OP0008 A NOVEL SITE-SPECIFIC PEGYLATED IL-2 WITH POTENT AND TREG-SELECTIVE ACTIVITY IN VIVO

Background

Decreased regulatory T cells (Tregs) and Treg dysfunction are hallmarks of a various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. While low-dose IL-2 therapy induces Treg expansion in vivo and has clinical benefits in some diseases (e.g., SLE and chronic graft-versus-host disease [GvHD]), there are many concerns about adverse events due to low Treg-selectivity. Furthermore, frequent dosing is needed due to the short half-life.

Objectives

We discovered a novel site-specific PEGylated IL-2 variant, KKC80, with high Treg selectivity and a long half-life in vivo, which overcomes the issues of low-dose IL-2 therapy.

Methods

Based on the co-crystal structure of wild-type IL-2 and its heterotrimeric receptor (PBD ID: 2ERJ), amino acid residues that were to be PEGylation sites were substituted with oAzZLys, an azide-containing lysine derivative. The PEG molecule was site-specifically attached to oAzZLys-incorporated IL-2 by copper-free click chemistry. The binding property to the IL-2 receptors were measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). In vitro, Treg selectivity was evaluated by the IL-2-dependent proliferation activity of Tregs and NK cells from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In vivo pharmacological activity after the single subcutaneous administration in cynomolgus monkeys was measured by changes in Treg count and Treg activation status in peripheral blood by flow cytometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated according to serum PEGylated IL-2 concentration. Efficacy in mouse xenogeneic GvHD model using human PBMC-transplanted NOG mice and in monkey DTH model were evaluated.

Results

A novel PEGylated IL-2, KKC80 (human IL-2 desA1/C125S /I129oAzZLys_W-shaped 80 kDa PEG) was discovered by optimizing the PEGylation site and PEG structure based on Treg selectivity and PK. SPR analysis showed that the binding affinity of KKC80 to CD25 was moderately decreased from wild-type IL-2, while binding affinity of KKC80 to IL-2Rβγ was remarkably decreased due to a significant change of the association rate constant. In vitro, wild-type IL-2 activated both Tregs and NK cells in the same concentration range, whereas KKC80 selectively activated Tregs. The Treg selectivity of KKC80 was comparable to another IL-2 mutein, Fc.IL-2 V91K. KKC80, but not Fc.IL-2 V91K, retained its biological activity, even in the presence of a large amount of recombinant soluble CD25, which mimicked the endogenous decoy receptor for IL-2. In monkeys, KKC80 selectively increased peripheral blood Tregs in a dose-dependent manner; the average maximum rate of increase of Treg count in animals treated with 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg was 1.5, 3.5, 28, 50 and 154-fold, respectively. In contrast to Tregs, the rates of increase of conventional CD4+ T, CD8+ T and NK cells were low. The Treg increase peaked on day 8 or 11 and lasted for over day 29. KKC80 showed a more sustained upregulation of functional Treg markers (e.g., Foxp3 and CD25) in comparison to Fc.IL-2 V91K. The half-life of KKC80 was calculated as 83.5 to 150 h. At high doses, inflammation-related adverse effects, including increased CRP (≥0.3 mg/kg) and deterioration of general conditions (1 mg/kg) were observed. In the mouse xenogenic GvHD model, KKC80 ameliorated GvHD symptoms and suppressed multiple tissue inflammation markers. Decreased soluble CD25 and IFN-γ were also confirmed, suggesting Treg-mediated anti-inflammatory effect by KKC80 administration were exerted in vivo. In the monkey DTH model, KKC80 suppressed skin inflammation and antibody production.

Conclusion

Among next-generation IL-2 variants, KKC80 showed a best-in-class biological profile for Treg activation. A drastic and sustained increase of Tregs with high Treg-selectivity and anti-inflammatory effects were observed in vivo. These data suggest that in comparison to current IL-2 therapy, KKC80 provides superior therapeutic index and efficacy in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Figure 1.

Disclosure of Interests

Masahiro Ikeda Employee of: Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Shinpei Yamaguchi Employee of: Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Masumi Murakami Employee of: Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Shigeki Takaoka Employee of: Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Yasuko Sakaguchi Employee of: Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Shunki Yasui Employee of: Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Kousuke Iijima Employee of: Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Kenichiro Nanya Employee of: Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Hideyuki Onodera Employee of: Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Toru Amano Employee of: Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.

Exercise-induced hypercalcemia and vasopressin-mediated bone resorption

Our human observational study showed that elevated arginine vasopressin levels by heavy exercise, not catecholamines, were associated with elevated serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b). The increase in serum calcium was positively associated with percent changes of TRACP-5b, implying the involvement of bone resorption in the pathogenesis of exercise-induced hypercalcemia.

INTRODUCTION

It remains unclear whether enhanced bone resorption explains exercise-induced hypercalcemia. An experimental study demonstrated that arginine vasopressin (AVP) stimulated osteoclast activity.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study, enrolling 65 trained healthy male officers of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (34 and 31 in waves 1 and 2, respectively). Before and after a 5-h heavy exercise, we collected laboratory data including bone markers, symptoms, and ionized calcium (iCa; wave 2 only). As blood calcium levels change after exercise, we estimated calcium (corrected calcium) levels immediately after the exercise using the correlation between blood calcium and time from the end of exercise in another cohort.

RESULTS

Body weight decreased by 6.9% after the exercise. Corrected post-exercise serum total calcium (tCa) and iCa levels were significantly higher than pre-exercise levels, and 18% of participants showed hypercalcemia defined as corrected tCa >10.4 mg/dL or iCa >1.30 mmol/L. Serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b), plasma three fractions of catecholamines, and AVP elevated significantly (median 14.3 pg/mL), while procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide and whole parathyroid hormone showed significant decreases. Corrected tCa increase showed a non-linear positive association with percent changes of TRACP-5b (%ΔTRACP-5b) even after adjustment for confounders. In addition, %ΔTRACP-5b was not associated with catecholamines, but with post-exercise AVP levels after adjustment for pre-exercise TRACP-5b. Symptoms of nausea or vomiting (observed in 20%) were positively associated with corrected post-exercise iCa after adjustment for post-exercise blood pH.

CONCLUSION

AVP elevation may explain bone resorption and the following hypercalcemia in the setting of heavy exercise.

Comparison of therapeutic effects of steroid injection by benign vocal fold lesion type

BACKGROUND

Benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs) can cause voice changes, including reduced loudness and pitch range. In recent times, with progression in endoscopic technology, office-based vocal fold steroid injection (VFSI) has been used as an alternative therapy for BVFLs.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

In this study, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of VFSI to investigate the mechanism underlying its therapeutic effects and determine the conditions in which VFSI will be most effective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we included 40 condition-matched patients (8 patients per lesion) with chorditis, vocal nodules, vocal polyps, Reinke's edema (RE), or vocal scars who received similar regimens of steroid injection using a commercial preparation of triamcinolone acetonide. Their phonological outcomes were evaluated 2 or 3 months after the injection.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were observed in Voice Handicap Index scores, results of laboratory voice evaluation, and voice quality measured using the Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain scale in all participants. In subgroup analysis, VFSI was highly effective against chorditis and vocal nodules, but less effective against RE and vocal scars.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-dose VFSI is valuable as an alternative to voice rehabilitation and laryngo-microsurgery, but higher concentrations or repeated injections are required for intractable lesions.

Predominant Vertical Location of Benign Vocal Fold Lesions by Sex and Music Genre: Implication for Pathogenesis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Vertical locations of vocal fold mucosal lesions (VFMLs) vary along the free edge. As the vertical contact area of vocal folds (VFs) depends on the vocal register, lesions may occur in the contact area of more frequently used vocal registers. This study investigated the cause of location variations by comparing the vertical sites of VFMLs in singers of both sexes with different music genres.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review.

METHODS

Sixty professional classical and rock singers (11 male classical [M-classical], 22 male rock [M-rock], 13 female classical [F-classical], and 14 female rock [F-rock] singers) who underwent microlaryngeal surgery for VF polyps and nodules and their 108 lesions were enrolled. The VF free edge was vertically divided into three equal parts and classified into the following four lesion sites: upper, middle, lower, and multiple sites.

RESULTS

Upper lesions were most common among F-classical singers (73.9%), whereas lower lesions were most common among M-classical (90.0%) and M-rock (60.6%) singers. Among lesions localized to a single site, lower lesions were most common among F-rock singers (37.0%). F-classical singers had significantly more upper lesions than the other groups (P < .001). M-classical singers had significantly more lower lesions than female singers of any genre (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Upper lesions were most common among F-classical singers who mostly used the head voice. Lower lesions were most common among singers who mainly used the modal voice. This study suggests that sex, the dominant vocal register used for singing, and mechanical stress on VFs influence the vertical site of VFMLs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2284-E2291, 2021.

Assessment of Dysphonia Using the Japanese Version of the Voice Handicap Index and Determination of Cutoff Points for Screening

INTRODUCTION

The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) is recognized as a useful subjective assessment method for dysphonia. The original VHI has been translated into numerous other languages, including Japanese (J-VHI). Although the reliability and validity of the J-VHI have already been established, the cutoff point has not been determined. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between the J-VHI and other voice laboratory measurements, and determine the cutoff point.

METHOD

This study included 167 dysphonic patients and 55 healthy volunteers. All patients and volunteers completed the J-VHI at the initial visit, and the following outcomes were determined: VHI scores of patients with dysphonia and healthy volunteers, VHI scores according to disease, cutoff point, and correlations between VHI scores and other voice laboratory measurements.

RESULTS

Both the total VHI (VHI-T) and individual domain (functional domain [VHI-F], emotional domain [VHI-E], physical domain [VHI-P]) scores were significantly higher in the dysphonia group compared to the healthy volunteer group. VHI-T, VHI-F, and VHI-E scores were significantly lower in the benign mucosal lesion subgroup, compared to the other disease subgroups. The G scale and B scale of the grade-roughness-breathiness-asthenia-strain scale showed a significant association with VHI-T, VHI-F, and VHI-P scores. Similarly, the A scale showed a significant association with VHI-T, VHI-F, and VHI-E scores. The cutoff point (12) for VHI-T was chosen from the receiver operating characteristic curve to maximize sensitivity and specificity. Similarly, the cutoff points for VHI-F (5), VHI-P (5), and VHI-E (3) were also obtained. Significant differences in maximum phonation time, pitch range, G scale, and B scale were observed between the VHI-T negative (VHI ≤ 12) and positive (VHI-T > 13) groups.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that self-evaluation using the VHI could serve as an independent assessment and screening tool for patients with dysphonia.

A multichannel gated neutron detector with reduced afterpulse for low-yield neutron measurements in intense hard X-ray backgrounds

A design of multichannel gated photomultiplier tube (PMT) is presented for the 960-channel neutron time-of-flight detector at the Institute of Laser Engineering of Osaka University. This is important for the fusion science and the nuclear photonics where intense hard X-rays are generated from the interaction of ultra-short laser pulse of petawatt power density with matter. The hard X-rays often overload PMTs and cause signal-induced background noises called afterpulses, making the detection of subsequent neutrons impossible. For this reason, the PMTs are coupled with an electrical time-gating (ETG) system to avoid overloading. The ETG system disables the PMT by modulating the dynode potential during the primary X-ray flash. An after-pulsing suppression technique is demonstrated by applying a reverse bias voltage between the photocathode and the first dynode. The presented multichannel scheme provides a gate response time of 80 ns, a signal cutoff ratio of 2.5 × 10², and requires reasonably low power consumption.

Longitudinal Findings of MRI and PET in West Syndrome with Subtle Focal Cortical Dysplasia

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Despite the development of neuroimaging, identification of focal cortical dysplasia remains challenging. The purpose of this study was to show the longitudinal changes of MR imaging and FDG-PET in patients with West syndrome and subtle focal cortical dysplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among 52 consecutive patients with West syndrome, 4 were diagnosed with subtle focal cortical dysplasia on 3T MR imaging. MR imaging and PET findings were evaluated longitudinally at onset and at 12 and 24 months of age.

RESULTS

At the onset of West syndrome, MR imaging demonstrated focal signal abnormalities of the subcortical white matter in 2 patients. In the other 2 patients, focal subcortical high-intensity signals became visible on follow-up T2WI as myelination progressed. PET at onset showed focal cortical hypometabolism in 3 patients, with 1 of these patients also having focal hypermetabolism and 1 having normal findings. On PET at 24 months, hypometabolism persisted in 2 patients and disappeared in 1, and hypermetabolism disappeared in 1. In 1 patient with normal MR imaging and PET findings at onset, focal hyperintensity and hypometabolism first appeared at 24 months of age. The findings on MR imaging and PET in these patients evolved differently with brain maturation and the clinical course.

CONCLUSIONS

Subtle focal cortical dysplasia can be undetectable on MR imaging at the onset of West syndrome and is not always accompanied by hypometabolism or hypermetabolism on PET. Longitudinal MR imaging and PET studies may be useful for detecting such lesions. Even in West syndrome with a congenital structural abnormality, PET findings evolve differently with brain maturation and the clinical condition.

7Be and 8B reaction dynamics at Coulomb barrier energies

We investigated the reaction dynamics induced by the 7Be,8B+208Pb collisions at energies around the Coulomb barrier. Charged particles originated by both the col- lisions were detected by means of 6 ΔE-Eres telescopes of a newly developed detector array. Experimental data were analysed within the framework of the Optical Model and the total reaction cross-sections were compared together and with the 6,7Li+208Pb colli-sion data. According to the preliminary results, 7Be nucleus reactivity is rather similar to the 7Li one whereas the 8B+208Pb total reaction cross section appears to be much larger than those measured for reactions induced by the other weakly-bound projectiles on the same target.

Coupling between the photo-excited cyclic π system and the 4f electronic system in a lanthanide single molecule magnet

A new type of electronic interaction which couples two angular momenta, i.e. the angular momentum of a localized 4f system (J) and an orbital angular momentum generated in a cyclic π conjugated system by irradiation with a circularly-polarized light, has been identified in a lanthanide single molecule magnet.

Time-Reversal Measurement of the p-Wave Cross Sections of the ^{7}Be(n,α)^{4}He Reaction for the Cosmological Li Problem

The cross sections of the ^{7}Be(n,α)^{4}He reaction for p-wave neutrons were experimentally determined at E_{c.m.}=0.20-0.81  MeV slightly above the big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) energy window for the first time on the basis of the detailed balance principle by measuring the time-reverse reaction. The obtained cross sections are much larger than the cross sections for s-wave neutrons inferred from the recent measurement at the n_TOF facility in CERN, but significantly smaller than the theoretical estimation widely used in the BBN calculations. The present results suggest the ^{7}Be(n,α)^{4}He reaction rate is not large enough to solve the cosmological lithium problem, and this conclusion agrees with the recent result from the direct measurement of the s-wave cross sections using a low-energy neutron beam and the evaluated nuclear data library ENDF/B-VII.1.

Correlation between Serum IgE and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Subjects with Type I Allergic Disorders

This study compares the relationship between serum IgE and salivary Cortisol levels in 42 normal and in 18 type I allergic subjects. Levels of serum total IgE and salivary Cortisol were determined with the UniCAP system and ELISA respectively. In the type I allergic subjects, there was a significant correlation between serum IgE and salivary Cortisol levels ( p < 0.01). In the normal subjects, on the other hand, no correlation was found. These findings suggest that there may be an association between stress and allergic disorders.

White Matter Abnormality Correlates with Developmental and Seizure Outcomes in West Syndrome of Unknown Etiology

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

West syndrome is an epileptic encephalopathy characterized by epileptic spasms, a specific pattern on electroencephalography of hypsarrhythmia, and developmental regression. Our aim was to assess white matter abnormalities in West syndrome of unknown etiology. We hypothesized that diffusion tensor imaging reveals white matter abnormalities, especially in patients with poor seizure and developmental outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enrolled 23 patients with new-onset West syndrome of unknown etiology. DTI was performed at 12 and 24 months of age. Fractional anisotropy images were compared with those of controls by using tract-based spatial statistics. We compared axial, radial, and mean diffusivity between patients and controls in the fractional anisotropy skeleton. We determined correlations of these parameters with developmental quotient, electroencephalography, and seizure outcomes. We also compared DTI with hypometabolism on fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography.

RESULTS

At 12 months of age, patients showed widespread fractional anisotropy reductions and higher radial diffusivity in the fractional anisotropy skeleton with a significant difference on tract-based spatial statistics. The developmental quotient at 12 months of age correlated positively with fractional anisotropy and negatively with radial and mean diffusivity. Patients with seizure and abnormal findings on electroencephalography after initial treatments had lower fractional anisotropy and higher radial diffusivity. At 24 months, although tract-based spatial statistics did not show significant differences between patients and controls, tract-based spatial statistics in the 10 patients with a developmental quotient of <70 had significant fractional anisotropy reduction. In patients with unilateral temporal lobe hypometabolism on PET, tract-based spatial statistics showed greater fractional anisotropy reduction in the temporal lobe ipsilateral to the side of PET hypometabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Diffuse abnormal findings on DTI at 12 months of age suggest delayed myelination as a key factor underlying abnormal findings on DTI. Conversely, asymmetric abnormal findings on DTI at 24 months may reflect underlying focal pathologies.

Phosphorylation of Smad2/3 at the specific linker threonine residue indicates slow-cycling esophageal stem-like cells before re-entry to the cell cycle

The stem cell compartment in the esophageal epithelium is possibly located in the basal layer. We have identified significant expression of Smad2/3, phosphorylated at specific linker threonine residues (pSmad2/3L-Thr), in the epithelial cells of murine stomach and intestine, and have suggested that these cells are epithelial stem cells. In this study, we explore whether pSmad2/3L-Thr could serve as a biomarker for esophageal stem cells. We examined esophageal tissues from normal C57BL/6 mice and those with esophagitis. Double immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with Ki67, CDK4, p63, or CK14 was performed. After immunofluorescent staining, we stained the same sections with hematoxylin-eosin and observed these cells under a light microscope. We used the 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling assay to examine label retention of pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells. We collected specimens 5, 10, 15 and 20 days after repeated BrdU administrations and observed double immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with BrdU. In the esophagus, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells were detected in the basal layer. These cells were detected between Ki67 immunostaining-positive cells, but they were not co-localized with Ki67. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells showed co-localization with CDK4, p63, and CK14. Under a light microscope, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells indicated undifferentiated morphological features. Until 20 days follow-up period, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells were co-localized with BrdU. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells significantly increased in the regeneration phase of esophagitis mucosae, as compared with control mice (esophagitis vs.

CONTROL

6.889 ± 0.676/cm vs. 4.293 ± 0.659/cm; P < 0.001). We have identified significant expression of pSmad2/3L-Thr in the specific epithelial cells of murine esophagi. We suggest that these cells are slow-cycling epithelial stem-like cells before re-entry to the cell cycle.

Esophageal replacement by colon interposition with microvascular surgery for patients with thoracic esophageal cancer: the utility of superdrainage

Replacing the thoracic esophagus with the colon is one mode of reconstruction after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. There is, however, a high incidence of postoperative necrosis of the transposed colon. This study evaluated the outcomes of colon interposition with the routine use of superdrainage by microvascular surgery. Twenty-one patients underwent colon interposition from 2004 to 2009. The strategy for colon interposition was to: (i) use the right hemicolon; (ii) reconstruct via the subcutaneous route; (iii) perform a microvascular venous anastomosis for all patients; and (iv) perform a microvascular arterial anastomosis when the arterial blood flow was insufficient. The clinicopathologic features, surgical findings, and outcomes were investigated. The colon was used because of a previous gastrectomy in 18 patients (85.7%) and synchronous gastric cancer in three patients (14.3%). Eight patients (38.1%) underwent preoperative chemoradiotherapy including three (14.3%) treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy. Seven patients (33.3%) underwent microvascular arterial anastomosis to supplement the right colon blood supply. Pneumonia occurred in four patients (19.0%). Anastomotic leakage was observed in five patients (23.8%); however, no colon necrosis was observed. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were both 50.6%. Colon interposition with superdrainage results in successful treatment outcomes. This technique is one option for colon interposition employing the right hemicolon.

Follicle growth and oocyte developmental competence in cows with liver damage

Follicle growth, oocyte quality or oocyte growing environment (follicular fluid) were evaluated in cows with severe liver damage (haemorrhage, telangiectasis, cholangitis and abscess) that were visually diagnosed at the slaughterhouse. Holstein cows aged 40-90 months with either a healthy liver (HL cow) or damaged liver (DL cow) were selected as donors. Follicle development kinetics was evaluated by counting the follicles at various developmental stages. In addition, the biochemical characteristics of the follicular fluids, developmental competence of preantral follicles cultured for 16 days in vitro and the ability of oocytes to develop to the blastocyst stage 8 days after fertilization were examined. DL cows had fewer secondary follicles than HL cows, and the correlation between the number of secondary follicles and the number of primary follicles differed among DL and HL cows. The follicular fluid of DL cows contained significantly lower levels of albumin and a higher total protein content than that of HL cows. Oocyte nuclear maturation assessed at 5, 16 and 21 h after beginning of culture was slower in DL cows than in HL cows, although the final maturation rates did not differ. The rate of polyspermic fertilization was significantly higher and the proportion of cleavage at 48 h after insemination and blastulation lower in DL cows compared with HL cows. When preantral follicles were cultured in vitro, the rate of follicles with normal morphology was lower in DL cows than in HL cows. These findings suggest that the kinetics of folliculogenesis differ among DL and HL cows and the developmental ability of preantral follicles and oocytes is lower in DL cows than in HL cows.

[Median re-sternotomy for aortic valve re-replacement assisted by video-assisted thoracic surgery]

Cardiac reoperation via a median re-sternotomy is associated with a high risk of injury to cardiac structures and the great vessels, and may result in massive bleeding. We report a case of aortic valve re-replacement, and severe adhesion was suspected between the sternum and the left brachiocephalic vein by preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. To avoid injury to the vein, the adhesive tissue was dissected under video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Then median re-sternotomy was performed safely, and the aortic valve was replaced again. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. Since sternal adhesions are checked and dissected visually, concomitant VATS might be a very useful option after previous cardiac surgery.

Phase II study of docetaxel (DTX) and S-1 as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for potentially R0 advanced gastric cancer

106

Background: This trial sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative chemotherapy with DTX plus S-1 for advanced gastric cancer with poor prognosis even after R0 curative resection.

Methods: Preoperative staging was confirmed by laparoscopy. Eligibility criteria included 1) negative peritoneal cytology, H0, P0 and M0, 2) possible curative resection, and 3) ECOG PS 0-1. Patients received DTX (35 mg/m2) on days 1 and 15, and daily oral administration of S-1 (80 mg/m2/day) for days 1–14 every 4 weeks of 2 courses, followed by gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy. The primary endpoint was pathological response rate (pRR), which was defined as degeneration occupying more than one-third of the cross-sectional surface area of the tumor. A sample size of 45 was planned for the expected pRR of 40% and threshold value of 20%, with one-sided alpha of 0.05 and beta of approximately 0.1. This study was registered in the UMIN clinical trial registry (UMIN000000875).

Results: A total of 47 patients were centrally registered between November 2007 and November 2009 from 14 centers. All patients were eligible for analysis. The median age was 63 (range 37–79); male/female: 36/11; PS0/1:41/6; and clinical stage IIIA/IIIB: 31/16. The target pRR was 47% (90% CI, 34–60%; p < 0.0001). Forty six patients (98%) underwent surgery, in whom curative resection was performed in 44 patients, and 37 patients completed the protocol treatment. The response to preoperative chemotherapy was PR/SD/PD/NE in 16/24/2/5 with a response rate of 34%. The most common toxicities of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were grade 3/4 neutropenia (42%), febrile neutropenia (4%), grade 2 anorexia (21%), and fatigue (15%). Seven did not complete the neoadjuvant therapy due to 2 allergic reaction, 1 grade 3 anorexia, 2 grade 2 nausea and anorexia, 2 PD (all 7 had gastrectomy). Major operative morbidity included pancreatic fistula (9%), abdominal abscess (11%), pneumonia (2%), and anastomotic leakage (0%). No patients died due to surgical complications.

Conclusions: The combination of DTX and S-1 was well tolerated and promising as a preoperative chemotherapy regimen for patients with potentially resectable advanced gastric cancer.

[Table: see text]

Adjuvant capecitabine treatment for stage III colon cancer in Japanese patients (KSCC0803)

571

Background: Capecitabine was approved in Japan in 2007 for the adjuvant treatment of stage III colon cancer based on Japanese clinical trial data in advanced and recurrent colorectal and breast cancers as well as data from the Phase III X-ACT trial. For the current study, we aimed to clarify compliance and tolerability of adjuvant treatment with capecitabine in Japanese patients. The study was entered in the UMIN clinical trial registry (UMIN000001444) by the Kyushu Study Group of Clinical Cancer (KSCC). Ethical approval was granted by the institutional review board of each hospital involved.

Methods: Based on completion rates from the X-ACT trial we enrolled 97 patients with R0 stage III colon cancer who had histologically confirmed disease and had undergone curative resection (3D2 lymph node dissection). Patients were given oral capecitabine therapy (2,500 mg/m2/day; days 1–14 q3w; eight cycles) within 8 weeks of surgery. The proportion of patients completing eight cycles of treatment per protocol was the primary endpoint, and adverse event (AE) rate was analyzed as a secondary endpoint.

Results: Treatment completion in the total patient population was 66.0% (64/97 patients; 95% CI: 55.7–75.3%) and in the per protocol population (PPP) was 70.3% (64/91; 95% CI: 59.8–79.5%). AEs leading to treatment discontinuation included hand-foot syndrome (HFS; n=7), hematotoxicity (n=5) and increased hepatic activity (n=4). Grade 3/4 AEs of note included HFS (22.7%), neutropenia (7.2%), diarrhea (2.1%), and increased bilirubin (0.0%). Of note, any treatment delay >3 weeks in the current trial was considered a withdrawal. In the X-ACT trial, delays of any duration were permitted. Using the X-ACT criteria the completion rate for the PPP in this study was 80.2%, comparable to the figure reported in X-ACT.

Conclusions: Our results confirm those of previous global phase III studies and show that capecitabine is well tolerated in both global and Japanese-only populations, with similar high completion rates in both.

[Table: see text]

[Superior vena cava syndrome successfully controlled by metallic stent insertion]

We report 2 cases of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome inserted metallic-expanding stents into SVC after radiotherapy. Case 1: A 77-year-old man had been performed chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the adenocarcinoma of the lung since December 2000. The edema of the upper limbs, head and neck emerged in April 2002 and he was diagnosed SVC syndrome with contrasted chest computed tomography (CT). We inserted a metallic-expanding stent into SVC, and after that the symptom disappeared in 5 days. There was no recurrence of the symptom until he died 4 months later. Case 2: A 57-year-old man had undergone the right upper lobectomy for the squamous cell carcinoma of the lung in March 2003. Because of mediastinal lymph node metastasis, he had been performed radiotherapy. Head and neck edema appeared at the end of October 2004, and he was diagnosed SVC syndrome. We inserted a metallic-expanding stent into SVC on November and the symptom disappeared in 7 days. There was no recurrence of the symptom until he died 4 months later. After radiotherapy, the stent insertion to SVC should be performed promptly to relieve SVC syndrome due to relapsed lung cancer.

The Wistar Bonn Kobori rat, a unique animal model for autoimmune pancreatitis with extrapancreatic exocrinopathy

The male Wistar Bonn/Kobori (WBN/Kob) rat is known to be a unique animal model for chronic pancreatitis with widely distributed fibrosis and degeneration of parenchyma because of the infiltration of lymphocytes. In this report, we show that female (but not male) rats develop dacryoadenitis at 3 months of age, and that both male and female WBN/Kob rats develop sialoadenitis, thyroiditis, sclerotic cholangitis and tubulointerstitial nephritis over 18 months of age. The infiltration of CD8+ cells and the deposits of tissue-specific IgG2b were observed in the injured pancreas and lachrymal glands. Furthermore, the number of regulatory T cells (defined as CD4+ Forkhead box P3+ cells) decreased in the periphery of both male and female WBN/Kob rats, suggesting that the onset of these diseases is attributable, at least, to the failure in the maintenance of peripheral immune tolerance. These features show clearly that WBN/Kob rats are a useful animal model for autoimmune pancreatitis and Sjøgren-like syndrome or multi-focal fibrosclerosis in humans. We also show that these autoimmune diseases can be prevented by a newly devised strategy of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in which bone marrow cells are injected directly into the bone marrow cavity: intrabone marrow-BMT.