) by differential PCR. Early age at menarche, higher waist:hip ratio, and family history of breast or ovarian cancer were associated with elevated odds ratios (ORs) for both HER-2/neu+ and HER-2/neu- breast cancers. Breastfeeding for at least 1 year was inversely associated with HER-2/neu+ breast cancer [OR, 0.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.1-0.7] more so than HER-2/neu- breast cancer (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.5-1.2). Most of the remaining risk factors had ORs around 1.0 for both HER-2/neu+ and HER-2/neu- breast cancers, although a few exhibited possible associations with one disease subtype in analyses stratified by menopausal status. These study results suggest that most recognized breast cancer risk factors do not operate through HER-2/neu amplification in breast carcinogenesis. Differential effects of long-term breastfeeding by HER-2/neu amplification status have been observed in earlier studies and are provocative; however, the direction and magnitude of the associations have not been consistent.

Community action to reduce rural drink and drive crashes in New Zealand: adapting approaches in dynamic environments

This paper discusses the evolution of a two-and-a-half year pilot community action project aimed at developing strategies to reduce alcohol-use-related crashes in a rural police district in New Zealand. Formative evaluation aimed to assist an intersectoral coordinating group identify and implement strategies. Initially the idea was to establish community-based committees to mobilize on drinking and driving around the district. However, it became clear that the original concept impeded action. The focus was changed to provide more support to strengthen existing initiatives, particularly those relating to police traffic enforcement and drinking environments. This helped give the project renewed life and direction. The paper focuses on process, organizational, and external community issues affecting the project and the use of formative evaluation to assist the project to respond and adapt to dynamic circumstances.

Chemical dehydration of specimens with 2,2-dimethoxypropane (DMP) for paraffin processing of animal tissues: practical and economic advantages over dehydration in ethanol

Chemical dehydration can be accomplished using 2,2-dimethoxypropane (DMP). In the presence of an acid catalyst, this liquid reacts with water generating methanol and acetone as products. Although DMP is more expensive per milliliter than ethanol and other solvents used for dehydration, it is an economical alternative because a much smaller volume is needed. Slow penetration of DMP was previously thought to restrict its use to tiny specimens, but we now show that pieces of tissue as thick as 2 cm are dehydrated by overnight immersion in acidified DMP. We also show that dehydration in acidified DMP does not impair the staining of RNA or other basophilic components of animal tissues. The temperature and concentrations of methanol and H+ in the chemical dehydrating agent are too low to produce histochemically detectable methylation or nucleic acid extraction.

P57 (KIP2) polymorphisms and breast cancer risk

A previous report in this journal has suggested that germline deletions in the proline-alanine-rich (PAPA-repeat) region of P57 (KIP2) are associated with increased risk of a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. We have analyzed the association of P57 PAPA-repeat deletion polymorphisms and breast cancer risk as part of a population-based case-control study of breast cancer. We have not observed an association between the presence of one or two copies of deletion polymorphisms in P57 and breast cancer risk (adjusted odds ratio: 1.1, 95% confidence interval: 0.6-2.0). Further investigation is necessary to determine the functional significance of P57 deletion polymorphisms and their potential relationship with disease.