Impact of serum amyloid A on cellular cholesterol efflux to serum in type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase response protein and has apolipoprotein properties. Since type 2 diabetes is associated with chronic subclinical inflammation, the objective of this study is to investigate the changes in SAA level in type 2 diabetic patients and to evaluate the relationship between SAA and the capacity of serum to induce cellular cholesterol efflux via the two known cholesterol transporters, scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1).

METHODS

264 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (42% with normoalbuminuria, 30% microalbuminuria, and 28% proteinuria) and 275 non-diabetic controls were recruited. SAA was measured by ELISA. SR-BI and ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux to serum were determined by measuring the transfer of [(3)H]cholesterol from Fu5AH rat hepatoma cells expressing SR-BI and from human ABCG1-transfected CHO-K1 cells to the medium containing the tested serum respectively.

RESULTS

SAA was significantly increased in diabetic patients with incipient or overt nephropathy. Both SR-BI and ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux to serum were significantly impaired in all three groups of diabetic patients (p < 0.01). SAA inversely correlated with SR-BI-mediated cholesterol efflux (r = -0.36, p < 0.01) but did not correlate with ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux. Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that HDL, the presence or absence of diabetes, and log(SAA) were significant independent determinants of SR-BI-mediated cholesterol efflux to serum.

CONCLUSION

SAA was increased in type 2 diabetic patients with incipient or overt nephropathy, and SAA was associated with impairment of SR-BI-mediated cholesterol efflux to serum.

Unilateral visual loss after a nasal airway surgery

Septoplasty and turbinoplasty are common ear, nose, throat (ENT) operations which generally have low complication rates. A 45-year-old man had a septoplasty operation and a right turbinoplasty operation under a combined general and local anesthetic. He woke from the procedure with a reduced visual acuity in the right eye and substantial inferior visual field loss. A review of the current literature focuses on the vasospasm effects of local anesthetic, in combination with epinephrine on the intricately linked nasal and orbital vascular supply.

Effect of insulin on the soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE)

AIMS

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. RAGE transcript splicing generates a number of isoforms, including a full-length membrane-bound receptor and a soluble isoform, endogenous secretory RAGE (esRAGE). Soluble forms of the receptor (sRAGE) can also be formed by ectodomain shedding of the membrane-associated receptor. We have evaluated serum levels of sRAGE and esRAGE in Chinese patients with Type 1 diabetes and investigated the effect of insulin on the generation of esRAGE and sRAGE in vitro.

METHODS

Serum sRAGE and esRAGE were measured by ELISA. The in vitro effect of insulin was investigated by incubating THP-1 macrophages with insulin and RAGE isoforms in cell lysate and conditioned media determined.

RESULTS

In patients with diabetes, both serum esRAGE and sRAGE were significantly higher than in age-matched healthy subjects without diabetes. In vitro, insulin increased esRAGE and total RAGE isoform expression in cell lysate on a western blot, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed an increase in esRAGE and full-length RAGE mRNA. This was accompanied by an increase in esRAGE and sRAGE in cell conditioned media. Pretreatment of THP-1 cells with a general metalloproteinase inhibitor GM6001 significantly reduced the production of sRAGE, suggesting that insulin also increased the cleavage of full-length cell surface RAGE to form sRAGE.

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese patients with Type 1 diabetes have higher serum levels of esRAGE and sRAGE. In vitro, insulin not only increases both full-length RAGE and esRAGE expression, but can also stimulate the shedding of sRAGE from the membrane-bound receptor.

The Effects of Exercises on the Relationship between Pulse Transit Time and Arterial Blood Pressure

Pulse transit time (PTT) is one of the physiological parameters that can be utilized to estimate arterial blood pressure (BP) non-invasively. However, the effects of successive exercises on the relationship between PTT and BP have not yet been studied systematically. This study examines the variation in PTT and BP on 15 healthy subjects after treadmill exercise. PTT-peak and PTT-foot, which represent the time intervals from the R-wave of electrocardiogram (ECG) to the peak and the foot of photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal, are verified respectively. ECG, PPG signal, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded from each subject. Experiment was divided into Pre-exercise, Post-exercisel, Post-exercise2, and Recovery. Treadmill exercise was carried out before Post-exersie1 and Post-exercise2. It was found that SBP and DBP increased significantly while PTT-foot and PTT-peak decreased significantly immediately after exercises. During the phase of the Recovery, increment of PTT-foot and hypotension phenomenon was temporarily observed. Throughout the experiments, PTT-foot and BP were inversely related under the effect of two successive exercises. Therefore, it is possible to estimate BP based on the PTT-approach after successive exercises.

Effect of EGFR inhibition with cetuximab on the efficacy of paclitaxel in previously treated metastatic urothelial cancer

243

Background: The benefit of salvage chemotherapy such as weekly paclitaxel (TAX) is modest in metastatic (met) urothelial ca, with median TTP of ≤3 months and ORR of 10% (95% CI 4-18% [combined results, Vaughn 2002; Joly, 2009]). Cetuximab (CET) is a monoclonal antibody against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). High-grade urothelial cancer overexpress EGFR. We conducted a multicenter randomized, noncomparative phase II study to measure the efficacy of CET ± TAX in patients (pts) with previously treated met urothelial cancer.

Methods: Pts with met urothelial cancer who received one line of chemotherapy in the adjuvant, neoadjvuant, or met setting were enrolled. Pts were randomized to CET 250mg/m2 (after 400 mg/m2 load) ± TAX 80 mg/m2 weekly. A cycle was 4 weeks (wks). Response (RECIST) was assessed by imaging every 8 wks. We used early progression to assess futility (Litwin Stats Med 2007). Either arm would close if 7 of the initial 15 pts in that arm progressed at the first disease evaluation. Either arm would be considered promising if ≥9/28 patients had PFS>16 wks (90.4% power to detect an improvement in Median [Med] PFS from 8 to 16 wks with a 7.1% type 1 error).

Results: We enrolled 39 evaluable pts (30 male). Median age was 69 years (range 49-79). All pts received prior platinum-based chemotherapy. CET arm closed after 9 of the first 11 pts progressed by 8 wks (ASCO GU 2009). CET-TAX arm completed full accrual (28 pts), of which 11 had visceral disease and 13 received chemo for met disease. 10/28 pts had PFS>16 wks. Overall RR was 28.5%, (8/28 pts, 95% CI 13-49%) (2 CR, 6PR). 4 additional pts had unconfirmed PR. 2 pts have maintained PR 3 and 4 months after discontinuing CET-TAX. Med PFS for the CET-TAX was 115 days (16 weeks)(95% CI 58-174 days). Med PFS for pts with visceral disease was 84 days (95%CI 50-NR). Med PFS for pts who received prior chemo for met disease was 142 days (95% 58-NR). Med number of cycles for the CET-TAX was 3 (range 0-25). Grade 3 AEs occurring in more than 2 pts were rash (5), fatigue (4), anemia (4), low magnesium (3).

Conclusions: EGFR inhibition with CET appears to augment the antitumor activity of TAX in pts with previously treated urothelial cancers. The CET-TAX combination merits further study to establish its role in treatment of urothelial cancers.

[Table: see text]

Dose intensity of cisplatin and gemcitabine (CG) for muscle invasive urothelial bladder cancer (MIUBC) in the neoadjuvant versus adjuvant settings: The Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC) experience

e16012

Background: Despite radical cystectomy (RC), subjects with MIUBC remain at risk of recurrence and optimal timing of chemotherapy remains unclear. Historically, we offered adjuvant (ADJ) CG to patients (pts) with T≥3 or node positive tumors. Since Dec 2005, neoadjuvant (NEO) CG treatment has been our preferred approach for pts with ≥T2 tumors. We compare our results with NEO and ADJ CG, including pathologic response after NEO CG. Methods: We reviewed records of patients who underwent RC for MIUBC and received at least 2 cycles of perioperative CG between Jan 2002 and Dec 2008at FCCC. We used Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon tests, as well as Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), to compare baseline patient characteristics, dose intensity, completion, and complication rates in the ADJ and NEO groups. Results: Results of 22 ADJ and 17 NEO patients are shown below. Characteristics of age, gender, race, preop T stage and ECOG performance status (PS) ≤1 were similar. There was no significant difference in preoperative T stage between groups (p=0.2). The delivery of full doses (C 70mg/m2,G 1000 mg/m2) of GC were similar in the NEO vs the ADJ group. The delay between RC and chemotherapy may be shorter in the patients treated preoperatively, and trended toward significance (p=0.06). Reasons for dose modifications and delays are also shown in the Table . Of pts treated with NEO CG, 10/17 (55.7%) were ≤pT1 with 9 of those 10 pts also pN0 (52.9% of 17 pts) . 5/17 (29.4%) had positive lymph nodes at RC. Conclusions: CG for MIUBC is well tolerated in the NEO setting, with dose intensity comparable to that delivered adjuvantly. NEO pathologic downstaging with CG appears comparable to historical results with MVAC, and should be confirmed in larger, prospective studies. [Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II trial of ABT-869 in advanced renal cell cancer (RCC) after sunitinib failure: Efficacy and safety results

5036

Background: ABT-869 is a novel, orally active and potent inhibitor of all VEGF and PDGF receptor tyrosine kinases. Results from a phase I study suggested antitumor activity in advanced solid tumors including RCC. The recommended dose for phase II investigation was 0.25 mg/kg (maximum 25 mg) daily. Methods: We conducted an open-label, multicenter phase II trial of oral ABT-869 in advanced RCC. Eligibility criteria included progressive disease (PD) within 100 days of enrollment after at least 2 cycles of sunitinib, prior nephrectomy, and adequate organ function. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST by central imaging. Secondary endpoints were best response, time to progression (TTP), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Safety was assessed by NCI-CTCAE, v3.0. Results: 53 patients (pts, median age, 61 y [range, 40–80]; clear-cell histology [41 pts]; median number of prior therapies, 2 [range, 1–4]) were enrolled from 8/07 to 10/08. All pts were previously treated with sunitinib, and additional prior treatments included cytokine (19%), sorafenib (15%), temsirolimus (4%), and bevacizumab (4%). Preliminary efficacy data are shown in the Table below. Median TTP was 4.9 mos [95% CI: 3.5–6.8] per central imaging. Median OS is not estimable. The most common adverse events (AEs) were diarrhea (78%), fatigue (67%), hypertension (53%), nausea (51%) and vomiting (39%). AEs ≥ grade 3 included hypertension (24%), fatigue (18%), diarrhea (14%) and hand-foot syndrome (14%). 39 pts required dose reductions. Of the 20 pts who have discontinued therapy at the time of this analysis, 16 were due to PD, 3 due to AEs (1 hemoptysis, 1 fatigue, 1 fatigue/hypertension) and 1 withdrew consent. The remaining 33 pts continue protocol treatment, and updated results will be presented. Conclusions: ABT-869 has activity in RCC after sunitinib failure. The dose will be optimized for future studies.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

A phase I study of temsirolimus (TEM) and bryostatin (BRYO) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC)

5111

Background: TEM, an inhibitor of mTOR complex 1 (TORC1), is approved for the treatment of metastatic RCC. BRYO inhibits protein kinase C, a downstream effector of mTOR complex 2 (TORC2). We observed additive effects of TEM and BRYO against RCC in vitro. Methods: Four cohorts of 3–6 patients (pts) received weekly BRYO (20 mcgm/m2) and TEM (10, 15, 25, or 37.5 mg,) in 28 day cycles. DLT was defined as 1st cycle toxicity ≥ grade 3. Results: Twenty-three pts have been enrolled. Eighteen pts had RCC: clear cell (12), papillary (3), clear cell with sarcomatoid/spindle features (2), unclassified (1), Among RCC pts, 3 had no prior therapy. 15 had a median of 2 prior therapies (immunotherapy, TKIs, and/or bevacizumab). To date, 22 pts have received 103 cycles across 4 dose levels. Five non-RCC pts (4 sarcoma, 1 paraganglioma) received up to 3 cycles of treatment. Two of these pts (both had prior cytotoxic therapy) experienced DLT at 15 mg (Gr 3 neutropenia and Gr 3 hypophosphatemia) Subsequently, pts with prior cytotoxic therapy were excluded. One additional non-RCC pt (prior radiation) experienced DLT (Gr 3 neutropenia) at TEM 37.5 mg. Among RCC pts, there were no 1st cycle DLT's. Significant toxicities during later cycles included Gr 3/4 thrombosis at TEM 37.5 mg (2), Gr 4 thrombus/Gr 4 LV dysfunction at TEM 15 mg (1), and Gr 3 dyspnea/Gr 3 pneumonitis at TEM 10mg (1). Gr 4 hypercholesterolemia (1) and Gr. 4 triglyceride elevation (1) were seen at TEM 37.5 mg, both reversed with treatment. One RCC pt withdrew prior to receiving treatment. Of the 17 remaining RCC pts, 3 had PRs and 9 had SD. One treatment naïve pt (TEM 15 mg) continues with PR for 2+ years after discontinuing treatment. One pt (had progressed on sunitinib) continues in a PR at 14+ months. Twelve pts received ≥4 cycles and 3 received >10 cycles. PR was seen in both clear cell and papillary histologies. Median PFS was 7.8 months for all pts and 5.7 months for previously treated pts. Two pts, both with PR, remain on treatment, having received 18 and 8 cycles. Conclusions: The TEM/Bryo combination is feasible for multiple cycles on a weekly schedule at full doses of each agent with durable PR and SD in RCC refractory to other therapies. Enrollment continues to further characterize safety and efficacy.

[Table: see text]

How often is adjuvant FOLFOX (Adj FOLFOX) discontinued for toxicity among colon cancer patients in the routine care setting?

9530

Background: Although 12 cycles of Adj FOLFOX are recommended for stage III and high risk stage II colon cancer, toxicity may preclude completion of treatment. We used the NCCN Colorectal Cancer Outcomes Database to identify how frequently Adj FOLFOX is discontinued prematurely for toxicity in a non-clinical trial population. Methods: Newly diagnosed stage II-III colon cancer pts treated with Adj FOLFOX at 7 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers between 9/05–12/07 were identified. We assessed completion of the prescribed adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) course, including Adj FOLFOX and 5FU-based adjuvant treatment alone subsequent to discontinuation of oxaliplatin (oxal). Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) of Adj FOLFOX was defined as premature discontinuation of Adj FOLFOX due to toxicity. We evaluated potential predictors of Adj FOLFOX DLT, including older age and history of diabetes in a multivariable logistic model controlling for stage and center. We measured the duration of Adj FOLFOX use in weeks, from first to last dose. Results: 293 pts began Adj FOLFOX. Pts who experienced DLT (40%) had a shorter duration of Adj FOLFOX and were less likely to complete AC, even after oxal was discontinued. The only significant predictor of experiencing a DLT was a history of diabetes. Conclusions: Our analysis of patients treated outside of a clinical trial demonstrated a notably high rate of discontinuation of Adj FOLFOX due to DLT, particularly in pts with diabetes. The results underscore the need for systematic assessment of toxicity especially among diabetics.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

Clinicopathological features and sites of recurrence according to breast cancer subtype in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

543

Background: Gene expression profiling has defined multiple breast cancer subtypes which can approximated using standard immunohistochemical markers. Methods: We assessed clinicopathological features and sites of recurrence for patients (pts) presenting to NCCN sites with stage I-III breast cancer from Jan 2000 to Dec 2006 where estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 status were known. Tumors were grouped as luminal A (ER+ and/or PR+, and HER2-), HER2+ (any ER or PR, and HER2+), or triple-negative (ER-, PR-, and HER2-). Chi-square compared proportions across tumors; univariate logistic regression estimated risk of first site of recurrence. Results: 12,858 pts met inclusion criteria. Median follow-up from NCCN presentation was 3.2 years. Subtype distribution was: triple-negative (TN) 17%; HER2+ 18%; luminal A 66%. Compared to pts with luminal A and HER2+ tumors, TN were younger (p<0.0001), more likely African-American (p<0.0001) and overweight (p=0.0006). TN and HER2+ tumors were less often detected by screening mammography (TN, 28.9%; HER2+, 33.6%; luminal A, 48.4%) and less likely to present as T1 (TN, 46.5%; HER2+, 50.5%; luminal A, 67.0%) or diagnosed as stage I (TN, 32.6%; HER2+ 33.2%; luminal A, 49.4%) than luminal A (all p<0.0001). Rate of node positivity was lowest in TN (TN, 37.1%; HER2+, 44.9%; luminal A, 38.1%; p<0.0001). 83% of TN tumors were high grade; 93% were invasive ductal histology. Extensive intraductal component and lymphovascular invasion were more often associated with HER2+, compared to TN or luminal A (p<0.0001). Recurrences were recorded for 1,235 pts. Relative to luminal A, TN and HER2+ were more likely to experience lung (TN, odds ratio [OR] 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50, 3.43; p=0.0001; HER2+, OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.05, 2.60; p=0.03) and brain (TN, OR 5.32, 95% CI 2.85, 9.91; p<0.0001; HER2+, OR 5.53, 95% CI 2.93, 10.43; p<0.0001) as first site of recurrence; bone was less likely (TN, OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.16, 0.33; p<0.0001; HER2+, OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.28, 0.53; p<0.0001). Conclusions: Clinicopathological features and patterns of recurrence differed significantly by subtype and may inform the design of future clinical trials.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Understanding how out-of-pocket expenses, treatment value, and patient characteristics influence treatment choices

e20543

Background: Cost-sharing is a method to control “over-use” of healthcare services but may have the unintended consequence of reducing utilization of necessary services among vulnerable patients (pts). It is not known if cost influences pts’ choices of cancer treatments. Methods: A survey was administered to a convenience sample of pts on surveillance for localized cancer. Domains included demographic questions as well as clinical scenarios to elicit the maximum co-payment pts would be willing to pay for hypothetical cancer treatments. Scenario A described adjuvant therapy; questions varied reductions in recurrence rates from 5–20%. Scenario B described palliative therapy; questions varied 2-year survival between 19–34%. Scenario C described palliative therapy; questions varied improvement in median life expectancy from 11–20 months. GEE fit multiple logistic regressions examined pts’ characteristics associated with willingness to pay (WTP). Pts chose from 9 co-payment levels (highest: >$7,000/6 months for Scenario A; >$1,000/3 weeks for Scenarios B-C), which were dichotomized (highest 5 vs lowest 4 levels). Results: 60 pts completed the survey. Demographics: Female (78%); < 65 (83%), Caucasian (97%), college degree (58%). 13% reported making financial sacrifices to pay for treatment. Overall, pts showed a greater WTP for more effective treatments (p<0.05 for all 3 scenarios). In Scenario B, pts who were currently working demonstrated a greater WTP (OR 12.6 95% CI 2.0 -80.4) when controlling for dichotomized efficacy. In Scenario C, pts with a college degree showed greater WTP (OR 5.0, 96% CI 1.2–20.9). In addition, pts who reported having to make previous financial sacrifices for care showed lower WTP (OR 0.2 95%CI 0.04–0.6). Conclusions: Pts may assign a higher value to treatments of greater efficacy. Even among this relatively young, affluent and educated group, demographic variables were associated with WTP. Larger studies in more diverse populations are required to further elucidate how cost may influence pts'treatment choices and contribute to health disparities. These findings may inform health policy by suggesting benefit plans that use cost sharing to optimize use of limited health care resources without compromising access to needed care.

[Table: see text]

Quality of breast cancer care in NCCN centers as assessed by the ASCO/NCCN quality measures: Overall performance and reasons for nonconcordance

6506

Background: To assess the quality of breast cancer care in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), we compared practice against the ASCO/NCCN quality measures (QM). Methods: Using the NCCN Outcomes Database, we studied the care of women with newly diagnosed stage I-III breast cancer treated at 8 NCCN centers in 2003–6 to determine the proportion whose care was consistent with the 3 QMs (tamoxifen or anastrozole within 1 year of diagnosis for HR+ >1 cm tumors [HT]; post- lumpectomy radiation within 1 year of diagnosis for women <70 yo [RT]; and chemotherapy within 120 days of diagnosis of HR- >1 cm tumors for women <70 yo). Based on chart review, reasons for non-concordant care were classified as: 1) treatment recommended, but declined; 2) MD recommended against treatment; 3) non-recommended treatment administered; or 4) system problem (referral to the relevant specialist not documented or specialist not seen, delayed treatment initiation, or no relevant documentation in the chart). Results: 5,175 women were analyzable on at least one QM. Overall, treatment was consistent with the QM for 6,628/7,265 (91%) of the unique patient-recommendation pairs. Non-concordant care was received by 11% of patients eligible for the HT QM, 5% for the RT QM, and 13% for the chemotherapy QM. The reasons for non-concordance are shown in the table. Conclusions: Overall, breast cancer care in the NCCN is highly concordant with the ASCO/NCCN quality measures. System problems rather than patient refusal or physician recommendations account for the majority of care that deviates from the QM recommendations. This suggests that quality improvement targeting systems rather than physicians would be especially efficient and effective.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The impact of obesity on adherence to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommending chemotherapy for patients with operable breast cancer

6517

Background: Obesity (measured using body mass index [BMI]) is regarded as a prognostic factor for worse breast cancer survival. We hypothesized that obesity may influence adherence to NCCN guidelines recommending chemotherapy for patients with operable breast cancer at NCCN centers. Methods: We identified women < 70 years diagnosed with stage I, II, or III breast cancer from 1997 to 2006 at 8 NCCN centers for whom guidelines recommended chemotherapy. Body mass index was assessed in categories (<25 kg/m2 [normal], 25 to <30 kg/m2 [overweight], 30 to 39kg/m2 [obese], ≥40 kg/m2 [morbidly obese]) and in 5 kg/m2 increments. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for center, age at diagnosis, ethnicity, comorbidity score, and guideline was used to examine the association between BMI at diagnosis and non-receipt of chemotherapy. Results: 9,389 women were eligible for the study: 38% normal weight; 30% overweight; 23% obese; 5% morbidly obese; and 4% unknown. In multivariable analysis with BMI as a categorical variable, there was no association between weight status and non-receipt of chemotherapy (p = 0.35). When BMI was assessed in 5kg/m2 increments, weight status was a statistically significant predictor of non-receipt of chemotherapy (p = 0.02), but the odd ratios exceeded 1.0 only for BMIs ≥42.6kg/m2. Other patient-related factors associated with non-receipt of chemotherapy included older age at diagnosis (p < 0.01), presence of comorbidities (p < 0.01) and center (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Overall, the quality of breast cancer care as measured by adherence to NCCN guidelines recommending chemotherapy was not affected by patient overweight or obese status. Chemotherapy use was lower among patients with extreme morbid obesity, which may represent appropriate clinical decision-making. Evaluating factors that may contribute to worse prognosis among obese patients is essential for individualizing care and improving breast cancer outcome.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Sarcomatous transformation in diaphyseal aclasis

Multiple hereditary exostosis (or diaphyseal aclasis) is a condition characterized by the development of multiple osteochondromas. The tendency for malignant transformation into chondrosarcoma is well known. Malignancy typically arises from the cartilaginous cap of the osteochondroma. Radiographs supplemented by computed tomography have an important role in the diagnosis of this condition. Magnetic resonance imaging shows the features of sarcomatous change and aids in differentiating malignancy from pseudotumours.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for node postive prostate cancer

5061

Background: The role of ADT for men with node positive prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy (RP) is unclear. One randomized trial has shown a survival advantage for men treated with immediate adjuvant (adj) ADT compared treatment at onset of clinical metastases. However, benefit of immediate therapy is less clear in the PSA era when ADT can initiated at the time of biochemical relapse. Methods: We used linked Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare Data to identify a cohort of men who underwent RP between 1991–1999 and were found to have positive regional lymph nodes. We searched Medicare claims to identify men with claims for ADT (hormonal therapy or orchiectomy) within 3 years of diagnosis. We excluded men who received ADT prior to RP. We classified men as receiving adj ADT if they received treatment within 120 days of RP and compared them to men who had not received adj ADT. We used propensity scores to balance potential confounders of receiving adj ADT (age, tumor characteristics, extent of nodal disease, demographics). We used Cox proportional hazard methods to estimate the impact of adj ADT on overall survival (OS) adjusting for propensity score. We conducted a sensitivity analysis using 90, 150, 180 and 365 days as the time limit for adj ADT. Results: 719 men were identified, of whom 190 received adjuvant ADT within 120 days of RP. There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival between the men who did or did not receive adj ADT (HR 0.96 95% CI 0.70–1.32) The results were similar for men who received ADT within 90 and 150 days. However, when the definition of adj ADT was moved to 180 days (HR 1.08 (0.80–1.47)) and 365 days (HR 1.24 (0.92–1.65)) the men receiving adj ADT had a slightly higher risk of death, suggesting some in the adj ADT groups using these later definitions may have received therapy as salvage therapy for progressive disease. Conclusions: This observational study suggests that in the PSA era when men can be started on ADT at the time of biochemical recurrence, overall survival may not be significantly compromised by deferring immediate ADT in men with positive lymph nodes following RP. Further clinical research is needed to better understand which patients are likely to benefit from immediate ADT, and which men can be spared the long term toxicities.

[Table: see text]

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patterns of care: Implications for clinical trial design

4079

Background: New approaches have expanded options for patients (pts) with mCRC. To characterize current practice paradigms that might bear on clinical trial design, we analyzed decision-making and treatment patterns in pts treated at a Comprehensive Cancer Center since the introduction of cetuximab (CET), and bevacizumab (BV). Methods: A retrospective review of all pts diagnosed with mCRC between 3/1/04 and 8/28/06 treated at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Results: 160 pts were treated, with 157 pts receiving at least one therapy regimen by 10 attending oncologists. There were 350 changes in therapy with 246 (70%) including continuation of at least one prior drug (92 BV, 111 fluoropyrimidines, 43 other). The most common reasons for treatment change were toxicity (33%), progressive disease (PD) (29%), treatment breaks (15%), and metastasectomy (11%) ( Table ). PD was a more common cause for treatment discontinuation in later phases of treatment (18% initial regimen vs. 36% subsequent regimens, p=0.0002). 24% of pts treated with oxaliplatin (OX) discontinued due to neuropathy. Hypersensitivity caused discontinuation in 5% of pts with OX and 7% of pts with CET. Resection of metastases was undertaken in 38% of pts. 43% of these pts received neoadjuvant therapy, and 56% received adjuvant therapy. 30% of pts have died, 29% remain on active treatment, 28% are on a treatment break, 3% are on hospice, and 11% are lost to follow-up. Conclusions: PD is no longer the primary reason for change of therapy in pts with mCRC. Metastasectomy is common and OX neuropathy is often treatment-limiting. These findings have important implications for endpoint selection and design of clinical trials in mCRC. Future clinical trials in mCRC must recognize treatment complexities and capture key components of decision-making that may result in prolonged survival. Furthermore, treatment breaks represent a potential window for the evaluation of new drugs.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Chemotherapy use for hormone receptor-positive, node-negative breast cancer

11004

Background: High quality evidence has shown that adjuvant chemotherapy (chemo) improves survival for hormone receptor- positive, node negative breast cancer measuring >1 cm (H+/N-/T>1cm BC). Since 2002 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines have recommended chemo for this group. Because the benefit from chemo in this situation is modest there is debate regarding which women, if any, can forego chemo. We describe trends in chemo use and identify factors associated with not receiving chemo for H+/N-/T>1cm BC. Methods: We identified women less than 70 years old with H+/N-/T>1cm BC diagnosed 1997–2004 and treated at 8 NCCN institutions. We analyzed the frequency of chemo use on a yearly basis (chi square). A multivariable logistic regression model assessed the relationship between likelihood of not receiving chemo and year of diagnosis, institution, tumor size, histologic characteristics and socio- demographic variables. We incorporated interaction terms to explore how chemo use varied over time and between institutions. Results: Of 3190 women with H+/N-/T>1cm BC, 56% received chemo. Chemo use was less common for 1.1–2 cm than for >2 cm tumors (48 vs. 83%; p<.01). There was no significant change in chemo use over time, but there was significant variability among institutions (range 47–65%; p<.01). On multivariable analysis, predictors independently associated with not receiving chemo included lower histologic/nuclear grade, non-ductal/lobular histology, absence of lymphovascular invasion or HER2 overexpression, and older age (p<.01 for all). The interaction between institution and year of diagnosis was also significant (p<.01). Over the 2 years following the NCCN guideline’s definitive recommendation for chemo in 2002, the relative change in institutional chemo use ranged from a 25% decrease to a 28% increase. Conclusions: Many women did not receive chemo despite clinical trial evidence. Providers considered molecular features, tumor size and patient age when deciding who should receive chemo. While overall trends in chemo use did not change, use appeared to increase at some institutions and decreased at others after the 2002 guideline recommendation for chemo. This suggests a lack of consensus at NCCN institutions regarding when to administer chemo for H+/N-/T>1cm BC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

An FPGA-Based Vision Prosthesis Prototype: Implementing an Efficient Multiplexing Method for Addressing Electrodes

A prototype of an epi-retinal vision prosthesis based upon an efficient electrode addressing schema has been developed. This system has the ability to stimulate multiple electrode regions simultaneously, hence greatly improving the maximum rate of stimulation compared to many currently available neural stimulation devices based on serial stimulation protocols. To minimize the problem of cross talk between stimulating electrodes, a hexagon layout of electrodes was implemented. Basic tests were completed using a field programmable gate array logic system driving analogue circuitry to inject current into physiological saline via electrodes in hexagon arrangements and in a simple paired arrangement. The hexagon layout of electrodes was shown to clearly reduce the interaction between multiple current sources and hence cross talk.

Plasma apolipoprotein E concentration is an important determinant of phospholipid transfer protein activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) transfers phospholipids between lipoproteins and plays an important role in HDL metabolism. PLTP exists as a high-activity and a low-activity form in the circulation. In vitro studies have shown that apolipoprotein (apo) E is involved in maintaining PLTP in the active form, while the low-activity form is associated with apo AI. We have therefore investigated whether plasma apo AI, B and E concentrations are important determinants of plasma PLTP activity in type 2 diabetes, a condition associated with increased plasma PLTP activity.

METHODS

Plasma PLTP activity was assayed by measuring the transfer of radiolabelled phosphatidylcholine from liposomes to HDL; apo AI and B by rate nephelometry and apo E by a 2-point turbidimetric assay.

RESULTS

Type 2 diabetic patients (n = 230) had higher PLTP activity than controls (n = 97) (2374 +/- 628 nmol/mL/h versus 1862 +/- 585 respectively, p < 0.01). They also had increased fasting triglyceride and low HDL. Plasma apo B (p < 0.01) and apo E (p < 0.05) were increased, whereas apo AI was reduced (p < 0.01). Univariate analysis showed that plasma PLTP activity correlated mainly with apolipoproteins AI and E. Stepwise regression analysis showed that apo E was the main determinant of plasma PLTP activity, accounting for 23% of its variability in the diabetic subjects and 8% in the controls respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The associations between plasma apo AI and E concentrations and PLTP activity suggest that these apolipoproteins are important regulators of PLTP activity in vivo. The increase in PLTP activity in type 2 diabetes is partly related to the changes in these apolipoproteins.