[CDC73 mutations in young patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: A description of two clinical cases]

The article describes two clinical cases of severe primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) caused by parathyroid carcinoma in young female patients who underwent molecular genetic testing to rule out the hereditary forms of PHPT. In both patients, heterozygous germline nonsense mutations of tumor suppressor gene CDC73 encoding parafibromin (p.R91X and p.Q166X) were identified using next-generation sequencing with Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (Thermo Fisher Scientific - Life Technologies, USA). It is the first description of CDC73 mutations in Russia, one of the mutations is described for the first time in the world. Identification of germline mutations in the CDC73 gene in patients with PHPT necessitates regular lifelong screening for other manifestations of hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome (HPT-JT), PHPT recurrence due to parathyroid carcinoma as well, and identification of mutation carriers among first-degree relatives.

Randomized phase II study of carboplatin and paclitaxel with either linifanib or placebo for advanced nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

Linifanib, a potent, selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors, has single-agent activity in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We evaluated linifanib with carboplatin and paclitaxel as first-line therapy of advanced nonsquamous NSCLC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with stage IIIB/IV nonsquamous NSCLC were randomly assigned to 3-week cycles of carboplatin (area under the curve 6) and paclitaxel (200 mg/m(2)) with daily placebo (arm A), linifanib 7.5 mg (arm B), or linifanib 12.5 mg (arm C). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS); secondary efficacy end points included overall survival (OS) and objective response rate.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-eight patients were randomly assigned (median age, 61 years; 57% men; 84% smokers). Median PFS times were 5.4 months (95% CI, 4.2 to 5.7 months) in arm A (n = 47), 8.3 months (95% CI, 4.2 to 10.8 months) in arm B (n = 44), and 7.3 months (95% CI, 4.6 to 10.8 months) in arm C (n = 47). Hazard ratios (HRs) for PFS were 0.51 for arm B versus A (P = .022) and 0.64 for arm C versus A (P = .118). Median OS times were 11.3, 11.4, and 13.0 months in arms A, B, and C, respectively. HRs for OS were 1.08 for arm B versus A (P = .779) and 0.88 for arm C versus A (P = .650). Both linifanib doses were associated with increased toxicity, including a higher incidence of adverse events known to be associated with VEGF/PDGF inhibition. Baseline plasma carcinoembryonic antigen/cytokeratin 19 fragments biomarker signature was associated with PFS improvement and a trend toward OS improvement with linifanib 12.5 mg.

CONCLUSION

Addition of linifanib to chemotherapy significantly improved PFS (arm B), with a modest trend for survival benefit (arm C) and increased toxicity reflective of known VEGF/PDGF inhibitory effects.

Pharmacogenomic assessment of cisplatin-based chemotherapy outcomes in ovarian cancer

AIM

Cisplatin and its analogs are potent antitumor agents. However, their use is restricted by significant variability in tumor response and toxicity. There is a great need to identify genetic markers to predict the most important adverse events and patient outcomes.

MATERIALS & METHODS

We have evaluated the association between polymorphisms in 106 genes involved mainly in xenobiotic metabolism, DNA repair, the cell cycle and apoptosis, and outcomes in 104 ovarian cancer patients receiving cisplatin-cyclophosphamide chemotherapy. Arrayed primer extension technology was used to genotype 228 SNPs.

RESULTS

Ten SNPs in nine genes were found to be associated with one or more of the assessed clinical end points. SNPs in TPMT and NQO1 were significantly associated with progression-free survival. Polymorphisms in ERCC5, RAD52, MUTYH and LIG3 correlated with the occurrence of severe neutropenia. SNPs in NAT2 and EPHX1 were associated with anemia and nephrotoxicity, respectively. A SNP in ADH1C was correlated with complete tumor response.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained suggest that SNPs in different genes involved in drug metabolism can be important in identifying patients at risk for nonresponse to or toxicity from cisplatin-based treatment.

Federal clinical practice guidelines on the diagnostics and treatment of adrenocortical cancer

Statement of hormonal activity and potential malignancy are the most important issues of diagnosis and selection of appropriate treatment way for patients with adrenal tumors. Adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) is rare disease with poor prognosis. Incidience of ACC is about 0.5-2 per million, and no more then 2-4% among adrenal tumors. This draft of guidelines of diagnosis and treatment of ACC is offered to common discussion among wide round of specialists.

[Chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer]

Cervical cancer takes second place in morbidity and third place in mortality from gynecological cancer. Advanced stages among newly diagnosed cases is still large. The "gold standard" of treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer is chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin that results in a lower risk of death. Improvement of radiotherapy methods allowed to bring optimal dose to the primary tumor with the inclusion of regional metastasis areas with less risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissue and organs. The search for alternative combinations of cytostatics, modes of drug administration, adjuvant chemotherapy after chemoradiotherapy showed an increase in survival of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

Results of observational study of docetaxel, platinum compounds, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin as first-line therapy in advanced gastric cancer (AGC)

e15156

Background: AGC is relatively chemosensitive, but a standard chemotherapy (CT) regimen has yet to emerge, and responses are of short duration. Docetaxel-containing scheme are new option for pts with AGC. The V325 trial demonstrated the efficacy benefit of adding docetaxel to CF (cisplatin + 5-FU) (DCF). DCF is associated with significant toxicity, making it less tolerable to pts. We modified the original DCF regimen to reduce its toxicity without decreasing efficacy. Methods: AGC pts received docetaxel 75mg/m2 and cisplatin 75mg/m2 (n=42) or oxaliplatin 100mg/m2 (n=39) in day2 with leucovorin 50mg and 5-FU 500mg/m2 (3-hour infusion) in day1-3 every 3w (TPFL or TOFL) instead of original DCF (docetaxel 75mg/m2, cisplatin 75mg/m2 in day1 and fluorouracil 750 mg/m2in day 1-5 continuous infusion). Results: 81 CT-naïve pts with AGC were included in our observational study from Feb 2008 to Dec 2012 (42 female, 39 male). ECOG 0/1/2 were 9.9/85.2/4.9% pts. ORR was 41% (32/79), SD – 37% (29/79), PD – 23% (18/79). Median PFS and median OS were evaluated in 80pts and were 5.6m and 12.4m, respectively. ORR, PFS, and OS comparable TOFL and TPFL results were: 49 and 34%, 5.4 and 6.5m, 11 and 12.8m respectively. Toxicity of both regimens was moderate. Grade 3+4 toxicities for TPFL/TOFL included leucopenia – 23/5%, neutropenia –50/61%pts, febrile neutropenia -7pts (9%) - 1pt from TPFL and 6pts from TOFL, thrombocytopenia – 2/0% pts. Nonhematologic toxicities were max grade 3: asthenia –2 /20%, stomatitis – 2/0%, diarrhea – 7/5%, vomiting – 0/2,5% pts. There were 2 pts experienced 3grade neurotoxicity in TOFL. We didn’t use G-CSF prophylaxis. There were no deaths and treatment discontinuation due to toxicity. At present 13 pts are still alive, 4 of them were operated on due to distant mts resolution after 4-17 CT courses. Their survival is 41m without PD, 43m, 52m and 22m with PD over 10m,12m and 7m after surgery. Conclusions: Our data suggest that docetaxel and platinum-contain regimens has the similar efficacy and better tolerability than the standard DCF. Both regimens can be safely given in an ambulant setting. Febrile neutropenia and neurotoxicity were more common in TOFL.

Clinical outcome according to tumor HER2 status and EGFR expression in advanced gastric cancer patients from the EXPAND study

4021

Background: In the EXPAND study adding cetuximab to first-line capecitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy (CT) failed to improve clinical outcome in patients (pts) with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer. This analysis assessed treatment outcome according to tumor HER2 status (a pre-defined subgroup) and EGFR expression in EXPAND study pts. Methods: Tumor HER2 status was determined primarily by immunohistochemistry (IHC), HER2 +ve tumors were IHC 3+ or IHC 2+ and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) +ve. EGFR expression was assessed by IHC. A continuous scoring system (scale of 0–300) was used to determine the level of EGFR expression. Biomarker status was correlated with clinical outcome. Results: In both treatment arms, pts with HER2 +ve tumors (n=144) vs HER2 -ve tumors (n=535) had a longer median overall survival (OS): 13.3 (95% CI 10.9–15.5) vs 9.2 (95% CI 8.1–10.5) months in the CT + cetuximab arm and 14.0 (95% CI 11.3–17.1) vs 9.7 (95% CI 8.6–11.0) months in the CT arm, and a better overall response rate, 51.4 (95% CI 39.3–63.3) vs 27.0 (95% CI 21.9–32.6) % and 37.5 (95% CI 26.4–49.7) vs 26.4 (95% CI 21.1–32.3) % respectively. In stepwise multivariable models, pts with HER2 -ve vs HER2 +ve tumors showed an increased risk of death (adjusted hazards ratio 1.552, 95% CI 1.244–1.936) and reduced odds of response (adjusted odds ratio 0.477, 95% CI 0.316–0.720). EGFR tumor expression was evaluable in 774 pts from the intent to treat population (n=904). The EGFR IHC score was low (median 0, range 0–300). No discriminating threshold for the IHC score was identified. However in pt subgroups defined by a series of cut-off points from an IHC score of 10 upwards (rising incrementally by 10), there was a tendency for improved OS, progression-free survival, and tumor response when adding cetuximab to CT in pts with high tumor EGFR IHC scores. Conclusions: In this analysis of EXPAND study pts, those with HER2 +ve tumors were associated with better outcome irrespective of the treatment arm compared with pts with HER2 -ve tumors. Tumor EGFR expression was generally low. Adding cetuximab to CT failed to improve outcome overall, but may benefit a small proportion of pts with high EGFR tumor expression. Clinical trial information: 2007-004219-75.

Effect of maintenance bevacizumab (Bev) plus pemetrexed (Pem) after first-line cisplatin/Pem/Bev in advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (nsNSCLC) on overall survival (OS) of patients (pts) on the AVAPERL (MO22089) phase III randomized trial

8014

Background: Maintenance monotherapy has been associated with improved survival for NSCLC pts. AVAPERL was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab with or without pemetrexed as continuation maintenance treatment and demonstrated improved progression-free survival (PFS) (Barlesi, JCO in press). Methods: Pts with advanced nsNSCLC received first-line Bev (7.5 mg/kg), cisplatin (75 mg/m2), and Pem (500 mg/m2) every 3 weeks (q3w) for 4 cycles. Those non progressing were randomized to maintenance Bev (7.5 mg/kg) +/-Pem (500 mg/m2) q3w until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point (PFS) was met. An independent update analysis has been conducted to assess OS. Results: A total of 376 pts receive induction treatment; 125 and 128 were randomized to the Bev-alone and Bev+Pem arms, respectively. Induction therapy resulted in confirmed disease control in 71.9% of pts. After a median follow-up of 14.8 months, PFS for the Bev+Pem arm was significantly improved both from induction (10.2 v 6.6 m, HR 0.58 [0.45-0.76], p<.0001) and randomization (7.4 v 3.7 m, HR 0.57 [0.44-0.75], p<.0001). With 58% of events, OS for the Bev+Pem arm was also improved both from induction (19.8 v 15.9 m, HR 0.88 [0.64-1.22], p=.32) and randomization (17.1 v 13.2 m, HR 0.87 [0.63-1.21], p=.29). The PFS and OS improvements were comparable across age, PS, smoking status, and response to induction (SD vPR/CR) subgroups. No new safety signal was observed during this updated analysis. Conclusions: Continuation maintenance with Bev+Pem in an unselected population of nsNSCLC pts who had achieved disease control after induction was associated with an increase by almost 4 months in OS benefit over standard Bev alone. Clinical trial information: NCT00961415.

[Which patients with ovarian cancer shows the combination of trabectedin with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin]

Given the high rate of recurrence of ovarian cancer, the search for new therapeutic strategies are topical issue. According to various studies the effectiveness of drug treatment relapse depends on the platinum-free interval, increasing in proportion to its duration. If therapy is platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer is a standard approach, the treatment of platinum-sensitive recurrent algorithm is not fully defined. Comparison of platinum and non-platinum combinations revealed the advantage of combined platinum- treatment for patients with platinum-free interval of more than 6 months without an increase in life expectancy. Non-platinum combination of trabected in with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin has shown comparable efficacy with an advantage in overall survival in patients with platinum-free interval of 6-12 months. A platinum-free interval prolongation by the use of non-platinum mode increases the efficiency of subsequent platinum-based therapy, increasing the life expectancy of patients. Currently under study molecular markers and prognostic factors allowing to define a group of patients who have the greatest benefit from the use trabectedin with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin as second-line chemotherapy.

[Results of combined treatment of patients with metastatic gastric cancer. Case study]

We present the clinical observation of combined treatment of a patient with metastatic gastric cancer. The patient underwent combined chemotherapy for initially inoperable gastric cancer with metastases to the liver, paragastric lymph nodes, and peritoneal carcinomatosis with complete regression of distant metastases, which allowed radical surgery. The patient is currently under regular team observation without signs of disease. His present survival is 44 months.

[Current possibilities of targeted therapy in the treatment of breast cancer with overexpression of HER-2/neu and metastatic lesions in the brain]

Targeted therapy (lapatinib and/or trastuzumab) in combination with chemotherapy (capecitabine) is highly effective in metastatic lesions of the brain in breast cancer patients with overexpress HER-2/neu. An objective response in the brain was achieved in 19 patients (55.9%). Complete regression was observed in 5 cases (14.7%), partial regression--14 (41.2%). Stabilization of tumor process in the brain was revealed in 12 patients (35.3%). There was marked improvement in the quality of life of the majority of patients due to the regression of symptoms and good tolerability of treatment.

[Pharmacogenomics of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients from Yakutia]

DNA polymorphism is an important component of the interindividual variation in reactions of patients to the same drugs. In this work, evaluation of the association between polymorphisms in 106 genes involved in key processes of cellular activity (xenobiotic metabolism, DNA repair, the cell cycle, and apoptosis), and outcomes in a cohort of Yakut ovarian cancer patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy was carried out. The polymorphism in the CDKN1B gene (rs34330) was found to be associated with complete tumor response and progression-free survival. SNPs in EPXH1 gene (rs2234922 and rs2260863) were correlated with hearing impairment. A SNP in NBN gene (rs1063045) was associated with severe emesis.

Randomized phase II open-label study of mFOLFOX6 in combination with linifanib or bevacizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer

3532

Background: Linifanib is a potent and selective inhibitor of VEGF/PDGF receptors. This trial assessed the efficacy and safety of mFOLFOX6 in combination with linifanib or bevacizumab as second-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods: Patients (pts) with measurable mCRC refractory to 1 prior regimen and ECOG PS 0–1, stratified by prior bevacizumab treatment and radiotherapy, were randomized to receive mFOLFOX6 with bevacizumab 10 mg/kg on day (d) 1 of 14-d cycle (Arm A), mFOLFOX6 with daily linifanib 7.5 mg (Arm B), or mFOLFOX6 with daily linifanib 12.5 mg (Arm C). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Severity of adverse events (AEs) was graded using NCI-CTCAE v3.0. Results: 148 pts were randomized at 45 sites in 14 countries. 32 pts (21.6%) had received prior bevacizumab. PFS and response data are shown below (Table). Median survival (OS) was not reached at median follow up 7.6 months. Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) was the only Grade 3/4 AE significantly higher on linifanib (high dose, 16.3%) vs. bevacizumab (0%). Rate of any Grade 3+ AE was significantly higher on linifanib vs. bevacizumab.Hypertension rates were 41.7% (Arm A), 40.0% (Arm B), and 36.7% (Arm C). AEs dose-related to linifanib were constipation, proctalgia, stomatitis, fatigue, weight decrease, decreased appetite, and PPE. Conclusions: The addition of linifanib to mFOLFOX6, compared to mFOLFOX6 + bevacizumab, did not provide a PFS advantage for mCRC. OS results will be updated for conference presentation. [Table: see text]

Randomized phase II study of carboplatin and paclitaxel with either linifanib or placebo for advanced nonsquamous NSCLC

7512

Background: Linifanib is a potent and selective inhibitor of VEGF and PDGF receptors with modest single-agent activity in NSCLC. We evaluated the combination of linifanib with carboplatin (C) and paclitaxel (P) for first-line therapy of advanced non-squamous NSCLC. Methods: Patients (pts) with stage IIIB/IV, non-squamous NSCLC, stratified by ECOG PS and gender, were randomized to receive up to six 3-wk cycles of C (AUC 6 mg/ml/min) and P (200 mg/m2) with daily placebo (Arm A), linifanib 7.5 mg (Arm B), or linifanib 12.5 mg (Arm C). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS); secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), 12 m survival rate, and objective response rate (ORR). Safety was assessed by NCI-CTCAE v3.0. Results: 138 pts were randomized at 37 sites in 6 countries. Baseline characteristics were: median age, 61 y; men, 57%; smoker, 84%. Efficacy results are shown in the table. Thrombocytopenia was the only Grade 3/4 AE significantly higher on linifanib (Arm B: 16.7%; Arm C: 29.8%) vs. placebo (2.1%). Other adverse events (AEs) related to the dose of linifanib were diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, hypertension, weight loss, palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome, and hypothyroidism. Analysis of samples for predictive biomarkers including serum VEGF and placental growth factor are underway. Conclusions: The addition of linifanib to chemotherapy was tolerable at the doses tested and resulted in a significant improvement in PFS, with a modest survival improvement for Arm C in first-line therapy of advanced non-squamous NSCLC. [Table: see text]

Platinum-based combinations as first-line chemotherapy in advanced, persistent, or recurrent cervical cancer

e15543

Background: Platinum compounds are the most active agents in cervical carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity and toxicity of platinum-based chemotherapy as first line treatment in patients with advanced/recurrent cervical cancer. Methods: Since 2005 to 2011years 68 pts were include in the pilot study. Patients with histological proven primary carcinoma, measurable tumors, age ≥ 18, PS of 0-1, adequate bone marrow, renal and hepatic functions were eligible for this trial. Prior chemotherapy was allowed only in the context of radiosensitization. Treatment consisted of 2 modes: PC - paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 3-h I.v. + cisplatin 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin AUC-6 ( 6 pts)- d1x 21d; IC – irinotecan 65 ìg/m2 + cisplatin 40 mg/m2 on d 1 and 8 x 21 d. Responses were assessed using RESIST. Results: 68 pts were identified. There were no differences between the groups in terms prior radiation or radiochemotherapy. Group PC: 28 pts were included. Efficacy and toxicity was available for 27. Two pts continue treatment. Median age 43,5 years (range 28-69). The ORR was 55.5% (CR - 5(18.5%) and PR -10(37.0%)). 8 pts (29.6%) SD and 4 (14.8%) PD. The median TTP was 7 months. Overall, 148 cycles were administered with a median of 5 (range 2-8) cycles. Major toxicities were as follows: GIII and GIV neutropenia in 22.2% and 11.1% pts; GIII anemia - in 2 pts; GI-II neuropathy in 45.9% pts. G III nausea/vomiting were in 3 pts (11.1%). Group IC: 40 pts were included, 38 were available for efficacy. Median age 49,8 years (range 25-67). The ORR was 47.3% (5 CR(13.2%) and 13 PR (34.2%)). 13 (34.2%) pts had SD and 7 (18.4%) - PD. The median TTP was 6 months. All 40 pts receved 254 cycles ( median 6.3 (range 1-11) cycles. GIII and IV neutropenia were in 40% and 10% pts; GIII anemia in 20% pts. G I-II neuropathy and G I-II diarrhea in 15% pts and 30%pts. G IV of diarrhea observed in 1 pt. GIII-IV nausea and vomiting were in 20% and 15%pts. There were no statistical differences in clinical outcome (OR(p= 0,69) and TTP(p=0,65)) between these 2 platinum-based regimes. Conclusions: Our data indicate that both regimes had high efficacy and well tolerated as first line treatment in patients with advanced/recurrent cervical cancer. The randomized study is necessary.

Chemotherapy for patients with brain metastases from melanoma

e19012

Background: There have not been standards of chemo- and chemo-radiotherapy for treatment for patients with brain metastases. The patients (pts) with brain metastases (BM) from melanoma have poor prognoses. The main goal of this trial is to assess the efficacy of nitrosoureas (CCNU or FCNU), temozolomide (TMZ) as monotherapy, TMZ combined with whole brain irradiation (WBI), or combined chemotherapy of TMZ and cisplatin in pts with BM from melanoma. Methods: 78 pts were included in this study. 21 pts were treated with WBI (3Gy/30Gy) and concomitant TMZ therapy (75 mg/m2/day orally on days 1-14), 19 pts were treated with TMZ (150 mg/m2/day orally on days 1-5, every 4 weeks) as monotherapy, 17 pts pts were treated with nitrosoureas (CCNU or FCNU), 21 pts were treated with combined chemotherapy of TMZ (150/mg/m2/day orally on days 1-5, every 4 weeks) + cisplatin (20/mg/m2/day intravenous on days 1-5, every 4 weeks). The main aims of this study were objective response (OR) – complete response (CR) + partial response (PR) in the brain and in the extracranial sites (ES), median of survival (mOS), 1-year and 2-year survival. Results: Observations were as follows: in the TMZ + WBI treated pts, 4 OR (19,0%) in 21 pts group in the brain and 1 OR (6,7%) in 15 pts group in ES. The mOS was 6.0 months, 1-year survival was 23,8%. In the TMZ monotherapy treated pts there were 5 OR (26,3%) in 19 pts group in the brain and no OR in 13 pts group in ES. The mOS was 6 months, 1-year survival was 21,1%. In the nitrisoureas treated pts we achieved 2 OR (11,8%) in 17 pts group in the brain and 1 OR (9,1%) in 11 pts group in ES. The mOS was 5 months, 1-year survival was 17,6%. In the TMZ + cisplatin treated pts there were 7 OR (33.3%) in 21 pts group in the brain and 7 OR (35,0%) in 20 pts group in ES. The mOS was 8 months, 1-year survival was 33,3%. 2-year survival (19,0%) was achieved only in TMZ and cisplatin group. Conclusions: Previous results of our study showed promising higher efficacy of TMZ and cisplatin, especially in OR in ES (p<0.05) and in 2-year survival (p<0.05), in comparison with TMZ alone, nitrosoureas or TMZ with whole brain irradiation in patients with metastatic melanoma with BM. Control of extracranial lesions is important factor for patients with BM. Further investigation is to be expected.

Comparative effectiveness of axitinib versus sorafenib in advanced renal cell carcinoma (AXIS): a randomised phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

The treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma has been revolutionised by targeted therapy with drugs that block angiogenesis. So far, no phase 3 randomised trials comparing the effectiveness of one targeted agent against another have been reported. We did a randomised phase 3 study comparing axitinib, a potent and selective second-generation inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors, with sorafenib, an approved VEGF receptor inhibitor, as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer.

METHODS

We included patients coming from 175 sites (hospitals and outpatient clinics) in 22 countries aged 18 years or older with confirmed renal clear-cell carcinoma who progressed despite first-line therapy containing sunitinib, bevacizumab plus interferon-alfa, temsirolimus, or cytokines. Patients were stratified according to Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and type of previous treatment and then randomly assigned (1:1) to either axitinib (5 mg twice daily) or sorafenib (400 mg twice daily). Axitinib dose increases to 7 mg and then to 10 mg, twice daily, were allowed for those patients without hypertension or adverse reactions above grade 2. Participants were not masked to study treatment. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) and was assessed by a masked, independent radiology review and analysed by intention to treat. This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00678392.

FINDINGS

A total of 723 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive axitinib (n=361) or sorafenib (n=362). The median PFS was 6·7 months with axitinib compared to 4·7 months with sorafenib (hazard ratio 0·665; 95% CI 0·544-0·812; one-sided p<0·0001). Treatment was discontinued because of toxic effects in 14 (4%) of 359 patients treated with axitinib and 29 (8%) of 355 patients treated with sorafenib. The most common adverse events were diarrhoea, hypertension, and fatigue in the axitinib arm, and diarrhoea, palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia, and alopecia in the sorafenib arm.

INTERPRETATION

Axitinib resulted in significantly longer PFS compared with sorafenib. Axitinib is a treatment option for second-line therapy of advanced renal cell carcinoma.

FUNDING

Pfizer Inc.

[CYP2E1 gene polymorphism and ovarian cancer risk in the Yakut population]

The CYP2E1 gene polymorphism has been studied in Yakut women with ovarian cancer and without cancer. The two groups have been found to substantially differ in the frequency of the CYP2E1* 1D allele (with a 96-bp insertion in the promoter region of the gene): it is more frequent in healthy women (16.3 versus 7.4%, P = 0.007).

[Combination chemotherapy with newly-developed cytostatics for disseminated small cell lung cancer]

The paper discusses the results of phase II clinical trials of chemotherapy regimens using newly-developed cytostatics for disseminated small cell lung cancer. Taxotere (docetaxel)/cisplatin and campto(irinotecan)/cisplatin were investigated as first-line treatment. Doxorubicin and vincristine in combinations with a novel antitumor cytostatic aranoza were studied for application as second-line treatment. Safety and immediate- and end results were reviewed. Taxotere (docetaxel)/cisplatin and campto(irinotecan)/cisplatin regimens were compared.

[Study on efficacy and toxicity of new combined regimen "taxoter + cisplatin + 5-fluorouracil" in disseminated and locally-spread stomach cancer. Comparative analysis of tolerance and efficacy in patients younger and older than 65 years]

The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 3-drugs regimen: T 75 mg/m2 d2 + P 75 mg/m2 d2 + F 500 mg/m2 x 3h d 1-3 every 28 days. 31 patients (pts) with morphologically proven advanced gastric cancer of the age 29-77 years (median 61.0) have been treated with this regimen. They received 138 cycles (1-10, median 4.0 cycles per pt). The response rate was evaluated in pts received > or =2 cycles: CR 1/27 (3.7%), PR 12/27 (44.4%), SD 7/27 (25.9%), PD 7/27 (25.9%). The median duration of CR+PR--4.5 mon (1.1-9.9), of SD--6.8 mon (3.0-10.7). Median TTP--5.5 mon. Overall survival: median--11.5 mon, 1-year--46.6%. PS improvement was observed in 54.8%pts, symptomatic improvement--in 71% pts. Toxicity per pt (per cycle) was moderate. There were 11 elderly among these pts. We didn't receive any significant differences in efficacy and severe toxicity in this group compared to non-elderly pts. We observed 55.6% PR, 33.3% SD, 11.1% PD, TTP--4.6 mon, median OS-7.5 mon. in elderly and 5.6% CR, 38.9% PR, 22.2% SD, 33.3 % PD, TTP--6.1 mon, median OS-12.3 mon for non-elderly pts. But dose reduction was performed more frequently in the elderly then non-elderly: 63.6% vs 30.0% pts (p = 0.07) in 64.8% vs 19.1% cycles (p < 0.0001). We consider this regimen to be effective and well tolerated both for elderly and for non-elderly patients.

Sensitivity to further endocrine therapy is retained following progression on first-line fulvestrant

There is a need for new endocrine agents that lack cross-resistance with currently available treatments to extend the endocrine treatment window and delay the need for cytotoxic chemotherapy. This retrospective analysis evaluated the response of postmenopausal patients with previously untreated metastatic/locally advanced breast cancer to further endocrine treatment following progression on first-line fulvestrant or tamoxifen. Patients received fulvestrant 250 mg (intramuscular injection every 28 days) plus matching tamoxifen placebo (once daily), or tamoxifen 20 mg (orally once daily) plus matching fulvestrant placebo (every 28 days) in a double-blind, randomized, phase III trial. Treatment continued until disease progression or withdrawal, when further endocrine therapy was initiated (at the treating physician's discretion). Information regarding subsequent therapies and responses was obtained by follow-up questionnaire. Two-hundred-and-forty-five questionnaires were returned (from 587 patients), 149 of which yielded follow-up data on patients receiving second-line endocrine therapy following fulvestrant (n=83) and tamoxifen (n=66). Second-line therapy produced objective responses (OR) in 6/44 (13.6%) and clinical benefit (CB) in 25/44 (56.8%) patients who had CB with fulvestrant and produced OR in 5/41 (12.2%) patients and CB in 27/41 (65.8%) patients who had CB with first-line tamoxifen. For patients deriving no CB from trial therapy, second-line therapy produced OR in 3/39 (7.7%) and CB in 15/39 (38.5%) patients in the fulvestrant group and OR in 4/25 (16.0%) and CB in 12/25 (48.0%) patients in the tamoxifen group. Results from this questionnaire-based study suggest that postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer who respond to first-line fulvestrant or tamoxifen retain sensitivity to subsequent endocrine therapy.

Improved quality of life after long-term treatment with the bisphosphonate ibandronate in patients with metastatic bone disease due to breast cancer

Bone metastases occur in most women with advanced breast cancer and can lead to considerable morbidity and a rapid deterioration in the patient's quality of life. It was the aim of the present study to assess changes in quality of life and bone pain due to intravenous (i.v.) ibandronate, a potent third-generation bisphosphonate. In a phase III randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with bone metastases due to breast cancer, 466 women were randomised to receive placebo, 2 mg ibandronate or 6 mg ibandronate for up to 96 weeks. Treatment was administered i.v. at 3- or 4-weekly intervals. Clinical endpoints included the incidence of adverse events, quality of life (assessed using the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Scale - Core 30 questionnaire (QLQ-C30)), and bone pain (assessed on a 5-point scale from 0=none to 4=intolerable). Ibandronate was generally well tolerated. Compared with baseline measurements, the bone pain score was increased at the last assessment in both the placebo and 2 mg ibandronate groups, but was significantly reduced in the patients receiving 6 mg ibandronate (-0.28+/-1.11, P < 0.001). A significant improvement in quality of life was demonstrated for patients treated with ibandronate (P < 0.05) for all global health status. Overall, at the last assessment, the 6 mg ibandronate group showed significantly better functioning compared with placebo (P = 0.004), and had significantly better scores on the domains of physical, emotional, and social functioning, and in global health status (P < 0.05). Significant improvements in the symptoms of fatigue and pain were also observed in the 6 mg ibandronate group. I.v. ibandronate treatment leads to significant improvements in quality of life, and is an effective and well-tolerated palliative treatment in patients with bone metastases due to breast cancer.

[The hemoprotective effect of Dicarbamin in ovarian cancer patients receiving chemotherapy]

The effect of dicarbamin on the hemopoetic cells of the bone marrow of ovarian cancer patients receiving myelosuppressive combination chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide + carboplatin) is discussed.

Intravenous ibandronate reduces the incidence of skeletal complications in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases

BACKGROUND

This phase III study compared the efficacy of the new potent bisphosphonate, ibandronate, with placebo as intravenous (i.v.) therapy in metastatic bone disease due to breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 466 patients were randomised to receive placebo (n = 158), or 2 mg (n = 154) or 6 mg (n = 154) ibandronate every 3-4 weeks for up to 2 years. The primary efficacy parameter was the number of 12-week periods with new bone complications, expressed as the skeletal morbidity period rate (SMPR). Bone pain, analgesic use and safety were evaluated monthly. Results SMPR was lower in both ibandronate groups compared with the placebo group; the difference was statistically significant for the ibandronate 6 mg group (P = 0.004 versus placebo). Consistent with the SMPR, ibandronate 6 mg significantly reduced the number of new bone events (by 38%) and increased time to first new bone event. Patients on ibandronate 6 mg also experienced decreased bone pain scores and analgesic use. Treatment with ibandronate was well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that 6 mg i.v. ibandronate is effective and safe in the treatment of bone metastases from breast cancer.

[Experience in treating elderly patients with disseminated stomach and colon cancer]

Colorectal and gastric cancer in usually diagnosed in elderly patients. In metastatic disease systemic chemotherapy has been shown to be of clinical benefit for patients in term of prolongation of survival, symptomatic improvement and quality of life. Compared to its younger counterparts 5-FU-based treatment appears to be equally effective and more toxic according to some reports. Data regarding raltitrexed, oral fluoropyprimidines, Campto or oxaliplatin are limited but suggest no age-specific differences in activity or toxicity. Our experience of using chemotherapy with 5-FU-based combinations, oxaliplatin, Campto, raltitrexed in limited groups of elderly patients confirms this opinion.

[Surgical treatment of stage III-IV ovarian cancer]

A residual tumor after primary cytoreductive surgery is one of the most important factors of survival of patient with advanced ovarian cancer. Maximal cytoreduction can be achieved by different ways. We studied results of extended, combined and standard operations on patients treated in the Russian Cancer Research Center of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences in 1989-1999. It was found that only optimal cytoreduction resulted in the absence of recurrences and better overall survival of the patients independent of the operation type (extended, combined or standard).

[Nitrullin -- a new original Russian drug of the nitrosomethylurea group]

Hematologic thrombopenia and leukopenia formation limits use of nitrullin as a toxic hazard. The drug showed moderate effect in treating inoperable non-small cell cancer of the lung and satisfactory end results. The treatment had marked symptomatic effect in patients with this cancer and, as a consequence, improved the quality of life. Nutrullin had immuno-modulating effect. Its application alone or in combination with VPN showed good results in the management of small-cell cancer of the lung.

[Results of a phase I clinical trial of "theraphthal + ascorbic acid" catalytic system]

Phase-I clinical studies of teraphtal and a "teraphtal + ascorbic acid" catalytic system have been completed. The dose-limiting toxicity and maximum tolerable dose were not reached even at the end of maximal dose trials. No side-effects characteristic of antitumor cytostatic drugs were registered. The gravest side-effect ever recorded was a collapse which could not be linked to teraphtal dosage and was probably caused by hypersensitivity to the drug. The drug was recommended for phase II trials.

[Aranoza -- a new Russian antineoplastic drug]

Myelosuppression is a toxicity-related limitation for aranoza dosage. The drug proved effective in the treatment of uterine sarcoma, cancer of the head and neck, breast, Hodgkin's disease and lymphosarcoma during stage II of clinical studies. Complete regression was reported in the treatment of melanoma (ca. 12%). Good results of chemoimmunotherapy should be expected in untreated patients as well as intraarterial infusions for local lesions of the extremities. Clinical trials of aranoza used in combined modalities of therapy in various sites continue.

[Features of chemotherapy of malignant tumors in elderly patients]

Elderly patients as a rule have modifications related to age (physiologic changes) and to other concomitant diseases (comorbidity). The glomerular filtration rate decreases with age. Before any chemotherapy is started creatinine clearance should be performed, and the doses of cytotoxic agents with active renal excretion should be modified according to creatinine clearance. Decreased liver blood flow may influence drug disposition. Some changes in liver function do occur with advanced age and may form the basis of some drug toxicities. The lean body mass in elderly people is characterized by an increase in fat, with a decrease in intracellular water, and this change, along with a decrease in serum albumin, can considerably modify drug pharmacokinetics. Decreasing in bone marrow reserve related to age increases the risk of myelotoxicity after cytotoxic therapy. Nevertheless chemotherapy may be tolerable and successful in elderly patients carefully selected. This article contains information about elderly cancer patients treated with cisplatin-based combinations (cisplatin + Vepesid + Nitrullyn, cisplatin + taxotere). There were no serious side effects.

Low titre autoantibodies against recoverin in sera of patients with small cell lung cancer but without a loss of vision

To date, many authors have described the presence of autoantibodies against various neuronal proteins, paraneoplastic antigens (PNA), in a serum of patients with different kinds of malignant tumors located outside the nervous system. These autoantibodies may cross-react with the corresponding PNA or their epitopes present in neurons and thus initiate the development of a variety of neurological disorders, paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS), even though the primary tumor and its metastases have not invaded the nervous system. Cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR) is a rare ocular PNS induced by autoantibodies against several retinal antigens, one of which is a photoreceptor calcium-binding protein, recoverin. Only several CAR patients with a few kinds of cancer (endothelial carcinoma, breast cancer, epithelial ovarian carcinoma) have so far been found to contain autoantibodies against recoverin in their sera. As for lung cancer, the majority of CAR cases mediated by anti-recoverin autoantibodies have been revealed in patients with the most malignant lung cancer, small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), and only one similar case has been described for a patient with non-small lung carcinoma. The common feature of all these anti-recoverin-positive patients, irrespective of the type of cancer, is the presence of both the CAR syndrome and high titres (as a rule, more than 1:1000) of the underlying autoantibodies in their serum. In this study, we have used recombinant myristoylated recoverin to screen serum samples of 50 patients with SCLC by Western blot and revealed 5 individuals with low titres of anti-recoverin antibodies, who have no manifestation of a loss of vision. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the presence of low titre autoantibodies against recoverin in a serum of patients with cancer, but without visual dysfunction.

[New recommendations for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment of solid tumors and principles of the Guidelines for Clinical Practice (GCP)]

A new WHO protocol for measuring tumor during clinical studies using upgraded methods of tumor diagnosis was released in 1994. The recommendations based on the examination of over 4,000 patients included measuring greatest diameter of tumor and evaluation of treatment effect by changes of a sum total of largest diameters. Therapeutic effect is established by a decrease in the sum by at least 30%, while tumor progression--by an increase by at least 20%. The GCP provide standards for planning, implementing, monitoring, auditing and documentation of clinical trials and submitting their findings. These standards guarantee the accuracy and reliability of data, patients' rights of health protection and anonymity of those taking part in trials. Today, these rules are binding for the European Community, Japan and the USA. All Russian medical establishments running clinical tests are to observe the rules.

[Basic stages of organizing antineoplastic chemotherapy in Russia. Role of the Russian Oncological Scientific Center named for N. N. Blokhina, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences]

The paper outlines the history of cancer chemotherapy in our country, starting with the 1950s marked by the first studies made by L. F. Larionov to design cancer chloroethylamine drugs and by studies by N. N. Blokhin who initiated their clinical studies at his headed Institute of Cancer Experimental Pathology and Therapy, USSR Academy of Medical Sciences (now the N. N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences). The historically established leading role of this center in the development of cancer chemotherapy in Russia is greatly determined by the fact that the country's first specialized department of chemotherapy headed by V. I. Astrakhan was founded in 1960, which has become a center that conducts clinical trials of new Russian and foreign cancer drugs and trains cancer chemotherapeutists. Intensive development of the problem, collaboration with the country's leading research institutions and international cooperation have promoted the development of clinical chemotherapy for cancer diseases, which is an essential component of multimodality treatment in cancer patients now. Alkylating agents, antimetabolites, antitumor antibiotics, taxanes, topoisomerase I and II inhibitors, antiestrogens, antiandrogens, aromatase inhibitors, LH-RH agonists, cytokines. There are prospects for development of basically new approaches to drug therapy for cancer diseases in terms of latest data on the molecular biological features of tumor growth.

Modern methods for diagnosis and monitoring of nephrotoxicity during antitumor therapy with platinum derivatives

Chemotherapy is an important method of antitumor therapy. Nephrotoxicity characteristic of many cytostatics, including platinum compounds, is a serious complication limiting the drug dose [4,5,7-9]. Platinum derivatives, in particular, cisplatin, are drugs of choice in the treatment of the majority of solid tumors. However, cisplatin induces a dose-dependent toxic damage to the kidneys [5,7,8,10].

The use of 1H-NMR spectroscopy for predicting the efficiency of neoadjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer

The pool of low-molecular-weight metabolites was studied in patients with breast cancer by high-resolution 1H-NMR spectroscopy. In order to predict the efficiency of treatment, mathematical regression analysis was carried out with consideration for some clinical morphological characteristics of patients, chemotherapy protocols, and the degree of therapeutic pathomorphosis. The efficiency of drug therapy was largely determined by metabolic status of tumors in untreated patients with breast cancer.

[Cycloplatam in the treatment of patients with disseminated prostatic cancer]

A 22% response rate was achieved in clinical trials of Russian drug cycloplatam in disseminated and hormone-resistant cancer of the prostate. In 80% of cases the drug has improved quality of life of patients with prostatic cancer stage III and IV. Antitumor effect and low toxicity make cycloplatam applicable in combined therapy of prostatic cancer.

Cisplatin-etoposide and carboplatin-etoposide induction chemotherapy for good-risk patients with germ cell tumors

BACKGROUND

In an attempt to reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy in good-risk testicular cancer patients the two drug combinations, cisplatin plus etoposide (EP) and carboplatin plus etoposide (EC), have been compared.

METHODS

Good risk was defined according to the MSKCC and IU criteria. 39 Patients have been treated with EP (cisplatin 20 mg/m2 i.v. and etoposide 100 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1 to 5), and 23 patients received EC (carboplatin 350 mg/m2 on day 1 and etoposide 100 mg/m2 on days 1 to 5). Four cycles of chemotherapy were given at 21- and 28-day intervals, respectively, with delays of up to 7 days in instances of leukocyte counts less than 3.0 x 10(9)/l or platelet counts less than 100 x 10(9)/l.

RESULTS

In the EP group 34 (87%) of 39 patients achieved CR (26 with chemotherapy alone, 8 with additional surgery). After a median follow-up of 26 (12-58) months 3 (9%) patients relapsed from CR. Currently 38 patients are alive, and 37 (94%) are NED. In the EC group 20 (87%) of 23 patients achieved CR (15 with chemotherapy alone and 5 with additional surgery). After a median follow-up of 45 (26-57) months 6 (30%) patients relapsed from CR. Currently 19 patients are alive and 17 (74%) are NED. There was no difference in survival between the two groups (p = 0.13), but in the EC group the relapse rate was higher (p = 0.052) and the proportion of patients with NED was lower (p = 0.03) in comparison with EP. Toxicity in both groups was mild and similar, but 3 EP-treated patients presented hair loss.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that carboplatin-etoposide combination therapy is inferior to cisplatin-etoposide in patients with good-risk germ cell tumors.