bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Second-Line Chemotherapy in Relapsing or Refractory Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Review
Authors: Huisman C. , Smit E.F. , Giaccone G. , Postmus P.E. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: Since the increased use of first-line chemotherapy for non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), second-line chemotherapy may nowadays be considered for a growing group of patients. Guidelines for second-line treatment have to be developed yet. METHODS: We reviewed the published literature on second-line chemotherapy for NSCLC with emphasis on the role of factors such as pretreatment, response to first-line treatment, and length of disease-free-interval. RESULTS: Thirty-four single-agent-studies and 24 multidrug-studies on second-line treatment were identified. Docetaxel has been studied most extensively and is the only agent that has been studied in randomized phase III trials. Different definitions of sensitivity applied by different authors and conflicting results have been reported about the influence of response to prior chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Since most patients are treated with a platinum-based regimen in the first line, platinum resistance usually is a major consideration for the use of second-line agents. We argue, however, that a more general definition of drug resistance is more appropriate than resistance to platinum only. Criteria to select NSCLC patients for second-line treatment have not been defined yet. This is also important in light of the upcoming necessity to test new drugs in pretreated instead of treated patients. Guidelines for second-line treatment of NSCLC based on clinical information on drug sensitivity to first-line therapy need to be developed.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Related Cancer in Children: Incidence and Treatment Outcome—Report of the Italian Register
Authors: Caselli D. , Klersy C. , de Martino M. , Gabiano C. , Galli L. , Tovo P.A. , Aricò M. ,   for the Italian Register for HIV Infection in Children
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To outline the incidence, presenting features, treatment response, and outcome of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–associated malignancies in infancy and childhood, together with the estimated risk of HIV-associated cancer in children born to mothers infected with HIV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Italian Register for HIV Infection in Children collected data by specific registration and follow-up forms. By March 1999, 5,060 children were recruited, including 4,889 with perinatal exposure to HIV-1. Overall, 1,331 infected children were enrolled onto the Register and classified according to current Centers for Disease Control criteria; of them, 1,163 were vertically infected (24% of those with perinatal exposure). Of these 1,163, 569 (49%) were considered to have been prospectively followed-up since they had been registered at birth or within the first 3 months of age. RESULTS: Of the 1,331 children observed for a median time of 6.5 years, 35 developed 36 malignancies, four of which occurred in patients with blood-borne risk. For the 1,163 vertically infected children, the cumulative number of years of observation was 7,178 child-years and the cumulative incidence of HIV-associated tumors was 4.18 per 1,000 children/yr (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.92 to 5.98). When only the 569 vertically infected children prospectively followed up since birth were considered, the cumulative number of years of observation was 2,803 child-years. In this group, 10 tumors were observed, with a cumulative incidence of HIV-associated tumors of 3.57 per 1,000 children per year (95% CI, 1.92 to 6.63). CONCLUSION: The risk of cancer was significantly higher but not restricted to symptomatic and/or immune-compromised children. Cancer-directed treatment should be given promptly to these patients, who have a fair chance to survive their tumor in view of potential highly aggressive antiretroviral therapy–associated improvement in survival and quality of life.
Preoperative Mobilization of Circulating Dendritic Cells by Flt3 Ligand Administration to Patients With Metastatic Colon Cancer
Authors: Morse Michael A. , Nair Smita , Fernandez-Casal Monica , Deng Yuping , St Peter Michelle , Williams Rhonda , Hobeika Amy , Mosca Paul , Clay Tim , Cumming R. Ian , Fisher Eva , Clavien Pierre , Proia Alan D. , Niedzwiecki Donna , Caron Dania , Lyerly H. Kim 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To evaluate preoperative dendritic cell (DC) mobilization and tumor infiltration after administration of Flt3 ligand (Flt3L) to patients with metastatic colon cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with colon cancer metastatic to the liver or lung received Flt3L (20 μg/kg/d subcutaneously for 14 days for one to three cycles at monthly intervals) before attempted metastasectomy. The number and phenotype of DCs mobilized into peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were evaluated by flow cytometry. After surgical resection, metastatic tumor tissue was evaluated for DC infiltration. In vivo immune responses to recall antigens were measured.RESULTS: After Flt3L administration, on average, the total number of leukocytes in the peripheral blood increased from 5.9 ± 1.0 × 103/mm3to 11.2 ± 3.8 × 103/mm3(mean ± SD, P = .0001). The percentage of CD11c+CD14−DCs in PBMCs increased from 2.4% ± 1.8% to 8.8% ± 4.7% (P = .004). Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to recall antigens (Candida, mumps, and tetanus) showed marginally significant increases in reactivity after Flt3L administration (P = .06, P = .03, and P = .08, respectively). An increase in the number of DCs was observed at the periphery of the tumors of patients who received Flt3L compared with those of patients who had not.CONCLUSION: Flt3L is capable of mobilizing DCs into the peripheral blood of patients with metastatic colon cancer and may be associated with increases in DC infiltration in the peritumoral regions. Flt3L mobilization is associated with a trend toward increased DTH responses to recall antigens in vivo. The use of Flt3L to increase circulating DCs for cancer immunotherapy should be considered.
Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of Irofulven, a Novel Mushroom-Derived Cytotoxin, Administered for Five Consecutive Days Every Four Weeks in Patients With Advanced Solid Malignancies
Authors: Eckhardt S. Gail , Baker Sharyn D. , Britten Carolyn D. , Hidalgo Manuel , Siu Lillian , Hammond Lisa A. , Villalona-Calero Miguel A. , Felton Sally , Drengler Ronald , Kuhn John G. , Clark Gary M. , Smith Sheri L. , MacDonald John R. , Smith Charlotte , Moczygemba Judy , Weitman Steve , Von Hoff Daniel D. , Rowinsky Eric K. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To evaluate the toxicity and pharmacologic behavior of the novel mushroom-derived cytotoxin irofulven administered as a 5-minute intravenous (IV) infusion daily for 5 days every 4 weeks to patients with advanced solid malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this phase I trial, 46 patients were treated with irofulven doses ranging from 1.0 to 17.69 mg/m2 as a 5-minute IV infusion (two patients received a 1-hour infusion) daily for 5 days every 4 weeks. The modified continual reassessment method was used for dose escalation. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed on days 1 and 5 to characterize the plasma disposition of irofulven. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were treated with 92 courses of irofulven. The dose-limiting toxicities on this schedule were myelosuppression and renal dysfunction. At the 14.15-mg/m2 dose level, renal dysfunction resembling renal tubular acidosis occurred in four of 10 patients and was ameliorated by prophylactic IV hydration. The 17.69-mg/m2 dose level was not tolerated because of grade 4 neutropenia and renal toxicity, whereas the 14.15-mg/m2 dose level was not tolerable with repetitive dosing because of persistent thrombocytopenia. Other common toxicities included mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, facial erythema, and fatigue. One partial response occurred in a patient with advanced, refractory metastatic pancreatic cancer lasting 7 months. Pharmacokinetic studies of irofulven revealed dose-proportional increases in both maximum plasma concentrations and area under the concentration-time curve, while the agent exhibited a rapid elimination half-life of 2 to 10 minutes. CONCLUSION: Given the results of this study, the recommended dose of irofulven is 10.64 mg/m2 as a 5-minute IV infusion daily for 5 days every 4 weeks. The preliminary antitumor activity documented in a patient with advanced pancreatic cancer and the striking preclinical antitumor effects of irofulven observed on intermittent dosing schedules support further disease-directed evaluations of this agent on the schedule evaluated in this study.
Favorable Biology and Outcome of Stage IV-S Neuroblastoma With Supportive Care or Minimal Therapy: A Children’s Cancer Group Study
Authors: Nickerson H. James , Matthay Katherine K. , Seeger Robert C. , Brodeur Garret M. , Shimada Hiroyuki , Perez Carlos , Atkinson James B. , Selch Michael , Gerbing Robert B. , Stram Daniel O. , Lukens John 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: Stage IV-S neuroblastoma is a metastatic disease associated with spontaneous regression and good survival, but 10% to 20% of infants die from early complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcome and prognostic factors in infants with stage IV-S neuroblastoma treated prospectively with supportive care only or, in symptomatic patients, with low-dose cytotoxic therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty eligible infants were studied for response and survival with supportive care or, for symptomatic patients, cyclophosphamide 5 mg/kg/d for 5 days with or without hepatic radiation of 4.5 Gy over 3 days. Staging was reviewed centrally, and MYCN gene copy number, Shimada histopathologic classification, serum ferritin levels, and bone marrow immunocytology were determined. RESULTS: Stage IV-S and International Neuroblastoma Staging System stage 4S were 98% concordant. MYCN was not amplified in any of the tumors tested (n = 58), and Shimada histopathologic classification was favorable in 96% (n = 68/71). The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rate for all infants was 86% and the survival rate was 92%. Supportive care was the only treatment provided for 44 (55%) of 80 infants, and their 5-year survival rate was 100%, compared with 81% survival for those requiring cytotoxic therapy for symptoms (P = .005). Five of six deaths were in infants younger than 2 months of age at diagnosis and were due to complications of extensive abdominal involvement with respiratory compromise or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Although age ≤ 3 months at diagnosis was significant for EFS (P = .043), it was less significant for survival (P = .077). The only other significant factor predictive for improved survival was favorable Shimada histopathologic classification. Sites of metastatic involvement (liver, skin, or bone marrow) and surgical resection of the primary tumor were not significant for survival. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the favorable biologic features and excellent survival of infants with stage IV-S neuroblastoma with minimal therapy. Infants younger than 2 months old at diagnosis with rapidly progressive abdominal disease may benefit from earlier and more intensive treatment.
Factors Predicting for Efficacy and Safety of Docetaxel in a Compassionate-Use Cohort of 825 Heavily Pretreated Advanced Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Alexandre J. , Bleuzen P. , Bonneterre J. , Sutherland W. , Misset J.L. , Guastalla J.-P. , Viens P. , Faivre S. , Chahine A. , Spielman M. , Bensmaïne A. , Marty M. , Mahjoubi M. , Cvitkovic E. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To identify predictive factors for efficacy and safety in advanced breast cancer (ABC) patients treated in the French compassionate-use docetaxel program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 825 ABC patients treated with docetaxel (100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) were source-reviewed and analyzed for prognostic factors associated with overall response rate (ORR), time to treatment failure (TTF), overall survival (OS), febrile neutropenia, mucositis, and severe fluid retention syndrome by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The ORR was 22.9% (95% confidence interval, 20.2% to 26.2%). The median TTF and OS were 4.0 and 9.8 months, respectively. By multivariate analysis, secondary anthracycline-resistant disease was significantly associated (P < .05) with lower ORR and shorter TTF and OS, whereas anthracycline-refractory disease was associated with shorter OS. Poor performance status was associated with lower ORR, shorter TTF, and shorter OS. Liver dysfunction (transaminase levels > 1.5 times the upper limit of normal [ULN] and alkaline phosphatase [AP] level > three times ULN) and time since first relapse less than 24 months were associated with shorter TTF and OS. Other significant correlations included the following: elevated CA 15-3 serum level with lower ORR; more than two involved sites, and minor transaminase and AP level abnormalities with shorter OS; and no previous chemotherapy for ABC with shorter TTF. According to multivariate analysis, ORR, TTF, and OS were not decreased in patients with liver metastases but without liver dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Docetaxel activity was maintained in heavily pretreated ABC patients and in those with liver metastasis; docetaxel must be used cautiously, however, in patients with liver dysfunction in whom high morbidity risk necessitates strict adherence to dose-adaptation guidelines.
Early Start of Adjuvant Chemotherapy May Improve Treatment Outcome for Premenopausal Breast Cancer Patients With Tumors not Expressing Estrogen Receptors
Authors: Colleoni Marco , Bonetti Marco , Coates Alan S. , Castiglione-Gertsch Monica , Gelber Richard D. , Price Karen , Rudenstam Carl-Magnus , Lindtner Jurij , Collins John , Thürlimann Beat , Holmberg Stig , Veronesi Andrea , Marini Giovanni , Goldhirsch Aron ,   for the International Breast Cancer Study Group
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: The proper time to commence adjuvant chemotherapy after primary surgery for breast cancer is unknown. An analysis of the International (Ludwig) Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG) Trial V at a median follow-up of 11 years suggested that early initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy might improve outcome for premenopausal, node-positive patients whose tumors did not express any estrogen receptor (ER). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated the relationship between early initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy, ER status, and prognosis in 1,788 premenopausal, node-positive patients treated on IBCSG trials I, II, and VI. The disease-free survival for 599 patients (84 with ER-absent tumors) who commenced adjuvant chemotherapy within 20 days (early initiation) was compared with the disease-free survival for 1,189 patients (142 with ER-absent tumors) who started chemotherapy 21 to 86 days after surgery (conventional initiation). The median follow-up was 7.7 years. RESULTS: Among patients with ER-absent tumors, the 10-year disease-free survival was 60% for the early initiation group compared with 34% for the conventional initiation group (226 patients; hazard ratio [HR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33 to 0.72; P = .0003). This difference remained statistically significant in a Cox multiple regression analysis controlling for study group, number of positive nodes, tumor size, age, vessel invasion, and institution (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.92; P = .019). Conversely, early initiation of chemotherapy did not significantly improve disease-free survival for patients with tumors expressing ER (1,562 patients; multiple regression HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.10; P = .40). CONCLUSION: In premenopausal patients with ER-absent tumors, early initiation of systemic chemotherapy after primary surgery might improve outcome. Further confirmatory studies are required before any widespread modification of current clinical practice. In premenopausal patients with tumors expressing some ER, gains from early initiation are unlikely to be clinically significant.
Randomized Trial of Fludarabine Versus Fludarabine and Idarubicin as Frontline Treatment in Patients With Indolent or Mantle-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Zinzani Pier Luigi , Magagnoli Massimo , Moretti Luciano , De Renzo Amalia , Battista Raffaele , Zaccaria Alfonso , Guardigni Luciano , Mazza Patrizio , Marra Roberto , Ronconi Fioravante , Lauta Vito Michele , Bendandi Maurizio , Gherlinzoni Filippo , Gentilini Patrizia , Ciccone Fabrizio , Cellini Claudia , Stefoni Vittorio , Ricciuti Francesco , Gobbi Marco , Tura Sante 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: A first comparative trial of fludarabine (FLU) alone versus FLU plus idarubicin (FLU-ID) for indolent or mantle-cell lymphomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September 1995 to July 1998, 199 patients aged 25 to 65 years (median, 54 years) with newly diagnosed stages II to IV indolent or mantle-cell lymphomas (standard risk according to the International Prognostic Index) were enrolled onto a multicenter, 1:1 randomized study. Of the 199 patients who were able to be assessed, 101 were assigned to the FLU group (six monthly cycles of FLU 25 mg/m2/d on days 1 through 5) and 98 to the FLU-ID group (six monthly cycles of FLU 25 mg/m2/d on days 1 through 3 and idarubicin 12 mg/m2 on day 1). RESULTS: In the FLU group, complete response (CR) and partial response rates were 47% and 37%, respectively, whereas in the FLU-ID group, they were 39% and 42%, respectively. In-depth analysis of the CR rate with respect to histologic type showed that FLU seemed to be superior to FLU-ID in treating follicular lymphomas (60% v 40%, respectively), whereas FLU-ID seemed to be more effective than FLU in treating nonfollicular lymphomas (small lymphocytic, 43% v 29%, respectively; immunocytoma, 38% v 23%, respectively; P = not significant), excluding the mantle-cell subset (in which there was no difference between the two groups). No striking differences were observed between the two protocols in terms of overall response or toxicity, which was generally mild. However, with a median follow-up of 19 months, only 29 patients (62%) who received FLU alone have maintained their initial CR, compared with 32 (84%) of those who received FLU-ID therapy (P = .021). CONCLUSION: Although the FLU-ID regimen may not significantly improve the induction of CR in most indolent-lymphoma patients, our preliminary data do suggest that, with respect to FLU alone, it may be capable of conferring a longer-lasting CR and that it might be superior in terms of CR rate in small lymphocytic and immunocytoma subtypes.
How Do Head and Neck Cancer Patients Prioritize Treatment Outcomes Before Initiating Treatment?
Authors: List Marcy A. , Stracks John , Colangelo Laura , Butler Pamela , Ganzenko Natasha , Lundy Donna , Sullivan Paula , Haraf Daniel , Kies Merrill , Goodwin William , Vokes Everett E. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To determine, pretreatment, how head and neck cancer (HNC) patients prioritize potential treatment effects in relationship to each other and to survival and to ascertain whether patients’ preferences are related to demographic or disease characteristics, performance status, or quality of life (QOL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-one patients were assessed pretreatment using standardized measures of QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck) and performance (Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer). Patients were also asked to rank a series of 12 potential HNC treatment effects. RESULTS: Being cured was ranked top priority by 75% of patients; another 18% ranked it second or third. Living as long as possible and having no pain were placed in the top three by 56% and 35% of patients, respectively. Items that were ranked in the top three by 10% to 24% of patients included those related to energy, swallowing, voice, and appearance. Items related to chewing, being understood, tasting, and dry mouth were placed in the top three by less than 10% of patients. Excluding the top three rankings, there was considerable variability in ratings. Rankings were generally unrelated to patient or disease characteristics, with the exception that cure and living were of slightly lower priority and pain of higher priority to older patients compared with younger patients. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that, at least pretreatment, survival is of primary importance to patients, supporting the development of aggressive treatment strategies. In addition, results highlight individual variability and warn against making assumptions about patients’ attitudes vis-à-vis potential outcomes. Whether patients’ priorities will change as they experience late effects is currently under investigation.
Serum Human Glandular Kallikrein-2 Protease Levels Predict the Presence of Prostate Cancer Among Men With Elevated Prostate-Specific Antigen
Authors: Nam Robert K. , Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Toi Ants , Trachtenberg John , Magklara Angeliki , Scorilas Andreas , Papnastasiou Panayotis A. , Jewett Michael A. S. , Narod Steven A. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: We hypothesize that serum human glandular kallikrein-2 (hK2) levels predict the presence of prostate cancer among men prescreened by prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 324 men who had no history of prostate cancer and who were referred for prostate biopsy. PSA and hK2 levels were measured using specific nonisotopic immunometric techniques. Cases were patients who were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate from biopsy, and controls were patients who had no evidence of cancer from biopsy. The odds ratio for detection of prostate cancer was determined for hK2 measurements, controlling for age, total-PSA level, digital rectal examination, and symptoms of urinary obstruction. RESULTS: Of 324 men, 159 (49.1%) had cancer. Mean hK2 levels and hK2:free-PSA ratios were significantly higher in cases than in controls (1.18 v 0.53 ng/mL, respectively, for hK2, P = .0001; 1.17 v 0.62 for hK2:free-PSA ratio, P = .0001). The crude odds ratio for prostate cancer detection for patients in the highest quartile of hK2 level was 5.83 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8 to 12.1; P = .0001) compared with patients in the lowest quartile. The adjusted odds ratio was 6.72 (95% CI, 2.9 to 15.6; P = .0001). Similarly, the crude and adjusted odds ratios for prostate cancer detection using the hK2:free-PSA ratio were 7.36 (95% CI, 3.6 to 15.1; P = .0001) and 8.06 (95% CI, 3.7 to 17.4; P = .0001), respectively. These odds ratios were higher than that observed for prostate cancer detection by total-PSA level (2.73; P = .03). CONCLUSION: Among men prescreened with PSA for prostate cancer, patients with high hK2 measurements have a five- to eight-fold increase in risk for prostate cancer, adjusting for PSA level and other established risk factors. hK2 measurements may be a useful adjunct to PSA in improving patient selection for prostate biopsy.
Feasibility and Toxicity of Chemoembolization for Children With Liver Tumors
Authors: Malogolowkin Marcio H. , Stanley Philip , Steele David A. , Ortega Jorge A. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility, toxicity, and efficacy of hepatic arterial chemoembolization (HACE) in pediatric patients with refractory primary malignancies of the liver. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six patients with hepatoblastoma (HB), three with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and two with undifferentiated sarcoma of the liver were treated with HACE every 2 to 4 weeks until their tumors became surgically resectable or they showed signs of disease progression. All but one newly diagnosed patient with HCC had previously received systemic chemotherapy. RESULTS: All patients with HB and HCC responded to HACE, as measured by imaging studies and alpha-fetoprotein levels. Surgical resection (complete or microscopic residual disease) was feasible in five of 11 patients, and three patients remain alive with no evidence of disease. Elevated liver transaminase and bilirubin levels were seen after each one of the 46 courses of HACE. Other toxicities included fever, pain, nausea, vomiting, and transient coagulopathy. CONCLUSION: HACE is feasible, well tolerated, and effective in inducing surgical resectability of primary hepatic tumors in children.