One Size Fits Some: Approaching Rare Malignancies of the Urinary Tract

OPINION STATEMENT

Urothelial carcinoma is the predominant cancer of the urinary tract but when divergent and subtype histology (non-urothelial) are identified at time of pathologic diagnosis, therapeutic and diagnostic challenges transpire. To this end, pathologic review to confirm any non-urothelial histology is key since these subtypes can often be overlooked. Few prospective trials are dedicated to understanding these non-urothelial histologic types; however, current, and past trials did allow patients with these non-urothelial histologic types to enroll, and inferences can be made about treatment efficacy and survival. Existing treatment regimens for non-urothelial bladder cancers are akin to standard urothelial cancer regimens using surgical approaches for localized disease and platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced disease. The reported clinical trials, that will be discussed, center on non-urothelial histologic types. These studies, albeit limited, provide critical insight into tumor biology and response to standard platinum-based chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and antibody drug conjugates. The inclusion of non-urothelial histologic types will be essential for clinical trials in development to provide further therapeutic advances and provide essential efficacy data.

The Double Antibody Drug Conjugate (DAD) phase I trial: sacituzumab govitecan plus enfortumab vedotin for metastatic urothelial carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The antibody-drug conjugates sacituzumab govitecan (SG) and enfortumab vedotin (EV) are standard monotherapies for metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC). Given the different targets and payloads, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of SG + EV in a phase I trial in mUC (NCT04724018).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with mUC and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤1 who had progressed on platinum and/or immunotherapy were enrolled. SG + EV were administered on days 1 + 8 of a 21-day cycle until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoint was the incidence of dose-limiting toxicities during cycle 1. The number of patients treated at each of four pre-specified dose levels (DLs) and the maximum tolerated doses in combination (MTD) were determined using a Bayesian Optimal Interval design. Objective response, progression-free survival, and overall survival were secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

Between May 2021 and April 2023, 24 patients were enrolled; 1 patient never started therapy and was excluded from the analysis. Median age was 70 years (range 41-88 years); 11 patients received ≥3 lines of therapy. Seventy-eight percent (18/23) of patients experienced grade ≥3 adverse event (AE) regardless of attribution at any DL, with one grade 5 AE (pneumonitis possibly related to EV). The recommended phase II doses are SG 8 mg/kg with EV 1.25 mg/kg with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support; MTDs are SG 10 mg/kg with EV 1.25 mg/kg. The objective response rate was 70% (16/23, 95% confidence interval 47% to 87%) with three complete responses; three patients had progressive disease as best response. With a median follow-up of 14 months, 9/23 patients have ongoing response including 6 responses lasting over 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of SG + EV was assessed at different DLs and a safe dose for phase II was identified. The combination had encouraging activity in patients with mUC with high response rates, including clinically significant complete responses. Additional study of this combination is warranted.

First-Line Treatment for Intermediate and Poor Risk Advanced or Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Combination therapies with immune checkpoint blockers have shown improvements in overall response rate, progression free survival, and overall survival over monotherapy with sunitinib in intermediate and poor risk subgroups. Identification of best upfront therapy may be guided by future clinical trials utilizing adaptive strategies, triplet therapy, or novel biomarkers.

Mutual ATRaction: Assessing Synergy of Berzosertib with Sacituzumab Govitecan

A phase I trial of the novel combination of the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related inhibitor berzosertib plus the antibody-drug conjugate sacituzumab govitecan in patients with heavily pretreatment tumors demonstrated some antitumor activity and no dose-limiting toxicities. This represents a new treatment paradigm that will be further explored in a phase II setting. See related article by Abel et al., p. 3603.

Smoking and COVID-19 in patients with cancer: Novel analysis from CCC19 registry

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Background: Patients (pts) with thoracic cancers have a high rate of hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Smoking has been associated with increased risk for severe COVID-19. However, there is limited data evaluating the impact of smoking recency on COVID-19 severity in pts with cancer. We aimed to characterize the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 based on the recency of smoking in pts with thoracic cancers (TC) and all other cancers (OC). Methods: Adult pts with cancer and lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and smoking history recorded in the CCC19 registry (NCT0435470) were included. Pts were stratified by cancer type (TC or OC) and further stratified into subgroups based on the recency of smoking cessation: current smoker; former smokers who quit < 1 yr. ago; 1-5 yr. ago; 6-10 yr. ago; quit > 10 yr. ago; and never smoker. 30-day all-cause mortality was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were any hospitalization; hospitalization with supplemental O2; ICU admission; and mechanical ventilation. Results: From January 2020 to December 2021, 752 pts from TC group and 8,291 pts from OC group met the inclusion criteria. 78% of patients in TC group ever smoked compared to 36% patients in the OC group. In both groups, the majority of never-smokers were females (70% and 60% in TC and OC respectively). The burden of smoking and the rate of pulmonary comorbidities (PC) was higher in the TC group (PC 22-69%) compared to OC group (PC 12-26%) across all smoking strata. Overall, 30-day all-cause mortality was 21% and 11% in pts with TC and OC respectively. Former smokers who quit < 1 year ago in TC group had the highest rate of mortality and severe COVID-19 outcomes. However, in the OC group, there was no consistent trend of higher mortality or severe COVID-19 outcomes in specific subgroups based on smoking recency. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the largest study evaluating the effect of granular phenotypes of smoking recency on COVID-19 outcomes in pts with cancer. Recent smokers who quit < 1 year ago in TC group had the highest rate of mortality and severe COVID-19. Further analysis exploring the factors (e.g., smoking pack years) associated with severe outcomes in this subgroup is planned.[Table: see text]

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with cancer

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Background: Most patients with cancer and COVID-19 will survive the acute illness. The longer-term impacts of COVID-19 on patients with cancer remain incompletely described. Methods: Using COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium registry data thru 12/31/2021, we examined outcomes of long-term COVID-19 survivors with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC aka “long COVID”). PASC was defined as having recovered w/ complications or having died w/ ongoing infection 90+ days from original diagnosis; absence of PASC was defined as having fully recovered by 90 days, with 90+ days of follow-up. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 re-infection and records with low quality data were excluded. Results: 858 of 3710 of included patients (23%) met PASC criteria. Median follow-up (IQR) for PASC and recovered patients was 180 (98-217) and 180 (90-180) days, respectively. The PASC group had a higher rate of baseline comorbidities and poor performance status (Table). Cancer types, status, and recent anticancer treatment were similar between the groups. The PASC group experienced a higher illness burden, with more hospitalized (83% vs 48%); requiring ICU (29% vs 6%); requiring mechanical ventilation (17% vs 2%); and experiencing co-infections (19% vs 8%). There were more deaths in the PASC vs recovered group (8% vs 3%), with median (IQR) days to death of 158 (120-272) and 180 (130-228), respectively. Of these, 9% were attributed to COVID-19; 15% to both COVID-19 and cancer; 15% to cancer; and 23% to other causes. Conversely, no deaths in the recovered group were attributed to COVID-19; 57% were attributed to cancer; and 24% to other causes (proximal cause of death unknown/missing in 38% and 19%, respectively). Cancer treatment modification was more common in the recovered group (23% vs 18%). Conclusions: Patients with underlying comorbidities, worse ECOG PS, and more severe acute SARS-CoV-2 infection had higher rates of PASC. These patients suffered more severe complications and incurred worse outcomes. There was an appreciable rate of death in both PASC and non-PASC, with cancer the dominant but not only cause in fully recovered patients. Further study is needed to understand what factors drive PASC, and whether longer-term cancer-specific outcomes will be affected.[Table: see text]

COVID-19 vaccination and breakthrough infections in patients with cancer

BACKGROUND

Vaccination is an important preventive health measure to protect against symptomatic and severe COVID-19. Impaired immunity secondary to an underlying malignancy or recent receipt of antineoplastic systemic therapies can result in less robust antibody titers following vaccination and possible risk of breakthrough infection. As clinical trials evaluating COVID-19 vaccines largely excluded patients with a history of cancer and those on active immunosuppression (including chemotherapy), limited evidence is available to inform the clinical efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination across the spectrum of patients with cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We describe the clinical features of patients with cancer who developed symptomatic COVID-19 following vaccination and compare weighted outcomes with those of contemporary unvaccinated patients, after adjustment for confounders, using data from the multi-institutional COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19).

RESULTS

Patients with cancer who develop COVID-19 following vaccination have substantial comorbidities and can present with severe and even lethal infection. Patients harboring hematologic malignancies are over-represented among vaccinated patients with cancer who develop symptomatic COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccination against COVID-19 remains an essential strategy in protecting vulnerable populations, including patients with cancer. Patients with cancer who develop breakthrough infection despite full vaccination, however, remain at risk of severe outcomes. A multilayered public health mitigation approach that includes vaccination of close contacts, boosters, social distancing, and mask-wearing should be continued for the foreseeable future.

Pathologic outcomes at cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) following immunotherapy (IO) for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC)

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Background: IO, either as combination therapy in the frontline or monotherapy in the second line, has improved outcomes for patients with advanced RCC. With the movement away from upfront CN, limited data are available on the outcomes of patients who receive IO with delayed CN. In this study, we characterized the pathologic and survival outcomes for patients who received IO followed by CN. Methods: We conducted a multi-center, retrospective analysis of patients with advanced/metastatic RCC having received IO combination or monotherapy followed by CN. An IRB-approved and HIPAA-compliant registry was used to collect data from the electronic medical record. Our primary endpoint was the degree of pathologic downstaging comparing baseline clinical T stage to pathologic T stage following IO. Secondary endpoints included investigator assessed response using RECIST principals, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: We identified53 patients with advanced RCC across 9 institutions who were eligible for the study. The median age was 63 years, 72% were white, and 60% were male. 81% of patients had clear cell histology, 11% had sarcomatoid differentiation, and 75% presented with de novo metastatic disease. Baseline IMDC risk is as follows: 4% favorable, 55% intermediate, and 26% poor risk with 15% unknown. 23% had bone metastases and 23% had liver metastases at baseline. Lines of therapy prior to CN was 1 line in 74% of patients, 2 lines in 25%, and 3 lines in 2%. For the line of IO therapy immediately preceding CN, 49% received nivolumab+ipilimumab, 30% received IO monotherapy, and 21% received combination IO/VEGF therapy. The median duration of therapy prior to surgery was 11.3 months (range 0.38-47.8). 28% of patients discontinued treatment after CN for observation. Best overall response prior to CN was stable disease in 25% of patients, partial response in 60%, and progressive disease in 4% with 11% unknown. Following receipt of IO-based treatment, 38% of patients exhibited downstaging from the baseline clinical T stage to the CN pathological T stage (Table). 11% of patients had no residual disease at CN. For pathologic outcomes, 85% of patients had negative margins, 75% had necrosis present, and the median tumor size at CN was 6.5 cm. The median PFS was 11.3 months and median OS was 25.7 months for the overall cohort. Conclusions: IO-based strategies demonstrate efficacy in the renal primary in patients with advanced RCC. T stage downstaging was demonstrated in 38% of patients with 11% having a complete pathologic response in the renal primary following IO administration. Biomarker studies on baseline and CN tissue will further elucidate molecular predictors of response and resistance to IO therapy.[Table: see text]

Impact of neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy on primary tumor size and complexity: Correlation with surgical quality and short term oncological outcomes

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Background:The concept of primary systemic therapy has gained increasing traction in the management of metastatic and locally advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC). Most series have evaluated the use of tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, however, with the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy as first line agents in advanced RCC, further assessment of efficacy is warranted. We examined the effects of immunotherapy (IO) combinations on the primary tumor and consequent surgical quality and short-term oncological outcomes. Methods: We conducted a multi-center, retrospective analysis of patients with advanced/metastatic RCC having received IO followed by Radical (RN) or partial nephrectomy (PN). Primary outcome was achievement of Bifecta (composite outcome of complete resection and no 30-day post-operative complications). Predictors for achievement of Bifecta were assessed with logistic regression multivariable analysis. Secondary outcomes were change in maximal tumor dimension, RENAL nephrometry score and disease progression. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess progression-free survival (PFS) for Bifecta and non-Bifecta patients. Results: We identified 52 patients with advanced RCC across 9 institutions who were eligible. The median age was 63 years and 60.4% were males. Median tumor size at diagnosis was 9.3 cm. 19.6% had T4 disease and 75% had AJCC Stage IV disease. IO treatment resulted in significant reductions in median tumor size (-25.4%; 9.7 cm vs. 7.3cm p = 0.0129) and RENAL nephrometry score (9 to 8, p = 0.032). 43 (83%) of patients underwent RN and (9) 17% had PN. Median tumor size was smaller for PN (8 vs. 4.1 cm, p < 0.001), and 30 day complication rates were higher (p = 0.024). Bifecta was achieved in 39 patients [33/42 (78.6%) RN and 6/9 (67%) PN, p = 0.264). Predictors for achievement of Bifecta were younger age (OR 1.06, p = 0.01), increasing reduction in tumor size (OR 1.187, p < 0.001), and shorter time between therapy and surgery (OR 1.07, p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated longer median time to progression in the Bifecta-positive group compared to patients who failed to achieve Bifecta (75 vs. 30 months, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Pre-surgical therapy resulted in tumor size and complexity reduction. Tumor size reduction was predictive for achievement of Bifecta, which was associated with improved short term oncological outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the first series evaluating the effect of neoadjuvant systemic therapy on the primary tumor prior to surgical intervention.

Immunological and clinical profiles of patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors to investigate potential biomarkers for immune-related adverse events

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Background: Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) related to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) may target any organ and originate from autoreactive T cells injuring host tissues. There is a need to develop prognostic and predictive biomarkers to distinguish patients (pts) who will benefit from ICIs avoiding irAEs during treatment. We propose that irAEs are the result of many biological variables. We hypothesize that within each pts complex immunological profile, there may be patterns and associations which exist that represent a state of inflammation that is present prior to ICI therapy and hypothesize this could predict irAEs development. Methods: We created individual immunological profiles of 11 pts diagnosed with MM prior to receiving ICIs. Assays included: PBMC composition, circulating chemokines/cytokines, and IκB degradation status. CD4 and CD8 T cells were studied for their phenotype, activation status, proliferative capacity and cytolytic granules. Clinical data was collected on a larger MM pt cohort (n = 41) and descriptive statistics were utilized to characterize reported irAEs . Results: 110 input markers were utilized for immune signature analysis. 6 of the 11 pts reported grade 2+ irAEs after ICI therapy. The pro-inflammatory CCL13, CCL1, FLT-3, IL12p40, TRAIL, and granzyme b expressing CD4 T cells at steady state and after CD3 activation were significantly higher in pts with irAEs. Known inflammatory suspects (i.e., IL-2, IL-15, TNF-a or % CD8 T cells) were not associated with irAE development . A rank correlation test showed significant associations between the levels of these factors. irAEs were reported in 41% (n = 17) for our larger cohort, most frequently skin rash (7%), colitis (7%), hepatitis (7%) and thyroid dysfunction (4%). Conclusions: The immune signatures of pts with irAEs are highly heterogeneous and possess distinctive immunological patterns. Our results introduce possible molecular mechanisms that may aid understanding of irAE development, perhaps providing the basis for a new model prospectively testing these markers to risk stratify pts receiving ICIs.

The outcome and toxicity profile of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy subsequent to high-dose IL-2 in the treatment of metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma

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Background: Approved treatments for metastatic melanoma (MM) and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) include targeted agents, high dose interleukin-2 (HD IL-2) and checkpoint inhibitors (CI). A subset of responders to HD-IL2 can achieve long term durable remissions (7-10%). Recently, data suggests that durable remissions are possible with CI. Thus, despite increased toxicity, first-line immunotherapy with HD-IL2 is a reasonable consideration in carefully selected patients with clear cell mRCC and MM followed by CI upon relapse. Our study explores the utility and safety of CI subsequent to HD-IL2 in patients (pts) in this population. Methods: We conducted a single institution retrospective analysis of pts with MM or mRCC who received HD-IL2 and subsequent CI from 2008-2017. Pts treated with prior targeted therapy were included. Statistical analysis was performed using Fischer's exact tests, log-rank test for KM analysis and non-parametric Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests to compare the groups. Results: We identified 34 unique pts (19 MM, 15 mRCC) from our pre-specified cohort. Pts were male (73%), Caucasian (88%), and median age=53. mRCC pts received more cancer related treatments than MM prior to CIs after HD-IL2 was given (2 vs. 1, p=0.002), had more total CI cycles administered (12 vs. 7, p=0.10) but less IL-2 doses than MM pts (20 vs. 24, p=0.26). mRCC pts tended to record higher HD-IL2 toxicity grade compared to MM pts (exact =0.04). 26% (9/34) of pts experienced a grade 2 or higher CI toxicity. Pts had higher HD IL-2 toxicities than CI toxicities during therapy but these two measures were not significantly correlated (r=0.07, p=0.73); furthermore, there was no survival difference between pts with reported grade 2 or higher CI toxicity compared to pts without any CI toxicity ( p=0.14). Conclusions: Our study suggests that CI therapy after HD-IL2 is feasible and not associated with more frequent toxicity or less clinical efficacy in pts with MM or mRCC.

Features of hepatocellular carcinoma in Hispanics differ from African Americans and non-Hispanic Whites

AIM

To compare features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Hispanics to those of African Americans and Whites.

METHODS

Patients treated for HCC at an urban tertiary medical center from 2005 to 2011 were identified from a tumor registry. Data were collected retrospectively, including demographics, comorbidities, liver disease characteristics, tumor parameters, treatment, and survival (OS) outcomes. OS analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-five patients with HCC were identified: 80.5% were male, and 22% were age 65 or older. Mean age at HCC diagnosis was 59.7 ± 9.8 years. Sixty-one point five percent of patients had Medicare or Medicaid; 4.1% were uninsured. Compared to African American (31.2%) and White (46.2%) patients, Hispanic patients (22.6%) were more likely to have diabetes (P = 0.0019), hyperlipidemia (P = 0.0001), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (P = 0.0021), end stage renal disease (P = 0.0057), and less likely to have hepatitis C virus (P < 0.0001) or a smoking history (P < 0.0001). Compared to African Americans, Hispanics were more likely to meet criteria for metabolic syndrome (P = 0.0491), had higher median MELD scores (P = 0.0159), ascites (P = 0.008), and encephalopathy (P = 0.0087). Hispanic patients with HCC had shorter OS than the other racial groups (P = 0.020), despite similarities in HCC parameters and treatment.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Hispanic patients with HCC have higher incidence of modifiable metabolic risk factors including NASH, and shorter OS than African American and White patients.

Phase Ib study of PGG beta glucan in combination with anti-MUC1 antibody (BTH1704) and gemcitabine for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer

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Background: Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a tumor associated membrane-bound glycoprotein that promotes oncogenesis through promotion of epithelial cell polarity loss, anti-apoptosis, and hypoxia driven angiogenesis. MUC1 overexpression is associated with aggressive behavior and poor outcomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and increased resistance to gemcitabine (G) in vitro. BTH1704 (BTH) is a humanized monoclonal antibody (MAb) targeting aberrantly glycosylated MUC1. Imprime PGG (PGG) is a soluble yeast-derived b 1,3/1,6 glucan that binds complement receptor 3 (CR3) on innate immune cells priming them to exert anti-tumor activity against complement (iC3b) opsonized tumor cells. Following incubation of PGG with whole blood from healthy subjects, variability in PGG binding to neutrophils and monocytes has been observed, with higher binding and functional changes correlating with higher levels of endogenous anti-b glucan antibodies. BTH binds to antigens (MUC1), leading to iC3b opsonization of tumor cells thus, allowing PGG-primed leukocytes to kill the iC3b-opsonized tumor cells. This forms the rationale for testing BTH1704 combined with G + PGG. Methods: This is a single institution Phase 1b dose escalation study with a standard 3x3 design to determine the maximal administered dose (MAD) of BTH combined with G + PGG in patients with previously treated advanced PDAC.Each dose cohort includes at least one subject with high and one low PGG binding capability. Primary objectives: establish MAD of BTH combined with G + PGG. Secondary objectives: characterize adverse effects, clinical response, time to progression, progression free and overall survival. Correlative objectives: quantify PGG binding, MDSC phenotyping of PBMC, anti b glucan antibody levels, MUC1 IHC. Inclusion criteria: confirmed advanced PDAC, ECOG PS 0-2, rest period 2-6 weeks from prior first- or second-line treatment. Exclusion criteria: uncontrolled chronic illness. Administration and design: BTH and PGG are administered on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of a 28-day cycle; G is administered on days 1, 8, and 15. The study is currently enrolling patients. Clinical trial information: NCT02132403. Clinical trial information: NCT02132403.

Cortical-striatal gene expression in neonatal hippocampal lesion (NVHL)-amplified cocaine sensitization

Cortical-striatal circuit dysfunction in mental illness may enhance addiction vulnerability. Neonatal ventral hippocampal lesions (NVHL) model this dual diagnosis causality by producing a schizophrenia syndrome with enhanced responsiveness to addictive drugs. Rat genome-wide microarrays containing >24 000 probesets were used to examine separate and co-occurring effects of NVHLs and cocaine sensitization (15 mg/kg/day × 5 days) on gene expression within medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), nucleus accumbens (NAC), and caudate-putamen (CAPU). Two weeks after NVHLs robustly amplified cocaine behavioral sensitization, brains were harvested for genes of interest defined as those altered at P < 0.001 by NVHL or cocaine effects or interactions. Among 135 genes so impacted, NVHLs altered twofold more than cocaine, with half of all changes in the NAC. Although no genes were changed in the same direction by both NVHL and cocaine history, the anatomy and directionality of significant changes suggested synergy on the neural circuit level generative of compounded behavioral phenotypes: NVHL predominantly downregulated expression in MPFC and NAC while NVHL and cocaine history mostly upregulated CAPU expression. From 75 named genes altered by NVHL or cocaine, 27 had expression levels that correlated significantly with degree of behavioral sensitization, including 11 downregulated by NVHL in MPFC/NAC, and 10 upregulated by NVHL or cocaine in CAPU. These findings suggest that structural and functional impoverishment of prefrontal-cortical-accumbens circuits in mental illness is associated with abnormal striatal plasticity compounding with that in addictive disease. Polygenetic interactions impacting neuronal signaling and morphology within these networks likely contribute to addiction vulnerability in mental illness.

Racial differences in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A large single-institution experience

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Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) disproportionately affects minorities with higher age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates in Hispanics (H) and blacks (B) versus non-Hispanic whites (C). While H have the fastest rising rates of HCC of all ethnic groups per SEER analysis, little is known about race specific risk factors and disease characteristics. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed HCC patients (pts) treated at University of Illinois-Chicago between 1998 and 2005. Demographics, disease characteristics, treatment patterns, and survival were analyzed with descriptive statistics and chi-square p values. Results: Mean age of HCC pts (N=195) at diagnosis was 59.7 years + 9.8 (19.5% female; 22% aged 65 or older; 61.5% Medicare or Medicaid; 4.1% without insurance; 22.6% H; 31.2% B). Compared to C and B, H pts were more likely to have ascites and NASH and less likely to have ever smoked or have hepatitis C. Compared to B, H pts were more likely to have metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and encephalopathy (HE). Compared to C, B pts had lower MELD scores. Conclusions: In our patient population, Hispanic patients were significantly more likely to have diabetes and NASH, and lower frequency of tobacco use, HCV, and elevated AFP levels at diagnosis. [Table: see text]

Alcohol seeking and consumption in the NVHL neurodevelopmental rat model of schizophrenia

Alcohol abuse in schizophrenia exceeds rates in the general population and worsens illness outcomes. Neonatal ventral hippocampal lesion (NVHL) rats model multiple schizophrenia dimensions including addiction vulnerability. This study compared NVHL vs. SHAM-controls in operant alcohol seeking and consumption. NVHLs enhanced consumption of combined ethanol/sucrose solution but neither ethanol or sucrose only solutions, consistent with increased vulnerability specific to carbohydrate-laden alcohol beverages typically consumed in early stages of human alcoholism.

Imaging cyclic AMP changes in pancreatic islets of transgenic reporter mice

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) and Ca(2+) are two ubiquitous second messengers in transduction pathways downstream of receptors for hormones, neurotransmitters and local signals. The availability of fluorescent Ca(2+) reporter dyes that are easily introduced into cells and tissues has facilitated analysis of the dynamics and spatial patterns for Ca(2+) signaling pathways. A similar dissection of the role of cAMP has lagged because indicator dyes do not exist. Genetically encoded reporters for cAMP are available but they must be introduced by transient transfection in cell culture, which limits their utility. We report here that we have produced a strain of transgenic mice in which an enhanced cAMP reporter is integrated in the genome and can be expressed in any targeted tissue and with tetracycline induction. We have expressed the cAMP reporter in beta-cells of pancreatic islets and conducted an analysis of intracellular cAMP levels in relation to glucose stimulation, Ca(2+) levels, and membrane depolarization. Pancreatic function in transgenic mice was normal. In induced transgenic islets, glucose evoked an increase in cAMP in beta-cells in a dose-dependent manner. The cAMP response is independent of (in fact, precedes) the Ca(2+) influx that results from glucose stimulation of islets. Glucose-evoked cAMP responses are synchronous in cells throughout the islet and occur in 2 phases suggestive of the time course of insulin secretion. Insofar as cAMP in islets is known to potentiate insulin secretion, the novel transgenic mouse model will for the first time permit detailed analyses of cAMP signals in beta-cells within islets, i.e. in their native physiological context. Reporter expression in other tissues (such as the heart) where cAMP plays a critical regulatory role, will permit novel biomedical approaches.

Sonographische Diagnostik vergrößerter Lymphknoten

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to categorize enlarged superficial lymph nodes as benign or malignant using sonomorphologic features and vascularization pattern.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Enlarged superficial lymph nodes in 57 patients were assessed with B-mode and contrast-enhanced power Doppler sonography. Morphology and vascularization were evaluated. The lymph nodes were categorized as benign or malignant. Correlation was made with histology and follow-up results.

RESULTS

In 55 patients, 40 lymph nodes were correctly categorized as benign and 15 lymph nodes correctly as malignant. The most reliable criteria were shape and vascularization pattern. Intact hilar vessels and branching indicated benign enlargement, destruction of the hilum with vessels running peripherally along the capsule indicated metastatic destruction. Two benign lymph nodes were considered malignant (false positive).

CONCLUSION

B-mode ultrasound along with contrast-enhanced power Doppler ultrasound is an easy, cost-effective, and reliable tool for differentiation and categorization of enlarged superficial lymph nodes.