bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecteinascidin-743: A Marine-Derived Compound in Advanced, Pretreated Sarcoma Patients—Preliminary Evidence of Activity
Authors: Delaloge S. , Yovine A. , Taamma A. , Riofrio M. , Brain E. , Raymond E. , Cottu P. , Goldwasser F. , Jimeno J. , Misset J. L. , Marty M. , Cvitkovic E. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To report the activity of the chemotherapeutic agent ecteinascidin-743 (ET-743) in advanced pretreated sarcoma patients observed during a phase I study and a named-patient basis, compassionate use program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine pretreated, advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and bone sarcoma patients consecutively seen in our centers were included, 12 from a phase I trial and 17 from a compassionate use program cohort. Patients were treated every 3 weeks at either 1,200 μg/m2 (six patients), 1,500 μg/m2 (the recommended dose, 22 patients), or 1,800 μg/m2 (the maximum-tolerated dose, one patient), given as a 24-hour infusion every 3 to 4 weeks. RESULTS: Fifteen men and 14 women were treated. The median patient age was 46 years (range, 16 to 71 years), with a median World Health Organization performance status of 1 (range, 0 to 2). Twenty-five patients had STS, three had osteosarcoma, and one had Ewing’s sarcoma, and all had progressive disease at accrual. Fifteen patients had bulky disease, and 14 had clinical resistance to anthracyclines. A total of 136 treatment cycles were administered (median per patient, five cycles; range, one to 12 cycles). Transient grade 3 and 4 transaminitis was reported in 24% and 5% of cycles, respectively, grade 3 to 4 neutropenia occurred in 32% of cycles, with concomitant sporadic grade 3 to 4 thrombocytopenia in 5.1% of cycles. Grade 2 to 3 asthenia occurred in 21% of cycles. There were two partial responses (PRs) in STS patients and two PRs in osteosarcoma patients. Two minor responses and 10 disease stabilizations were seen. Median duration of response was 10.5 months (range, 2.8 to 15 months), and mean duration of stabilization was 5.2 months. CONCLUSION: ET-743 has activity in advanced, highly pretreated STS and osteosarcoma patients and warrants further trials to establish the extent of its activity in this setting.
Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of Ecteinascidin-743, a New Marine Compound, Administered as a 24-hour Continuous Infusion in Patients With Solid Tumors
Authors: Taamma A. , Misset J. L. , Riofrio M. , Guzman C. , Brain E. , Lopez Lazaro L. , Rosing H. , Jimeno J. M. , Cvitkovic E. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To define the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and the phase II recommended dose (RD) of ecteinascidin-743 (ET-743) given as a 24-hour continuous infusion every 3 weeks to patients with treatment-refractory solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients received a total of 158 cycles of ET-743 at one of nine dose levels (DLs) ranging from 50 to 1,800 μg/m2. RESULTS: The MTD was defined as 1,800 μg/m2 (DL 9), and the phase II RD was 1,500 μg/m2 (DL 8) for moderately pretreated patients with performance status (PS) 0 to 1 and good hepatobiliary function. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and were severe at the MTD (1,800 μg/m2) in 94% and 25% of cycles, respectively. At the RD (1,500 μg/m2), neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were present in 33% and 10% of cycles, respectively. Transient acute elevated transaminase levels occurred in almost all cycles and was severe in 38% of cycles. Severe toxicities and DLTs were observed in patients with poor PS or abnormal liver function or who had received a large number of previous chemotherapy regimens. Antitumor activity was observed at the three highest DLs, including three partial responses (breast cancer, osteosarcoma, and liposarcoma), and four patients (all with progressing soft tissue sarcomas) had stable disease lasting ≥ 3 months. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed on all patients for at least the first cycle, giving a linear pharmacokinetic profile; this showed a relationship between area under the curve (AUC) and transaminitis grade and a clear correlation between AUC and severe hematologic toxicity likelihood. CONCLUSION: The RD for a 24-hour continuous intravenous infusion of ET-743 is 1,500 μg/m2, with the most prevalent DLTs being hematologic. Patients with minor baseline hepatobiliary function abnormalities have a higher likelihood of severe hematologic toxicities and AUC-related DLTs, requiring dose adjustments or delays.
Phase I Trial of 40-kd Branched Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a for Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Motzer Robert J. , Rakhit Ashok , Ginsberg Michelle , Rittweger Karen , Vuky Jacqueline , Yu Richard , Fettner Scott , Hooftman Leon 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: Pegylated (40 kd) interferon alfa-2a (IFNα2a) (PEGASYS, Hoffman-La Roche, Nutley, NJ; PEG-IFN) is a modified form of recombinant human IFNα2a with sustained absorption and prolonged half-life after subcutaneous administration. A phase I study of PEG-IFN with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluations was conducted in previously untreated patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients were enrolled onto cohorts of three or six patients. PEG-IFN was administered on a weekly basis by subcutaneous injection. The dose was escalated from 180 μg/wk to a maximum of 540 μg/wk in 90-μg increments. Serial venous blood samples were drawn to assess concentrations of PEG-IFN and two immunologic surrogates, neopterin and 2′-5′ oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS). RESULTS: The maximum-tolerated dose was determined as 540 μg/wk, because two patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity within 28 days of starting treatment. One developed serum grade 3 ALT elevation, and a second developed grade 3 fatigue. Six patients were treated at 450 μg/wk without dose-limiting toxicity. Over the course of treatment, the side-effect profile was mostly mild to moderate in intensity. Adverse events included fatigue, fever, headache, myalgia, nausea, and decreased appetite. Five patients (19%) achieved a partial response. The mean maximum serum concentration increased from 5.0 to 27 ng/mL, and mean area under the curve increased from 247 to 2,981 ng/h/mL, with dose escalation from 180 μg/wk to 540 μg/wk. Serum concentration of PEG-IFN was sustained at close to peak during the dosing interval, and steady-state was achieved in approximately 5 weeks. The immunologic surrogates, neopterin and OAS, were induced at all doses with a sustained concentration profile similar to PEG-IFN. CONCLUSION: PEG-IFN is a modified form of IFNα2a with distinct pharmacokinetic advantages and immunomodulatory and antitumor activity for patients with advanced RCC. A dose of 450 μg/wk by subcutaneous administration was determined as a suitable dose for further study. PEG-IFN is more convenient to administer than IFNα and has potential for increased efficacy, less toxicity, or both. The efficacy and toxicity of PEG-IFN will be further assessed in clinical trials and compared with IFNα.
Duration of Chemotherapy in Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Randomized Trial of Three Versus Six Courses of Mitomycin, Vinblastine, and Cisplatin
Authors: Smith Ian E. , O’Brien Mary E.R. , Talbot Denis C. , Nicolson Marianne C. , Mansi Janine L. , Hickish Tamas F. , Norton Alison , Ashley Susan 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: So far there are no published data on optimal duration of chemotherapy for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC); six or more courses are usually recommended. We have carried out a multicenter randomized trial comparing three versus six courses of chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with stage IIIb or IV NSCLC were randomized at start of treatment to receive either three or six courses of mitomycin 8 mg/m2 (courses 1, 2, 4, and 6), vinblastine 6 mg/m2, and cisplatin 50 mg/m2 (MVP) every 21 days. Treatment was stopped early in both arms for progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. Key end points were overall survival, duration of symptom relief, and quality-of-life assessment using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core questionnaire QLQ-C30 with lung cancer–specific module QLQ-LC13. RESULTS: Three hundred eight patients were randomized. Seventy-two percent of the 155 patients randomized to three courses completed treatment. In the 153 patients randomized to six courses, 73% completed three courses and 31% six courses. Median survival was 6 versus 7 months, respectively, and 1-year survival 22% versus 25% (P = .2). Median duration of symptom relief was 4.5 months (both arms), and 8% versus 18% had continuing symptom relief (P = .4). Quality-of-life parameters were the same or improved for patients randomized to only three courses, including significantly decreased fatigue (P = .03) and a trend toward decreased nausea and vomiting (P = .06). CONCLUSION: Our findings show no evidence for additional clinical benefit by continuing MVP chemotherapy beyond three courses. This challenges current orthodoxy of six courses or more. Further trials addressing duration of chemotherapy are now warranted, particularly with newer chemotherapy schedules.
Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of PKC412, an Inhibitor of Protein Kinase C
Authors: Propper D. J. , McDonald A. C. , Man A. , Thavasu P. , Balkwill F. , Braybrooke J. P. , Caponigro F. , Graf P. , Dutreix C. , Blackie R. , Kaye S. B. , Ganesan T. S. , Talbot D. C. , Harris A. L. , Twelves C. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: N-Benzoyl staurosporine (PKC412) is a protein kinase C inhibitor with antitumor activity in laboratory models. We determined the toxicity of oral PKC412 administered daily for repeat cycles of 28 days.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with advanced solid cancers were treated at seven dose levels (12.5 to 300 mg daily) for a total of 68 cycles.RESULTS: The most frequent treatment-related toxicities were nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea. At the two top dose levels (225 and 300 mg/d), 15 of 16 patients experienced nausea/vomiting (common toxicity criteria [CTC], version 1), grade 2 in nine of 16 and grade 3 in three of 16 patients; and six of 16 patients developed CTC grade 2 diarrhea. After 1 month of treatment, there were significant reductions in circulating lymphocyte (P < .02) and monocyte (P < .01) counts in patients receiving doses ≥ 100 mg/d. Nevertheless, only two patients developed myelosuppression (both grade 2). Of two patients with progressive cholangiocarcinoma, one attained stable disease lasting 4.5 months and one a partial response lasting 4 months. There was a linear relationship between PKC412 dose and area under the curve0-24 hoursand maximum plasma concentration with marked interpatient variability. The estimated median elimination half-life was 1.6 days (range, 0.9 to 4.0 days), and a metabolite with a median half-life of 36 days was detected. Steady-state PKC412 plasma levels at the top three dose cohorts (150 to 300 mg) were five to 10 times the cellular 50% inhibitory concentration for PKC412 of 0.2 to 0.7 μmol/L.CONCLUSION: PKC412 can be safely administered by chronic oral therapy, and 150 mg/d is suitable for phase II studies. The pharmacokinetics and lack of conventional toxicity indicate that pharmacodynamic measures may be additionally needed to optimize the drug dose and schedule.
Long-Term Persistence of Monoclonal B Cells After Cure of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Complete Histologic Remission in Gastric Mucosa–Associated Lymphoid Tissue B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Thiede Christian , Wündisch Thomas , Alpen Birgit , Neubauer Beatrix , Morgner Andrea , Schmitz Marc , Ehninger Gerhard , Stolte Manfred , Bayerdörffer Ekkehard , Neubauer Andreas 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: Cure of Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with remission induction in the majority of patients with low-grade gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in localized stages; however, limited data exist as to whether these patients may be cured of their lymphoma. The present study was performed to investigate whether the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain region may be used to define “molecular” remission. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-seven patients who suffered from low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma stage IE were observed with central pathology and molecular biology after cure of H pylori infection. PCR was performed with the use of consensus primers for the framework regions 1, 2, and 3 and monoclonality was corroborated by sequence analysis. In selected cases, microdissection was performed to study the origin of the monoclonal B cells. RESULTS: Of the 97 patients, 77 obtained complete endoscopic and histologic remission (CR). Twenty of 44 patients with PCR monoclonality at diagnosis and with sufficient molecular follow-up displayed monoclonal bands for a median time of 20.5 months after CR (range, 0 to 50.4 months). These B cells were related to the original lymphoma clone by sequence analysis. Microdissection analysis identified basal lymphoid aggregates as the source of these monoclonal B cells. Local relapse occurred in and was observed by PCR in four patients. All four patients displayed monoclonal PCR before relapse, and three of these four showed ongoing PCR monoclonality throughout their course, indicating the persistence of malignant cells. CONCLUSION: Half of all patients with gastric MALT lymphoma show long-term PCR monoclonality up to several years after cure of H pylori infection and CR. Patients with monoclonal PCR should be observed closely, whereas long-term PCR negativity may indicate cure of the disease.
Prospective Evaluation of Cancer Clinical Trial Accrual Patterns: Identifying Potential Barriers to Enrollment
Authors: Lara Primo N. , Higdon Roger , Lim Nelson , Kwan Karen , Tanaka Michael , Lau Derick H.M. , Wun Ted , Welborn Jeanna , Meyers Frederick J. , Christensen Scott , O’Donnell Robert , Richman Carol , Scudder Sidney A. , Tuscano Joseph , Gandara David R. , Lam Kit S. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: Well-conducted cancer clinical trials are essential for improving patient outcomes. Unfortunately, only 3% of new cancer patients participate in clinical trials. Barriers to patient accrual in cancer clinical trials must be identified and overcome to increase patient participation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively tracked factors that potentially affected patient accrual into cancer clinical trials at the University of California Davis Cancer Center. Oncologists seeing new outpatients were asked to complete questionnaires regarding patient characteristics and the physician’s decision-making on patient eligibility, protocol availability, and patient opinions on participation. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate these parameters with subsequent protocol accrual. RESULTS: There were 276 assessable patients. At the initial visits, physicians did not consider clinical trials in 38% (105/276) of patients principally because of a perception of protocol unavailability and poor performance status. Physicians considered 62% (171/276) of patients for participation in clinical trials. Of these, only 53% (91/171) had an appropriate protocol available for site and stage of disease. Seventy-six of 90 patients (84%) with available protocols met eligibility criteria for a particular study. Only 39 of 76 patients (51%) agreed to participate in cancer clinical trials, for an overall accrual rate of 14% (39/276). The remainder (37/76, 49%) declined trial participation despite meeting eligibility criteria. The most common reasons were a desire for other treatment (34%), distance from the cancer center (13%), patient refusal to disclose reason (11%), and insurance denial (8%). Patients with private insurance were less likely to enroll in clinical trials compared to those with government-funded insurance (OR, 0.34; P = .03; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.9). CONCLUSION: Barriers to cancer clinical trial accrual can be prospectively identified and addressed in the development and conduct of future studies, which may potentially lead to more robust clinical trials enrollment. Investigation of patient perceptions regarding the clinical trials process and the role of third party–payers is warranted.
Human Papillomavirus and Prognosis of Invasive Cervical Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Schwartz Stephen M. , Daling Janet R. , Shera Katherine A. , Madeleine Margaret M. , McKnight Barbara , Galloway Denise A. , Porter Peggy L. , McDougall James K. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To determine the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) type and prognosis of patients with invasive cervical carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB to IV cervical cancer between 1986 and 1997 while residents of three Washington State counties were included (n = 399). HPV typing was performed on paraffin-embedded tumor tissue using polymerase chain reaction methods. Patients were observed for a median of 50.8 months. Total mortality (TM) and cervical cancer–specific mortality (CCSM) were determined. Hazards ratios (HR) adjusted for age, stage, and histologic type were estimated using multivariable models. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients had HPV 18–related tumors and 210 patients had HPV 16–related tumors. Cumulative TM among patients with HPV 18–related tumors and among patients with HPV 16–related tumors were 33.7% and 27.6%, respectively; cumulative CCSM in these two groups were 26.7% and 18.1%, respectively. Compared with patients with HPV 16–related cancers, patients with HPV 18–related cancers were at increased risk for TM (HRTM, 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 3.6) and CCSM (HRCCSM, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4 to 4.4). The HPV18 associations were strongest for patients with FIGO stage IB or IIA disease (HRTM, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.3 to 4.2; and HRCCSM, 5.8; 95% CI, 3.9 to 8.7), whereas no associations were observed among patients with FIGO stage IIB to IV disease. Virtually identical associations were found in the subset of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (n = 219). CONCLUSION: HPV 18–related cervical carcinomas, particularly those diagnosed at an early stage, are associated with a poor prognosis. Elucidating the mechanism or mechanisms underlying this association could lead to new treatment approaches for patients with invasive cervical carcinoma.
Duration of Hospitalization as a Measure of Cost on Children’s Cancer Group Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Studies
Authors: Gaynon Paul S. , Bostrom Bruce C. , Hutchinson Raymond J. , Lange Beverly J. , Nachman James B. , Steinherz Peter G. , Sensel Martha G. , Lee Mei K. , Stram Daniel O. , Sather Harland N. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: We used duration of hospitalization as a surrogate for cost and event-free survival as a measure of effectiveness to estimate the cost-effectiveness ratios of various treatment regimens on Children’s Cancer Group trials for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The analyses included 4,986 children (2 to 21 years of age) with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia enrolled onto risk-adjusted protocols between 1988 and 1995. Analyses were based on a model of 100 patients. The marginal cost-effectiveness ratio (hospital days per additional patient surviving event-free) was the difference in total duration of hospitalization divided by the difference in number of event-free survivors at 5 years for two regimens. Relapse-adjusted marginal cost of frontline therapy was the difference in total duration of hospitalization for frontline therapy plus relapse therapy divided by the difference in number of event-free survivors at 5 years on the frontline therapy for two regimens. RESULTS: One or two delayed intensification (DI) phases, augmented therapy, and dexamethasone all improved outcome. Marginal cost-effectiveness of these regimens compared with the control regimens was 133 days per patient for DI, 117 days per patient for double DI, and 41 days per patient for augmented therapy. Dexamethasone resulted in 17 fewer days per patient. Relapse-adjusted marginal costs were 68 days per patient for DI and 52 days for double DI. Augmented therapy and dexamethasone-based therapy resulted in 16 and 82 fewer hospital days, respectively. The estimated cost-effectiveness for treating any first relapse was 250 days per patient. CONCLUSION: DI, double DI, augmented therapy, and dexamethasone-based therapy are cost-effective strategies compared with current treatment of first relapse.
Congestive Heart Failure After Treatment for Wilms’ Tumor: A Report From the National Wilms’ Tumor Study Group
Authors: Green Daniel M. , Grigoriev Yevgeny A. , Nan Bin , Takashima Janice R. , Norkool Pat A. , D’Angio Giulio J. , Breslow Norman E. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: We determined the frequency of and risk factors for congestive heart failure following treatment for Wilms’ tumor that included doxorubicin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Flow sheets and medical records were reviewed to identify cases of congestive heart failure in a cohort of patients treated on National Wilms’ Tumor Studies (NWTS)-1, -2, -3, and -4. The frequency of congestive heart failure was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A case-control study was conducted to determine the relationship among cumulative doxorubicin dose, site(s), total dose of abdominal and thoracic irradiation, sex, and the frequency of congestive heart failure. RESULTS: The cumulative frequency of congestive heart failure was 4.4% at 20 years after diagnosis among patients treated initially with doxorubicin and 17.4% at 20 years after diagnosis among those treated with doxorubicin for their first or subsequent relapse of Wilms’ tumor. The relative risk (RR) of congestive heart failure was increased in females (RR = 4.5; P = .004) and by cumulative doxorubicin dose (RR = 3.3/100 mg/m2; P < .001), lung irradiation (RR = 1.6/10 Gy; P = .037), and left abdominal irradiation (RR = 1.8/10 Gy; P = .013). CONCLUSION: We conclude that congestive heart failure is a risk of treatment with doxorubicin for Wilms’ tumor. Additional follow-up of those children treated on NWTS-4 will be necessary to determine if the decrease in dose to 150 mg/m2 significantly reduces this risk.
Patients With Cancer Referred to Hospice Versus a Bridge Program: Patient Characteristics, Needs for Care, and Survival
Authors: Casarett David , Abrahm Janet L. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics and needs of patients with advanced cancer who were referred to hospice with those referred to a prehospice “bridge” program that is staffed by hospice nurses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were gathered through retrospective review of computerized clinical records using precoded data fields of 284 patients with cancer enrolled in a bridge program and 1,000 who enrolled in a hospice program. Patient characteristics, needs for supportive care at the time of enrollment, and survival were assessed. RESULTS: Bridge patients were less likely to have Medicare or Medicaid (43% v 72%; odds ratio, 0.30; P < .001) and were younger (69 v 73 years, rank sum test; P < .001), more likely to be married (59% v 43%; odds ratio, 1.90; P < .001), and more likely to be in the highest income category (14% v 10%; odds ratio, 1.77; P = .009). Bridge patients had at least as many needs for care as did patients in hospice. Bridge patients lived significantly longer (median, 46 v 19 days; log-rank test of survivor functions, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Patients referred to this bridge program had prognoses that are significantly better than those of patients who enter hospice, but they have needs for supportive care that are at least as great. These findings underscore the importance of initiatives to extend some of the benefits of hospice care to a wider population of patients and should encourage the analysis of similar programs’ ability to meet these needs.