Adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage I endometrioid or clear cell ovarian cancer in the platinum era: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Cohort Study, 2000-2013

Background

We sought to evaluate the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on overall survival (OS) in patients with stage I endometrioid epithelial ovarian cancer (EEOC) or ovarian clear cell cancer (OCCC) using a national database.

Patients and methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to identify patients diagnosed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I EEOC or OCCC from 2000 to 2013. We sought to identify predictors of chemotherapy use and to assess the impact of chemotherapy on OS in these patients. OS was compared using the log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

In all, 3552 patients with FIGO stage I EEOC and 1995 patients with stage I OCCC were identified. Of the 1600 patients (45%) with EEOC who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy, the 5-year OS rate was 90%, compared with 89% for those who did not undergo adjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.807). Of the 1374 (69%) patients with OCCC who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy, the 5-year OS rate was 85%, compared with 83% (P = 0.439) for those who did not undergo adjuvant chemotherapy. Chemotherapy use was associated with younger age, higher substage, and more recent year of diagnosis for both the EEOC and OCCC groups. Only in the subgroup of patients with FIGO substage IC, grade 3 EEOC (n = 282) was chemotherapy associated with an improved 5-year OS-81% compared with 62% (P = 0.003) in untreated patients (HR: 0.583; 95% CI: 0.359-0.949; P = 0.030). In patients with OCCC, there was no significant effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on OS in any substage.

Conclusions

Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved OS only in patients with substage IC, grade 3 EEOC. In stage I OCCC, adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with improved OS.

Abstract P5-11-11: A phase I safety study of topical calcitriol (BPM31543) for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA)

Background: Chemotherapy induced alopecia (CIA) may lead to significant psychosocial and quality of life issues. Currently there are no FDA approved oral or topical agents available to prevent CIA. In murine studies, topical calcitriol reduced CIA, due to arrest of cell cycle in healthy hair follicles, and reduction in the sensitivity of follicular epithelium to chemotherapy.

Methods: A prospective dose escalation study is being performed in up to 31 women with breast cancer, gynecologic cancer and sarcomas. Each patient is applying 1mL of BPM31543 to her scalp bid, ≥ 5 days prior to initiation of taxane-based chemotherapy for at least 3 months or until the completion of chemotherapy. The study cohorts are: 5/10/20/40/60/80μg/mL. The first 5 cohorts are completely enrolled and the final cohort is currently being enrolled. Each patient undergoes pk analysis, adverse event (AE) monitoring, patient self-assessment diaries (1-10 scale), and blinded photographic assessments. Efficacy and pK data are still being collected and analyzed for the patients on study, but will be available by December.

Results: Twenty-four subjects have been enrolled so far (evaluable at this time, n = 13). Pk data (n = 16; 5-40μg/mL) showed inter-individual variability, but no significant dose-dependent increase in systemic absorption (range, < 20-110 pg/mL). Treatment-related AEs (probably/possibly) were mild/moderate in nature and included scalp pain (n = 1; 5 μg/mL), elevated vitamin D levels in 1 patient (20μg/mL) and passage of renal calculus in another (n = 1; 40μg/mL). All subjects reported changes in overall hair fullness, thickness, and volume of hair during chemotherapy. At the 5/10 μg/mL dose level, ≥ 75% hair loss was reported in 85% of patients. At the ≥ 20 μg/mL dose level, ≥ 75% hair loss was seen only in 43% of patients. Hair loss/ thinning caused all subjects to change their hair style (onset, week 2; peak, weeks 5-6).

Conclusions: Data have shown that the twice daily application of BPM31543 in patients receiving taxane-based chemotherapy was safe and well-tolerated. Efficacy data from the preliminary analysis was promising and led to the amendment of the study to evaluate two additional higher dose cohorts: 60 and 80 μg/ml.

Citation Format: Goldfarb SB, Konner J, Stevens J, Brouwer S, Narain NR, Ye R, Ravipaty S, Sarangarajan R, Akmaev VR, Jimenez JJ, Belum VR, 'Kitts S, Ciccolini K, Berman B, Lacouture ME. A phase I safety study of topical calcitriol (BPM31543) for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-11-11.

A phase I pharmacokinetic and safety analysis of epothilone folate (BMS-753493), a folate receptor targeted chemotherapeutic agent in humans with advanced solid tumors

Background The folate receptor alpha is selectively over-expressed in a number of human cancers. BMS-753493 is a folate conjugate of the epothilone analog BMS-748285 that was designed to selectively target folate receptor expressing cancer cells. Methods BMS-753493 was investigated in two parallel multi-institutional first-in-human phase I/IIa studies in patients with advanced solid tumors. In Study 1, patients were treated on a schedule of once daily dosing of BMS-753493 administered on Days 1, 4, 8 and 11 every 21 days with a starting dose of 5 mg daily and in Study 2, patients were treated once daily on Days 1-4 every 21 days, with a starting dose of 2.5 mg daily. Results A total of 65 patients were treated across the two studies. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was 26 mg in Study 1 and 15 mg in Study 2. Fatigue, transaminitis, gastrointestinal toxicity, and mucositis were dose-limiting toxicities. One patient in Study 2 developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome attributed to BMS-753493. Plasma exposures of both the conjugated and free epothilone increased in a dose related fashion in both studies and the half-life of the conjugated epothilone was 0.2-0.6 h across dose levels. No objective tumor responses were seen in either study. Conclusions BMS-753493 was generally tolerable and toxicities known to be associated with epothilone class of anticancer agents were common, although peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia appear to have been less frequent and less severe as compared to epothilones. Antitumor activity was not demonstrated and further development of BMS-753493 has been discontinued.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) in older women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC)

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Background: Over half of patients (pts) diagnosed with EOC are ≥ 65 yrs of age. GOG 172 showed a significant survival advantage with post-operative IPC in all women with newly diagnosed stage III EOC, regardless of age. Toxicity can be significant and there is limited data for pts ≥ 65 yrs. Methods: A descriptive intention-to-treat analysis of pts ≥ 65yrs treated with IPC for EOC at our center from 1994–2008. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively to detail toxicity (CTCAEv3.0), compliance and outcome. Results: 118 pts with a median age of 70 yrs (range 65–83), KPS 90% (range 70–90), and co-morbidities 2 (range 0–6) were treated with IPC: 27 pts (23%) as primary postoperative IPC (IV paclitaxel 135mg/m2 D1, IP cisplatin 75mg/m2 D2 & IP paclitaxel 60mg/m2 D8) and 91 pts (77%) as consolidation (IP cisplatin regimen, alone or combined with IV paclitaxel or with IP gemcitabine). Median no. of cycles was 3 (range 0–7) with 55% pts completed total no. planned. 18% were switched to IV treatment. 14% had treatment delays. 32% required dose reductions, 22% at cycle 1. Toxicities included: 32% had IP port complications, 42% functional decline, 43% new ≥ Gr1 neuropathy (4% Gr3), 12% Gr2 hearing impairment, 60% ≥ Gr1 nausea/vomiting (4% Gr3), 57% ≥ Gr1 diarrhea/constipation (0% Gr3), 37% ≥ Gr1 abdominal pain (2% Gr3). For evaluable pts, 78% had ≥ Gr1 electrolyte disturbance (5% Gr3–4), 71% ≥ Gr1 nephrotoxicity (5% Gr2; 1% Gr3), 20% ≥ Gr2 neutropenia (6%Gr3; 3% Gr4). Ca125 normalized in 90% (pts with elevated baseline Ca125). Kaplan-Meier estimated median PFI was 1.2yrs (95% CI: 1–1.6yrs). Conclusions: Rate of completed full IPC cycles and toxicity is similar to published data. IPC can be safely administered in pts ≥ 65yrs with adequate support and dose modifications. Older patients must be adequately represented in future prospective trials.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix: Analysis of outcome, recurrence pattern and the impact of platinum-based combination chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES

To analyze progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix (SCNEC), and to determine whether platinum-based combination chemotherapy is beneficial for this population.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with SCNEC who were treated at our institution between 1/1990 and 2/2007. Patients were excluded if pathologic diagnosis was not confirmed at our institution. Standard statistical methods were utilized.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients met inclusion criteria. The estimated 3-year PFS and OS rates for the entire group were 22% and 30%, respectively. Median time to progression was 9.1 months. Extent of disease was the only significant prognostic factor. Median OS for patients with early stage disease (IA1-IB2) was 31.2 months and 6.4 months for patients with advanced stage disease (IIB-IV, P=0.034). In the early-stage disease group, the 3-year distant recurrence-free survival rate was 83% for patients who received chemotherapy and 0% for patients who did not receive chemotherapy as part of their initial treatment (P=0.025). The estimated 3-year OS rate was 83% for patients who received and 20% for patients who did not receive chemotherapy as part of their initial treatment (P=0.36).

CONCLUSION

Given the rarity of SCNEC this retrospective analysis is limited by a small number of patients. However, the natural history of this rare disease is akin to small cell lung cancer and the prognosis is poor due to the tumor's propensity for distant spread. The treatment should conform to the treatment of small cell lung cancer.

A phase 2 trial of oral imatinib in patients with epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal carcinoma in second or greater remission

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

To determine the effect of imatinib on progression-free survival in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer in second or greater complete clinical remission (CCR).

METHODS

35 patients were enrolled between 10/2002 and 1/2005. Eligible patients received imatinib at 400 mg daily orally.

RESULTS

One patient withdrew consent, and two patients received protocol therapy in first remission and were excluded. Five patients were removed for possibly related toxicity. No associations were seen between PDGF-R staining and PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with imatinib for patients with ovarian cancer in second CCR or greater did not prolong the PFS beyond the historical estimate.

A phase I study of MORAb-003, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody against folate receptor alpha, in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

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Background: Folate receptor alpha (FRA) is over-expressed in the majority of epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC) but is largely absent from normal tissue. MORAb-003 is a humanized monoclonal antibody (MAb) to FRA. Binding of MORAb-003 to FRA can prevent phosphorylation of substrates specific for Lyn kinase, suppress proliferation of cells over-expressing FRA, mediate FRA-positive tumor cell killing via antibody-dependent cellular and complement-dependent mechanisms, and suppress tumor growth in vivo of FRA-expressing tumors in rodent xenograft models. Toxicology studies in non-human primates found no evidence of toxicity with MORAb-003 at supra- pharmacological doses. This open-label, multiple-infusion, first-in-human, dose-escalation trial evaluates the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and anti-tumor activity of MORAb-003 in patients with platinum-resistant EOC. Methods: Sequential cohorts of patients received four weekly infusions at escalating dose levels of MORAb-003 from 12.5 mg/m2 to 400 mg/m2. Eligible patients had platinum-resistant EOC, acceptable organ function, KPS = 70%, and measurable disease by GOG-RECIST criteria. A subset of subjects received a tracer dose of 111In-labelled MORAb-003 and SPECT-CT and planar imaging. Human anti-human antibody (HAHA) and PK analyses were performed. Results: To date, 18 subjects have been dosed with up to 200 mg/m2. No dose limiting toxicity or significant related adverse events have been observed. Four subjects had rigors (2 grade 1) or fevers (3 grade 1, 1 grade 2) following the first infusion. Nine subjects have had radiologically stable disease, and 7 subjects have had stable or declining CA125. Two subjects have received extended therapy for an apparent clinical benefit. Radiolabelled tracer studies have demonstrated significant tumor uptake of labeled MORAb-003. The 400 mg/m2 dose cohort is currently enrolling. Conclusions: The FRA-specific MAb MORAb-003 appears to be well tolerated in patients with EOC and may have activity in platinum-resistant patients. These results support further evaluation of the efficacy of MORAb-003 in a phase 2 study which is ongoing.

[Table: see text]

Phase I trial of PTK787/ZK222584 (PTK/ZK) in combination with carboplatin (C) and paclitaxel (T) in platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian (EOC), fallopian tube (FT), or primary peritoneal (PPC) cancers

5564

Background: Targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients (pts) with ovarian cancer achieves objective responses. PTK/ZK is an orally active angiogenesis inhibitor which blocks all known VEGF receptor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases. A previous study administered PTK/ZK only on days 3–21 of C and T cycle based on pre-clinical data suggesting PTK/ZK increases T levels (PROC ASCO # 5042, 2005), and recent data supports bid dosing (JCO 18:1–10, 2005). Methods: In this open label, single institution phase I study, pts with platinum sensitive recurrent EOC, FT, or PPC were treated with C and T every 21 days with increasing continuous daily doses of PTK/ZK (250 mg to 1,250mg with bid dosing). Primary endpoints were safety and maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis is planned to describe C and T pharmacokinetics when combined with PTK/ZK. Results: To date, 14 pts with median age 61 (range 45–73) have been enrolled on the first 3 dose levels, including 13 EOC and 1 PPC. All patients were evaluable for toxicity and 8 were evaluable for investigator assessed response. MTD has not been reached. Febrile neutropenia was dose limiting toxicity requiring expansion at levels II and III. PK analysis is ongoing. To date, best responses are: 4 (PR), 3 (SD) and 1 (POD). Other G III toxicity included: C hypersensitivity reaction (1, gr 3), hyperglycemia (4, gr 3), hypertension (1, gr 3), diarrhea (1, gr 3), and elevated liver function tests (1, gr 3). Conclusion: PTK/ZK can be administered continuously in combination with standard doses of C and T using bid dosing. MTD is not yet reached and accrual is ongoing. PK data and MTD will be presented. Supported by Novartis and Bayer Schering Pharma.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II study of adjuvant gemcitabine plus docetaxel (GD) for completely resected stage I-IV high grade uterine leiomyosarcoma (HGuLMS)

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Background: Patients (pts) with completely resected stage I-IV HGuLMS are at high risk for recurrence, with reported 2-year progression-free survival ranging from 19–30% (Dinh, Gyn Onc 2004; Major, Cancer 1993). No adjuvant treatment has been shown to improve survival, although prospective data are limited. GD achieves objective responses in metastatic uLMS. We sought to determine whether 4 cycles GD given after complete resection of stage I-IV HGuLMS would yield a 2-year PFS of at least 40%, in order to determine whether GD was worth pursuing as an adjuvant strategy in a randomized trial. Methods: Eligible pts with completely resected HGuLMS within 8 weeks of surgery, no prior GD, no evidence of disease on post-resection CT, KPS = 80, and adequate organ function were treated with G 900 mg/m2 over 90 minutes days 1 and 8 + D 75 mg/m2 d8, with GCSF or pegfilgrastim, every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. CT was performed at baseline, after cycle 4, and every 3 months. Progression defined as new evidence of disease on CT. Results: 25 pts (median age 49, range 37–73) enrolled; 23 evaluable (1-never treated, 1-ineligible). Grade 3 related toxicities were: neutropenia (2/23) 8.7%, febrile neutropenia (2/23) 8.7%, anemia (2/23) 8.7%, thrombocytopenia (1/23) 4.3%, diarrhea (1/23) 4.3%, hyperglycemia (2/23) 8.7%, pulmonary (2/23) 8.7%; there were no ≥ grade 4 toxicities. With median follow-up of 29 months (range 0.5 to 45 months) for all pts, PFS at 2 y and 3 y is 45%, and median OS is not yet reached. For the 18 pts with stage I or II uLMS 2-y and 3-y PFS is 58%, and median PFS is 38 months (95%C.I. 6 months to not yet reached). Sites of first recurrence were: lung only-3/23 (13%); pelvis only-5/23 (22%); both-5 (22%). Treatment of recurrence was at physician discretion and included resection, resection plus pelvic radiation, and/or chemotherapy. Conclusions: Pts treated with post-resection GD for stage I-IV HGuLMS had 2-y and 3-y PFS that appears superior to historical rates of PFS. Incorporation of GD into a randomized trial of adjuvant chemotherapy vs adjuvant pelvic radiation for resected stage I and II uLMS is planned.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase I study of pemetrexed (P) plus gemcitabine (G) in advanced solid tumors (ST)

14055

Background: P is active in multiple ST types, and preclinical data support P synergy with G. Methods: Eligible advanced ST patients (pts) with no prior P or G, no prior radiotherapy (RT) to ≡ 25% of the marrow, Karnofsky Performance Status ≡ 70%, and adequate organ function enrolled in cohorts (C) of 3, expanding to 6 if dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) occurred. P was given at 300 (C1), 400 (C2), 500 (C3) or 600 (C4) mg/m2 followed by G at 1500 mg/m2 q 14 days (d) without granulocyte-colony stimulating factor. Vitamin B12 and folate supplementation were given. Response was assessed by RECIST Results: 29 pts (median number prior regimens 2, range 1–5; 66% with prior RT) enrolled and are evaluable for safety; 23 are evaluable for response. There were no DLTs in C1. One pt in C2 was replaced after 1 cycle for progression of disease (PD). Among the next 6 pts, 2 had DLTs (1 G3 thrombocytopenia [TP] treatment delay; 1 neutropenic fever [NF]). C2-R (C2, Revised) re-opened after amendment permitting ≡ 2 prior cytotoxic regimens, no history of brain metastases/brain RT. C2-R enrolled 8 pts with 1 DLT (G3 TP with treatment delay) and 2 pts replaced (1 early PD, 1 no documented duration of neutropenia [NP]). C3 had 0/3 pts with DLT. C4 had 2/3 pts with DLTs (1 G4 hyponatremia; 1 herpes zoster-related treatment delay). C3 has been expanded to 5 of 6 planned patients, one with DLT (NF, G4 TP). Toxicities per cycle (n= 189 cycles, 29 patients): include NP-G3 (23%), G4 (14%); TP-G3 (2%); WBC-G3 (30%), G4 (4%); lymphopenia-G3 (11%), Hgb-G3 (4%); G3-NF (1%). 3/23 (13%) had objective partial responses (2 head and neck squamous cell cancer, HNSCC; 1 nasopharyngeal cancer, NPC), 4 stable disease (SD), 16 PD. (1 pt, no measurable disease at baseline; 5 pts, too early for response assesment). Conclusions: G + P is well-tolerated, and yields objective responses in HNSCC and NPC. C3 (P 500 mg/m2 + G 1500 mg/m2 q 14 d) was the phase II recommended dose in another phase I study of this regimen (Melemed ASCO 2005). Our final results will be available for ASCO 2007.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Early CA-125 fluctuations in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer receiving chemotherapy

The objective of this study was to analyze retrospective populations with recurrent ovarian cancer to assess differences in CA-125 patterns during chemotherapy. The populations included all patients treated between January 1994 and January 2004, who received liposomal doxorubicin and topotecan, and all patients treated between July 1997 and June 2001, who received carboplatin. Prognostic variables were abstracted from the medical records. Eighty-nine patients received liposomal doxorubicin and topotecan therapy and 21 received carboplatin; of these, 59 (liposomal doxorubicin), 60 (topotecan), and 17 (carboplatin) patients had evaluable CA-125 patterns. Patients given liposomal doxorubicin were more likely to have received only one or two cycles of therapy (37/89 [42%]) than patients receiving either carboplatin (5/21 [24%]) or topotecan (20/89[22%]). In cycle 1, CA-125 increases in patients were carboplatin, 4/17 (24%); liposomal doxorubicin, 41/59 (69%); and topotecan, 11/60 (18%). In cycle 2, CA-125 increases were carboplatin, 2/16 (13%); liposomal doxorubicin, 19/37 (51%); and topotecan, 9/50 (18%). In cycle 3, CA-125 increases were carboplatin, 0/12 (0%); liposomal doxorubicin, 7/23 (30%); and topotecan, 6/38 (16%). Of patients having any CA-125 decrease and given two or more cycles, fewer declines were seen in those given liposomal doxorubicin precycle 2 (18/35[51%]) than in those given carboplatin (13/16[81%]) or topotecan (49/56[88%]). The most prominent delay in CA-125 decline was in patients given liposomal doxorubicin compared with those given topotecan or carboplatin. In the entire population, only 3 of 107 (2.8%) patients demonstrated first CA-125 decline precycle 4. Discontinuation of therapy solely on the basis of early CA-125 increase (precycle 3), particularly with liposomal doxorubicin chemotherapy, may exclude some patients who will benefit from continued therapy.

Paclitaxel and carboplatin in the treatment of advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer: a large retrospective study

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of paclitaxel and carboplatin (TC) in the treatment of patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. Patients eligible for this retrospective analysis had endometrial cancer with either advanced or recurrent measurable disease (untreated primary stage III/IV or stage III/IV patients with persistent, measurable disease [≥2 cm] after surgery), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≥3, and received at least one cycle of TC. Response rates were determined using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained prior to the initiation of this study. Eighty-five eligible patients, with a median age of 62 years (range 36–80) were identified. Fifty-seven (67%) of patients were treated at the time of recurrence. Prior radiation therapy had been used in the treatment of 36 (42%) patients, while 13 (15%) patients had received prior chemotherapy. Median follow-up time was 11.7 months (range 1.1–96.7 months), and the median number of cycles of therapy received was six (range 1–18). The overall response rate (ORR) was 43%, with a complete response rate of 5% and a partial response rate of 38%. Chemotherapy-naive patients had an ORR of 47%. Only seven (8%) patients had to discontinue therapy due to toxicity. Median progression-free survival was 5.3 months (95% CI, 4.6–7.4), with a median overall survival of 13.2 months (95% CI, 11.7–18.2). We conclude that TC is an active and tolerable regimen in the treatment of patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer

A phase I study of pemetrexed (P) plus gemcitabine (G) in relapsed ovarian cancer (OC): Dosing results and evidence of activity

5083

Background: High expression of folate receptors on ovarian cancer cells may provide excellent targets for P. Preclinical data support synergism with G. Optimal doses of q 14 day P+G with vitamin support in pre-treated OC pts are not known. We sought to determine the maximally tolerated doses (MTD) and to assess for toxicity and activity in relapsed OC. Methods: Pts with relapsed OC, no prior P or G, KPS ≥ 70, and adequate organ function were eligible. Pts were enrolled in cohorts of 3, expanding to 6 if dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed during the first 4 cycles. Pts received P at 300 (cohort 1) or 400 (cohort 2) or 500 (cohort 3) or 600 (cohort 4) mg/m2 followed by G 1500 mg/m2 q 14 d without GCSF. B12 and folic acid were given 1 week prior and continued throughout. DLT was defined as grade (gr) 4 neutropenia (ANC) lasting >7d or neutropenic fever (NF); gr 4 thrombocytopenia or gr 3 with bleeding; ≥gr 3 nonhematologic toxicity, except ALT, AST, alopecia, fatigue; treatment delay ≥1 week due to any unresolved toxicity. Response assessed by RECIST. Results: 16 pts (median age 55, range 43–75; median number prior cytotoxic regimens 2, range 1–4) have enrolled in 4 cohorts. 15 are evaluable for response (1 treated after resection of recurrence); 13 of these15 had a platinum-free interval <6 months. 1 pt in cohort 1 had global deterioration during cycle 1 and was replaced, with best response counted as progressive disease (PD). 1 pt in cohort 3 had dose delay ≥1 week, meeting DLT criteria. Cohort 3 was expanded to 6 pts with no further DLT. 3 pts enrolled in cohort 4 with no DLTs observed. Toxicities per cycle (n = 108): gr 3 ANC 31%; gr 4 ANC 27%; gr 3 dehydration 0.9%; gr 3 platelets 0.9%; 0 pts had NF. Median # cycles/pt was 6, range 1–16, median cycle length 14 d. Objective response was observed in 27% (4/15 pts: 4 PR; 7 SD; 4 PD). All 4 responses were among pts with platinum resistant disease. >50% decrease in CA125 for more than two measurements was observed in 9/15 (60%) pts with evaluable CA125s. Median time to progression is 15 wks (95% confidence interval 10–32 wks). Conclusions: MTD is not yet reached. P 500 mg/m2 + G 1500 mg/m2 with vitamin supplementation is safe in pts with previously treated OC. 27% of patients with platinum-resistant disease had objective responses.

[Table: see text]

Nef induces CD4 endocytosis: requirement for a critical dileucine motif in the membrane-proximal CD4 cytoplasmic domain

CD4 is crucial for antigen-driven helper T cell signaling and is used as receptor by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The HIV early protein Nef causes a loss of CD4 from cell surfaces through a previously undefined posttranscriptional mechanism. Here, we demonstrate that Nef acts by inducing CD4 endocytosis, resulting in its degradation in lysosomes. CD4 down-regulation is strongly enhanced by the association of Nef with cell membranes through myristoylation. The study of chimeric molecules reveals that 20 membrane-proximal residues of the CD4 cytoplasmic domain are sufficient to confer Nef sensitivity. Within this region, a dileucine motif, reminiscent of an endocytosis and lysosomal targeting signal found in the CD3 gamma and delta chains, is crucial for CD4 response to Nef.