bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Garlic-DerivedS-allylmercaptocysteine Is a NovelIn vivoAntimetastatic Agent for Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer
Authors: Howard Edward W. , Ling Ming-Tat , Chua Chee Wai , Cheung Hiu Wing , Wang Xianghong , Wong Yong Chuan 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPurpose: There is epidemiologic evidence that high garlic consumption decreases the incidence of prostate cancer, and compounds isolated from garlic have been shown to have cancer-preventive and tumor-suppressive effects. Recent in vitro studies in our laboratory have shown that garlic-derived organosulfur compound S-allylmercaptocysteine suppresses invasion and cell motility of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells via the up-regulation of cell-adhesion molecule E-cadherin. S-allylmercaptocysteine is therefore a potential antimetastatic drug with broad clinical applications that we tested in vivo for the first time in this study.Experimental Design: We used a newly established fluorescent orthotopic androgen-independent prostate cancer mouse model to assess the ability of S-allylmercaptocysteine to inhibit tumor growth and dissemination.Results: We showed that oral S-allylmercaptocysteine not only inhibited the growth of primary tumors by up to 71% (P &lt; 0.001) but also reduced the number of lung and adrenal metastases by as much as 85.5% (P = 0.001) without causing notable toxicity. This metastatic suppression was accompanied by a 91% reduction of viable circulating tumor cells (P = 0.041), suggesting that S-allylmercaptocysteine prevents dissemination by decreasing tumor cell intravasation.Conclusions: Our results provide in vivo evidence supporting the potential use of S-allylmercaptocysteine as an E-cadherin up-regulating antimetastatic agent for the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer. This is the first report of the in vivo antimetastatic properties of garlic, which may also apply to other cancer types.
DNA Methylation as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer
Authors: Issa Jean-Pierre J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractTargeting DNA methylation for cancer therapy has had a rocky history. The first reports on DNA methylation changes in cancer described global loss of methylation, which has been suggested to drive tumorigenesis through activation of oncogenic proteins or induction of chromosomal instability. In this context, reducing DNA methylation was viewed as a tumor-promoting event rather than a promising cancer therapy. The idea of inhibiting DNA methylation therapeutically emerged from subsequent studies showing that, in parallel to global decreases in methylation, several genes (including many critical to the tumor phenotype) displayed gains of methylation in their promoters during tumorigenesis, a process associated with epigenetic silencing of expression and loss of protein function. This led to revival of interest in drugs discovered decades ago to be potent inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases. These drugs have now been approved for clinical use in the United States in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome, thus opening the floodgate for a whole new approach to cancer therapy—epigenetic therapy.
Tumor Antigen–Specific T-Cell Expansion Is Greatly Facilitated byIn vivoPriming
Authors: Dang Yushe , Knutson Keith L. , Goodell Vivian , dela Rosa Corazon , Salazar Lupe G. , Higgins Doreen , Childs Jennifer , Disis Mary L. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPurpose: Adoptive T-cell therapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of patients with established tumors but is often limited to specific cancers where tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, the source of T cells for ex vivo culture, can be obtained. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of expanding HER-2/neu–specific T cells derived from peripheral blood ex vivo following in vivo priming with a HER-2/neu peptide vaccine.Experimental Design: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from cytomegalovirus (CMV)–seronegative and CMV-seropositive donors as well as HER-2/neu–positive cancer patients who had or had not been vaccinated with a HER-2/neu peptide–based vaccine was used as a source of T lymphocytes. Antigen-specific T-cell lines were generated by in vitro stimulation with antigen followed by nonspecific expansion on CD3/CD28 beads. The ability to expand antigen-specific T cells was assessed using IFN-γ and granzyme B enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot. The phenotype of the resultant T-cell lines was evaluated by flow cytometry, including the presence of FOXP3-expressing CD4+ T cells.Results: The frequencies of CMV-specific T cells generated from CMV+ donors were &gt;11-fold higher than the frequencies from CMV− donors (P = 0.001), with 22-fold increase of total number of CD3+ T cells. The frequencies of HER-2/neu–specific T cells generated from the primed patients were &gt;25-fold higher than the frequencies from unvaccinated patients (P = 0.006), with an average of a 19-fold increase of total number of CD3+ T cells. Using peripheral blood as the source of T cells did not result in concurrent expansion of FOXP3+CD4+ regulatory T cells despite the use of interleukin-2 in in vitro culture. Both CD4+ and CD8+ HER-2/neu–specific T cells could be expanded. The extent of ex vivo expansion correlated with the magnitude of immunity achieved during immunization (P = 0.008).Conclusion: Tumor-specific T cells can be efficiently expanded from the peripheral blood ex vivo following in vivo priming with a vaccine. This approach provides an effective method to generate tumor-specific polyclonal T cells for therapeutic use that could be applied to cancer patients with any tumor type.
Phase I and Pharmacodynamic Study of 17-(Allylamino)-17-Demethoxygeldanamycin in Adult Patients with Refractory Advanced Cancers
Authors: Ramanathan Ramesh K. , Egorin Merrill J. , Eiseman Julie L. , Ramalingam Suresh , Friedland David , Agarwala Sanjiv S. , Ivy S. Percy , Potter Douglas M. , Chatta Gurkamal , Zuhowski Eleanor G. , Stoller Ronald G. , Naret Cynthia , Guo Jianxia , Belani Chandra P. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Purpose: The primary objective was to establish the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and recommended phase II dose of 17-(allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17AAG) given twice a week.
Experimental Design: Escalating doses of 17AAG were given i.v. to cohorts of three to six patients. Dose levels for schedule A (twice weekly × 3 weeks, every 4 weeks) were 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 mg/m2 and for schedule B (twice weekly × 2 weeks, every 3 weeks) were 150, 200, and 250 mg/m2. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected for assessment of heat shock protein (HSP) 90 and HSP90 client proteins.
Results: Forty-four patients were enrolled, 32 on schedule A and 12 on schedule B. On schedule A at 200 mg/m2, DLTs were seen in two of six patients (one grade 3 thrombocytopenia and one grade 3 abdominal pain). On schedule B, both patients treated at 250 mg/m2 developed DLT (grade 3 headache with nausea/vomiting). Grade 3/4 toxicities seen in &gt;5% of patients were reversible elevations of liver enzymes (47%), nausea (9%), vomiting (9%), and headache (5%). No objective tumor responses were observed. The only consistent change in PBMC proteins monitored was a 0.8- to 30-fold increase in HSP70 concentrations, but these were not dose dependent. The increase in PBMC HSP70 persisted throughout the entire cycle of treatment but returned to baseline between last 17AAG dose of cycle 1 and first 17AAG dose of cycle 2.
Conclusions: The recommended phase II doses of 17AAG are 175 to 200 mg/m2 when given twice a week and consistently cause elevations in PBMC HSP70.
A Phase I Study of 17-Allylaminogeldanamycin in Relapsed/Refractory Pediatric Patients with Solid Tumors: A Children's Oncology Group Study
Authors: Weigel Brenda J. , Blaney Susan M. , Reid Joel M. , Safgren Stephanie L. , Bagatell Rochelle , Kersey John , Neglia Joseph P. , Ivy S. Percy , Ingle Ashish M. , Whitesell Luke , Gilbertson Richard J. , Krailo Mark , Ames Matthew , Adamson Peter C. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Purpose: To determine the recommended phase 2 dose, dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), pharmacokinetic profile, and pharmacodynamics of the heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 inhibitor, 17-allylaminogeldanamycin (17-AAG).
Experimental Design: 17-AAG was administered as a 60-min infusion, on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of a 21-day cycle at dose levels of 150, 200, 270, and 360 mg/m2/dose. Pharmacokinetic studies and evaluations for Hsp72 and Akt levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were done during the first course of therapy.
Results: Seventeen patients (7 males), median 7 years of age (range, 1-19 years), were enrolled using a standard dose escalation scheme. No DLTs were observed. Although there were no objective responses, three patients remain on therapy at 6+, 7+, and 9+ months with stable disease. One patient with hepatoblastoma had a reduction in α-fetoprotein and stable disease over three cycles. At 270 mg/m2/dose, the Cmax and areas under the plasma concentration-time curves of 17-AAG were 5,303 ± 1,591 ng/mL and 13,656 ± 4,757 ng/mL h, respectively, similar to the exposure in adults. The mean terminal half-life for 17-AAG was 3.24 ± 0.80 h. Induction of Hsp72, a surrogate marker for inhibition of Hsp90, was detected at the 270 mg/m2 dose level.
Conclusions: Drug exposures consistent with those required for anticancer activity in preclinical models were achieved without DLT. Evidence for drug-induced modulation of Hsp90 systemically was also detected. The recommended phase II dose of 17-AAG is 360 mg/m2/d. Non-DMSO–containing formulations may improve acceptance of this drug by children and their families.
A Pilot Trial of CTLA-4 Blockade with Human Anti-CTLA-4 in Patients with Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer
Authors: Small Eric J. , Tchekmedyian N. Simon , Rini Brian I. , Fong Lawrence , Lowy Israel , Allison James P. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Purpose: Blockade of the T-cell inhibitory receptor CTL-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) augments and prolongs T-cell responses and is a strategy to elicit antitumor immunity. The objectives of this pilot study were to establish the pharmacokinetic and safety profile for a single dose of 3 mg/kg of the anti-CTLA-4 antibody Ipilimumab (MDX-010, BMS-734016) and to assess if this therapy resulted in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) modulation and the development of polyclonal T-cell activation and/or clinical autoimmunity in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer treated with Ipilimumab.
Experimental Design: Patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer received a single 3 mg/kg i.v. dose of Ipilimumab. Serologic measures of autoimmunity were obtained, and T-cell activation was evaluated by flow cytometry. Pharmacokinetic sampling of plasma for MDX-CTLA-4, PSA measurement, and diagnostic imaging were also undertaken.
Results: Fourteen patients were treated: 12 patients received a single dose of Ipilimumab, and 2 patients were re-treated with a second dose upon PSA progression. Two patients showed PSA declines of ≥50%. Treatment was well tolerated with clinical autoimmunity limited to one patient who developed grade 3 rash/pruritis requiring systemic corticosteroids. The mean ± SD Ipilimumab terminal elimination half-life was 12.5 ± 5.3 days.
Conclusions: A single dose of 3 mg/kg Ipilimumab, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, given to patients with prostate cancer is safe and does not result in significant clinical autoimmunity. PSA-modulating effects observed warrant further investigation.
From mRNA Metabolism to Cancer Therapy: Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Shows the Way
Authors: Perrotti Danilo , Neviani Paolo 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Altered mRNA metabolism is a feature of many cancers including blast crisis chronic myelogenous leukemia. Indeed, loss of function of many tumor suppressors regulating cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation results from aberrant mRNA processing, nuclear export, and/or translation. Here, we summarize the effects of increased BCR/ABL oncogenic activity on the expression and function of RNA binding proteins (e.g., FUS, hnRNP A1, hnRNP E2, hnRNP K, and La/SSB) with posttranscriptional and translational regulatory activities and their importance for the phenotype of BCR/ABL-transformed hematopoietic progenitors. We also provide evidence that these studies not only advance our understanding on the molecular mechanisms contributing to tumor/leukemia emergence, maintenance, and/or progression but they also serve for the identification of novel molecular targets useful for the development of alternative therapies for imatinib-resistant and blast crisis chronic myelogenous leukemia and, perhaps, for other cancers characterized by similar alterations in the mRNA metabolism.
Identification and Prognostic Significance of an Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Expression Profile in Human Bladder Tumors
Authors: Baumgart Egbert , Cohen Michael S. , Neto Brasil Silva , Jacobs Micah A. , Wotkowicz Chad , Rieger-Christ Kimberly M. , Biolo Andreia , Zeheb Ron , Loda Massimo , Libertino John A. , Summerhayes Ian C. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Purpose: Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is reportedly an important transition in cancer progression in which the underlying cellular changes have been identified mainly using in vitro models. In this study, we examined the expression pattern of EMT markers in vivo and determined the occurrence and clinical significance of these events in a series of bladder carcinomas.
Experimental Design: Eight hundred and twenty-five tumor samples from 572 bladder cancer patients were assembled in 10 tissue microarrays. Paraffin sections from each tissue microarray were subjected to antigen retrieval and processed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of E-cadherin, plakoglobin, β-catenin, N-cadherin, and vimentin.
Results: Pathologic expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin, plakoglobin, and vimentin were associated with the clinicopathologic variables of grade and stage with only the cytoplasmic localization of plakoglobin found associated with lymph node status. Associations between the aforementioned markers were found significant as determined by the Spearman correlation coefficient with N-cadherin showing no associations in this analysis. In univariate survival analysis involving patients who underwent cystectomy, the reduction or loss of plakoglobin significantly influenced overall survival (P = 0.02) in which the median time to death was 2 years compared with 4 years when a normal level of plakoglobin was recorded. When the analysis was done for cancer-specific survival, low levels of both plakoglobin (P = 0.02) and β-catenin (P = 0.02) significantly influenced survival.
Conclusion: The putative markers of EMT defined within a panel of bladder carcinoma cell lines were recorded in vivo, frequently associated with tumors of high grade and stage. Although multivariate analysis showed no significant influence of the EMT biomarkers on survival, alterations associated with plakoglobin were identified as significant prognostic features in these tumors.
Combination Therapy of an Orthotopic Renal Cell Carcinoma Model Using Intratumoral Vector-Mediated Costimulation and Systemic Interleukin-2
Authors: Kudo-Saito Chie , Wansley Elizabeth K. , Gruys M. Eilene , Wiltrout Robert , Schlom Jeffrey , Hodge James W. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPurpose: Interleukin (IL)-2 therapy is currently used for therapy of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, it is only effective in approximately 10% to 15% of patients, showing a need for additional therapies. We have previously described a replication-defective fowlpox vector encoding three costimulatory molecules (B7-1, ICAM-1, and LFA-3), designated rF-TRICOM. Here, we show that intratumoral administration of rF-TRICOM in an orthotopic RCC model effectively enhances tumor immunogenicity and reduces tumor burden in mice and the combination of rF-TRICOM and IL-2 is more effective than either therapy alone.Experimental Design: RCC cells were implanted under the capsule of the kidney, and mice were given rF-TRICOM intratumorally 14 days later. We compared the effect of rF-TRICOM, rF-granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and two doses of IL-2 and combinations of the above on antitumor efficacy and survival. Host CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses were also evaluated.Results: The results show that (a) systemic IL-2 therapy was moderately effective in the reduction of tumor burden in an orthotopic RCC model; (b) a single intratumoral injection of rF-TRICOM and rF-GM-CSF significantly reduced tumor burden; (c) the addition of systemic IL-2 to intratumoral rF-TRICOM/rF-GM-CSF administration resulted in further reduction of tumor burden, decrease in the incidence of metastasis, and extended survival in tumor-bearing mice above that seen with either treatment alone; and (d) CD8+ T cells played a critical role in the antitumor effect seen with rF-TRICOM/rF-GM-CSF + IL-2 therapy. Finally, the addition of systemic recombinant IL-15 or intratumoral vector-delivered IL-15 to intratumoral rF-TRICOM/rF-GM-CSF administration resulted in substantially more tumor-free mice than either therapy alone.Conclusions: These studies show that intratumoral administration of rF-TRICOM admixed with rF-GM-CSF is effective at reducing tumor burden in mice and the addition of IL-2 further contributes to this effect. These studies thus form the rationale for combination immunotherapy clinical trials in patients with RCC.
Targeted Therapy for Brain Metastases: Improving the Therapeutic Ratio
Authors: Patel Rakesh R. , Mehta Minesh P. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Brain metastasis is the most common intracranial malignancy in adults. Improvements in modern imaging techniques are detecting previously occult brain metastases, and more effective therapies are extending the survival of patients with invasive cancer who have historically died from extracranial disease before developing brain metastasis. This combination of factors along with increased life expectancy has led to the increased diagnosis of brain metastases. Conventional treatment has been whole brain radiotherapy, which can improve symptoms, but potentially results in neurocognitive deficits. Several strategies to improve the therapeutic ratio are currently under investigation to either enhance the radiation effect, thereby preventing tumor recurrence or progression as well as reducing collateral treatment-related brain injury. In this review article, we discuss new directions in the management of brain metastases, including the role of chemical modifiers, novel systemic agents, and the management and prevention of neurocognitive deficits.
Relaxin Promotes Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Feng Shu , Agoulnik Irina U. , Bogatcheva Natalia V. , Kamat Aparna A. , Kwabi-Addo Bernard , Li Rile , Ayala Gustavo , Ittmann Michael M. , Agoulnik Alexander I. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Purpose: To understand the role of relaxin peptide in prostate cancer, we analyzed the expression of relaxin and its receptor in human prostate cancer samples, the effects of relaxin signaling on cancer cell phenotype in vitro, and the effects of increased serum relaxin concentrations on cancer progression in vivo.
Experimental Design: The relaxin and its receptor leucine-rich repeat containing G protein–coupled receptor 7 (LGR7) expression were studied by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (11 benign and 44 cancer tissue samples) and by relaxin immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays containing 10 normal and 69 cancer samples. The effects of relaxin treatment and endogenous relaxin/LGR7 suppression via short interfering RNA in PC-3 and LNCaP cells were analyzed in vitro. The effect of transgenic relaxin overexpression [Tg(Rln1)] on cancer growth and survival was evaluated in autochthonous transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP).
Results: The relaxin mRNA expression was significantly higher in recurrent prostate cancer samples. In tissue microarrays of the 10 normal tissues, 8 had low staining in epithelial cells, whereas only 1 of 9 high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions had low expression (P = 0.005) and only 29 of 65 cancers had low expression (P = 0.047). Stimulation with relaxin increased cell proliferation, invasiveness, and adhesion in vitro. The suppression of relaxin/LGR7 via short interfering RNAs decreased cell invasiveness by 90% to 95% and growth by 10% to 25% and increased cell apoptosis 0.6 to 2.2 times. The Tg(Rln1) TRAMP males had shorter median survival time, associated with the decreased apoptosis of tumor cells, compared with non-Tg(Rln1) TRAMP animals.
Conclusions: Relaxin signaling plays a role in prostate cancer progression.
130-nm Albumin–Bound Paclitaxel Enhances Tumor Radiocurability and Therapeutic Gain
Authors: Wiedenmann Nicole , Valdecanas David , Hunter Nancy , Hyde Stephen , Buchholz Thomas A. , Milas Luka , Mason Kathryn A. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Purpose: 130-nm albumin–bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) is a novel solvent-free albumin-bound paclitaxel, designed to avoid solvent-related toxicity. Nab-paclitaxel has been successfully introduced into the clinic but its radiation-enhancing potential has not yet been evaluated. We conducted a preclinical evaluation of the radiation-modulating effects of nab-paclitaxel in tumor and normal tissues.
Experimental Design: Mice bearing syngeneic ovarian or mammary carcinomas were treated with nab-paclitaxel, radiation, or combination of both. Nab-paclitaxel was administered at 90 mg/kg, 1.5 times the maximum tolerated dose for solvent-based paclitaxel. End points were antitumor efficacy (growth delay, radiocurability, and cellular effects) and normal tissue toxicity (gut and skin).
Results: Nab-paclitaxel showed single-agent antitumor efficacy against both tumor types and acted as a radiosensitizer. Combined with radiation, nab-paclitaxel produced supra-additive effects when given before radiation. Nab-paclitaxel significantly increased radiocurability by reducing the dose yielding 50% tumor cure (TCD50) from 54.3 to 35.2 Gy. Tumor histology following nab-paclitaxel treatment was characterized by pronounced necrotic and apoptotic cell death and mitotic arrest. Nab-paclitaxel did not increase normal tissue radioresponse.
Conclusions: Nab-paclitaxel exhibited strong antitumor efficacy against both tumors as a single agent and it improved radiotherapy in a supra-additive manner. These improved effects were achieved without increased normal tissue toxicity to either rapidly or slowly proliferating normal tissues although the drug dose was 1.5 times higher than the maximum tolerated dose of solvent-based paclitaxel. These preclinical findings show that combining nab-paclitaxel with radiotherapy would improve the outcome of taxane-based chemoradiotherapy. This novel taxane is thus a good candidate for testing in clinical chemoradiotherapy trials.