bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin C Inactivates the Proteasome Inhibitor PS-341 in Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Zou Wei , Yue Ping , Lin Na , He Min , Zhou Zhongmei , Lonial Sagal , Khuri Fadlo R. , Wang Binghe , Sun Shi-Yong
Published: March 2006

Purpose: PS-341 (bortezomib, Velcade), the first proteasome inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with relapsed multiple myeloma, induces apoptosis in human cancer cell lines. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential water-soluble vitamin required for many normal physiologic functions and has to be obtained through diet or supplemental tablets in humans. Here we studied the potential effect of vitamin C on the anticancer activity of PS-341 in human cancer cell lines.

Experimental Design: The effects of vitamin C on apoptosis induction by PS-341 alone and by PS-341 combined with tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand were studied. In addition, the effects of vitamin C and other antioxidants on PS-341-mediated proteasome inhibition were also examined. Finally, the direct chemical interaction between vitamin C and PS-341 was determined.

Results: Vitamin C abrogated the ability of PS-341 to induce apoptosis in various human cancer cell lines, to induce G2-M arrest, and to augment apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand. Moreover, vitamin C suppressed PS-341-mediated inhibition of proteasome activity. PS-341 itself did not induce generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species whereas other antioxidants failed to abrogate its biological activity. Importantly, we detected a direct chemical interaction between vitamin C and PS-341.

Conclusion: Vitamin C directly binds to PS-431, thus inactivating PS-341 independent of its antioxidant activity. Our findings suggest that vitamin C may have a negative effect on PS-341-mediated anticancer activity.
Value of 18F-Fluoro-2-Deoxy-d-Glucose-Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer for Prediction of Pathologic Response and Times to Relapse after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Pöttgen Christoph , Levegrün Sabine , Theegarten Dirk , Marnitz Simone , Grehl Sara , Pink Roman , Eberhardt Wilfried , Stamatis Georgios , Gauler Thomas , Antoch Gerald , Bockisch Andreas , Stuschke Martin
Published: March 2006

Purpose: To determine the value of combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) during induction chemotherapy (CTx) followed by chemoradiotherapy (CTx/RTx) for non–small-cell lung cancer to predict histopathologic response in primary tumor and mediastinum and prognosis of the patient.

Experimental Design: Fifty consecutive patients with locally advanced non–small-cell lung cancer received induction therapy and, if considered resectable, proceeded to surgery (37 of 50 patients). Patients had at least two repeated 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG)-PET/CT scans either before treatment (t0) or after induction CTx (t1) or CTx/RTx (t2). Variables from the PET/CT studies [e.g., lesion volume and corrected maximum standardized glucose uptake values (SUVmax,corr)] were correlated with histopathologic response (graded as 3, 2b, or 2a: 0%, >0-10%, or >10% residual tumor cells) and times to failure.

Results: Primary tumors showed a percentage decrease in SUVmax,corr during induction significantly larger in grade 2b/3 than in grade 2a responding tumors (67% versus 34% at t1, 73% versus 49% at t2; both P < 0.005). SUVmax,corr at t2 was significantly correlated with histopathologic response in tumors smaller than the median volume (7.5 cm3; r = −0.54, P = 0.02). In the mediastinal lymph nodes, SUVmax,corr values at t2 predicted an ypN0 status with a sensitivity and specificity of 73% and 89%, respectively (SUVmax,corr threshold of 4.1, r = −0.54, P = 0.0005). Freedom from extracerebral relapse was significantly better in grade 2b/3 patients (86% at 16 months versus 20% in 2a responders; P = 0.003) and in patients with a greater percentage decrease in SUVmax,corr in the primary tumor at t2 in relation to t0 than in patients with lesser response (83% at 16 months versus 43%; P = 0.03 for cutoff points between 0.45 and 0.55).

Conclusions: SUVmax,corr values from two serial PET/CT scans, before and after three chemotherapy cycles or later, allow prediction of histopathologic response in the primary tumor and mediastinal lymph nodes and have prognostic value.
Annexin A8 Is Up-Regulated During Mouse Mammary Gland Involution and Predicts Poor Survival in Breast Cancer
Authors: Stein Torsten , Price Karen N. , Morris Joanna S. , Heath Victoria J. , Ferrier Roderick K. , Bell Alexandra K. , Pringle Marie-Anne , Villadsen René , Petersen Ole W. , Sauter Guido , Bryson Gareth , Mallon Elizabeth A. , Gusterson Barry A.
Published: March 2006

Purpose: Microarray studies have linked Annexin A8 RNA expression to a “basal cell–like” subset of breast cancers, including BRCA1-related cancers, that are characterized by cytokeratin 5 (CK5) and CK17 expression and show poor prognosis. We assessed Annexin A8's contribution to the overall prognosis and its expression in normal, benign, and cancerous tissue and addressed Annexin A8's physiologic role in the mammary gland.

Experimental Design: Using microarrays and reverse transcription-PCR, the Annexin A8 expression was studied during mouse mammary gland development and in isolated mammary structures. Reverse transcription-PCR on cultured human luminal and basal cells, along with immunocytochemistry on normal and benign breast tissues, was used for cellular localization. Annexin A8's prognostic relevance and its coexpression with CK5 were assessed on tissue arrays of 1,631 cases of invasive breast cancer. Coexpression was further evaluated on a small cohort of 14 BRCA1-related breast cancers.

Results: Annexin A8 was up-regulated during mouse mammary gland involution and in pubertal ductal epithelium. Annexin A8 showed preferred expression in cultured basal cells but predominant luminal expression in normal human breast tissue in vivo. Hyperplasias and in situ carcinomas showed a strong staining of basal cells. Annexin A8 expression was significantly associated with grade (P < 0.0001), CK5 (P < 0.0001), and estrogen receptor status (P < 0.0001); 85.7% BRCA1-related breast tumors coexpressed Annexin A8 and CK5.

Conclusion: Annexin A8 is involved in mouse mammary gland involution. In humans, it is a luminally expressed protein with basal expression in cell culture and in hyperplasia/ductal carcinoma in situ. Expression in invasive breast carcinomas has a significant effect on survival (P = 0.03) but is not independent of grade or CK5.
Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of a Single Dose of DN-101, a New Formulation of Calcitriol, in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Beer Tomasz M. , Javle Milind , Lam Gilbert N. , Henner W. David , Wong Alvin , Trump Donald L.
Published: March 2006

Background: Intermittent administration allows substantial dose escalation of calcitriol but limited bioavailability of the commercially available formulations at high doses is limiting. In this dose escalation study, we sought to evaluate the tolerability and pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of DN-101, a high-dose calcitriol formulation.

Methods: DN-101 doses were escalated in sequential groups of three to six patients with advanced solid tumors. Dose-limiting toxicity was defined as grade ≥2 hypercalcemia or grade ≥3 persistent treatment-related toxicities. Single-dose administration of 15, 30, 60, 75, 90, 105, 135, and 165 μg was tested.

Results: Thirty-eight patients were enrolled in 2002 and 2003. The median age was 70 years (range, 44-91 years). Dose escalation was stopped at the 165 μg level when the number of capsules required at one time reached 11. No dose-limiting toxicities occurred. Transient and self-limited grade 3 toxicities were hyponatremia (2) and proteinuria (1). A dose-proportional increase in peak concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration curve (AUC) was seen across the full range of DN-101 doses tested. At the 165 μg dose, Cmax was 6.21 ± 1.99 ng/mL, AUC(0-24) was 41.3 ± 9.77 ng h/mL, AUC(0-∞) was 55.4 ± 8.44, and half-life (T1/2) was 16.2 hours.

Conclusions: At doses between 15 and 165 μg, DN-101 exhibits linear pharmacokinetics. At 165 μg, DN-101 achieves systemic exposure that is 5- to 8-fold higher than that achieved with commercial formulations of calcitriol, which makes DN-101 comparable to that required for antitumor activity in vivo in a murine squamous cell carcinoma model.
How ADAM-9 and ADAM-11 Differentially From Estrogen Receptor Predict Response to Tamoxifen Treatment in Patients with Recurrent Breast Cancer: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Sieuwerts Anieta M. , Meijer-van Gelder Marion E. , Timmermans Mieke , Trapman Anita M.A.C. , Garcia Roberto Rodriguez , Arnold Miranda , Goedheer Anneke J.W. , Portengen Henk , Klijn Jan G.M. , Foekens John A.
Published: March 2006

Purpose: To evaluate the predictive value of the disintegrin and metalloproteinases, ADAM-9, ADAM-10, ADAM-11, and ADAM-12, and of the matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-2 and MMP-9, in patients with recurrent breast cancer treated with tamoxifen.

Experimental Design: A retrospective study was done on 259 frozen specimens of estrogen receptor–positive primary breast carcinomas from patients who developed recurrent disease and were treated with tamoxifen as the first line of therapy. The expression levels of the biological factors were assessed by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR.

Results: Using log-transformed continuous variables, increasing levels of ADAM-9 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.41; P = 0.015] and decreasing levels of MMP-9 (OR, 0.81; P = 0.035) predicted favorable disease control independent from the traditional predictive factors. Furthermore, when tumors were dichotomized at the median level of 70% tumor cell nuclei, our univariate analysis showed particularly strong results for the group of 153 patients with primary tumors containing 30% or more stromal cells. Although estrogen receptor levels lost their predictive power for this group of patients, high levels of ADAM-9 (OR, 1.59; P = 0.007) and ADAM-11 (OR, 1.65; P = 0.001) were significantly associated with a higher efficacy of tamoxifen therapy.

Conclusions: Our results show that especially for primary tumors containing stromal elements, the assessment of mRNA expression levels of ADAM-9 and ADAM-11 could be useful to identify patients with recurrent breast cancer who are likely to benefit or fail from tamoxifen therapy.
Molecular Alterations in Primary Prostate Cancer after Androgen Ablation Therapy
Authors: Best Carolyn J.M. , Gillespie John W. , Yi Yajun , Chandramouli Gadisetti V.R. , Perlmutter Mark A. , Gathright Yvonne , Erickson Heidi S. , Georgevich Lauren , Tangrea Michael A. , Duray Paul H. , González Sergio , Velasco Alfredo , Linehan W. Marston , Matusik Robert J. , Price Douglas K. , Figg William D. , Emmert-Buck Michael R. , Chuaqui Rodrigo F.
Published: March 2006

Purpose: After an initial response to androgen ablation, most prostate tumors recur, ultimately progressing to highly aggressive androgen-independent cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying progression are not well known in part due to the rarity of androgen-independent samples from primary and metastatic sites.

Experimental Design: We compared the gene expression profiles of 10 androgen-independent primary prostate tumor biopsies with 10 primary, untreated androgen-dependent tumors. Samples were laser capture microdissected, the RNA was amplified, and gene expression was assessed using Affymetrix Human Genome U133A GeneChip. Differential expression was examined with principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering, and Student's t testing. Analysis of gene ontology was done with Expression Analysis Systematic Explorer and gene expression data were integrated with genomic alterations with Differential Gene Locus Mapping.

Results: Unsupervised principal component analysis showed that the androgen-dependent and androgen-independent tumors segregated from one another. After filtering the data, 239 differentially expressed genes were identified. Two main gene ontologies were found discordant between androgen-independent and androgen-dependent tumors: macromolecule biosynthesis was down-regulated and cell adhesion was up-regulated in androgen-independent tumors. Other differentially expressed genes were related to interleukin-6 signaling as well as angiogenesis, cell adhesion, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and hormone response. The Differential Gene Locus Mapping analysis identified nine regions of potential chromosomal deletion in the androgen-independent tumors, including 1p36, 3p21, 6p21, 8p21, 11p15, 11q12, 12q23, 16q12, and 16q21.

Conclusions: Taken together, these data identify several unique characteristics of androgen-independent prostate cancer that may hold potential for the development of targeted therapeutic intervention.
Overexpression of Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerase-Like 1 Is Associated with the Growth of Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Obama Kazutaka , Kato Tatsushi , Hasegawa Suguru , Satoh Seiji , Nakamura Yusuke , Furukawa Yoichi
Published: March 2006

Purpose and Experimental Design: To discover novel therapeutic targets for colon cancers, we previously surveyed expression patterns among 23,000 genes in colon cancer tissues using a cDNA microarray. Among the genes that were up-regulated in the tumors, we selected for this study peptidyl-prolyl isomerase-like 1 (PPIL1) encoding PPIL1, a cyclophilin-related protein.

Results: Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining using PPIL1-specific antibody showed that PPIL1 protein was frequently overexpressed in colon cancer cells compared with noncancerous epithelial cells of the colon mucosa. Colony formation assay showed a growth-promoting effect of wild-type PPIL1 on NIH3T3 and HEK293 cells. Consistently, transfection of short-interfering RNA specific to PPIL1 into SNUC4 and SNUC5 cells effectively reduced expression of the gene and retarded growth of the colon cancer cells. We further identified two PPIL1-interacting proteins, SNW1/SKIP (SKI-binding protein) and stathmin. SNW1/SKIP is involved in the regulation of transcription and mRNA splicing, whereas stathmin is involved in stabilization of microtubules. Therefore, elevated expression of PPIL1 may play an important role in proliferation of cancer cells through the control of SNW1/SKIP and/or stathmin.

Conclusion: The findings reported here may offer new insight into colonic carcinogenesis and contribute to the development of new molecular strategies for treatment of human colorectal tumors.
Adaptive Signature Design: An Adaptive Clinical Trial Design for Generating and Prospectively Testing A Gene Expression Signature for Sensitive Patients
Authors: Freidlin Boris , Simon Richard
Published: March 2006

Purpose: A new generation of molecularly targeted agents is entering the definitive stage of clinical evaluation. Many of these drugs benefit only a subset of treated patients and may be overlooked by the traditional, broad-eligibility approach to randomized clinical trials. Thus, there is a need for development of novel statistical methodology for rapid evaluation of these agents.

Experimental Design: We propose a new adaptive design for randomized clinical trials of targeted agents in settings where an assay or signature that identifies sensitive patients is not available at the outset of the study. The design combines prospective development of a gene expression–based classifier to select sensitive patients with a properly powered test for overall effect.

Results: Performance of the adaptive design, relative to the more traditional design, is evaluated in a simulation study. It is shown that when the proportion of patients sensitive to the new drug is low, the adaptive design substantially reduces the chance of false rejection of effective new treatments. When the new treatment is broadly effective, the adaptive design has power to detect the overall effect similar to the traditional design. Formulas are provided to determine the situations in which the new design is advantageous.

Conclusion: Development of a gene expression–based classifier to identify the subset of sensitive patients can be prospectively incorporated into a randomized phase III design without compromising the ability to detect an overall effect.
Intraperitoneal Pretarget Radioimmunotherapy with CC49 Fusion Protein
Authors: Buchsbaum Donald J. , Khazaeli M.B. , Axworthy Donald B. , Schultz Jody , Chaudhuri Tandra R. , Zinn Kurt R. , Carpenter Mark , LoBuglio Albert F.
Published: March 2006

Purpose: This study examined a pretarget radioimmunotherapy strategy for treatment of an i.p. tumor model (LS174T).

Experimental Design: The strategy used regional administration (i.p.) of a novel targeting molecule composed of four CC49 anti–tumor-associated glycoprotein 72 (TAG-72) single-chain antibodies linked to streptavidin as a fusion protein (CC49 fusion protein); 24 hours later, a synthetic clearing agent was administered i.v. to produce hepatic clearance of unbound CC49 fusion protein/synthetic clearing agent complexes. Four hours later, a low molecular weight radiolabeled reagent composed of biotin conjugated to the chelating agent 7,10-tetra-azacyclododecane-N,N′,N″,N‴-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) complexed with 111In-, 90Y-, or 177Lu-DOTA-biotin was injected.

Results: Radiolocalization to tumor sites was superior with i.p. administration of radiolabeled DOTA-biotin as compared with i.v. administration. Imaging and biodistribution studies showed excellent tumor localization of radioactivity with 111In- or 177Lu-DOTA-biotin. Tumor localization of 111In-DOTA-biotin was 43% ID/g and 44% ID/g at 4 and 24 hours with the highest normal tissue localization in the kidney with 6% ID/g at 48 and 72 hours. Therapy studies with 90Y-DOTA-biotin at doses of 400 to 600 μCi or 177Lu-DOTA-biotin at doses of 600 to 800 μCi produced significant prolongation of survival compared with controls (P = 0.03 and P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Pretarget radioimmunotherapy using regional administration of CC49 fusion protein and i.p. 90Y- or 177Lu-DOTA-biotin represents a successful therapeutic strategy in the LS174T i.p. tumor model and this strategy may be applicable to human trials in patients with i.p. ovarian cancer.
Antitumor Vascular Strategy for Controlling Experimental Metastatic Spread of Human Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells with ZD6474 in Natural Killer Cell–Depleted Severe Combined Immunodeficient Mice
Authors: Yano Seiji , Muguruma Hiroaki , Matsumori Yuka , Goto Hisatsugu , Nakataki Emiko , Edakuni Nobutaka , Tomimoto Hideki , Kakiuchi Soji , Yamamoto Akihiko , Uehara Hisanori , Ryan Anderson , Sone Saburo
Published: March 2006

Background: Small-cell lung cancer is often characterized by rapid growth and metastatic spread. Because tumor growth and metastasis are angiogenesis dependent, there is great interest in therapeutic strategies that aim to inhibit tumor angiogenesis.

Methods: The effect of ZD6474, an orally available inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and epidermal growth factor tyrosine kinases, was studied in experimental multiple-organ metastasis models with human small-cell lung cancer cell lines (SBC-3 or SBC-5) in natural killer cell–depleted severe combined immunodeficient mice.

Results: Intravenously inoculated SBC-5 cells produced experimental metastases in the liver, lung, and bone whereas SBC-3 cells produced the metastases in the liver, systemic lymph nodes, and kidneys. Daily oral treatment with ZD6474 (50 mg/kg), started on day 14 (after the establishment of micrometastases), significantly reduced the frequency of large (>3 mm) metastatic colonies (in the liver and lymph nodes) and osteolytic bone lesions. ZD6474 treatment did not significantly reduce the frequency of small (<2-3 mm) metastatic lesions found in the lung (SBC-5) or kidney (SBC-3), consistent with an antiangiogenic mechanism of action. Immunohistochemical analysis of SBC-5 metastatic deposits in the liver showed that ZD6474 treatment inhibited VEGFR-2 activation and induced apoptosis of tumor-associated endothelial cells, resulting in decreasing tumor microvessel density. ZD6474 treatment was also associated with a decrease in tumor cell proliferation and an increase in tumor cell apoptosis. The antitumor effects of ZD6474 were considered likely to be due to inhibition of VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase because gefitinib, a small-molecule inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, was inactive in these models.

Conclusions: These results suggest that ZD6474 may be of potential therapeutic value in inhibiting the growth of metastatic small-cell lung cancer in humans. Phase II trials with ZD6474 are currently ongoing in a range of solid tumors.
The Role of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Mediating the Effects of Histamine on Cell Proliferation and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Cianchi Fabio , Cortesini Camillo , Schiavone Nicola , Perna Federico , Magnelli Lucia , Fanti Elena , Bani Daniele , Messerini Luca , Fabbroni Valentina , Perigli Giuliano , Capaccioli Sergio , Masini Emanuela
Published: March 2006

Purpose: Activity of histidine decarboxylase, the key enzyme in the synthesis of histamine, has been shown to be increased in several types of human tumors. We attempted to establish whether the possible involvement of histidine decarboxylase and histamine in colorectal carcinogenesis might be mediated by the activation of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway.

Experimental Design: Expression/activity of histidine decarboxylase, histamine content, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production were analyzed in 33 colorectal cancer samples and in the HT29, Caco-2, and HCT116 colon cancer cell lines. The effects of histamine, celecoxib, and H1, H2, and H4 receptor antagonists on COX-2 expression/activity, cell proliferation, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production were assessed in the three colon cancer lines that showed different constitutive COX-2 expression.

Results: We showed the up-regulation of histidine decarboxylase protein expression and activity in the tumor specimens when compared with normal colonic mucosa. Histidine decarboxylase activity and histamine content were also significantly higher in metastatic tumors than in nonmetastatic ones. These variables significantly correlated with tumor PGE2 production. The administration of histamine increased COX-2 expression/activity, cell proliferation, and VEGF production in the COX-2-positive HT29 and Caco-2 cells. Treatment with either H2/H4 receptor antagonists or celecoxib prevented these effects. Histamine had no effect on both the COX-2 pathway and VEGF production in the COX-2-negative HCT116 cells.

Conclusions: Our data showed that histamine exerts both a proproliferative and a proangiogenic effect via H2/H4 receptor activation. These effects are likely to be mediated by increasing COX-2-related PGE2 production in COX-2-expressing colon cancer cells.
Identification of Peptide Vaccine Candidates for Prostate Cancer Patients with HLA-A3 Supertype Alleles
Authors: Matsueda Satoko , Takedatsu Hiroko , Yao Akihisa , Tanaka Masahiro , Noguchi Masanori , Itoh Kyogo , Harada Mamoru
Published: March 2006

Purpose: The peptide vaccine candidates identified to date have been focused on the HLA-A2 and HLA-A24 alleles. The HLA-A11, HLA-A31, and HLA-A33 alleles share binding motifs and belong to an HLA-A3 supertype family. In this study, we attempted to identify CTL-directed peptide candidates, derived from prostate-related antigens and shared by HLA-A11+, HLA-A31+, and HLA-A33+ prostate cancer patients.

Experimental Design: Based on the binding motif to the HLA-A3 supertype alleles, 42 peptides were prepared from prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP). These peptides were first screened for their ability to be recognized by immunoglobulin G (IgG) of prostate cancer patients and subsequently for the potential to induce peptide-specific and prostate cancer–reactive CTLs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of cancer patients with the HLA-A11, HLA-A31, and HLA-A33 alleles.

Results: Five peptide candidates, including the PSA16-24, PAP155-163, PAP248-257, PSMA207-215, and PSMA431-440 peptides, were frequently recognized by IgGs of prostate cancer patients. These peptides efficiently induced peptide-specific and prostate cancer–reactive CTLs from PBMCs of cancer patients with the HLA-A11, HLA-A31, and HLA-A33 alleles. Antibody blocking and cold inhibition experiments revealed that the HLA-A3 supertype–restricted cytotoxicity against prostate cancer cells could be ascribed to peptide-specific and CD8+ T cells.

Conclusions: We identified prostate-related antigen-derived new peptide candidates for HLA-A11-, HLA-A31-, and HLA-A33-positive prostate cancer patients. This information could facilitate the development of a peptide-based anticancer vaccine for patients with alleles other than HLA-A2 and HLA-A24.
Novel Genes Associated with Malignant Melanoma but not Benign Melanocytic Lesions
Authors: Talantov Dmitri , Mazumder Abhijit , Yu Jack X. , Briggs Thomas , Jiang Yuqiu , Backus John , Atkins David , Wang Yixin
Published: March 2006

Purpose: Cutaneous melanoma is a common, aggressive cancer with increasing incidence. The identification of melanoma-specific deregulated genes could provide molecular markers for lymph node staging assays and further insight into melanoma tumorigenesis.

Experimental Design: Total RNA isolated from 45 primary melanoma, 18 benign skin nevi, and 7 normal skin tissue specimens were analyzed on an Affymetrix Hu133A microarray containing 22,000 probe sets.

Results: Hierarchical clustering revealed a distinct separation of the melanoma samples from the benign and normal specimens. Novel genes associated with malignant melanoma were identified. Differential gene expression of two melanoma-specific genes, PLAB and L1CAM, were tested by a one-step quantitative reverse transcription-PCR assay on primary malignant melanoma, benign nevi, and normal skin samples, as well as on malignant melanoma lymph node metastasis and melanoma-free lymph nodes. The performance of the markers was compared with conventional melanoma markers such as tyrosinase, gp100, and MART1.

Conclusion: Our study systematically identified novel melanoma-specific genes and showed the feasibility of using a combination of PLAB and L1CAM in a reverse transcription-PCR assay to differentiate clinically relevant samples containing benign or malignant melanocytes.
Multidrug Resistance Proteins in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Site-Dependent Expression and Initial Response to Imatinib
Authors: Théou Nathalie , Gil Sophie , Devocelle Anne , Julié Catherine , Lavergne-Slove Anne , Beauchet Alain , Callard Patrice , Farinotti Robert , Le Cesne Axel , Lemoine Antoinette , Faivre-Bonhomme Laurence , Emile Jean-François
Published: March 2006

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors of the digestive tract and respond poorly to chemotherapy. A tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment, imatinib mesylate, was recently shown to have antitumor effects in metastatic patients. However, this drug is a substrate for multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins. Therefore, we investigated the expression of ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein), ABCC1 (MRP1), and ABCG2 (BCRP) by Western blotting in 21 GISTs and 3 leiomyosarcomas. All the GISTs were positive for either ABCB1 (86% of cases) or ABCC1 expression (62%), but negative for ABCG2. ABCB1 was expressed in all gastric GISTs, but in only 67% of nongastric GISTs. By contrast, ABCC1 expression was more common in nongastric tumors (78% versus 42%). The levels of these MDR proteins in gastric GISTs were higher for ABCB1 (P = 0.007) and lower for ABCC1 (P = 0.004) compared with nongastric GISTs. We found no correlation between MDR protein expression and the risk assessment. None of the six patients treated with imatinib was resistant, although all were positive for at least one MDR protein. These results confirm that gastric and nongastric GISTs have different biological characteristics and suggest that MDR proteins do not impair the initial response of the tumor to imatinib.
The Role of S100A6 in Pancreatic Cancer Development and Its Clinical Implication as a Diagnostic Marker and Therapeutic Target
Authors: Ohuchida Kenoki , Mizumoto Kazuhiro , Ishikawa Nami , Fujii Kei , Konomi Hiroyuki , Nagai Eishi , Yamaguchi Koji , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi , Tanaka Masao
Published: March 2006

Recent microarray analyses showed that the S100 family contains members that are candidate diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets. In the present study, to evaluate the involvement of S100A6 in pancreatic cancer and its clinical usefulness for diagnosis, we examined S100A6 mRNA expression in pancreatic tissues and pancreatic juice from patients with different pancreatic diseases. To investigate the role of S100A6 in carcinogenesis of pancreatic cancer and the potential of S100A6 as a diagnostic marker for early detection of pancreatic cancer, we did immunohistochemistry and microdissection-based mRNA analysis of pancreatic normal ducts, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias, and invasive ductal carcinomas. We also used in vitro experiments and microarray analysis with RNA interference to evaluate the functional role of S100A6 and its potential as a therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. S100A6 mRNA levels were significantly higher in carcinoma specimens than in nonneoplastic tissues. In pancreatic juice, there was a significant difference in S100A6 expression between patients with carcinoma and those with nonneoplastic disease. Receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that S100A6 might be a useful marker for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Immunohistochemistry and microdissection-based analysis showed differential expression of S100A6 among normal ducts, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias, and invasive ductal carcinomas. In vitro data showed that inhibition of S100A6 decreased proliferation and invasiveness of cancer cells, and these findings were supported by microarray data. Our present results suggest that quantitation of S100A6 mRNA is a promising tool for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, and that S100A6 may be a promising therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
Radioimmunotherapy of CD22-Expressing Daudi Tumors in Nude Mice with a 90Y-Labeled Anti-CD22 Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Vallera Daniel A. , Brechbiel Martin W. , Burns Linda J. , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Dusenbery Katie E. , Clohisy Dennis R. , Vitetta Ellen S.
Published: March 2006

A study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of a high affinity, rapidly internalizing anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody for selectively delivering high-energy 90Y radioactivity to B lymphoma cells in vivo. The antibody, RFB4, was readily labeled with 90Y using the highly stable chelate, 1B4M-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. Labeled RFB4 selectively bound to the CD22+ Burkitt's lymphoma cell line Daudi, but not to CD22− control cells in vitro as compared with a control antibody, and was more significantly bound (P = 0.03) to Daudi solid tumors growing in athymic nude mice. Biodistribution data correlated well with the antitumor effect. The therapeutic effect of 90Y-labeled anti-CD22 (Y22) was dose-dependent, irreversible, and the best results were achieved in mice receiving a single i.p. dose of 196 μCi. These mice displayed a significantly better (P < 0.01) antitumor response than control mice and survived >200 days with no evidence of tumor. Histology studies showed no significant injury to kidney, liver, or small intestine. Importantly, tumor-bearing mice treated with Y22 had no radiologic bone marrow damage compared with tumor-bearing mice treated with the control-labeled antibody arguing that the presence of CD22+ tumor protected mice from bone marrow damage. When anti-CD22 radioimmunotherapy was compared to radioimmunotherapy with anti-CD19 and anti-CD45 antibodies, all three antibodies distributed significantly high levels of radioisotope to flank tumors in vivo compared with controls (P < 0.05), induced complete remission, and produced long-term, tumor-free survivors. These findings indicate that anti-CD22 radioimmunotherapy with Y22 is highly effective in vivo against CD22-expressing malignancies and may be a useful therapy for drug-refractory B cell leukemia patients.
High Frequency of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer in Newfoundland Likely Involves Novel Susceptibility Genes
Authors: Woods Michael O. , Hyde Angela J. , Curtis Fiona K. , Stuckless Susan , Green Jane S. , Pollett Aaron F. , Robb J. Desmond , Green Roger C. , Croitoru Marina E. , Careen Amanda , Chaulk Jason A.W. , Jegathesan Jegan , McLaughlin John R. , Gallinger Steven S. , Younghusband H. Banfield , Bapat Bharati V. , Parfrey Patrick S.
Published: March 2006

Purpose: Newfoundland has one of the highest rates of colorectal cancer in North America. The most common hereditary form of colorectal cancer is hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer caused by mutations in genes involved in mismatch repair. Our purpose was to determine the proportion of hereditary colorectal cancer and to determine the genetic basis of disease in both population and clinically referred cohorts from Newfoundland.

Experimental Design: Seventy-eight colorectal cancer patients were accrued over a 2-year period from the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland. We also examined 31 hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer–like families, which had been referred to the Provincial Medical Genetics Program. Tumors from probands were tested by immunohistochemistry for deficiencies in MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6 proteins and tested for DNA microsatellite instability. Mutation analyses of MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6 were undertaken by direct sequencing and an assay to detect deletions, amplifications, and rearrangements in MSH2 and MLH1.

Results: We identified eight population-based families that fulfill the Amsterdam I or II criteria, 4 (50%) of which seem to have hereditary cancer not attributable to the most commonly mutated mismatch repair genes. In addition, in 16 of 21 (76%) referred families fulfilling Amsterdam I or II criteria, no mutations were found in the three most commonly altered mismatch repair genes, and tumor analyses corroborated these findings.

Conclusions: It seems that strong and novel genetic causes of hereditary colorectal cancer are responsible for a high proportion of colorectal cancer in this population. Conditions are suitable for the identification of these genes by linkage studies of large Newfoundland cancer families.
Intestinal microflora and digestive toxicity of irinotecan in mice.
Authors: Brandi Giovanni , Dabard Jean , Raibaud Pierre , Di Battista Monica , Bridonneau Chantal , Pisi Anna Maria , Morselli Labate Antonio Maria , Pantaleo Maria Abbondanza , De Vivo Antonello , Biasco Guido
Published: March 2006

PURPOSE: Delayed diarrhea is the most important side effect of irinotecan. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of intestinal microflora on the induction of systemic and intestinal toxicity and diarrhea, studying germ-free and holoxenic mice i.p. injected with irinotecan. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: To evaluate the lethal dose, starting with 100 mg/kg/4 d, we treated the holoxenic mice with 100, 80, and 60 mg/kg/4 d and germ-free mice with 60, 80, 100, and 150 mg/kg/4 d. We recorded the percentage of dead animals, diarrhea, and the epithelial damage to the jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon at optical and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Germ-free mice were more resistant to irinotecan than the holoxenic group. The lethal dose was between 60 and 80 mg of irinotecan for holoxenic mice and > or =150 mg for the germ-free. The intestinal damage score was higher in holoxenic than germ-free mice at 100 mg and equally diffuse in the small and large bowel. The damage in germ-free mice was less severe (8 of 40 samples) prevailing in the ileum. The differences were significant for all sites (jejunum, P < 0.001; ileum, P = 0.012; cecum, P = 0.001; colon, P < 0.001). No damage was found in germ-free mice at 60 mg. Diarrhea was present in all 100 and 80 mg holoxenic mice and in 19 of 20 cases at 60 mg whereas it was absent in 60 mg or sporadic in 80 and 100 mg germ-free mice. CONCLUSIONS: The intestinal microflora plays a key role in the intestinal toxicity of irinotecan.
Identification of Overexpression and Amplification of ABCF2 in Clear Cell Ovarian Adenocarcinomas by cDNA Microarray Analyses
Authors: Tsuda Hiroshi , Ito Yoichi M. , Ohashi Yasuo , Wong Kwong-Kwok , Hashiguchi Yasunori , Welch William R. , Berkowitz Ross S. , Birrer Michael J. , Mok Samuel C.
Published: March 2006

Purpose: Patients with ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma generally have a poor response to combination chemotherapy and have overall poorer prognosis than patients with other histologic types of ovarian cancer. Genetic changes in this group of cancer have not been thoroughly explored. Identification of these changes may provide us new therapeutic targets to treat this disease.

Experimental Design: Genomic and expression array analyses were applied on 30 clear cell ovarian cancer cases and 19 serous cases using a 10,816-element cDNA microarray platform. Further validation and clinical correlation studies were done on differentially expressed genes that are related to chemoresistance.

Results: Based on array analyses, 12 genes showed a significant increase in DNA and mRNA copy number and 5 genes showed a significant decrease in DNA and RNA copy number in clear cell tumors compared with those in the serous type. One of the genes was ABCF2, which belongs to the ATP-binding cassette gene superfamily and has been shown to amplify in other tumor types. Validation studies were done using real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. The results showed significantly higher ABCF2 DNA and mRNA copy number and protein levels in clear cell cases compared with those in serous cases. Furthermore, in 20 clear cell cases with chemoresponse data available, ABCF2 cytoplasmic staining was significantly higher in nonresponders than that in the responders (60.0% versus 28.5%; P = 0.0002).

Conclusions: These data suggest that ABCF2 protein may be a prognostic marker for ovarian clear cell ovarian adenocarcinoma.
Molecular Subtyping of Breast Cancer from Traditional Tumor Marker Profiles Using Parallel Clustering Methods
Authors: Ambrogi Federico , Biganzoli Elia , Querzoli Patrizia , Ferretti Stefano , Boracchi Patrizia , Alberti Saverio , Marubini Ettore , Nenci Italo
Published: March 2006

Purpose: Recent small-sized genomic studies on the identification of breast cancer bioprofiles have led to profoundly dishomogeneous results. Thus, we sought to identify distinct tumor profiles with possible clinical relevance based on clusters of immunohistochemical molecular markers measured on a large, single institution, case series.

Experimental Design: Tumor biological profiles were explored on 633 archival tissue samples analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Five validated markers were considered, i.e., estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), Ki-67/MIB1 as a proliferation marker, HER2/NEU, and p53 in their original scale of measurement. The results obtained were analyzed by three different clustering algorithms. Four different indices were then used to select the different profiles (number of clusters).

Results: The best classification was obtained creating four clusters. Notably, three clusters were identified according to low, intermediate, and high ER/PR levels. A further subdivision in two biologically distinct subtypes was determined by the presence/absence of HER2/NEU and of p53. As expected, the cluster with high ER/PR levels was characterized by a much better prognosis and response to hormone therapy compared to that with the lowest ER/PR values. Notably, the cluster characterized by high HER2/NEU levels showed intermediate prognosis, but a rather poor response to hormone therapy.

Conclusions: Our results show the possibility of profiling breast cancers by means of traditional markers, and have novel clinical implications on the definition of the prognosis of cancer patients. These findings support the existence of a tumor subtype that responds poorly to hormone therapy, characterized by HER2/NEU overexpression.
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF-2) Overexpression Is a Risk Factor for Esophageal Cancer Recurrence and Reduced Survival, which Is Ameliorated by Coexpression of the FGF-2 Antisense Gene
Authors: Barclay Christie , Li Audrey W. , Geldenhuys Laurette , Baguma-Nibasheka Mark , Porter Geoffrey A. , Veugelers Paul J. , Murphy Paul R. , Casson Alan G.
Published: March 2006

Purpose: The basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) gene is bidirectionally transcribed to generate overlapping sense and antisense (FGF-AS) mRNAs. FGF-AS has been implicated in the post-transcriptional regulation of FGF-2 expression. The aim of this study was to characterize FGF-2 and FGF-AS in esophageal cancer and to correlate their expression with clinicopathologic findings and outcome.

Experimental Design: Reverse transcription-PCR was used to study FGF-2 and FGF-AS mRNA expression (normalized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) in 48 esophageal cancers relative to matched histologically normal esophageal epithelia (internal control). We used Cox proportional hazards analysis to calculate hazard ratios for recurrence and survival of patients with underexpression relative to the overexpression of FGF-2 and/or FGF-AS.

Results: Overexpression of FGF-2 mRNA, by comparison with tumors underexpressing FGF-2, was associated with significantly increased risk for tumor recurrence (hazard ratio, 3.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.64-8.76) and reduced overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-4.58). When the effects of FGF-2 and FGF-AS were considered simultaneously, the association of FGF-2 mRNA overexpression with recurrence and mortality was even more pronounced, whereas FGF-AS mRNA overexpression was associated with reduced risk for recurrence and improved survival.

Conclusions: Overexpression of FGF-2 mRNA is associated with tumor recurrence and reduced survival after surgical resection of esophageal cancer and that these risks are reduced in tumors coexpressing the FGF-AS mRNA. These data support the hypothesis that FGF-AS is a novel tumor suppressor that modulates the effect of FGF-2 expression and may have potential clinical application to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Phase 1 Study of Weekly Polyethylene Glycol-Camptothecin in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors and Lymphomas
Authors: Posey James A. , Saif M. Wasif , Carlisle Ronda , Goetz Andrew , Rizzo Jinee , Stevenson Suzanne , Rudoltz Marc S. , Kwiatek Joseph , Simmons Paul , Rowinsky Eric K. , Takimoto Chris H. , Tolcher Anthony W.
Published: March 2006

Purpose: To determine the maximal tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) of pegamotecan (polyethylene glycol-camptothecin) in patients with advanced malignancies when administered in cycles of once weekly for 3 of 4 weeks.

Experimental Design: Eligible patients had advanced solid tumors that failed to respond to standard therapy or for which no standard therapy was available, including also the following criteria: measurable disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of ≤2, and acceptable organ function. Pegamotecan was administered as a 60-minute infusion, with successive patient cohorts receiving escalating doses from 800 to 4,300 mg/m2. The primary end point was to determine the maximal tolerated dose. Other end points were toxicity, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy. Pharmacokinetic analysis measured free camptothecin. Pharmacodynamic analysis correlated drug effects with pegamotecan dose and pharmacokinetic variables.

Results: Twenty-seven patients were enrolled. The maximal tolerated dose was 3,240 mg/m2. Grade 4 neutropenia, the DLT, was noted in two of four patients treated at 4,300 mg/m2. Other grade 3 and 4 toxicities were anemia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, prolonged partial thromboplastin time, hemorrhagic cystitis, dysuria, and urinary frequency. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed the apparent terminal elimination half-life to be 46 ± 12.8 hours. Pharmacodynamic analysis showed that hematuria occurred in 8 of 15 patients with an area under the curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC0-∞) > 20 ng h/mL and 0 of 10 patients with an AUC0-∞ ≤ 20 ng h/mL. Unconfirmed partial responses were observed in two patients, one with metastatic small bowel adenocarcinoma and the other with metastatic esophageal cancer.

Conclusions: The maximal tolerated dose of pegamotecan when administered weekly for 3 of 4 weeks is 3,240 mg/m2. The DLT was neutropenia. Among nonhematologic toxicities, the incidence of gastrointestinal toxicity was low, but genitourinary toxicity seems to occur in the same effective dose range as noted with native camptothecin in earlier trials (27-43 mg/m2). The observed antitumor activity suggests that pegamotecan has single-agent activity and merits further investigation in phase 2 studies.
A Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of Paclitaxel Poliglumex (XYOTAX), Investigating Both 3-Weekly and 2-Weekly Schedules
Authors: Boddy Alan V. , Plummer E. Ruth , Todd Radha , Sludden Julieann , Griffin Melanie , Robson Lesley , Cassidy James , Bissett Donald , Bernareggi Alberto , Verrill Mark W. , Calvert A. Hilary
Published: March 2006

Purpose: To determine the safety, maximum tolerated dose, pharmacokinetics, and toxicities associated with administration of paclitaxel poliglumex (PPX, XYOTAX, Cell Therapeutics, Inc., Bresso, Italy) given on either 3-weekly or 2-weekly schedule.

Experimental Design: Nineteen patients were investigated on the 3-weekly phase Ia study and 11 patients on the 2-weekly phase Ib study. Dose escalation starting with 100% increments and one patient per dose level was modulated in accordance with the observed toxicities. Conjugated and unconjugated paclitaxel were measured in plasma.

Results: Dose-limiting toxicity of neutropenia was encountered at 266 mg/m2 (paclitaxel equivalents) in phase Ia and the maximum tolerated dose was 233 mg/m2. Neuropathy was dose-limiting in phase Ib with a maximum tolerated dose of 177 mg/m2. Pharmacokinetic investigations indicated a prolonged half-life of >100 hours for conjugated taxanes. Plasma concentrations of unconjugated paclitaxel were similar to those following administration of an equivalent dose of Taxol. Two partial responses were observed, one in a patient with mesothelioma at 177 mg/m2 in phase Ia and one in a patient with gastric carcinoma at 175 mg/m2 in phase Ib.

Conclusion: PPX is a water-soluble paclitaxel-polymer conjugate with a prolonged half-life and limited volume of distribution. Dose-limiting toxicities were neutropenia and neuropathy. PPX showed activity in this patient population.