Evaluation of Fluid Intake in College Students During the Initial Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives

To evaluate fluid intake of college students during the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

College students (n = 1015 (75.5% Female); 59 freshmen, 139 sophomores, 264 juniors, 245 seniors, 289 graduate) participated in an online questionnaire from colleges/universities within the United States during the Spring 2020 academic semester. Participants were asked about their fluid intake over the previous 30 days using the BEVQ-15. The questionnaire consisted of demographic and living status questions as well as 16 questions detailing type (e.g., water, milk, etc.), frequency (“how often”), and volume of fluids for each consumption (“how much each time”). Kruskal-Wallis analyses (test statistic reported as chi-square, χ²) were used to compare the total fluid intake, frequency of plain water intake, and volume with each consumption between those

with and without a change in living situation and by academic standing. Data reported as (median [interquartile range]).

Results

A change in living status was reported by 426/1015 (42%) participants. Median fluid intake was 1848 mL ([1295, 2532] mL) for all participants. Total fluid intake [χ²(1) = 18.07, P < 0.001] was different between those with (1709 [1199, 2366] mL) and without (1940 [1378, 2644] mL) a change in living situation. However, the volume of plain water intake was not different between those with (710 [473, 1420] mL) and without (1065 [591, 1420] mL) a change in living situation [χ²(1) = 2.81, P = 0.09]. Frequency [χ²(1) = 3.10, P = 0.08] and the volume with each consumption [χ²(1) = 1.16, P = 0.28] of plain water were also not different based on a change in living situation. Academic standing impacted the volume of total fluid intake [χ²(4) = 14.33, P = 0.006], with juniors (1751 [1161, 2455] mL) reporting less than graduate students (1940 [1041, 2780] mL, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

These data suggest a change in living situation affected total fluid intake, however, there were no differences in the frequency and volume of plain water intake. Further, academic standing impacted the fluid intake behaviors. Future investigations are warranted to evaluate factors guiding fluid intake frequency and volumes in the college student population.

Funding Sources

N/A

Nivolumab versus docetaxel in previously treated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (CheckMate 017 and CheckMate 057): 3-year update and outcomes in patients with liver metastases

Background

Long-term data with immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are limited. Two phase III trials demonstrated improved overall survival (OS) and a favorable safety profile with the anti-programmed death-1 antibody nivolumab versus docetaxel in patients with previously treated advanced squamous (CheckMate 017) and nonsquamous (CheckMate 057) NSCLC. We report results from ≥3 years' follow-up, including subgroup analyses of patients with liver metastases, who historically have poorer prognosis among patients with NSCLC.

Patients and methods

Patients were randomized 1 : 1 to nivolumab (3 mg/kg every 2 weeks) or docetaxel (75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) until progression or discontinuation. The primary end point of each study was OS. Patients with baseline liver metastases were pooled across studies by treatment for subgroup analyses.

Results

After 40.3 months' minimum follow-up in CheckMate 017 and 057, nivolumab continued to show an OS benefit versus docetaxel: estimated 3-year OS rates were 17% [95% confidence interval (CI), 14% to 21%] versus 8% (95% CI, 6% to 11%) in the pooled population with squamous or nonsquamous NSCLC. Nivolumab was generally well tolerated, with no new safety concerns identified. Of 854 randomized patients across both studies, 193 had baseline liver metastases. Nivolumab resulted in improved OS compared with docetaxel in patients with liver metastases (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.50-0.91), consistent with findings from the overall pooled study population (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.61-0.81). Rates of treatment-related hepatic adverse events (primarily grade 1-2 liver enzyme elevations) were slightly higher in nivolumab-treated patients with liver metastases (10%) than in the overall pooled population (6%).

Conclusions

After 3 years' minimum follow-up, nivolumab continued to demonstrate an OS benefit versus docetaxel in patients with advanced NSCLC. Similarly, nivolumab demonstrated an OS benefit versus docetaxel in patients with liver metastases, and remained well tolerated.

Clinical trial registration

CheckMate 017: NCT01642004; CheckMate 057: NCT01673867.

Crizotinib inhibition of ROS1-positive tumours in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a Canadian perspective

The ros1 kinase is an oncogenic driver in non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc). Fusion events involving the ROS1 gene are found in 1%-2% of nsclc patients and lead to deregulation of a tyrosine kinase-mediated multi-use intracellular signalling pathway, which then promotes the growth, proliferation, and progression of tumour cells. ROS1 fusion is a distinct molecular subtype of nsclc, found independently of other recognized driver mutations, and it is predominantly identified in younger patients (<50 years of age), women, never-smokers, and patients with adenocarcinoma histology. Targeted inhibition of the aberrant ros1 kinase with crizotinib is associated with increased progression-free survival (pfs) and improved quality-of-life measures. As the sole approved treatment for ROS1-rearranged nsclc, crizotinib has been demonstrated, through a variety of clinical trials and retrospective analyses, to be a safe, effective, well-tolerated, and appropriate treatment for patients having the ROS1 rearrangement. Canadian physicians endorse current guidelines which recommend that all patients with nonsquamous advanced nsclc, regardless of clinical characteristics, be tested for ROS1 rearrangement. Future integration of multigene testing panels into the standard of care could allow for efficient and cost-effective comprehensive testing of all patients with advanced nsclc. If a ROS1 rearrangement is found, treatment with crizotinib, preferably in the first-line setting, constitutes the standard of care, with other treatment options being investigated, as appropriate, should resistance to crizotinib develop.

Osmotic Stimulation of Thirst in Men and Women (P15-017-19)

Objectives

Examine potential sex differences in osmotically stimulated thirst.

Methods

60 healthy adults (30 female - measured in early follicular phase, age: 39 ± 8 y, weight: 78.2 ± 15.2 kg, body mass index: 26.9 ± 4.0 kg·m−2) were infused intravenously with 3% (HYPER) or 0.9% (ISO) NaCl for 120 min (0.1 ml·kg−1·min−1) in a counterbalanced, cross-over design. The same volume of saline was infused in both trials. Blood samples and thirst responses were collected prior to infusion and every 30 minutes. Plasma osmolality (POsm) and sodium (PNa) were measured. Thirst was assessed via a 180-mm visual analog scale consisting of a line with an anchor on the left side (0 mm, “not at all”) and a second anchor on the 125-mm mark with the label “extremely”.

Results

From 0 min to 120 min in the HYPER trial, PNa increased from 136 ± 2 mmol ·L−1 to 146.5 ± 3 mmol ·l−1 (P < 0.001). Similarly, POsm and thirst increased significantly from 286 ± 3 mmol·kg−1 to 305 ± 4 mmol·kg−1 (P < 0.001) and from 38 ± 29 mm to 88 ± 35 mm (P < 0.001), respectively. During the ISO trial, PNa (0 min: 135.9 ± 1.9; 120 min: 137.6 ± 1.6 mmol·L−1), POsm (0 min: 285 ± 4 mmol·kg−1; 120 min: 287 ± 3 mmol·kg−1), and thirst (0 min: 30 ± 27 mm; 120 min: 44 ± 32 mm) remained unchanged (P > 0.05). POsm at the end of the infusion did not differ between men and women for the HYPER (men: 306 ± 5 mmol·kg−1; women: 305 ± 3 mmol·kg−1) or ISO (men: 288 ± 3 mmol·kg−1; women: 288 ± 3 mmol·kg−1) trials. When thirst responses were split by sex women exhibited greater thirst (98 ± 27 mm) than men (77 ± 38 mm) at the end of the HYPER trial (P < 0.0001), but not at the end of the ISO trial (women: 43 ± 32 mm, men 44 ± 31 mm; P > 0.05).

Conclusions

These data suggest that similar hypertonic stimulus may lead to greater thirst stimulation in women.

Funding Sources

This study was funded by Danone Research.

Hypertonic Saline Infusion Acutely Degrades Mood in Healthy Volunteers (P23-014-19)

Objectives

Mild and moderate dehydration adversely affect mood and cognitive function. During dehydration, hypertonic hypovolemia activates both osmo- and baro-receptors but it is not known which physiological pathway is associated with degraded mood state. This study examined the acute effect of osmoreceptor stimulation on mood.

Methods

Sixty healthy adults (50% females, 30 ± 1 y; BMI: 26.9 ± 4.0 kg·m−2) were infused intravenously with 3.0% (HYPER) or 0.9% (ISO) NaCl for 2 h (0.1 ml·kg−1·min−1) using a counterbalanced, crossover design. Blood samples were collected every 30 minutes to measure plasma osmolality (POsm), copeptin (a surrogate marker of vasopressin), and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) hormones. Mood was assessed with the short version of Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire before and after the infusion.

Results

POsm and copeptin increased from 286 ± 3 mmol·kg−1 to 305 ± 4 mmol·kg−1 and from 4.5 ± 3.7 pmol·L−1 to 20.4 ± 12.8 pmol·L−1, respectively in HYPER (P < 0.05), and were unchanged in ISO (P > 0.05). No hormonal differences were observed between trials for RAAS hormones (P > 0.05). During HYPER copeptin, following the 2-h infusion, was greater in females than in males (female: 23.4 ± 13.9 pmol·L−1, male: 17.4 ± 10.9 pmol·L−1; P < 0.05). The POMS total mood disturbance (TMD) score increased from 10.5 ± 0.9 to 16.5 ± 1.6 in HYPER (P < 0.05), but not in ISO (P > 0.05). Among POMS subscales, depression-dejection and fatigue-inertia increased in HYPER compared to ISO (P < 0.05). When TMD responses in the HYPER trial were analyzed with sex as a between-subjects factor, the increase was significant in females (pre: 10.2 ± 1.0, post: 18.6 ± 2.3; P < 0.001) but not in males (pre: 10.8 ± 1.4, post: 14.0 ± 2.0; P > 0.05). The confusion-bewilderment subscales and fatigue-inertia of the POMS were also elevated post HYPER in females (P < 0.05), but not in ISO (P > 0.05) in either sex.

Conclusions

Hypertonic saline infusion acutely degrades mood state, and women appear to have a more pronounced response. The underlying mechanisms remain to be determined but may be related to higher copeptin levels in women.

The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02761434.

Funding Sources

Danone Research.

Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs

Real-world benefit of nivolumab in a Canadian non-small-cell lung cancer cohort

Background

Nivolumab was the first immuno-oncology agent available for the treatment of lung cancer in Canada. In the present study, we evaluated the real-world benefit of nivolumab in Canadian patients with lung cancer.

Methods

Patients included in the cohort were identified from a registry of patients treated through expanded access to nivolumab before and after Health Canada approval. Demographics were collected from the application forms. Outcome data for the duration of treatment and survival were collected retrospectively.

Results

In contrast to the randomized clinical trial populations, our study cohort included patients who were older (median age: 66 years; range: 36-92 years) and who had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 (8.9%). Despite the poorer-prognosis cohort, median overall survival was 12.0 months, which is comparable to the survival demonstrated in the randomized phase iii trials of nivolumab in lung cancer. Median time to treatment discontinuation was 3.45 months and was similar for all patient subgroups, including poorer-prognosis groups such as those with a performance status of 2, those 75 years of age and older, and those with brain metastases.

Conclusions

Nivolumab given in a real-world clinical setting was associated with results similar to those reported in the phase iii clinical trial setting.

Canadian perspectives: update on inhibition of ALK-positive tumours in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Background

Inhibition of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (alk) oncogenic driver in advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma (nsclc) improves survival. In 2015, Canadian thoracic oncology specialists published a consensus guideline about the identification and treatment of ALK-positive patients, recommending use of the alk inhibitor crizotinib in the first line. New scientific literature warrants a consensus update.

Methods

Clinical trials of alk inhibitor were reviewed to assess benefits, risks, and implications relative to current Canadian guidance in patients with ALK-positive nsclc.

Results

Randomized phase iii trials have demonstrated clinical benefit for single-agent alectinib and ceritinib used in treatment-naïve patients and as second-line therapy after crizotinib. Phase ii trials have demonstrated activity for single-agent brigatinib and lorlatinib in further lines of therapy. Improved responses in brain metastases were observed for all second- and next/third-generation alk tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients progressing on crizotinib. Canadian recommendations are therefore revised as follows:■ Patients with advanced nonsquamous nsclc have to be tested for the presence of an ALK rearrangement.■ Treatment-naïve patients with ALK-positive disease should initially be offered single-agent alectinib or ceritinib, or both sequentially.■ Crizotinib-refractory patients should be treated with single-agent alectinib or ceritinib, or both sequentially.■ Further treatments could include single-agent brigatinib or lorlatinib, or both sequentially.■ Patients progressing on alk tyrosine kinase inhibitors should be considered for pemetrexed-based chemotherapy.■ Other systemic therapies should be exhausted before immunotherapy is considered.

Summary

Multiple lines of alk inhibition are now recommended for patients with advanced nsclc with an ALK rearrangement.

Management of EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer: practical implications from a clinical and pathology perspective

Starting in the early 2000s, non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc) subtypes have evolved from being histologically described to molecularly defined. Management of lung adenocarcinomas now generally requires multiple molecular tests at baseline to define the optimal treatment strategy. More recently, second biopsies performed at progression in patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (tkis) have further defined the continued use of molecularly targeted therapy. In the present article, we focus on one molecular subtype: EGFR-mutated nsclc. For that patient population, multiple lines of tki therapy are now available either clinically or in clinical trials. Each line of treatment is guided by the specific mutations (for example, L858R, T790M, C797S) identified in EGFR. We first describe the various mechanisms of acquired resistance to EGFR tki treatment. We then focus on strategies that clinicians and pathologists can both use during tissue acquisition and handling to optimize patient results. We also discuss future directions for the molecular characterization of lung cancers with driver mutations, including liquid biopsies. Finally, we provide an algorithm to guide treating physicians managing patients with EGFR-mutated nsclc. The same framework can also be applied to other molecularly defined nsclc subgroups as resistance patterns are elucidated and additional lines of treatment are developed.

Waiting Time Intervals for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment in Alberta: Quantification of Intervals and Identification of Risk Factors Associated with Delays

AIMS

Very little is known regarding the time required to diagnose and treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Canada. We sought to quantify diagnostic and treatment intervals for NSCLC care in Alberta and identify risk factors for delays.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Alberta Cancer Registry identified all cases of stage I-III NSCLC diagnosed and treated in Alberta, Canada from 2004 to 2011. Diagnostic data were obtained from physician billing, inpatient/outpatient hospital data and electronic medical records to quantify the duration of diagnostic and treatment intervals and their sum (system interval). Multivariable logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with delays.

RESULTS

Of the 3009 eligible patients included, the median and 90th percentile system interval was 78 (95% confidence interval 76-80) and 185 days (95% confidence interval 178-195), respectively. The treatment interval was longer than the diagnostic interval, with medians of 51 (95% confidence interval 49-53) and 38 (95% confidence interval 36-40) days, respectively. After adjustment, age > 60 years and treatment by modalities other than supportive care (especially surgery) were associated with delays. Factors associated with prompt care included high acuity presentations and stage III disease.

CONCLUSION

The majority of Albertans with potentially curable NSCLC exceeded guidelines for the timeliness of their care.

Canadian consensus: inhibition of ALK-positive tumours in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (alk) is an oncogenic driver in non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc). Chromosomal rearrangements involving the ALK gene occur in up to 4% of nonsquamous nsclc patients and lead to constitutive activation of the alk signalling pathway. ALK-positive nsclc is found in relatively young patients, with a median age of 50 years. Patients frequently have brain metastasis. Targeted inhibition of the alk pathway prolongs progression-free survival in patients with ALK-positive advanced nsclc. The results of several recent clinical trials confirm the efficacy and safety benefit of crizotinib and ceritinib in this population. Canadian oncologists support the following consensus statement: All patients with advanced nonsquamous nsclc (excluding pure neuroendocrine carcinoma) should be tested for the presence of an ALK rearrangement. If an ALK rearrangement is present, treatment with a targeted alk inhibitor in the first-line setting is recommended. As patients become resistant to first-generation alk inhibitors, other treatments, including second-generation alk inhibitors can be considered.

Tecemotide in unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer in the phase III START study: updated overall survival and biomarker analyses

BACKGROUND

Tecemotide is a MUC1-antigen-specific cancer immunotherapy. The phase III START study did not meet its primary end point but reported notable survival benefit with tecemotide versus placebo in an exploratory analysis of the predefined patient subgroup treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Here, we attempted to gain further insight into the effects of tecemotide in START.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

START recruited patients who did not progress following frontline chemoradiotherapy for unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer. We present updated overall survival (OS) data and exploratory analyses of OS for baseline biomarkers: soluble MUC1 (sMUC1), antinuclear antibodies (ANA), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte count, and HLA type.

RESULTS

Updated OS data are consistent with the primary analysis: median 25.8 months (tecemotide) versus 22.4 months (placebo) (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.77-1.03, P = 0.111), with ∼20 months additional median follow-up time compared with the primary analysis. Exploratory analysis of the predefined subgroup treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy revealed clinically relevant prolonged OS with tecemotide versus placebo (29.4 versus 20.8 months; HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68-0.98, P = 0.026). No improvement was seen with sequential chemoradiotherapy. High sMUC1 and ANA correlated with a possible survival benefit with tecemotide (interaction P = 0.0085 and 0.0022) and might have future value as biomarkers. Interactions between lymphocyte count, NLR, or prespecified HLA alleles and treatment effect were not observed.

CONCLUSION

Updated OS data support potential treatment benefit with tecemotide in patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Exploratory biomarker analyses suggest that elevated sMUC1 or ANA levels correlate with tecemotide benefit.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV NUMBER

NCT00409188.

Benefits, issues, and recommendations for personalized medicine in oncology in Canada

The burden of cancer for Canadian citizens and society is large. New technologies have the potential to increase the use of genetic information in clinical decision-making, furthering prevention, surveillance, and safer, more effective drug therapies for cancer patients. Personalized medicine can have different meanings to different people. The context for personalized medicine in the present paper is genetic testing, which offers the promise of refining treatment decisions for those diagnosed with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Personalized medicine and genetic characterization of tumours can also give direction to the development of novel drugs. Genetic testing will increasingly become an essential part of clinical decision-making. In Canada, provinces are responsible for health care, and most have unique policies and programs in place to address cancer control. The result is inconsistency in access to and delivery of therapies and other interventions, beyond the differences expected because of demographic factors and clinical education. Inconsistencies arising from differences in resources, policy, and application of evidence-informed personalized cancer medicine exacerbate patient access to appropriate testing and quality care. Geographic variations in cancer incidence and mortality rates in Canada-with the Atlantic provinces and Quebec having higher rates, and British Columbia having the lowest rates-are well documented. Our purpose here is to provide an understanding of current and future applications of personalized medicine in oncology, to highlight the benefits of personalized medicine for patients, and to describe issues and opportunities for improvement in the coordination of personalized medicine in Canada. Efficient and more rapid adoption of personalized medicine in oncology in Canada could help overcome those issues and improve cancer prevention and care. That task might benefit from the creation of a National Genetics Advisory Panel that would review research and provide recommendations on tests for funding or reimbursement, guidelines, service delivery models, laboratory quality assurance, education, and communication. More has to be known about the current state of personalized cancer medicine in Canada, and strategies have to be developed to inform and improve understanding and appropriate coordination and delivery. Our hope is that the perspectives emphasized in this paper will stimulate discussion and further research to create a more informed response.

Progression-free survival as a primary endpoint in clinical trials of metastatic colorectal cancer

In recent years, significant advances have been made in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer. Traditionally, an improvement in overall survival has been considered the "gold standard"-the most convincing measure of efficacy. However, overall survival requires larger patient numbers and longer follow-up and may often be confounded by other factors, including subsequent therapies and crossover. Given the number of active therapies for potential investigation, demand for rapid evaluation and early availability of new therapies is growing. Progression-free survival is regarded as an important measure of treatment benefit and, compared with overall survival, can be evaluated earlier, with fewer patients and no confounding by subsequent lines of therapy. The present paper reviews the advantages, limitations, and relevance of progression-free survival as a primary endpoint in randomized trials of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Progression-Free Survival as a Primary Endpoint in Clinical Trials of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

In recent years, significant advances have been made in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer. Traditionally, an improvement in overall survival has been considered the “gold standard”—the most convincing measure of efficacy. However, overall survival requires larger patient numbers and longer follow-up and may often be confounded by other factors, including subsequent therapies and crossover. Given the number of active therapies for potential investigation, demand for rapid evaluation and early availability of new therapies is growing. Progression-free survival is regarded as an important measure of treatment benefit and, compared with overall survival, can be evaluated earlier, with fewer patients and no confounding by subsequent lines of therapy. The present paper reviews the advantages, limitations, and relevance of progression-free survival as a primary endpoint in randomized trials of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Updated survival analysis of JBR.10: A randomized phase III trial of vinorelbine/cisplatin versus observation in completely resected stage IB and II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

7501

Background: JBR.10 was one of a number of phase III trials that established adjuvant cisplatin based chemotherapy as a recommended treatment in completely resected NSCLC . Long-term follow-up of these trials is important to document persistent benefit and potential late toxicities of adjuvant therapy. We report the updated survival data for JBR.10 with more than 9 years median follow up. Methods: Patients with completely resected stage IB (T2N0) or II (T1–2N1) NSCLC were randomized to receive 4 cycles of vinorelbine/cisplatin or observation.. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated for overall (OS) and disease specific survival (DSS). Log-rank test was used to compare survival distribution and to test cause specific hazard. For the competing risk analysis, the Gray test was used to test the difference in cause specific incidences. All efficacy analyses were done on an ITT basis. Results: 482 patients were randomized. Data cut-off for this update was July 2008. Median follow-up is 9.3 years (3.2–13.8 y). 12 patients were lost to follow up, a median 4.9 years from randomization (1.5–12 years). 271 deaths have occurred, 73% due to lung cancer or its treatment. Survival analysis continues to show a benefit for chemotherapy: HR .78 (CI .61-.99, p=.04). The benefit appears to be confined to N1 patients: median OS 6.8 y versus 3.6 y, HR .68 (CI .5-.92, p=.01). N0 patients did not appear to benefit: HR 1.03 (CI .7–1.52, p=.87). Chemotherapy significantly prolonged DSS, HR.73 (CI .55-.97, p=.03) Competing risk analysis showed observation to be associated with significantly higher risk of death from lung cancer (p=.02) with no difference in incidences of death from other causes between arms (p=.62). Conclusions: Prolonged follow-up of patients in the JBR.10 trial continues to show a benefit in survival for adjuvant chemotherapy. This benefit appears to be confined to N1 patients. There was no increase in death from other causes in the chemotherapy arm.

[Table: see text]

Long-term safety of BLP25 liposome vaccine (L-BLP25) in patients (pts) with stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

3055

Background: The BLP25 liposome vaccine (L-BLP25, Stimuvax) is an investigational innovative therapeutic cancer vaccine incorporating immunoadjuvant monophosphoryl lipid A and synthetic MUC1 lipopeptide in a liposomal delivery system. In an open-label phase IIb study in 171 pts with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC randomized to best supportive care (BSC) alone (n=83) or BSC + L-BLP25 (1000 μg lipopeptide) (n=88), L-BLP25 pts received weekly vaccinations for 8 weeks (wks) and could continue maintenance vaccinations every 6 wks from wk 13. Results were encouraging (Butts et al, JCO 2005) and a remarkable number of pts received prolonged treatment (tmt). As a result a global phase III study (START) has been initiated. Methods: Safety results for 16 pts from the phase IIb study treated for ≥2 years with L-BLP25 are reported. Results: In these 16 pts (median age 57.5 years, ECOG PS: 0 in 5/16 [31%] and 1 in 11/16 [69%]), there were more females (56% vs 44% [9/16 vs 76/171]) and locoregional stage IIIB disease at entry (81% vs 38% [13/16 vs 65/171]) vs the phase IIb study population. Pts received L-BLP25 for 2.0–7.7 years and 10 pts were treated for >5 years. Compliance with tmt was good: almost all (96%) maintenance vaccinations were given every 6 wks according to the tmt schedule. L-BLP25 was well tolerated: the most common tmt-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were cough (n=12, 75%), fatigue (n=12, 75%), and dyspnea (n=11, 69%). The pattern of TEAEs did not change significantly over time and there was no rise in the incidence of TEAEs with increasing time on tmt. Among the most common TEAEs in years 1, 2, and >2 were nausea (44, 19, and 38%), fatigue (56, 18, and 38%), chest pain (38, 31, and 31%), and cough (38, 25, and 31%). Twelve pts (75%) had tmt-related TEAEs (grade 1/2 in 11/12 pts [92%] and grade 3 in 1/12 [8%]): the most common were injection-site reactions. The occurrence of tmt-related TEAEs decreased with increasing tmt duration. There was no evidence of any TEAEs related to autoimmunity. Analysis of laboratory data did not indicate any long-term renal, liver, or other toxicity. Conclusions: Long-term use of L-BLP25 was without any identifiable safety issues. In particular, there was no evidence of autoimmune reactions with prolonged use.

[Table: see text]

Randomized phase II clinical trial comparing tremelimumab (CP-675,206) with best supportive care (BSC) following first-line platinum-based therapy in patients (pts) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

8071

Background: Pts diagnosed with advanced NSCLC with good performance status typically receive platinum-based chemotherapy; however, no approved maintenance therapy exists. Tremelimumab, a fully human anti-CTLA4 mAb, is associated with durable responses in some pts with metastatic melanoma. Methods: This open-label, randomized, multicenter, phase II clinical trial evaluating efficacy and safety of tremelimumab as maintenance therapy was conducted in pts with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with ECOG performance status ≤1. Pts treated with ≥4 cycles of first-line platinum-based therapy resulting in either stable disease (SD) or response per RECIST were eligible and were randomized 3–6 weeks after prior therapy. Pts received 15 mg/kg IV tremelimumab Q90D or BSC until disease progression. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) at 3 months. Secondary endpoints included safety, objective response rate, and 1-year survival. Results: Eighty-seven pts received tremelimumab (n=44) or BSC (n=43). Nine (20.9%; 90% CI: 11.4%, 33.7%) pts receiving tremelimumab and 6 (14.3%; 90% CI: 6.4%, 26.3%) pts receiving BSC were progression free at 3 months. Among pts receiving tremelimumab, there were 2 (4.8%) partial responses and 7 (16.6%) SDs, compared with 0 and 6 (14.3%) pts receiving BSC, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were observed in 27 (61.4%) pts receiving tremelimumab and 3 (7.0%) receiving BSC. Nine pts (20.5%) receiving tremelimumab reported grade 3 or 4 AEs compared with 0 patients receiving BSC. The most common grade 3 or 4 AEs attributed to tremelimumab were diarrhea and colitis (n=4, 9.1%). Conclusions: In pts with advanced NSCLC and good performance status receiving platinum-based first-line therapy, single-agent tremelimumab was tolerable, with safety consistent with prior studies. Although PFS analysis did not demonstrate superiority of tremelimumab over BSC, the 4.8% objective response rate seen only in the investigational arm may support future combination studies. Analysis of 1-year survival is forthcoming.

[Table: see text]

Multidrug resistance gene deficient (mdr1a-/-) mice have an altered caecal microbiota that precedes the onset of intestinal inflammation

AIM

To compare caecal microbiota from mdr1a(-/-) and wild type (FVB) mice to identify differences in the bacterial community that could influence the intestinal inflammation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Caecal microbiota of mdr1a(-/-) and FVB mice were evaluated at 12 and 25 weeks of age using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and quantitative real-time PCR. DGGE fingerprints of FVB and mdr1a(-/-) mice (with no intestinal inflammation) at 12 weeks revealed differences in the presence of DNA fragments identified as Bacteroides fragilis, B. thetaiotaomicron, B. vulgatus and an uncultured alphaproteobacterium. Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter sp. were only identified in DGGE profiles of mdr1a(-/-) mice at 25 weeks (with severe intestinal inflammation), which also had a lower number of total bacteria in the caecum compared with FVB mice at same age.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences found in the caecal microbiota of FVB and mdr1a(-/-) mice (12 weeks) suggest that the lack of Abcb1 transporters in intestinal cells due to the disruption of the mdr1a gene might lead to changes in the caecal microbiota. The altered microbiota along with the genetic defect could contribute to the development of intestinal inflammation in mdr1a(-/-) mice.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Differences in caecal microbiota of mdr1a(-/-) and FVB mice (12 weeks) suggest genotype specific colonization. The results provide evidence that Abcb1 transporters may regulate host interactions with commensal bacteria. Future work is needed to identify the mechanisms involved in this possible cross-talk between the host intestinal cells and microbiota.

The role of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors as therapy for advanced, metastatic, and recurrent non-small-cell lung cancer: a Canadian national consensus statement

PURPOSE

To provide consensus recommendations on the use of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIS) in patients with advanced or meta-static non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Using a systematic literature search, phase II trials, randomized phase III trials, and meta-analyses were identified for inclusion.

RESULTS

A total of forty-six trials were included. Clear evidence is available that EGFR-TKIS should not be administered concurrently with platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line therapy in advanced or metastatic nsclc. Evidence is currently insufficient to recommend single-agent EGFR-TKIS as first-line therapy either in unselected populations or in populations selected on the basis of molecular or clinical characteristics. Following failure of platinum-based chemotherapy, the evidence suggests that second-line EGFR-TKIS or second-line chemotherapy result in similar survival. Quality of life and symptom improvement for patients treated with an EGFR-TKI appear better than they do for patients treated with second-line docetaxel. Sequence of therapy may not appear to be important, but if survival is the outcome of interest, the goal should be to optimize the number of patients receiving three lines of therapy. Based on available data, molecular markers and clinical characteristics do not appear to be predictive of a differential survival benefit from an EGFR-TKI and therefore those factors should not be used to select patients for EGFR-TKI therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The EGFR-TKIS represent an additional therapy in the treatment of advanced or metastatic NSCLC. The results of ongoing clinical trials may define the optimal role for these agents and the effectiveness of combinations of these agents with other targeted agents.

Capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) versus 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX-4) as second-line therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer: a randomized phase III noninferiority study

BACKGROUND

To demonstrate the noninferiority of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) versus 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX-4) as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after prior irinotecan-based chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 627 patients were randomly assigned to receive XELOX (n = 313) or FOLFOX-4 (n = 314) following disease progression/recurrence or intolerance to irinotecan-based chemotherapy. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

PFS for XELOX was noninferior to FOLFOX-4 [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83-1.14] in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Median PFS was 4.7 months with XELOX versus 4.8 months with FOLFOX-4. The robustness of the primary analysis was supported by multivariate and subgroup analyses. Median overall survival in the ITT population was 11.9 months with XELOX versus 12.5 months with FOLFOX-4 (HR = 1.02; 95% CI 0.86-1.21). Treatment-related grade 3/4 adverse events occurred in 50% of XELOX- and 65% of FOLFOX-4-treated patients. Whereas grade 3/4 neutropenia (35% versus 5% with XELOX) and febrile neutropenia (4% versus < 1%) were more common with FOLFOX-4, grade 3/4 diarrhea (19% versus 5% with FOLFOX-4) and grade 3 hand-foot syndrome (4% versus < 1%) were more common with XELOX.

CONCLUSION

XELOX is noninferior to FOLFOX-4 when administered as second-line treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

A multi-centre, open-label study to assess the safety of Stimuvax (BLP25 liposome vaccine or L-BLP25) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (pts) with unresectable stage III disease

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Background: L-BLP25 is an innovative cancer vaccine that incorporates a synthetic MUC1 lipopeptide in a liposomal delivery system. L-BLP25 is expected to elicit an immune response to cancer cells that express MUC1. Previous clinical studies have demonstrated that L-BLP25 has the potential to extend survival of pts with stage IIIB locoregional NSCLC (Butts C et al., JCO 2005; 23:6674–6681). The present ph I-II study was designed to assess the safety of the current formulation of L-BLP25 using a monophosphoryl lipid A in pts with unresectable stage IIIA and stage IIIB NSCLC. Methods: Pts with stable disease or an objective response to upfront radical therapy with chemoradiation for unresectable stage III NSCLC, plus ECOG 0–1 were eligible. All pts were vaccinated according to a previously described schedule (1). Maintenance immunizations were administered every 6-wks until disease progression. Primary and secondary endpoints were safety and survival respectively. Results: Twenty-two pts were recruited at 7 sites in Canada. 16 pts were evaluated for this interim safety analysis (8 stage IIIA, 8 stage IIIB, median age; 57, ECOG 0 56%, concurrent chemotherapy; 93.8%). Thirteen pts had a partial response and 3 had stable disease following chemoradiation. Thirteen pts experienced an adverse event (AE) during the first 4 vaccinations of which 7 pts had a L-BLP25 related adverse event. Grade 1/2 AEs related to L-BLP25 ≥10% included fatigue, dyspnea, insomnia, anorexia, headache, diarrhea, paresthesia, abdominal pain, influenza-like illness, urinary tract infection and peripheral neuropathy. No pts discontinued L-BLP25 due to an AE and no grade 3/4 AEs related to L-BLP25 were reported. Six pts (37.5%) had an injection site reaction. As of September 2006, 10 pts were still on study treatment. Conclusions: This formulation of L-BLP25 was well tolerated and the side effect profile was similar to that seen in previous studies (1). A controlled global multi-center phase III trial is underway to further evaluate L-BLP25 in this patient population.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase III trial of capecitabine + oxaliplatin (XELOX) vs. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin (LV), and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4) as 2nd-line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC)

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Background: Capecitabine is an oral fluoropyrimidine that has demonstrated similar efficacy to 5-FU/LV in the 1st-line treatment of MCRC. Most patients now receive multi-agent chemotherapy and FOLFOX4 has become a popular regimen in this setting. We conducted a phase III study comparing XELOX with FOLFOX4 in patients who had received prior treatment with irinotecan in combination with bolus and/or infusional 5-FU/LV for MCRC. The primary endpoint of the study was time-to-tumor progression (TTP). With 610 patients, this study had 80% power to detect non-inferiority of the XELOX vs. FOLFOX, defined by a progression hazard ratio (HR) of <1.3. Methods: Patients were treated with XELOX (oxaliplatin 130mg/m2 i.v., capecitabine 1,000mg/m2 bid oral x 14 days, q3w) or FOLFOX4 (as described previously). Results: The study recruited 627 patients (the intent-to-treat - ITT - group). Baseline characteristics were well balanced. The primary objective of the study was met with a progression HR of 0.97 for the XELOX group (95% CI, 0.83–1.14). Median TTP was 4.8 months for XELOX- and 4.7 months for FOLFOX4-treated patients. Overall survival was also similar between the groups with a death HR of 1.03 for the XELOX group (95% CI, 0.87–1.23). Median survival was 11.9 months for XELOX- and 12.6 months for FOLFOX4-treated patients. Grade 3/4 toxicities occurred in 60.1% of XELOX- and 72.4% of FOLFOX4-treated patients. The most common treatment-related grade 3/4 adverse events (XELOX vs. FOLFOX4) were: diarrhea (20 vs. 5%), neutropenia (5 vs. 35%), fatigue (5 vs. 8%), paresthesia (9 vs. 8%), nausea/vomiting (6 vs. 5%). The rate of grade 3 hand-foot syndrome was 3.5% with XELOX and 0.6% with FOLFOX4. The 60-day all cause mortality was 3.9% in XELOX- and 4.2% in FOLFOX4-treated patients. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that second-line treatment with XELOX is non-inferior to FOLFOX4 in terms of PFS. Results for overall survival and response rates were also similar between the two groups. The safety profile was similar to previous studies, with no unexpected toxicities. Study supported by Hoffmann-La Roche.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Class III beta tubulin expression and benefit from adjuvant cisplatin/vinorelbine chemotherapy in operable non-small cell lung cancer: Analysis of the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group (NCIC CTG) study JBR.10

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Background: Biomarkers may be useful to select patients who will benefit from a particular chemotherapy regimen. High class III beta tubulin (bTubIII) expression in advanced NSCLC is known to correlate with reduced response rates and inferior survival with the anti-microtubule agents vinorelbine or paclitaxel. JBR.10 demonstrated a 12% and 15% improvement in 5-year recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) respectively with the addition of cisplatin and vinorelbine following resection of stage IB-II NSCLC. We sought to determine the impact of bTubIII on patient outcome and benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in the JBR.10 trial. Methods: We performed an immunohistochemical assay for bTubIII on primary tumor tissue available from 265 of the 482 patients in JBR.10. A validated, numerical bTubIII score was assigned by two observers based on the intensity and frequency of tumour cell staining. Tumours were classified as bTubIII “low” or “high” based on the median score. We examined the prognostic impact of bTubIII in patients treated with or without chemotherapy, and the survival benefit from chemotherapy in low versus high bTubIII subgroups. Results: High bTubIII expression was associated with poorer RFS (HR = 1.9, p = 0.01) in patients treated with surgery alone, but not in patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 1.1, p = .75). In the low bTubIII subgroup, the improvement in RFS with chemotherapy was non-significant (HR = 0.78, p = 0.4), while the improvement in RFS with chemotherapy was significant in the high bTubIII subgroup (HR = 0.45, p = 0.002). With Cox regression, the interaction between bTubIII status and chemotherapy treatment in predicting RFS did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.15). Results for OS were similar. Conclusions: Chemotherapy appeared to overcome the negative prognostic impact of high bTubIII expression. Greater benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy was seen in patients with high bTubIII expression. This is contrary to what has been seen in the setting of advanced disease; possible reasons for this difference are being explored.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Different approaches to understanding autoimmune rheumatic diseases: the neuroimmunoendocrine system

Rheumatic autoimmune diseases are characterized by dysregulation of the immune response that leads to inflammation, pain, disease and stiffness and have been shown to have differences in disease pattern, depending on the gender and age of an individual. The majority of these conditions predominantly affect females of all species and also show increased severity of disease in female animal models. In addition to the gender differences in disease development, persons are often more susceptible at specific stages of life. This review will discuss some of the data indicating age and gender differences in development of these diseases and will review hormonal and other factors that may contribute to disease expression and severity.