julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Phase I dose escalation of the oral histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) resminostat in combination with FOLFIRI in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients: The SHORE trial.
2013-05-20

3625 Background: Resminostat is a novel oral HDAC inhibitor with broad activity in various cancer models. In CRC models, resminostat revealed synergistic effects with 5-FU and irinotecan/SN-38, indicating its (re-)sensitization potential when applied in combination therapy. Furthermore, resminostat downregulates thymidylate synthase, involved in drug resistance to 5-FU and effectively inhibits HDAC2, one of the target enzymes believed to critically support development of CRC. The phase I/II SHORE trial investigates resminostat in combination with FOLFIRI in patients previously treated with 5-FU. Methods: Patients (pts) with advanced CRC having previously received 5-FU alone or in combination with other agents who were scheduled for FOLFIRI in second or later treatment lines were included. The phase I comprised an open-label, inter-patient, ‘3+3’ dose escalation design with increasing doses of resminostat combined with standard FOLFIRI. Pts received resminostat on 5 consecutive days, followed by a 9-day drug free period (‘5+9’ scheme, i.e. 14-day cycles). On days 3 and 4 of each cycle (C), FOLFIRI was administered. Primary objective of the Phase I part was to determine safety and tolerability, the maximum tolerated dose and pharmacokinetics of the combination. Results: 17 pts (median age 61 yrs; 12 males; 11 ECOG 0; 6 ECOG 1; median therapy line 2 [2-6]) were enrolled in 4 dose levels of resminostat 200, 400, 600 mg QD (3 pts each) and 400 mg BID (6 pts) plus FOLFIRI. Two pts discontinued in C1 and were replaced. No DLT occurred. AEs consisted mainly of GI symptoms of mild and moderate intensity (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) leading to decreased electrolyte plasma levels in some pts. In the highest dose level tested (400 mg BID) hematological toxicity, mainly neutropenia up to grade 4, was observed leading to dose reductions in 3 pts in C3 and C7. No objective responses were reported, however some pts showed SD for prolonged time (up to 32 w). Results of the completed phase I part will be reported. Conclusions: The combination of resminostat with standard FOLFIRI was safe and well tolerated warranting continuation into the Phase II part of the study. Clinical trial information: NCT01277406.
Phase I study of peptide vaccine targeting indeolamine 2,3 dioxygenase in metastatic lung cancer patients.
2013-05-20

8084 Background: To investigate the targeting of indeolamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme by a synthetic peptide vaccine for patients with metastatic non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: We treated15 HLA-A2 positive patients with stage III-IV NSCLC and disease stabilization (SD) after standard chemotherapy. Patients were treated every second week (induction) for three months, and thereafter monthly until progression (maintenance) with imiquimod ointment and vaccine (100 μg IDO5 peptide sequence ALLEIASCL mixed with 900 μL montanide) administered subcutaneously. Primary end point was toxicity. Clinical benefit and immune monitoring were assessed. Results: Patient characteristics: mean age (63, range 51-71), sex (F=8,M=7), PS(0=9,1=6), histology (adenocarcinoma=93%), previously anti-neoplastic treatments (1 st line=100%, 2 nd =40% and 3 rd =27% of patients). No grade 3-4 CTCAE toxicity was observed. Median PFS was 5.2 months and median OS 2.1 years. Long-lasting disease stabilization (SD≥8.5 months) was demonstrated in 7 patients (47%). Patients demonstrated significant improved OS (P=0.02) when compared to the untreated group of excluded HLA-A2 negative NSCLC patients. IDO expression was frequently detected in tumour biopsies by immune-histochemistry staining. Immune induction of IDO specific CD8 T-cells were demonstrated by IFN-y Elispot and Tetramer staining. Immune correlates of T-lymphocyte subsets were performed by flow cytometry. HPLC analyses of Trp/Kyn ratio suggested stabilization or decrease of IDO activity in 11/15 (73%) of the patients. Conclusions: The vaccine was safe and well-tolerated with no grade 3/4 toxicity occurring. Long-lasting SD was seen in 47% of the patients demonstrating a median OS of 2.1 year. IHC demonstrated frequent IDO activity in NSCLC tumour biopsies, and blocking of IDO activity was indicated by Kyn/Trp ratio measurements. Clinical trial information: NCT01219348.
Pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone (POM + LoDEX) versus high-dose dexamethasone (HiDEX) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM): Impact of cytogenetics in MM-003.
2013-05-20

8528 Background: RRMM patients (pts) who fail lenalidomide (LEN) and bortezomib (BORT) have poor prognosis. High-risk cytogenetics predict shorter survival. POM + LoDEX has demonstrated efficacy in pts with prior LEN and BORT and high-risk cytogenetics. MM-003 is an open-label, multicenter, phase III trial comparing POM + LoDEX vs. HiDEX in RRMM pts who failed LEN and BORT treatment (Tx) and have progressed on their last therapy. Methods: Pts must have been refractory to the last prior Tx (progressive disease [PD] during or within 60 days) and failed LEN and BORT after ≥ 2 consecutive cycles of each (alone or in combination). Randomization was 2:1 to POM 4 mg D1–21 + DEX 40 mg (20 mg for pts aged &gt; 75 y) weekly; or DEX 40 mg (20 mg for pts aged &gt; 75 y) D1–4, 9–12, and 17–20 (28-day cycles). Tx continued until PD or unacceptable adverse events (AEs). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included OS and AEs. This analysis examined pts meeting modified high-risk cytogenetic criteria—del(17p13) and/or t(4p16/14q32). Results: 302 pts received POM + LoDEX, and 153 pts received HiDEX. 225 and 107 pts, respectively, were evaluable for cytogenetics. Baseline characteristics were similar. Median PFS and OS were significantly longer with POM + LoDEX vs. HiDEX, regardless of cytogenetic risk (Table). The most common grade 3/4 AEs were neutropenia, anemia, and infection (Table). Discontinuation due to AE was low: 4% vs. 6% (high risk) and 10% vs. 4% (standard risk). Conclusions: Median PFS and OS were significantly longer with POM + LoDEX vs. HiDEX in pts with cytogenetically-defined high-risk disease, consistent with results from the intent-to-treat population. Tolerability was acceptable. POM + LoDEX should be considered a new Tx option in pts failing LEN and BORT. Clinical trial information: NCT01311687. [Table: see text]
Aberrant NFAT2 signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
2013-05-20

7019 Background: CLL is a malignancy of mature B cells and constiututes the most common leukemia in adults. It is characterized by a progressive accumulation of clonal B cells, which coexpress CD19, CD23 and CD5. NFAT is a family of highly phosphorylated transcription factors residing in the cytoplasm of resting cells. Upon dephosphorylation by calcineurin, NFAT proteins translocate to the nucleus where they orchestrate developmental and activation programs in diverse cell types. In this study, we investigated the significance of NFAT signaling in B-CLL. Methods: NFAT2 expression and aberrant nuclear translocation in CLL cells (n=30) was assessed by Western Blotting and immunofluorescence. In addition, NFAT2 mRNA levels were measured by qRT-PCR and its DNA binding capacity was assessed using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Transcriptional activity of NFAT2 proteins in CLL cells was further analyzed by determining the expression of several well characterized NFAT target genes. Results: We detected a profound overexpression of NFAT2 mRNA and protein in all CLL samples. Using qRT-PCR we found that CD19+CD5+ CLL cells exhibited a significant overexpression of NFAT2 as compared to CD19+ B cells isolated from healthy donors (8-200fold). This overexpression of NFAT2 in CLL cells could also be confirmed on the protein level. We could further demonstrate that even under resting conditions significant amounts of NFAT2 protein had translocated to the nucleus in CLL cells, whereas virtually all NFAT2 was in the cytoplasm in non-malignant B cells. Nuclear NFAT2 in CLL cells was able to bind DNA but its transcriptional activity with respect to several apoptosis-regulating genes (i.e. Spp1, Pdcd1) was severely compromised. Conclusions: These results provide strong evidence that the Ca 2+ /NFAT signalling axis is constitutively activated in CD5+CD19+ CLL cells. Reduced expression of several apoptosis regulators which are known target genes of NFAT2 links deregulation of this signaling cascade to CLL progression. Further investigation is warranted to investigate the therapeutic potential of modulating Ca 2+ /Calcineurin/ NFAT signaling in CLL.
Predicting nonsentinel lymph node metastases using established nomograms among patients with breast cancer after primary systemic therapy (PST): The transSENTINA substudy.
2013-05-20

1020 Background: Recent studies such as the SENTINA trial suggest that performing SLNB in patients with a cN1 status before but converting to a ycN0 status through PST result more often in a false-negative evaluation of LN status compared to SLNB at primary surgery. Therefore, there is a need to predict non-SLN status after PST and tailor axillary staging procedures. We investigated the accuracy of established nomograms to predict non-SLN metastases at primary surgery in patients after PST. Methods: The SENTINA trial is a 4-arm prospective multicenter cohort study evaluating an algorithm for the timing of a standardized SLNB in patients undergoing PST. 1,737 pts. from 104 institutions were categorized into four treatment arms according to the clinical axillary staging (including ultrasound examination) before and after chemotherapy. Patients in arm C with a cN1 status prior to PST converting to a ycN0 status but found to have a histologically positive SLN after PST were included. Several published nomograms predicting non-SLN status in patients with a positive SLN at primary surgery were applied (including the MSKCC-, Mayo-, Cambridge-, and Stanford-Nomogram, MDA-Score and Tenon-Score) and Area-under-the-Curve-(AUC)-values were calculated. Results:This subgroup comprised 592 patients. Among these, 74 patients had a positive SLN after PST and had all available data to run the nomograms. AUC-values were: MSKCC: 82.3 (95% confidence interval (95%CI) 72.6-91.9), Mayo: 71.8 (95%CI 60.1-83.5), Cambridge: 71.5 (95%CI 59.7-83.2), Stanford 70.6 (95%CI 59.7-83.2), MDA 70.7 (95%CI 59.0-82.5), and Tenon 73.1 (61.5-84.7). Conclusions: Analysis of the above nomograms in the post-neoadjuvant setting yielded AUC values comparable to those in the setting of primary surgery. Our results suggest that nomograms predicting non-SLN status in the setting of primary surgery (and particularly the MSKCC nomogram) may be used to avoid full axillary dissection in patients after PST.
Tumor-specific circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) to predict clinical outcome in BRAF V600 mutation-positive melanoma patients (pts) treated with the MEK inhibitor trametinib (T) or chemotherapy (C).
2013-05-20

9020 Background: Tumor-derived cfDNA in the blood is a potential alternative source to derive tumor mutation (mut) status and could be a useful biomarker of therapeutic response. Data from METRIC (NCT01245062), an open-label randomized Phase III study evaluating the efficacy and safety of T vs C, were used to assess: correlation between baseline tumor and cfDNA BRAF muts; correlation between baseline cfDNA levels and tumor burden (i.e., the sum of target lesion diameters); and efficacy based on baseline cfDNA BRAF mut status. Methods: BRAF mut status was established for 322 pts using an allele-specific PCR assay in tumor samples. Baseline plasma samples were available for 305/322 pts. cfDNA BRAF mut status was evaluated by Inostics GmBH using BEAMing technology. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to determine the association between cfDNA fraction (mut DNA molecules &gt; 0.01%) and baseline tumor burden. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association between cfDNA mut status and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: The overall agreement between tumor and cfDNA BRAF V600E and V600K mut status was 77%, and 96% respectively. V600E or V600K cfDNA mut fraction did not correlate with baseline tumor burden (R=0.38 and 0.23, respectively). Benefit of T vs C was observed regardless of cfDNA BRAF mut status (HR= 0.42, 0.41, 0.47 for V600E, V600K, and not detectable (cfDNA ND) subgroups). Interestingly, cfDNA ND pts had longer PFS vs cfDNA V600E/K pts, independent of treatment (HR=0.37 for cfDNA ND vs V600E/K, p=&lt;0.0001). For T cfDNA ND median PFS was not reached (n=52), however the first quartile was 4.5 months; for V600E (n=127) and V600K (n=21) median PFS was 3.5 and 4.4 months, respectively. For C median PFS was 3.5, 1.4, and 1.5 months for cfDNA ND (n=28), V600E (n=69), and V600K (n=7), respectively. Similarly, higher response rates were seen in cfDNA ND pts vs cfDNA V600E/K pts across both treatment arms. Conclusions: Free circulating DNA can be used to detect BRAF V600 muts. cfDNA mut fraction was not linked to tumor burden. The absence of circulating BRAF mut DNA in BRAF V600 pts may be a marker of a better outcome. Clinical trial information: NCT01245062.
The persistence of disseminated tumor cells after systemic therapy and their influence on prognosis in early breast cancer patients.
2013-05-20

1030 Background: Detection of disseminated tumor cells (DTC) in the bone marrow (BM) of early breast cancer (EBC) patients before the administration of systemic therapy is associated with poor outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of DTC on overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) in a large cohort of EBC patients after the administration of systemic therapy. Methods: EBC patients receiving systemic therapy (endocrine therapy and/or chemotherapy +/- HER2-directed treatment) either prior to surgery (neoadjuvant systemic therapy, NST) or after surgery (adjuvant systemic therapy, AST) at Tuebingen University Hospital, Germany between 01/2003 and 06/2012 were available for this analysis. BM aspirates were collected during surgery / one year after surgery in patients receiving NST / AST. DTC were identified by immunocytochemistry (pancytokeratin antibody A45/B3) and cytomorphology. Survival was analyzed using univariate (log-rank test) and multivariate analysis (cox regression). Results: DTC were detected in 201 of 608 (35%) patients. 175 of 419 (42%) patients treated with NST and 35 of 189 (19%) patients treated with AST were DTC-positive. Chemotherapy / endocrine therapy was administered prior to BM aspiration in 399 (96%) / 19 (5%) of the patients receiving NST and in 99 (52%) / 158 (84%) of the patients receiving AST. On univariate analysis, the detection of DTC was a significant predictor of poor DFS (HR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.48 – 3.48, p&lt;0.001) and poor OS (HR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.19 – 3.00, p=0.007). On multivariate analysis (considering all clinicopathological factors and the DTC-status), independent factors for DFS were DTC-status (negative vs. positive), grading (G2-3 vs. G3), nodal-status (negative vs. positive), and the ER-status (negative vs. positive). Independent factors for OS were grading, PR-status (negative vs. positive) and nodal-status. Conclusions: The persistence of DTC in the BM of EBC patients after systemic treatment is a strong and independent marker of poor prognosis. Determination of the DTC-status is thus promising to monitor the effect of systemic therapy and to identify patients that are in need of additional adjuvant therapy.
Maintenance with the TLR-9 agonist MGN1703 versus placebo in patients with advanced colorectal carcincoma (mCRC): A randomized phase II trial (IMPACT).
2013-05-20

3643 Background: Standard induction chemotherapy for mCRC is often discontinued in patients responding to the treatment. MGN1703, a synthetic DNA-based immunomodulator, acts as TLR-9 agonist. This trial has been conducted to assess clinical efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of MGN1703 as maintenance therapy vs placebo. Methods: The IMPACT trial is an international, multicenter, randomized (2:1) double-blind placebo-controlled phase 2 trial in mCRC patients with disease control (CR, PR, SD) after 4.5 to 6 months of 1st-line induction chemotherapy with FOLFOX/XELOX or FOLFIRI +/- bevacizumab. Results: 59 patients have been randomized (43 MGN1703, 16 placebo). Median PFS from start of maintenance was not different with 2.8 vs 2.7 months, however the HR was 0.56 (CI 95%: 0.29-1.08; p=0.069) in favor of MGN1703, due to a small favorable subgroup with long-term PFS (20% vs 0% at 9 months; p=0.006). Total PFS from beginning of induction chemotherapy including maintenance was significantly improved: HR 0.49 (CI 95%: 0.25-0.94), p=0.029. After a median follow-up of 13 months 66% of patients are still alive (67% vs 62%), therefore survival data are still preliminary (HR 0.79; CI 95%: 0.3-2.1) and will be mature at the meeting. Activation of cellular immune function as indicated by significant increase of CD14 + CD169 + monocytes was observed in all but one of the MGN1703 treated patients, while absent in all placebo patients. Treatment was well tolerated: 46.5% vs 31.3% of patients (MGN1703 vs placebo) had any drug-related adverse events (AE) and 20.9% vs 18.8% had AE with grade 3 or 4 (including hypertension, ileus, sepsis, sensory polyneuropathy, nausea/vomiting for MGN1703 and pain, popular exanthema for placebo). Conclusions: MGN1703 maintenance seems to prolong PFS in a subgroup of patients with disease control after induction chemotherapy vs placebo, and is associated with relative mild toxicity. This in an early signal in a selected and very limited patient population which supports further investigation. Predictive biomarkers are under evaluation to identify a potential subgroup which might have benefit from this TLR-9 MGN1703 maintenance. Clinical trial information: NCT01208194.
Lenalidomide (LEN)-melphalan-prednisone induction followed by LEN maintenance (MPR-R) in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) elderly patients (Pts) with moderate renal impairment (RI): MM-015 trial post-hoc analysis.
2013-05-20

8544 Background: The MM-015 pivotal phase III trial showed significant PFS benefit for MPR-R (31 mos) vs. MPR (14 mos) or MP (13 mos; both p &lt; 0.001) followed by placebo in NDMM pts aged ≥ 65 years. As NDMM pts with RI have poor prognosis, this retrospective analysis studied the efficacy and safety of MPR-R in pts with creatinine clearance (CrCl) &lt; 60 mL/min. Methods: LEN starting dose for induction/maintenance was 10 mg/day (D1–21 of a 28-day cycle). Dose adjustments were not recommended for pts with RI. CrCl was calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. Pts with severe RI (serum Cr &gt; 2.5 mg/dL [221 μmol/L]) were excluded from the trial. Results: Pts with CrCl &lt; 60 mL/min (median 47, interquartile range [IQR] 38–55) were included in this analysis: 51% MPR-R, 45% MPR, and 49% MP. Median PFS was significantly higher with MPR-R (26 mos [95% CI 14–48]) vs. MPR (13 mos [95% CI 12–15]) or MP (14 mos [95% CI 12–16]; both p &lt; 0.001). In a Cox proportional model of PFS, CrCl &lt; 60 mL/min was not identified as a negative prognostic factor (p = 0.69). The most common Gr 4 adverse events (AEs) were hematologic and occurred predominantly during induction and are shown in the Table for pts with or without moderate RI. The number of deaths on study was similar: 10% (MPR-R), 7% (MPR), and 8% (MP); deaths associated with RI or disease progression were reported in ≤ 1% of pts with RI across the arms. Conclusions: The benefit of continuous LEN treatment with MPR-R is not compromised in NDMM pts with moderate RI, consistent with the overall trial results. CrCl and AEs should be monitored closely in this population. Clinical trial information: NCT00405756. [Table: see text]
Expression of neurotrophins and their receptors in adult sarcomas.
2013-05-20

10562 Background: Neurotrophins (NT) influence proliferation, survival, death, and differentiation by binding Tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) receptors and p75 NTR (CD271). While the three Trk-receptors TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC display specific binding to their ligands, i.e. TrkA to NGF (nerve growth factor), TrkB to BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), NT4/5 (neurotrophin 4/5) and TrkC to NT3 (neurotrophin 3), CD271 shows low affinity to all neurotrophins. Notably, CD271 has been suggested as marker for the prospective isolation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), and rhabdomyosarcomas have previously been found to express neurotrophins and NT receptors. Methods: RNA was isolated from sarcoma cell lines and freshly obtained sarcoma (src) cells from patients after surgical resection. RNA was reverse transcribed and cDNA products underwent PCR analysis with specific primers. Furthermore, cell lines from the same primary tissues were established and treated with doxorubicin. Effects of K252a (Trk receptor inhibitor), Pep5 (CD271-Inhibitor), and neurotrophins on sarcoma cell proliferation and survival were analyzed. Results: An array of freshly obtained clinical src samples (n=10 each subtype) was screened for expression of NT3, NT4/5, BDNF, NGF as well as TrkA, TrkB, TrkC, and CD271. Interestingly, src subtype-specific expression patterns were observed. In the established cell lines, K252a increased doxorubicin-induced tumor cell death, while CD271-Inhibitor Pep5 enhanced proliferation in doxorubicin treated cells, especially under serum free conditions and when combined with BDNF and NGF. Conclusions: NT and NT receptors are expressed on all adult src samples screened in this study. Chemotherapy resistant liposrc as well as myxofibrosrc samples displayed the strongest expression of NT3 as well as TrkB, TrkC, and CD271. The concomitant expression of NT and their receptors suggests autocrine self-stimulation, which may propagate survival, proliferation, and treatment resistance. NT receptor tyrosine kinases may represent an interesting therapeutic target in adult src.