Deadly Synergy: between Postcovid & Posttrauma Stress Syndrome in Areas of Armed Conflicts in COVID-I9 Era (Note)

Postcovid syndrome affects 5-20% of all patients with symptomatic Covid-I9 infection, resulting in temporary or permanent disability for next weeks or months. The commonest syndromes after long Covid-I9, (or chronic fatigue syndrome after Covid, or as synonymum postcovid syndrome) are psychic or psychosomatic disorders known under the name Depression and Anxiety Syndrome. After the unrest and armed conflicts during the Covid era, clients or patients, mainly migrants of war, are also exposed to chronic post trauma syndrome related to previous or recent destruction of infrastructure, temporary homelesness and escape from affected regions/country. Cumulation of those 2 syndromes may have devastating consequences to both, individual health and economic losses due to permanent working and economy disabilities and consumption of health and social funds. After the unrest and armed conflicts during Covid era,clients or patients, mainly migrants of war, are also exposed to chronic post trauma syndrome related to previous or recent destruction of infrastructure, temporary homelesness and escape from affected regions/country.

Zero COVID 19 Occurrence among 206 of 1023 Migrants of War from Syria at the Czech Border (Rapid Research Note)

Recent war conflicts in Europe and Middle East generate new refugee wawes and possible dissemination of Covid I9 variants from countries with low vaccination activity due to armed events.Therefore we have tested all migrants of war(206) coming via Hungarian Slovak Czech Border,within one week among 1023 refugees of war..who had symptoms of respiratory infection.None of tested symptomatic individuals was positive by rapid antigen test.Therefore the the risk ofCOVID I9 dissemination was not been confirmed.

Survey of Alcohol, substance Abuse, depressive Disorders & other social Pathology in Refugees & Homeless in Postcovid Era: Two cohort nonrandomized Survey of 109 Clients in Post COVID-19 Period

The postcovid era augmented with armed conflict in Eastern Europe brings new waves of social pathology, including postcovid syndrome, where the commonest signs are depression, anxiosity‚ followed by alcohol, tobacco, or other substance use. Two cohorts of clients of social work: one among migrants and refugees (98 clients); 11 homeless have been studied on development of both symptomes related to stress (post trauma stress syndrome after armed conflict, and chronic stress of homelesness and isolation). Only one case of HIV and HepC in both groups have been recorded, both on ARV or HCV treatment. Tobacco use has been increased in the group of posttrauma stress syndrome related to Group I (armed conflict refugees), but alcohol or substance use were sporadic and exceptional both before and after admission in the 3m follow up.

V-029 TOTALLY ENDOSCOPIC SUBLAY (TES) REPAIR FOR L2-L3 INCISIONAL HERNIA

Aim

Endoscopic lateral incisional hernia (IH) repair provides advantages in terms of low infection rates and hospital stay when compared with open repair.

Material and Methods

62 years old men with a history of HTA and an open radical right nephrectomy for a renal tumor, developed a symptomatic iliac IH. L2–3 W2 according to the European Hernia Society (EHS) classification was clinically diagnosed and confirmed with a CT scan.

Full endoscopic abdominal wall repair with defect closure was proposed.

3 trocars in right retrorectus space were placed. Once the lateral edge of the rectus sheath is reached, the posterior rectus sheath is incised, access to the preperitoneal lateral plane. During hernia sac dissection, an opening of the hernia sac occurs. The posterior layer is closed by a barbed suture, an accessory trocar placement was necessary for the closure. Subsequently, the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles that formed the defect were approximated with a barbed suture.

During dissection, a right inguinal hernia was identified and repaired.

A trimmed 20 x15 cm polipropilene mesh is placed in the preperitoneal space without fixation.

Results

The patient was discharged on the 3rd postoperative day without complications. Follow-up in the outpatient clinic at 6 months did not show any signs of recurrence.

Conclusion

Endoscopic abdominal wall reconstruction with posterior component separation is an alternative to the open procedure for lateral IH, providing a complete abdominal wall repair. The mesh is placed extraperitoneal with the advantages in terms of less adhesions and postoperative pain.

Cellular lipids and protein alteration during biodegradation of expanded polystyrene by mealworm larvae under different feeding conditions

The present study reports the biodegradation of polystyrene (PS) by mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) following different feeding regimes. Changes in lipids and protein were studied to evaluate possible differences in the growth and metabolic pathways of the insects depending on the diets. Thermo-gravimetric analysis of the excretions (frass) revealed a decrease in the molecular mass of the PS polymers. The insects' biomass contained less protein when PS was part of the diet, suggesting that the insects undergo a certain level of stress compared to control diets. The frass also contained lower amount of nitrogen content compared to that from insects fed a control diet. NH₄⁺ and other cations involved in biochemical processes were also measured in insects' frass, including potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium, combined with a small pH change. The decrease in the mineral content of the frass was attributed to increased cellular activity in PS-fed insects. A higher amount of ceramides and cardiolipins, biomarkers of apoptosis, were also found in association with PS consumption. It was concluded that the insects could metabolize PS, but this caused an increase in its stress levels.

Low occurence of Tuberculosis and HIV among Ukrainian Immigrants of War at the Border post in Uzhorod – Vysne Nemecke at point prevalence testing (note)

Point prevalence studies bring us approximate situations in border emergency settings where longitudinal or comparative studies are not realistic from logistic safety points of view. The one day point prevalence study performed at most frequently used checkpoints between Ukraine (UA) and Slovakia (SK). No case of TB screened by the WHO recommended questionnaire, or HIV performed by rapid test has been noted on day 7 after the war was declared.

Destruction of Socio-economic, Educational and Health Infrastructure including Pipelines may lead to Cholera Outbreaks in Mariupol and other Damaged Towns in Ukraine

Cholera always accompanies huge displacements due to war conflicts and natural anthropogenic disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. The aim of this review is to assess the risk of cholera outbreaks and other waterborne public health related threats due to disrupted water pipelines and supplies due to armed conflicts in Ukraine last spring/summer.

Social Work and Health Intervention in the Karabakh Region of Armenia during the War in 2019

War conflict between two of three Caucasian Republics, in and to Upper Karabakh as a part interest of at least two countries, acquired during the civil war years ago, has led to substantial numbers of refugees and migrants from Karabakh to Armenia. The spectrum of acute humanitarian help is analyzed.

AB0193 PRESENCE OF SUBLINICAL SYNOVITIS IN A ESTABLISHED RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS COHORT

Background:

Some studies prove that a significant percentage of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in sustained clinical remission has radiological progression or joint damage, and the presence of residual activity objectified by imaging studies such as ultrasonography could be related to a relapse or flare of RA.(1,2)

Objectives:

To determine the presence of subclinical synovitis measured by ultrasonography in patients with RA on sustained clinical remission from the Rheumatology service at Hospital de Clínicas, San Lorenzo, Paraguay.

Materials and Methods:

Prospective, cross sectional, descriptive study, in RA patients meeting ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria, older than 18 years, on sustained clinical remission (≥6 months), measured by ESR-DAS28 (<2,6), doing follow-ups on our service. A healthy control group was included. All groups signed informed consent. Synovial hypertrophy (SH) and intraarticular vascularization grades on Power Doppler (PD) mode were determined according to EULAR recommendations and OMERACT 7 group definitions. Clinical data were obtained from the service’s registries.

SPSS 23rd version was used for data analysis. Quantitative variables were presented as means and qualitative as frequencies. Chi square test was performed for comparisons between dichotomous variables and t Student for continuous. For comparisons between variables the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was performed, and p≤0.05 for statistical significance. Factors predicting subclinical synovitis were analyzed with Odds Ratio (OR) CI 95%.

Results:

From 147 patients, 31 (21%) met remission criteria; 87.1% women, mean age 51.9±14.8 years. Mean disease duration was 9,06±10,81 years. 64,5% were RF and ACPA positive and 25,9% had erosions.

Ultrasonograms were made in 20 joints of both hands: radiocarpals (RC), metacarpophalangeals (MCP) and proximal interphalangeals (PIP). 12 patients (38.7%) presented subclinical synovitis (SH≥2+PD), more frequently on RC (29% right, 22.6% left), and MCP (9.7% on 2RMCP, 9.7% 4LMCP). These patients had greater CDAI (3.9±1.37 vs 2.89±1.15, p=0.03), HAQ (0.14±0.29 vs 0.00±0.00, p=0.04), CRP (9.90±7.46 vs 4.74±2.30, p=0.00) RF levels (502.67±275.66 vs 200.92±158.43, p=0,00), greater prednisone (16.5% vs 3.2%, p=0.04), and methotrexate use (20.16±5.54 vs 17.50±3.98, p=0.01). None of the healthy controls presented subclinical synovitis.

In binary logistic regression CRP levels, RF titers and methotrexate doses were associated to subclinical synovitis. This association is not found in multivariate logistic regression. Negative association was found between subclinical synovitis and two csDMARDs use.

Conclusion:

This is the first study of its type in Paraguayan patients, which clearly evidenced that an important part of RA patients in clinical remission still presented subclinical synovitis (HS≥2 + PD). It was associated with CRP, RF and methotrexate dose.

References:

[1]Płaza M, Nowakowska-Płaza A, Pracoń G, Sudoł-Szopińska I. Role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases in light of ACR/EULAR guidelines. J Ultrason. marzo de 2016;16(64):55-64.

[2]Foltz V, Gandjbakhch F, Etchepare F, Rosenberg C, Tanguy ML, Rozenberg S, et al. Power Doppler ultrasound, but not low-field magnetic resonance imaging, predicts relapse and radiographic disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis patients with low levels of disease activity. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2012;64(1):67-76.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0159 DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presents with an elevated incidence of congestive heart failure disease, which has a strong association with diastolic dysfunction, defined by left ventricular delayed relaxation pattern assessed by echocardiography.(1,2)

Objectives:

To describe the frequency of left ventricular delayed relaxation pattern in patients with RA, and the relationship with its clinical and serological characteristics, as well as with traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods:

Descriptive, cross sectional, prospective study, in a Paraguayan cohort of patients with RA. This study had two phases: the first one, included a standardized questionnaire according to the variables included in the Cardiovascular Risk project (PINV15-0346), from the Consejo Nacional de Ciencias y Tecnología (CONACYT), and physical examination; the second one included laboratory sample collection performed by a specialized laboratory for serum biomarkers measurement for cardiovascular risk prediction (i.e endothelin, alpha-TNF, E-selectin, t-PA, VCAM, PAI-1 and high sensitivity-CRP levels) and echocardiographic assessment with a Doppler 7 GE USA equipment at a private facility. All patients signed informed consent. SPSS Statistics v23 was used for data analysis. Quantitative variables were presented as means and qualitative variables as frequencies. Chi square test was performed for comparisons between dichotomous variables. A p value ≤ 0.05 was used for statistical significance.

Results:

100 patients were included, 87% women, with a mean age of 51.36 ± 11.03 years, mean disease duration of 130.9 ± 102.64 months. 84.4% had positive ACPA. 43.3% had bone erosions, with an average of DAS 28-ESR 3.42 ± 1.1. 60% of patients presented with echocardiographic left ventricular delayed relaxation pattern. Regarding traditional CV risk factors, the same ones presented more frequently HBP (40% vs 19.4%, p = 0.037), DM2 (11.7% vs 0%, p = 0.036), obesity (38.3% vs 16.7%, p = 0.025), altered glycemia (27.1% vs 6.5%, p = 0.02), altered HbA1C (50.8% vs 22.6%, p = 0.01), higher mean weight (75.9 ± 17.62 p = 0.02), higher Framingham index high (20% vs 3.2%, p = 0.03). Regarding to clinical parameters, a higher frequency of erosions was found (55.8% vs 22.2%, p = 0.004), without other significant differences for disease activity, seropositivity or disease duration. As for serum biomarkers, higher levels of fibrinogen (639.71 ± 189.84, p = 0.04), homocysteine (11.74 ± 7.81, p = 0.05) and VCAM (519, 16 ± 203.68, p = 0.02) were found.

Conclusion:

We found a high frequency of diastolic dysfunction in patients with RA. They presented a significant association with traditional CV risk factors, erosions, and fibrinogen, homocysteine, and VCAM biomarkers. Adequate control of cardiovascular risk factors and echocardiographic assessment of these patients is essential in order to avoid the progression of heart functional damage.

References:

[1]Aslam F, Bandeali SJ, Khan NA, Alam M. Diastolic Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Arthritis Care & Research. 2013;65(4):534-43.

[2]Liang KP, Myasoedova E, Crowson CS, Davis JM, Roger VL, Karon BL, et al. Increased prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 1 de septiembre de 2010;69(9):1665-70.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0258 CAROTID INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS AND SERUM BIOMARKERS IN PARAGUAYAN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

The mechanism of increased cardiovascular risk in RA is not well understood and is independent of traditional CV risk factors. Intima-media thickness of the common carotid wall measured by ultrasonogram is a safe and useful biomarker of early stage atherosclerosis that correlates with coronary involvement; and it correlates with severity and duration of disease. Several studies have shown a relationship between inflammation markers, endothelial dysfunction markers, and carotid involvement. (1)

Objectives:

To determine the presence of inflammation biomarkers and its relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis measured by carotid ultrasound, and with the clinical characteristics in patients with established Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Methods:

Descriptive, cross sectional, prospective study, in a Paraguayan cohort of patients with RA meeting ACR/EULAR2010 criteria. This study had two phases: the first one, included a standardized questionnaire according to the variables included in the Cardiovascular Risk project (PINV15-0346), from the National Sciences and Technology Council (CONACYT), and physical examination; the second one included laboratory sample collection performed by a specialized laboratory for serum biomarkers measurement for cardiovascular risk prediction (i.e endothelin, alpha-TNF, E-selectin, homocysteine, apolipoprotein, fibrinogen, and high sensitivity-CRP levels) and carotid ultrasound evaluation by a trained specialist, to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) >0,9mm and/or presence of carotid plaques. All patients signed informed consent. SPSS 23rd version was used for data analysis. Quantitative variables were presented as means and qualitative as frequencies. Chi square test was performed for comparisons between dichotomous variables and t Student for continuous, and p ≤ 0.05 for statistical significance.

Results:

100 patients were included, 87% were women, mean disease duration 130.9±102.64 months, 77% were RF positive, and 84.4% were ACPA positive, 43.4% had bone erosions, mean ESR-DAS28 was 3,42±1,1; 30% had remission criteria. 39% had extra-articular manifestations.

Elevated serum biomarkers were found: fibrinogen >400 mg/dL 88.2%, high sensitivity-CRP (hs-CRP) >5mg/dL 42.9%, endothelin >2 ng/mL 20%, alpha-TNF >15,6 pg/mL 13.1%, E-selectin >79,2 ng/mL 6%. 25.3% had CIMT >0,9 mm and mean CIMT was 0.68±0.25mm. 27.14% had carotid plaques. Patients with CIMT>1mm had higher frequency of family history of arterial hypertension (p=0.006), greater mean disease duration (p=0.0007), hip circumference (p=0.014), blood pressure (SBP p=0.038, DBP p=0.027), HAQ levels (p=0,019) and hs-CRP levels (p=0.013), also lower mean height (p=0,04); while carotid plaques were related to higher homocysteine (p=0.026) and hs-CRP levels (p=0.024).

Conclusion:

A considerable percentage of patients had subclinical atherosclerosis. Patients with CIMT>0,9mm had a longer disease duration, higher HAQ levels, hip circumference, as well as higher BP. High levels of hs-CRP were more frequently related to the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis

References:

[1]Aday, A. targeting residual inflammatory risk: a shifting paradigm for atherosclerotic disease. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine. 2019. 6:16.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6403155/pdf/fcvm-06-00016.pdf

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

SAT0085 METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH RHEUMATIC DISEASES IN PARAGUAYAN PATIENTS

Background:

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with increased abdominal adipose tissue and production of inflammatory cytokines. Patients with MS are at increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus, which are among the leading causes of death in chronic rheumatic diseases.

Objectives:

To characterize patients with rheumatic disease and MS and its association with inflammatory markers.

Methods:

Descriptive, cross sectional, prospective study, in 3 Paraguayan cohorts of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study had two phases: the first one, included a standardized questionnaire according to the variables included in the Cardiovascular Risk project (PINV15-0346), from the Consejo Nacional de Ciencias y Tecnología (CONACYT), and physical examination; the second one included laboratory sample collection performed by a specialized laboratory for serum biomarkers measurement for cardiovascular risk prediction (i.e endothelin, alpha-TNF, E-selectin, t-PA, VCAM, PAI-1 and high sensitivity-CRP levels). MS patients were categorized according to 2007 ALAD criteria. All patients signed informed consent. SPSS Statistics v23 was used for data analysis. Quantitative variables were presented as means and qualitative variables as frequencies. Chi square test was performed for comparisons between dichotomous variables. A p value ≤ 0.05 was used for statistical significance.

Results:

We included a total of 253 patients, 100 with RA, 100 with SLE and 52 with SSc. Metabolic syndrome was found in 23,58% (50/212). There was no significant difference in MS prevalence between diseases, but there was a higher frequency of increased abdominal circumference in RA and low HDL in SLE. Frequencies for different features of MS in RA, SLE and SSc are detailed in table 1.

Table 1.

Frequencies of MS component in SLE, SSc and RA.

SLESScRAphsCRP23,52% (16/68)26,31% (10/38)42,85% (36/84)0,027E-Selectin5,88% (4/68)21,05% (8/38)5,95% (5/84)0,014t-PA0% (0/68)2,63% (1/38)5,95% (5/84)0,111VCAM20,58% (14/68)8,1% (3/37)0% (0/83)0,000TNF-α7,35% (5/68)18,42% (7/38)13,09% (11/84)0,229Endotelin20,58% (14/68)31,57% (12/38)19,75% (16/81)0,192PAI-111,36% (5/44)0% (0/38)0% (0/83)0,002Table 2.

Frequency of high serum inflammatory biomarkers in SLE, RA and SSc.

SLESScRApAbdominal circumference criteria43,4% (43/99)46,66% (21/46)64% (64/100)0,009Hypertension criteria67% (67/100)67,3% (35/52)55% (55/100)0,152HDL criteria55,22% (37/67)52,63% (20/38)16,12% (15/93)0,000TAG criteria22,38% (15/67)28,94% (11/38)22,58% (21/93)0,703Glycemia criteria7,69% (4/52)13,15% (5/38)25,67% (19/74)0,114Metabolic Syndrome24,35% (19/78)25% (9/36)22,44% (22/98)0,934

Regarding inflammatory biomarkers, there was a significant difference between biomarkers elevated in each disease: hsCRP was found more frequently in RA, E-Selectin in SSc and VCAM and PAI-1 were more prevalent in SLE.

Conclusion:

We found a similar frequency of metabolic syndrome in our cohorts of RA, SSc and SLE Paraguayan patients but they had a different clinical and serological profile, suggesting that the pathways leading to metabolic syndrome are dissimilar in each disease. We need more studies to confirm this hypothesis.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Randomised phase III trial of vinflunine plus capecitabine versus capecitabine alone in patients with advanced breast cancer previously treated with an anthracycline and resistant to taxane

Background

Capecitabine is an approved standard therapy for anthracycline- and taxane-pretreated locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (BC). Vinflunine has demonstrated single-agent activity in phase II studies in this setting and activity and tolerability when combined with capecitabine. We compared the combination of vinflunine plus capecitabine (VC) with single-agent capecitabine.

Patients and methods

Patients with locally recurrent/metastatic BC previously treated or resistant to an anthracycline and resistant to taxane therapy were randomly assigned to either vinflunine (280 mg/m2, day 1) plus oral capecitabine [825 mg/m2 twice daily (b.i.d.), days 1-14] every 3 weeks (q3w) or single-agent oral capecitabine (1250 mg/m2 b.i.d., days 1-14) q3w. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by an independent review committee. The study had 90% power to detect a 30% improvement in PFS.

Results

Overall, 770 patients were randomised. PFS was significantly longer with VC than with capecitabine alone [hazard ratio, 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71-0.99; log-rank P = 0.043; median 5.6 versus 4.3 months, respectively]. Median overall survival was 13.9 versus 11.7 months with VC versus capecitabine alone, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.83-1.15; log-rank P = 0.77). No difference in quality of life was observed between the two treatment arms. The most common adverse events (NCI CTCAE version 3.0) in the combination arm were haematological and gastrointestinal. Grade 4 neutropenia was more frequent with VC (12% versus 1% with capecitabine alone); febrile neutropenia occurred in 2% versus 0.5%, respectively. Hand-foot syndrome was less frequent with VC (grade 3: 4% versus 19% for capecitabine alone). Peripheral neuropathy was uncommon in both arms (grade 3: 1% versus 0.3%).

Conclusions

Vinflunine combined with capecitabine demonstrated a modest improvement in PFS and an acceptable safety profile compared with capecitabine alone in patients with anthracycline- and taxane-pretreated locally recurrent/metastatic BC.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT01095003.

Final results from a randomized phase 3 study of FOLFIRI {+/-} panitumumab for second-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The study 20050181 demonstrated significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS), objective response, and a nonsignificant trend toward increased overall survival (OS) with panitumumab-FOLFIRI versus FOLFIRI alone for second-line wild-type (WT) KRAS metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Updated long-term data from a prespecified descriptive analysis are reported.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients receiving one prior mCRC treatment were randomly assigned (1:1) to panitumumab (6.0 mg/kg)-FOLFIRI versus FOLFIRI every 2 weeks. Co-primary end points (PFS and OS) were prospectively analyzed by tumor KRAS status.

RESULTS

One thousand one hundred and eighty-six patients were randomly assigned. In patients with WT KRAS tumors, panitumumab-FOLFIRI significantly improved PFS versus FOLFIRI [median 6.7 versus 4.9 months; hazard ratio (HR) 0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69, 0.97]; P = 0.023]. A trend toward longer OS was observed (median 14.5 versus 12.5 months; HR 0.92 [95% CI 0.78, 1.10]; P = 0.37). Response rates improved from 10% to 36% (P < 0.0001). From post hoc analyses in patients receiving prior oxaliplatin-bevacizumab, panitumumab-FOLFIRI improved PFS (median 6.4 versus 3.7 months; HR 0.58 [95% CI 0.37, 0.90]; P = 0.014). PFS and OS appeared longer for worst-grade skin toxicity of 2-4, versus 0-1 or FOLFIRI. Safety results were as previously reported and consistent with the known toxicities with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

These data confirm the primary efficacy and safety findings of this trial and support panitumumab-FOLFIRI as a second-line treatment of WT KRAS mCRC.

Phase III trial of nonpegylated liposomal doxorubicin in combination with trastuzumab and paclitaxel in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Nonpegylated liposomal doxorubicin liposomal doxorubicin, (Myocet™; Sopherion Therapeutics, Inc Canada, and Cephalon, Europe) (NPLD; Myocet(®)) in combination with trastuzumabHerceptin(®) (Hoffmann-La Roche) has shown promising activity and cardiac safety. We conducted a randomized phase III trial of first-line NPLD plus trastuzumab and paclitaxel (Pharmachemie B.V.) (MTP) versus trastuzumab plus paclitaxel (TP) in patients with human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to NPLD (M, 50 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks for six cycles), trastuzumab (T, 4 mg/kg loading dose followed by 2 mg/kg weekly), and paclitaxel (P, 80 mg/m(2) weekly) or T + P at the same doses until progression or toxicity. The primary efficacy outcome was progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-one patients were allocated to receive MTP, and 183 to TP. Median PFS was 16.1 and 14.5 months with MTP and TP, respectively [hazard ratio (HR) 0.84; two-sided P = 0.174]. In patients with estrogen receptor (ER)- and progesterone receptor (PR)-negative tumors, PFS was 20.7 and 14.0 months, respectively [HR 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47-0.99]. Median overall survival (OS) was 33.6 and 28.9 months with MTP and TP, respectively (HR 0.79; two-sided P = 0.083). In ER- and PR-negative tumors, OS was 38.2 and 27.9 months, respectively (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.42-0.93). The frequency of adverse events was higher with MTP, but there was no significant difference in cardiac toxicity between treatment arms.

CONCLUSION(S)

The trial failed to demonstrate a significant clinical improvement with the addition of M to TP regimen. The clinical benefit observed in an exploratory analysis in the ER- and PR-negative population deserves consideration for further clinical trials.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

NCT00294996.

Global, multicenter, randomized, phase II trial of gemcitabine and gemcitabine plus AGS-1C4D4 in patients with previously untreated, metastatic pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

We evaluated AGS-1C4D4, a fully human monoclonal antibody to prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA), with gemcitabine in a randomized, phase II study of metastatic pancreatic cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0/1 and previously untreated, metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma were randomly assigned 1:2 to gemcitabine (1000 mg/m(2) weekly seven times, 1 week rest, weekly three times q4weeks) or gemcitabine plus AGS-1C4D4 (48 mg/kg loading dose, then 24 mg/kg q3weeks IV). The primary end point was 6-month survival rate (SR). Archived tumor samples were collected for pre-planned analyses by PSCA expression.

RESULTS

Between April 2009 and May 2010, 196 patients were randomly assigned to gemcitabine (n = 63) or gemcitabine plus AGS-1C4D4 (n = 133). The 6-month SR was 44.4% (95% CI, 31.9-57.5) in the gemcitabine arm and 60.9% (95% CI, 52.1-69.2) in the gemcitabine plus AGS-1C4D4 arm (P = 0.03), while the median survival was 5.5 versus 7.6 months and the response rate was 13.1% versus 21.6% in the two arms, respectively. The 6-month SR was 57.1% in the gemcitabine arm versus 79.5% in the gemcitabine plus AGS-1C4D4 arm among the PSCA-positive subgroup and 31.6% versus 46.2% among the PSCA-negative subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

This randomized, phase II study achieved its primary end point, demonstrating an improved 6-month SR with addition of AGS-1C4D4 to gemcitabine among patients with previously untreated, metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00902291.

Involvement of renal cytochromes P450 and arachidonic acid metabolites in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most serious complications of type I and type II diabetes. DN is characterized by hyperfiltration, hypertrophy, extracellular matrix accumulation, and proteinuria. This advances into renal fibrosis and loss of renal function. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and TGF-beta have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Early stages of diabetic nephropathy are also associated with alterations in renal sodium handling as well as hypertension; both are processes linked by involvement of the arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE, produced by cytochrome P450-4a, (CYP4A) and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Indeed, metabolism of AA is increased in a rat model of diabetes. In this study, we demonstrate that rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes of 1 month duration develop renal hypertrophy and increased fibronectin and TGF-beta1 expression/cortical levels concomitant with an increase in CYP4A expression and 20 HETE production. These results were also paralleled by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NADPH oxidase activity. Treatment of diabetic rats with HET0016, selective inhibitor of CYP 4A, prevented all these changes. Our results suggest that diabetes-induced induction of CYP4A and 20-HETE production could be a major pathophysiological mechanism leading to activation of ROS through an NADPH dependent pathway and TGF-beta1 thus resulting in major renal pathology. Inhibitors of 20-HETE production could thus have an important therapeutic potential in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

S5-5: A Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Registration Trial To Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab + Docetaxel vs. Placebo + Trastuzumab + Docetaxel in Patients with Previously Untreated HER2−Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer (CLEOPATRA)

Background: Pertuzumab (P) is a fully humanized investigational monoclonal antibody that binds to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), preventing dimerization of HER2 with other HER family members and inducing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Its mechanisms of action are complementary to those of the anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab (H) and the two antibodies combined have superior activity compared with either antibody alone in preclinical and clinical studies. In patients with advanced disease, P in combination with H has been shown to be active in patients whose disease has progressed while on H therapy (Baselga et al. J Clin Oncol 2010). Furthermore, P has been shown to improve the activity of H and docetaxel (T) in a randomized neoadjuvant study (Gianni et al. SABCS 2010, S3-2). No increase in overall toxicity and, in particular, no increase in cardiac events was observed with the addition of P to H and HT regimens.

Methods: In this double-blind Phase III study patients with centrally confirmed HER2−positive metastatic or locally recurrent, unresectable breast cancer were randomized to receive either placebo+H+T or P+H+T. Patients could have received one prior hormonal treatment for metastatic breast cancer and/or prior systemic neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy including prior H and T. Patients had to have a baseline left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% and no history of declines to &lt;50% during or after prior H therapy.

Study medication was as follows: P 840 mg loading dose followed by 420 mg q3w; H 8 mg/kg loading dose followed by 6 mg/kg q3w; T 75 mg/m2 q3w (with subsequent dose escalation to 100 mg/m2 if 75 mg/m2 was well tolerated). Patients were recommended to receive at least 6 cycles of T. In the case of chemotherapy discontinuation due to cumulative toxicity, antibody therapy was continued until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent.

Patients were stratified according to region and prior treatment status (adjuvant therapy or de novo metastatic breast cancer).

The primary endpoint for the study was progression-free survival (PFS) as determined by independent review. The primary analysis was planned to take place when approximately 381 independently confirmed PFS events had occurred. This would provide 80% power to detect a 33% improvement in PFS (HR=0.75) at the two-sided significance level of 5%. Secondary endpoints included overall survival, investigator-determined PFS, overall response rate, duration of response, safety, and quality of life.

Patient safety was monitored throughout the study by an independent data monitoring committee and a cardiac review committee.

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00567190.

Results: 808 patients were recruited between February 2008 and July 2010. The required number of PFS events for analysis of the primary endpoint has been reached and independent assessment PFS is currently being performed. Results of the primary analysis of efficacy and safety will be presented.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr S5-5.

Abstract P6-14-02: A Phase 3 Randomized, Controlled Trial of Myocet, Trastuzumab and Paclitaxel vs. Trastuzumab and Paclitaxel for 1st Line Therapy of HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer

Background: Myocet™ (M) is a non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin which exhibits reduced cardiotoxicity as compared to conventional doxorubicin. A phase 1/2 non-randomized multi-site trial combining M, trastuzumab (H) and paclitaxel (T) has resulted in high response rate, prolonged time to progression and improved overall survival, with no clinical cardiac toxicity in patients (pts) with first line metastatic breast cancer (MBC) over-expressing human epidermal growth factor-2neu (HER2+) (Cortes et al Clin Cancer res 2009:15:307).

Methods: This multicenter study was designed to demonstrate the efficacy and cardiac safety of M+ H + T vs. the standard of care, H + T, in pts with HER2+ MBC with no prior chemotherapy for MBC. After stratification by hormone receptor status, prior or no prior anthracycline (A) therapy, age ≥50 or &gt;50 y and geography, patients were randomly allocated to receive either M (50 mg/m2 q 3 wks for 6 cycles), H (4 mg/kg loading dose followed by 2 mg/kg q wk) and T (80 mg/m2 q wk) or H + T until progression or toxicity. The primary efficacy outcome is progression-free survival (PFS), as determined by a blinded independent review committee (IRC). The primary safety outcome is the incidence of NYHA class 3 or 4 heart failure or cardiac death, independently adjudicated. Secondary endpoints are overall survival and tumor response, also determined by the IRC according to RECIST. 332 pts were needed to detect a 30% difference in PFS with 80% power.

Results: Between 2006 and 2009, 363 HER2+ women from 12 countries were enrolled. Median age is 53 yr (range 22-79); 80% are Caucasian; with ECOG performance status of 0 (62%) and 1 (38%); 42% are ER and/or PR positive; 40% received adjuvant chemotherapy, 24% hormone therapy, and 37% radiotherapy; 33% received prior A, median lifetime cumulativedoxorubicin and epirubicin dose (range) were 240 (45-360) mg/m2 and 360 (69-600) mg/m2, respectively. The final analysis of PFS is scheduled for 3Q10.

Conclusions: The safety and efficacy data will be presented at the meeting. Clinical Trials.Gov Identifier: NCT00294996

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-14-02.

Efficacy and safety of ipilimumab monotherapy in patients with pretreated advanced melanoma: a multicenter single-arm phase II study

BACKGROUND

This phase II study evaluated the safety and activity of ipilimumab, a fully human mAb that blocks cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4, in patients with advanced melanoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with previously treated, unresectable stage III/stage IV melanoma received 10 mg/kg ipilimumab every 3 weeks for four cycles (induction) followed by maintenance therapy every 3 months. The primary end point was best overall response rate (BORR) using modified World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. We also carried out an exploratory analysis of proposed immune-related response criteria (irRC).

RESULTS

BORR was 5.8% with a disease control rate (DCR) of 27% (N = 155). One- and 2-year survival rates (95% confidence interval) were 47.2% (39.5% to 55.1%) and 32.8% (25.4% to 40.5%), respectively, with a median overall survival of 10.2 months (7.6-16.3). Of 43 patients with disease progression by modified WHO criteria, 12 had disease control by irRC (8% of all treated patients), resulting in a total DCR of 35%. Adverse events (AEs) were largely immune related, occurring mainly in the skin and gastrointestinal tract, with 19% grade 3 and 3.2% grade 4. Immune-related AEs were manageable and generally reversible with corticosteroids.

CONCLUSION

Ipilimumab demonstrated clinical activity with encouraging long-term survival in a previously treated advanced melanoma population.

Results of a phase II study of picoplatin with docetaxel and prednisone in first-line treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)

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Background: Picoplatin (Pico) was designed to overcome platinum resistance and has the potential for improved safety compared to other platinum agents. Previously, a PSA response rate of 25% was observed when Pico monotherapy was infused at 120 mg/m2 Q3W (N = 20). Recently, a 34-patient Phase I study was performed to investigate the safety and efficacy of Pico in combination with docetaxel (D) + prednisone (pred) as first-line therapy for metastatic CRPC. Picoplatin therapy was well-tolerated at a dose of 120 mg/m2 and 19 of 32 evaluable pts (59%) achieved a confirmed PSA response. Methods: 32 patients with chemotherapy-naïve CRPC and disease progression received Pico (120 mg/m2) and D (75 mg/m2) Q3W with pred 5 mg po bid for up to 10 cycles. PSA responses were defined as a reduction from baseline of at least 50% maintained for at least 4 weeks. CT and bone scans were also evaluated. Tumor response was measured using RECIST. Results: Patients received a median of 10 cycles (range = 1–10). Median baseline PSA was 340.8 ng/mL (range 5.6–3019). One pt had no baseline PSA data. Of the 24 patients with evaluable post-treatment PSA, 83% (95% CI 64–93%) had PSA decreases <50% of baseline, and in 8 of these (33% of the evaluable population), PSA reached normal levels (< 4 ng/mL). In the intent-to-treat population, the PSA response rate was 63% (95% CI 45–77%). 13 patients evaluated by CT scan had measurable disease; 6 pts had SD by RECIST, 4 had PD, and 3 were not evaluable. The most common adverse events were alopecia (36%), asthenia (32%), neutropenia (29%), increased creatinine (23%), and thrombocytopenia (19%). No neurotoxicity ≥ grade 2 was observed. Conclusions: Picoplatin was safely administered to patients with CRPC as 1st-line therapy at 120 mg/m2 Q3W with full doses of docetaxel and prednisone, resulting in a PSA response rate of 83% of evaluable patients. These results support further development of picoplatin as a novel combination with docetaxel for the treatment of CRPC.

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Phase I study of picoplatin and docetaxel (D) with prednisone (P) in patients (pts) with chemotherapy-naive metastatic hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC)

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Background: Picoplatin is a sterically hindered platinum analogue specifically developed to overcome platinum resistance and to improve on the safety and efficacy of other platinum-based drugs. In >600 pts, picoplatin had single-agent activity in prostate, lung, ovarian and other malignancies with rare clinically significant nephro-, oto-, or neurotoxicity (∼2% grade 3 and 0% grade 4), even in platinum pretreated pts. An objective response rate of 20% and a PSA response rate of 25% were observed following 120 mg/m2 picoplatin q 3 wk in 20 chemotherapy-naïve pts with HRPC. D + P leads to superior survival, increased PSA response and improved quality of life in HRPC pts. Picoplatin has demonstrated synergy with taxanes in pre-clinical studies. Thus the current study is designed to investigate D + P + picoplatin in chemotherapy-naïve pts with metastatic HRPC. Methods: Pts with documented progression of metastatic disease during adequate hormonal therapy, ECOG performance status of 0 or 1 and preserved organ function received D, 60 mg/m2 q 3 wks + P, 5 mg, po bid + picoplatin. Picoplatin has been given to date to sequential cohorts of subjects at 60 mg/m2, 80 mg/m2 and 100 mg/m2. Results: 16 pts have been enrolled and have received up to 8 cycles of therapy. Therapy has been well tolerated. No dose limiting toxicity has been observed. Dose reduction for thrombocytopenia has been required in 1 pt, but there has been no cumulative myelotoxity. 7 pts in the first 3 dose cohorts have been evaluated for efficacy after 4 cycles (12 weeks): at doses below the maximum tolerated dose, there were 3 PSA responses and 1 objective partial response. Dose escalation continues. Conclusion: Picoplatin can be safely administered with D + P in chemo-naïve pts with HRPC. A phase 2 study of this combination will begin when an optimal, safe dose is defined.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Angiogenesis pathway gene polymorphisms associated with clinical outcome in recurrent ovarian cancer treated with low dose cyclophosphamide and bevacizumab: A California Consortium Trial

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Background: Despite advances in chemotherapy, ovarian cancer remains a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide. It has therefore become essential to identify novel therapeutic targets, such as angiogenesis which is a complex process regulated by the delicate balance between various local proangiogenic and antiangiogenic proteins. Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody binding to VEGF, has shown significant activity in colon, breast, lung and ovarian cancer. There are no established molecular markers to predict response or time to tumor progression for Bevacizumab based chemotherapy. The key enzymes of the VEGF pathway are: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), VEGF Receptor (VEGFR), Hypoxia Inducible Factor1 (HIF α and β-subunit), Neuropilin1 (NRP), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Adrenomedullin (AM) and Leptin. Methods: Seventy patients with refractory ovarian cancer were enrolled in a Phase II clinical trial and treated with Cyclophoshamide 50 mg po/Bevacizumab 10 mg/kg IV every 14 days. From 52 patients blood samples were available for gDNA extraction and PCR-RFLP assays. Results: 13 patients had a PR (25%) and 39 were non responders. 31 pts had progressed. Median follow-up of 8.3 months with a median progression-free survival of 6.6 months. Patients who were homozygous A/A or heterozygous A/T genotype at the −251 locus in the IL-8 gene had a lower response rate than those who were T/T (P = 0.047 Fisher’s exact test). Patients with Vegf936 C/C had a median TTP of 6.5 months, pts with any T (T/T, C/T) had a median TTP of 17.2 months. Pts carrying both AM 3’end alleles <14 CA repeats had 3.4 months median TTP, patients with at least one allele >14 showed a median TTP of 6.6 months; for both alleles >14 patients showed 8.7 months of median TPP (P = 0.0006 Log-rank test) Conclusions: Our data suggest for the first time, that IL-8 may be a potential molecular predictor of response to Bevacizumab based chemotherapy. We also demonstrate that both VEGF 936 and the AM 3’ dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms are potential molecular markers for time to tumor progression. A larger prospective study is needed to validate and confirm our preliminary findings. This study was supported by NCI grant NO1 CM 17101.

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