bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Synthetic Retinoid Fenretinide on Circulating Free Prostate-Specific Antigen, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I, and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 Levels in Men with Superficial Bladder Cancer
Authors: Serrano Davide , Baglietto Laura , Johansson Harriet , Mariette Frederique , Torrisi Rosalba , Onetto Marina , Paganuzzi Michela , Decensi Andrea
Published: September 2005

Purpose: Fenretinide (4-HPR) is a synthetic retinoid that has shown a preventive activity in prostate cancer animal models.

Experimental Design: We measured the changes in total and free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and its association with insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGFBP-3 levels after 1 year of treatment in 24 subjects given 4-HPR and 24 control subjects enrolled in a randomized bladder cancer prevention trial.

Results: No significant effect of 4-HPR was observed on total and free fraction of PSA levels. The median percentage [95 confidence interval (95% CI)] change for % free PSA and total PSA in the 4-HPR and the control group were, respectively, 7.6 (95% CI, −4.0 to 69.3) versus 5.1 (95% CI, −21.4 to 59.8) and −7.8 (95% CI, −18.2 to 52.5) versus −12.3 (95% CI, −44.6 to 9.6). However, in patients ages <60 years, there was a trend to an increase of total free PSA and % free PSA after treatment with 4-HPR that was different from a trend to a decrease in the control group (P = 0.002 and 0.052, respectively). The interaction between age and treatment was statistically significant on free PSA (P = 0.001). A similar pattern was noted with smoking status (P = 0.011 for the interaction on free PSA). No association was observed between PSA levels and IGF-I or IGFBP-3 levels.

Conclusions: We conclude that 4-HPR has no significant effect on circulating PSA, but it increases significantly free PSA levels in subjects younger than 60 years and in nonsmokers. These effects might support an activity in prostate cancer prevention but further studies are required.
Analyses of Recombinant Vaccinia and Fowlpox Vaccine Vectors Expressing Transgenes for Two Human Tumor Antigens and Three Human Costimulatory Molecules
Authors: Tsang Kwong Y. , Palena Claudia , Yokokawa Junko , Arlen Philip M. , Gulley James L. , Mazzara Gail P. , Gritz Linda , Gómez Yafal Alicia , Ogueta Sandra , Greenhalgh Patricia , Manson Kelledy , Panicali Dennis , Schlom Jeffrey
Published: September 2005

Purpose: The poor immunogenicity of tumor antigens and the antigenic heterogeneity of tumors call for vaccine strategies to enhance T-cell responses to multiple antigens. Two antigens expressed noncoordinately on most human carcinomas are carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and MUC-1. We report here the construction and characterization of two viral vector vaccines to address these issues.

Experimental Design: The two viral vectors analyzed are the replication-competent recombinant vaccinia virus (rV-) and the avipox vector, fowlpox (rF-), which is replication incompetent in mammalian cells. Each vector encodes the transgenes for three human costimulatory molecules (B7-1, ICAM-1, and LFA-3, designated TRICOM) and the CEA and MUC-1 transgenes (which also contain agonist epitopes). The vectors are designated rV-CEA/MUC/TRICOM and rF-CEA/MUC/TRICOM.

Results: Each of the vectors is shown to be capable of faithfully expressing all five transgenes in human dendritic cells (DC). DCs infected with either vector are shown to activate both CEA- and MUC-1–specific T-cell lines to the same level as DCs infected with CEA-TRICOM or MUC-1-TRICOM vectors. Thus, no evidence of antigenic competition between CEA and MUC-1 was observed. Human DCs infected with rV-CEA/MUC/TRICOM or rF-CEA/MUC/TRICOM are also shown to be capable of generating both MUC-1- and CEA-specific T-cell lines; these T-cell lines are in turn shown to be capable of lysing targets pulsed with MUC-1 or CEA peptides as well as human tumor cells endogenously expressing MUC-1 and/or CEA.

Conclusion: These studies provide the rationale for the clinical evaluation of these multigene vectors in patients with a range of carcinomas expressing MUC-1 and/or CEA.
Potential Antagonism of Tubulin-Binding Anticancer Agents in Combination Therapies
Authors: Taraboletti Giulia , Micheletti Gianluca , Dossi Romina , Borsotti Patrizia , Martinelli Michele , Fiordaliso Fabio , Ryan Anderson J. , Giavazzi Raffaella
Published: September 2005

ZD6126 is a vascular targeting agent, developed for the treatment of solid tumors. In vivo, ZD6126 is rapidly converted into the tubulin-binding agent N-acetylcolchinol. We have previously reported that in vitro N-acetylcolchinol disrupts microtubules and induces rapid changes in endothelial cell morphology, which in a tumor would lead to a rapid loss of tumor vessel integrity and subsequent extensive tumor necrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cytotoxic antineoplastic drugs—cisplatin, doxorubicin, vincristine, paclitaxel, and docetaxel—on endothelial cell response to N-acetylcolchinol. We found that cisplatin and doxorubicin did not interfere with the ability of N-acetylcolchinol to cause morphologic changes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, whereas vincristine showed additive effects. In contrast, the microtubule-stabilizing agents paclitaxel (1-10 μmol/L) and docetaxel (0.1-1 μmol/L) prevented the morphologic changes induced by N-acetylcolchinol in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The effect was observed when cells were exposed to paclitaxel and N-acetylcolchinol together or when paclitaxel was given shortly before N-acetylcolchinol. Paclitaxel and N-acetylcolchinol interacted at the level of microtubule organization, as shown in immunofluorescence analysis of the cytoskeleton. The protective effect was reversible because 4 hours after paclitaxel wash out, cells recovered the sensitivity to N-acetylcolchinol. In vivo, pretreatment of mice with paclitaxel inhibited the vascular targeting activity of ZD6126 on newly formed vessels in the Matrigel plug assay and ZD6126-induced necrosis in tumors. These findings indicate that paclitaxel, depending on the timing and schedule of administration, can affect the vascular targeting activity of ZD6126, which may have an effect on the optimal scheduling of therapies based on the combined use of microtubule-stabilizing and microtubule-destabilizing agents.
Intratumoral COX-2 Gene Expression Is a Predictive Factor for Colorectal Cancer Response to Fluoropyrimidine-Based Chemotherapy
Authors: Uchida Kazumi , Schneider Sylke , Yochim Ji Min , Kuramochi Hidekazu , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Takasaki Ken , Yang Dongyun , Danenberg Kathleen D. , Danenberg Peter V.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is generally elevated in tumors compared with normal tissue and apparently has an important role in tumor development. A number of studies have found high expression of COX-2 to be an unfavorable prognostic factor for overall survival in several cancers. However, the influence of COX-2 expression levels on tumor response to chemotherapy has been relatively little studied. The purpose of this study was to ascertain if COX-2 gene expression is associated with tumor response in the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer with the fluoropyrimidine-based therapy S-1.

Experimental Design: Patients with advanced (stage IV) colorectal cancer were treated with S-1 twice daily based on the patient's body surface area (BSA; BSA < 1.25 m2, 80 mg/d; 1.25 m2 ≤ BSA < 1.5 m2, 100 mg/d; BSA ≥ 1.5 m2, 120 mg/d) for 28 days followed by a 2-week period rest. mRNA was isolated from paraffin-embedded pretreatment primary tumor specimens and expression levels of COX-2 relative to β-actin as the internal reference gene were measured using a quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (Taqman) system.

Results: The overall response rate in a group of 44 patients treated with S-1 was 40.9%. Sufficient tumor tissue was available from 40 of these patients for COX-2 mRNA quantitation. COX-2 gene expression was significantly lower in the responding tumors compared with the nonresponders (P = 0.012, Wilcoxon test). Patients with COX-2 values above the cutoff value of 3.28 × 10−3 had a significantly shorter survival than those with COX-2 gene expressions below the cutoff value (adjusted P = 0.031).

Conclusions: Intratumoral COX-2 gene expression is associated with likelihood of response to chemotherapy with S-1 and is a prognostic factor for survival of patients after the start of S-1 chemotherapy.
A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Trial of Recombinant Human Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (rhuLIF, Emfilermin, AM424) to Prevent Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Davis Ian D. , Kiers Lynette , MacGregor Lachlan , Quinn Michael , Arezzo Joseph , Green Michael , Rosenthal Mark , Chia Michael , Michael Michael , Bartley Peter , Harrison Leonie , Daly Michael
Published: September 2005

Purpose: To determine whether recombinant human leukemia inhibitory factor (rhuLIF, AM424, emfilermin) can prevent or ameliorate the development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) after treatment with carboplatin (AUC 6) and paclitaxel (175 mg/m2 over 3 hours).

Experimental Design: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial. Eligible patients had solid tumors for which treatment with carboplatin/paclitaxel was appropriate. The primary end point was a standardized composite peripheral nerve electrophysiology (CPNE) score, based on nerve velocities and amplitudes, measured at baseline and after four cycles of chemotherapy. Secondary efficacy end points included CPNE score at last cycle and at exit evaluation, vibration perception threshold, H-reflex latency, symptom scores, and quantitative assessment of neurologic signs. Study drug was given s.c. daily for 7 days starting the day before chemotherapy. Patients were randomized to receive low-dose rhuLIF (2 μg/kg), high-dose rhuLIF (4 μg/kg), or placebo.

Results: Patients (n = 117) were randomized across seven neurology test centers. Thirty-six patients received low dose rhuLIF (2 μg/kg), 39 received high dose rhuLIF (4 μg/kg) and 42 received placebo. rhuLIF was well tolerated with 95% compliance and no adverse effects on quality of life. No differences between groups in CPNE or any of the individual neurologic testing variables were observed between baseline and cycle 4 or by the secondary efficacy variables.

Conclusions: rhuLIF is not effective in preventing CIPN caused by carboplatin and paclitaxel. CPNE is a reliable and valid tool that was sensitive to the onset and progression of CIPN.
Phase I Trial and Pharmacokinetic Study of Raltitrexed in Children with Recurrent or Refractory Leukemia: A Pediatric Oncology Group Study
Authors: Horton Terzah M. , Blaney Susan M. , Langevin Anne-Marie , Kuhn John , Kamen Barton , Berg Stacey L. , Bernstein Mark , Weitman Steven
Published: September 2005

Purpose: To evaluate the toxicity, antileukemic activity, and pharmacology of raltitrexed administered weekly for 3 weeks to patients with refractory or recurrent leukemia.

Experimental Design: Raltitrexed was administered as a 15-minute infusion for 3 consecutive weeks every 5 weeks, at doses ranging from 1.3 to 2.8 mg/m2. The first course was used to determine the dose-limiting toxicities and maximum tolerated dose. Correlative studies included an assessment of raltitrexed pharmacokinetics and measurement of plasma 2′-deoxyuridine concentrations, a surrogate measure of thymidylate synthase inhibition.

Results: Twenty-one children (18 evaluable) with refractory leukemia received 25 courses of raltitrexed. The dose-limiting toxicity was reversible elevation in liver transaminases at the 2.8-mg/m2 dose level and the maximum tolerated dose was 2.1 mg/m2 per dose. Pharmacokinetics were best characterized by a two-compartment model with a clearance of 139 mL/min/m2 (8.3 L/h/m2), a 2.4-L volume of distribution, an initial half-life (t1/2α) of 6 minutes, and a terminal half-life (t1/2β) of 45 minutes. There were three objective responses.

Conclusions: Raltitrexed was well tolerated when administered as a single agent to children with recurrent or refractory leukemia. We observed preliminary evidence of antileukemia activity using this weekly dosing schedule and these observations support further evaluation of raltitrexed in this population.
A Phase I Clinical Trial of Thoracic Radiotherapy and Concurrent Celecoxib for Patients with Unfavorable Performance Status Inoperable/Unresectable Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Liao Zhongxing , Komaki Ritsuko , Milas Luka , Yuan Chen , Kies Merrill , Chang Joe Y. , Jeter Melenda , Guerrero Thomas , Blumenschien George , Smith Cheryl M. , Fossella Frank , Brown Barry , Cox James D.
Published: September 2005

Objectives: Preclinical observations that selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors enhance in vitro cell radiosensitivity and in vivo tumor radioresponse led to clinical trials testing therapeutic efficacy of these agents. Our study was designed to determine whether the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib could be safely administered in doses within those approved by the Food and Drug Administration when used concurrently with thoracic radiotherapy in patients with poor prognosis non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and Methods: The trial consisted of three cohorts of patients: (a) locally advanced NSCLC with obstructive pneumonia, hemoptysis, and/or minimal metastatic disease treated with 45 Gy in 15 fractions; (b) medically inoperable early-stage NSCLC treated with definitive radiation of 66 Gy in 33 fractions; and (c) patients who received induction chemotherapy but who were not eligible for concurrent chemoradiotherapy trials. These patients received 63 Gy in 35 fractions. Celecoxib was administered p.o. on a daily basis 5 days before and throughout the course of radiotherapy. Celecoxib doses were escalated from 200, 400, 600, to 800 mg/d given in two equally divided doses. Two to eight patients of each cohort were assigned to each dose level of celecoxib.

Results: Forty-seven patients were enrolled in this protocol (19 in cohort I, 22 in cohort II, and 6 in cohort III). The main toxicities were grades 1 and 2 nausea and esophagitis, and they were independent of the dose of celecoxib or radiotherapy schedule. Only two patients in group II developed grade 3 pneumonitis 1 month after treatment, one on 200 mg, and the other on 400 mg celecoxib. Celecoxib-related toxicity developed in 3 of 47 patients: an uncontrolled hypertension in one patient on 800 mg celecoxib and hemorrhagic episodes in 2 patients (shoulder hematoma in one and hemoptysis in the other) on 200 mg celecoxib who were on warfarin for other medical reasons. Of 37 patients evaluable for tumor response, 14 had complete response, 13 partial responses, and 10 stable or progressive disease. The actuarial local progression-free survival was 66.0% at 1 year and 42.2% at 2 years following initiation of radiotherapy.

Conclusions: These results show that celecoxib can be safely administered concurrently with thoracic radiotherapy when given up to the highest Food and Drug Administration–approved dose of 800 mg/d, which we used. A maximal tolerated dose was not reached in this study. The treatment resulted in actuarial local progression-free survival of 66.0% at 1 year and 42.2% at 2 years, an encouraging outcome that warrants further assessment in a phase II/III trial.
Preclinical Evaluation of the Pharmacodynamic Properties of 2,5-Diaziridinyl-3-Hydroxymethyl-6-Methyl-1,4-Benzoquinone
Authors: Ward Timothy H. , Danson Sarah , McGown Alan T. , Ranson Malcolm , Coe Nic A. , Jayson Gordon C. , Cummings Jeff , Hargreaves Robert H.J. , Butler John
Published: September 2005

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to investigate the cellular accumulation, DNA cross-linking ability, and cellular toxicity of RH1 (2,5-diaziridinyl-3-[hydroxymethyl[-6-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone), a novel DNA alkylating agent currently in clinical trials. In addition, the in vivo efficacy of RH1 formulated in different vehicles was also compared.

Experimental Design: RH1 is activated by the two-electron reducing enzyme NQO1 [NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase] forming a potent cytotoxic agent that cross-links DNA. We have used whole blood, cell lines, and primary explanted tumor cultures to measure both the cellular accumulation, DNA cross-linking, and cytotoxicity of RH1. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of RH1 formulated in different vehicles were measured in vivo using the validated comet-X assay in mice bearing human tumor xenografts.

Results: Accumulation of RH1 was shown to be both time and concentration dependent, reaching a maximum after 2 hours and correlated well with DNA cross-linking measurements. DNA cross-linking in vitro could be detected at low (1-10 nmol/L) concentrations after as little as 2 hours exposure. In primary tumor cultures, RH1 induces much higher levels of DNA cross-links at lower doses than either mitomycin C or cisplatin. In vivo efficacy testing using polyvinyl pyrrolidone, saline, or cyclodextrin as vehicles showed DNA cross-links readily detectable in all tissues examined and was enhanced when given in cyclodextrin compared with polyvinyl pyrrolidone or saline.

Conclusions: RH1 represents a potent bioreductive anticancer drug, which may prove effective in the treatment of cancers, particularly those that overexpress NQO1. DNA cross-linking can be reliably measured in tissue using the validated comet-X assay.
Sensitivity to Gemcitabine and Its Metabolizing Enzymes in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Ogawa Masahiro , Hori Hiroki , Ohta Takuya , Onozato Kaori , Miyahara Masazumi , Komada Yoshihiro
Published: September 2005

Purpose: We examined the activity of gemcitabine against neuroblastoma in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we investigated the cellular mechanisms of high sensitivity to the agent in neuroblastoma cells.

Experimental Design: We examined 11 neuroblastoma cell lines for sensitivity to gemcitabine and other chemotherapeutic agents used clinically for neuroblastoma. The in vivo sensitivity of neuroblastoma to gemcitabine was determined in xenograft models. Furthermore, the major metabolic enzymes of gemcitabine were assessed and compared in leukemia and carcinoma cells. Apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potentials were also evaluated.

Results: The IC50s for gemcitabine in 11 neuroblastoma lines ranged between 3 nmol/L and 4 μmol/L. The high activity of gemcitabine against neuroblastoma was confirmed in animal models. Interestingly, enzymes in neuroblastoma cells involved in the metabolism of deoxycytidine analogue have unique characteristics among solid tumors. The median of deoxycytidine kinase activity in neuroblastoma lines was similar to that in leukemia lines, which have low IC50s for cytarabine. Cytidine deaminase (CDA) activity in neuroblastoma was hardly detectable and significantly lower than that in carcinoma. The defect of CDA activity was associated with negative expression of mRNA. Furthermore, gemcitabine-induced apoptosis was observed irrespective of the caspase-8 status of neuroblastoma cells, which indicates that apoptosis depends on the mitochondrial pathway.

Conclusions: Neuroblastoma is highly sensitive to gemcitabine. Although the cellular mechanism involved in sensitivity to gemcitabine is multifactorial, low CDA activity may contribute high sensitivity in neuroblastoma cells. These results suggest that clinical application of gemcitabine to the treatment of neuroblastoma is warranted.
Increased Apoptosis in Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Associated with HIV Infection: Implication of Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus, Caspases, and Langerhans Cells
Authors: Walker Francine , Adle-Biassette Homa , Madelenat Patrick , Hénin Dominique , Lehy Thérèse
Published: September 2005

Purpose: Increasing risk of squamous cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) exits in HIV-infected women. However, the relatively low incidence of invasive carcinoma in the untreated HIV-infected population suggests an imbalance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. We investigated apoptosis and caspases in cervical samples from this population comparatively to non-HIV-infected and control subjects.

Experimental Design: Apoptotic terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick-end labeling method, immunohistochemistry for caspase-2, caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, and other apoptosis markers were done on 12 normal cervical samples and 103 low- and high-grade cervical lesions, containing human papillomavirus(es) from 35 HIV-negative and 33 HIV-positive women before tritherapy advent.

Results: (a) The apoptotic index (AI) in epithelial cells did not vary between normal mucosa and condyloma acuminata infected or not with HIV. (b) AI augmented with the CIN severity in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women. (c) AI dramatically increased in oncogenic human papillomavirus-infected CIN of HIV-positive population compared with the CIN of similar grade in HIV-negative one. This was associated with a greater expression of caspase-8, active caspase-9, and active caspase-3 in those samples. Moreover, densities of Langerhans' cells, involved in apoptotic bodies engulfment, were greatly reduced in CIN of HIV-positive women. In samples, these densities were highly inversely correlated with AI (r = −0.88, P < 0.002).

Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence for the strongly enhanced apoptosis levels and caspase expression in CIN of untreated HIV-infected women. We suggest that the reduction in Langerhans' cell number could contribute at least partly to apoptotic cell accumulation.
Patupilone Acts as Radiosensitizing Agent in Multidrug-Resistant Cancer Cells In vitro and In vivo
Authors: Hofstetter Barbara , Vuong Van , Broggini-Tenzer Angela , Bodis Stephan , Ciernik Ilja F. , Fabbro Doriano , Wartmann Markus , Folkers Gerd , Pruschy Martin
Published: September 2005

Interference with microtubule function is a promising antitumoral concept. Paclitaxel is a clinically validated tubulin-targeting agent; however, treatment with paclitaxel is often limited by taxane-related toxicities and is ineffective in tumors with multidrug-resistant cells. Patupilone (EPO906, epothilone B) is a novel non-taxane-related microtubule-stabilizing natural compound that retains full activity in multidrug-resistant tumors and is clinically less toxic than paclitaxel. Here we have investigated the effect of combined treatment with ionizing radiation and patupilone or paclitaxel in the P-glycoprotein-overexpressing, p53-mutated human colon adenocarcinoma cell line SW480 and in murine, genetically defined E1A/ras-transformed paclitaxel-sensitive embryo fibroblasts. Patupilone and paclitaxel alone and in combination with ionizing radiation reduced the proliferative activity of the E1A/ras-transformed cell line with similar potency in the sub and low nanomolar range. SW480 cells were only sensitive to patupilone, and combined treatment with low-dose patupilone (0.1 nmol/L) followed by clinically relevant doses of ionizing radiation (2 and 5 Gy) resulted in a supra-additive cytotoxic effect. Inhibition of the drug efflux protein P-glycoprotein with verapamil resensitized SW480 cells to treatment with low doses of paclitaxel alone and in combination with IR. In tumor xenografts derived from SW480 cells a minimal treatment regimen with patupilone and fractionated irradiation (1 × 2 mg/kg plus 4 × 3 Gy) resulted in an at least additive tumor response with extended tumor growth arrest. Analysis by flow cytometry in vitro revealed an apoptosis- and G2-M-independent mode of radiosensitization by patupilone. Interestingly though, a transient accumulation of cells in S phase was observed on combined treatment.Overall, patupilone might be a promising alternative in paclitaxel-resistant, P-glycoprotein-overexpressing tumors for a combined treatment regimen using ionizing radiation and a microtubule inhibitor.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Information in Prostate Cancer with the Help of a Small Set of Hypermethylated Gene Loci
Authors: Bastian Patrick J. , Ellinger Jörg , Wellmann Axel , Wernert Nicolas , Heukamp Lukas C. , Müller Stefan C. , von Ruecker Alexander
Published: September 2005

Purpose: Our study was designed to evaluate promoter CpG island hypermethylation in the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer.

Experimental Design: Primary prostate cancers from 53 patients, pelvic lymph nodes, noncancerous prostate tissues, and prostate cell lines were analyzed. Real-time methylation-specific PCR was used to identify CpG island hypermethylation at five promising gene loci (i.e., GSTP1, APC, PTGS2, MDR1, and RASSF1a).

Results: At three gene loci (GSTP1, APC, and PTGS1) and CpG island, hypermethylation was highly prevalent in prostate cancers (71-91%), and analysis of receiver operator curves showed that hypermethylation at these three gene loci can distinguish between prostate cancer and noncancerous prostatic tissue (i.e., benign hyperplasia) with a sensitivity of 71.1% to 96.2% and a specificity of 92.9% to 100%. Using sensitive SYBR green methylation-specific PCR technology, we observed a respective 28% and 71% hypermethylation rate at the RASSF1a and MDR1 loci in benign prostate hyperplasia, which may represent early nonaggressive carcinogenesis. Methylation characteristics in prostate cancer metastases (i.e., pelvic lymph nodes) were comparable to the respective primary cancer. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between the methylation status of a single gene locus and clinicopathologic variables (e.g., preoperative prostate specific antigen levels, Gleason score, capsular penetration, involvement of seminal vesicle, and age). In contrast, the methylation of two (GSTP1/APC; GSTP1/PTGS2) or three (GSTP1/APC/PTGS2) gene loci correlated with prognostic indicators (i.e., pathologic stage, extraprostatic extension, and Gleason score, but not with prostate specific antigen levels).

Conclusions: Our data suggest that the evaluation of DNA hypermethylation at three gene loci (i.e., GSTP1, APC, and PTGS2) is of diagnostic and prognostic value in prostate cancer.
Inhibition of Phosphatidylinositol 3′-Kinase/AKT Signaling Promotes Apoptosis of Primary Effusion Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Uddin Shahab , Hussain Azhar R. , Al-Hussein Khaled A. , Manogaran Pulicat S. , Wickrema Amitha , Gutierrez Marina I. , Bhatia Kishor G.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: Phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3′-kinase) can be activated by the K1 protein of Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpes virus (KSHV). However, the role of PI3′-kinase in KSHV-associated primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is not known. To assess this, we studied survival and apoptosis in PEL cell lines following inhibition of PI3′-kinase.

Experimental Design: Constitutive activation of several targets of PI3-kinase and apoptotic proteins were determined by Western blot analysis using specific antibodies. We used LY294002 to block PI3′-kinase/AKT activation and assess apoptosis by flow cytometric analysis.

Results: Blocking PI3′-kinase induced apoptosis in PEL cells, including BC1, BC3, BCBL1, and HBL6, whereas BCP1 was refractory to LY294002-induced apoptosis. LY294002-induced apoptosis did not seem to involve Fas/Fas-L but had an additive effect to CH11-mediated apoptosis. We also show that AKT/PKB is constitutively activated in all PELs and treatment with LY294002 causes complete dephosphorylation in all cell lines except BCP1 where a residual AKT phosphorylation remained after 24 hours of treatment. FKHR and GSK3 were also constitutively phosphorylated in PELs and treatment with LY294002 caused their dephosphorylation. Although inhibition of PI3′-kinase induced cleavage of BID in all cell lines, cytochrome c was released from the mitochondria and caspase-9 and caspase-3 were activated in LY294002-induced apoptotic BC1 but not in resistant BCP1. Similarly, XIAP, a target of AKT, was down-regulated after LY294002 treatment only in sensitive PEL cells.

Conclusions: Our data show that the PI3′-kinase pathway plays a major role in survival of PEL cells and suggest that this cascade may be a promising target for therapeutic intervention in primary effusion lymphomas.
Cure of Mammary Carcinomas in Her-2 Transgenic Mice through Sequential Stimulation of Innate (Neoadjuvant Interleukin-12) and Adaptive (DNA Vaccine Electroporation) Immunity
Authors: Spadaro Michela , Ambrosino Elena , Iezzi Manuela , Di Carlo Emma , Sacchetti Pamela , Curcio Claudia , Amici Augusto , Wei Wei-Zen , Musiani Piero , Lollini Pier-Luigi , Cavallo Federica , Forni Guido
Published: September 2005

Purpose: Whereas neoadjuvant therapy is emerging as a treatment option in early primary breast cancer, no data are available on the use of antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory agents in a neoadjuvant setting. In a model of Her-2 spontaneous mammary cancer, we investigated the efficacy of neoadjuvant interleukin 12 (IL-12) followed by “immune-surgery” of the residual tumor.

Experimental Design: Female BALB/c mice transgenic for the rat Her-2 oncogene inexorably develop invasive carcinomas in all their mammary glands by the 23rd week of age. Mice with multifocal in situ carcinomas received four weekly i.p. injections of 100 ng IL-12 followed by a 3-week rest. This course was given four times. A few mice additionally received DNA plasmids encoding portions of the Her-2 receptor electroporated through transcutaneous electric pulses.

Results: The protection elicited by IL-12 in combination with two DNA vaccine electroporations kept 63% of mice tumor-free. Complete protection of all 1-year-old mice was achieved when IL-12-treated mice received four vaccine electroporations. Pathologic findings, in vitro tests, and the results from immunization of both IFN-γ and immunoglobulin gene knockout transgenic mice and of adoptive transfer experiments all show that IL-12 augments the B- and T-cell response elicited by vaccination and slightly decreases the number of regulatory T cells. In addition, IL-12 strongly inhibits tumor angiogenesis.

Conclusions: In Her-2 transgenic mice, IL-12 impairs tumor progression and triggers innate immunity so markedly that DNA vaccination becomes effective at late points in time when it is ineffective on its own.
Influence of CD80, Interleukin-2, and Interleukin-7 Expression in Human Renal Cell Carcinoma on the Expansion, Function, and Survival of Tumor-Specific CTLs
Authors: Frankenberger Bernhard , Pohla Heike , Noessner Elfriede , Willimsky Gerald , Papier Britta , Pezzutto Antonio , Kopp Joachim , Oberneder Ralph , Blankenstein Thomas , Schendel Dolores J.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: A renal cell carcinoma (RCC) line, RCC-26, has been identified as a suitable candidate for development of an allogeneic tumor cell vaccine based on its expression of a variety of tumor-associated antigens (TAA). To improve immunogenicity, RCC-26 cells were genetically engineered to express CD80 alone or in combination with interleukin (IL)-2 or IL-7. The effect of these modifications on proliferation, function, and survival of autologous and allogeneic tumor-specific CTLs was assessed.

Experimental Design: RCC-26 sublines expressing different transgenes were tested for their capacity to reactivate cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity in autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, to improve proliferation and survival of tumor-associated T cells present in autologous peripheral blood, and to induce tumor-associated responses in naive allogeneic lymphocytes. The expression of several common TAA was quantitated in the RCC-26 sublines using reverse transcription-PCR to identify surrogate markers for immune monitoring in clinical trials.

Results: Gene-modified RCC-26 cells showed enhanced immunogenicity. CD80 expression was necessary to induce RCC-associated CTL in blood of healthy allogeneic donors. It also improved proliferation of autologous effector-memory T cells. Further enhancement was achieved with IL-2 through induction of the antiapoptosis protein Bcl-xL. The candidate vaccine lines overexpressed several common TAA that are suitable markers for immune monitoring.

Conclusions: RCC-26 cells coexpressing CD80 and cytokine transgenes display improved immunogenic characteristics, supporting their use as allogeneic tumor cell vaccines for HLA-A2-matched patients with metastatic RCC.
EGFR Mutation Status in Japanese Lung Cancer Patients: Genotyping Analysis Using LightCycler
Authors: Sasaki Hidefumi , Endo Katsuhiko , Konishi Akimitsu , Takada Minoru , Kawahara Masaaki , Iuchi Keiji , Matsumura Akihide , Okumura Meinoshin , Tanaka Hisaichi , Kawaguchi Tomoya , Shimizu Toshiki , Takeuchi Hiroshi , Yano Motoki , Fukai Ichiro , Fujii Yoshitaka
Published: September 2005

Purpose: Recently, somatic mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene were found in ∼25% of Japanese lung cancer patients. These EGFR mutations are reported to be correlated with clinical response to gefitinib therapy. However, DNA sequencing using the PCR methods described to date is time-consuming and requires significant quantities of DNA; thus, this existing approach is not suitable for a routine pretherapeutic screening program.

Experimental Design: We have genotyped EGFR mutation status in Japanese lung cancer patients, including 102 surgically treated lung cancer cases from Nagoya City University Hospital and 16 gefitinib-treated lung cancer cases from Kinki-chuo Chest Medical Center. The presence or absence of three common EGFR mutations were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR with mutation-specific sensor and anchor probes.

Results: In exon 21, EGFR mutations (CTG → CGG; L858R) were found from 8 of 102 patients from Nagoya and 1 of 16 from Kinki. We also detected the deletion mutations in exon 19 from 7 of 102 patients from Nagoya (all were deletion type 1a) and 4 of 16 patients from Kinki (one was type 1a and three were type 1b). In exon 18, one example of G719S mutation was found from both Nagoya and Kinki. The L858R mutation was significantly correlated with gender (women versus men, P < 0.0001), Brinkman index (600 ≤ versus 600>, P = 0.001), pathologic subtypes (adenocarcinoma versus nonadenocarcinoma, P = 0.007), and differentiation status of the lung cancers (well versus moderately or poorly, P = 0.0439), whereas the deletion mutants were not. EGFR gene status, including the type of EGFR somatic mutation, was correlated with sensitivity to gefitinib therapy. For example, some of our gefitinib-responsive patients had L858R or deletion type 1a mutations. On the other hand, one of our gefitinib-resistant patients had a G719S mutation.

Conclusions: Using the LightCycler PCR assay, the EGFR L858R mutation status might correlate with gender, pathologic subtypes, and gefitinib sensitivity of lung cancers. However, further genotyping studies are needed to confirm the mechanisms of EGFR mutations for the sensitivity or resistance of gefitinib therapy for the lung cancer.
An Orthotopic Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma in Athymic Nude Mice
Authors: Kim Seungwon , Park Young-Wook , Schiff Bradley A. , Doan Dao D. , Yazici Yasemin , Jasser Samar A. , Younes Maher , Mandal Mahitosh , Bekele Benjamin N. , Myers Jeffrey N.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: To develop an orthotopic model of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) in athymic nude mice.

Experimental Design: Various thyroid carcinoma cell lines were injected into the thyroid gland of athymic nude mice to determine whether such injection was technically feasible. ATC cells were then injected into the thyroid gland or the subcutis of nude mice at various concentrations, and the mice were then followed for tumor development. The tumors were examined histopathologically for local invasion or regional or distant metastasis.

Results: Injection of tumor cells into the thyroid glands of nude mice was technically feasible and resulted in the formation of thyroid tumors. The ATC cell line DRO showed significantly higher tumorigenicity in the thyroid gland than in the subcutis. In contrast, oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line TU167 shows no significantly higher tumorigenicity in the thyroid gland than in the subcutis. ATC tumors established in the thyroid gland also produced symptomatic compression of the esophagus and the trachea. Local invasion of the larynx and trachea was as well as high rates of pulmonary metastasis were also observed. Immunohistochemical staining showed higher microvessel density as well as higher expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-8 in the orthotopic thyroid tumors than in ectopic tumors.

Conclusion: An orthotopic model of ATC in athymic nude mice was developed that closely recapitulates the clinical findings of human ATC. This model should facilitate the understanding of the pathogenesis of ATC and aid in the development of novel therapies against ATC.
Increased Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I and/or Its Receptor in Gastrinomas Is Associated with Low Curability, Increased Growth, and Development of Metastases
Authors: Furukawa Masayuki , Raffeld Mark , Mateo Carmen , Sakamoto Akio , Moody Terry W. , Ito Tetsuhide , Venzon David J. , Serrano Jose , Jensen Robert T.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: Growth factors, particularly insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) in some nonendocrine and a few endocrine tumors, are thought important in recurrence, growth, and aggressiveness. Whether this is true of neuroendocrine tumors such as gastrinomas is unclear. The aim of this study was to address this question in gastrinomas.

Experimental Design: IGF-I and IGF-IR expression in gastrinomas from 54 patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome were analyzed and correlated with clinical/tumor characteristics. IGF-I and IGF-IR mRNA levels were determined by competitive reverse transcription-PCR. IGF-IR expression, assessed by immunohistochemistry, was done on a subset.

Results: IGF-IR mRNA was found in 100% and IGF-I in 89%. IGF-I mRNA expression varied by >254-fold, IGF-IR by 2,670-fold, and the levels correlated in a given tumor. The IGF-IR level was lower in gastrinomas of patients who were rendered disease free and increased levels correlated with tumor growth, aggressiveness, extent, and with liver metastases. Increased IGF-I levels correlated with increased growth, tumor extent, and aggressiveness. Neither IGF-IR nor IGF-I levels correlated with tumor location, size, or its clinical/functional features. The IGF-IR correlated with disease-free survival. IGF-IRβ was found in 31 of 32 tumors (97%) by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions: These results indicate that IGF-I and IGF-IR are expressed in almost all gastrinomas. Furthermore, assessment of IGF-I/IGF-IR expression in gastrinomas may be clinically useful in identifying those patients with more aggressive tumors who might benefit from more aggressive treatment.
Chromosomal Radiosensitivity in Two Cell Lineages Derived from Clinically Radiosensitive Cancer Patients
Authors: Sprung Carl N. , Chao Michael , Leong Trevor , McKay Michael J.
Published: September 2005

Purpose: Despite its prominent contribution to cancer cure and palliation, around 1% to 5% of cancer patients suffer serious side effects from radiotherapy. A cardinal goal in the fields of radiobiology and oncology is to predict normal tissue radiosensitivity of a cancer patient before radiotherapy. Higher tumor control rates are likely if radiotherapy individualization could be achieved by applying predictive approaches.

Experimental Design: Here, we make use of the cytokinesis block micronucleus assay to assess radiosensitivity in cell lines derived from two different cell lineages obtained from clinically radiosensitive patients. We determined the micronucleus frequency after graded doses of ionizing radiation to primary fibroblasts and lymphoblast cell lines derived from 36 highly radiosensitive cancer patients.

Results: Many cell lines, following exposure to ionizing radiation, from patients with severe clinical reactions to radiotherapy showed statistically significantly higher frequencies of micronuclei than those from patients who had normal reactions to radiotherapy. One individual revealed significantly higher micronucleus frequencies in both cell lineages. Interestingly, lymphoblast cell lines from one patient showed micronucleus frequencies similar to ataxia telangiectasia mutated–deficient cells.

Conclusions: These results indicate that the micronucleus assay may have use for identifying predisposition to clinical radiosensitivity, at least in a subset of patients as a component of a pretreatment radiosensitivity assay for use in the clinic.
Growth Inhibition of Multiple Myeloma Cells by a Novel IκB Kinase Inhibitor
Authors: Sanda Takaomi , Iida Shinsuke , Ogura Hiroka , Asamitsu Kaori , Murata Toshiki , Bacon Kevin B. , Ueda Ryuzo , Okamoto Takashi
Published: September 2005

Involvement of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in cell survival and proliferation of multiple myeloma has been well established. In this study we observed that NF-κB is constitutively activated in all human myeloma cell lines, thus confirming the previous studies. In addition, we found the phosphorylation of p65 subunit of NF-κB in addition to the phosphorylation of IκBα and the activation of NF-κB DNA binding and that various target genes of NF-κB including bcl-xL, XIAP, c-IAP1, cyclin D1, and IL-6 are up-regulated. We then examined the effect of a novel IκB kinase inhibitor, 2-amino-6-[2-(cyclopropylmethoxy)-6-hydroxyphenyl]-4-piperidin-4-yl nicotinonitrile (ACHP). When myeloma cells were treated with ACHP, the cell growth was efficiently inhibited with IC50 values ranging from 18 to 35 μmol/L concomitantly with inhibition of the phosphorylation of IκBα/p65 and NF-κB DNA-binding, down-regulation of the NF-κB target genes, and induction of apoptosis. In addition, we observed the treatment of ACHP augmented the cytotoxic effects of vincristine and melphalan (l-phenylalanine mustard), conventional antimyeloma drugs. These findings indicate that IκB kinase inhibitors such as ACHP can sensitize myeloma cells to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents by blocking the antiapoptotic nature of myeloma cells endowed by the constitutive activation of NF-κB.
Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of the Dolastatin 10 Analogue TZT-1027, Given on Days 1 and 8 of a 3-Week Cycle in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: de Jonge Maja J.A. , van der Gaast Ate , Planting André S.T. , van Doorn Leny , Lems Aletta , Boot Inge , Wanders Jantien , Satomi Masahiko , Verweij Jaap
Published: September 2005

Purpose: TZT-1027 {N2-(N,N-dimethyl-l-valyl)-N-[(1S,2R)-2-methoxy-4-[(2S)-2-[(1R,2R)-1-methoxy-2-methyl-3-oxo-3-[(2-phenylethyl)]amino]propyl]-1-pyrrolidinyl]-1-[(S)-1-methylpropyl]-4-oxobutyl]-N-methyl-l-valinamide} is a cytotoxic dolastatin 10 derivative inhibiting microtubule assembly through the binding to tubulins. The objectives of this phase I study was to assess the dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), to determine the maximum tolerated dose, and to study the pharmacokinetics of TZT-1027 when given i.v. over 60 minutes on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks to patients with advanced solid tumors.

Experimental Design: Patients were treated with escalating doses of TZT-1027 at doses ranging from 1.35 to 2.7 mg/m2. For pharmacokinetic analysis, plasma sampling was done during the first and second course and assayed using a validated high-performance liquid chromatographic assay with mass spectrometric detection.

Results: Seventeen patients received a total of >70 courses. The stopping dose was reached at 2.7 mg/m2, with neutropenia and infusion arm pain as DLT. Neutropenia was not complicated by fever. Over all dose levels, eight patients experienced pain in the infusion arm 1 to 2 days after administration of the drug, which seemed ameliorated by adding additional flushing after drug administration. Other side effects included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. One partial response lasting >54 weeks was observed in an extensively pretreated patient with metastatic liposarcoma. The pharmacokinetics of TZT-1027 suggested linearity over the dose ranges. No correlation between body surface area and absolute CL of TZT-1027 was established, vindicating that a flat dosing regimen might be used in the future. A correlation was observed between the percentage decrease in neutrophil count and the AUC of TZT-1027.

Conclusions: In this study, the DLT of TZT-1027 was neutropenia and infusion arm pain. The recommended dose for phase II studies of TZT-1027 is 2.4 mg/m2 given i.v. over 60 minutes, on days 1 and 8 every 21 days. Phase II studies have recently started.
Alteration of Gene Expression in Macroscopically Normal Colonic Mucosa from Individuals with a Family History of Sporadic Colon Cancer
Authors: Hao Chun-Yi , Moore Dan H. , Wong Patrick , Bennington James L. , Lee Nancy M. , Chen Ling-Chun
Published: September 2005

Purpose: We have shown that the expression of several genes associated with human colon cancer is altered in the morphologically normal colonic mucosa (MNCM) of APCmin mice and humans with colon cancers. To determine whether these alterations also occur in the MNCM of individuals who have not developed colon cancer but are at high risk of doing so, we measured gene expression in the MNCM of individuals with a family history of colon cancer.

Methods: Expression of 16 genes in the MNCM of 12 individuals with a first-degree relative with sporadic colon cancer and 16 normal controls were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. All subjects tested had normal colonoscopic examinations. Biopsy samples of MNCM were obtained from the ascending, transverse, descending, and rectosigmoid regions of the colon (2-8 biopsy samples were obtained from each region).

Results: Relative to normal controls, the expression of several genes, including PPAR-γ, SAA1, and IL-8 were significantly altered in the macroscopically normal rectosigmoid mucosa from individuals with a family history of colon cancer.

Conclusions: Molecular abnormalities that precede the appearance of adenomatous polyp are present in the MNCM of individuals who have a family history of colon cancer. This observation raises the possibility of screening for individuals who are at an increased risk of developing colon cancer by analysis of gene expression in rectosigmoid biopsy samples. To assess this possibility, prospective studies will be needed to determine whether or not altered gene expression is associated with the subsequent development of adenomatous polyps and/ or colonic carcinomas.