Effects of Radiation Doses on Clinical Recurrence in Patients with Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer after Prostatectomy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Salvage radiotherapy (SRT) to the prostate bed is the only curative treatment for patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP). Although several systematic reviews indicated that a dose escalation in the range of 60-70 Gy improved biochemical control, the effects of radiation doses on clinical relapse after SRT remain unclear. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between radiation doses and clinical relapse-free survival (cRFS) after SRT.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We identified 295 eligible patients receiving SRT for biochemically recurrent prostate cancer after RP between 2005 and 2018 at 15 institutions. Sixteen patients (5%) received short-term (< 6 months) androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) following RP and/or concurrently with SRT. SRT was delivered to the prostate and seminal vesicle bed using photon beams at a median (range) dose of 66 Gy (61-85) in 1.8-3.0 Gy fractions. The primary outcome was cRFS. Clinical relapse was identified on radiological imaging and/or biopsy and included local recurrence, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. In all analyses, doses were recalculated as an equivalent dose in 2-Gy fractions (EQD2) with α/β = 1.5 Gy. Clinical RFS between the EQD2 ≥ 66 Gy (n = 229) and EQD2 < 66 Gy (n = 66) groups were compared using the Log-rank test, followed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and a subgroup analysis.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 73 months. Among patients with BCR (n = 119), 79 of 96 (82%) in the EQD2 ≥ 66 Gy group and 21 of 23 (91%) in the EQD2 < 66 Gy group received second salvage ADT (p = 0.36). Among all patients (n = 295), clinical relapse was identified in 22 (7%) patients after SRT. Six-year biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS), cRFS, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 58%, 93%, 98%, and 94%, respectively. Six-year cRFS rates were 94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90-97) in the EQD2 ≥ 66 Gy group and 87% (95% CI, 75-93) in the EQD2 < 66 Gy group (p = 0.020). The multivariate analysis revealed that EQD2 < 66 Gy, Gleason score ≥ 8, seminal vesicle involvement, and PSA at BCR ≥ 0.5 ng/ml correlated with clinical relapse (p = 0.0016, 0.014, 0.011, and 0.027, respectively). The subgroup analysis showed the consistent benefit of EQD2 ≥ 66 Gy in patients across most subgroups including PSA at BCR after RP, extracapsular extension, and age at SRT.

CONCLUSION

This large multi-institutional observational study demonstrated that a higher SRT dose (EQD2 ≥ 66 Gy) resulted in superior cRFS. The present result supports the dose recommendations in the 2023 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines (64-72 Gy) even in terms of clinical relapse. Prospective trial is warranted to investigate an upper threshold for optimal SRT dose.

A potent allele marker related to low bull conception rate in Japanese Black bulls

Over the years, there has been considerable variation in the bull conception rate (BCR) of Japanese Black cattle; moreover, several Japanese Black bulls with a low BCR of ≤10% have been identified. However, the alleles responsible for the low BCR are not determined yet. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for predicting low BCR. To this end, the genome of Japanese Black bulls was comprehensively examined by a genome-wide association study with whole-exome sequencing (WES), and the effect of the identified marker regions on BCR was determined. The WES analysis of six sub-fertile bulls with a BCR of ≤10% and 73 normal bulls with a BCR of ≥40% identified a homozygous genotype for low BCR in Bos taurus autosome 5 in the region between 116.2 and 117.9 Mb. The g.116408653G > A SNP in this region had the most significant effect on the BCR (P-value = 1.0 × 10^-23), and the GG (55.4 ± 11.2%) and AG (54.4 ± 9.4%) genotypes in the SNP had a higher phenotype than the AA (9.5 ± 6.1%) genotype for the BCR. The mixed model analysis revealed that g.116408653G > A was related to approximately 43% of the total genetic variance. In conclusion, the AA genotype of g.116408653G > A is a useful index for identifying sub-fertile Japanese Black bulls. Some positive and negative effects of SNP on the BCR were presumed to identify the causative mutations, which can help evaluate bull fertility.

O-220 An annotation-free embryo scoring system (iDAScore®) based on deep learning shows high performance for pregnancy prediction after single-vitrified blastocyst transfer

Study question

How is the performance of an automated embryo scoring system for pregnancy prediction after single-vitrified blastocyst transfer (SVBT) compared to other, annotation-dependent blastocyst grading systems?

Summary answer

Automatic embryo ranking by iDAScore shows a higher or equal performance, with regards to pregnancy prediction after SVBT, compared to manual, annotation-dependent grading systems.

What is known already

Blastocyst viability can be assessed by blastocyst morphology grades and/or morphokinetic parameters. However, morphological and morphokinetic embryo assessment is prone to both inter- and intra-observer variation. Recently, embryo ranking models have been developed based on artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning. Such models rank embryos according to their potential for pregnancy only based on images and do not require any user-dependent annotation. So far, no study has independently assessed the performance of AI models compared to other embryo scoring models, including traditional morphological grading.

Study design, size, duration

A total of 3,014 SVBT cycles were retrospectively analysed. Embryos were stratified according to SART age groups. The quality and scoring of embryos were assessed by iDAScore v1.0 (iDAS, Vitrolife, Sweden), KIDScoreTM D5 v3 (KS; Vitrolife), and Gardner criteria. The performance of the pregnancy prediction for each embryo scoring model was compared using the area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve for each maternal age group.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Embryos were cultured in the EmbryoScope+ and EmbryoScopeFlex (Vitrolife). iDAS was automatically calculated using the iDAScore model running on the EmbryoViewer (Vitrolife). KS was calculated in EmbryoViewer after annotation of the required parameters. ICM and TE were annotated according to the Gardner criteria. The degree of expansion in all blastocysts was Grade 4 due to our freezing policy. Furthermore, Gardner’s scores were stratified into four grades (Excellent: AA, Good: AB BA, Fair: BB, Poor: others).

Main results and the role of chance

The AUCs of the &lt; 35 years age group (n = 389) for pregnancy prediction were 0.72 for iDAS, 0.66 for KS and 0.64 for Gardner criteria. The AUC of iDAS was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) compared to the other two models. For the 35–37 years age group (n = 514) the AUCs were 0.68, 0.68, and 0.65 for iDAS, KS and Gardner, respectively, and were not significantly different. The AUCs of the 38–40 years age group (n = 796) were 0.67 for iDAS, 0.65 for KS and 0.64 for Gardner criteria and where was not significantly different. The AUCs of the 41–42 years age group (n = 636) were 0.66, 0.66, and 0.63 for iDAS, KS and Gardner, respectively, and there was no significant difference among the pregnancy prediction models. For the &gt; 42 years age group (n = 389) AUCs were 0.76 for iDAS, 0.75 for KS and 0.75 for Gardner criteria and not significantly different. Thus, for all age groups, iDAS was either highest or equal to the highest AUC, although a significant difference was only observed for the youngest age group.

Limitations, reasons for caution

In this study, SVBT was performed after minimal stimulation and natural cycle in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Therefore, we had only few cycles with elective blastocyst transfer. However, there was also no bias in selecting the embryos for SVBT.

Wider implications of the findings

Our results showed that objective embryo assessment by a completely automatic and annotation-free model, iDAScore, does perform as good or even better than more traditional embryo assessment or an annotation-dependent ranking tool. iDAS could be an optimal pregnancy prediction model after SVBT, especially in young and advanced age patients.

Trial registration number

not applicable

Anti-TNF-α Agent Infliximab and Splenectomy Are Protective Against Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

BACKGROUND

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with delayed graft function and results in poor long-term graft survival. We previously showed that splenectomy (SPLN) protects the kidney from I/R injury and reduces serum TNF-α levels. Herein, we further investigated the effects of SPLN on inflammatory responses and tissue injury in renal I/R by examining the expression of major inflammatory cytokines and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Because it was shown previously that the anti-TNF-α agent infliximab (IFX) attenuated renal I/R injury, we also investigated whether IFX administration mimics the effects of SPLN.

METHODS

The left renal pedicles of adult male Wistar rats were clamped for 45 minutes and then reperfused for 24 hours; right nephrectomy and SPLN were performed immediately. A separate cohort was administered IFX 1 hour before surgery in lieu of SPLN.

RESULTS

Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were markedly elevated by I/R injury; these increases were significantly reversed by IFX. Furthermore, IFX inhibited the induction of inflammatory cytokines and HSP70 during renal I/R injury. Time-dependent profiles revealed that the expression of inflammatory cytokines was elevated immediately after I/R, whereas levels of HSP70, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen began to rise 3 hours postreperfusion. Macrophages/monocytes were significantly increased in I/R-injured kidneys, but not in those administered IFX. The outcomes of SPLN mirrored those of IFX administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Splenectomy and TNF-α inhibition both protect the kidney from I/R injury by reducing the accumulation of renal macrophages/monocytes and induction of major inflammatory cytokines.

Abstract OT1-02-01: Phase II neoadjuvant trial of nanoparticle almumin-bound paclitaxel and trastuzumab in patients with node-negative, Her-2 positive breast cancer (OMC-BC04)

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab results in a 30% to 50% pathologic complete response (pCR) rate in HER-2 positive breast cancer and has been associated with improved therapeutic outcomes. Thus, the pCR rate can be useful in evaluating novel agents in this patient population. Albumin-bound (nab)-paclitaxel can reduce the toxicity of Paclitaxel while maintaining its efficacy. We reported that neoadjuvant therapy using Anthracycline based regimens (EC,AC,FEC) followed by a combination with nab-Paclitaxel and Trastuzumab was effective and safe by OMC-BC01 Study (Tanaka et al. Clin Breast Cancer 15:191-196). The pCR rate was 36% and 71% in the patients with estrogen receptor-positive and negative cancer, respectively. In addition, Tolaney et al. showed that adjuvant Paclitaxel and Trastuzumab for node-negative, HER-2 positive tumors measuring up to 3 cm in greatest dimension was associated with patients outcomes that were better than expected on the basis of historical data (Tolaney et al. N Engl J MED.2015 Jan 8:372(2):134-141). We conducted a clinical Phase II, multicenter, neoadjuvant trial of combination with nanoparticle albumin-bound Paclitaxel and Trastuzumab in patients with node-negative, Her-2 positive, estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer measuring up to 3 cm in greatest dimension.

Patients and Methods: nab-Paclitaxel and Trastuzumab as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with Her-2 positive, node-negative, estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer measuring up to 3 cm in greatest dimension. Patients are treated with neoadjuvant nab-Paclitaxel (260mg/m2) and Trastuzumab q21d x 4, and undergo surgery 4-6 weeks later from completing chemotherapy. The primary endpoint, pCR is defined as no evidence of invasive tumors in the final surgical sample both in the breast and axillary lymph nodes. Secondary endpoints include objective clinical response rate, histological response rate, disease-free interval, rate of breast conserving surgery, and the safety of the treatment.

Accrual: Presently, a total number of 1 patient have been included since start of the study. The expected end of accrual of 30 patients will be the last quarter 2018.

Citation Format: Iwamoto M, Tanaka S, Koda C, Kawaguchi K, Terasawa R, Sato N, Fujioka H, Kimura K, Uchiyama K. Phase II neoadjuvant trial of nanoparticle almumin-bound paclitaxel and trastuzumab in patients with node-negative, Her-2 positive breast cancer (OMC-BC04) [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 OT1-02-01.

Energy deposition evaluation for ultra-low energy electron beam irradiation systems using calibrated thin radiochromic film and Monte Carlo simulations

For evaluation of on-site dosimetry and process design in industrial use of ultra-low energy electron beam (ULEB) processes, we evaluate the energy deposition using a thin radiochromic film and a Monte Carlo simulation. The response of film dosimeter was calibrated using a high energy electron beam with an acceleration voltage of 2 MV and alanine dosimeters with uncertainty of 11% at coverage factor 2. Using this response function, the results of absorbed dose measurements for ULEB were evaluated from 10 kGy to 100 kGy as a relative dose. The deviation between the responses of deposit energy on the films and Monte Carlo simulations was within 15%. As far as this limitation, relative dose estimation using thin film dosimeters with response function obtained by high energy electron irradiation and simulation results is effective for ULEB irradiation processes management.

Abstract OT3-02-01: Randomized phase II study of Hangeshashinto (TJ-14) for chemotherapy induced oral mucositis in patients with breast cancer (Hangesha-B study)

Background: Oral mucositis is a common complication of systemic chemotherapy for cancer, and is associated with higher risk of infection, pain, chemotherapy dose reduction. Severe mucositis impairs oral function and seriously affects nutrition and quality of life of the patients.

Hangeshashinto (TJ-14) is a traditional Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine reduces the level of prostaglandin E2 and affects the cyclooxygenase activity, and alleviates chemotherapy induced oral mucositis. We conducted a randomized phase II trial to investigate whether Hangeshashinto (TJ-14) prevents or controls chemotherapy induced oral mucositis.

Patients and Methods: Patients who develop moderate to severe chemotherapy induced oral mucositis (WHO grade&gt;1) during any cycle of chemotherapy are randomly assigned to receive either Hangeshashinto (TJ-14) (n=25) or placebo (n=25). Patients receive the administration of Hangeshashinto (TJ-14) or placebo for 3 weeks at the beginning of the next course of chemotherapy. The patients are advised to dissolve 2.5g of Hangeshashinto (TJ-14) or placebo in 50ml drinking water, and divide it into twice or three times in an oral cavity. Patients rinse their oral cavity with it three times daily. The signs of oral mucositis is assessed by the investigator during the screening cycle. The CTCAE v4.0 grading is used to assess the severity of oral mucositis. The primary endpoint is duration time of oral mucositis, and secondary endpoints include incidence of oral mucositis, incidence of diarrhea, blood levels of CRP, The change of body weight, and blood levels of albumin.

Accrual: This study began in June 2015. The expected end of accrual of 50 patients will be the last quarter 2017.

Citation Format: Iwamoto M, Umezaki N, Matsuda J, Kawaguchi K, Terasawa R, Sato N, Fyjioka H, Kimura K, Tanaka S, Uchiyama K. Randomized phase II study of Hangeshashinto (TJ-14) for chemotherapy induced oral mucositis in patients with breast cancer (Hangesha-B study). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT3-02-01.

Down-regulated expression of monocyte/macrophage major histocompatibility complex receptors in human and mouse monocytes by expression of their ligands

Mouse monocyte/macrophage major histocompatibility complex (MHC) receptor 1 (MMR1; or MMR2) specific for H-2D(d) (or H-2K(d) ) molecules is expressed on monocytes from non-H-2D(d) (or non-H-2K(d) ), but not those from H-2D(d) (or H-2K(d) ), inbred mice. The MMR1 and/or MMR2 is essential for the rejection of H-2D(d) - and/or H-2K(d) -transgenic mouse skin onto C57BL/6 (H-2D(b) K(b) ) mice. Recently, we found that human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B44 was the sole ligand of human MMR1 using microbeads that had been conjugated with 80 types of HLA class I molecules covering 94·2% (or 99·4%) and 92·4% (or 96·2%) of HLA-A and B molecules of Native Americans (or Japanese), respectively. In the present study, we also explored the ligand specificity of human MMR2 using microbeads. Microbeads coated with HLA-A32, HLA-B13 or HLA-B62 antigens bound specifically to human embryonic kidney (HEK)293T or EL-4 cells expressing human MMR2 and to the solubilized MMR2-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein; and MMR2(+) monocytes from a volunteer bound HLA-B62 molecules with a Kd of 8·7 × 10(-9)  M, implying a three times down-regulation of MMR2 expression by the ligand expression. H-2K(d) (or H-2D(d) ) transgene into C57BL/6 mice down-regulated not only MMR2 (or MMR1) but also MMR1 (or MMR2) expression, leading to further down-regulation of MMR expression. In fact, monocytes from two (i.e. MMR1(+) /MMR2(+) and MMR1(-) /MMR2(-) ) volunteers bound seven to nine types of microbeads among 80, indicating ≤ 10 types of MMR expression on monocytes. The physiological role of constitutive MMRs on monocytes possibly towards allogeneic (e.g. fetal) cells in the blood appears to be distinct from that of inducible MMRs on macrophages toward allografts in tissue.

Abstract P2-19-06: Breast conserving surgery using volume replacement with oxidized regenerated cellulose: A cosmetic outcome analysis

Background: Breast conserving surgery (BCS) is a standard procedure for patients with early stage breast cancer. However, as the objective of BCS is to obtain both local control and a cosmetic outcome, it may lead to unsatisfying cosmetic results when the volume of resected tissue is large in order to secure an adequate oncological safety margin. Autologous flaps or artifact implants are commonly used when performing a replacement for a defect in the breast during BCS. Oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) is composed primarily of vegetable nitrocellulose and was originally developed as a styptic for surgery. We expected that the ORC would help induce granulation and fibrous tissue with reactive tissue fluid, and finally ORC would prevent adhesion between skin and pectoralis major muscle. In this study, we focused on short-term cosmetic outcomes after volume replacement with ORC after BCS.

Materials and Methods: Inclusion criteria of this study were the patients with early breast cancer indicated BCS that did not required breast reconstruction, or the patients who did not wish to undergo breast reconstruction with autologous flaps after BCS. We evaluated the cosmetic outcome of volume replacement with ORC after BCS, and also examined factors that may have influenced the results. The cosmetic outcomes of these patients were evaluated using scores based on the criteria of the Japan Breast Cancer Society.

Results: Ninety-four patients who underwent this procedure between January 2010 and August 2012 were reviewed. We evaluated cosmetic scores with regards to several clinical factors and the occurrence of complications after this procedure. The mean score of the cosmetic outcome of all patients was 9.5 points out of 12 points. Thirty-seven patients were categorized as “Excellent”, 34 were “Good”, 22 were “Fair”, and 1 was “Poor”. Patient age, body mass index, weight of the specimen, and ORC amount were not significantly different between patients with favorable cosmetic scores and those without.

Table 1. Univariate analyses of clinical factors according to the cosmetic outcome E/G* (n = 71)F/P# (n = 23)P valueAge52.5±12.656.0±10.30.23Body mass index22.0±3.723.3±4.10.15Specimen weight54.0±23.961.4±39.10.27ORC amount$3.2±1.23.2±1.20.95Values are expressed as the mean±SD. *Categorized as “Excellent” and “Good”. #Categorized as “Fair” and “Poor”. $ORC amount used for volume replacement.

However, the weight of the removed specimen was slightly higher in patients with an unfavorable cosmetic score. Although acute dermatitis and eczema was observed in 15% and 3% of patients, all of them were improved with conservative treatment. Cosmetic scores were significantly higher in patients without complications than in patients with complications.

Table 2. Cosmetic scores between patients with and without acute complications Cosmetic scores (mean±SD)P valusWithout9.8±2.00.003With8.0±2.4 

Conclusions: ORC replacement after BCS is a simple and reliable procedure. The selection of indication and prevention of complications are important for obtaining a better cosmetic outcome. To our knowledge, this is the first report to cosmetically evaluate a relatively large number of patients that have undergone ORC replacement after BCS.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-19-06.

Symptomatic polycystic liver disease treated with transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization and inferior vena cava stenting: a case report

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease is frequently complicated by polycystic liver disease. Some patients with polycystic liver disease have a full-stomach sensation and intractable ascites. We report a 56-year-old woman with polycystic liver disease waiting to receive a liver transplant, with a chief complaint of a full-stomach sensation and refractory ascites, wherein the transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization and inferior vena cava stenting were begun simultaneously, and the signs were favorably alleviated. It is important to recognize the risk of liver failure after the complete embolization of both the right and left hepatic arteries; however, performance of transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization and inferior vena cava stent placement also are indicated for patients awaiting a liver transplant for early alleviation of symptoms.

Chymase inhibition attenuates monocrotaline-induced sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in hamsters

Chymase stored in mast cells activates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, which may relate to the progression of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS). We investigated the preventive effect of a chymase inhibitor, TY-51469, on monocrotaline-induced SOS in hamsters. Hamsters were orally administrated with a single dose of monocrotaline (120 mg/kg) to induce SOS. Treatment with TY-51469 (1 mg/kg per day) or placebo had started 3 days before the monocrotaline administration. Two days after the monocrotaline administration, significant increases in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin and a significant reduction of albumin were observed in plasma, but their changes were significantly attenuated by treatment with TY-51469. The numerous hepatic necrosis areas were observed in the placebo-treated group, but the ratio of necrotic area to total area in liver had been significantly reduced by treatment with TY-51469. Both chymase activity and MMP-9 level in liver were significantly augmented in the placebo-treated group. Furthermore, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level in liver was also augmented in the placebo-treated group. However, the chymase activity and levels of MMP-9 and TNF-α were significantly attenuated in the TY-51469-treated group. Until 14 days after monocrotaline administration, survival rates in the placebo- and TY-51469-treated groups were 25% and 70%, respectively, and a significant difference was observed. In conclusion, chymase inhibition by TY-51469 may prevent the accelerating of severity in monocrotaline-induced SOS in hamsters.

Recognition of endoscopic diagnosis in differentiated-type early gastric cancer by flexible spectral imaging color enhancement with indigo carmine

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To evaluate the usefulness of flexible spectral imaging color enhancement with indigo carmine (I-FICE) in early gastric cancer (EGC) demarcation.

METHODS

The study participants were 29 patients with differentiated-type EGC. The endoscope was fixed and images of the same area of EGC demarcations in each lesion were obtained using four different methods (WLE, flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE), CE, and I-FICE). FICE mode at R 550 nm (Gain: 2), G 500 nm (Gain: 4), and B 470 nm (Gain: 4) was used. Four endoscopists ranked the images obtained by each method on the basis of the ease of recognition of demarcation using a 4-point system. We calculated the standard deviation of pixel values based on L*, a*, and b* color spaces in the demarcation region (Lab-SD score).

RESULTS

The median ranking score for I-FICE images was significantly higher than that obtained from the other methods. Further, the average Lab-SD score was significantly higher for I-FICE images than for images obtained by the other methods. There was a good correlation between the ranking score and Lab-SD score.

CONCLUSION

EGC demarcations were most easily recognized both subjectively and objectively using I-FICE image, followed by CE, FICE and WLE images.

Abstract P3-09-04: The associations between body mass index and breast cancer intrinsic subtypes in Japanese women

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between body mass index (BMI) and breast cancer intrinsic subtypes in Japanese women. A more complete understanding of the subtypes of breast cancer may help elucidate mechanisms affecting etiology and mortality associated with each subtype.

Methods: Tumor data on 531 invasive breast cancer cases subtyped by estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) status were obtained (luminal A, luminal B, TN, and Her2-type). Demographics (age at diagnosis, menopausal status, and BMI) were collected from medical records. Case-only odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression, adjusting for age at diagnosis.

Results: In all cases, the patients were Japanese. Of the 531 cases with IHC marker data, 333 (62.7%) were classified as luminal A, 85 (16.0%) were luminal B, 43 (8.1%) were Her2-type, and the remaining 70 cases (13.2%) were TN. The distribution of patient demographics (age at diagnosis, menopausal status, and BMI) did not differ significantly by breast cancer tumor subtype. Case-only ORs comparing each subtype to luminal A were caluculated. Of the TN cases, postmenopausal TN cases were more likely to be underweight (OR = 3.14, 95% CI = 1.19 to 8.01). Although some epidemiological studies have reported that higher BMI was associated with premenopausal TN cases compared with luminal A cases, this association was not found among premenopausal TN cases analyzed using BMI 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2 as the reference in this analysis. However, there were no underweight cases (BMI &lt; 18.5 kg/m2) among the premenopausal TN cases in the present study. Therefore, the association between BMI and the TN subtype was also analyzed using BMI &lt; 25 kg/m2 as the reference. Compared to luminal A cases, premenopausal TN cases were more likely to be obese (OR = 4.11, 95% CI = 1.10 to 14.40), similar to reports from Western countries. Compared to luminal A cases, premenopausal luminal B cases were likely to be underweight (OR = 3.27, 95% CI = 0.88 to 11.39) or obese (≥ 25 kg/m2) (OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 0.98 to 10.81), yet this association was of borderline significance. Compared to luminal A cases, luminal B and Her2-type cases were likely to be underweight (BMI &lt; 18.5 kg/m2), yet this association was of borderline significance (luminal B: OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 0.97 to 4.46; Her2-type: OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 0.92 to 6.36).

Conclusions: In the present study, significant heterogeneity of associations between BMI and tumor subtypes was observed. Breast cancer subtypes may have different etiologies associated with each subtype.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-09-04.

Abstract P3-02-02: Use of contrast-enhanced computed tomography in clinical staging of asymptomatic breast cancer patients to detect asymptomatic distant metastases

Objective: The use of computed tomography (CT) with regards to the clinical staging of breast cancer (BC) patients has been on the increase in clinical practice. However, NCCN guidelines recommended the use of imaginng only in cases with locally advanced disease or signs of distant metastases (DM), and the benefits of routine CT have yet to be fully clarified. This study investigated the value of employing contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) to screen for DM in patients with asymptomatic BC.

Methods: The clinical records of 483 patients with asymptomatic BC who underwent CECT, also in order to detect BC spread, between April 2006 and January 2011 were reviewed. The CECT results were classified into normal, true-positive (metastases) or false-positive findings.

Results: Abnormal CECT findings, including true- and false-positive results, were detected in 65 patients (13.5%). Of these, 26 patients (5.4%) showed confirmed true metastatic disease, including 18 lung metastases, 11 liver metastases and 13 bone metastases. Upstaging to stage IV due to the results of the CECT was significantly associated with only larger tumos size (odds ratio, 33.4; 95% CI 12.1–92.5; P &lt; 0.0001) and lymph node status (odds ratio, 37.1; 95% CI 14.2–96.8; P &lt; 0.0001.)

Genome scanning for detecting adaptive genes along environmental gradients in the Japanese conifer, Cryptomeria japonica

Local adaptation is important in evolutionary processes and speciation. We used multiple tests to identify several candidate genes that may be involved in local adaptation from 1026 loci in 14 natural populations of Cryptomeria japonica, the most economically important forestry tree in Japan. We also studied the relationships between genotypes and environmental variables to obtain information on the selective pressures acting on individual populations. Outlier loci were mapped onto a linkage map, and the positions of loci associated with specific environmental variables are considered. The outlier loci were not randomly distributed on the linkage map; linkage group 11 was identified as a genomic island of divergence. Three loci in this region were also associated with environmental variables such as mean annual temperature, daily maximum temperature, maximum snow depth, and so on. Outlier loci identified with high significance levels will be essential for conservation purposes and for future work on molecular breeding.

Splenectomy protects the kidneys against ischemic reperfusion injury in the rat

BACKGROUND

Ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury of the kidney is closely associated with delayed graft function, increased acute rejection, and late allograft dysfunction. Splenectomy reduced hepatic I/R injury by inhibiting leukocyte infiltration in the liver, release of TNF-α, cell apoptosis, and expression of caspase-3. Thus, we investigated the effects of splenectomy on renal I/R injury in the rat.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: sham operation (sham group), sham operation+splenectomy (sham+SPLN group), right nephrectomy followed by clamping the left renal pedicle for 30min (I/R 30 group), and I/R 30+splenectomy (I/R 30+SPLN group). Renal function was determined by measuring the concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (S-Cr). The serum level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was measured as the marker for inflammation. Left kidneys were obtained 24h after reperfusion. TUNEL assay was assessed for cell apoptosis. Spleens were obtained immediately (0-h group) and 3h after reperfusion (3-h group). The removed spleens were histologically evaluated.

RESULTS

The BUN and S-Cr levels were significantly lower in the I/R 30+SPLN group than in the I/R 30 group (p<0.05 for both). Apoptotic cells were significantly lower in the I/R 30+SPLN group than in the I/R 30 group. The serum level of TNF-α, which was increased after I/R, was significantly lower in the I/R 30+SPLN group than in the I/R 30 group (p<0.05). Spleen weights were significantly lower in the 3-h group than in the 0-h group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that splenectomy reduces renal I/R injury, and this effect may occur by an anti-inflammatory pathway and inhibition of cell apoptosis.