Dynamical features in fetal and postnatal zinc-copper metabolic cycles predict the emergence of autism spectrum disorder

Metals are critical to neurodevelopment, and dysregulation in early life has been documented in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, underlying mechanisms and biochemical assays to distinguish ASD cases from controls remain elusive. In a nationwide study of twins in Sweden, we tested whether zinc-copper cycles, which regulate metal metabolism, are disrupted in ASD. Using novel tooth-matrix biomarkers that provide direct measures of fetal elemental uptake, we developed a predictive model to distinguish participants who would be diagnosed with ASD in childhood from those who did not develop the disorder. We replicated our findings in three independent studies in the United States and the UK. We show that three quantifiable characteristics of fetal and postnatal zinc-copper rhythmicity are altered in ASD: the average duration of zinc-copper cycles, regularity with which the cycles recur, and the number of complex features within a cycle. In all independent study sets and in the pooled analysis, zinc-copper rhythmicity was disrupted in ASD cases. In contrast to controls, in ASD cases, the cycle duration was shorter (F = 52.25, P < 0.001), regularity was reduced (F = 47.99, P < 0.001), and complexity diminished (F = 57.30, P < 0.001). With two distinct classification models that used metal rhythmicity data, we achieved 90% accuracy in classifying cases and controls, with sensitivity to ASD diagnosis ranging from 85 to 100% and specificity ranging from 90 to 100%. These findings suggest that altered zinc-copper rhythmicity precedes the emergence of ASD, and quantitative biochemical measures of metal rhythmicity distinguish ASD cases from controls.

Oxidative Stress Challenge Uncovers Trichloroacetaldehyde Hydrate-Induced Mitoplasticity in Autistic and Control Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines

Mitoplasticity occurs when mitochondria adapt to tolerate stressors. Previously we hypothesized that a subset of lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from children with autistic disorder (AD) show mitoplasticity (AD-A), presumably due to previous environmental exposures; another subset of AD LCLs demonstrated normal mitochondrial activity (AD-N). To better understand mitoplasticity in the AD-A LCLs we examined changes in mitochondrial function using the Seahorse XF96 analyzer in AD and Control LCLs after exposure to trichloroacetaldehyde hydrate (TCAH), an in vivo metabolite of the environmental toxicant and common environmental pollutant trichloroethylene. To better understand the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitoplasticity, TCAH exposure was followed by acute exposure to 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-napthoquinone (DMNQ), an agent that increases ROS. TCAH exposure by itself resulted in a decline in mitochondrial respiration in all LCL groups. This effect was mitigated when TCAH was followed by acute DMNQ exposure but this varied across LCL groups. DMNQ did not affect AD-N LCLs, while it neutralized the detrimental effect of TCAH in Control LCLs and resulted in a increase in mitochondrial respiration in AD-A LCLs. These data suggest that acute increases in ROS can activate mitochondrial protective pathways and that AD-A LCLs are better able to activate these protective pathways.

Erratum: Epigenetic silencing of miR-34a in human prostate cancer cells and tumor tissue specimens can be reversed by BR-DIM treatment

Androgen Receptor (AR) signaling is critically important during the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). The AR signaling is also important in the development of castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) where AR is functional even after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT); however, little is known regarding the transcriptional and functional regulation of AR in PCa. Moreover, treatment options for primary PCa for preventing the occurrence of CRPC is limited; therefore, novel strategy for direct inactivation of AR is urgently needed. In this study, we found loss of miR-34a, which targets AR, in PCa tissue specimens, especially in patients with higher Gleason grade tumors, consistent with increased expression of AR. Forced over-expression of miR-34a in PCa cell lines led to decreased expression of AR and prostate specific antigen (PSA) as well as the expression of Notch-1, another important target of miR-34a. Most importantly, BR-DIM intervention in PCa patients prior to radical prostatectomy showed reexpression of miR-34a, which was consistent with decreased expression of AR, PSA and Notch-1 in PCa tissue specimens. Moreover, BR-DIM intervention led to nuclear exclusion both in PCa cell lines and in tumor tissues. PCa cells treated with BR-DIM and 5-aza-dC resulted in the demethylation of miR-34a promoter concomitant with inhibition of AR and PSA expression in LNCaP and C4-2B cells. These results suggest, for the first time, epigenetic silencing of miR-34a in PCa, which could be reversed by BR-DIM treatment and, thus BR-DIM could be useful for the inactivation of AR in the treatment of PCa.[This corrects the article on p. 14 in vol. 4.].

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)

e15037

Background: Information on the prognostic and predictive role of FDG-PET in the management of patients (pts) with mCRC is limited. The growing complexity of current therapies and the increasing number of agents to be tested in this disease warrants better understanding of the role of FDG-PET in earlier treatment decisions. Methods: Consecutive pts with 2 or more serial FDG-PET scans at baseline and during the treatment course were studied. Tumor standardized uptake value (SUV) and its percentage change (%ΔSUV) were each studied for their potential association with time to progression (TTP) via univariate Cox models to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for progression. Results: 27 pts (median age 58.2 yrs) with mCRC were studied. 85% of pts were treated in the first line setting. 44% had received prior adjuvant therapy. 63%, 26% and 11% received oxaliplatin based, irinotecan based and fluropyrimidine only regimens, respectively. 85% received concurrent bevacizumab. Median pretreatment SUV was 9.0 (range 1.7 - 46.0); Median post treatment SUV was 3.4 (0–13.5); median %ΔSUV was -77.2 (range -10% to -100%). Mean interval between scans was 4.1 months. Ten (37%) patients had no tumor uptake on post treatment scans. 56% and 37% of pts had partial response and stable disease (RECIST criteria), respectively. Median TTP was 13.0 months (90% CI: 10.9 - 16.3 mos), with a median follow-up time for progression of 7.8 months. The HRs for baseline SUV and %ΔSUV were 0.972 (90% CI: 0.901 - 1.048, p=0.534) and 1.018 (90% CI: 1.003 - 1.033, p=0.049), respectively. The median TTP of patients whose post-treatment SUV reached zero was 13.8 months vs. 10.9 months (p=0.17) for pts whose post-treatment SUV did not reach zero. Conclusions: Systemic therapy significantly decreased the SUV on follow up PET scans in pts treated for mCRC. However, no significant association was seen between either baseline SUV or %ΔSUV and TTP. There may be a very weak statistical association of decreasing SUV with decreasing risk of progression. Further work is needed to optimize and standardize evaluation of tumor response in mCRC patients with FDG-PET.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Combined weekly docetaxel (D) and gemcitabine (G) for relapsed ovarian cancer (OC) and peritoneal cancer (PC): A multi-institutional phase II study

5565

Background: Both D and G have demonstrated single-agent activity in OC and PC. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and toxicity for patients (pts) with relapsed platinum-sensitive (Plat-S) and platinum-resistant (Plat-R) OC or PC treated with combination weekly D and G. Methods: Eligibility criteria included women recurrent or refractory to first line platinum based therapy, a performance status of 2 or better, and adequate renal and hepatic function. Only one prior regimen (including maintenance therapy) was allowed. D (40 mg/m2) and G (800 mg/m2) were administered on days 1 and 8 of a 21 day cycle until progression. Best response was defined by RECIST criteria. Granulocyte stimulating factor prophylaxis was not allowed. There were 2 separate 2-stage designs used, one for each stratum: Plat-R and Plat-S, separately for a total planned sample of 62 pts. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR). This study was approved by each center's institutional review board. Results: Thirty pts were enrolled prior to terminating accrual due to lagging enrollment. The median age was 57.5 years (range 41–80). One pt was diagnosed with PC; the remaining 29 had OC. Twenty-seven (90%) pts were response evaluable. The ORR was 59% (90% confidence interval: 0.44 - 0.73). Six pts (22%) achieved a complete response (CR), 10 pts (37%) achieved a partial response (PR) and one pt (4%) had stable disease. Progressive disease was noted in 10 pts (37%). Plat-S pts (n = 16) had a 69% ORR (CR = 31%, PR = 38%) and Plat-R pts (n = 11) had an ORR of 45% (CR = 9%, PR = 36%). Median overall survival was 12.7 months (Plat-S = 14.2 mos. and Plat-R = 6.7 mos.). Toxicity data were evaluable for 29 (97%) pts. Twelve pts (41%) experienced grade 3 or 4 neutropenia; two of these pts also had documented infections. Three pts had grade 3 anemia and 6 (21%) had grade 3 thrombocytopenia. Dose reductions were uncommon (n = 2, 7%). Twelve pts (41%) were hospitalized at least once during treatment. Conclusions: Weekly D and G combination therapy demonstrates significant activity and moderate toxicity in both Plat-S and Plat-R disease. This non-platinum combination deserves further evaluation and may be considered in pts with Plat-S and Plat-R OC and PC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Safety and efficacy analysis of sunitinib (S), bevacizumab (B), and M-Tor inhibitors in metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) patients (pts) with renal insufficiency (RI)

5108

Background: S, T (temsirolimus) and E (everolimus) are primarily metabolized in the liver, while the metabolism of B is unclear. There are limited data on the clinical toxicity profile and efficacy of these agents in pts with RI. Methods: The primary objective was to assess the safety and efficacy of S, B, T and E in pts with RI. Medical records of pts with mRCC at Wayne State University, treated on S, B, T or E were reviewed. Pts with a calculated creatinine clearance (CrCl) of ≤ 60ml/min [chronic kidney disease stage 3 or higher per K/DOQI guidelines by the National Kidney Foundation] were deemed to have RI. Data on safety and efficacy of the therapy were collected and analyzed with respect to renal function. Results: 19 of 51 (37%) pts had RI. Pts with RI had a higher median rise in blood pressure (BP) with S and B than pts with normal renal function. Patients with RI had an increased incidence of rash and higher dose interruption rates with m-TOR inhibitors. No major differences in toxicities including cardiac, thyroid, renal, lipid profile abnormalities or hyperglycemia were observed. Similar efficacy was seen in all groups. Conclusions: More than a third of pts with mRCC receiving targeted therapy have RI, hence highlighting the importance of evaluating tolerability of therapies in pts with RI. Therapy with S, B and T/E is well tolerated and efficacy appears to be maintained. Closer monitoring for hypertension is needed in pts receiving S and B.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase II study of bevacizumab, docetaxel, and oxaliplatin in gastric and GEJ cancer

4563

Background: VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) has a central role in angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis of gastric cancer. Bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, has demonstrated anti-tumor activity in multiple diseases. This phase II study was undertaken to determine the effects of adding bevacizumab to a regimen of docetaxel and oxaliplatin. Methods: The primary endpoint was time to progression (TTP) in patients with locally advanced or metastatic adenocarcinoma of the gastric or gastroesophageal junction treated with docetaxel, oxaliplatin and bevacizumab. Previously untreated patients with a performance status (PS) of 0–1 were eligible for this study. Patients received bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg, docetaxel 70 mg/m2 and oxaliplatin 75 mg/m2 administered on day 1 of a 21 day cycle. Results: A total of 23 patients (median age 57, males 70%, gastric 52%) were enrolled on the study. Median PS was 1. The median number of cycles was 5. Ten patients are still receiving treatment on study. Partial responses were documented in 10 (59%) patients and stable disease in 7 (41%). No treatment related deaths were observed. The most commonly reported grade 3–4 toxicities were neutropenia (13%), leukopenia (4%), fever (4%), acute neuropathy (4%), and hypertension (4%). Gastrointestinal (GI) perforation occurred in 3 patients. Perforation was not found at the tumor site in the patient who required surgery. The site of perforation could not be ascertained in the second patient who was managed medically. Both patients had had no prior surgical resection of the primary tumor. The third perforation presented as a tracho-bronchial fistula. The patient had previously undergone surgical resection of his primary tumor after receiving chemoradiotherapy to the thoracic area. Conclusions: The regimen of docetaxel, oxaliplatin and bevacizumab appears to be very active. The development of GI perforations in 3 patients is of concern. At this time, bevacizumab should not be used in gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancers outside of a clinical trial until its safety is well established.

[Table: see text]

Cediranib, a VEGF receptor 1, 2, and 3 inhibitor, and pemetrexed in patients (pts) with recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

e19007

Background: There are only limited data regarding the use of anti-VEGF therapy in recurrent NSCLC and no data in NSCLC pts previously treated with bevacizumab. We are currently conducting a phase II trial evaluating cediranib, an oral inhibitor of VEGFR 1,2 and 3, and pemetrexed in recurrent NSCLC pts who may or may not have previously received bevacizumab. Methods: Pts with progressive and measurable NSCLC, 1 or 2 prior regimens, PS0–2, all histologic sub-types, BP ≤ 140/90, treated brain metastases are eligible. Pts on anti-coagulants are allowed. Pts with hemorrhage within 4 weeks are excluded. Pts start on cediranib 30mg daily followed 7 days later by pemetrexed at 500 mg/m2 every 21 days and cediranib daily. The study consists of two cohorts- cohort A (no prior bevacizumab) and cohort B (prior bevacizumab). Planned accrual is 37 pts each cohort. Consenting pts will undergo FLT PET scans and blood draw for circulating tumor cells before therapy, 1 week after cediranib, and after 1 cycle of the combination. Results: 33 pts have started therapy, (Cohort A- 20, Cohort B- 13), median age- 60, males- 56%, ever smokers- 88%, adenocarcinoma- 64%, squamous- 12%, brain mets- 27%, 1 prior regimen- 52%, PS0–1- 88%. Median cycles- 4 (range- 0–15). Grade 3/4 toxicities- neutropenia- 7pts, febrile neutropenia- 1pt, fatigue-7pts, diarrhea- 3pts, hypertension- 1pt, anorexia- 2pts, cardiac ischemia- 1pt, bronchopleural fistula- 1pt, esophagitis- 1pt. No major hemorrhage. Of the 17 pts who received cediranib for ≥ 4 cycles, 71% required dose reduction and of the 18 pts who received pemetrexed for ≥ 4 cycles, 22% required dose reduction. 31 pts (Cohort A- 19, Cohort B- 12) are response evaluable. Confirmed response rate is 16%(90% CI- 0.08–0.30) (Cohort A- 10%, Cohort B- 25%) and disease control rate (response+stable disease) is 71% (90% CI-0.56–0.82) (Cohort A- 74%, Cohort B- 67%). 8 of 9 pts who had FLT PET scans had a 20% or greater decline in standard uptake value after 1 week of cediranib alone. Conclusions: Cediranib and pemetrexed combination is tolerable. Efficacy has been observed with the combination in recurrent NSCLC pts, including those previously treated with bevacizumab. Accrual to this trial is ongoing.

[Table: see text]

Phase II trial of oral capecitabine (C) and weekly docetaxel (D) in patients with metastatic androgen independent prostate cancer (AIPC)

5121

Background: Due to demonstrated synergistic anti-tumor effect of D and C related to docetaxel-mediated up-regulation of thymidine phosphorylase (TP), a phase II trial with weekly D and C in metastatic AIPC was performed. Endpoints of response and survival were correlated with biomarker levels of TP, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), thymidylate synthase (TS) in tumor tissue and DPD in serum Methods: Patients with metastatic AIPC, with no prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease were eligible to receive D 36 mg/m2/week IV on days 1,8, and 15 and C 1,250 mg/m2 /day in two divided doses on days 5–18. Cycles were repeated every 28 days and response was assessed every 2 cycles. Biomarker correlative study for Serum DPD and TP/DPD ratio and TS/DPD ratio on tissue were performed using mouse anti-TP, rat anti-DPD and mouse anti-TS monoclonal antibodies Results: 30 patients enrolled with median age of 69 years, median pretherapy PSA of 110 ng/ml (range 1.2 to 3716.9). 21(70%) had bone pain, Gleason score ≥ 8 in 18 (61%) patients; measurable disease progression in 9, bone scan progression in 18 patients and PSA only progression noted in 22 patients. 144 cycles have been administered (range 0–10 cycles). Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia seen in 3 patients and Grade 3 hand-foot syndrome in 2 patients. No treatment related deaths seen. PSA response (≥50% decline) noted in 22 (73.3%) with ≥90% PSA decline in 9 (30%) pts. Measurable disease PR noted in 5 of 9 patients (56 %). Median follow-up is 11 months (range 2.1 to 30.4). Median time to progression is 9.1 months (90% CI 6.2–15.1 months), and the median overall survival (OS) is 18.9 months (90% CI 14.9–26.4 months). 1 year PFS and OS is 44% and 84% respectively. Samples for DPD were available for 25 patients and pre-therapy tumor tissue for 23 patients. Quantitative fluorescence IHC has been performed on available samples, the final analysis is ongoing. Conclusions: The combination is well tolerated and demonstrates favorable and durable remission and survival outcomes. Correlation with biomarker analysis will be reported. This may help in selecting patients more likely to derive benefit from combination of D and C. Supported in part by Aventis Inc.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Activity and safety of carboplatin and paclitaxel followed by capecitabine and radiation as adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer (GC)

15162

Background: Adjuvant 5FU based chemo-radiotherapy is considered the standard of care for the treatment of GC. However, the reduction in distant metastases has not been significant indicating the poor systemic effect of this regimen. A regimen of carboplatin and paclitaxel followed by capecitabine and radiation was adopted at the Karmanos Cancer Institute to improve the systemic effects of adjuvant therapy and to utilize the significant antitumor effects of taxanes demonstrated in advanced GC. Methods: We reviewed the outcomes of 21 consecutive patients with GC who were treated with carboplatin (AUC 5 mg/ml x min) and paclitaxel (175–200 mg/m2), followed by concurrent capecitabine (1600–2000 mg/ m2) and radiation (45–50.4 Gy) since January, 1999 for curatively resected GC. Patients received a total of 4–6 cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 60 years old. Sixteen patients had stage 3 disease and 7 of them had positive margins (R1/R2 resection), 3 patients were stage 2 and 2 patients were stage 1 and both groups had negative margins; all patients had D1/D2 lymph node dissection. Thirteen patients had recurrent disease, 10 of whom had distant metastases. The median recurrence free survival was 12.3 months (90% CI; 9.7–27.7 months). Seven patients are still alive. The median OS was 16.0 months (90% CI; 13.3- 28.8 months). The median follow up for OS was 30.4 months. Grade 3–4 hematologic toxicities were found in 7 patients (33.3 %). Non-hematologic toxicities included grade 3 diarrhea in 3 patients (14%), severe fatigue in 2 patients (10%). No treatment related deaths were observed. Conclusions: Carboplatin and paclitaxel alongside radiation plus capecitabine is a well tolerated regimen in the adjuvant setting. The activity of this regimen in this relatively high risk group of GC patients is of interest for future development.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Expression of EGFR, HER-2 and p53 predictive of prognosis in muscle-invasive bladder cancer

15637

Background: The significance of over expression of Erb-1 (epidermal growth factor receptor/ EGFR) and Erb-2 (Her-2) has been reported in various tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of the expression of EGFR, Her-2 and p53 with relapse free survival (RFS) and over all survival (OS) in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer Methods: All patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer diagnosed at our institution between1993and 2004 were considered for the study. Immunohistochemical staining for EGFR, Her2 and p53 performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded archival tissue was evaluated as positive or negative without knowledge of clinical outcome. Survival data determined by reviewing patients medical records were correlated with the staining results. Results: Of the 46 patients who qualified for the study, 40 had slides interpretable for Her 2 and p 53 staining and 38 had slides interpretable for EGFR staining. 35 of 38 were EGFR +ve, 22/40 were Her-2 +ve and 12/40 were p53+ve. The median age of the 46 patients was 67.5 years with a male/female ratio of 60% and 40%. 83% had clinical Stage 2; of those 42%, 23%, and 35% had pathological stages T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Six of 46 (13%), received adjuvant therapy. Tumor histology was pure transitional carcinoma in 56%, or with other components (squamous or adenocarcinoma) in 44%. Median follow-up was 48.8 months for RFS and 44.9 months for OS. Patients with positive EGFR had a median RFS of 34.8 months and median OS of 59.8 months. In patients with negative EGFR, median RFS and OS were not yet reached. Her 2 positive patients had median RFS of 19.2 months compared to 63.8 months in Her-2 negative patients. Her-2 negative patients had median OS of 59.7 months while median was not reached in Her 2 positive patients. Conclusions: While the differences are not statistically significant, the trends observed warrant prospective investigation of the prognostic significance of these markers in a larger population of muscle invasive bladder cancer patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Radiation pneumonitis (RP) in lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy (CT) and thoracic radiation (TR): Retrospective analyses of patients treated at a comprehensive cancer center

19642

Background: Combined CT and TR is the current standard for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and SCLC. Severe RP, an important adverse effect of TR, is reported in clinical trials to occur in 10% of patients receiving CT and TR. The rate in routine care may be higher as patients are not selected based on lung function. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the incidence of RP in lung cancer patients treated with CT and TR. Methods: Retrospective identification of patients who underwent combined modality therapy (concurrent or sequential CT and TR) for lung cancer (NSCLC & SCLC) at our cancer center between January 2001 and December 2004. Demographic features, RP incidence and grade (RTOG criteria), hospitalization rate and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Results: 51 patients who met the selection criteria were analyzed. The demographic features were - males 61%; Caucasians - 53%; African Americans - 39%; history of pulmonary disorder - 45%; NSCLC - 82%; CT - 62% received Cisplatin/Etoposide, while 24% received Carboplatin/Paclitaxel; 92% received concurrent CT and TR. The median dose of TR was 5940 cGy. 20 patients (39%) developed RP; 13 (25%) had grade = 3 RP. Median time to development of RP was 4.4 months. Rate of RP in females and males was 50% vs. 32% (p=0.25). Rate of RP in patients with pulmonary disorder at baseline was 52% vs. 29% in others (p=0.15). 1 year hospitalization rate was 75% and 42% in RP and non-RP patients (p=0.025). For all 51 patients, the median overall survival (OS) was 16.4 months (95% CI 11.8 - 23.3). Length of OS did not differ significantly (p = 0.36) between the 20 patients who had RP vs. the 31 who had no RP (median OS: 22.2 vs. 14.5 months, respectively). Conclusions: The RP rate in these 51 lung cancer patients treated off- protocol with CT and TR is higher than that reported in clinical trials. Despite higher morbidity in patients with RP (i.e., increased hospitalization), survival duration did not differ significantly based on RP status.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II trial of weekly docetaxel and oral capecitabine in metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer

4634

Background: Docetaxel based chemotherapy for hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) has demonstrated survival benefit. The combination of docetaxel-capecitabine has demonstrated synergistic anti-tumor effect, which is attributable to docetaxel-mediated up-regulation of thymidine phosphorylase (TP). Hence, a phase II trial is being conducted to assess efficacy and tolerability of weekly docetaxel and capecitabine in metastatic HRPC. Methods: Patients with metastatic HRPC, who have not received prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease were eligible to receive docetaxel 36 mg/m2/week IV on days 1,8, and 15 and Capecitabine 1250 mg/m2 /day in two divided doses on days 5–18. Cycles were repeated every 28 days and response was assessed every 2 cycles. The primary end point was response rate. A two stage Simon study design required 15 patients to be accrued in first stage and additional 13 patients in second stage. Results: First stage was completed and response was adequate to proceed to second stage. 21 patients have been registered to this ongoing trial. Baseline characteristics included median age of 71 (range 47–80 years); median performance status of 1; median PSA at study entry of 60.6 ng/ml (range 1.2–3716.9); Of the 21 patients, 16 had bone pain pretherapy, Gleason score ≥ 8 in 14; 8 had measurable disease; 8 had new bone metastases and 14 had PSA progression. 83 cycles have been administered (median 4, range 1–10 cycles). To date 18 patients were assessable for toxicity and response. Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia was noted in 3 patients and Grade 3 hand-foot syndrome in 2 patients. There were no treatment related deaths. A PSA partial response (PR) defined as ≥ 50% decline sustained for ≥ 4 weeks was observed in 14/18 (77%) with ≥90% PSA decline in 7/18 (39%) patients. PR noted in 5/8 measurable disease patients. Stable disease by bone metastases in 15/18. Median time to PSA progression was 5 months (95% CI of 3.5–7.2+ month). Conclusions: The combination of capecitabine and weekly docetaxel demonstrated encouraging activity and acceptable toxicity profile.

[Table: see text]

Characteristics and outcomes of cancer patients ≥80 years treated with chemotherapy at a comprehensive cancer center

8548

Background: The percentage of cancer patients ≥ 80 years old is expected to rise in the United States. However data are limited on use of chemotherapy in this group of patients. Methods: Retrospective identification of patients who received systemic chemotherapy at our cancer center between 1/1/2000 to 12/31/2004 was performed using the computer generated pharmacy data and medical records. Patients who had diagnosis of cancer and ≥ 80 years were included in the study; patients receiving only supportive care, hormonal therapy, or oral chemotherapy were excluded. The protocol for this study was approved by the Wayne State University IRB. Results: A total of 133 patients ≥ 80 years who received chemotherapy was analyzed. The median age was 83 and 31% of the patients were ≥ 85 years. There were more females (61%) than males (39%). The gender distribution was more even (47% v. 53%) after excluding gender specific tumors. The racial distribution was diverse- Whites 65 (49%); Blacks 41 (31%); Other 18 (13%); Unknown 9 (7%). 16% of the patients had hematologic malignancy and 84% had solid tumors. Gynecological cancers (32%) followed by aerodigestive cancers (26%) were the most common solid tumors. Solid tumor patients primarily had regional (48%) or distant (45%) disease. During the first regimen, 512 cycles of chemotherapy was delivered with a median of 3 cycles per patient (range 1–24 cycles); 40% of patients received only 2 cycles of chemotherapy. 64% of patients were able to receive chemotherapy without 2nd cycle delay. The distribution of single or multidrug regimens was fairly similar; Solid tumors 52% v. 48%; Hematologic cancers 43% v. 57%. Carboplatin and paclitaxel (22%) was the most common regimen among solid tumor patients. 26% of all patients received a second regimen. The 1 year survival rates among hematologic cancer and solid tumor patients were 65% and 48%, respectively. Stage of disease was the only statistically significant factor predicting survival. Conclusions: In this diverse group of cancer patients ≥ 80 years old and selected for chemotherapy, the treatment was feasible. The survival outcomes in this elderly population were comparable to those of a younger patient population suggesting that the treatment is beneficial.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Preclinical efficacy of thioxanthone SR271425 against transplanted solid tumors of mouse and human origin

A highly active and broadly active thioxanthone has been identified: N-[[1-[[2-(Diethylamino)ethyl]amino]-7-methoxy-9-oxo-9H-thioxanthen++ +-4-yl] methylformamide (SR271425, BCN326862, WIN71425). In preclinical testing against a variety of subcutaneously growing solid tumors, the following %T/C and Log10 tumor cell kill (LK) values were obtained: Panc-03 T/C = 0, 5/5 cures; Colon-38 (adv. stage) T/C = 0, 3/5 cures, 4.9 LK; Mam-16/C T/C = 0, 3.5 LK; Mam-17/0 T/C = 0, 2.8 LK; Colon-26 T/C = 0, 1/5 cures, 3.2 LK; Colon-51 T/C = 0, 2.7 LK; Panc-02 T/C = 0, 3.1 LK; B16 Melanoma T/C = 13%, 4.0 LK; Squamous Lung-LC12 (adv. stage) T/C = 14%, 4.9 LK; BG-1 human ovarian T/C = 16%, 1.3 LK; WSU-Brl human breast T/C = 25%, 0.8 LK. The agent was modestly active against doxorubicin (Adr)-resistant solid tumors: Mam-17/AdrT/C =23%, 0.8 LK; and Mam-16/C/Adr T/C = 25%, 1.0 LK, but retained substantial activity against a taxol-resistant tumor: Mam-16/C/taxol T/C = 3%, 2.4 LK. SR271425 was highly active against IV implanted leukemias, L1210 6.3 LK and AML1498 5.3 LK. The agent was equally active both by the IV and oral routes of administration, although requiring approximately 30% higher dose by the oral route. Based on its preclinical antitumor profile, it may be appropriate to evaluate SR271425 in clinical trials.

Protection against mammary tumor growth by vaccination with full-length, modified human ErbB-2 DNA

ErbB-2 is overexpressed in several human cancers and conveys a transforming activity that is dependent on tyrosine kinase activity. Antibodies and T cells to ErbB-2 have been isolated from cancer patients, indicating ErbB-2 as a potential target of active vaccination. In this study, 3 mutant ErbB-2 DNA constructs encoding full-length, ErbB-2 proteins were tested as tumor vaccines. To eliminate tyrosine kinase activity, the ATP binding lysine residue 753 was substituted with alanine by replacing codon AAA with GCA in mutant ErbB-2A. To direct recombinant ErbB-2 to the cytoplasm where major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I peptide processing takes place, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) signal sequence was deleted in cyt ErbB-2. The third construct cyt ErbB-2A contained cytoplasmic ErbB-2 with the K to A mutation. Expression of recombinant proteins was measured by flow cytometry in transfected murine mammary tumor cell line D2F2. Transmembrane ErbB-2 and ErbB-2A were readily detected. Cytoplasmic ErbB-2 and ErbB-2A were detected only after the transfected cells were incubated overnight with a proteasome inhibitor, indicating prompt degradation upon synthesis. ErbB-2 autophosphorylation was eliminated by the K to A mutation as demonstrated by Western blot analysis. Growth of ErbB-2-positive tumor in BALB/c mice was inhibited after vaccination with ErbB-2 or ErbB-2A, but not with cyt ErbB-2 or cyt ErbB-2A. ErbB-2A that is free of tyrosine kinase activity is a potential candidate for anticancer vaccination. The 3 mutant constructs should be useful tools to delineate the role of individual immune effector cell in ErbB-2-specific antitumor immunity and to develop strategies for enhancing such immunity.

Preclinical antitumor efficacy of analogs of XK469: sodium-(2-[4-(7-chloro-2-quinoxalinyloxy)phenoxy]propionate

A series of quinoxaline analogs of the herbicide Assure was found to have selective cytotoxicity for solid tumors of mice in a disk-diffusion-soft-agar-colony-formation-assay compared to L1210 leukemia. Four agents without selective cytotoxicity and 14 agents with selective cytotoxicity were evaluated in vivo for activity against a solid tumor. The four agents without selective cytotoxicity in the disk-assay were inactive in vivo (T/C > 42%). Thirteen of the fourteen agents with selectivity in the disk-assay were active in vivo (T/C < 42%). Five of the agents had curative activity. These five agents had a halogen (F, Cl, Br) in the 7-position (whereas Assure had a CI in the 6 position). All agents with curative activity were either a carboxylic acid, or a derivative thereof, whereas Assure is the ethyl ester of the carboxylic acid. All other structural features were identical between Assure and the curative agents. Assure had no selective cytotoxicity for solid tumors in the disk-assay, and was devoid of antitumor activity. The analog XK469 is in clinical development.

Outcome of African American men screened for prostate cancer: the Detroit Education and Early Detection Study

PURPOSE

Will early detection impact on stage of disease and recurrence of prostate cancer in a high risk population? We initiated a community based study to educate and recruit African American men for early diagnosis of prostate cancer, that is the Detroit Education and Early Detection (DEED) study. Our objective was to evaluate our recruitment process for this target population, examine the percentage of organ confined prostate cancer in men undergoing radical prostatectomy and measure recurrence biochemically.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A community based study from February 1993 to February 1995 through the African American churches in metropolitan Detroit was initiated. We compared the early detection group treated with radical prostatectomy to the population presenting to our urological clinic during the same period. We tested and followed 1,105 African American men using the prostate specific antigen blood test.

RESULTS

Pathologically organ confined prostate cancer was diagnosed in 11 of 17 men (65%) who underwent radical prostatectomy in the DEED project. Within the clinic population 35% of the African American men were diagnosed with pathologically organ confined prostate cancer. The difference between the 2 populations was statistically significant (p = 0.033). Disease recurred in 1 of 15 (7%) and 39 of 157 (25%) men in the DEED and clinic populations, respectively (p = 0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated our ability to recruit African American men into a prostate cancer early detection program. We diagnosed early but clinically significant prostate cancers among African American men with characteristics similar to prostate cancers diagnosed in other early detection studies in which the overwhelming majority of men were white.

5-Fluorouracil, etoposide, and cisplatin in the management of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

Encouraging response rates have been reported in Stage III non-small cell lung cancer when 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), etoposide (VP-16), and cisplatin (FED) have been combined with radiation therapy (RT) or RT and surgery. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of FED chemotherapy in 32 patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Treatment consisted of 5-FU (800 mg/m2/d) on days 1 to 4 by continuous infusion, intravenous (IV) VP-16 (60 mg/m2) over 1 hour on days 1 to 4, and IV cisplatin (60 mg/m2) over 1 hour on day 1. Treatment cycles were repeated every 28 days as toxicity permitted. Partial responses occurred in 7 of 32 patients (22%; 95% confidence limit [CL] 0.09, 0.40), including 6 of 19 patients (32%) with performance status of 0 or 1, and 1 of 13 patients (8%) with performance status of 2 or 3. The median response duration was 5.0 months. Although toxicity was modest and consisted of primarily hematologic and gastrointestinal side effects, this combination does not appear to provide an advantage over other cisplatin combinations in Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer.

Flavone acetic acid and plasma protein binding

Both the capacity of healthy human, cancer patient, and mouse plasma proteins to bind flavone acetic acid (FAA) and the qualitative differences in the plasma protein-binding site were studied. The binding capacity of plasma proteins for FAA was saturated within the therapeutic range in both species. The binding of FAA to plasma protein was significantly greater in both healthy human and cancer patient plasma than in mouse plasma. Plasma from patients with cancer bound on the average less FAA than did healthy patient plasma. The concentration of albumin in the plasma varied between healthy humans, cancer patients, and mice, being 5.3 +/- 0.7, 4.7 +/- 0.8, and 3.9 +/- 0.3 g/100 ml, respectively. The protein binding of FAA was found to be dependent on the plasma albumin concentration, but albumin concentration alone was not adequate for the accurate prediction of the percentage of FAA protein bound. Scatchard plots indicated that healthy human plasma had a greater number of high-affinity binding sites than did mouse plasma. FAA binds at the indolebenzodiazepine binding area on albumin and can be displaced from this site by salicylic acid and clofibric acid, but only at supratherapeutic concentrations. Our results indicate that alterations in plasma albumin could contribute to a variable effect with FAA. Therefore, the influence of serum albumin concentration and the nonlinearity of FAA protein binding should be considered in assessment of the appropriateness of a dose schedule for FAA.

Cellular DNA content parameters in untreated and recurrent squamous cell cancers of the head and neck

The presence and degree of DNA aneuploidy as measured by the DNA index (DI) and the S phase fraction (SPF) were determined by flow cytometry in 294 specimens from 237 patients with untreated and recurrent squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN). A descriptive analysis was performed in which the specimen DNA parameters were correlated with stage, size of primary, degree of lymph node involvement, morphological grade, and treatment status of the corresponding patients. Approximately 70% of the previously untreated specimens contained DNA aneuploid populations (DI greater than 1.10) and three quarters had SPF that were above 15%. There was a strong, direct association between DI and SPF (P less than 0.001). There was no correlation of the presence or degree of DNA aneuploidy with the stage of the tumor or the size of the primary or conventional morphological grade of the tumor. Specimens from patients with recurrent tumors and untreated patients with N3 lymph nodes had significantly lower rates of DNA aneuploidy and mean DI. Serial determinations of DNA aneuploidy in patients with SCCHN undergoing cytotoxic therapy are ongoing and may prove useful in the identification and understanding of resistance and response in this tumor.

Late mortality after partial gastrectomy

A 10-year prospective study of Hawaii Japanese males with partial gastrectomy shows that the age-adjusted mortality rates in men with partial gastrectomy were slightly higher than in those with an intact stomach, but the difference failed to achieve statistical significance. This excess of mortality is due, in part, to excess smoking by men who had ulcers of the stomach. Although death due to stroke and lung cancer showed the most substantial deviations from the base population, this can be attributed only in part to the tendency of men with these diseases to be smokers. Other factors, possibly related to nutrition, also contribute to the increased risk of mortality from these diseases. Death from coronary heart disease, an illness with a substantial association with smoking in men with an intact stomach was less frequent in men with gastrectomy but the difference was not statistically significant. It would appear that men with partial gastrectomy had other characteristics that weakened the impact of smoking upon coronary disease risk--low blood pressure, low serum cholesterol, low body weight and increased alcohol consumption.

The effect of long-distance running upon appendicular bone mineral content

The bone mineral content (BMC) of the os calcis was measured for a group of 20 male runners at the beginning and the end of a 9-month marathon training program. The participants had no previous running experience. The percent change in bone mineral in the runners was compared with that of a control group of male subjects of the same age range (38-68 yr). The consistent runners showed a significant increase in bone mineral over that of the controls; the increase was not significant for inconsistent runners. The data suggest that those runners with longer, more consistent distances gained more bone mineral than those with shorter, more inconsistent distances.

Thiazide effect on the mineral content of bone

The thiazide diuretics are known to cause calcium retention. In order to study the effect of thiazides on bone mineralization, we have measured the mineral content of bone at five sites (the distal radius, the distal ulna, the proximal radius, the proximal ulna, and the os calcis) in 1368 men with a mean age of 68 years, including 323 who were taking thiazides for hypertension. The results were adjusted for age and body-mass index. Thiazide users had significantly more bone mineral content at all five sites than did non-users. Untreated hypertensive patients and persons without hypertension had comparable bone mineral content, indicating that the higher mineral content found among thiazide users is related to the drug and not to the underlying hypertension. These findings suggest the possibility of a preventive or therapeutic role for thiazides in osteoporosis.

Fecal mutagens in two Japanese populations with different colon cancer risks

Human feces from 223 Japanese in Hawaii at high risk for colon cancer and feces from 166 Japanese of northern rural Japan at low risk for colon cancer were shown to contain mutagenic activity under five different test conditions. The first assay, using the Ames TA98 and TA100 Salmonella test, detected ether-soluble mutagens in the presence and absence of rat liver microsomes. Of these, the TA98 direct-acting mutagens are present more frequently in the feces of the high-risk population than the low-risk population at a high level of statistical significance (p less than 0.01). TA98 mutagens activated by rat liver microsomes also occur significantly more frequently in the feces of the Japanese from Hawaii (p less than 0.05). Mutagens detected by TA100 in the presence and absence of rat liver microsomes are not commonly found in either Japanese population. The second bacterial test system used to detect fecal mutagens uses Escherichia coli rec-. This system detects water-soluble fecal mutagens which are also present more frequently in the high-risk population than in the low-risk population (p less than 0.05).

Combination chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and BCG immunotherapy in extensive (metastatic) small cell carcinoma of the lung. A Southwest Oncology Group study

From November 1976 to November 1978, the Southwest Oncology Group treated 254 patients with extensive (metastatic) small cell carcinoma of the lung with combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy with and without BCG immunotherapy. Patients receiving BCG achieved a response rate of 50% versus those patients not receiving BCG of 46% (P = .704). Response duration was 20 weeks for the BCG arms and 23 weeks for the no-BCG arms; survival was 28 weeks for the BCG arms versus 29 weeks for the no-BCG arms. An adverse effect in patients surviving more than one year was detected; those continuing to receive BCG had significantly shorter survival, 60 weeks versus 85 weeks (P = .019). Toxicities of the programs were not affected by the addition of BCG immunotherapy. It appears that BCG immunotherapy has no beneficial effect on response rate or duration of response in programs using chemotherapy and radiotherapy for control of metastatic small cell carcinoma of the lung. In addition, because of the adverse effect on long-term survival, we do not recommend the addition of BCG immunotherapy as a treatment modality in this tumor type.

5 FU infusion with mitomycin-C vs. 5 FU infusion with methyl-CCNU in the treatment of advanced upper gastrointestinal cancer: a Southwest Oncology Group Study

A randomized trial was conducted by the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) in advanced carcinoma of the stomach and pancreas. Patients were assigned to receive monthly 5-fluorouracil 96-hour continuous infusions with either bolus mitomycin-C or oral methyl-CCNU. Mitomycin-C and methyl-CCNU were administered every eight weeks. The 5 FU-mitomycin combination produced a 14% and 22% response rate in disseminated stomach and pancreatic carcinoma, respectively. The combination of infusion 5 FU and methyl-CCNU achieved responses in 9% and 5% of stomach and pancreatic tumors, respectively. There was no significant difference in survival between limbs for either tumor. Median survival in gastric carcinoma on the 5 FU-mitomycin regimen was 25 weeks vs. 18 weeks on the 5 FU-METHYL-CCNU arm. In pancreatic carcinoma median survival on the mitomycin limb was 19 weeks as compared to 17 weeks on the methyl-CCNU program. Leukopenia was greater for the first course on the mitomycin limb. Regression analysis demonstrated that performance status was the most important pretreatment characteristic for predicting survival in both tumors. Neither 5 FU infusion combination appears to significantly alter the dismal prognosis of advanced upper gastrointestinal neoplasms.

Phase II evaluation of ftorafur in previously untreated colorectal cancer: a Southwest Oncology Group Study

Eighty-four previously untreated patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the large intestine received intravenous ftorafur at a dosage of 2.25 g/m2/day for 5 consecutive days. Courses were repeated every three weeks. Regressions were noted in 9 of 84 treated patients (11%). Median survival for all patients was 32 weeks. Responders survived only 5 weeks longer than nonresponders; 36 vs. 31 weeks. Central nervous system toxicity was a limiting factor occurring in one-third of patients. Ftorafur in a daily X5 schedule appears not to make a significant contribution to the management of disseminated colorectal cancer.

5FU infusion with mitomycin-C versus 5 FU infusion with methyl-CCNU in the treatment of advanced colon cancer: a Southwest Oncology Group Study

The Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) in a randomized trial evaluated 5FU infusions in combination with either Mitomycin-C or Methyl-CCNU in patients with disseminated large bowel cancer. A response rate of 18% was noted on the 5FU-Mitomycin limb as compared to 16% on the Methyl-CCNU arm (p = .39). Median survival for all treated patients was 43 weeks on both arms. Myelosuppression was found to be more significant on the Mitomycin-C arm. Regression analysis demonstrated that performance status, sex, and primary site were significant pretreatment characteristics for predicting survival. The response rates associated with this burdensome method of 5FU administration in combination with either Mitomycin-C or Methyl-CCNU appear to offer little advantage over bolus 5FU alone.

The effectiveness of prophylactic brain irradiation in small cell carcinoma of the lung: a Southwest Oncology Group study

Brain involvement in small cell carcinoma of the lung is a common phenomenon occurring in from 29 to 45% of patients. Because of this, it was suggested that prophylactic brain irradiation be made a part of treatment plans for small cell carcinoma. In December 1974, the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) began treating patients with combination chemotherapy and irradiation of both the primary lesion and whole brain. In two years, there were 390 patients entered into the study. In patients with extensive disease only 6 of 152 prophylactically irradiated patients developed CNS signs or symptoms of CNS recurrence. In limited disease, 6 of 88 prophylactically treated patients had CNS recurrence and in only 4 was this the site of initial failure. We feel prophylactic brain irradiation in small cell carcinoma of the lung is of benefit.

Small-cell carcinoma of the lung: combined chemotherapy and radiation: a Southwest Oncology Group study

Chemotherapy (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine) was given in a sequential fashion with radiation of the primary tumor and brain to 358 patients with small-cell lung carcinoma (extensive disease in 250, limited in 108). Complete regression of tumor was obtained in 14% of patients with extensive disease and 41% of patients with limited disease, and complete or partial response in 57% and 75%, respectively. Median survival was 26 weeks for patients with extensive disease and 52 weeks for those with limited disease. Response duration was longer for patients in complete remission; one third had disease-free survival greater than 1 year. Toxicity from the combined treatment modalities was no greater than expected from the components given separately: fatal in 3.9%, and life-threatening but reversible in 8.4% of patients. Whole-brain radiation was effective in preventing isolated relapse at that site. This therapy appears both feasible and effective, with acceptable risks and some benefit to most patients.