bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor-Cell Number and Viability as Quality and Efficacy Parameters of Autologous Virus-Modified Cancer Vaccines in Patients With Breast or Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Ahlert T. , Sauerbrei W. , Bastert G. , Ruhland S. , Bartik B. , Simiantonaki N. , Schumacher J. , Hacker B. , Schumacher M. , Schirrmacher V. 
Published: February 2017

The April 1997 article entitled, "Tumor-Cell Number and Viability as Quality and Efficacy Parameters of Autologous Virus-Modified Cancer Vaccines in Patients With Breast or Ovarian Cancer" by Ahlert et al (J Clin Oncol 15:1354–1366, 1997) contained several errors. On page 1354, the affiliation should have read: from the Universität-Frauenklinik Heidelberg; Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum Heidelberg, Abteilung 710; Forschungspraxis Technologiepark Heidelburg; Institute für medizinische Biometrie und Informatik, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. Reference number 36 on page 1365 should have read: 36. Pomer S, Schirrmacher V, Thiele R, et al: Tumor response and 4-year survival data of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma treated with autologous tumor vaccine and subcutaneous r-IL-2 and IFN-alpha 2b. Int J Oncol 6:941–954, 1995 In addition, Table 5 is reprinted here correctly in its entirety: Please see the PDF for table 5.
Effective chemotherapy for advanced CNS embryonal tumors in adults.
Authors: Galanis E , Buckner J C , Schomberg P J , Hammack J E , Raffel C , Scheithauer B W 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE Embryonal tumors of the CNS include, among others, medulloblastoma, cerebral neuroblastoma, pineoblastoma, and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs). Almost all data on the treatment of embryonal CNS tumors are derived from the pediatric population, since these tumors are uncommon in adulthood. The purpose of this study was to examine the rate and duration of response to chemotherapy of advanced embryonal CNS tumors in adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively studied all adult (> 18 years of age) patients with advanced embryonal tumors of the CNS who received chemotherapy at our institution between 1976 and 1994. Seventeen consecutive patients were treated with regimens that contained either nitrosourea or cisplatin or both sequentially, with no patients having received the combination of nitrosourea and cisplatin concurrently. RESULTS In patients who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy, responses were observed in 84.5% (26% complete response [CR] rate), 10.5% remained stable, and 5% progressed. The median time to progression was 18 months for patients who had a CR, 6 months for those with partial response (PR), and 10 months for stable patients. Among patients who received nitrosourea-based chemotherapy, PR was observed in 27%, 36.5% remained stable, and 36.5% progress. The median time to progression was 6 months for patients who had a PR and 6.5 months for stable patients. CONCLUSION In adults with advanced embryonal CNS tumors, conventional-dose intravenous cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens are able to produce responses in the majority of the patients (84.5%), even as second- or third-line regimens. Nitrosourea-based regimens less frequently produce responses (27%).
Phase III placebo-controlled trial of capsaicin cream in the management of surgical neuropathic pain in cancer patients.
Authors: Ellison N , Loprinzi C L , Kugler J , Hatfield A K , Miser A , Sloan J A , Wender D B , Rowland K M , Molina R , Cascino T L , Vukov A M , Dhaliwal H S , Ghosh C 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE A minority of cancer survivors develops long-term postsurgical neuropathic pain. Based on evidence that capsaicin, the pungent ingredient in hot chili peppers, might be useful for treating neuropathic pain, we developed the present clinical trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-nine assessable patients with postsurgical neuropathic pain were entered onto this study. After stratification, patients were to receive 8 weeks of a 0.075% capsaicin cream followed by 8 weeks of an identical-appearing placebo cream, or vice versa. A capsaicin/placebo cream was to be applied to the painful site four times daily. Treatment evaluation was performed by patient-completed weekly questionnaires. RESULTS During the first 8-week study period, the capsaicin-cream arm was associated with substantially more skin burning, skin redness, and coughing (P < .0001 for each). Nonetheless, treatment was stopped for patient refusal or toxicity just as often while patients were receiving the placebo as compared with the capsaicin. The capsaicin cream arm had substantially more pain relief (P = .01) after the first 8 weeks, with an average pain reduction of 53% versus 17%. On completion of the 16-week study period, patients were asked which treatment period was most beneficial. Of the responding patients, 60% chose the capsaicin arm, 18% chose the placebo arm, and 22% chose neither (P = .001). CONCLUSION A topical capsaicin cream decreases postsurgical neuropathic pain and, despite some toxicities, is preferred by patients over a placebo by a three-to-one margin among those expressing a preference.
Randomized study of initial versus late chest irradiation combined with chemotherapy in limited-stage small-cell lung cancer. Aarhus Lung Cancer Group.
Authors: Work E , Nielsen O S , Bentzen S M , Fode K , Palshof T 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE To evaluate if the timing of chest irradiation with respect to chemotherapy would influence survival and local and distant control in patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS From 1981 to 1989, 199 consecutive patients with LSCLC were randomly allocated to receive initial chest irradiation (ICI; n = 99) or late chest irradiation (LCI; n = 100) given 18 weeks delayed. Both groups received the same nine cycles of combination chemotherapy: three cycles of cisplatin and etoposide and six cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine. In the first part of the study, prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) was only given to patients randomized to ICI, but after inclusion of 42 patients in the LCI arm, the protocol was changed, so that all patients received PCI independent of the timing of the chest irradiation (CI). A total of 157 patients received PCI with a radiation dose of 25 Gy in 11 fractions. RESULTS The timing of radiotherapy had no significant effect on the 2-year overall survival rate (20% after ICI v 19% after LCI, P = .4) or the 2-year in-field recurrence rate (72% after ICI v 68% after LCI, P = .2). Median survival durations were 10.5 (ICI) and 12.0 (LCI) months. Similarly, no difference in the 2-year incidence of CNS recurrences was found between the 2 arms in patients who received PCI (19% after ICI v 13% after LCI, P = .24). Bone marrow toxicity was acceptable, as 15% developed World Health Organization (WHO) grade 4 leukocytopenia and 4% grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Grade 4 leukocytopenia was more pronounced in the ICI group. There was no difference in the frequency and severity of other toxicities between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION Timing of CI did not significantly influence the incidence of in-field recurrences, CNS recurrences, or overall survival.
Population pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of docetaxel in phase II studies in patients with cancer.
Authors: Bruno R , Hille D , Riva A , Vivier N , ten Bokkel Huinnink W W , van Oosterom A T , Kaye S B , Verweij J , Fossella F V , Valero V , Rigas J R , Seidman A D , Chevallier B , Fumoleau P , Burris H A , Ravdin P M , Sheiner L B 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE The population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) approach was prospectively integrated in the clinical development of docetaxel to assess the PK profile in a large population of patients and investigate systemic exposure as a prognostic factor for clinical outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS PK analysis was performed at first course in 24 phase II studies of docetaxel monotherapy using four randomized limited-sampling schedules. Bayesian estimates of clearance (CL), area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), and peak and duration of plasma levels greater than threshold levels were used as measures of exposure. PD data included for efficacy, response rate, time to first response, and time to progression (TTP) in breast cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and for toxicity, grade 4 neutropenia, and febrile neutropenia at first course and time to onset of fluid retention. PK/PD analysis was conducted using logistic and Cox multivariate regression models. RESULTS PK protocol implementation was successful. Most of the patients registered (721 of 936, 77%) were sampled and 68% were assessable for PK (640 patients). First-course docetaxel AUC was a significant predictor (P = .0232) of TTP in NSCLC (n = 151). Docetaxel CL was a strong independent predictor (P < .0001) of both grade 4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia (n = 582). Cumulative dose was the strongest predictor (P < .0001) of the time to onset of fluid retention (n = 631). However, the duration of exposure over 0.20 micromol/L (0.16 microg/mL) at first course was an independent predictor (P = .0029). Few patients (n = 25, 4%) received the recommended dexamethasone premedication. CONCLUSION First-course docetaxel PK is a predictor of first-course hematologic toxicity, but also of fluid retention, which is cumulative in nature. Patients with elevated hepatic enzymes have a 27% reduction in docetaxel CL and are at a higher risk of toxicity. A starting dose of 75 mg/m2 is currently being evaluated in this population. Prospective implementation of large-scale population PK/PD evaluation is feasible in early drug development and this approach generates clinically relevant findings.
Intensive chemotherapy and bone marrow rescue for young children with newly diagnosed malignant brain tumors.
Authors: Mason W P , Grovas A , Halpern S , Dunkel I J , Garvin J , Heller G , Rosenblum M , Gardner S , Lyden D , Sands S , Puccetti D , Lindsley K , Merchant T E , O'Malley B , Bayer L , Petriccione M M , Allen J , Finlay J L 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE To evaluate a strategy that avoids radiotherapy in children less than 6 years of age with newly diagnosed malignant brain tumors, by administering myeloablative consolidation chemotherapy with autologous bone marrow reconstitution (ABMR) after maximal surgical resection and conventional induction chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between March 1991 and April 1995, 62 children (median age, 30 months) with newly diagnosed malignant brain tumors were enrolled onto this trial. Children received conventional induction chemotherapy with vincristine, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide, repeated every 3 weeks for five cycles. Children without disease progression on induction chemotherapy were offered consolidation with myeloablative chemotherapy that incorporated carboplatin, thiotepa, and etoposide followed by ABMR. Irradiation was used only for residual tumor at consolidation or for progressive/recurrent disease. RESULTS Induction chemotherapy was well tolerated by most patients; however, progression was noted in 17 children (27%) and four (6%) died of treatment complications. Of 37 children who received consolidation chemotherapy with ABMR, 15 are free of disease progression (median post-ABMR without further treatment, >44 months). The remaining 22 all progressed within 15 months of ABMR; three of 37 (8%) died of treatment-related complications. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates from diagnosis for all children are 40% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28% to 52%) and 25% (95% CI, 13% to 37%), respectively. Radiotherapy was administered to 19 of 62 children: 17 for progressive disease (PD) and two for residual disease at the time of ABMR. CONCLUSION A significant proportion of children with malignant brain tumors can avoid radiotherapy and prolonged maintenance chemotherapy yet still achieve durable remission with this brief intensive chemotherapy regimen.
High-dose chemotherapy for relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: mediastinal localization predicts for a favorable outcome.
Authors: Popat U , Przepiork D , Champlin R , Pugh W , Amin K , Mehra R , Rodriguez J , Giralt S , Romaguera J , Rodriguez A , Preti A , Andersson B , Khouri I , Claxton D , de Lima M , Donato M , Anderlini P , Gajewski J , Cabanillas F , van Besien K 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE This study was performed to evaluate the outcome of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous transplantation in patients with diffuse B-cell large-cell lymphoma, and, specifically, to evaluate the impact of primary mediastinal localization on the outcome of high-dose chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who underwent autologous marrow or peripheral-blood stem-cell transplantation at our institution between January 1 986 and December 1995. RESULTS Ninety patients were identified, of whom 31 (34%) had a primary mediastinal B-cell large-cell lymphoma (PML). Cumulative probabilities of disease-free survival, overall survival, and disease progression are 40% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29 to 51), 42% (95% CI, 31 to 53), and 52% (95% CI, 40 to 64), respectively. By univariate analysis, low lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level and low Ann Arbor stage at transplant were associated with improved survival and disease-free survival. There was a trend for improved disease-free survival and survival for patients with PML. Multivariate stepwise Cox regression analysis showed that LDH level, Ann Arbor stage, and primary mediastinal localization were independent favorable prognostic factors for disease-free survival and survival. LDH level and Ann Arbor stage were also predictive for the risk of disease progression. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that patients with PML may display an increased susceptibility to high-dose chemotherapy compared with other types of B-cell large-cell lymphoma. These findings, if confirmed, may have implications for the initial management of patients with PML.
Increased mortality after successful treatment for Hodgkin's disease.
Authors: Hudson M M , Poquette C A , Lee J , Greenwald C A , Shah A , Luo X , Thompson E I , Wilimas J A , Kun L E , Crist W M 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE To determine the impact of treatment toxicity on long-term survival in pediatric Hodgkin's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS We studied late events in 387 patients treated for pediatric Hodgkin's disease on four consecutive clinical trials at St Jude Children's Research Hospital from 1968 to 1990. Relative risks, actuarial risks, and absolute excess risks for cause-specific deaths were calculated. RESULTS As of April 1997, 316 (82%) of patients were alive, with a median follow-up of 15.1 (range, 2.9 to 28.6) years. In this cohort, which represented 5,623 person-years of follow-up, 71 fatal events resulted from Hodgkin's disease (n=36), second malignancies (n=14), infections (n=7), accidents (n=7), cardiac disease (n=6), and asphyxiation (n=1). The 5-year estimated event-free survival (EFS) for the entire cohort was 79.6%+/-2.1 %, which declined to 63.1%+/-4.4% by 20 years. Cumulative incidences of cause-specific deaths at 25 years were 9.8%+/-1.6% for Hodgkin's disease, 8.1%+/-2.6% for second malignancy, 4.0%+/-1.8% for cardiac disease, 3.9%+/-1.5% for infection, and 2.1%+/-0.8% for accidents. Standardized incidence ratios showed excess risk for all second malignancies (12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8 to 17), acute myeloid leukemia (81; 95% CI, 16 to 237), solid tumors (11; 95% CI, 7 to 16), and breast cancer (33; 95% CI, 12 to 72). Standardized mortality ratios also showed excess mortality from cardiac disease (22; 95% CI, 8 to 48) and infection (18; 95% CI, 7 to 38). CONCLUSION Compared with age- and sex-matched control populations, survivors of pediatric Hodgkin's disease who were treated before 1990 face an increased risk of early mortality related to second cancers, cardiac disease, and infection.
Vinblastine for recurrent Hodgkin's disease following autologous bone marrow transplant.
Authors: Little R , Wittes R E , Longo D L , Wilson W H 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE Bone marrow transplant (BMT) can cure recurrent Hodgkin's disease, but more than half of patients will progress and require additional treatment. When this occurs, there are no curative options and palliative therapy is usually indicated. In such patients, we have routinely used long-term vinblastine therapy because of its relatively low toxicity and high activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients with Hodgkin's disease who relapsed after autologous BMT since 1991. Of 23 patients, 16 received vinblastine; we also include our index case, who began vinblastine following relapse in 1987. Patients received vinblastine 4 to 6 mg/m2 every 1 to 2 weeks, and continued until evidence of disease progression. RESULTS The 17 patients in this report had a median age of 31 years, performance status of 2, had received a median of three prior regimens, and 12 (71%) patients were advanced stage. Ten (59%) patients had objective responses, of which two (12%) were complete (CR) and eight (47%) were partial (PR). Two additional patients without measurable disease clinically improved for more than 6 months, and 1 patient had stable disease for more than 18 months. With a median follow-up of 20.4 months, the median event-free (EFS) and overall survival were 8.3 and 38.8 months, respectively. The two complete responders remain in remission at 4.6+ and 9+ years. Vinblastine was well tolerated with 3% of cycles associated with fever and neutropenia, and no cumulative or chronic toxicity. CONCLUSION Vinblastine provides effective palliation with low toxicity in recurrent Hodgkin's disease following transplant. These results suggest that long-term vinblastine therapy may be potentially curative and should be considered as initial therapy for such patients.
Improvement in the prognosis of breast cancer from 1965 to 1984.
Authors: Edwards M J , Gamel J W , Feuer E J 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE The prognosis of breast cancer has improved over the past three decades. It is uncertain, however, whether this improvement results from an increase in the cure rate, extension of the life span of uncured patients, or some combination. METHODS From the Connecticut Tumor Registry, we obtained data on 25,091 patients with localized (node-negative) and regionally metastatic (node-positive) breast cancer who were diagnosed over the two decades between 1965 and 1984, with follow-up through 1993. The data for these patients were analyzed using a variety of parametric models to quantitate likelihood of cure and median survival time among uncured patients. These models incorporate the assumption that time to death from breast cancer follows a specific distribution. RESULTS For patients with node-negative disease, parametric analysis revealed no significant difference in cured-fraction or median survival time over the two decades studied. For patients with node-positive disease, however, a significant increase in median survival time (P < .001) was found during the second decade (1970 to 1979). There was also a trend toward a higher cured-fraction over time, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION This study confirms that patients with node-positive disease had an improved prognosis over the two decades studied. Parametric analysis suggests that this improvement reflects primarily an increase in the median survival time for uncured patients, although there is a trend toward an increase in the likelihood of cure.
Phase I and pharmacologic study of 9-aminocamptothecin colloidal dispersion formulation given as a 24-hour continuous infusion weekly times four every 5 weeks.
Authors: Siu L L , Oza A M , Eisenhauer E A , Firby P S , Thiessen J J , Michael M , Wainman N , Manzo J , Feld R , Goldberg R A , Moore M J 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE 9-Aminocamptothecin (9-AC) is a water-insoluble camptothecin (CMP) derivative that inhibits normal topoisomerase I function. Schedule dependency was noted, with the greatest activity seen in the setting of greater than 24 hours exposure to lactone (L) concentrations > or = 10 nmol/L. In this phase I study, 9-AC was given by a continuous intravenous infusion over 24 hours once weekly times four every 5 weeks. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty patients, of whom 16 had fluorouracil-refractory colorectal cancer (CRC), entered the study. Dose levels were 0.7 mg/m2 (n = 4), 1.4 mg/m2 (n = 3), 1.9 mg/m2 (n = 6), and 1.65 mg/m2 (n = 7). Detailed pharmacokinetic (PK) measurements of 9-AC L and carboxylate (C) were performed on day 1 of cycles 1 and 2. RESULTS At 1.9 mg/m2, dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was reached, with three of six patients having grade 4 neutropenia. At 1.65 mg/m2, one of seven patients had grade 4 neutropenia. Nonhematologic toxicity was modest, with diarrhea > or = grade 3 in two patients and lethargy > or = grade 3 in eight. PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) analyses showed marked interpatient variability. Steady-state concentrations (Css) of 9-AC L > or = 10 nmol/L (3.6 microg/L) were seen in five of seven patients at 1.65 mg/m2 and five of six patients at 1.9 mg/m2. Using the sigmoidal maximal effect (Emax) model, 9-AC L area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and Css correlated with day 15 decrease in neutrophils (R2 = .47), but not platelets. CONCLUSION The recommended phase II dose of 9-AC colloidal dispersion (CD) given as a 24-hour continuous infusion weekly for 4 of every 5 weeks is 1.65 mg/m2.
Should bisphosphonates be part of the standard therapy of patients with multiple myeloma or bone metastases from other cancers? An evidence-based review.
Authors: Bloomfield D J 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE To review objectively the evidence for the use of bisphosphonates for the reduction of skeletal events or the management of pain due to multiple myeloma or bone metastases from other types of cancer. METHODS MEDLINE was searched from 1976 onwards using the MeSH terms "exp diphosphonates/," "exp bone neoplasms/," "exp multiple myeloma/," and "bone metastases" as text words. Bibliographies of reports on these topics and major medical and scientific journals were searched. Experts in the field were approached. The question was defined and the evidence stratified in a hierarchical manner according to classification of study design. There were sufficient studies to enable the use of randomized trials only to address the questions. Effectiveness was defined and the evidence reviewed in a systematic manner. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Eighteen randomized trials were identified. No meta-analyses are available. There is level I evidence (defined as an appropriately conducted randomized clinical trial with a statistically significant result) for the use of bisphosphonates to reduce both skeletal events and pain in multiple myeloma and in breast cancer patients with metastatic bone disease. There is also level I evidence for their use as part of a pain management program for bone metastases from carcinoma of the breast, lung, and prostate, and for symptomatic myeloma. The bisphosphonates appear to be well tolerated.