The synergistic effect of everolimus and chloroquine on endothelial cell number reduction is paralleled by increased apoptosis and reduced autophagy occurrence

Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs), a minor subpopulation of the mononuclear cell fraction in peripheral blood, play a critical role in cancer development as they contribute to angiogenesis-mediated pathological neovascularization. In response to tumor cytokines, including VEGF, EPCs mobilize from the bone marrow into the peripheral circulation and move to the tumor bed where they incorporate into sprouting neovessels. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of everolimus (Afinitor, Novartis), a rapamycin analogue, alone or in combination with chloroquine, a 4-alkylamino substituted quinoline family member, one of the autophagy inhibitors, on EPCs biological functions. We found that either everolimus or chloroquine induce growth inhibition on EPCs in a dose-dependent manner after 72 h from the beginning of incubation. The combined administration of the two drugs to EPC was synergistic in inducing growth inhibition; in details, the maximal pharmacological synergism between everolimus and chloroquine in inducing growth inhibition on EPCs cells was recorded when chloroquine was administered 24 h before everolimus. Moreover, we have studied the mechanisms of cell death induced by the two agents alone or in combination on EPCs and we have found that the synergistic effect of combination on EPC growth inhibition was paralleled by increased apoptosis induction and reduced autophagy. These effects occurred together with biochemical features that are typical of reduced autophagic death such as increased co-immunoprecipitation between Beclin 1 and Bcl-2. Chloroquine antagonized the inhibition of the activity of Akt→4EBP1 axis mediated by everolimus and at the same time it blocked the feed-back activation of Erk-1/2 induced by RAD in EPCs. These data suggest a new strategy in order to block angiogenesis in tumours in which this process plays a key role in both the sustainment and spreading of cancer cells.

Tumor associated macrophages polarization dictates the efficacy of BCG instillation in non-muscle invasive urothelial bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the prognostic role of TAMs in patients affected by non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), undergone Trans Urethral Resection of Bladder (TURB) and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy.

METHODS

Data from 40 patients (36 men, 4 women), mean age 69 years (40-83 years), treated for NMIBC with TURB and BCG instillation were collected. Two different groups were considered: group with and group without bladder cancer recurrence. Correlations between immunofluorescence measured Mtot, M1 and M2 infiltration and clinicopathological parameters were evaluated using Spearman and Mann-Whitney methods. The recurrence-free survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

CD68 positive cells (Mtot) were observed in all specimens tested. High Mtot, M1 and M2 infiltration was observed in patients with disease recurrence, even before endovescical BCG instillation. Significant value for M2 infiltration (p = 0,042) was found calculating significativity between two group medians before BCG therapy. p = 0,072 and p = 0,180 were observed correlating median of Mtot and M1 between two groups of patients respectively. Values of p = 0,44, p = 0,23 and p = 0,64 from correlation between DFS and Mtot, M1 and M2 median in patients before endovescical BCG instillation, were calculated respectively. Comparing DFS and Mtot, M1 and M2 median in patients group after endovescical BCG instillation significant values were obtained (p = 0,020; p = 0,02; and p = 0,029 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

M2 tumor infiltration could be a prognostic value of recurrence in patients with NMIBC.

The bone anabolic therapy

Teriparatide (TPTD), the amino-terminal parathyroid hormone recombinant peptide [PTH (1–34)], is a drug with a proven anabolic action on the bone, effective in preventing vertebral and non-vertebral fragility fractures. Recent publications have investigated in great detail the TPTD action on the cortical bone, highlighting the increased strength in the critical zone of the hip with high risk of fracture in osteoporotic patients Poole (PLoS ONE 6:e16190, 2011). In November 2002, TPTD was approved by the FDA for use in post-menopausal women and men with osteoporosis at high risk of fracture and in patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and, since then, has been used to treat more than 1 million patients worldwide (J Bone Miner Res 27(12):2429-2437, 2012). The unchanged safety profile and the well-known mechanism of action of this drug have led doctors to explore the use of TPTD in other conditions such as delayed fracture healing, non-union, osteonecrosis of the jaw, etc. The positive reports that have resulted from these studies are helping to hypothesize a new perspective on the wider use of this drug, but warrant further clinical investigation to consolidate these results.

Prospective validation of candidate SNPs of VEGF/VEGFR pathway in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with first-line FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab

PURPOSE

The potential impact of different SNPs of VEGF/VEGFR pathway on the clinical outcome of mCRC patients receiving bev-containing regimens has been investigated in retrospective experiences with contrasting results. We previously reported the association of VEGFA rs833061 C/T variants with PFS in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with first-line FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab. The primary objective of this work was to prospectively validate that retrospective finding. A confirmatory analysis of other SNPs of VEGF/VEGFR pathway genes was included.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

To detect a HR for PFS of 1.7 for VEGFA rs833061 T/T compared to C- variants in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with first-line FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab, setting two-sided α = 0.05 and β = 0.20, 199 events were required. VEGFA rs699946 A/G, rs699947 A/C, VEGFR1 rs9582036 A/C and rs7993418 A/G, VEGFR2 rs11133360 C/T, rs12505758 C/T and rs2305948 C/T and EPAS1 rs4145836 A/G were also tested. Germ-line DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. SNPs were analyzed by PCR and sequencing.

RESULTS

Four-hundred-twenty-four pts were included. At the univariate analysis, no differences according to VEGFA rs833061 C/T variants were observed in PFS (p = 0.38) or OS (p = 0.95). Among analyzed SNPs, only VEGFR2 rs12505758 C- variants, compared to T/T, were associated to shorter PFS (HR: 1.36 [1.05-1.75], p = 0.015, dominant genetic model) and OS, with a trend toward significance (HR: 1.34 [0.95-1.88], p = 0.088). In the multivariate model, this association retained significance (HR: 1.405 [1.082-1.825], p = 0.012) in PFS, that was lost by applying multiple testing correction (p = 0.14).

CONCLUSION

This prospective experience failed to validate the hypothesized predictive impact of VEGFA rs833061 variants. Retrospective findings on different candidate SNPs were not confirmed. Only VEGFR2 rs12505758 variants, whose prognostic and not predictive impact was previously reported, correlated with PFS. Given the complexity of angiogenesis, it is rather unlike that a single germ-line SNP might be a good predictor of benefit from bevacizumab.

Trabectedin as single agent in the salvage treatment of heavily treated ovarian cancer patients: a retrospective, multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this multicenter, retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of single agent Trabectedin (ET-743, Yondelis) in very heavily treated, relapsed ovarian cancer (ROC) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Response to treatment was classified according to RECIST criteria. Progression-free (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were also assessed.

RESULTS

98 patients were analyzed (originally 67 platinum sensitive, and 31 platinum refractory/resistant). Median number of previous regimens was 4 (range: 1-6). In the whole population, overall response rate (ORR) was 27.5%; stable disease (SD) was observed in 33 patients (33.6%), and clinical benefit was achieved in 60 cases (61.2%). ORR was 38.6% in fully platinum sensitive population, and 26.1% in partially platinum sensitive patients. In platinum refractory/resistant disease, ORR was 12.9%. Overall, median PFS and OS were 5, and 13 months, respectively. Patients responding to Trabectedin showed a more favorable PFS (median = 9 months) than patients with SD (median = 6 months), or progression (median = 2 months). Median OS of responding patients was 18 months compared to 14 months in SD patients, and 9 months in progressing patients. Grade 3-4 neutropenia was observed in 17 (17.3%) patients. Transient and non-cumulative Grade 3-4 AST and ALT level elevation was found in 7 (7.1%), and 13 (13.3%) cases, respectively. There was 1 case of Grade 3, and 1 case of Grade 4 cardiac toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Trabectedin, as a single agent, retains its efficacy in terms of rate of ORR and clinical benefit in heavily treated ROC patients, especially in the group of platinum sensitive disease.

Two doses of NGR-hTNF (N) given alone or in combination with doxorubicin (D) in soft tissue sarcomas (STS)

10568

Background: N, a tumor-targeted antivascular agent, displays a biphasic dose response curve with activity shown at low dose (LD) or high dose (HD). Vascular effects involve at LD an early vessel stabilization that enhances intratumor D uptake followed by late vessel damage and at HD a rapid vessel disruption. Methods: STS patients (pts), stratified by prior D dose (> vs ≤ 300 mg/m2), were randomized to N alone given at LD (0.8 μg/m2) in arm A and at HD (45 μg/m2/d1/q1w) in B, or combined with D (60 mg/m2/d1/q3w/6 cycles) at LD in arm C and at HD in D. Primary aim of this 4-arm phase II trial was progression free survival (PFS) with CT scans performed q6w until progressive disease (PD). Using 2-stage design, each regimen was rejected if ≤ 2/14 and ≤ 7/24 pts were PD free at 3 months after 1st and 2nd stage, respectively (β=20%, α=10%, n=96). Secondary aims: adverse events (AEs), response rate by RECIST criteria and early metabolic response (MR), as quantified by fractional change in SUV using FDG-PET according to EORTC criteria Results: 66 pts have been enrolled and 55 were included in 1st study stage analysis: median age: 57 yrs; male: 30; PS ≥ 1: 26; leiomyosarcomas: 12; median prior lines: 3 (range, 0-7). In all, 488 weekly cycles were given (mean, 9; range, 1-45). Main grade 3/4 AEs were: neutropenia 18%, chills 7%. After first study stage, primary endpoint was met only in arm C (LD N + D), with 7/14 pts PD free at 3 months. Median PFS was 1.3 months (95% CI, 1.1-1.5) for arm A, 1.5 (1.1-1.8) for B, 4.5 (3.6-5.4) for C and 1.3 (1.1-1.5) for D (p=.01 for trend). By RECIST, there were no objective responses and 20/48 (42%) evaluable pts had stable disease (SD), including 1/12 in arm A, 6/12 in B, 9/12 in C and 4/12 in D. Median SD duration in arm C was 5.5 months (95% CI, 3.7-7.3). By FDG-PET imaging done after 3 weeks, 7/30 (23%) assessable pts had partial MR (4 SD/3 PD per RECIST), with mean change in SUV of -34% (SD, ± 12), while 18 pts (60%) had stable MR (7 SD/11 PD per RECIST), with mean change in SUV of 2% (± 11). Median PFS was 4.2 months in pts who achieved partial MR and 1.5 months in pts who did not (HR=0.67). Complete follow-up for arm C and central histology/radiology review are under way. Conclusions: LD NGR-hTNF plus D is safe, with promising activity as measured by FDG-PET. Clinical trial information: NCT00484341.

Efficacy and safety outcomes in heavily pretreated patients (pts) with relapsed ovarian cancer (ROC) after single-agent trabectedin

e16538

Background: Trabectedin is a marine-derived antineoplastic agent, initially isolated from the tunicate Ecteinascidia turbinata and currently produced synthetically. In combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, trabectedin is approved in Europe for the treatment of pts with platinum-sensitive (PS) ROC. The aim of this multicenter, retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single agent trabectedin in the palliative treatment of heavily pretreated patients with ROC. Methods: Patients with measurable ROC and at least 2 prior treatments were eligible. Patients received single agent trabectedin (1.3 mg/m2, n = 56; 1.1 mg/m2, n=42) as a 3-hour i.v. infusion every 3 weeks. An analysis of the overall response rate (ORR; primary end point) as per RECIST, time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were performed. Results: Overall, 98 pts were enrolled: median age at diagnosis of recurrence was 53 years (range: 29-79). Forty-four pts (44.9%) were fully PS, while 23 (23.5%) were partially PS and 31 (31.6%) were platinum-resistant. Median number of previous chemotherapy regimens was 4 (range: 2-6). The ORR was 28.6% (5 complete and 23 partial responses); 32 pts (32.6%) experienced stabilization of disease, which lasted ≥6 months in 2 pts, while 38 (38.8%) pts progressed during treatment. The ORR was higher in PS pts (38.6%) compared to partially PS (26.1%) and platinum resistant cases (16.1%), although the statistical significance was not reached (p=0.071). No difference in the ORR was found according to number of prior treatments or trabectedin dose. After a median follow-up of 8 months, median TTP and OS were 5 and 13 months, respectively. The most common grade 3/4 toxicities were transient and non-cumulative anemia and neutropenia in 6.1% and 17.5% of cases, respectively. AST and ALT were increased in 7.1% and 13.3% of pts. Cardiac toxicity was documented in 4 anthracycline pretreated pts, of whom one died due to acute arrhythmia. Conclusions: Single agent trabectedin represents a valid approach in the palliative treatment of pts with heavily pretreated ROC with meaningful clinical benefit and acceptable and manageable safety profile.

Effect of cholesterol and triglyceride increases on time to progression in renal clear cell cancer patients treated with everolimus

e15528

Background: An increased level of cholesterolemia (C) and triglyceridemia (T) secondary to an impairment of lipidic metabolism is a well known side effect of all mTOR inhibitors including everolimus. In the phase III pivotal study of everolimus in mRCC patients, an increase of C and T was reported in 77 and 73 % of patients, respectively. Increase of C and T may represent a surrogate parameter related to mTOR pathway inhibition. On these basis, we assessed the value of C and T increase as a factor predicting the efficacy of everolimus in metastatic clear cell renal cancer. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 46 patients ( 36 male: 10 female; mean age 61.4 years +/- 11.5) with metastatic clear cell renal cancer who received a second/third line with everolimus after at least one tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI). From routinely performed blood test, we retrieved the value of total C and T the day before the first everolimus admnistration and during the entire duration of treatment. We also considered for each patient variations of glycemia, blood pressure and BMI before and after beginning of treatment, as parameters of metabolic syndrome. Time to progression (TTP) and survival were evaluated. Results: Among all the potential predictive factors considered, only the increase of cholesterol and triglyceride (> 20% compared to the baseline) within 2 months from the start of everolimus correlated with efficacy. Median TTP of the 19 patients with total early C upraising was statistically significant higher than in 27 patients without upraising (14.1 months vs 5.5 months, P= 0.009). Conversely, only a positive trend favoring patients with C upraising was recorded in median survival (24.9 months vs 16.0 months, P= 0.163 ). Both median TTP and median survival were found to be statistically significant higher in the 25 patients experiencing T upraising than in the 21 patients who did not (respectively, 13.0 months vs 4.9 months, P= 0.007 and 26.4 months vs 13.4 months, P= 0.018). Conclusions: Early C and T modifications predict everolimus efficacy in renal clear cell cancer.

Optimal treatment strategy in KRAS wild type (wt) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Cetuximab plus FOLFIRI followed by FOLFOX4 with or without cetuximab-The Capri trial from the Gruppo Oncologico Dell’Italia Meridionale (GOIM)

e14565

Background: Cetuximab in combination with standard doublet chemotherapy is an effective treatment in KRAS wt mCRC patients (pts). The present study investigated a treatment strategy of cetuximab in combination with FOLFOX4 as a second line therapy for KRAS wt mCRC pts treated in first line with cetuximab plus FOLFIRI. Methods: KRAS wt m CRC pts were treated in first line with cetuximab plus FOLFIRI and at progression were randomized (1:1) to receive FOLFOX alone (Arm A) or in combination with cetuximab (Arm B). Primary endpoint for each treatment line was progression-free survival (PFS), with secondary endpoints overall survival (OS), response rate (RR), disease control rate and safety. 221 events would be required to statistically differentiate PFS between the two arms with 80% power for the second line treatment. Here we report the results of first line cetuximab plus FOLFIRI treatment. Results: From July 2009, 344 pts were enrolled: 58% males, median age 63 years (range, 20-81 years), ECOG performance status, 0 (85%); 1 (15%); synchronous metastasis (75%). For the 319 evaluable patients, median PFS was 10 months; overall response rate (ORR) was 55% with 47% partial responses (PR), 8% complete responses (CR) and 35% stable disease (SD) for a disease control rate (DCR) of 90%. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were: skin reactions (15%), diarrhea (9%) and neutropenia (6%). As of January 31 2013, 118 pts have progressed and have been enrolled in second line treatment (58 Arm A; 60 Arm B). Conclusions: The results of first line treatment with cetuximab plus FOLFIRI confirm in a multicenter trial in prospectively selected KRAS wt mCRC pts the efficacy and tolerability of this combination. The randomized second line part of the study is currently ongoing. Multiple gene next generation sequencing to characterize a 24 genes mutation profile is currently ongoing. Clinical trial information: 2009-014041-81.

Natural history of malignant bone disease in non-small cell lung cancer: Preliminary results of a multicenter bone metastasis survey

e19084

Background: Bone metastases represent an increasing clinical problem in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as disease-related survival improves. This is a multicenter, retrospective survey aimed to explore the impact of bone involvement in this severe, life-threatening disease. Methods: Data on clinicopathology, skeletal outcomes, skeletal-related events (SREs), and bone-directed therapies for 421 deceased NSCLC patients (48.6% aged >66 years) with evidence of bone metastasis were statistically analyzed. Results: ECOG performance status at diagnosis of NSCLC was 0 in 41.4% of patients, 1 in 42.8% and 2 in 13.9%. The most frequent stage at diagnosis was IV (76.8%). Adenocarcinoma was the commonest histotype (70.3%) and EGFR status was unknown in 77.7%. Chemotherapy was the preferred I line treatment in 82.2%. Lung cancer frequently spreaded to bone, with metastases evident at diagnosis in up to 57.2% of patients. In the remaining cases median time to bone metastases was 9 months. Patients ECOG performance status when bone metastases were detected was 1 in 46.6% and 2 in 22.9%. In our sample multiple bone metastases were detected in 82.5% of patients and 71.2% were osteolitic. Axial skeleton was interested in 74.6% of cases, pelvic bones in 46.7% and limb bones in 29.3%. Bone metastases related pain was reported by 84% of patients. Median Verbal Numerical Rating Scale (VNRS) for pain was 4 and it measured >4 in 47.2% of cases. Bisphosphonates was administered in 65.6% of patients; zoledronic acid was mainly used (61.1%). Osteonecrosis of the jaw was reported in only 1.1 % of cases. Median number of SREs/patient was one, less than half of the patients (41.7%) experienced at least one SRE, 21.2% experienced at least two SREs, and only 2.1% experienced at least three SREs. The most common SRE was the need of radiotherapy (73.8%). Median time to first SRE was 3 months. Median survival after bone metastases diagnosis was 8 months and after first SRE was 6 months. Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that bone metastases are a relevant clinical event in the natural history of patients affected by NSCLC. Final results will be available next ASCO meeting.

FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab (bev) versus FOLFIRI/bev as first-line treatment in unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients (pts): Results of the phase III TRIBE trial by GONO group

3505

Background: Doublets plus bev are a standard option for the first-line treatment of mCRC. First-line FOLFOXIRI demonstrated superior RR, PFS and OS compared to FOLFIRI. A phase II study of FOLFOXIRI/bev showed promising activity and manageable toxicities. The objective of the TRIBE trial was to confirm the superiority of FOLFOXIRI vs FOLFIRI when bev is added to chemotherapy (CT). Methods: Eligibility criteria included: measurable and unresectable mCRC, age 18-75 years, no prior CT for advanced disease. Pts were randomized to either FOLFIRI/bev (arm A) or FOLFOXIRI/bev (arm B). Both treatments were administered for a maximum of 12 cycles followed by 5FU/bev until progression. Primary endpoint was PFS. Results: Between July 2008 and May 2011 508 pts were randomized. Pts characteristics were (arm A/arm B): median age 60/61, ECOG PS 1-2 11%/10%, synchronous metastases 81%/79%, multiple sites of disease 74%/70%, liver-only disease 18%/23%, prior adjuvant (adj) 12%/12%. At a median follow-up of 26.6 mos 424 pts progressed and 244 died. Median PFS and OS in the intention to treat (ITT) population were 10.9 and 30.9 mos. FOLFOXIRI/bev significantly increased PFS (median 9.7 vs 12.2 mos, HR 0.73 [0.60-0.88] p=0.0012). Subgroup analyses based on stratification factors (PS, prior adj) and baseline characteristics (site of primary, liver only disease, resection of primary, Kohne score) did not evidence significant interactions between treatment and analyzed factors. A trend toward a more consistent effect of FOLFOXIRI/bev was reported in no prior adj (HR 0.68 [0.55-0.83]) compared to prior adj group (HR 1.18 [0.67-2.08], p for interaction=0.071). Response rate (RECIST) was also significantly improved (53% vs 65% p=0.006). FOLFOXIRI/bev did not increase the R0 secondary resection rate in the ITT population (12% vs 15%, p=0.327), or in the liver-only subgroup (28% vs 32%, p=0.823). Conclusions: FOLFOXIRI/bev compared to FOLFIRI/bev, significantly increases PFS and response rate. Subgroup analysis suggests a possible interaction between prior adj CT and PFS benefit. Secondary resection rate does not differ between treatment arms. Clinical trial information: NCT00719797.

Denosumab for the treatment of bisphosphonate-refractory hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM)

e20512

Background: HCM, caused primarily by tumor-induced bone resorption, is treated with intravenous (IV) bisphosphonates (BisP), but patients (pts) can relapse or become refractory. Denosumab binds to RANK ligand (RANKL) to inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Methods: In this single-arm, open-label, proof-of-concept study, pts with HCM (corrected serum calcium [CSC] >12.5 mg/dL [CTCAE grade ≥3]) despite IV BisP treatment ≥7 and ≤30 days before screening received subcutaneous denosumab 120 mg on days 1, 8, 15, and 28, then every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of pts with CSC ≤11.5 mg/dL (CTCAE grade ≤1) within 10 days of denosumab initiation. Results: The study enrolled33 pts (64% men; mean age 60 years; 76% with advanced solid tumors, 39% with bone metastases [BM]), with a median (25th, 75th percentile [Q1, Q3]) follow-up of 56 (18, 79) days. Median (Q1, Q3) baseline CSC was 13.7 (13.2, 14.2) mg/dL; 19 pts (58%) had HCM symptoms. Median (Q1, Q3) time from last BisP treatment to first dose was 17 (13, 22) days. At day 10, 21 pts (64%) reached CSC ≤11.5 mg/dL, including 54% of pts with BM and 70% without BM. Over the course of the study, 23 pts (70%) reached CSC ≤11.5 mg/dL, by a median (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 9 (5–19) days. A complete response (CSC ≤10.8 mg/dL, as defined by previous studies) occurred in 12 pts (36%) at day 10, and in 21 pts (64%) during the study, by a median (95% CI) of 23 (11–43) days. Among pts who reached CSC ≤11.5 mg/dL, the median (95% CI) duration of response was 104 (9–not estimable) days. The most frequently reported serious adverse events were worsening of HCM (5 pts, 15%) and dyspnea (3 pts, 9%). Two pts had isolated episodes of CSC levels ≤8.0 mg/dL (CTCAE grade 2); no pts had CSC <7.0 mg/dL (grade 3). No osteonecrosis of the jaw was reported. Conclusions: In this study of pts with HCM despite recent IV BisP treatment, denosumab effectively lowered serum calcium to grade ≤1 in 64% of pts within 10 days, and induced durable responses. These findings are particularly meaningful given that pts entered this study with grade ≥3 HCM within a median 17 days after receiving IV BisP. No unexpected safety findings were identified. Denosumab may offer a new treatment option for HCM in these pts. Clinical trial information: NCT00896454.

New molecular insights in tobacco-induced lung cancer

We know that cigarette smoking is a leading preventable cause of carcinogenesis in lung cancer. Cigarette smoke is a mixture of more than 5000 chemical compounds, among which more than 60 are recognized to have a specific carcinogenic potential. Carcinogens and their metabolites (i.e., N-nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) can activate multiple pathways, contributing to lung cell transformation in different ways. Nicotine, originally thought only to be responsible for tobacco addiction, is also involved in tumor promotion and progression with antiapoptotic and indirect mitogenic properties. Lung nodules are frequent in smokers and can be transformed into malignant tumors depending on persistant smoking status. Even if detailed mechanisms underlying tobacco-induced cancerogenesis are not completely elucitated, this report collects the emergent body of knowledge in order to simplify the extremely complex framework that links smoking exposure to lung cancer.

Short-term effectiveness of smoking-cessation treatment on respiratory function and CEA level

Aim: Tobacco smoke contains many chemicals that are harmful and cause carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to confirm the relationship between smoking and changes in respiratory functional and laboratory parameters comparing, in particular, smoking-cessation treatment’s outcomes between smokers who reduce tobacco consumption (reducers) and smokers who quit completely (quitters). Materials & methods: A total of 181 current smokers were prospectively enrolled. All of the participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and underwent 3 months of varenicline plus nicotine-replacement therapy combined with basic counseling. Laboratory tests and clinical and lung-function parameters were evaluated at entry and after 3 months of therapy. After 3 months of smoking-cessation treatment, subjects were sorted into two subgroups: quitters and reducers. Results: After 3 months of combined therapy, 56% of the subjects (101 patients) stopped smoking; the remaining patients reduced. Significant improvements in pulmonary-function tests (especially in the 25–75% forced expiratory volume testing) were recorded. The most significant improvements were obtained in quitters: carboxyhemoglobin was reduced by 1.06%, the average expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of vital capacity increased by 16% from predicted, mean serum CEA level decreased by 1.83 ng/ml, heart rate decreased by approximately 16 beats/min on average and forced 1 s expiratory flow increased by 2.57% from predicted. The Fagerström scores showed a positive correlation with the corresponding blood carboxyhemoglobin levels. Conclusion: Just 3 months of smoking-cessation treatment achieved significant improvements in lung-function parameters and a decrease in serum CEA, mostly in subjects who totally quit smoking. This result confirms the effectiveness of our smoking-cessation treatment and suggests the utility of the selected parameters as tools to motivate and monitor patients.

Tryptophan hydroxylase autoantibodies as markers of a distinct autoimmune gastrointestinal component of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1

BACKGROUND

Autoantibodies to tryptophan hydroxylase (TPHAbs) directed against serotonin-producing enterochromaffin cells (EC) have been reported in autoimmune-polyendocrine-syndrome type 1 (APS-1) patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction (GID). Serotonin plays a critical role in enteric function and its peripheral blood levels reflect serotonin release from the gastrointestinal tract.

AIMS

We test the hypothesis that TPHAbs mark a distinct autoimmune component of APS-1 characterized by an autoimmune attack toward EC, which results in clinical GID.

METHODS

TPHAbs were measured in 64 APS-1 patients. Endoscopy with gastric (antrum/body) and duodenal biopsy was carried in 16 TPHAbs+ patients (8 with and 8 without GID) and in 2 TPHAbs- patients (without GID). Immunohistochemistry of biopsy specimens was carried out using antibodies to serotonin, chromogranin-A, CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD20. Serotonin serum levels were measured in TPHAbs+ and TPHAbs- patients who had endoscopy.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven of 64 patients were TPHAbs+ (11/12 with GID and 26/52 without GID; P < .001). Gastric and duodenal biopsies in all 8 TPHAb+ patients with GID showed lymphocytic infiltration with increased CD3+CD8+ intraepithelial lymphocytes and absence of EC. Furthermore, mean serotonin serum levels were below the normal range in TPHAb+ patients with GID (P < .01). In 8 TPHAb+ patients without GID gastric and duodenal biopsies showed different grades of inflammatory infiltration and reduced number of EC. Mean serotonin serum levels were near the lower limit of the normal range. In all TPHAbs+ patients the biopsies showed a reduced number of chromogranin-A positive cells consistent with enteroendocrine cells depletion. TPHAbs- patients without GID showed normal gastrointestinal mucosa and serotonin serum levels.

CONCLUSIONS

TPHAbs appear to be markers of a distinct autoimmune component of APS-1. Progressive involvement of the gastrointestinal EC leads to the transition from preclinical to clinical disease, characterized by GID and reduced serotonin serum levels.

FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab (bev) versus FOLFIRI plus bev as first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC): Results of the phase III randomized TRIBE trial

336

Background: First-line FOLFOXIRI demonstrated superior activity and efficacy compared to FOLFIRI. Moreover, the outcome is improved by the addition of bev to first-line doublets. A phase II study of FOLFOXIRI/bev showed promising activity and manageable toxicities. The present trial compared FOLFOXIRI/bev to FOLFIRI/bev as first-line treatment in unresectable mCRC. Methods: Eligibility criteria included: measurable and unresectable mCRC, age 18-75 years, no prior chemotherapy for advanced disease. Patients (pts) were randomized to either FOLFIRI/bev (bev 5 mg/kg, irinotecan 180 mg/sqm, l-LV 200 mg/sqm, 5FU bolus 400 mg/sqm, 5FU infusion 2400 mg/sqm over 48h q2w, arm A) or FOLFOXIRI/bev (bev 5 mg/kg, irinotecan 165 mg/sqm, oxaliplatin 85 mg/sqm, l-LV 200 mg/sqm, 5FU infusion 3200 mg/sqm over 48h q2w, arm B). Treatment was planned for a maximum of 12 cycles followed by maintenance with bev and 5FU until progression. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Between July 2008 and May 2011, 508 pts were randomized among 35 italian centers. Pts characteristics were (arm A/arm B): median age 60/61 yrs, ECOG PS 1-2 11%/10%, synchronous metastases 81%/79% multiple sites of disease 74%/70%. At a median follow-up of 20.9 months 391 pts have progressed. The study met its primary endpoint: FOLFOXIRI/bev significantly increased PFS (median 9.5 vs 11.9 months, HR 0.72 [95%CI:0.59-0.87], p=0.001). Response rate was also significantly increased (53% vs 64%, p=0.015). Main per patient toxicities were (arm A/arm B): grade 3-4 diarrhea 10%/18%, grade 3-4 vomiting 3%/4%, grade 3-4 stomatitis 4%/8%, grade 3-4 peripheral neurotoxicity 0%/5%, grade 3-4 neutropenia 20%/49%, febrile neutropenia 6%/8%, hypertension 2%/4%, thromboembolic events 7%/7%, bleeding 1%/1%. Deaths within 60 days were 3% and 4%. Conclusions: FOLFOXIRI/bev significantly increases PFS and response rate compared to FOLFIRI/bev. Chemotherapy- and bev-related toxicities occur with the expected incidence. Clinical trial information: NCT00719797.

Dicer and Drosha expression and response to Bevacizumab-based therapy in advanced colorectal cancer patients

PURPOSE

The miRNA-regulating enzymes Dicer and Drosha exhibit aberrant expression in several cancer types. Dicer and Drosha play a crucial role during the angiogenetic process in vitro and, for Dicer, in vivo. We aimed to investigate the potential role of Dicer and Drosha in predicting response to Bevacizumab-based therapy in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

METHODS

Dicer and Drosha mRNA levels were analysed in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens from patients affected by advanced CRC treated with or without Bevacizumab-containing regimens (n=116 and n=50, respectively) and from patients with diverticulosis as control group (n=20). The experimental data were obtained using qRT-PCR, analysed comparing Dicer and Drosha expression levels in tumour samples versus normal mucosa and then compared to clinical outcome.

RESULTS

The tumour samples from Bevacizumab-treated patients showed a significantly higher Drosha expression (P<.001) versus normal mucosa, while Dicer levels did not differ. Intriguingly, we found that low Dicer levels predicted a longer progression-free survival (PFS) (P<.0001) and overall survival (OS) (P=.009). In addition, low Dicer levels were associated with better response to Bevacizumab-based treatments versus high Dicer levels (1.7% complete responses and 53.4% partial responses versus 0% and 32.7%, respectively; P=.0067). Multivariate analysis identified three independent predictors of improved OS: high performance status (PS) (relative risk (RR) 1.45; P=.011), lower organs involvement (RR 0.79; P=.034) and low Dicer expression (RR 0.71; P=.008). Conversely, Drosha levels were not associated with prognosis and outcome associated with treatment. In non-Bevacizumab-treated patients, Dicer and Drosha expression did not correlate with outcome.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that low Dicer mRNA levels seem to be independent predictors of favourable outcome and response in patients affected by advanced CRCs treated with Bevacizumab-based therapy.