Development of a core descriptor set for Crohn's anal fistula

AIM

Crohn's anal fistula (CAF) is a complex condition, with no agreement on which patient characteristics should be routinely reported in studies. The aim of this study was to develop a core descriptor set of key patient characteristics for reporting in all CAF research.

METHOD

Candidate descriptors were generated from published literature and stakeholder suggestions. Colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and specialist nurses in inflammatory bowel disease took part in three rounds of an international modified Delphi process using nine-point Likert scales to rank the importance of descriptors. Feedback was provided between rounds to allow refinement of the next ratings. Patterns in descriptor voting were assessed using principal component analysis (PCA). Resulting PCA groups were used to organize items in rounds two and three. Consensus descriptors were submitted to a patient panel for feedback. Items meeting predetermined thresholds were included in the final set and ratified at the consensus meeting.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty three respondents from 22 countries completed round one, of whom 67.0% completed round three. Ninety seven descriptors were rated across three rounds in 11 PCA-based groups. Forty descriptors were shortlisted. The consensus meeting ratified a core descriptor set of 37 descriptors within six domains: fistula anatomy, current disease activity and phenotype, risk factors, medical interventions for CAF, surgical interventions for CAF, and patient symptoms and impact on quality of life.

CONCLUSION

The core descriptor set proposed for all future CAF research reflects characteristics important to gastroenterologists and surgeons. This might aid transparent reporting in future studies.

Superior physical and mental health of healthy volunteers before and five years after mobilized stem cell donation

Background

Safety, tolerability and efficacy of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from healthy donors have been conclusively demonstrated. This explicitly includes, albeit for smaller cohorts and shorter observation periods, biosimilar G-CSFs. HSPC donation is non-remunerated, its sole reward being “warm glow”, hence harm to donors must be avoided with maximal certitude. To ascertain, therefore, long-term physical and mental health effects of HSPC donation, a cohort of G-CSF mobilized donors was followed longitudinally.

Methods

We enrolled 245 healthy volunteers in this bi-centric long-term surveillance study. 244 healthy volunteers began mobilization with twice-daily Sandoz biosimilar filgrastim and 242 underwent apheresis after G-CSF mobilization. Physical and mental health were followed up over a period of 5-years using the validated SF-12 health questionnaire.

Results

Baseline physical and mental health of HSPC donors was markedly better than in a healthy reference population matched for ethnicity, sex and age. Physical, but not mental health was sharply diminished at the time of apheresis, likely due to side effects of biosimilar G-CSF, however had returned to pre-apheresis values by the next follow-up appointment after 6 months. Physical and mental health slightly deteriorated over time with kinetics reflecting the known effects of aging. Hence, superior physical and mental health compared to the general healthy non-donor population was maintained over time.

Conclusions

HSPC donors are of better overall physical and mental health than the average healthy non-donor. Superior well-being is maintained over time, supporting the favorable risk–benefit assessment of volunteer HSPC donation.

Trial registration National Clinical Trial NCT01766934

Establishment of the first stool bank in an Eastern European country and the first series of successful fecal microbiota transplantations in Bulgaria

OBJECTIVE

For safe implementation and broader application of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), quality controlled stool banking is a must. Establishing a stool bank is a complex, time-consuming, and expensive process, making it a real challenge in an Eastern European country. We aimed to establish the first stool bank in Eastern Europe - in Bulgaria.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, microbiologists, infectionists, and geneticists was set up. We used a questionnaire based on the First European FMT Consensus in order to recruit possible stool donors. Laboratory blood and stool tests were performed on all potential donors.

RESULTS

Between October 2018 and April 2019, 112 donor volunteers completed a questionnaire; 70 (62.5%) were excluded, mainly because of age above 50, an unhealthy BMI, and risk behavior. Fourty-two (37.5%) donor candidates were invited for laboratory testing of blood and feces, of which 12 (28.6%) passed this screening. Of 12 donors, 4 (33%) failed at the following screening test, which is performed every 3-6 months. Finally, 8 (7.14%) active donors were enrolled. Ten successful FMTs were performed on patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though we found many healthy volunteers, only a low percentage (7.14%) of them were suitable to become feces donors. Establishing a stool bank in an Eastern European country is essential for making FMT safe and more popular as a treatment method, finding further implementation and regulation of FMT and supporting physicians offering this treatment to their patients.

Serum trefoil factor 3 predicts disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of serum trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) as a biomarker of disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to compare TFF3 values with those of fecal calprotectin (FC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

128 patients with IBD were divided into four groups: 1) active ulcerative colitis (UC); 2) quiescent UC; 3) active Crohn's disease (CD); 4) quiescent CD. The serum levels of TFF3 and FC levels were assessed in all patients and 16 controls.

RESULTS

Patients with active UC had higher TFF3 levels than those with quiescent UC (p<0.001), those with active (p<0.001) or quiescent CD (p<0.001) and controls (p <0.001). We found a correlation between TFF3 and FC values in patients with active (r = 0.478, p = 0.006) and quiescent UC (r=0.528, p=0.002). TFF3 levels correlated with endoscopic activity in UC (evaluated by UC Endoscopic Index of Severity - UCEIS) (r=0.662, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum TFF3 is able to identify patients with active UC. It could be used as a marker to predict disease activity in patients with UC.

Overall survival and risk of second malignancies with cancer chemotherapy and G-CSF support

Background

The use of supportive granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to reduce the risk of neutropenic complications in high-risk cancer patients is consistently recommended by several clinical practice guidelines. However, in a previous meta-analysis, G-CSF prophylaxis was associated with an increased risk of secondary malignancies while reducing long-term mortality. We present here an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature search was carried out to identify randomized controlled trials of cancer patients receiving conventional-dose chemotherapy, assigned to primary G-CSF support or a control group without initial G-CSF, with at least 2 years of follow-up. Studies were categorized into one of the four groups, based on the chemotherapy regimen and study design. An updated meta-analysis was carried out; relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause mortality and secondary malignancies were calculated.

Results

Of 2604 articles screened, 14 eligible studies were identified and combined with studies identified in the previous systematic literature searches. The updated meta-analysis included a total of 68 studies presenting 71 separate comparisons. Survival was significantly improved in patients receiving primary G-CSF support, compared with patients without primary G-CSF support (mortality RR=0.92; 95% CI 0.90-0.95; ARD=-3.3%; 95% CI -4.2--2.4; P < 0.0001). The largest improvement in survival was observed with dose-dense chemotherapy regimens with G-CSF support, compared with controls receiving no G-CSF support (mortality RR=0.86; 95% CI 0.80-0.92; P < 0.0001). Patients who received primary G-CSF support experienced a significantly higher risk of secondary malignancies, compared with controls (RR=1.85; 95% CI 1.19-2.88; ARD=0.47; 95% CI 0.21-0.73; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that overall survival is improved in patients receiving intensified chemotherapy with primary G-CSF support, compared with those receiving standard chemotherapy. Primary G-CSF support was also associated with a higher risk of developing secondary malignancies, including secondary acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.

Endorectal power Doppler ultrasonography is a reliable method for evaluation of rectal cancer angiogenesis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the preoperative rectal cancer angiogenesis with Endorectal Power Doppler Ultrasonography by using the Power Doppler Vascularity Index (PDVI) calculated by imaging analysis software, and to compare it with the microvessel density (MVD) in surgical specimens PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 110 patients (39 females; mean age 61.5 years) with rectal cancer. Immunohistochemical staining of surgical specimens with anti-CD-31 antibody was used for MVD evaluation. The PDVI of each tumor was calculated using Endorectal Power Doppler with computer-assisted quantification of colour pixels.

RESULTS

Mean MVD - 163 ± 69 microvessels/mm2 (50-328) was used as a cutoff point, differentiating two groups of tumors with high (> 160 mm2) and low (≤ 160 mm2) angiogenic activity. Mean PDVI of 8.9 ± 6.0% (0-27.3) was used as a cutoff point, dividing two groups of tumors with high (> 8%) and low (≤ 8%) PDVI. The MVD and the PDVI showed a good positive correlation (r = 0.438, p = 0.002). Patients with low PDVI had 25 months longer overall survival (p < 0.05) than patients with high PDVI. Patients with low MVD had 36 months longer survival (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Endorectal Power Doppler Ultrasonography is a reliable and noninvasive method for assessment of the extent of rectal cancer angiogenesis. Tumor angiogenesis assessed by the PDVI correlated with histological MVD determination and could predict survival rates. Endorectal Power Doppler examination is a useful and reproducible method for in vivo preoperative quantitative assessment of tumor vascularization.

Abstract P4-16-14: Meta-analysis of Phase I pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic results of proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim

Background

The long-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) pegfilgrastim is widely used to prevent chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN). Biosimilars could potentially improve sustainability of cancer care. Sandoz proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim is under development and has been evaluated in Phase I and III studies.1,2 The current meta-analysis uses data from two Phase I studies in healthy volunteers (HVs) comparing pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) properties of Sandoz proposed biosimilar and EU-reference (Neulasta®) pegfilgrastim.

Methods

Data from two studies were included: a single-dose, double-blind, parallel-group study (study 1, data on file) and a single-dose, double-blind, crossover study (study 2),3 both in HVs randomized to receive proposed biosimilar or reference biologic (PK/PD analysis populations: study 1, n=93 per arm; study 2, n=169 per arm). Primary PK and PD parameters were AUC0–inf, AUC0–last, Cmax and ANC AUEC0–last, ANC Emax, respectively. For each parameter, geometric mean ratios and confidence intervals (CIs) for treatment comparisons (proposed biosimilar vs reference biologic) from the two studies were combined using meta-analytical techniques with a fixed-effects model. The 90% (PK) or 95% (PD) CIs were calculated and PK/PD biosimilarity was demonstrated if all CIs fell within equivalence margins of 80% to 125%. Non-baseline corrected PD parameters were used.

Results

The combined CIs of the geometric mean ratios for primary PK and PD parameters were all contained within the predefined equivalence margins. Safety, tolerability and immunogenicity were found to be similar between proposed biosimilar and EU-reference biologic in HVs (data not shown).

  Combined geometric mean with 90% (PK)/95% (PD) CICombined ratio with 90% (PK)/95% (PD) CI  Proposed biosimilarEU-referenceProposed biosimilar vs EU-referencePK parametersAUC0–last (ng×h/mL)N93+16993+169  Geometric mean 90% CI6823 [6122, 7603]6034 [5404, 6738]1.1385 [1.0606, 1.2221]AUC0–inf (ng×h/mL)N92+168a93+168a  Geometric mean 90% CI6973 [6268, 7757]6183 [5560, 6876]1.1335 [1.0570, 1.2156]Cmax (ng/mL)N93+16993+169  Geometric mean 90% CI196 [178, 216]180 [163, 198]1.0994 [1.0265, 1.1774]PD parametersAUEC0–last (109×h/L)N93+16993+169  Geometric mean 95% CI4986 [4855, 5121]4952 [4816, 5093]1.0119 [0.9959, 1.0281]Emax (109/L)N93+16993+169  Geometric mean 95% CI36.4 [35.3, 37.5]36.2 [35.1, 37.2]0.9981 [0.9790, 1.0175]AUC=area under serum-concentration curve; AUEC=area under effect curve; CI=confidence interval; Cmax=maximum observed serum concentration; Emax=maximum effect attributable to investigational medicinal product; PD=pharmacodynamic; PK=pharmacokinetic. aOne subject in study 2 had AUC0–inf extrapolated &gt;20% and was excluded from AUC0–inf analysis

Conclusions

This meta-analysis of two Phase I studies supports PK/PD similarity of Sandoz proposed biosimilar to EU-reference pegfilgrastim. Also, no clinically meaningful differences in safety, tolerability and immunogenicity were found. Sandoz proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim presents as a sustainable option to manage CIN in patients with cancer.

References

1Blackwell et al. Oncologist 2016;21:789–94

2Harbeck et al. Future Oncol 2016;12:1359–67

3Nakov et al. Cancer Res 2018;78:P3-14-10

Citation Format: Nakov R, Wang J, Chen Y, Bellon A, Gattu S, Krendyukov A, Li Y. Meta-analysis of Phase I pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic results of proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-16-14.

Pooled analysis of two randomized, double-blind trials comparing proposed biosimilar LA-EP2006 with reference pegfilgrastim in breast cancer

Background

Following the functional and physicochemical characterization of a proposed biosimilar, comparative clinical studies help to confirm biosimilarity by demonstrating similar safety and efficacy to the reference product in a sensitive patient population.

Patients and methods

LA-EP2006 is a proposed biosimilar that has been developed for pegfilgrastim, a long-acting form of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for the prevention of neutropenia. The current analysis reports data pooled from two independent, multinational, prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind phase III studies of similar design comparing the safety and efficacy of reference pegfilgrastim with LA-EP2006 in patients with breast cancer receiving myelotoxic (neo)adjuvant TAC (docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy and requiring granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

Results

A total of 624 patients were randomized in the PROTECT-1 and PROTECT-2 studies (NCT01735175; NCT01516736) (LA-EP2006: n = 314; reference: n = 310). Baseline characteristics of patients were well balanced across treatment groups. The primary end point, mean duration of severe neutropenia in the first chemotherapy cycle was similar in both the LA-EP2006 and reference groups (1.05 ± 1.055 days versus 1.01 ± 0.958 days), with a treatment difference of - 0.04 days [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.19 to 0.11] that met the equivalence criteria (the 95% CI were within the defined margin of ±1 day). Secondary end points, such as the nadir of absolute neutrophil count and the incidence of febrile neutropenia, were also similar between LA-EP2006 and reference pegfilgrastim. The safety and tolerability profile of LA-EP2006 was similar to that observed with reference pegfilgrastim, and there were no reports of neutralizing antibodies.

Conclusions

This pooled analysis confirms, as a part of totality of evidence approach, that the proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim LA-EP2006 has a comparable efficacy and safety profile to reference pegfilgrastim in patients with breast cancer receiving TAC chemotherapy.

Clinical trial numbers

NCT01735175 and NCT01516736.

Abstract P3-14-10: Proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim LA-EP2006 shows similarity in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to reference pegfilgrastim in healthy subjects

Background: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors such as filgrastim and its long-acting version pegfilgrastim are widely used to prevent neutropenia in patients receiving chemotherapy. LA-EP2006 is a proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim that has been compared with reference pegfilgrastim and shown to have no clinically meaningful differences regarding efficacy and safety in breast cancer patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.1,2

Methods: This single-dose, randomized, double-blind, two-way crossover study evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), immunogenicity and safety of LA-EP2006 and reference pegfilgrastim (Neulasta®, Amgen)in healthy male and female subjects. Subjects were randomized to receive a single 6 mg subcutaneous (sc) injection of LA-EP2006 or reference on Day 1. After dosing, subjects underwent a 4-week assessment period followed by a 4-week washout period before crossing over to receive the other pegfilgrastim and were assessed for a further 4 weeks. The primary objective was to determine PK similarity of LA-EP2006 and reference pegfilgrastim (AUC0→∞, AUC0→last and Cmax),and then PD similarity (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] response in terms of AUEC(0-last) and Emax). Secondary objectives included safety and immunogenicity.

Results: A total of 92 subjects were randomized to receive LA-EP2006 then reference (LA-EP2006/reference), and 93 subjects were randomized to receive reference then LA-EP2006 (reference/LA-EP2006) with one subject enrolled but not receiving study medication. A total of 169 subjects were included in the PK and PD analyses. Demographics and baseline characteristics were similar between groups in both treatment periods. PK similarity was shown since the 90% confidence interval (CI) for the geometric mean ratio of LA-EP2006 vs. reference was within the predefined similarity range 0.8-1.25. PD similarity was shown since the 95% CI for the ratio of LA-EP2006 vs. reference was within the predefined similarity range 0.8-1.25 (Table). Secondary endpoints and safety were similar between groups. No neutralising antibodies were detected.

PK and PD parameters for the comparison between LA-EP2006 and reference pegfilgrastim (N=169)*.ParameterGeometric LS meansPoint EstimateCI LA-EP2006Reference LowerUpperPK (serum concentration)   90% CIAUC0→–(ng*h/mL)765267301.13701.05591.2244AUC0→last (ng*h/mL)748765741.14351.06071.2328Cmax (ng/mL)2091891.10821.03121.1909PD (ANC)95%CIAUEC0→last398739271.01550.99481.0366Emax32.632.70.99510.97371.0169*N=168 for AUC0→–; ANC, absolute neutrophil count; AUC0→–, area under curve measured from the time of dosing and extrapolated to infinity; AUC0→last, area under curve measured from time of dosing to last measurable concentration; AUEC0→last, area under effect curve measured from time of dosing to last measureable concentration; Cmax, measured maximum serum concentration after administration; Emax, maximum effect attributable to study drug; PD, pharmacodynamics; PK, pharmacokinetics.

Conclusions: This study shows similar PK, PD and safety of LA-EP2006 to the reference pegfilgrastim.

References:

1. Harbeck et al. 2016;12:1359-67.

2. Blackwell et al. 2016;21:789-94.

Citation Format: Nakov R, Gattu S, Wang J, Velinova M, Skerjanec A. Proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim LA-EP2006 shows similarity in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to reference pegfilgrastim in healthy subjects [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-14-10.

Abstract P2-11-05: Safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim (LA-EP2006) compared with reference pegfilgrastim in breast cancer: Pooled analysis of two randomized, double-blind, phase III trials

Background: Biosimilars are highly similar to a biological reference product with no clinically meaningful differences in terms of efficacy and safety. Here we present the pooled analysis of two randomized trials (PROTECT1 and 2) comparing the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim (LA-EP2006) with reference pegfilgrastim (Neulasta®*).

Methods: Two multinational, independent, prospective, double-blind, phase III studies (EudraCT: 2011-004532-58; 2012-002039-28) enrolled adult chemotherapy-naïve women with breast cancer scheduled to receive ≤6 cycles of (neo)-adjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel 75 mg/m2, doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 (TAC). Patients were randomized to receive a single 6 mg injection of LA-EP2006 or reference on Day 2 of each cycle. Primary endpoint was duration of severe neutropenia (DSN) (number of consecutive days with ANC &lt;0.5x109/L) in Cycle 1. Equivalence was confirmed if the 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the difference in mean DSN between groups were within a pre-defined margin of ±1 day. Secondary efficacy endpoints included incidences of febrile neutropenia (FN), fever and infections, and depth of ANC nadir and time to ANC recovery (≥2×109/L after the nadir) in Cycle 1. Safety was assessed at each visit with follow-up visits at 4 weeks and 6 months (PROTECT1 only) after last administration of pegfilgrastim. Immunogenicity was assessed before the first pegfilgrastim injection, on Day 15 of cycle 6, and 4 weeks and 6 months (PROTECT1 only).

Results: A total of 624 patients were randomized (LA-EP2006: n=314; reference: n=310). Baseline demographics were well balanced (mean age: LA-EP2006: 49.3 years, reference: 49.8; median duration (months) since initial diagnosis: LA-EP2006: 1.33 [0.1−76.0], reference: 1.35 [0.2−11.2]; ECOG status 0: LA-EP2006: 78%, reference: 75%). Mean DSN difference in Cycle 1 was -0.04 days (95% CI: -0.19, 0.11), showing statistical equivalence. FN was reported in 5.7% of patients with LA-EP2006 vs. 8.4% with reference in Cycle 1 (all cycles: 8.0% vs. 10.3%). Across all cycles, frequency of fever (LA-EP2006: 18.5%; reference: 19.7%) and infections (LA-EP2006: 15.6%; reference: 18.1%) were similar in both groups. Mean ANC time courses were almost superimposable in the two groups, with similar time and depth of ANC nadir and median time to ANC recovery was 2 days in both groups in Cycle 1. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were similar across groups (LA-EP2006: 92%; reference: 89%), and TEAEs with a suspected relationship to pegfilgrastim were reported in 22.6% of patients with LA-EP2006 and 21.3% with reference across all cycles, with the most frequent being musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (LA-EP2006: 10.2%; reference: 9.7%). Serious TEAEs were reported in 14.3% (LA-EP2006) vs. 17.1% (reference) across all cycles. No neutralizing or clinically relevant anti-pegfilgrastim antibodies were identified.

Conclusions: LA-EP2006 demonstrated similar clinical efficacy and safety to reference pegfilgrastim in patients with breast cancer receiving myelotoxic chemotherapy.

*Neulasta® is a registered trademark of Amgen Inc.

Citation Format: Blackwell K, Gascon P, Jones CM, Nixon A, Nakov R, Mo M, Krendyukov A, Nadia H. Safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim (LA-EP2006) compared with reference pegfilgrastim in breast cancer: Pooled analysis of two randomized, double-blind, phase III trials [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 P2-11-05.

Abstract P1-10-01: A randomized, double-blind trial to compare the efficacy and safety of proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim (LA-EP2006) with reference pegfilgrastim in patients with breast cancer (PROTECT1)

Background: An abbreviated pathway for biological products shown to be biosimilar to the reference product exists in Europe and the US. The randomized PROTECT1 trial compared the efficacy and safety of the proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim with reference pegfilgrastim.

Methods: In this multinational, prospective, double-blind trial, chemotherapy-naïve women aged ≥18 years with histologically proven breast cancer received up to 6 cycles of (neo)-adjuvant TAC chemotherapy (docetaxel 75 mg/m2, doxorubicin 50 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2). Patients were randomized to a single 6 mg SC injection of the proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim (LA-EP2006) or the reference (Neulasta®) on day 2 of each cycle. Primary endpoint was duration of severe neutropenia (DSN) during Cycle 1, defined as number of consecutive days with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) &lt;0.5 x 109/L. The study was powered at 90% and had a hierarchical testing procedure utilizing a ±1 day margin to test for equivalence (2-sided 95% confidence interval [CI]) and a subsequent −0.6 day non-inferiority margin (1-sided 97.5% CI) for DSN during Cycle 1. DSN was analyzed with an ANCOVA model adjusted for treatment, chemotherapy, region and baseline ANC. Secondary efficacy assessments were: time to ANC recovery, ANC nadir, incidence of febrile neutropenia, number of days of fever, frequency of infections and mortality due to infection. Safety was assessed at 4 weeks and 6 months after the last pegfilgrastim administration. Immunogenicity was assessed by testing for neutralizing anti-pegfilgrastim antibodies.

Results: A total of 316 patients were randomized and included in the full analysis set (LA-EP2006: n=159; reference: n=157). Baseline demographics were similar in both groups (mean±SD age: LA-EP2006 49.9±9.53, reference 50.5±10.87 years; breast cancer stage II-III: LA-EP2006 n=155 [97.5%], reference n=151 [96.2%]). Mean±SD DSN in Cycle 1 was 0.75±0.88 days with LA-EP2006 and 0.83±0.90 days with reference, with a treatment difference of 0.07 days (95% CI: −0.12, 0.26); LA-EP2006 was both equivalent and non-inferior to the reference. There were no clinically meaningful differences between LA-EP2006 and reference in incidence of febrile neutropenia (3.8% vs 7.0% in Cycle 1, 5.7% vs 7.6% across all cycles), days with fever, depth of ANC nadir in Cycle 1, time to ANC recovery in Cycle 1, or frequency of infections in Cycle 1 and across all cycles. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were similar across groups and consistent with the known safety profile of pegfilgrastim. Most frequently reported TEAEs related to treatment were musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (LA-EP2006 4.4%, reference 5.7%). Serious TEAEs were reported in 10.1% of LA-EP2006 and 13.4% of reference patients. No neutralizing anti-pegfilgrastim antibodies were detected.

Conclusions: Proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim (LA-EP2006) met the primary endpoint demonstrating both equivalence and non-inferiority to the reference. LA-EP2006 and the reference are similar with no clinically meaningful differences regarding efficacy and safety in breast cancer patients receiving (neo)-adjuvant myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

Citation Format: Harbeck N, Zbarskaya I, Lipatov O, Frolova M, Udovitsa D, Topuzov E, Ganea-Motan DE, Nakov R, Singh P, Rudy A, Blackwell K. A randomized, double-blind trial to compare the efficacy and safety of proposed biosimilar pegfilgrastim (LA-EP2006) with reference pegfilgrastim in patients with breast cancer (PROTECT1). [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 P1-10-01.

Comparison of EP2006, a filgrastim biosimilar, to the reference: a phase III, randomized, double-blind clinical study in the prevention of severe neutropenia in patients with breast cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy

This randomized, double-blind comparison demonstrates that biosimilar filgrastim (EP2006) and the US-licensed reference filgrastim are similar with no clinically meaningful differences regarding efficacy and safety in prevention of severe neutropenia. Biosimilar filgrastim could represent an important alternative to the reference product, potentially increasing access to filgrastim treatment.

Background

Biosimilars of filgrastim are in widespread clinical use in Europe. This phase III study compares biosimilar filgrastim (EP2006), with the US-licensed reference product, Neupogen^®, in breast cancer patients receiving (neo)adjuvant myelosuppressive chemotherapy (TAC).

Patients and methods

A total of 218 patients receiving 5 µg/kg/day filgrastim over six chemotherapy cycles were randomized 1:1:1:1 into four arms. Two arms received only one product (nonalternating), biosimilar or reference, and two arms (alternating) received alternating treatments during each cycle (biosimilar then reference or vice versa). The primary end point was duration of severe neutropenia (DSN) during cycle 1.

Results

The baseline characteristics were balanced between the four treatment arms. Noninferiority of biosimilar versus the reference was demonstrated: DSN (days) in cycle 1 was 1.17 ± 1.11 (biosimilar, N = 101) and 1.20 ± 1.02 (reference, N = 103), 97.5% confidence interval lower boundary for the difference was −0.26 days (above the predefined limit of −1 day). No clinically meaningful differences were observed regarding any other efficacy parameter: incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN); hospitalization due to FN; incidence of infections; depth and time of absolute neutrophil count (ANC) nadir and time to ANC recovery during cycle 1 and across all cycles. The pattern and frequency of adverse events were similar across all treatments.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that biosimilar and the reference filgrastim are similar with no clinically meaningful differences regarding efficacy and safety in prevention of severe neutropenia. Biosimilar filgrastim could represent an important alternative to the reference product, potentially benefiting public health by increasing access to filgrastim treatment.

Study number

NCT01519700.

Effects of a low-molecular-weight heparin on thrombus regression and recurrent thromboembolism in patients with deep-vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Low-molecular-weight heparins are frequently used to treat venous thromboembolism, but optimal dosing regimens and clinical outcomes need further definition.

METHODS

In this multicenter, open-label study with blinded adjudication of end points, we randomly assigned patients with acute deep-vein thrombosis to one of three treatment regimens: intravenous administration of unfractionated heparin; subcutaneous administration of a low-molecular-weight heparin, reviparin, twice a day for one week; or subcutaneous administration of reviparin once a day for four weeks. The primary end point was evidence of regression of the thrombus on venography on day 21; secondary end points were recurrent venous thromboembolism, major bleeding within 90 days after enrollment, and death.

RESULTS

Of the patients receiving unfractionated heparin, 40.2 percent (129 of 321) had thrombus regression, as compared with 53.4 percent (175 of 328) of patients receiving reviparin twice daily and 53.5 percent (167 of 312) of the patients receiving reviparin once daily. With regard to thrombus regression, reviparin administered twice daily was significantly more effective than unfractionated heparin (relative likelihood of thrombus regression, 1.28; 97.5 percent confidence interval, 1.08 to 1.52), as was reviparin administered once daily (relative likelihood, 1.29; 97.5 percent confidence interval, 1.08 to 1.53). Mortality and the frequency of episodes of major bleeding were similar in the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In acute deep-vein thrombosis, reviparin regimens are more effective than unfractionated heparin in reducing the size of the thrombus. Reviparin is also more effective than unfractionated heparin for the prevention of recurrent thromboembolism and equally safe.

Evaluation of the effects of fixed combinations of sustained-release verapamil/trandolapril versus captopril/hydrochlorothiazide on metabolic and electrolyte parameters in patients with essential hypertension

The objective of this randomised open, active controlled, cross-over study was to evaluate the effect of a fixed combination of verapamil SR/trandolapril compared to captopril/hydrochlorothiazide on serum lipids, lipoproteins, and other metabolic and electrolyte parameters in patients with essential hypertension. Another objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of both combinations. One hundred hypertensives with systolic blood pressure 140-209 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure 90-119 mm Hg were evaluated after 16 weeks receiving a fixed combination of verapamil SR 180 mg/ trandolapril 2 mg (VT) or captopril 50 mg/hydro- chlorothiazide 25 mg (CH) both given once daily. Lipids and lipoproteins were assessed in duplicate on 2 consecutive days. The study was completed by 80 patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the two combined regimens with respect to low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol for the 'intention-to-treat' population measured at the end of each treatment period (3.44 +/- 0.87 mmol/L with VT, and 3.46 +/- 0.86 mmol/L with CH). No differences were found for other lipid parameters like total cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A1 and B, Lp(a). High-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol was significantly higher with VT (1.39 +/- 0.01 vs 1.35 +/- 0.01, P < 0. 03). Serum potassium declined while uric acid and glucose increased on CH. In conclusion, no significant differences were found in LDL-cholesterol and in other lipid parameters with the exception of HDL-cholesterol which was significantly higher on VT. Serum potassium declined while uric acid and glucose increased on CH (all significantly). Both fixed combinations were well tolerated. The incidence of adverse events was higher on CH. Both fixed combinations significantly lowered BP. Journal of Human Hypertension (2000) 14, 347-354

Morphological and biochemical study of cytoskeletal changes in cultured cells after extracellular application of Clostridium novyi alpha-toxin

Clostridium novyi alpha-toxin caused retraction and rounding of cultured endothelial cells from porcine pulmonary arteries; nevertheless, the endothelial cells firmly adhered to their supports. F-actin stained with fluorescein-labeled phalloidin was condensed around the nucleus, whereas intermediate filaments and microtubules appeared unchanged. The content of F-actin and myosin was decreased, but that of G-actin or vimentin was not. A predominant role of the microfilament system in C. novyi alpha-toxin cytopathic action is suggested.

Effects of botulinum A toxin on presynaptic modulation of evoked transmitter release

A possible influence of botulinum A toxin on the modulation of evoked neurotransmitter release was investigated in hippocampus tissue. Rabbit hippocampal slices prelabelled with [3H]noradrenaline ([3H]NA), [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine ([3H]5-HT) or [3H]choline were superfused with physiological medium and were stimulated electrically during superfusion. The evoked release of [3H]NA, [3H]5-HT and [3H]acetylcholine [( 3H]ACh) was inhibited by botulinum A toxin in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Neither the inhibition of release of [3H]NA and [3H]5-HT by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine nor facilitation of release in the presence of alpha 2-antagonists were influenced by pretreatment of the tissue with botulinum toxin. The toxin caused no [32P]ADP ribosylation of synaptosomal proteins of hippocampus. The facilitation of the stimulation-induced [3H]NA and [3H]5-HT release by the specific protein kinase C (PKC) activator 4 beta-phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) was significantly diminished by botulinum A toxin. These results show that the evoked transmitter release is inhibited by botulinum A toxin by a mechanism which does not involve ADP ribosylation or an interaction with the alpha 2-adrenoceptor mechanism.

Staurosporine counteracts the phorbol ester-induced enhancement of neurotransmitter release in hippocampus

The effects of staurosporine, introduced as a very potent inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), on evoked neurotransmitter release were investigated and compared with those of the other PKC inhibitors: 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H7) and polymyxin B (PMB). Slices of rabbit hippocampus, prelabelled with either [3H]noradrenaline, [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine or [3H]choline were superfused with physiological medium. During superfusion the slices were stimulated either electrically (3 Hz, 5 V/cm, 24 mA, 2 msec) or by high K+ (30 mM) for 2 min, respectively. Both the electrically and potassium evoked overflow were increased by the PKC activator 4 beta-phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB). The degree of the enhancement by PDB was dependent on the transmitter and the stimulation conditions used. These results may be explained by differences in the extent of activation of PKC during electrically or potassium evoked release. The PDB-induced enhancement of electrically or potassium evoked release of the 3 transmitters was counteracted by staurosporine (1 microM) in concentrations much lower than those required for H7 (100 microM) and PMB (100 microM). PMB, which has been shown to decrease electrically evoked transmitter release, similarly diminished K+-evoked release. In contrast, only the potassium evoked [3H]acetylcholine release was significantly diminished by staurosporine (1 microM) and H7 (100 microM). In conclusion, these results show again that facilitation of neurotransmitter release by phorbol esters is due to activation of PKC.