AEFIs active surveillance projects as vaccinovigilance traineeship: Puglia (Italy) experience

Surveillance of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFIs) is a crucial part of vaccination strategies because the most important concern of “No-vax group” is the safety of vaccination. According to UE laws, in Italy a passive surveillance system of AEFIs is established by law and managed by National Drug Authority (AIFA) and Regional Health Governments. The performance of surveillance system is different in the 21 Italian Regions and in some Region, such as Puglia, the AEFIs reporting rate has been, for several years, lower than National figure. The implementation of AEFIs active surveillance projects could increase the performance of AEFIs surveillance system, also after the end of the project.

In Puglia, since 2017, May to 2018, November, an active surveillance of AEFIs has been established, focused on MMRV vaccine. In this study, we analysed the AEFIs general picture in Puglia in 2016 and 2019, before and after active surveillance project. The source of data is the AIFA database; data were reported as number of AEFI and rate for Puglia population (reporting rate RR). The AEFIs were classified as serious, not serious and unclassifiable and causality assessment was performed according to WHO recommendations.

The number of AEFIs detected by the passive surveillance system is 91 for 2016 (RR 2,2 per 100.000 people), and 168 for 2019 (RR 4,2 per 100.000 people). The percentage of serious AEFIs was 23.1% (21/91) in 2016 and 31% (52/168) in 2019 and unclassifiable AEFIs were 22% (20/91) in 2016 and 0 in 2019. The percentage of serious AEFIs for which the result of causality assessment was “consistent” is 23,8% (5/21) in 2016 and 55,8% (29/52) in 2019.

The experience of AEFIs active surveillance project increase the performance of AEFIs surveillance system. From 2016 (pre-project time) to 2019 (post-project time) the number of AEFIs detected was doubled, the number of unclassifiable AEFIs (proxy of poor reliability of the system) was reduced to zero.

Key messages

AEFIs passive surveillance system could be affected by underreporting and lack of quality. The AEFIs active surveillance project are an important occasion of traineeship for vaccinovigilance system, that could increase the sensibility and the reliability.

Incidence, angiographic and clinical predictors, and impact of stent thrombosis: a 6-year survey of 6,545 consecutive patients

Objective

We sought to determine the incidence, angiographic predictors, and impact of stent thrombosis (ST).

Background

Given the high mortality after ST, this study emphasises the importance of ongoing efforts to identify angiographic predictors of ST.

Methods

All consecutive patients with angiographically confirmed ST between 2010 and 2016 were 1:4 matched for (1) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) indication and (2) index date ±6 weeks to randomly selected controls. Index PCI angiograms were reassessed by two independent cardiologists. A multivariable conditional logistic regression model was built to identify independent predictors of ST.

Results

Of 6,545 consecutive patients undergoing PCI, 55 patients [0.84%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–1.10%] presented with definite ST. Multivariable logistic regression identified dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) non-use as the strongest predictor of ST (odds ratio (OR) 10.9, 95% CI 2.47–48.5, p < 0.001), followed by: stent underexpansion (OR 5.70, 95% CI 2.39–13.6, p < 0.001), lesion complexity B2/C (OR 4.32, 95% CI 1.43–13.1, p = 0.010), uncovered edge dissection (OR 4.16, 95% CI 1.47–11.8, p = 0.007), diabetes mellitus (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.25–8.36, p = 0.016), and residual coronary artery disease at the stent edge (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.02–8.92, p = 0.045). ST was associated with increased rates of mortality as analysed by Kaplan-Meier estimates (27.3 vs 11.3%, p_log-rank < 0.001) and adjusted Cox proportional-hazard regression (hazard ratio 2.29, 95% CI 1.03–5.10, p = 0.042).

Conclusions

ST remains a serious complication following PCI with a high rate of mortality. DAPT non-use was associated with the highest risk of ST, followed by various angiographic parameters and high lesion complexity.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s12471-019-1253-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Hemorrhagic cystitis in pregnancy: Case report and review of the literature

Hemorrhagic cystitis is generally a benign self-limited disorder, however there are some severe cases which are associated to a significant blood loss. The etiology may be either bacterial, viral or chemical in origin; though the cause is not identified in most of the cases. Immunocompromised patients or patients who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation constitute the highest risk group. There are only a few articles about hemorrhagic cystitis in pregnancy, frequently associated with preterm labor. We describe, for the first time in literature, one patient with a clinical status of hematuria in two consequent pregnancies, without any identified cause and a medical history negative for recurrent or hemorrhagic cystitis and we report an overview of literature concerning this topic.

A phase I/II pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenomic study of calcitriol in combination with cisplatin and docetaxel in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Preclinical studies demonstrated antiproliferative synergy of 1,25-D3 (calcitriol) with cisplatin. The goals of this phase I/II study were to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of 1,25-D3 with cisplatin and docetaxel and its efficacy in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer.

METHODS

Patients were ≥18 years, PS 0-1 with normal organ function. In the phase I portion, patients received escalating doses of 1,25-D3 intravenously every 21 days prior to docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) using standard 3 + 3 design, targeting dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) rate <33 %. Dose levels of 1,25-D3 were 30, 45, 60, and 80 mcg/m(2). A two-stage design was employed for phase II portion. We correlated CYP24A1 tagSNPs with clinical outcome and 1,25-D3 pharmacokinetics (PK).

RESULTS

34 patients were enrolled. At 80 mcg/m(2), 2/4 patients had DLTs of grade 4 neutropenia. Hypercalcemia was not observed. The RP2D of 1,25-D3 was 60 mcg/m(2). Among 20 evaluable phase II patients, there were 2 confirmed, 4 unconfirmed partial responses (PR), and 9 stable disease (SD). Median time to progression was 5.8 months (95 % CI 3.4, 6.5), and median overall survival 8.7 months (95 % CI 7.6, 39.4). CYP24A1 SNP rs3787554 (C > T) correlated with disease progression (P = 0.03) and CYP24A1 SNP rs2762939 (C > G) trended toward PR/SD (P = 0.08). There was no association between 1,25-D3 PK and CYP24A1 SNPs.

CONCLUSIONS

The RP2D of 1,25-D3 with docetaxel and cisplatin was 60 mcg/m(2) every 21 days. Pre-specified endpoint of 50 % confirmed RR was not met in the phase II study. Functional SNPs in CYP24A1 may inform future studies individualizing 1,25-D3.

Abstract P1-12-06: N0937 (Alliance): Preliminary results of a phase II clinical trial of cisplatin and the novel agent brostallicin in patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC)

Background: TNBC is characterized by unique molecular profiles, aggressive behavior, poor prognosis and lack of targeted therapies. Brostallicin is a novel synthetic compound from the class of DNA minor groove binding (MGB) anti-cancer agents, making it a logical agent to evaluate in the setting of TNBC. It retains activity in cancer cells resistant to alkylating agents, topoisomerase I inhibitors and is fully active against DNA-mismatch repair deficient tumor cells. Preclinical models using cell lines demonstrate that cells expressing relatively high glutathione/glutathione S-transferase (GSH/GST) levels are more susceptible to brostallicin's antitumor efficacy. Cisplatin administration increases expression of GSH/GST in tumor cells, thus leading to an increased anti-tumor efficacy of brostallicin.

Methods: Phase II cooperative group study in pts with mTNBC (³18 years of age with measurable metastatic disease, ER/PR ≤1%; HER2 negative, who had received 0–4 prior chemotherapy regimens in the metastatic setting; with adequate hematologic, renal and hepatic functions; and no active CNS metastases; prior exposure to cisplatin allowed). Cisplatin on Day 1 followed by brostallicin on Day 2, repeated every 21 days. Aim: efficacy of brostallicin and proof of concept of its mechanism of action in mTNBC. Primary endpoint progression-free survival (PFS) at 3 months with 89% power (0.10 significance level) to detect an absolute difference of 20% (35% vs 55%), based on the median PFS of 60 days in pts with mTNBC from the N0234 trial of erlotinib and gemcitabine as 1st/2nd line. Secondary endpoints include ORR, duration of response (DOR), 6-month PFS, OS and AE profile. Tertiary endpoints include assessment of 1) GSH levels prior to the administration of cisplatin and of brostallicin; and 2) the prevalence of BCRA-1 mutation by IHC in primary or metastatic tumor.

Results: Study closed on 3/28/12 and it accrued 48 pts (median f/u 2.3 mo; 0–15.3); 33 pts are off treatment and 15 pts remain on study; 38 pts evaluable for response, and 43 evaluable for AEs. 50% received therapy as 3rd to 5th line. Median number of cycles 2.5 (off-treatment: 2; on-treatment: 3, range 0–15). There are currently 5 confirmed responses (4 PR and 1 CR); DOR: 2.8–13.3 months. The 6-mo PFS is currently 19.2% (95% CI: 8.9%, 41.3%); the median TTP is 3.0 months (95% CI: 1.7 months, 4.2 months). Current data are premature to determine the primary endpoint (3-mo PFS) but we expect to report such data by November 2012. Current toxicity data: 69.7% G3/4 heme toxicity. Non-heme toxicity G3 (30.2%) and G4 (9.3)% (febrile neutropenia 21%; fatigue G3 14%); and no G5 non-heme AE.

Conclusions: The current preliminary data of this trial show very encouraging activity of this regimen (brostallicin plus cisplatin) in mTNBC. Near 1/3 of pts are still currently receiving therapy, and we expect to provide primary and additional secondary endpoint data at SABCS 2012.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-12-06.

Prophylactic cranial irradiation in small-cell lung cancer: findings from a North Central Cancer Treatment Group Pooled Analysis

BACKGROUND

This pooled analysis evaluated the outcomes of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in 739 small-cell lung cancer (SCLC patients with stable disease (SD) or better following chemotherapy ± thoracic radiation therapy (TRT) to examine the potential advantage of PCI in a wider spectrum of patients than generally participate in PCI trials.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred eighteen patients with extensive SCLC (ESCLC) and 421 patients with limited SCLC (LSCLC) participated in four phase II or III trials. Four hundred fifty-nine patients received PCI (30 Gy/15 or 25 Gy/10) and 280 did not. Survival and adverse events (AEs) were compared.

RESULTS

PCI patients survived significantly longer than non-PCI patients {hazard ratio [HR] = 0.61 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52-0.72]; P < 0.0001}. The 1- and 3-year survival rates were 56% and 18% for PCI patients versus 32% and 5% for non-PCI patients. PCI was still significant after adjusting for age, performance status, gender, stage, complete response, and number of metastatic sites (HR = 0.82, P = 0.04). PCI patients had significantly more grade 3+ AEs (64%) compared with non-PCI patients (50%) (P = 0.0004). AEs associated with PCI included alopecia and lethargy. Dose fractionation could be compared only for LSCLC patients and 25 Gy/10 was associated with significantly better survival compared with 30 Gy/15 (HR = 0.67, P = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

PCI was associated with a significant survival benefit for both ESCLC and LSCLC patients who had SD or a better response to chemotherapy ± TRT. Dose fractionation appears important. PCI was associated with an increase in overall and specific grade 3+ AE rates.

OT3-01-14: N0937: Phase II Trial of Brostallicin and Cisplatin in Patients with Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Background

Tumors that are negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors and do not over express HER2 are referred as “triple negative” breast cancer (TNBC). These tumors are characterized by unique molecular profiles on gene expression arrays, aggressive behavior with a high recurrence rate, an increased risk of visceral metastases, poor prognosis and lack of targeted therapies. Brostallicin is a novel synthetic compound from the class of DNA minor groove binding (MGB) anti-cancer agents. It retains activity in cancer cells resistant to alkylating agents, topoisomerase I inhibitors and is fully active against DNA-mismatch repair deficient tumor cells. Cells expressing relatively high glutathione/glutathione S-transferase (GSH/GST) levels are more susceptible to brostallicin antitumor efficacy. Cisplatin administration increases expression of GST in tumor cells leading to an increased anti-tumor efficacy of brostallicin.

Trial design: Single-stage phase II study — based on the effects of cisplatin on GSH/GST levels in preclinical models, the most reasonable sequence to explore was cisplatin on Day 1 followed by brostallicin on Day 2 repeated every 21 days.

Eligibility criteria: Women or men ≥18 years of age with confirmed adenocarcinoma of the breast with clinical evidence of measurable metastatic disease and triple negative subtype according to current ASCO CAP guidelines [ER/PR ≤1%; HER2 negative), who received 0–4 prior chemotherapy regimens in the metastatic setting; with adequate hematologic, renal and hepatic functions; and no active CNS metastases.

Aims: To study the efficacy of the novel drug, brostallicin, as well as to serve as proof of concept of its mechanism of action in TNBC. The primary endpoint is to evaluate clinical efficacy of the combination of brostallicin and cisplatin in the treatment of patients with metastatic TNBC, as measured by progression-free survival (PFS) at 3 months with 89% power (0.10 significance level) to detect an absolute difference of 20%. Secondary endpoints include ORR by RECIST, duration of response, 6-month PFS, overall survival (OS) and adverse event profile. Tertiary endpoints include assessment of 1) GSH levels prior to the administration of cisplatin and of brostallicin; and 2) the prevalence of BCRA-1 mutation by IHC in the primary or metastatic tumor.

Statistical methods: The largest 3-month PFS proportion where the proposed treatment regimen would be considered ineffective in this population was estimated at 35% based on the median PFS of 60 days in patients with metastatic TNBC enrolled in the N0234 trial (erlotinib and gemcitabine as 1st/2nd line), and the smallest 3-month PFS success proportion that may warrant subsequent studies with the proposed regimen in this patient population was estimated at 55%. The interim analysis will be reported when the 20th eligible patient has been followed for 3 months.

Present accrual and target accrual: 21 patients have been accrued at the time of abstract submission (June 2011). Target accrual is 42 evaluable patients.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr OT3-01-14.

A phase II study of cetuximab and radiation in elderly and/or poor performance status patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (N0422)

BACKGROUND

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a disease of the elderly. Seeking a tolerable but effective regimen, we tested cetuximab + radiation in elderly and/or poor performance status patients with locally advanced NSCLC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Older patients [≥ 65 years with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0, 1, or 2] or younger patients (performance status of 2) received cetuximab 400 mg/m(2) i.v. on day 1 followed by weekly cetuximab 250 mg/m(2) i.v. with concomitant radiation of 6000 cGy in 30 fractions. The primary end point was the percentage who lived 11+ months.

RESULTS

This 57-patient cohort had a median age (range) of 77 years (60-87), and 12 (21%) had a performance status of 2. Forty of 57 (70%) lived 11+ months, thus exceeding the anticipated survival rate of 50%. The median survival was 15.1 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 13.1-19.3 months], and the median time to cancer progression was 7.2 months (95% CI 5.8-8.6 months). No treatment-related deaths occurred, but 31 patients experienced grade 3+ adverse events, most commonly fatigue, anorexia, dyspnea, rash, and dysphagia, each of which occurred in <10% of patients.

CONCLUSION

This combination merits further study in this group of patients.

Paclitaxel eluting balloon: from bench to bedside

Despite the impressive progress of percutaneous treatment modalities, restenosis remains the major Achilles heel of interventional cardiology. Approximately 25% of the general population treated for coronary diseases with a bare-metal stent and about 10% of patients treated with a drug-eluting stent develop an overgrowth of vascular tissue and renarrowing inside the stent, or in-stent restenosis. These rates are even greater in diabetics and patients at higher risk of restenosis both for clinical presentation (patients in dialysis, low ejection fraction) or anatomical characteristics (ostial, bifurcation, long lesions). Non-stent based local drug delivery and particularly the use of paclitaxel eluting balloon (PEB) could be one promising strategy to reduce restenosis. This review will briefly explore the different characteristics of PEB devices currently present in the market and summarize the results obtained both in animal models and clinical practice, giving an indication of the potential field of application of this new technology.

N0332 phase 2 trial of weekly irinotecan hydrochloride and docetaxel in refractory metastatic breast cancer: a North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) Trial

BACKGROUND

Because of the single-agent activity of irinotecan hydrochloride, combination of irinotecan and docetaxel treatment against metastatic breast cancer (MBC) should be evaluated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Single-stage phase 2 study of irinotecan and docetaxel to evaluate tumor response, toxicity, time to progression, and overall survival was carried out. Regimen of docetaxel (25 mg/m(2)) and irinotecan (70 mg/m(2)) was administered on days 1 and 8 of each 3-week cycle. Patients had histologically confirmed breast adenocarcinoma and metastatic cancer measurable with RECIST.

RESULTS

Of 70 patients enrolled, 64 were assessable. Prior treatment with an anthracycline and a taxane was required. Eighteen (28%) patients [95% confidence interval (CI) 15% to 31%] had tumor response, plus four patients had stable disease (less than 30% decrease in sum of longest diameter and less than 20% increase) for >6 months. The clinical benefit rate was 34% overall. Median duration of tumor response was 6.7 months (95% CI 4.2-37.7 months); median follow-up was 18.6 months (range 8.5-37.7 months). The most common severe adverse events included fatigue [n = 16 (25%)] and neutropenia [n = 13 (20%)].

CONCLUSIONS

Weekly dosing of combination of irinotecan and docetaxel is active against MBC. However, the response rate to our regimen was not significantly better than single-agent docetaxel. Other schedules of irinotecan plus docetaxel should be considered for future studies.

A randomized, phase II trial of two dose schedules of carboplatin/paclitaxel/cetuximab in stage IIIB/IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

BACKGROUND

This trial investigated the efficacy and safety of weekly cetuximab combined with two different schedules of paclitaxel/carboplatin for stage IIIB/IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

A total of 168 patients with previously untreated stage IIIB/IV NSCLC were randomized to arm A, cetuximab (400 mg/m(2) day 1 followed by weekly 250 mg/m(2)) + paclitaxel (Taxol) (225 mg/m(2))/carboplatin (AUC6) day 1 every 3 weeks or arm B, same cetuximab regimen plus paclitaxel (100 mg/m(2)) days 1, 8, and 15 every 3 weeks and carboplatin (AUC6) day 1 every 4 weeks. Treatment continued for a four-cycle maximum. Patients with a complete response, partial response, or stable disease after four cycles could receive cetuximab 250 mg/m(2)/week until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

Median PFS was 4.7 and 4.3 months for arms A and B, respectively (6-month PFS, 27.3% versus 30.9%). Median overall survival was 11.4 versus 9.8 months for arms A and B, respectively; estimated 1-year survival, 47.7% versus 39.3%; and objective response rate, 29.6% versus 25%. The regimen was well tolerated with rash and hematologic toxicity being most common.

CONCLUSIONS

This study did not meet the prespecified benchmark of 35% 6-month PFS rate; both combination schedules of cetuximab plus paclitaxel/carboplatin were feasible and equivalent for treating advanced NSCLC.

Tolerability of lapatinib given concurrently with paclitaxel and trastuzumab as part of adjuvant therapy in patients with resected HER2+ breast cancer: initial safety data from the Mayo Clinic cancer research consortium trial RC0639

Abstract #2109

Background: Despite the impressive results of the recently released trastuzumab adjuvant therapy trials, 15% of patients with HER2 overexpressing or amplified breast cancer developed tumor relapse at 4 years. Lapatinib is a small molecule reversible TKI that inhibits both ErbB1 and ErbB2. The current study was developed to assess the cardiac safety and feasibility of adding lapatinib to paclitaxel and trastuzumab following as part of adjuvant therapy.&#x2028; Methods: A single-arm phase II study of doxorubicin (A, 60 mg/m2 day 1) and cyclophosphamide (C, 600 mg/m2 day 1) [q2w or q3w for 4 cycles]; followed by paclitaxel (P, 80 mg/m2 days 1, 8, 15), trastuzumab (T, 4 mg/kg loading dose then 2 mg/kg days 1, 8, 15), and lapatinib (L, 1000 mg days 1-21) [12 weeks]; followed by T (6 mg/kg day 1) and L (1000 mg days 1-21) [40 weeks] was conducted. The primary endpoint was the incidence of congestive heart failure. The current unplanned safety analysis was undertaken due to the observance of a high rate of G3/4 diarrhea.&#x2028; Results: From April 2007 to June 2008, 98 pts were enrolled and initiated study treatment. Median age was 51 (range 32-72). Among 83 pts with adverse event (AE) data available, 50 (60%) pts have experienced a G3/4 non-hematologic AE. During post-AC treatment, among 53 pts with AE data available, 31 (58.5%) patients have experienced a G3/4 non-hematologic AE with 24 (45%) patients reporting G3/4 diarrhea. Median cycle of onset of G3/4 diarrhea was cycle 5 (first cycle of PTL) with 16 (64%) cases first reported during cycle 5 and 5 (20%) cases first reported during cycle 6. Among 57, 46, 38, and 32 pts receiving treatment with PTL during cycles 5-8, 65%, 57%, 61%, and 72% of patients received the full L dose, respectively. 31 patients have ended active treatment with 10 due to patient refusal and 8 due to adverse events.&#x2028; Conclusions: Preliminary data suggest that L given concurrently with P and T at a dose of 1000 mg per day induces an unacceptable rate of moderate to severe diarrhea. Careful monitoring of diarrhea as well as L dose reduction and initiation of loperamide at first occurrence of diarrhea are recommended. The dose of L when given concurrently with P and T has been amended to 750 mg per day in the current study and safety data for the 1000 mg and 750 mg per day cohorts will be presented. Implications for the ongoing ALTTO study will also be presented.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 2109.

[What do we know after ten years of genetic research into calcium kidney stones?]

Genetic studies of calcium kidney stones have so far assessed single candidate genes by testing linkage disequilibrium or association between a locus and stone disease. They showed the possible involvement of the calciumsensing receptor gene, vitamin D receptor gene, and bicarbonate-sensitive adenylate cyclase gene. In addition to research in humans, the study of different strains of knock-out mice let us include the gene of phosphate reabsorption carrier NPT2, caveolin-1, protein NHERF-1 modulating calcium and urate reabsorption, osteopontin and Tamm-Horsfall protein among the possible determinants. However, the interactions between genes and also between environmental factors and genes are generally considered fundamental in calcium stone formation. Thus, the genetic studies carried out to date have not led to a significant growth of the knowledge about the causes of calcium kidney stones, even though they have allowed us to assess the size of the problem and define criteria to address it. Further knowledge of the causes of calcium stones may be obtained using the instruments that modern biotechnology and bioinformatics have made available to researchers.

Endogenous ouabain and cardiomyopathy in dialysis patients

BACKGROUND AND METHODS

Endogenous ouabain (EO) is markedly raised in patients with chronic renal failure. As high EO induces myocardial cell hypertrophy in vitro and it is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in essential hypertensives and in patients with heart failure we investigated the relationship between plasma EO and LV mass and geometry in 156 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. EO was measured by a specific radioimmunoassay and by mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, plasma EO was directly related to LV mass (r = 0.26, P = 0.001) and LV end diastolic volume (r = 0.25, P = 0.002) and these relationships held true in multiple linear regression models including a series of potential confounders. Patients with eccentric LVH (n = 41, i.e. 26%) had the highest plasma levels of EO when compared to patients with other patterns of LV geometry (P = 0.001). Furthermore, plasma EO had diagnostic value for eccentric LVH because the area under the corresponding ROC curve (68%) was significantly greater (P = 0.002) than the threshold of diagnostic indifference. In this analysis, the sensitivity was 91% and the specificity was 36%. The positive predictive value was 33% but EO had a remarkably high negative predictive value (92%) for the exclusion of eccentric hypertrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

In ESRD patients, plasma EO is independently associated with LV mass, LV volume and eccentric LVH. The results of this study are compatible with the hypothesis that EO is involved in alterations of LV mass in ESRD.

Cost comparison of XELOX compared to FOLFOX4 with or without bevacizumab (bev) in metastatic colorectal cancer

4074

Background: A recent randomized 2x2 phase III trial compared oral capecitabine + IV oxaliplatin (XELOX); IV 5FU/LV/oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4), XELOX+bev, and FOLFOX4+bev. FOLFOX4 was the regulatory control. XELOX was non-inferior to FOLFOX4 for progression-free survival, and bev-containing regimens were superior to comparison arms. This economic analysis compared expected costs in XELOX vs. FOLFOX4 arms in a US setting from a payer and societal perspective. Methods: Direct medical and indirect cost estimates (for patient time and travel) were compared. Resource use and patient time were estimated based on trial data and protocols. Data collected during the trial and used in the analysis were as follows: no. of visits / duration of drug administration, central venous access management, treatment of adverse events (AE), including hospital days for treatment-related AEs and total hours of ambulatory encounters. Unit costs were based on government fee schedules (i.e. Medicare reimbursements) and other published sources. Results: Total direct medical cost estimates were similar for bi-weekly FOLFOX4 and 3-weekly XELOX: $45,800 vs. $44,500. XELOX had higher drug costs while FOLFOX had higher drug administration costs, with about 15 more visits. Costs for hospitalization and ambulatory encounters were slightly lower for FOLFOX4; other medications and venous access were slightly higher for FOLFOX4. Similar patterns held for FOLFOX4+bev vs. XELOX+bev (total direct medical cost estimates $76,100 vs. $79,200). Indirect time cost estimates were lower with XELOX due to fewer cycles and visits: estimated savings range from $1000-$5000 depending on assumptions used. Conclusion: XELOX is estimated to have similar total direct medical costs and lower indirect costs compared with FOLFOX4.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Intracoronary abciximab

Here we report the potential benefits of the use of intracoronary abciximab during percutaneous coronary intervention for an acute myocardial infarction.

Docetaxel and capecitabine in patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction: a phase II study from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group

BACKGROUND

Previous studies suggest that the combination of docetaxel and capecitabine are worthy of further testing in patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction. We therefore undertook this phase II study to test this combination in a multi-institutional, first-line clinical trial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-four eligible patients with histologic or cytologic confirmation of the above malignancy were recruited. The cohort had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance scores of 0, 1 and 2 in 59%, 39% and 2% of patients, respectively. Median age was 57 years (range 32-77 years). Adequate organ function was a requirement for study entry. All patients were prescribed docetaxel 75 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1 and capecitabine 825 mg/m2 orally twice a day on days 1-14 of a 21-day cycle.

RESULTS

The tumor response rate was 39% [95% confidence interval (CI) 23% to 55%]. There were two complete responses and the rest were partial. Median survival was 9.4 months (95% CI 6.3-10.7 months) and median time-to-tumor progression was 4.2 months (95% CI 3.6-5.6 months). There was one treatment-related death from a myocardial infarction and dysrhythmia. Commonly occurring grade 3 adverse events included neutropenia (11 patients), infection (five patients), constipation (three patients), thrombosis (three patients), dyspnea (three patients) and hand-foot syndrome (three patients). In addition, 24/45 patients developed grade 4 neutropenia.

CONCLUSIONS

The regimen docetaxel and capecitabine shows activity in patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction. This regimen merits further study.

[Cutaneous hyperpigmentation of the distal falanx in a newborn]

A case of distal falangeal hyperpigmentation in a 2-month female newborn, who did not show any other cutaneous disease at the time of our observation, is presented. The aim of our study is to focus attention on this condition, actually considered a benign, asymptomatic, transitory manifestation, rarely reported in literature. On the basis of the clinical features, it has been proposed to add this pigmentation to the transient benign dermatoses of newborns.

Becker's nevus syndrome

Becker's nevus (BN) is a unilateral hyperpigmented, often hairy, cutaneous hamartoma, with geographic borders. It is usually localized on the shoulder, anterior chest, scapula, or upper arm, but there have been reports of BN in other areas (eg, lower extremities, face). In most cases, the lesion appears in late childhood or adolescence, and both congenital and familial cases have been described.

Erythrocyte calcium influx is related to severity of ventricular arrhythmias in uraemic patients

BACKGROUND

Myocardial disorders are a remarkable cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic haemodialysed patients (HD). They could be favoured by alteration of cell Ca(2+) handling. In previous studies we characterized an erythrocyte Ca(2+) influx, sensitive to membrane potential and inhibited by Ca(2+) antagonists. Since its maximal influx rate was decreased in HD patients, this study investigates if Ca(2+) influx alterations are related to myocardial disorders in HD patients.

METHODS

Voltage-sensitive erythrocyte Ca(2+) influx was measured in 30 healthy controls and in 53 patients (47 HD patients and six patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and normal kidney function), using fura 2. In 29 HD patients and in six healthy subjects Ca(2+) influx was also determined in the presence of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in vitro. Patients were classified according to Lown's ventricular arrhythmias classification after 24-h Holter electrocardiograph (ECG) monitoring. Forty-six patients underwent echocardiography.

RESULTS

Voltage-sensitive erythrocyte Ca(2+) influx was significantly reduced in HD patients. Maximal influx rate was significantly higher in HD patients of Lown's classes 3 and 4 (0.789 +/- 0.156 nmol/s, n = 8; P < 0.01) than in patients of classes 1 and 2 (0.499 +/- 0.055 nmol/s, n=15), or without ventricular arrhythmias (0.400 +/- 0.041 nmol/s, n = 24). Maximal influx rate was directly correlated to left ventricular mass index (LVM) (r = 0.353, P < 0.05). Subjects with left ventricular hypertrophy and normal kidney function displayed erythrocyte Ca(2+) influx similar to that of normal subjects. Multiple regression indicates that LVM and Ca(2+) influx were independently related to severity of arrhythmias. When added to the influx assay, PTH increased the maximal influx rate only in patients with ventricular arrhythmias.

CONCLUSION

Myocardial dysfunction and altered ventricular excitability could be related in uraemic HD patients to alterations of calcium transport, as found in the erythrocyte model. Reduced resistance to PTH could contribute to this phenomenon.

A multicenter phase II trial of losoxantrone (DuP-941) in hormone-refractory metastatic prostate cancer

Our purpose in this study was to determine the efficacy and toxicity of losoxantrone (DuP-941), an anthrapyrazole, in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Patients with metastatic prostate cancer progressing on androgen ablation therapy without demonstrable antiandrogen withdrawal response were treated with losoxantrone 50 mg/m2 i.v. bolus every 21 days. All of the patients had elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) before study entry and had no prior chemotherapy. Forty-three assessable patients were entered. The median age was 70.6 years (range, 53.9-85.9), median Karnofsky performance scale (KPS), 70% (50-90%), and the median serum PSA, 173 microg/liter (12.5-11,140). The median number of courses was 4 (1-9). Five patients (25%) had a partial response as defined by >50% decline in the serum PSA. Two of nine patients with measurable disease had partial responses and three had minor responses. Thirty percent of patients had improvement in KPS and 37% had an improvement in symptoms with decrease in pain and/or decrease in analgesic requirement. Nonhematological grade 3 and 4 toxicities were one each of grade 3 headache, grade 4 hypocalcemia, grade 3 hyperbilirubinemia, and grade 3 dyspnea. Twenty-six patients (60%) had grade 3 or 4 absolute neutropenia. In conclusion, losoxantrone demonstrated a partial biochemical response rate of 25%, response in measurable disease sites in 22%, and improvement in clinical symptoms in one-third of patients. In this study, PSA increase was not necessarily associated with lack of palliative response.

Coronary radiation therapy with liquid rhenium-186: a first clinical experience

BACKGROUND

Coronary radiation therapy (CRT) is a new, attractive approach for the treatment and prevention of restenosis after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The RadioCath device consists of a standard balloon dilatation catheter that can be charged with a solution of sodium 186Re perrhenate, a predominant beta emitter. The safety and performance of this new device was evaluated in a pilot trial.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty-three patients with a de novo lesion in a native coronary artery were treated with the RadioCath device after successful angioplasty. The average dwell time to deliver a dose of 20 Gy at 0.5 mm into the vessel wall was 418+/-64 seconds. The treatment was well tolerated by most of the patients. In 79%, only one inflation cycle was required to deliver the prescribed dose. There were two procedural device-related complications (5.9%) and three minor procedural related in-hospital complications (9%).

CONCLUSIONS

CRT using a balloon catheter device, charged with a sodium 186Re perrhenate solution, seems feasible and safe. Clinical and angiographic 6-month follow-up data are pending.

[The echo-stress test with dipyridamole-atropine on the 3rd-5th day of an uncomplicated acute myocardial infarct for risk stratification and early discharge]

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate if dipyridamole-atropine stress echocardiography (DASE) performed between the third-fifth day in uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction allows for an effective risk stratification with an early discharge in some cases.

METHODS

Between February 1997 and September 1998, 190 patients (138 males and 52 females, mean age 59 +/- 10.3 years), with acute myocardial infarction, were enrolled in the study. DASE was performed between the third-fifth day with a dipyridamole infusion of 0.84 mg/kg over 10 min followed by 1 mg of atropine from the twelfth to the fifteenth minute. DASE was considered positive in the presence of a new or worsening dyssynergy. Patients with heart failure, angina, major arrhythmias, and poor acoustic window were excluded. In the follow-up spontaneous events were defined as cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial reinfarction, unstable angina or heart failure (with hospitalization).

RESULTS

DASE was performed in 92 patients (48.4%), all without complications: 29 patients (31.5%) had a negative DASE result, and 63 patients (68.5%) had a positive DASE. The average hospital stay of patients with a negative test was significantly lower in comparison with that of patients with a positive test (7.55 +/- 1.32 vs 9.29 +/- 1.61 days, p < 0.0001). Events occurred in 19 patients (20.6%), 2/29 patients with a negative DASE (6.9%), 17/63 patients with a positive DASE (27%), 6/43 patients with homozonal positivity after atropine or high-dose dipyridamole (14%), 11/20 patients with heterozonal positivity or homozonal positivity after low-dose dipyridamole (55%). On univariate analysis the variables significantly associated with spontaneous events were: age (chi 2 = 6.41, p = 0.019), left ventricular ejection fraction at rest (chi 2 = 8.89, p = 0.004), number of asynergic segments after stress (chi 2 = 6.87, p = 0.010), increase in the number of asynergic segments after stress (chi 2 = 4.01, p = 0.039), wall motion score index after stress (chi 2 = 9.60, p = 0.003), increase in wall motion score index after stress (chi 2 = 3.60, p = 0.049), DASE positivity (chi 2 = 4.89, p = 0.029), homozonal positivity after low-dose dipyridamole (chi 2 = 8.57, p = 0.013), heterozonal positivity (chi 2 = 13.10, p = 0.001). On Cox's multivariate analysis independent predictors of events were: age (relative risk 3.92, p = 0.0146), DASE positivity (relative risk 1.79, p = 0.0054).

CONCLUSIONS

DASE between the third-fifth day in uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction is feasible, tolerable, safe, and effective for early risk stratification. A negative DASE detects a "very low-risk" patient group, and allows for an earlier hospital discharge, without an increased risk of events. The heterozonal positivity or the homozonal positivity after low-dose dipyridamole indicates the need for a coronarography, due to the high risk of events at follow-up.

Body mass index in children and adolescents according to age and pubertal stage

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the dependence of body mass index (BMI) values on pubertal stage in subjects similar in age.

DESIGN, SUBJECTS AND MEASUREMENTS

Height and weight were recorded cross-sectionally in school subjects from three provinces in central Italy. The subjects were subdivided into three groups: (1) 4271 school subjects (2125 males and 2146 females; 8.5-15.5 y old), in whom the pubertal development was also recorded, were selected to subdivide BMI values according to pubertal stage and age; (2) 6345 females (10.5-14.5 y old), who were asked whether or not they had had their first menstrual period, were selected to subdivide BMI values according to age in pre-menarche and post-menarche girls, separately; and (3) 1919 females (10.5-14.5 y old), who had presented their menarche within the previous 6 months, were selected to subdivide short-term post-menarche BMI values according to age.

RESULTS

The medians and interquartile ranges of BMI varied according to age and pubertal stage. Kruskall-Wallis test performed in subjects similar in age demonstrated that significant differences existed among the medians of BMI values of subjects at different pubertal stages in 12-14-y-old males (P<0.05), and in 11-14-y- old females (P<0.001). The difference also proved to be significant between stage I and stage II (P<0.05) in 10-y-old females, but not in 10-11-y-old males. The Kruskal-Wallis test performed in subjects similar in pubertal stage demonstrated that significant differences among the medians of BMI at different ages existed only in females at stages II and III. A significant positive trend was observed in both genders according to pubertal stage for BMI values of subjects similar in age (z-test for trend, P<0.01). On the contrary, a negative age trend proved to be significant in females at stages I (P<0.01), II (P<0.01) and III (P<0.001), but not in males when the subdivision of BMI was made according to age in subjects similar in pubertal stage. BMI values were significantly higher in post-menarche girls as compared to pre-menarche girls similar in age (P<0.001). However, at partial regression analysis BMI values were influenced by pubertal stage and, to a lesser extent, by age, but not by menarcheal status. An inverse association between short-term post-menarche BMI and age was observed, with the highest values in girls presenting menarche at 11 y of age (P<0.05). The negative trend was demonstrated at the z-test for trend (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

BMI values depend on pubertal degree of maturation, especially in girls. This influence should be taken into account when BMI is evaluated in adolescents.

SPONSOR

University of Perugia, Region of Umbria.

A phase II study of paclitaxel plus carboplatin as first-line chemotherapy for women with metastatic breast carcinoma

BACKGROUND

This Phase II multicenter study evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of paclitaxel (200 mg/m(2) by 3-hour infusion) with carboplatin (area under the curve 6 mg/mL per minute) administered every 3 weeks as first-line therapy for women with metastatic breast carcinoma.

METHODS

Eligible patients had measurable metastatic disease and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2. Prior adjuvant chemotherapy, including anthracycline-based therapy, was allowed, as was prior hormonal therapy as part of either adjuvant treatment or treatment for metastasis. Prior therapy with taxanes or platinum was not allowed.

RESULTS

A total of 53 patients were enrolled in this study, with 50 patients evaluable for response and toxicity. The overall response rate was 62% (95% confidence interval ¿CI, 48-75%); 16% of patients had complete responses and 46% had partial responses. The median time to progression was 7.3 months (95% CI, 5.9-12.9), and the 12-month survival estimate was 72% (95% CI, 61-86%). Therapy was generally well tolerated. Grade 3-4 neutropenia was the predominant toxicity, observed in 82% of patients, but there were no episodes of febrile neutropenia or sepsis. Hematopoietic growth factors were not routinely necessary. Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy occurred in 16% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Paclitaxel (200 mg/m(2)) with carboplatin (area under the curve 6 mg/mL per minute) demonstrated substantial efficacy in patients with metastatic breast carcinoma, and the 12-month survival rate of 72% was encouraging. This therapy represents a viable option for patients with metastatic disease.

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (expiration and inspiration ratio) in type 1 diabetes. Incidence and predictors

The pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy is poorly understood. In this prospective study, we investigated the incidence rate and potential predictors for cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in a cohort of childhood-onset type 1 diabetic patients. Subjects from the Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study were examined at baseline and then biennially. CAN was diagnosed by abnormal (</=1. 1) expiration/inspiration ratio during deep breathing. During the 4. 7-year mean follow-up period, CAN developed in 104 patients from the 373 subjects who were free of CAN at baseline and provided follow-up data, an incidence-density of 5.9 cases/100 person-years. Cox proportional hazard modeling showed age (relative risk [RR]=2.15, p=0.0001), HbA1 (RR=1.50, p=0.0002) and nephropathy (albumin excretion >200 ug/min) (RR=2.46, p=0.0001) to be significant independent predictors. Hypertension was, however, predictive if nephropathy was not included in the model. We conclude that beyond age and poor glycemic control, nephropathy is a significant risk factor for CAN and this association may explain some of the increased mortality seen in CAN.

The role of alpha-adducin polymorphism in blood pressure and sodium handling regulation may not be excluded by a negative association study

The basic requirement for declaring an association study positive is that the "hypertension-favoring" allele is more frequent in hypertensive cases than in normotensive controls. However, both positive and negative associations with hypertension have been found for the same polymorphism when studied in different populations. In the present study, we addressed the question of the possible cause(s) of this discrepancy among populations by using the alpha-adducin polymorphism as a paradigm. Four hundred ninety hypertensives and 176 normotensives enrolled in Sassari, Italy, and 468 hypertensives and 181 normotensives enrolled in Milano, Italy, were genotyped for the alpha-adducin Gly460Trp polymorphism. The blood pressure response to 2 months of hydrochlorothiazide therapy could be evaluated in 143 (85 in Sassari and 58 in Milano) hypertensives with and without the 460Trp alpha-adducin allele. The alpha-adducin 460Trp allele was not significantly more frequent in hypertensives in the Sassari population but was more frequent in hypertensives than in normotensives in Milano (P=0.019). Basal plasma renin activity was lower and blood pressure fall after diuretic therapy more pronounced (P<0.01) in hypertensives carrying at least one 460Trp allele than in Gly460Gly homozygotes, irrespective of their membership in the Sassari or Milano cohort. The effect of alpha-adducin genotype in predicting basal plasma renin activity and blood pressure decrease with diuretic treatment is similar in Sassari and Milano, despite the lack of association of the alpha-adducin genotype with hypertension in Sassari.

Left ventricular mass, stroke volume, and ouabain-like factor in essential hypertension

Many patients with essential hypertension (EH) exhibit increased left ventricular mass. Similarly, elevated circulating levels of an endogenous ouabainlike factor (OLF) have been described in some but not all patients with EH. Moreover, ouabain has a hypertrophic influence on isolated cardiac myocytes. Accordingly, we investigated relationships among plasma OLF, left ventricular mass, and cardiac function in patients with EH. Plasma OLF was determined in 110 normotensive subjects and 128 patients with EH. Echocardiographic parameters and humoral determinants were measured in EH. Plasma OLF levels were increased (P<0.0001) in patients with EH (377+/-19 pmol/L) versus normotensive (253+/-53 pmol/L) subjects. The distribution of plasma OLF was unimodal in normotensives, whereas it was bimodal in EH. Twenty-four-hour diastolic ambulatory blood pressure was slighter higher in EH with high OLF compared with EH with normal OLF (93.2+/-1.14 versus 89.4+/-1.33 mm Hg, P=0.03). Left ventricular mass index and stroke volume in EH with high OLF were greater than in EH with normal OLF (101.9+/-3.3 versus 86.1+/-2.5 g/m(2), P=0.0003, and 57.10+/-1.48 versus 52.30+/-1.14 mL/m(2), P=0. 02, respectively), although heart rate was slower (74.2+/-1.3 versus 80.5+/-1.3 bpm, P=0.005). Multiple regression analysis that tested the influence of body mass index, age, gender, 24-hour blood pressure, and OLF on left ventricular mass revealed independent contributions of systolic (13.2%) and diastolic (12.4%) blood pressure and plasma OLF (11.6%) to left ventricular mass. We conclude that approximately 50% of patients with uncomplicated EH have elevated-high circulating OLF levels, higher diastolic blood pressure, greater left ventricular mass and stroke volume, and reduced heart rate. We propose that the OLF affects cardiovascular function and structure and should be considered as a factor that contributes to the risk of morbid events.

[The follow-up of a child with a syndrome due to partial deletion of chromosome 3 (p25-pter)]

A case of del(3) p25-pter syndrome in a four-year-old boy whose clinical manifestations were followed and studied since birth, is described. Diagnosis was made by means of karyotype analysis. The parental chromosomes were normal. So far, only about twenty cases of this syndrome have been described in living individuals. Comparison with previously reported cases confirms that the phenotype exhibits an identifiable pattern of malformation, consisting of pre- and postnatal growth delay, typical craniofacial dysmorphisms and limb abnormalities. No severe visceral anomalies were detected in this patient. Nevertheless, the follow-up revealed a progressive decay of the psychomotor and neurosensory functions.

Lack of effect of coumarin in women with lymphedema after treatment for breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Lymphedema of the arms can be a serious consequence of local and regional therapy in women with breast cancer. Coumarin has been reported to be effective for the treatment of women with lymphedema; we undertook a study in which we attempted to replicate those findings.

METHODS

We studied 140 women with chronic lymphedema of the ipsilateral arm after treatment for breast cancer. The women received 200 mg of oral coumarin or placebo twice daily for six months and then the other treatment for the following six months. The end points of the study consisted of the volume of the arm (calculated from measurements of hand and arm circumference) and the answers on a questionnaire completed by the patient about symptoms potentially related to lymphedema.

RESULTS

The volumes of the arms at 6 and 12 months, were virtually identical, regardless of whether coumarin or placebo was given first. After six months, the average volume of the affected arm increased by 21 ml during placebo treatment and 58 ml during coumarin treatment (P=0.80). In addition, answers to patient-completed questionnaires were similar in the two treatment groups. After six months only 15 percent of the women in the coumarin group and 10 percent of those in the placebo group reported that the study medication had helped a moderate or large amount (P=0.19). Coumarin was well tolerated, except that it resulted in serologic evidence of liver toxicity in 6 percent of the women.

CONCLUSIONS

Coumarin is not effective therapy for women who have lymphedema of the arm after treatment for breast cancer.

Alpha-adducin polymorphisms and renal sodium handling in essential hypertensive patients

The relationship between blood pressure and sodium (Na) excretion is less steep in hypertension caused by increased renal tubular reabsorption. We recently demonstrated that one mutation in rat alpha-adducin gene: (1) is responsible for approximately 50% of the hypertension of MHS rats, and (2) stimulates tubular Na-K pump activity when transfected in renal epithelial cell, suggesting that its pressor effect may occur because an increased tubular reabsorption. Linkage and association studies demonstrated that the alpha-adducin locus is relevant for human hypertension. A point mutation (G460W) was found in human alpha-adducin gene, the 460W variant (G/W) is more frequent in hypertensives than in normotensives. The aim of this study was to test whether acute changes in body Na may differently affect blood pressure in humans as a function of alpha-adducin genotype. The pressure-natriuresis relationship was analyzed in 108 hypertensive using two different acute maneuvers: Na removal (furosemide 25 mg p.o.) and, two days later, Na load (310 mmoles i.v. in 2 hr). We found that 80 patients were wild-type homozygous (G/G), 26 were G/W heterozygous, and 2 were W/W homozygous with similar blood pressure, age body mass index, gender, plasma and urinary sodium and potassium. In basal condition G/W-W/W patients showed a lower plasma renin activity and fractional excretion of Na. In either case the pressure-natriuresis relationship was less sleep in G/W-W/W than in G/G patients, obviously negative for Na depletion with furosemide (-0.011 +/- 0.004 vs. -0.002 +/- 0.002 mm Hg/mumol/min, P < 0.03), and positive for Na load (0.086 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.027 +/- 0.007 mm Hg/mumol/min, P < 0.001). The finding of reduced slope after Na depletion or Na load supports the hypothesis that, as MHS rats, humans bearing one W alpha-adducin variant display an increased of renal tubular sodium reabsorption.