tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Dynamic changes in biomarkers for immune response to sipuleucel-t (SipT) for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Authors: Mehmet Faith Hepgur, Tanya B. Dorff, Jie Cai, Mary Reed, Betty Chan, David I. Quinn
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2015)

181 Background: SipT prolongs OS in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic CRPC without regularly inducing PSA declines. Elevated CD54 count, CD54 upregulation (UPREG) and total nucleated cells (TNC), markers of immune activation in the product, have been shown to correlate with longer survival. We prospectively collected clinical characteristics and inflammatory markers as part of an audit to identify possible predictors of immune response in patients receiving SipT. Methods: 92 men with CRPC had blood drawn routinely before and after SipT treatment at USC. Circulating tumor cells (CTC), PSA, prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), albumin (Alb), hemoglobin (Hb), serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP), LDH, C-reactive protein (CRP) and β2-microglobulin (β2m) were evaluated in a reference lab. SipT product parameters, CD54, UPREG and TNC were measured by Dendreon. These datasets were analyzed using Spearman coefficients for continuous variables and the Kruskal-Wallis test for categorical variables. Results: 92 pts who received SipT were included. Median age was 69 (48-90). 43% had Gleason 8-9. 42% had ECOG Performance Status (PS) 0, 44% PS 1, and 13% PS 2. 26% had received prior chemotherapy and 18% had used opioids. 84% had bone mets, 42% had lymphadenopathy, and 12% had visceral mets. Increases in the PSA, PAP, LDH and Alb was directly correlated with increased CD54 counts, increases in the CTC was directly correlated with increased TNC, whereas decrease in SAP was correlated with increased upregulation of dendritic cells. Conclusions: Our results show that increased tumor markers immediately after treatment are more common in high CD54 product pts. This may represent a “flare” due to immune activation. [Table: see text]
Heated oxaliplatin infusion (37°C) in combination with capecitabine for metastatic colorectal cancer: Can it reduce oxaliplatin-associated neuropathy?
Authors: R. Cathomas, D. Köberle, T. Ruhstaller, G. Mayer, A. Räss, R. von Moos
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2008)

20660 Background: Combination chemotherapy with capecitabine (Cap) and oxaliplatin (Ox) is a standard regimen in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). Ox-associated neuropathy (NP) remains a dose-limiting toxicity. No preventive strategy has been established. Because Ox NP is triggered by cold we hypothesized that infusing Ox at 37°C (H-Ox) might reduce NP. Methods: 20 patients (pts) were included in an open label trial. Eligible pts had MCRC, NP ≤ grade 1, adequate organ function and had received no prior Ox- chemotherapy. Treatment consisted of Cap 1,000mg/m2 bid on days 1–14 and Ox 130mg/m2 on day 1 of a 3 weeks cycle for a maximum of 6 cycles. The Ox infusion was administered through a fluid-warming device (FLUIDO, The Surgical Company BV) in 1L dextrose 5% at a constant temperature of 37°C over 2 hours. The primary endpoint was feasibility and drug reactions during the infusion. Secondary endpoints included acute and chronic NP, assessed by patient-based National Cancer Institute questionnaire (Leonard GD, BMC Cancer 2005) and NCI CTC version 3, and tumor response rate (RECIST). Results: Between July 06 and June 07 20 pts were enrolled. Median age was 71 years. Eligible pts had PS 0–1; 65% ≥ 2 sites of metastases. 11 pts completed six cycles, main reason for early discontinuation was progressive disease (4 pts). A total of 95 cycles were administered. Median cumulative Ox dose was 735 mg/m2. One patient experienced a laryngeal spasm shortly after the end of H-Ox infusion. No other infusion-related adverse event was observed. 35% of patients reported grade 3/4 acute dysesthesia or paresthesia. Chronic NP was observed in 85% (grade 1) and 15% (grade 2) respectively. Other treatment related grade 3/4 toxicities included diarrhea (15%), nausea (15%), thrombocytopenia (10%), pulmonary embolism (10%) and fatigue (15%). Overall response rate was 45% (95% CI 23–67%; 5% CR; 40% PR) and stable disease was achieved in 30% for a disease control rate of 75% (95% CI 56–94%). Conclusions: Administration of H-Ox in combination with Cap is feasible and well tolerated without additional toxicity. H-Ox has a low rate of chronic cumulative NP, however acute NP might be increased by infusion of H-Ox. Further investigation is warranted to compare Ox versus H-Ox. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Aspects of smoking in teachers-past and present
Authors: Simona Apetrei, Victor Drujinin
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2013)

Teachers were and remain models for students,regardless of age.Therefore tobacco among them has a negative influence on children.Aim of this study was to determine the trend in smoking prevalence teachers.  Material and method:we used anonymous questionnaires to teachers of Urziceni(group A) and Bucharest(group B),repeated at an interval of ten years(2001 and 2011).  Results:Teachers smoking prevalence was 45.4 %in 2001(47.9%in group A;43.3 %in group B) and 23.5 %in 2011(21.7 % group A;24.7 %- group B). Prevalence by gender was similar for group B(42.6 %M/43.9 %F) and higher for males in group A(60.6%M;39.2%F) in 2001.In 2011 the prevalence M/F was:39.3%/19.0 % for A and 28.8 %/23.2 %for B.In 2001almost 90% of smoking teachers consumed tobacco inside school,while in 2011 only 4 %of teachers smoking in school.Nicotine dependence was high at 44.8% of subjects in 2001( 45.7 %-A;43.9 %-B).In 2011 38.6% of them were highly dependent. The level of knowledge about the harmful effects of smoking on health was definitely better in 2011 than 2001.It should be noted that 10.4% of teachers were ex-smokers in 2001 respectivelly 18.9% in 2011.  Conclusions:Considerable decrease of tobacco consumption in teachers over the past decade can be correlated with a better health education-information campaigns conducted in schools in recent years.  Also amending legislation on tobacco was efficient-banning smoking in schools,ban on tobacco media advertising.  Initiation of national anti-tobacco program,including free counseling and treatment for smokers also helped a number of teacher to quit smoking.  Future action is needed for a greater reduction of smoking in general population and default among educators,main models for our children.
Pathogenicity of a Viral Strain (RPL12) Causing Avian Visceral Lymphomatosis and Related Neoplasms. IV. Virus Bioassay Based on a Log-Exponential Distribution of Host Mortality Times
Authors: M A GROSS, B R BURMESTER, N MANTEL
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1962)

A log-exponential function is presented as useful for a description of the time-mortality relation of line 15I chickens inoculated at various ages with one of a variety of preparations of RPL12-propagated virus by parenteral routes. The proposed model, with some special modifications, provides an identical graded-response analysis of both principal neoplastic manifestations of this virus—erythroblastosis and visceral lymphomatosis—as well as a means of shortening the observation period without a marked effect in the main estimates made: the length of the latent period, a force-of-mortality parameter, and the geometric mean time to death. It is concluded that, with the data for 2,722 inoculated chickens examined, the age of the host at inoculation and the virus concentration in the inoculum are the only important variables affecting the response.
Eye Care and the Medical Student: Where Should Emphasis Be Placed in Undergraduate Ophthalmology?
Authors: S A Vernon
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1988)

The views of three groups of British doctors on the content and duration of an undergraduate ophthalmology course were identified by means of a questionnaire. Non-ophthalmic hospital consultants considered the duration of a course should be approximately two weeks shorter than general practitioners and ophthalmologists. There were also significant differences in opinion between ophthalmologists and the other two groups on course content, but results indicated that emphasis should be placed on topics involving the identification of treatable sight-threatening conditions, and the primary eye care function of recognition and management of common external eye disorders.
Philadelphia-negative chronic myelogenous leukemia with breakpoint cluster region rearrangement: molecular analysis, clinical characteristics, and response to therapy.
Authors: M Shtalrid, M Talpaz, M Blick, P Romero, H Kantarjian, K Taylor, J Trujillo, J Schachner, J U Gutterman, R Kurzrock
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1988)

We have detected rearrangement in the breakpoint cluster region (bcr) on chromosome 22 in cells derived from seven chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients who had no cytogenetic evidence of a chromosome abnormality. These Philadelphia (Ph)-negative, bcr rearrangement-positive CML patients had clinical features and laboratory parameters that bore a strong resemblance to those of Ph-positive CML; all patients have shown a favorable response to hydroxyurea, busulphan, or alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) therapy. In one patient, because of the deletion of distal 3' sequences, detection of bcr rearrangement required a large probe that recognized proximal 5' sequences. Cells obtained from five patients were studied by Northern blotting and showed an aberrant 8 kilobase (kb) mRNA indistinguishable from the bcr-abl transcript that is felt to be a pathogenetic factor in Ph-positive CML. In three patients with a normal karyotype, bcr rearrangement was detected at the time of hematologic remission, and represented the only evidence for persistent malignancy. Our results suggest that: (1) the presence of bcr rearrangement in CML is associated with clinical features of Ph-positive disease, even in the absence of the Ph chromosome; (2) deletions occur within bcr and necessitate the use of probes covering both 5' and 3' DNA segments for accurate diagnosis; (3) molecular analysis may provide a useful approach to the follow-up of leukemia therapy in some patients; and (4) these patients respond to hydroxyurea, busulphan, and IFN-alpha therapy.
Randomized cooperative study of perioperative chemotherapy in breast cancer.
Authors: M R Sertoli, P Bruzzi, P Pronzato, P Queirolo, D Amoroso, L Del Mastro, M Venturini, A Vigani, G Bertelli, E Campora
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1995)

PURPOSE The aim of this multicentric randomized trial was to determine whether reducing the interval between surgery and chemotherapy improves the outcome of breast cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between June 1985 and July 1992, 600 breast cancer patients, clinical stages T1-3A,N0-2,M0 were randomly assigned to a perioperative cycle (PC) of cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2, epidoxorubicin 60 mg/m2, and fluorouracil 600 mg/m2 (CEF). Node-negative (N-) patients did not receive any further treatment. Node positive (N+) patients received 11 cycles if previously given PC, or 12 cycles of CEF alternated with cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2, methotrexate 40 mg/m2, and fluorouracil 600 mg/m2 (CMF). In addition, N+ patients received concomitant or sequential 5-year tamoxifen therapy. RESULTS At a median follow-up duration of 5.7 years, no significant difference in survival (88% v 84%, P = .3) between the two treatment arms was seen. However, a difference of borderline significance in relapse-free survival (RFS; 76% v 70%, P = .053) was evident. A significant survival advantage for the PC arm was detected only in the estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) patients (P = .003). RFS was significantly improved in N- patients, postmenopausal patients, and ER- patients. Multivariate analyses show that pathologic tumor size, nodal status, receptor status, and treatment (only in ER- patients) are significantly correlated with survival and RFS. PC toxicity did not influence wound healing. CONCLUSION This study provides preliminary evidence that PC positively affects relapse rate and survival in some subgroups, namely, ER- patients.
High-dose interleukin-2 (HDIL-2) dosing in obese patients with metastatic melanoma (MM).
Authors: Shipra Gandhi, Chetasi Talati, Katy Wang, Karen L Vona, Jill Nestico, Saby George, Nikhil I. Khushalani
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2015)

e20083 Background: HDIL-2 remains an important therapeutic option for MM given its ability to afford durable remissions. The effect of using full weight (FW) or adjusted weight (AW)-based dosing on toxicity and efficacy of HDIL-2 in obese patients (pts) is not known. We examined this in a retrospective study of MM pts treated with HDIL-2 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI). Methods: All MM pts treated with HDIL-2 monotherapy as 1st or 2nd line from 2001-2013 were identified from the RPCI tumor registry. Standard demographics, body mass index (BMI), # of courses, toxicity, and RECIST responses were recorded. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated from the start of HDIL-2 treatment. Analyses were done using SAS v9.4. All tests were two-sided with a nominal significance level of 0.05. Results: 187 MM patients were treated with HDIL-2; 136 (72.7%) as 1st line therapy. Median age was 48yrs (17-69) and 118 (63.1%) were males. 58 pts were obese (BMI > / = 30). Median follow-up was 33.5 months (m). Of 159 pts with available response data, there were 12 complete responses (CR, 7.5%) & 24 partial responses (PR, 15%). Median PFS and OS were 4.4m (95% CI, 3.3-5.3) and 12.4m (9.8-14.3) respectively. Of 58 obese pts, 45 received HDIL-2 based on FW & 12 received AW dosing (1 non-available). The median # of HDIL-2 doses (of maximum 28) in course 1 was 15 and 16 for FW and AW-based dosing respectively (p = 0.28). The incidence of hypotension requiring vasopressors was significantly higher in FW-based dosing (56.8%) compared to AW-based dosing (8.3%; p = 0.003). Grades 3 & 4 leucopenia was also higher in the FW-dosed pts (p = 0.031). There was no significant difference noted in hepatic, renal or cardiac toxicity. CR + PR rate was 21.9% & 16.6% for FW & AW dosing groups (p = 1.0). The median OS for obese pts (13.3m, 9.4-19.4) was similar to those with BMI < 30 (11.8m, 8.8-14.3; p = 0.95). Among obese pts, median OS in FW-based dosing was 12.4m (9.4-20.8) compared to 12m (4.5-27.2) for AW-based dosing (p = 0.89). Conclusions: In obese pts with MM, using adjusted body weight for HDIL-2 dosing results in lower incidence of severe hypotension without apparent compromise of efficacy. Further studies to guide dosing of biologic agents in obese pts are required.
Recombinant interferon beta: a phase I-II trial in children with recurrent brain tumors.
Authors: J Allen, R Packer, A Bleyer, P Zeltzer, M Prados, A Nirenberg
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1991)

A multicenter phase I-II trial of intravenous (IV) human recombinant interferon beta (rIFN-beta; Betaseron; Triton Bioscience Inc, Almeda, CA) was conducted in children with recurrent or progressive primary brain and spinal cord tumors. A total of 29 patients were enrolled: high-grade astrocytoma (12), brainstem glioma (nine), and primitive neuroectadermal tumor (three), ependymoma (two), germ cell (two), and spinal cord astrocytoma (one). Betaseron was given by IV infusion over 30 minutes 3 times per week (Monday-Wednesday-Friday [MWF]). Four dose levels were studied, and at least three patients were entered at each dose level. The treatment plan began with a three-step dose escalation for each patient over 6 weeks (initiation phase). The dose-escalation schema for the four dose levels was: 50-100-200, 100-200-400, 200-300-500, and 300-400-600 x 10(6) (M) IU/m2. Patients experiencing an objective response or stable disease after 6 weeks entered the maintenance phase at the final escalated dose, ie, 200, 400, 500, or 600 mlU/m2 (MWF). Common transient effects included chills, fever, and fatigue. Dose-limiting toxicities were hematologic, hepatic, and CNS. The maintenance maximum-tolerable dose (MTD) was 500 mlU/m2, ie, dose level 3. Response was assessed at completion of the initiation phase and at 2-month intervals during the maintenance phase. Objective partial responses were seen in patients with high-grade astrocytoma (two) and brain-stem glioma (two). Thus, four of 21 (19%) assessable patients had partial responses for a median of 4 months. Eight patients had stable disease for a median of 5+ (2 to 14+) months. Antineoplastic activity has been identified in children with high-grade astrocytomas and brainstem gliomas in a dose-intensive regimen.
Efficacy of oxaliplatin, 5 FU and gemcitabine in advanced pancreato-biliary cancer
Authors: S. Aggarwal, A. Negi, N. Banerjee, T. Buxi, M. Kumar, M. Singhal, N. Tageja, S. Nundy
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2007)

15182 Background: The treatment of advanced pancreato-biliary cancer remains an unmet need. The drugs known to be effective are oxaliplatin, gemcitabine. Method: The records of twenty patients suffering with cancers of advanced gall bladder (10), common bile duct (3), ampulle of vater (3) and pancreas (4) were analysed. Twenty patients were treated in the year 2006. Median age was 52 years. The common sites of metastatis were liver (12), lymphnodes (10), peritoneum (4), lungs (1). The patients with normal bilirubin &amp; LFT (&lt; 3 times upper limit of normal) were included. The chemotherapy protocol was given as: oxaliplatin 50 mg, leucovorin 30 mg, and 5FU 500 mg/m 2 on day 1, 2, &amp; 3. Gemcitabine was given 800 mg/m 2 on day 2, 9, and 16. The cycle was repeated every 4 weeks. Response: The regimen was well tolerated. Pancytopenia requiring G-CSF, delays in drug administration occurred in 70% cases. The response was as follows-partial response 6/20 (30%), stable disease 5/20 (25%), progressive disease 9/20 (45%). The median survival was 5.5 months, four patients completed six cycles of chemotherapy and survival for at least 12 months. Conclusion: Oxaliplatin, 5 FU, gemcitabine and leucovorin is an effective chemo-protocol in advanced pancreato-biliary cancer. However, there is a need to improve upon the existing results. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Abstract 16382: Short-and Long-Term Prognostic Value of Serum Potassium Level After percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Yuki Kakefuda, Akira Sato, Tomohiko Harunari, Hiroaki Watabe, Tomoya Hoshi, Hidetaka Nishina, Noriyuki Takeyasu, Yuichi Noguchi, Kazutaka Aonuma
Journal: Circulation (2013)

Objectives: We sought to evaluate the relationship between serum potassium levels and prognosis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Methods: A total population consisted of 1006 patients registered in Ibaraki Cardiovascular Assessment Study multi-center registry who underwent PCI for STEMI between April 2007 and August 2012. Results: There was a U-shaped relationship between serum potassium levels and 30-day mortality (table). The group with serum potassium levels of 3.5-4.0mEq/L had significantly lower 30-day mortality than in lower or higher potassium groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed the group with higher potassium level (≧4.5mEq/L) had a higher long-term mortality compared with normal potassium group (Figure). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis including chronic kidney disease and ejection fraction showed that higher potassium level (≧4.5mEq/L) was an independent predictor of long-term mort...
Preliminary data indicating a link between insulin resistance and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in obese asthmatic prepubertal children
Authors: Nikolaos Karampatakis, Myrofora Goutaki, Theodoros Karampatakis, Assimina Galli-Tsinopoulou, Maria Eboriadou, Katerina Haidopoulou
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2014)

Introduction   Asthma and obesity have a considerable impact on public health and their prevalence has increased in recent years. Numerous studies have linked these two disorders, but these links still remain unclear.   Objective   The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of a possible link between insulin resistance and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in obese asthmatic children.   Methods   Fifteen obese, asthmatic, prepubertal children (aged 6-11 yrs) who had a doctor-diagnosed asthma and a BMI>95 th  percentile were enrolled in the study. In all children fasting serum glucose and insulin were measured in order to calculate HOMA-IR index (Homeostasis Model Assessment-estimated Insulin Resistance). Furthermore, all children underwent spirometry, as well as bronchial hyperresponsiveness test (inhaled dry powder mannitol test), after being depleted from inhaled corticosteroids for at least three weeks. A student t-test for small sample size was performed for the statistical analysis.   Results   According the HOMA-IR values, 8/15 children were insulin resistant (HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5). A statistically significant difference (p=0.026) between the PD15 (Provoking Dose of mannitol, required to cause a 15% fall in FEV1) measurements in insulin resistant children and those non insulin resistant was found. The PD15 measurements were significantly lower in the insulin resistant children.   Conclusion   In the present study, preliminary data showed a link between insulin resistance and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in obese asthmatic prepubertal children. More investigation in largest groups of obese asthmatic youngsters is needed in order to verify this finding.
Prognostic Impact of Change in Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (Nlr) in Response to Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (Mrcc)
Authors: A. Templeton, J. Knox, N. Mitchell, R. Broom, T.K. Choueiri, D.F. McDermott, A. Fay, B.I. Rini, A. Alvarez, G.A. Bjarnason, M. Smoragiewicz, C.K. Kollmannsberger, R. Kanesvaran, S. North, N. Alimohamed, T. Hermanns, C. Wells, E. Amir, D. Heng
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2014)
Local Antitumor Activity of a Primary and an Anamnestic Response to a Syngeneic Guinea Pig Hepatoma
Authors: Robert C. Bast, Berton Zbar, Herbert J. Rapp
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1975)

After intradermal (id) injection, the line-10 hepatoma grew progressively in nonimmune guinea pigs, whereas the line-1 hepatoma grew for approximately 2 weeks, developed central necrosis, ulcerated, and regressed. Growth of the line-10 hepatoma was suppressed when line-10 hepatoma cells were mixed with antigenically distinct line-1 hepatoma cells before id injection into syngeneic strain-2 guinea pigs. Mixture of line-10 with irradiated line-1 or viable strain-2 embryo cells did not inhibit tumor growth. Preimmunization of recipients to line-1 cells abrogated the suppression of tumor growth from mixtures of line-1 and line-10.