bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thrombin Up-regulates Cathepsin D which Enhances Angiogenesis, Growth, and Metastasis
Authors: Hu Liang , Roth Jennifer M. , Brooks Peter , Luty Joanna , Karpatkin Simon
Published: June 2008

Cathepsin D (CD) up-regulation has been associated with human malignancy and poor prognosis. Thrombin up-regulated CD mRNA and protein in eight tumor cell lines as well as in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC). Thrombin increased the secretion of CD by 3- to 8-fold and enhanced chemotaxis (∼2-fold) in 4T1 murine mammary CA cells, which was completely inhibited with the knockdown of CD. Secreted 4T1 CD induced neoangiogenesis by 2.4-fold on a chick chorioallantoic membrane, which was blocked in CD-KD cells. The addition of pure CD (2 ng) to the chick chorioallantoic membrane increased angiogenesis by 2.1-fold, which was completely inhibited by Pepstatin A (Pep A). CD enhanced human HUVEC chemotaxis and Matrigel tube formation by 2-fold, which was then blocked by Pep A. CD enhanced HUVEC matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) activity by ∼2-fold, which was completely inhibited by Pep A as well as a generic MMP inhibitor, GM6001. The injection of CD-KD 4T1 cells into syngeneic mice inhibited tumor growth by 3- to 4-fold compared with empty vector (EV) cells. Hirudin, a specific thrombin inhibitor, inhibited the growth of wild-type and EV cells by 2- to 3-fold, compatible with thrombin up-regulation of CD. CD and thrombin also contributed to spontaneous pulmonary metastasis; 4-fold nodule inhibition with CD versus EV and 4.6-fold inhibition with hirudin versus EV (P < 0.02). Thus, thrombin-induced CD contributes to the malignant phenotype by inducing tumor cell migration, nodule growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. CD-induced angiogenesis requires the proteolytic activation of MMP-9. [Cancer Res 2008;68(12):4666–73]
BIBF 1120: Triple Angiokinase Inhibitor with Sustained Receptor Blockade and Good Antitumor Efficacy
Authors: Hilberg Frank , Roth Gerald J. , Krssak Martin , Kautschitsch Susanna , Sommergruber Wolfgang , Tontsch-Grunt Ulrike , Garin-Chesa Pilar , Bader Gerd , Zoephel Andreas , Quant Jens , Heckel Armin , Rettig Wolfgang J.
Published: June 2008

Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis through blockade of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway is a novel treatment modality in oncology. Preclinical findings suggest that long-term clinical outcomes may improve with blockade of additional proangiogenic receptor tyrosine kinases: platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR) and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR). BIBF 1120 is an indolinone derivative potently blocking VEGF receptor (VEGFR), PDGFR and FGFR kinase activity in enzymatic assays (IC50, 20–100 nmol/L). BIBF 1120 inhibits mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt signaling pathways in three cell types contributing to angiogenesis, endothelial cells, pericytes, and smooth muscle cells, resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation (EC50, 10–80 nmol/L) and apoptosis. In all tumor models tested thus far, including human tumor xenografts growing in nude mice and a syngeneic rat tumor model, BIBF 1120 is highly active at well-tolerated doses (25–100 mg/kg daily p.o.), as measured by magnetic resonance imaging of tumor perfusion after 3 days, reducing vessel density and vessel integrity after 5 days, and inducing profound growth inhibition. A distinct pharmacodynamic feature of BIBF 1120 in cell culture is sustained pathway inhibition (up to 32 hours after 1-hour treatment), suggesting slow receptor off-kinetics. Although BIBF 1120 is rapidly metabolized in vivo by methylester cleavage, resulting in a short mean residence time, once daily oral dosing is fully efficacious in xenograft models. These distinctive pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties may help explain clinical observations with BIBF 1120, currently entering phase III clinical development. [Cancer Res 2008;68(12):4774–82]
The Novel Polyamine Analogue CGC-11093 Enhances the Antimyeloma Activity of Bortezomib
Authors: Carew Jennifer S. , Nawrocki Steffan T. , Reddy Venudhar K. , Bush Dorothy , Rehg Jerold E. , Goodwin Andrew , Houghton Janet A. , Casero Robert A. , Marton Laurence J. , Cleveland John L.
Published: June 2008

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy. The recent successes of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in MM therapy have prompted investigations of its efficacy in combination with other anticancer agents. Polyamines play important roles in regulating tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis and represent an important therapeutic target. CGC-11093 is a novel polyamine analogue that has completed a phase I clinical trial for the treatment of cancer. Here, we report that CGC-11093 selectively augments the in vitro and in vivo antimyeloma activity of bortezomib. Specifically, the combination of CGC-11093 and bortezomib compromised MM viability and clonogenic survival, and increased drug-induced apoptosis over that achieved by either single agent. Xenografts of MM tumors treated with this combination had marked increases in phospho-c-Jun-NH2-kinase (JNK)-positive cells and apoptosis, and corresponding reductions in tumor burden, tumor vasculature, and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and the proangiogenic cytokine vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, inhibition of JNK with a pharmacologic inhibitor or by selective knockdown blunted the efficacy of CGC-11093 and bortezomib. Therefore, CGC-11093 enhances the anticancer activity of bortezomib by augmenting JNK-mediated apoptosis and blocking angiogenesis. These findings support the study of the use of the combination of bortezomib and CGC-11093 in MM patients that fail to respond to frontline therapy. [Cancer Res 2008;68(12):4783–90]
A Notch1 Ectodomain Construct Inhibits Endothelial Notch Signaling, Tumor Growth, and Angiogenesis
Authors: Funahashi Yasuhiro , Hernandez Sonia L. , Das Indranil , Ahn Audrey , Huang Jianzhong , Vorontchikhina Marina , Sharma Anshula , Kanamaru Emi , Borisenko Valeriya , DeSilva Dinuka M. , Suzuki Akihiko , Wang Xing , Shawber Carrie J. , Kandel Jessica J. , Yamashiro Darrell J. , Kitajewski Jan
Published: June 2008

Notch signaling is required for vascular development and tumor angiogenesis. Although inhibition of the Notch ligand Delta-like 4 can restrict tumor growth and disrupt neovasculature, the effect of inhibiting Notch receptor function on angiogenesis has yet to be defined. In this study, we generated a soluble form of the Notch1 receptor (Notch1 decoy) and assessed its effect on angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Notch1 decoy expression reduced signaling stimulated by the binding of three distinct Notch ligands to Notch1 and inhibited morphogenesis of endothelial cells overexpressing Notch4. Thus, Notch1 decoy functioned as an antagonist of ligand-dependent Notch signaling. In mice, Notch1 decoy also inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor–induced angiogenesis in skin, establishing a role for Notch receptor function in this process. We tested the effects of Notch1 decoy on tumor angiogenesis using two models: mouse mammary Mm5MT cells overexpressing fibroblast growth factor 4 (Mm5MT-FGF4) and NGP human neuroblastoma cells. Exogenously expressed FGF4 induced Notch ligand expression in Mm5MT cells and xenografts. Notch1 decoy expression did not affect tumorigenicity of Mm5MT-FGF4 cells in vitro but restricted Mm5MT-FGF4 xenograft growth in mice while markedly impairing neoangiogenesis. Similarly, Notch1 decoy expression did not affect NGP cells in vitro but disrupted vessels and decreased tumor viability in vivo. These results strongly suggest that Notch receptor signaling is required for tumor neoangiogenesis and provides a new target for tumor therapy. [Cancer Res 2008;68(12):4727–35]
Down-regulation of Na+/H+ Exchanger Regulatory Factor 1 Increases Expression and Function of Multidrug Resistance Protein 4
Authors: Hoque Md. Tozammel , Cole Susan P.C.
Published: June 2008

Multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4; ABCC4) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily of membrane transport proteins and confers resistance to nucleoside and nucleotide analogues as well as camptothecin derivatives. MRP4 also mediates the transmembrane transport of several eicosanoids, conjugated estrogens, and cyclic AMP. The subcellular localization of MRP4 depends on the cell type in which it is expressed, but the molecular determinants responsible for trafficking of MRP4 to the plasma membrane are unknown. Here, we describe the interaction of Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) with MRP4 via the last four amino acids (1322ETAL1325) of the transporter. Down-regulation of NHERF1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in HeLa cells significantly increased MRP4 levels at the plasma membrane, suggesting that internalization of the transporter was inhibited. Increased plasma membrane MRP4 was accompanied by increased efflux function as reflected by reduced cellular accumulation of the MRP4 substrates 6-mercaptopurine and 9-[2-(phosphonylmethoxy)ethyl]-adenine. Furthermore, enhanced green fluorescent protein-tagged MRP4 was internalized in monensin-treated cells, and this internalization was markedly reduced after NHERF1 down-regulation by siRNA. Together, these data establish NHERF1 as a novel protein-binding partner of MRP4 that plays a significant role in the internalization and drug efflux function of this transporter. [Cancer Res 2008;68(12):4802–9]
Emerging Roles of DMP1 in Lung Cancer
Authors: Inoue Kazushi , Sugiyama Takayuki , Taneja Pankaj , Morgan Rachel L. , Frazier Donna P.
Published: June 2008

The Ras-activated transcription factor DMP1 can stimulate Arf transcription to promote p53-dependent cell arrest. One recent study deepens the pathophysiologic significance of this pathway in cancer, first, by identifying DMP1 losses in human lung cancers that lack ARF/p53 mutations, and second, by demonstrating that Dmp1 deletions in the mouse are sufficient to promote K-ras–induced lung tumorigenesis via mechanisms consistent with a disruption of Arf/p53 suppressor function. These findings prompt further investigations of the prognostic value of DMP1 alterations in human cancers and the oncogenic events that can cooperate with DMP1 inactivation to drive tumorigenesis. [Cancer Res 2008;68(12):4487–90]
A Novel Bispecific, Trivalent Antibody Construct for Targeting Pancreatic Carcinoma
Authors: Gold David V. , Goldenberg David M. , Karacay Habibe , Rossi Edmund A. , Chang Chien-Hsing , Cardillo Thomas M. , McBride William J. , Sharkey Robert M.
Published: June 2008

Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the application of radiolabeled mAb-PAM4 for nuclear imaging and radioimmunotherapy of pancreatic carcinoma. We have now examined the ability of a novel PAM4-based, bispecific monoclonal antibody (mAb) construct, TF10, to pretarget a radiolabeled peptide for improved imaging and therapy. TF10 is a humanized, bispecific mAb, divalent for mAb-PAM4 and monovalent for mAb-679, reactive against the histamine-succinyl-glycine hapten. Biodistribution studies and nuclear imaging of the radiolabeled TF10 and/or TF10-pretargeted hapten-peptide (IMP-288) were conducted in nude mice bearing CaPan1 human pancreatic cancer xenografts. 125I-TF10 cleared rapidly from the blood, with levels decreasing to <1% injected dose per gram (ID/g) by 16 hours. Tumor uptake was 3.47 ± 0.66% ID/g at this time point with no accumulation in any normal tissue. To show the utility of the pretargeting approach, 111In-IMP-288 was administered 16 hours after TF10. At 3 hours postadministration of radiolabeled peptide, imaging showed intense uptake within the tumors and no evidence of accretion in any normal tissue. No targeting was observed in animals given only the 111In-peptide. Tumor uptake of the TF10-pretargeted 111In-IMP-288 was 24.3 ± 1.7% ID/g, whereas for 111In-IMP-288 alone it was only 0.12 ± 0.002% ID/g at 16 hours. Tumor/blood ratios were significantly greater for the pretargeting group (∼1,000:1 at 3 hours) compared with 111In-PAM4-IgG (∼5:1 at 24 hours; P < 0.0003). Radiation dose estimates suggested that TF10/90Y-peptide pretargeting would provide a greater antitumor effect than 90Y-PAM4-IgG. Thus, the results suggest that TF10 pretargeting may provide improved imaging for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer as compared with directly radiolabeled PAM4-IgG. [Cancer Res 2008;68(12):4819–26]
Topical Application of a Bioadhesive Black Raspberry Gel Modulates Gene Expression and Reduces Cyclooxygenase 2 Protein in Human Premalignant Oral Lesions
Authors: Mallery Susan R. , Zwick Jared C. , Pei Ping , Tong Meng , Larsen Peter E. , Shumway Brian S. , Lu Bo , Fields Henry W. , Mumper Russell J. , Stoner Gary D.
Published: June 2008

Reduced expression of proapoptotic and terminal differentiation genes in conjunction with increased levels of the proinflammatory and angiogenesis-inducing enzymes, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), correlate with malignant transformation of oral intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN). Accordingly, this study investigated the effects of a 10% (w/w) freeze-dried black raspberry gel on oral IEN histopathology, gene expression profiles, intraepithelial COX-2 and iNOS proteins, and microvascular densities. Our laboratories have shown that freeze-dried black raspberries possess antioxidant properties and also induce keratinocyte apoptosis and terminal differentiation. Oral IEN tissues were hemisected to provide samples for pretreatment diagnoses and establish baseline biochemical and molecular variables. Treatment of the remaining lesional tissue (0.5 g gel applied four times daily for 6 weeks) began 1 week after the initial biopsy. RNA was isolated from snap-frozen IEN lesions for microarray analyses, followed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR validation. Additional epithelial gene-specific quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analyses facilitated the assessment of target tissue treatment effects. Surface epithelial COX-2 and iNOS protein levels and microvascular densities were determined by image analysis quantified immunohistochemistry. Topical berry gel application uniformly suppressed genes associated with RNA processing, growth factor recycling, and inhibition of apoptosis. Although the majority of participants showed posttreatment decreases in epithelial iNOS and COX-2 proteins, only COX-2 reductions were statistically significant. These data show that berry gel application modulated oral IEN gene expression profiles, ultimately reducing epithelial COX-2 protein. In a patient subset, berry gel application also reduced vascular densities in the superficial connective tissues and induced genes associated with keratinocyte terminal differentiation. [Cancer Res 2008;68(12):4945–57]
Insulin-Dependent Leptin Expression in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Bartella Viviana , Cascio Sandra , Fiorio Elena , Auriemma Alessandra , Russo Antonio , Surmacz Eva
Published: June 2008

Pathologic conditions associated with hyperinsulinemia, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, seem to increase the risk of breast cancer. Here, we studied molecular mechanisms by which insulin activates the expression of leptin, an obesity hormone that has been shown to promote breast cancer progression in an autocrine or paracrine way. Using MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, we found that (a) insulin stimulated leptin mRNA and protein expression, which was associated with increased activation of the leptin gene promoter; (b) insulin increased nuclear accumulation of transcription factors hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α and Sp1 and their loading on the leptin promoter; (c) small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of either HIF-1α or Sp1 significantly down-regulated insulin-induced leptin mRNA and protein expression; further inhibition of leptin expression was observed under the combined HIF-1α and Sp1 siRNA treatment; (d) inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI-3K) pathways significantly, albeit partially, decreased insulin-dependent leptin mRNA and protein expression, which coincided with reduced association of HIF-1α and/or Sp1 with specific leptin promoter regions; and (e) inhibition of ERK1/2 reduced recruitment of both HIF-1α and Sp1 to the leptin promoter, whereas down-regulation of PI-3K influenced only HIF-1α binding. In summary, our data suggest that hyperinsulinemia could induce breast cancer progression through leptin-dependent mechanisms. In MDA-MB-231 cells, this process requires Sp1- and HIF-1α−mediated leptin gene transcription and is partially regulated by the PI-3K and ERK1/2 pathways. [Cancer Res 2008;68(12):4919–27]
Determinants of Incidence and Clearance of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infections in Rural Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Safaeian Mahboobeh , Kiddugavu Mohammad , Gravitt Patti E. , Gange Stephen J. , Ssekasanvu Joseph , Murokora Dan , Sklar Marc , Serwadda David , Wawer Maria J. , Shah Keerti V. , Gray Ron
Published: June 2008

Background: We used self-administered vaginal swabs to assess the incidence and clearance of carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in rural Rakai, Uganda.

Methods: Women provided self-administered vaginal swab at annual home-based visits. Type-specific carcinogenic HPV incidence and clearance and risk factors were assessed.

Results: Carcinogenic HPV incidence was 17.3 per 100 person-years among HIV-positive women compared with 7.0 per 100 person-years among HIV-negative women (P < 0.001). HPV-51 had the highest incidence followed by HPV-16 (1.8 per 100 and 1.5 per 100 person-years, respectively). In multivariate model, HIV-positive women were twice as likely to have incident infection compared with HIV-negative women. Younger women were at higher risk for incident infection, as were women with higher lifetime and recent sexual partners, and high perception of AIDS. Married women were less likely to have incident infection. Approximately half of all carcinogenic HPV infections cleared over the study follow-up of 3 years. HPV-31, HPV-35, and HPV-16 had the lowest clearance (16.7%, 27.9%, and 38.3%, respectively). In multivariate model, HIV-positive, women over 30 years with higher HPV viral, burden and more lifetime sex partners were less likely to clear infections.

Conclusions: Self-collected vaginal swabs provide accurate HPV exposure assessment for studying HPV exposure and epidemiology and can be an important tool for research in populations unwilling to undergo pelvic exam. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(6):1300–7)
Pharmacokinetics of Curcumin Conjugate Metabolites in Healthy Human Subjects
Authors: Vareed Shaiju K. , Kakarala Madhuri , Ruffin Mack T. , Crowell James A. , Normolle Daniel P. , Djuric Zora , Brenner Dean E.
Published: June 2008

Background: Curcumin is a polyphenol, found in the spice turmeric, that has promising anticancer properties, but previous studies suggest that absorption of curcumin may be limited.

Methods: This study examined the pharmacokinetics of a curcumin preparation in healthy human volunteers 0.25 to 72 h after a single oral dose. Curcumin was administered at doses of 10 g (n = 6) and 12 g (n = 6). Subjects were randomly allocated to dose level for a total of six subjects at each dose level. Serum samples were assayed for free curcumin, for its glucuronide, and for its sulfate conjugate. The data were fit to a one-compartment absorption and elimination model.

Results: Using a high-performance liquid chromatography assay with a limit of detection of 50 ng/mL, only one subject had detectable free curcumin at any of the 14 time points assayed, but curcumin glucuronides and sulfates were detected in all subjects. Based on the pharmacokinetic model, the area under the curve for the 10 and 12 g doses was estimated (mean ± SE) to be 35.33 ± 3.78 and 26.57 ± 2.97 μg/mL × h, respectively, whereas Cmax was 2.30 ± 0.26 and 1.73 ± 0.19 μg/mL. The Tmax and t1/2 were estimated to be 3.29 ± 0.43 and 6.77 ± 0.83 h. The ratio of glucuronide to sulfate was 1.92:1. The curcumin conjugates were present as either glucuronide or sulfate, not mixed conjugates.

Conclusion: Curcumin is absorbed after oral dosing in humans and can be detected as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates in plasma. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(6):1411–7)
Better Life Expectancy in Women with BRCA2 Compared with BRCA1 Mutations Is Attributable to Lower Frequency and Later Onset of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Byrd Louise M. , Shenton Andrew , Maher Eamonn R. , Woodward Emma , Belk Rachel , Lim Caron , Lalloo Fiona , Howell Anthony , Jayson Gordon C. , Evans Gareth D.
Published: June 2008

Purpose: No formal assessment of life expectancy in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in these genes has been reported previously. We have evaluated life expectancy using actuarial analysis and assessed the effect of breast and ovarian cancers on premature death in >1,000 BRCA1/2 carriers.

Methods: Families with pathogenic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been ascertained in a 10-million population region of United Kingdom since 1996. Mutation carriers and their first-degree relatives were used in an analysis of breast and ovarian cancer incidence and mortality as well as to derive and compare an actuarial assessment of life expectancy.

Results: Six hundred twelve BRCA1 and 482 BRCA2 female mutation carriers were identified from 482 families. Life expectancy was significantly reduced for BRCA1 carriers compared with BRCA2 (P = 0.0002). This effect was attributable to an increased death rate from ovarian cancer (P = 0.04). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a better long-term survival from early-stage ovarian cancer in BRCA2 carriers but no significant differences in deaths from breast cancer or from women presenting with late-stage ovarian cancer. There was no other major contributing cause to death other than breast/ovarian cancer in BRCA1/2 female carriers.

Conclusion: Interventions to reduce ovarian cancer incidence are likely to have a greater effect on life expectancy in BRCA1 compared with BRCA2 carriers. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(6):1535–42)
Increased Colorectal Epithelial Cell Proliferation and Crypt Fission Associated with Obesity and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Authors: Sainsbury Anita , Goodlad Robert A. , Perry Sarah L. , Pollard Stephen G. , Robins Gerard G. , Hull Mark A.
Published: June 2008

Background and Aims: The relationship between obesity, weight reduction, and future risk of colorectal cancer is not well understood. Therefore, we compared mucosal biomarkers in normal weight individuals [body mass index (BMI), 18.5-24.9 kg/m2] with those in morbidly obese patients (BMI >40 kg/m2) before and 6 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Methods: Rectal epithelial cell mitosis, crypt area, and crypt branching were measured following whole crypt microdissection. Apoptosis was measured by immunohistochemistry for neo-cytokeratin 18 on fixed tissue sections. Serum levels of C-reactive protein and cytokines were assayed in combination with quantification of mucosal proinflammatory gene expression by real-time RT-PCR.

Results: Twenty-six morbidly obese patients (mean BMI, 54.4 kg/m2) had significantly increased mitosis, crypt area, and crypt branching (all P < 0.01) compared with 21 age- and sex-matched normal weight individuals (mean BMI, 22.5 kg/m2). Morbidly obese patients underwent a mean excess weight loss of 41.7% at a mean of 26 weeks after RYGB. Surprisingly, this was associated with a further increase in mitosis and decreased apoptosis of epithelial cells. At the same time, lower levels of serum C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 following RYGB were accompanied by a reduction in mucosal IL-6 protein content but elevated mucosal expression of other proinflammatory genes such as cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2.

Conclusions: Mucosal biomarkers, accepted as indicators of future colorectal cancer risk, are increased in morbidly obese patients compared with normal weight controls. The hyperproliferative state that exists 6 months after RYGB may have important implications for long-term colorectal cancer risk in bariatric surgery patients. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(6):1401–10)
Association of p16 Homozygous Deletions with Clinicopathologic Characteristics and EGFR/KRAS/p53 Mutations in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Iwakawa Reika , Kohno Takashi , Anami Yoichi , Noguchi Masayuki , Suzuki Kenji , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Mishima Kazuhiko , Nishikawa Ryo , Tashiro Fumio , Yokota Jun
Published: June 2008

Purpose: The p16 gene is frequently inactivated in lung adenocarcinoma. In particular, homozygous deletions (HD) have been frequently detected in cell lines; however, their frequency and specificity is not well-established in primary tumors. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the prevalence and the timing for the occurrence of p16 HDs in lung adenocarcinoma progression in vivo.

Experimental Design: Multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification was used for the detection of p16 HDs in 28 primary small-sized lung adenocarcinomas and 22 metastatic lung adenocarcinomas to the brain. Cancer cells were isolated from primary adenocarcinoma specimens by laser capture microdissection. HDs were confirmed by quantitative real-time genomic PCR analysis.

Results: HDs were detected in 8 of 28 (29%) primary tumors, including 2 of 8 (25%) noninvasive bronchioloalveolar carcinomas, and 5 of 22 (26%) brain metastases, respectively. No significant associations were observed between p16 HDs and gender, age, smoking history, stage, and prognosis. HDs were detected with similar frequencies (17–29%) among adenocarcinomas with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, with KRAS mutations, and without EGFR/KRAS mutations, and with similar frequencies (22–28%) between adenocarcinomas with and without p53 mutations.

Conclusions: p16 HDs occur early in the development of lung adenocarcinomas and with similar frequencies among EGFR type, KRAS type, and non-EGFR/KRAS type lung adenocarcinomas. Tobacco carcinogens would not be a major factor inducing p16 HDs in lung adenocarcinoma progression.
Designing Phase 0 Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Murgo Anthony J. , Kummar Shivaani , Rubinstein Larry , Gutierrez Martin , Collins Jerry , Kinders Robert , Parchment Ralph E. , Ji Jiuping , Steinberg Seth M. , Yang Sherry X. , Hollingshead Melinda , Chen Alice , Helman Lee , Wiltrout Robert , Tomaszewski Joseph E. , Doroshow James H.
Published: June 2008

Phase 0 trials are designed primarily to evaluate the pharmacodynamic and/or pharmacokinetic properties of selected investigational agents before initiating more traditional phase I testing. One of the major objectives of phase 0 trials is to interrogate and refine a target or biomarker assay for drug effect in human samples implementing procedures developed and validated in preclinical models. Thus, close collaboration between laboratory scientists and clinical investigators is essential to the design and conduct of phase 0 trials. Given the relatively small number of patients and tissue samples, showing a significant drug effect in phase 0 trials requires precise and reproducible assay procedures and innovative statistical methodology. Furthermore, phase 0 trials involving limited exposure of a study agent administered at low doses and/or for a short period allow them to be initiated under the Food and Drug Administration exploratory investigational new drug guidance with less preclinical toxicity data than usually required for traditional first-in-human studies. Because of the very limited drug exposure, phase 0 trials offer no chance of therapeutic benefit, which can impede patient enrollment, particularly if invasive tumor biopsies are required. The challenges to accrual are not insurmountable, however, and well-designed and executed phase 0 trials are feasible and have great potential for improving the efficiency and success of subsequent trials, particularly those evaluating molecularly targeted agents.
Association of Megalin Genetic Polymorphisms with Prostate Cancer Risk and Prognosis
Authors: Holt Sarah K. , Karyadi Danielle M. , Kwon Erika M. , Stanford Janet L. , Nelson Peter S. , Ostrander Elaine A.
Published: June 2008

Purpose: Megalin, an endocytic receptor expressed by prostate epithelial cells, can internalize biologically active androgens bound to sex hormone binding globulin. Genetic variation within megalin could potentially influence levels of steroid hormone uptake.

Experimental Design: Forty haplotype-tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (htSNP) were analyzed in a population-based, case-control study of 553 Caucasian men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer between the ages of 40 and 64 years from the Seattle-Puget Sound region and 534 control men. Prostate cancer risk was estimated using adjusted unconditional logistic regression for both individual SNPs and haplotypes. Risks of disease recurrence/progression and prostate-specific cancer mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results: We found no strong evidence of altered risk of developing prostate cancer for any of the htSNPs when they were assessed individually or in haplotypes. However, three htSNPs were significantly associated with both disease recurrence/progression and mortality. Risk of recurrence/progression alone was also associated with five additional htSNPs, and six other htSNPS showed evidence of modification by primary androgen deprivation therapy. Two additional htSNPs were significantly associated with altered risk of death from prostate cancer.

Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest that common genetic variation within the megalin gene could alter both risk of recurrence/progression and prostate-specific cancer mortality. In addition, androgen deprivation therapy effectiveness may be modified by the activity of this gene. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has examined polymorphisms within the megalin gene for associations with prostate cancer risk and outcomes.
Tissue-Based Research in Kidney Cancer: Current Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Signoretti Sabina , Bratslavsky Gennady , Waldman Frederick M. , Reuter Victor E. , Haaga John , Merino Maria , Thomas George V. , Pins Michael R. , Libermann Towia , Gillespie John , Tomaszewski Joseph E. , Compton Carolyn C. , Hruszkewycz Andrew , Linehan W. Marston , Atkins Michael B.
Published: June 2008

The past several years have seen unprecedented advances in the application of various therapeutic strategies for the treatment of patients with renal cancer. The availability of active immunotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy, and targeted therapy for this disease has brought front and center issues related to choosing the appropriate treatment for particular patient populations. It is increasingly evident that the most promising treatment selection strategies will incorporate identifying specific features of the tumor itself. To facilitate this move toward personalized medicine, it is critically important to establish some standard principles for renal cancer tissue collection, preparation, and analysis for translational research studies. In this article, we identify and discuss some critical issues related to tissue-based kidney cancer research. We focus on five major areas as follows: (a) surgical and image-guided techniques for tissue collection; (b) quality control of specimen collection, processing, storage, and review; (c) issues related to analysis of paraffin embedded tissues; (d) genomic studies; and (e) assessment of reproducibility of assays across institutions. In addition, some practical implementation strategies are proposed. Although many of the topics discussed are specific for renal cancer, several are also relevant to tissue based biomarker investigations in a broad array of malignancies.
Concerted Potent Humoral Immune Responses to Autoantigens Are Associated with Tumor Destruction and Favorable Clinical Outcomes without Autoimmunity
Authors: Sittler Taylor , Zhou Jun , Park Joosang , Yuen Noah K. , Sarantopoulos Stefanie , Mollick Joseph , Salgia Ravi , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Dranoff Glenn , Hodi F. Stephen
Published: June 2008

Purpose: The therapeutic importance of immune responses against single versus multiple antigens is poorly understood. There also remains insufficient understanding whether responses to one subset of antigens are more significant than another. Autoantibodies are frequent in cancer patients. They can pose no biological significance or lead to debilitating paraneoplastic syndromes. Autoreactivity has been associated with clinical benefits, but the magnitude necessary for meaningful results is unknown. Autologous tumor cells engineered to secrete granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor generate immune infiltrates in preexisting metastases with associated tumor destruction. We sought to identify targets of responses from this vaccination strategy.

Experimental Design: Postvaccination sera used in screening a cDNA expression library prepared from a densely infiltrated metastasis of a long-term surviving melanoma patient identified several autoantigens. Additional autoantigens were identified through similar screenings in non–small cell lung cancer and murine models, and proteins implicated in cancer propagation. ELISAs for several targets were established using recombinant proteins, whereas others were evaluated by petit serologies.

Results: Eleven gene products were identified through serologic screening from two patients showing highly favorable clinical outcomes. A subset of antigens revealed significant changes in antibody titers compared with weak responses to other proteins. Time course analyses showed coordinated enhanced titers against several targets as a function of vaccination in responding patients.

Conclusions: This study shows the range of biologically significant antigens resulting from a whole-cell vaccine. Targets include autoantigens that are components of cell cycle regulation. Potent antibody responses against multiple autoantigens are associated with effective tumor destruction without clinical autoimmunity.
Oncogenic and Angiogenic Growth Factors Accumulate during Routine Storage of Apheresis Platelet Concentrates
Authors: Kanter Julie , Khan Samina Y. , Kelher Marguerite , Gore Lia , Silliman Christopher C.
Published: June 2008

Purpose: Platelet concentrates are important for support of patients with malignancies requiring myelotoxic chemotherapy. During storage, 10% to 15% of platelets may become activated resulting in the release of α-granules, which contain growth factors. We hypothesize that, during storage, growth factors accumulate in the plasma, specifically platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-β, and fibroblast growth factor-2, which may adversely affect cancer patients.

Experimental Design: The concentrations of growth factors were measured by ELISA from the plasma of apheresis platelets serially throughout storage (days 1, 3, 5, and 7) and compared with concentrations in fresh plasma from healthy blood donors. Washing was evaluated as a method of growth factor removal, and an in vitro model of platelet transfusion in a patient receiving Bevacizumab (Avastin) using immunoprecipitation was employed to determine if Bevacizumab would be bound by the VEGF in apheresis platelets.

Results: VEGF, platelet-derived growth factor, and transforming growth factor-β were increased on day 1 versus fresh plasma and throughout storage reaching a relative maximum at outdate (P < 0.01, day 5 or 7). Fibroblast growth factor-2 concentrations were significantly increased on day 7 alone versus day 1 or to fresh plasma (P < 0.01). Washing removed 41 ± 11% to 56 ± 2% of the growth factors. Bevacizumab effectively bound the VEGF from apheresis platelets, with significant amounts of VEGF remaining in the supernatant.

Conclusions: Significant amounts of growth factors are present in apheresis platelets due to the isolation procedures, and these concentrations increase over storage, which may be partially removed by washing. In addition, apheresis platelet transfusion could affect cancer treatment by binding monoclonal antibodies directed against growth factors of tumor origin.
Dasatinib Cellular Uptake and Efflux in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells: Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Hiwase Devendra K. , Saunders Verity , Hewett Duncan , Frede Amity , Zrim Stephanie , Dang Phuong , Eadie Laura , To L. Bik , Melo Junia , Kumar Sharad , Hughes Timothy P. , White Deborah L.
Published: June 2008

Purpose: The organic cation transporter OCT-1 mediates active transport of imatinib. We recently showed that low OCT-1 activity is a major contributor to suboptimal response in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients treated with imatinib. The relevance of OCT-1 activity and efflux pumps in determining intracellular uptake and retention (IUR) of dasatinib was assessed.

Experimental Design: The effect of OCT inhibitors on [14C]dasatinib and [14C]imatinib IUR was compared using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from newly diagnosed CML patients. The role of efflux transporters was studied using ABCB1- and ABCG2-overexpressing cell lines and relevant inhibitors.

Results: Unlike imatinib, there was no significant difference in the dasatinib IUR at 37°C and 4°C (P = 0.8), and OCT-1 inhibitors including prazosin did not reduce dasatinib IUR significantly. In CML mononuclear cells, prazosin inhibitable IUR was significantly higher for imatinib than dasatinib (6.38 versus 1.48 ng/200,000 cells; P = 0.002; n = 11). Patients with high OCT-1 activity based on their imatinib uptake had IC50dasatinib values equivalent to patients with low OCT-1 activity. Dasatinib IUR was significantly lower in ABCB1-overexpressing cell lines compared with parental cell lines (P < 0.05). PSC833 (ABCB1 inhibitor) significantly increased the dasatinib IUR (P < 0.05) and reduced IC50dasatinib (from 100 to 8 nmol/L) in K562-DOX cell line. The ABCG2 inhibitor Ko143 significantly increased dasatinib IUR in ABCG2-overexpressing cell lines and reduced IC50dasatinib.

Conclusion: Unlike imatinib, dasatinib cellular uptake is not significantly affected by OCT-1 activity, so that expression and function of OCT-1 is unlikely to affect response to dasatinib. Dasatinib is a substrate of both efflux proteins, ABCB1 and ABCG2.
T Regulatory Type 1 Cells in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Mechanisms of Suppression and Expansion in Advanced Disease
Authors: Bergmann Christoph , Strauss Laura , Wang Yun , Szczepanski Miroslaw J. , Lang Stephan , Johnson Jonas T. , Whiteside Theresa L.
Published: June 2008

Purpose: Regulatory T cells play a major role in tumor escape from immunosurveillance. T regulatory cells type 1 (Tr1), a subset of regulatory T cells present in the tumor and peripheral circulation of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), mediate immune suppression and might contribute to tumor progression.

Experimental Design: CD4+CD25−T cells were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) of 26 HNSCC patients and 10 normal controls. The Tr1 cell phenotype was determined before and after culture in the presence of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, and IL-15, each at 10 to 20 IU/mL. Suppression was measured in carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester–based proliferation assays with or without neutralizing anti-IL-10 or anti–transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) monoclonal antibodies in Transwell systems. ELISA was used to define the Tr1 cytokine profile.

Results: Tr1 cells originate from CD4+CD25− precursors present in TIL and PBMC of HNSCC patients. Cytokine-driven ex vivo expansion of Tr1 precursors yielded CD4+CD25−Foxp3lowCD132+IL-10+TGF-β1+ populations that mediated higher suppression than Tr1 cells of normal controls (P < 0.0001). Tr1 cells suppressed proliferation of autologous responders via IL-10 and TGF-β1 secretion. Expression of these cytokines was higher in TIL-derived than PBMC-derived Tr1 cells (P < 0.0001). The Tr1 cell frequency and suppressor function were significantly higher in patients presenting with advanced than early disease stages and in patients “cured” by oncologic therapies than in those with active disease.

Conclusions: In HNSCC, Tr1 cell generation is promoted at the tumor site. Tr1 cells use TGF-β and IL-10 to mediate suppression. They expand during disease progression and also following cancer therapy in patients with no evident disease.
Effect of Interleukin-10 Gene Polymorphisms on Clinical Outcome of Patients with Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Kube Dieter , Hua Thanh-Duc , von Bonin Frederike , Schoof Nils , Zeynalova Samira , Klöss Marita , Gocht Daniela , Potthoff Bernd , Tzvetkov Mladen , Brockmöller Jürgen , Löffler Markus , Pfreundschuh Michael , Trümper Lorenz
Published: June 2008

Purpose: Current chemotherapy can achieve high response rates in aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), but the factors that influence regression and survival remain unknown. The present exploratory study tested the hypothesis whether interleukin-10 (IL-10) polymorphisms predict clinical outcome, leukocytopenia, or infectivity during therapy. IL-10 was chosen because immune alterations are a major risk factor for NHL, and IL-10 is a cytokine involved in inflammatory processes associated with clinical outcome.

Experimental Design: Five hundred patients with aggressive NHL treated with CHOP/CHOEP were analyzed for IL-10 gene polymorphisms, including distal loci -7400InDel, -6752AT (rs6676671), and -6208CG (rs10494879) in comparison with proximal loci -3538AT (rs1800890), -1087AG (rs1800896), and -597AC (rs1800872) according to the incidence and outcome of the lymphoma.

Results: No differences in allele frequencies or haplotypes were found comparing a cohort of patients with aggressive NHL/diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with a healthy control group. Patients with aggressive NHL characterized by IL-10-7400DelDel had shorter overall survival periods compared with the other genotypes (P = 0.004). The 3-year rate is 43.4% for IL-10-7400DelDel and 73.4% for IL-10-7400InIn and IL-10-7400InDel together. A significant increased risk for event-free survival is found for carriers of the genotype IL-10-6752TT-6208CC-3538AA (P = 0.047). Multivariate analysis of IL-10-7400 gene variation in relation to overall survival adjusted to international prognostic index revealed a relative risk of 1.9 for carriers of IL-10-7400DelDel (P = 0.037). No associations were found analyzing diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients separately.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that IL-10 gene variations could be associated to the clinical course of aggressive NHL, which points out the importance of host factors and respective genetic elements for treatment response.
Snail Up-regulates Proinflammatory Mediators and Inhibits Differentiation in Oral Keratinocytes
Authors: Lyons J. Guy , Patel Vyomesh , Roue Naomi C. , Fok Sandra Y. , Soon Lilian L. , Halliday Gary M. , Gutkind J. Silvio
Published: June 2008

The transcriptional repressor Snail2 is overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) relative to nonmalignant head and neck mucosal epithelium, and in locally recurrent relative to nonrecurrent HNSCCs. We investigated the mechanisms by which Snails might contribute to the pathogenesis of HNSCCs using cell biological and molecular analyses. Oral keratinocytes that expressed Snails acquired an enhanced ability to attract monocytes and to invade a dense interstitial collagen matrix. They were also found to up-regulate production of proinflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), which have previously been shown to correlate with malignancy. Induction of nuclear factor-κB transcriptional activity by Snails was weak and not sufficient to account for the elevated levels of COX2, interleukin (IL)-6, IL8, or CXCL1. In addition, expression of Snails in oral keratinocytes impaired desquamation in vitro and strongly repressed expression of both ELF3 and matriptase-1, which play important roles in the terminal differentiation of keratinocytes. Reexpression of matriptase-1 in Snail-expressing cells partially rescued desquamation. This implicates Snails as contributing to malignancy both at the early stages, by impeding terminal differentiation, and at later stages, when invasion and inflammation are important. [Cancer Res 2008;68(12):4525–30]
Heterogeneous Ribonucleoprotein K and Thymidine Phosphorylase Are Independent Prognostic and Therapeutic Markers for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Lih-Chyang , Hsueh Chuen , Tsang Ngan-Ming , Liang Ying , Chang Kai-Ping , Hao Sheng-Po , Yu Jau-Song , Chang Yu-Sun
Published: June 2008

Purpose: Heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) regulates thymidine phosphorylase (TP) mRNA stability. The aim of the present study was to analyze hnRNP K and TP expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to evaluate the prognostic and therapeutic potential of these two markers.

Experimental Design: We analyzed hnRNP K and TP expression immunohistochemically in 121 clinically proven NPC cases. Statistical analyses were applied to correlate cytoplasmic hnRNP K with elevated TP expression and determine the prognostic significance of these parameters. The therapeutic implication of elevated TP expression was determined by measuring sensitivity of NPC cells to the TP-targeting drug, 5-fluoro-5′-deoxyuridine (5′-DFUR).

Results: There was a high correlation between cytoplasmic hnRNP K and high TP (P < 0.001). Both cytoplasmic hnRNP K and high TP were associated with poor overall survival (OS; P = 0.007 and P < 0.001, respectively) and distant metastasis-free survival (P = 0.003 and 0.001, respectively) of NPC patients. A multivariate analysis confirmed that both cytoplasmic hnRNP K and high TP are independent prognostic predictors for OS (P = 0.020 and 0.010, respectively). NPC cells expressing high TP were more sensitive to treatment with the TP-targeting drug, 5′-DFUR.

Conclusions: Cytoplasmic hnRNP K and high TP are associated with shorter OS and distant metastasis-free survival in NPC patients. In vitro experiments suggest that NPC tumors with high TP expression may be sensitive to 5′-DFUR treatment. Cytoplasmic hnRNP K and high TP may be potential prognostic and therapeutic markers for NPC, but additional validation studies are warranted.
The Ethics of Phase 0 Oncology Trials
Authors: Abdoler Emily , Taylor Holly , Wendler David
Published: June 2008

Recent guidance from the Food and Drug Administration supports the conduct of a new type of exploratory clinical trial, commonly called phase 0 clinical trials. Proponents argue that phase 0 clinical trials have the potential to expedite the development of new oncology drugs while exposing fewer research subjects to the risks of experimental treatments. At the same time, phase 0 oncology trials raise important ethical concerns that have received little attention. In particular, there is a question of whether it is ethical to enroll individuals in research that offers them no potential for clinical benefit. Further concern focuses on the inclusion of terminally ill and consequently vulnerable cancer patients in these trials. To evaluate these concerns, this article considers relevant empirical data from phase 1 oncology trials and develops several recommendations regarding the conduct of phase 0 clinical trials in oncology.