Amplification of minute amounts of oral bacterial DNA for real-time quantitative PCR analysis

BACKGROUND

High-throughput technologies for typing caries or health-associated bacterial populations including PCR, DNA microarrays and next-generation sequencing techniques require significant amounts of bacterial DNA. In clinical settings, the amount of sampled DNA is often limited and amplification is therefore essential. Protocols should be able to reproducibly amplify sequences in order to maintain initial sequence ratios and should not bias the representation of particular DNA sequence types.

METHODS

A linear amplification protocol using DNA polymerase I was modified to permit the amplification and subsequent analysis of small amounts of bacterial DNA. The protocol was tested on human oral bacterial biofilms from different sources, including carious dentine and plaque, and compared to amplification by degenerate PCR of 16S rDNA sequences. Real-time quantitative PCR of 24 bacterial species was used as a readout system to test amplified DNA against unamplified DNA.

RESULTS

The amplification protocol reliably yielded 5-10 μg DNA from as little as 12.5 ng of template DNA. Correlation coefficients between real-time quantitative PCR results from amplified and unamplified DNA were between 0.78 and 0.98.

CONCLUSION

The optimized protocol consistently produced amplification products from minute amounts of bacterial DNA from caries and plaque; the amplification products are suitable for downstream genetic analyses.

Recipient NOD2/CARD15 status affects cellular infiltrates in human intestinal graft-versus-host disease

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2/caspase recruitment domain 15 (NOD2/CARD15) polymorphisms have been identified as risk factors of both Crohn's disease and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following allogeneic stem cell transplantation. However, the role of these receptors of innate immunity in the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal GVHD is still poorly defined. Immunohistological features of intestinal GVHD were analysed in gastrointestinal biopsies from 58 patients obtained at the time of first onset of intestinal symptoms. The observed changes were correlated with concomitant risk factors and the presence of polymorphisms within the pathogen recognition receptor gene NOD2/CARD15. Intestinal GVHD was associated with a stage-dependent decrease in CD4 T cell infiltrates and an increase in CD8 T cells in the lamina propria; CD8 infiltrates correlated with extent of apoptosis and consecutive epithelial proliferation. The presence of NOD2/CARD15 variants in the recipient was associated with a significant loss of CD4 T cells: in a semiquantitative analysis, the median CD4 score for patients with wild-type NOD2/CARD15 was 1.1 (range 3), but only 0.4 (range 2) for patients with variants (P = 0.002). This observation was independent from severity of GVHD in multivariate analyses and could not be explained by the loss of forkhead box P3(+) T cells. Our results suggest a loss of protective CD4 T cells in intestinal GVHD which is enhanced further by the presence of NOD2/CARD15 variants. Our study might help to identify more selective therapeutic strategies in the future.

A fast radiotherapy paradigm for anal cancer with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Radiotherapy (RT) volumes for anal cancer are large and of moderate complexity when organs at risk (OAR) such as testis, small bowel and bladder are at least partially to be shielded. Volumetric intensity modulated arc therapy (VMAT) might provide OAR-shielding comparable to step-and-shoot intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for this tumor entity with better treatment efficiency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on treatment planning CTs of 8 patients, we compared dose distributions, comformality index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), number of monitor units (MU) and treatment time (TTT) for plans generated for VMAT, 3D-CRT and step-and-shoot-IMRT (optimized based on Pencil Beam (PB) or Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculation) for typical anal cancer planning target volumes (PTV) including inguinal lymph nodes as usually treated during the first phase (0-36 Gy) of a shrinking field regimen.

RESULTS

With values of 1.33 +/- 0.21/1.26 +/- 0.05/1.3 +/- 0.02 and 1.39 +/- 0.09, the CI's for IMRT (PB-Corvus/PB-Hyperion/MC-Hyperion) and VMAT are better than for 3D-CRT with 2.00 +/- 0.16. The HI's for the prescribed dose (HI36) for 3D-CRT were 1.06 +/- 0.01 and 1.11 +/- 0.02 for VMAT, respectively and 1.15 +/- 0.02/1.10 +/- 0.02/1.11 +/- 0.08 for IMRT (PB-Corvus/PB-Hyperion/MC-Hyperion). Mean TTT and MU's for 3D-CRT is 220s/225 +/- 11MU and for IMRT (PB-Corvus/PB-Hyperion/MC-Hyperion) is 575s/1260 +/- 172MU, 570s/477 +/- 84MU and 610s748 +/- 193MU while TTT and MU for two-arc-VMAT is 290s/268 +/- 19MU.

CONCLUSION

VMAT provides treatment plans with high conformity and homogeneity equivalent to step-and-shoot-IMRT for this mono-concave treatment volume. Short treatment delivery time and low primary MU are the most important advantages.

Pharmaceutical and cellular strategies in prophylaxis and treatment of graft-versus-host disease

Acute and chronic GVHD after allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplantation are still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. For prophylaxis of acute GVHD calcineurin inhibitors in combination with an antimetabolite (MTX or MMF) are administered, and these therapies are based on controlled studies. New prophylaxis strategies include mTOR-inhibitors in combination with tacrolimus but require confirmation by controlled trials. First-line treatment of acute GVHD consists mainly of steroids with doses ranging from 1 mg/kg/day prednisone to 3 mg/kg/day methylprednisolone. Second-line treatment of acute GVHD after failure of steroids is less well defined due to the lack of controlled studies. Treatment options are the use of cytotoxic antibodies (ATG, campath), cytokine blocking agents (etanercept, daclizumab), immunomodulating modalities (photopheresis), and antimetabolites (pentostatin, MMF). Recently, cellular approaches were developed, such as the adoptive transfer of mesenchymal stem cells. Nevertheless steroid-resistant acute GVHD is still a main challenge in alloHSCT and associated with high mortality. First-line treatment of chronic GVHD is also based on steroids with 1 mg/kg/day prednisolone or prednisone, which are often combined with calcineurin inhibitors. There is no consensus on second-line treatment of chronic GVHD and most therapies are solely based on phase II trials. Treatment options are the use of immunomodulating modalities (photopheresis, mTOR-inhibitors) and antimetabolites (MMF, MTX, pentostatin). Recent reports showed an efficacy of rituximab in selected patients. Other treatment options are low dose total nodal irradiation or the use of antibodies like ATG. Moreover, successful topical treatment of manifestations of chronic GVHD manifestations has been reported consisting of topical steroids like budesonide, topical calcineurin inhibitors, or PUVA.

Optimization of the gafchromic EBT protocol for IMRT QA

Quality assurance of external beam (radio)therapy (EBT) requires tools with specific characteristics. A radiochromic film dubbed "Gafchromic EBT" (G-EBT) that is particularly suited for external beam therapy because of its features was introduced in 2004. Its characteristics, especially the high spatial resolution, make it suitable for measurement of dose distributions in radiotherapy, especially intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). While several aspects of the film characteristics have been previously reported separately, we present a comprehensive evaluation centered on practical IMRT verification, leading to an optimized protocol. Therefore the constancy within one batch, the relationship between optical density (OD) and dose (dose range between 1.4 Gy and 8.4 Gy) and the dose rate dependence for four dose rates (55, 108, 217, 441 MU/min) were investigated. In addition to these characteristics, energy dependence between two energies (50kV and 6 MV), tissue equivalency, post irradiation coloration over one month, pressure and temperature sensitivity were evaluated. We then optimized the protocol using the G-EBT films, in combination with an EPSON-Expression 1680 pro flatbed scanner, for IMRT QA, while either striving to keep the compound error as small as possible or trying to reduce evaluation time. As a basis for this protocol optimization, the characteristics of the scanner (such as inhomogeneity of the scanning field) and its software (such as consequences of extracting only the red color channel) had to be determined first. The interaction of film and scanner (variation of the OD depending on the scanning direction or the scanning resolution) was assessed as well. Using the optimized protocol for IMRT QA, the compound error could be reduced to approximately 2% for a quality-driven approach and maximum 5.5% for an approach attempting to reduce procedure time. While the quality-driven approach provides appropriate accuracy for individual patient QA, the procedure-time driven approach can only be used for preliminary measurements.

Acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (AML/MDS) and overall mortality with chemotherapy (CT) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF): A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)

9524

Background: To evaluate the risk of AML/MDS and overall mortality in patients receiving CT ± G-CSF, a meta-analysis of RCTs were conducted. Methods: Electronic databases searched through August 2008 identified 3,794 articles for initial screening. Eligibility included RCTs of solid tumor or lymphoma patients randomized to CT ± primary G-CSF support, ≥2 years follow-up and reporting AML/MDS or all second malignancies. Pre-specified study categories included: a)same dose/schedule, b)dose-dense or c)dose-escalated CT. Primary outcomes were AML/MDS and mortality. Dual blinded data extraction was performed. Relative risk (RR) and absolute risk difference (ARD) were estimated by Mantel-Haenszel. Results: Median follow-up was 54 months. 12,642 patients were randomized to CT ± primary G-CSF support. Second malignancies were reported in 3.3% and 3.2% with and without G-CSF, respectively (P=.942). RR for AML/MDS with CT+G-CSF compared to control was 1.92 [P=.006] with ARD increase of 0.4% [P=.008]. RR for AML/MDS in study categories to receive the same, dose-dense or dose-escalated CT+G-CSF were 1.95 [P=.346], 1.20 [P=.666] and 2.47 [P=.006], respectively. RR for mortality with CT+G-CSF was 0.898 [P<.0001] with ARD decrease of 3.3% [P<.0001]. RR for mortality in study categories to receive the same, dose-dense or dose-escalated CT+G-CSF were 0.95 [P=.140], 0.84 [P<.001] and 0.91 [P=.019], respectively. Delivered relative dose intensities (RDI) were 1.18, 1.46 and 1.23 in studies planned to receive the same, dose-dense or dose-escalated CT, respectively. A significant association was observed between delivered RDI and reduced mortality [P=.013]. No differences in estimates of AML/MDS or mortality were observed between industry and non-industry-funded studies. Conclusions: Risk of AML/MDS is increased with dose escalated CT+G-CSF. Nevertheless, CT+G-CSF is associated with greater reductions in overall mortality. Dose-dense regimens are associated with the greatest RR reduction in mortality and lowest risk of AML/MDS. Further research is needed to differentiate any impact of G-CSF on the risk of AML/MDS from that due to increased CT intensity.

[Table: see text]

Rapid detection of the Clostridium difficile ribotype 027 tcdC gene frame shift mutation at position 117 by real-time PCR and melt curve analysis

The emergence of the hypervirulent strain Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 027 has increased the necessity for rapid C. difficile typing tests for clinical and epidemiological purposes. We developed a rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for the detection of C. difficile. As the target, we chose the tcdC gene, which encodes for a negative regulator in toxin production. A deletion at position 117 of the tcdC gene, which is associated with severe tcdC truncation, is well conserved in all PCR ribotype 027 isolates. Probe sequences of the real-time PCR test were designed to result in distinct melt profiles for sequence variations at positions 117 to 120 of the tcdC gene. The tcdC gene deletion at position 117 was easily detected with real-time PCR and melt curve analysis in all C. difficile ribotype 027 isolates. In five non-027 strains and 46 hospitalised patient samples, melt curve analysis detected no deletion. PCR results were confirmed by DNA sequencing. The combination of real-time PCR and melt curve analysis is a rapid and accurate method for the detection of C. difficile DNA and simultaneous screening for the tcdC gene deletion at position 117, which is closely related to the C. difficile PCR ribotype 027 strain.

The role of genetic variants of NOD2/CARD15, a receptor of the innate immune system, in GvHD and complications following related and unrelated donor haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Previous studies from our group indicated a role of SNPs within the innate immunity receptor NOD2/CARD15 as a risk factor for GvHD and treatment-related mortality allogeneic stem cell transplantation from HLA-identical siblings. We now extended these studies to assess the role of NOD2/CARD15 SNPs in 342 unrelated donor transplants. Overall, presence of any SNPs in patients or donor resulted in an increased risk of severe GvHD (25% in wildtype versus 38% in recipients and donors with variants, P= 0.01), which did not translate in increased mortality. When the analysis was broken down to individual SNPs, the presence of a SNP13 in the donor turned out to be the only highly significant risk factor (GvHD III/IV 22% wt, 42% SNP13 donor, P < 0.004; TRM 33% wt versus 59% SNP13 donor, P= 0.01; overall survival 49% wt versus 26% SNP13 donor, P= 0.007). This association was confirmed in multivariate analysis. Analysis of clinical risk factors suggested that this effect was most prominent in patients receiving any form of T cell depletion. Thus our observation indicates that the presence of a defect in innate immunity signalling in donor monocytes and possibly antigen presenting cells is most prominent in patients having additional T cell deficiency.

Phantom measurements to quantify the accuracy of a commercially available cone-beam CT gray-value matching algorithm using multiple Fiducials

PURPOSE

: To assess the accuracy of the gray-value matching algorithm (XVI, Elekta) when multiple iodine-125 ((125)I) seeds are used as fiducials.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

: A phantom, consisting of a plastic box filled with water-dense material containing about 50 dummy seeds, developed primarily as a manual-skill trainer for (125)I seed implantation was used (Figure 1). The phantom was scanned first with a planning CT (PCT) at a slice thickness of 1 mm, 3 mm and 5 mm and with cone-beam CT (CBCT) to be associated with each reference PCT. Matching was performed with the XVI gray-value algorithm. The isocenter was marked with external markers at PCT. After matching, residual error was determined as the difference between planned isocenter and the isocenter that would have been treated based on the matching process. The procedure was performed twice, once without any manipulation (Figure 2) and once with deformation of the seed-bearing dummy prostate by inserting a plug into the phantom aperture that mimics the rectum (Figure 3).

RESULTS

: For the undeformed phantom the maximal residual error regarding the isocenter after gray-value matching around the seed-bearing region was 0.0 mm in x, y and z directions in case of the PCT with 1 mm thickness. The range of residual error was 0-0.4 mm in case of the PCT with 3 mm and 0-0.8 mm in x, y and z directions in case of 5 mm slice thickness, respectively (Figure 4). For the deformed phantom similar results were obtained (maximum error: 1.1 mm).

CONCLUSION

: The residual error after seed-based matching regarding the phantom isocenter was < 1.1 mm in all cases and for the clinical situation (3 mm slice thickness) always < 0.4 mm. The algorithm is therefore appropriate for precision radiotherapy.

Prolonged survival of renal allograft in rats by methotrexate-albumin conjugates as immunosuppressive therapy

Methothrexate (MTX) causes unwanted adverse events by affecting gastrointestinal and bone marrow cells when used as an immunosuppressant. Our aim was to reduce those side effects by covalent binding of methothrexate to human serum albumin (HSA) targeting rapidly proliferating lymphocytes, which are known to ingest albumin as an energy source. Twenty-one rats received a kidney transplant. Group A (n = 5) received standard immunosupression (free MTX); group B (n = 9), albumin-MTX conjugates; and group C (n = 7) albumin control. The primary endpoint of this animal study was transplant survival, which was evaluated as death due to uremia. The study was terminated on day 100. Placebo-treated rat recipients (group C) rejected their grafts at a median of 8 days, which was prolonged to 17 days in standard immunosuppressed rats (group A), resulting in doubling transplant survival compared to nonimmunosuppressed animals. However, the same dose given as HSA-conjugated MTX prolonged the median survival time to 43 days. (group B). Hence, the administration of conjugated methotrexate appeared to result in a doubling of transplant survival compared with standard immunosuppression. Moreover, two animals receiving MTX-HSA became long-term survivors without additional immunosuppression. Further studies should be performed to evaluate the significance of these findings in larger animals and possibly in clinical studies.

On the performances of different IMRT Treatment Planning Systems for selected paediatric cases

Background

To evaluate the performance of seven different TPS (Treatment Planning Systems: Corvus, Eclipse, Hyperion, KonRad, Oncentra Masterplan, Pinnacle and PrecisePLAN) when intensity modulated (IMRT) plans are designed for paediatric tumours.

Methods

Datasets (CT images and volumes of interest) of four patients were used to design IMRT plans. The tumour types were: one extraosseous, intrathoracic Ewing Sarcoma; one mediastinal Rhabdomyosarcoma; one metastatic Rhabdomyosarcoma of the anus; one Wilm's tumour of the left kidney with multiple liver metastases. Prescribed doses ranged from 18 to 54.4 Gy. To minimise variability, the same beam geometry and clinical goals were imposed on all systems for every patient. Results were analysed in terms of dose distributions and dose volume histograms.

Results

For all patients, IMRT plans lead to acceptable treatments in terms of conformal avoidance since most of the dose objectives for Organs At Risk (OARs) were met, and the Conformity Index (averaged over all TPS and patients) ranged from 1.14 to 1.58 on primary target volumes and from 1.07 to 1.37 on boost volumes. The healthy tissue involvement was measured in terms of several parameters, and the average mean dose ranged from 4.6 to 13.7 Gy. A global scoring method was developed to evaluate plans according to their degree of success in meeting dose objectives (lower scores are better than higher ones). For OARs the range of scores was between 0.75 ± 0.15 (Eclipse) to 0.92 ± 0.18 (Pinnacle³ with physical optimisation). For target volumes, the score ranged from 0.05 ± 0.05 (Pinnacle³ with physical optimisation) to 0.16 ± 0.07 (Corvus).

Conclusion

A set of complex paediatric cases presented a variety of individual treatment planning challenges. Despite the large spread of results, inverse planning systems offer promising results for IMRT delivery, hence widening the treatment strategies for this very sensitive class of patients.

Redefining the risks of prenatally ascertained supernumerary marker chromosomes: a collaborative study

BACKGROUND

A marker chromosome is defined as a structurally abnormal chromosome that cannot be identified by routine cytogenetics. The risk for phenotypic abnormalities associated with a marker chromosome depends on several factors, including inheritance, mode of ascertainment, chromosomal origin, and the morphology, content, and structure of the marker.

METHODS

to understand the karyotype-phenotype relationship of prenatally ascertained supernumerary de novo marker chromosomes, we combined data from prenatal cases obtained from 12 laboratories with those from studies in the literature. We were able to obtain cytogenetic and phenotypic data from 108 prenatally ascertained supernumerary de novo marker chromosomes to refine the phenotypic risk associated with these markers. Because of the growing number of cases and because more techniques are available to delineate marker morphology, we have been able to group risk estimates into subcategories, such as by marker type and whether there are ultrasound abnormalities.

RESULTS

If a de novo supernumerary marker chromosome is found prenatally, our data suggest there is a 26% risk for phenotypic abnormality when there is no other information defining the marker (such as chromosomal origin or information about the existing phenotype). However, if high resolution ultrasound studies are normal, this risk reduces to 18%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings strongly support the value of additional genetic studies for more precisely defining the risk in individual cases involving marker chromosomes.

Replacement of calcineurin inhibitors with daclizumab in patients with transplantation-associated microangiopathy or renal insufficiency associated with graft-versus-host disease

Transplantation-associated microangiopathy (TAM) or renal insufficiency (RI) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is associated with a high mortality. As calcineurin inhibitors (CI) may contribute to TAM or RI, we evaluated the efficacy of replacing CI by daclizumab in patients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Thirteen patients with GVHD-associated TAM and five patients with RI were treated with daclizumab 1 mg/kg intravenous (i.v.)/week, discontinuation of the CI and continuation of the remaining GVHD treatment. All patients had acute GVHD (steroid-sensitive (n=4), steroid-refractory (n=10)) or chronic GVHD (n=4) and were treated with CI before the start of daclizumab. Nine of 13 patients with TAM treated with daclizumab and discontinuation of CI achieved complete remission of TAM, two had stable disease, and one patient did not respond. Patients receiving daclizumab for RI without TAM showed stabilization (2/5) or improvement (3/5) of renal function. Four of 14 patients with acute GVHD achieved CR, two partial remission, eight patients did not respond and 11/14 died at a median of 39 days after start of the daclizumab. Our data demonstrate that replacement of CI by daclizumab can improve TAM and RI. However, mortality remains high in patients with acute GVHD.

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) with Different Combinations of Treatment-Planning Systems and Linacs

PURPOSE

To compare different combinations of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) system components with regard to quality assurance (QA), especially robustness against malfunctions and dosimetry.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three different treatment-planning systems (TPS), two types of linacs and three multileaf collimator (MLC) types were compared: commissioning procedures were performed for the combination of the TPS Corvus 5.0 (Nomos) and KonRad v2.1.3 (Siemens OCS) with the linacs KD2 (Siemens) and Synergy (Elekta). For PrecisePLAN 2.03 (Elekta) measurements were performed for Elekta Synergy only. As record and verify (R&V) system Multi-Access v7 (IMPAC) was used. The use of the serial tomotherapy system Peacock (Nomos) was investigated in combination with the Siemens KD2 linac.

RESULTS

In the comparison of calculated to measured dose, problems were encountered for the combination of KonRad and Elekta MLC as well as for the Peacock system. Multi-Access failed to assign the collimator angle correctly for plans with multiple collimator angles per beam. Communication problems of Multi-Access with both linacs were observed, resulting in incorrect recording of the treatment. All reported issues were addressed by the manufacturers.

CONCLUSION

For the commissioning of IMRT systems, the whole chain from the TPS to the linac has to be investigated. Components that passed the commissioning in another clinical environment can have severe malfunctions when used in a new environment. Therefore, not only single components but the whole chain from planning to delivery has to be evaluated in commissioning and checked regularly for QA.

Evaluation of possible prostate displacement induced by pressure applied during transabdominal ultrasound image acquisition

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

For accurate positioning of the prostate in external radiotherapy, transabdominal ultrasound localization and positioning systems are available. Reports have stated that probe pressure applied during image acquisition causes clinically relevant prostate displacement. The aim of this study was to investigate the prostate displacement due to the pressure applied during transabdominal ultrasound image acquisition with the BAT ultrasound system.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For ten patients who had undergone iodine-125 seed implantation for brachytherapy of prostate cancer, X-ray simulations were performed before and during ultrasound image acquisition. The iodine seeds are visible on the X-ray images, representing the position of the prostate. The simulator's crosshair, indicating the isocenter, was used as reference coordinate system. For each patient the change in prostate position was calculated based on the seed positions during and after ultrasound examination.

RESULTS

A maximum displacement of the prostate of 2.3 mm in anteroposterior and 1.9 mm in craniocaudal direction and a rotational change of up to 2.5 degrees were observed. If the system was not handled correctly and too much pressure was applied, a shift of the prostate of up to 10 mm could be induced.

CONCLUSION

Compared to the prostate displacement due to changes in rectal filling, which according to Crook et al. can be as much as 1.7 cm, the maximum displacement of less than 0.3 cm caused by the probe pressure is negligible. However, proper education of the staff and preparation of the patient are essential for the safe use of the system.

[The MacIntosh extra-articular knee stabilisation procedure -- an alternative after failed ACL reconstruction?]

Chronic knee instability after loss of the ACL and failed ACL reconstruction is a great problem for the patient and a complex treatment challenge. Minimizing the feeling of instability is the most important issue for the patient. In case of lack of autologous material for reconstruction and lesions of the knee joint because of performed intra-articular procedures, extra-articular techniques are an alternative. In the modified MacIntosh procedure, we tie a strip of iliotibial tractus around the LCL and attach it to the ventrolateral tibial head by screw. Postoperatively, we begin physiotherapy under full weight bearing. Range of motion is limited to 0/0/90 degrees for six weeks. Between 1996 and 2000, nine patients who underwent surgery using the modified Macintosh technique, were evaluated prospectively. The mean follow-up was 11.4 months (6-36 months). We evaluated changes concerning pivot-shift and Lachman-test and documented Lysholm- and Tegner-activity-score pre- and postoperatively. We also registered sporting ability. The pivot shift remained positive, while the anterior drawer, documented by Lachman-test, could be reduced surgically. Lysholm- and Tegner-scores improved significantly. Preoperatively, the mean Tegner-score was 1.44 (0-3), mean Lysholm-score 55.55 points (14-88), respectively. At follow-up examination, scores had improved to 3.55 (3-4) and 82.44 points (69-95), respectively, resulting in a p-value of .007 for the Tegner-, and p = 0.008 for the Lysholm-score. Our surgical treatment could reduce the subjective feeling of instability in all cases. All patients could participate in sports activities at time of follow-up. Our results show, that extra-articular surgical procedures are adequate alternative methods of treatment in cases of persistent knee instability after recurrent failure of ACL reconstruction. The modified MacIntosh procedure described in this study shows encouraging results at medium-term follow-up. The technique is easy to perform and less traumatising for the knee joint.

Allogene Blutstammzelltransplantation von Risikopatienten nach Konditionierung mit Treosulfan und Fludarabin

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Allogeneic transplantation can not be offered to many patients due to potential side-effects of conventional conditioning. Dose-reduced conditioning approaches improve tolerability, however, treatment efficacy may be reduced as well. We have, therefore, developed a dose intense but toxicity reduced conditioning regimen based on treosulfan and fludarabine and report first results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

65 patients with a median age of 50 years were transplanted from related (n = 21) or unrelated donors (n = 44) after conditioning with treosulfan (3 x 10, 3 x 12 or 3 x 14 g/m(2) i. v.) and fludarabine (5 x 30 mg/m(2) i. v.). 21 patients were in complete remission (CR) and 44 patients had not reached a CR at the time of transplantation. 59 of 65 patients were considered unfit for a conventional conditioning regimen.

RESULTS

The actuarial overall survival after 3 years is 59.2 %, the event-free survival 40.1 %. Patients with a related donor or transplantation in CR had a better overall (85.4 resp. 74.2 %) and event-free survival (52.2 % resp. 61.9 %). The cumulative incidence of relapse at 3 years was 26.2 %. Non-relapse mortality at day 100 is 17.4 % (cumulative incidence). In stepwise Cox regression analyses for overall survival, event-free survival and non-relapse mortality the covariables transplantation in CR vs. not in CR and the donor status were shown to be influential.

CONCLUSIONS

These results with a conditioning therapy of treosulfan and fludarabine indicate that patients despite higher age, concomitant disease or after intensive pretreatment can be successfully transplanted without increased treatment-related mortality.

Treatment of steroid-resistant acute graft-versus-host disease with daclizumab and etanercept

Steroid-resistant acute GVHD (aGVHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) continues to be associated with a high mortality. We report the results of a phase II study of treatment of steroid-resistant aGVHD with the IL-2 receptor antibody daclizumab combined with the TNF-receptor fusion protein etanercept. Treatment consisted of daclizumab 1 mg/kg given i.v. on days 1, 4, 8, 15, 22 and etanercept 16 mg/m(2) s.c. on days 1, 5, 9, 13, 17. A total of 21 patients (age 15-61 years) with steroid-resistant aGVHD after alloHSCT were included in the study. Donor types were HLA-matched related (n=6), HLA-matched unrelated (n=14), and HLA-mismatched unrelated (n=1). Eight patients achieved complete, and six showed partial remission of aGVHD. Seven patients did not respond. Four of 21 patients are currently alive with a median follow-up of 586 (185-1155) days. Three patients died due to relapsed malignancy. Treatment-related mortality was due to infectious complications (n=11) or organ failure due to aGVHD (n=3). In total, 12 patients developed subsequent chronic GVHD. In conclusion, the data demonstrate an acceptable response rate of the combination of daclizumab and etanercept in the treatment of steroid-resistant aGVHD. Nevertheless, long-term mortality due to infectious complications and chronic GVHD remains high.

Multivariate analyses of prognostic factors in acute myeloid leukemia: relevance of cytogenetic abnormalities and CD34 expression

Identification of additional prognostic factors besides karyotype is important for the improvement of the risk adapted treatment strategies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The aim of this study was to investigate whether other factors besides karyotype could be used as a prognostic tool in newly diagnosed AML. Biological and disease related established and potential prognostic factors were retrospectively analysed in 124 consecutive AML patients treated between 1993 and 2002 at the University hospital Rostock (Germany). One hundred patients received a potential curative intensive chemotherapy (81%), of whom 28 received an allogeneic HSCT at some point of their treatment course, 17 patients (14%) received palliative therapies and 7 patients (5%) received supportive care only. In patients that received potential curative therapies LDH >or=2000 U/l, WBC >50 GPT/l, CD34 surface expression on the AML blasts, secondary AML, unfavorable karyotype and no allogeneic HSCT at some point of treatment course were associated with unfavorable prognosis. However, in the multivariate risk factor analyses only unfavorable karyotype (p=0.012), CD34 positivity of AML blasts (p=0.046), no allogeneic HSCT (p=0.008) and first diagnosis after 1997 (p=0.025) were independent unfavourable prognostic factors. In conclusion, karyotype and CD34 expression are independent prognostic markers in newly diagnosed AML. Furthermore, receiving an allogeneic HSCT at some point of the treatment course seems to be of benefit for AML patients.

Oral PUVA and topical steroids for treatment of oral manifestations of chronic graft-vs.-host disease

BACKGROUND

Oral manifestations of chronic graft-vs.-host disease (cGVHD) can significantly affect the quality of life and severity often does not correlate with systemic manifestations. We evaluated the use of topical corticosteroids and the intraoral application of psoralen-UVA (PUVA) for treatment of oral manifestations of cGVHD.

METHODS

Overall, 18 patients with oral manifestations of cGVHD were treated with either intraoral PUVA (n=7) or with topical corticosteroids (n=16). Four patients received intraoral PUVA after failure of topical steroids and one patient was treated with topical corticosteroids after failing treatment with intraoral PUVA. A glass fiber extension of an UVA source was used for manual intraoral application. Treatment with topical corticosteroids consisted of 0.1 mg/ml dexamethasone mouth wash four times a day in combination with antifungal prophylaxis.

RESULTS

Four patients showed complete local response (CR) due to intraoral PUVA, two improved and one did not respond. Topical corticosteroids resulted in nine patients in CR, two improved and five did not respond.

CONCLUSION

Intraoral PUVA as well as topical corticosteroids are effective in treatment of oral manifestations of oral GVHD with few side-effects and improve quality of life in patients with cGVHD.

External copper inhibits the activity of the large-conductance calcium- and voltage-sensitive potassium channel from skeletal muscle

We have characterized the effect of external copper on the gating properties of the large-conductance calcium- and voltage-sensitive potassium channel from skeletal muscle, incorporated into artificial bilayers. The effect of Cu2+ was evaluated as changes in the gating kinetic properties of the channel after the addition of this ion. We found that, from concentrations of 20 microM and up, copper induced a concentration- and time-dependent decrease in channel open probability. The inhibition of channel activity by Cu2+ could not be reversed by washing or by addition of the copper chelator, bathocuproinedisulfonic acid. However, channel activity was appreciably restored by the sulfhydryl reducing agent dithiothreitol. The effect of copper was specific since other transition metal divalent cations such as Ni2+, Zn2+ or Cd2+ did not affect BK(Ca) channel activity in the same concentration range. These results suggest that external Cu2+-induced inhibition of channel activity was due to direct or indirect oxidation of key amino-acid sulfhydryl groups that might have a role in channel gating.

Treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) are a rare entity of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). Despite the poor outcome after conventional chemotherapy, the impact of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation is not well defined in these patients. In a retrospective study, we evaluated the outcome of 15 patients (9 male, 6 female) with PTCL after HDCT with autologous (10 patients) and allogeneic (5 patients) stem cell transplantation between 1996 and 2001 at our department. At the time of transplantation three patients were in second remission, seven patients were in partial remission (PR), and three patients had refractory disease. Two patients were treated with sequential HDCT (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisolone, m-CHOEP). The conditioning regimes were heterogeneous. After HDCT ten patients (67%, autologous 7, allogeneic 3) achieved CR, two patients (13%, autologous 2, allogeneic 0) had refractory disease, and three patients (20%, autologous 1, allogeneic 2) died because of toxic side effects before evaluation of response was performed. The median overall survival (OS) was 12 months. The 1-year probability of survival for the autologous and allogeneic groups was 58% and 40%, respectively. At the time of evaluation, six patients are alive and nine patients have died (four severe infection, one late toxicity, two disease progression, and two relapse). Despite the small number of patients in this study, HDCT with autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation seems to be an effective treatment option that can achieve CR for patients with PTCL. Because of the poor outcome of these patients after conventional chemotherapy, HDCT seems to be a rational option in first-line therapy. Whether it improves survival in these patients should be further investigated.

[Not Available]

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is increasingly used in the treatment of hematological disorders. In order to demonstrate the national development of alloSCT as well as the effect of the foundation of local transplant centers, data of all alloSCT performed on patients living in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (MV) during 1991 and 2000 were evaluated regarding date and location of the alloSCT, diagnosis and age of the patient as well as donor type. AlloSCT in patients from MV increased 6 fold from 1991 n=5 to 2000 n=30. Because of the lack of local transplant centers during the period between 1991 and 1997, alloSCT of patients from MV were exclusively performed in other locations, whereas in 2000 only 2 of 30 alloSCT were performed in transplants centers outside MV. With the establishment of local centers, the gap between the numbers of alloSCT between MV and Germany was closed (1991 Germany 4,17/Million inhabitants, MV 2,67/Million inhabitants, 2000 Germany 17,4/Million inhabitants, MV 16,7/Million inhabitants). The increase in the number of alloSCT was mainly due to an increased use of unrelated stem cell donors which increased from n=0 in 1991 to 12 out of 30 in 2000. Another important factor was the increase in the age limit with a mean age of 32 years in 1991 and 43 years in 2000 (upper range 60 years).

CONCLUSION

The data reflect the dramatic increase in alloSCT during the last decade caused by factors listed above. In addition, the development of the numbers of transplants of patients in MV supports the need for local transplant centers, since with the opening of local transplant centers the difference of the frequency of alloSCT between Germany and MV was completely eradicated.