Sample records for agents including oxaliplatin

  1. Oxaliplatin rechallenge in metastatic colorectal cancer patients after prior oxaliplatin treatment.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jae-Joon; Kang, Jihoon; Hong, Yong Sang; Kim, Kyu-Pyo; Kim, Sun Young; Kim, Tae Won; Kim, Jeong Eun

    2018-04-05

    Because the number of cytotoxic agents available for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is limited, rechallenge with the same chemotherapy agents can provide a continuum of treatment. This study investigated the efficacy and feasibility of oxaliplatin rechallenge in mCRC patients who had been previously exposed to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Patients were included if they had mCRC and evaluable disease, had remained disease-free or progression-free for at least 6 months after the last dose of prior oxaliplatin-based therapy, and were retreated with oxaliplatin therapy. Between January 2009 and May 2014, 110 patients were retreated with oxaliplatin-based regimens; of these, 42 (38.2%) had received prior oxaliplatin as adjuvant chemotherapy and 68 (61.8%) as palliative chemotherapy. The overall response rate to oxaliplatin rechallenge was 30.9% (34/110), and the disease control rate was 68.2% (75/110), with one patient achieving complete response, 33 achieving partial response, and 41 having stable disease. Median progression-free survival and overall survival following oxaliplatin rechallenge were 5.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.4-7.4 months) and 18.5 months (95% CI, 14.0-23.0 months), respectively. Sixteen patients experienced grade 2 or 3 neuropathy. Ten patients experienced any grade hypersensitivity reaction within four cycles of treatment, including six who stopped treatment due to grade 3 or 4 hypersensitivity reactions. Rechallenge with oxaliplatin-based therapy may be an option for patients who achieve at least 6 months of disease-free or progression-free survival with prior oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. However, neurotoxicity and hypersensitivity reactions should be carefully monitored in this setting.

  2. Ocular changes with oxaliplatin.

    PubMed

    O'Dea, Denise; Handy, Catherine M; Wexler, Ann

    2006-04-01

    Ocular toxicity, although uncommon, can occur with many chemotherapeutic agents. Platinum compounds have been documented to produce a variety of ocular side effects, and reports have been made of ocular toxicity with oxaliplatin. This article reports on four patients who experienced ocular symptoms while receiving oxaliplatin. The symptoms included tunnel vision and visual loss with postural changes. One patient had objective findings that included papilledema. All of the changes were reversible. Oxaliplatin will continue to be used widely, so clinicians treating patients with it must be alert for unusual toxicities such as those described in this article.

  3. β-elemene sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells to oxaliplatin by preventing oxaliplatin-induced degradation of copper transporter 1

    PubMed Central

    Li, Xiaoqiang; Lin, Zhenhai; Zhang, Bo; Guo, Lei; Liu, Shuang; Li, Hui; Zhang, Jubo; Ye, Qinghai

    2016-01-01

    β-elemene, a Curcuma wenyujin plant extract, has been used widely as a tumor adjuvant therapeutic agent. However, how to obtain optimum therapeutic effects by combining this compound with other agents remain unclear. In this study, we found that β-elemene, which alone had little effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation, exerted a synergistic anti-proliferative effect in HCC cells when dosed in combination with oxaliplatin, which increased the amounts of platinum accumulation and platinum-DNA adduct significantly and augmented the oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis. Western blot and laser scanning confocal microscopy studies indicated that β-elemene enhanced the sensitivity of HCC cells to oxaliplatin by upregulating copper transporter 1 (CTR1), a major controller of intracellular platinum accumulation. In an orthotopic transplantation HCC model in nude mice, HCC tumor growth was inhibited significantly by oxaliplatin combined with β-elemene, as compared with oxaliplatin alone. Notably, CTR1 protein expression in xenograft HCC was upregulated in mice who received β-elemene treatment. Taken together, our findings show that β-elemene can block the reduction of CTR1 resulting from oxaliplatin treatment, and therefore has a synergistic anti-HCC effect with oxaliplatin by enhancing cellular uptake of oxaliplatin. The synergistic effects of β-elemene and oxaliplatin deserve further evaluation in clinical settings. PMID:26867799

  4. Oxaliplatin: mechanism of action and antineoplastic activity.

    PubMed

    Raymond, E; Faivre, S; Woynarowski, J M; Chaney, S G

    1998-04-01

    Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent with a 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) carrier ligand, has shown in vitro and in vivo efficacy against many tumor cell lines, including some that are resistant to cisplatin and carboplatin. The retention of the bulky DACH ring by activated oxaliplatin is thought to result in the formation of platinum-DNA adducts, which appear to be more effective at blocking DNA replication and are more cytotoxic than adducts formed from cisplatin. Studies by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have suggested that oxaliplatin has a spectrum of activity different from that of either cisplatin or carboplatin, suggesting that it has different molecular targets and/or mechanisms of resistance. Oxaliplatin has been demonstrated to differ in some mechanisms associated with the development of cisplatin resistance. Compared with cisplatin-conditioned cells, deficiencies in mismatch repair (MMR) and increases in replicative bypass, which appear to contribute to cisplatin resistance, have not been shown to induce a similar resistance to oxaliplatin. A decreased likelihood of resistance development makes oxaliplatin a good candidate for first-line therapy. Studies also demonstrate additive and/or synergistic activity with a number of other compounds, however, suggesting the possible use of oxaliplatin in combination therapies.

  5. Oxaliplatin-Related Ocular Toxicity

    PubMed Central

    Mesquida, Marina; Sanchez-Dalmau, Bernardo; Ortiz-Perez, Santiago; Pelegrín, Laura; Molina-Fernandez, Juan José; Figueras-Roca, Marc; Casaroli-Marano, Ricardo; Adán, Alfredo

    2010-01-01

    We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with advanced colorectal cancer who was treated with oxaliplatin on a FOLFOX schedule. After 3 cycles of chemotherapy, she started to complain of visual loss, altered color vision and neurological symptoms. Due to the suspicion of ocular and neurological toxicity, antineoplastic treatment was stopped. Her visual field showed a concentric bilateral scotoma and the electrooculogram test revealed severe impairment of the retinal pigment epithelium. Visual acuity, color vision and visual field recovered completely 8 months later, although electrooculogram remained abnormal. Ocular toxicity has been reported as an infrequent adverse event of oxaliplatin. Findings in this case indicate toxicity of this chemotherapeutic agent on the retinal pigment epithelium, which has not been reported before. This damage could be permanent, and it thus differs from previously described oxaliplatin-induced ocular toxicities, which are usually transient and reversible. With increasing use of oxaliplatin as first-line treatment in advanced colorectal cancer, we have to be aware of this possible toxicity. PMID:21151636

  6. Hypersensitivity Reactions to Oxaliplatin: Identifying the Risk Factors and Judging the Efficacy of a Desensitization Protocol.

    PubMed

    Okayama, Tetsuya; Ishikawa, Takeshi; Sugatani, Kazuko; Yoshida, Naohisa; Kokura, Satoshi; Matsuda, Kiyomi; Tsukamoto, Shigeru; Ihara, Norihiko; Kuriu, Yoshiaki; Nakanishi, Masayoshi; Nakamura, Terukazu; Kamada, Kazuhiro; Katada, Kazuhiro; Uchiyama, Kazuhiko; Takagi, Tomohisa; Handa, Osamu; Konishi, Hideyuki; Yagi, Nobuaki; Naito, Yuji; Otsuji, Eigo; Hosoi, Hajime; Miki, Tsuneharu; Itoh, Yoshito

    2015-06-01

    We examined the clinical data of patients treated with oxaliplatin to determine the risk factors of oxaliplatin-related hypersensitivity reaction (HSR). In addition, we evaluated the efficacy of rechallenging patients with HSRs with oxaliplatin using prophylactic agents or desensitization procedures. This study consisted of 162 patients with colorectal cancer (88 men and 74 women) who were treated consecutively at the outpatient chemotherapy department at University Hospital, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine. Patients underwent chemotherapy, including oxaliplatin, between March 2006 and June 2012. We analyzed the patients' clinical backgrounds (eg, age, sex, performance status, disease stage, and allergic history) to uncover any connections to the development of HSR to oxaliplatin. In addition, we rechallenged 10 patients who had oxaliplatin-related HSR using prophylactic agents or desensitization procedures. Of 162 patients, 28 (17.2%) developed oxaliplatin-related HSRs (16, 2, 9 and 1 patient had grade 1, 2, 3, and 4 HSRs, respectively). The total cumulative dose of oxaliplatin at the onset of the HSR was 301 to 1126 mg/m(2) (median, 582 mg/m(2)), and the first reactions developed in these patients after 5 to 17 infusions of oxaliplatin (median, 8 infusions). Logistic regression analysis indicated that sex (male: odds ratio = 3.624; 95% CI, 1.181-11.122; P = 0.024) and eosinophil count in peripheral blood (odds ratio = 35.118; 95% CI, 1.058-1166.007; P = 0.046) were independent variables for oxaliplatin-related HSRs. Rechallenging patients with prophylactic agents was successful in 2 (28.6%) of 7 patients who successfully completed their treatment. On the other hand, all 3 patients rechallenged with oxaliplatin using a desensitization protocol successfully completed their treatment without new HSRs. In this retrospective study, we observed that being male and having higher counts of peripheral eosinophil could be predictors for HSR to oxaliplatin. In

  7. Oxaliplatin-induced Oxidative Stress Provokes Toxicity in Isolated Rat Liver Mitochondria.

    PubMed

    Tabassum, Heena; Waseem, Mohammad; Parvez, Suhel; Qureshi, M Irfan

    2015-11-01

    Oxaliplatin is a widely employed platinum-derived chemotherapeutic agent commonly used for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, the benefit of this important drug is compromised by severe side effects such as neuropathy, ototoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and hematological toxicity. Recently, few studies have also suggested the occurrence of hepatotoxicity in oxaliplatin-treated patients. Mitochondria have emerged as targets for anticancer drugs in various kinds of toxicity including hepatotoxicity that can lead to neoplastic disease. Oxidative stress is a well-established biomarker of mitochondrial toxicity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dose-dependent damage caused by oxaliplatin on isolated liver mitochondria under in vitro conditions. The study was conducted in mitochondria isolated from liver of Wistar rats. Oxaliplatin was incubated with mitochondria in a dose-dependent manner under in vitro conditions. Oxidative stress indexes, non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants were evaluated, looking at the overall armamentarium against the toxicity induced by oxaliplatin. Oxaliplatin caused a significant rise in the mitochondrial oxidative stress indexes lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl. Alterations in the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants and activities of enzymatic antioxidants were also observed. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the mitochondrial toxicity of oxaliplatin. The integrity of the hepatic tissue is compromised by the reactive oxygen species-mediated lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl formation. Copyright © 2015 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Effects of oxaliplatin on mouse myenteric neurons and colonic motility

    PubMed Central

    Wafai, Linah; Taher, Mohammadali; Jovanovska, Valentina; Bornstein, Joel C.; Dass, Crispin R.; Nurgali, Kulmira

    2013-01-01

    Oxaliplatin, an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent used for the treatment of colorectal cancer, commonly causes gastrointestinal side-effects such as constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. Damage to enteric neurons may underlie some of these gastrointestinal side-effects, as the enteric nervous system (ENS) controls functions of the bowel. In this study, neuronal loss and changes to the structure and immunoreactivity of myenteric neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) neurons were examined in colonic segments from mice following exposure to oxaliplatin ex vivo and following repeated intraperitoneal injections of oxaliplatin over 3 weeks in vivo, using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Significant morphological alterations and increases in the proportion of NOS-immunoreactive (IR) neurons were associated with both short-term oxaliplatin exposure and long-term oxaliplatin administration, confirming that oxaliplatin causes changes to the myenteric neurons. Long-term oxaliplatin administration induced substantial neuronal loss that was correlated with a reduction in both the frequency and propagation speed of colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) in vitro. Similar changes probably produce some symptoms experienced by patients undergoing oxaliplatin treatment. PMID:23486839

  9. Genetic polymorphisms of SCN9A are associated with oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy.

    PubMed

    Sereno, María; Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez, Gerardo; Rubio, Juan Moreno; Apellániz-Ruiz, María; Sánchez-Barroso, Lara; Casado, Enrique; Falagan, Sandra; López-Gómez, Miriam; Merino, María; Gómez-Raposo, César; Rodriguez-Salas, Nuria; Tébar, Francisco Zambrana; Rodríguez-Antona, Cristina

    2017-01-19

    Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapy agent active against digestive tumors. Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most important dose-limiting toxicity of this drug. It occurs in around 60-80% of the patients, and 15% of them develop severe neuropathy. The pathophysiology of oxaliplatin neurotoxicity remains unclear. SCN9A is a gene codifying for a subtype sodium channel (type IX, subunit α) and mutations in this gene are involved in neuropathic perception. In this study we investigated whether SCN9A genetic variants were associated with risk of neurotoxicity in patients diagnosed of cancer on treatment with oxaliplatin. Blood samples from 94 patients diagnosed of digestive cancer that had received oxaliplatin in adjuvant or metastatic setting were obtained from three hospitals in Madrid. These patients were classified into two groups: "cases" developed oxaliplatin-induced grade 3-4 neuropathy (n = 48), and "controls" (n = 46) had no neuropathy or grade 1. The neuropathy was evaluated by an expert neurologist and included a clinical examination and classification according to validated neurological scales: National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI-CTC), Oxaliplatin-Specific Neurotoxicity Scale (OSNS) and Total Neuropathy score (TNS). Genotyping was performed for 3 SCN9A missense polymorphisms: rs6746030 (R1150W), rs74401238 (R1110Q) and rs41268673 (P610T), and associations between genotypes and neuropathy were evaluated. We found that SCN9A rs6746030 was associated with protection for severe neuropathy (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.16-0.96; p = 0.041). Multivariate analysis adjusting for diabetes provided similar results (p = 0.036). No significant differences in neuropathy risk were detected for rs74401238 and rs41268673. SCN9A rs6746030 was associated with protection for severe oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. The validation of this exploratory study is ongoing in an independent series.

  10. The antioxidant effects of the flavonoids rutin and quercetin inhibit oxaliplatin-induced chronic painful peripheral neuropathy

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Oxaliplatin, the third-generation platinum compound, has evolved as one of the most important therapeutic agents in colorectal cancer chemotherapy. The main limiting factor in oxaliplatin treatment is painful neuropathy that is difficult to treat. This side effect has been studied for several years, but its full mechanism is still inconclusive, and effective treatment does not exist. Data suggest that oxaliplatin’s initial neurotoxic effect is peripheral and oxidative stress-dependent. A spinal target is also suggested in its mechanism of action. The flavonoids rutin and quercetin have been described as cell-protecting agents because of their antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory actions. We proposed a preventive effect of these agents on oxaliplatin-induced painful peripheral neuropathy based on their antioxidant properties. Methods Oxaliplatin (1 mg/kg, i.v.) was injected in male Swiss mice, twice a week (total of nine injections). The development of sensory alterations, such as thermal and mechanical allodynia, was evaluated using the tail immersion test in cold water (10°C) and the von Frey test. Rutin and quercetin (25-100 mg/kg, i.p.) were injected 30 min before each oxaliplatin injection. The animals’ spinal cords were removed for histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation and malondialdehyde assay. Results Oxaliplatin significantly increased thermal and mechanical nociceptive response, effects prevented by quercetin and rutin at all doses. Fos immunostaining in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord confirmed these results. The oxidative stress assays mainly showed that oxaliplatin induced peroxidation in the spinal cord and that rutin and quercetin decreased this effect. The flavonoids also decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitrotyrosine immunostaining in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. These results suggest that nitric oxide and peroxynitrite are also involved in the neurotoxic effect of oxaliplatin

  11. Evaluating the addition of oxaliplatin to single agent fluoropyrimidine in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Thavaneswaran, Subotheni; Kok, Peey Sei; Price, Timothy

    2017-10-01

    Multimodality treatment of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) has significantly improved local disease control, however the unaltered overall survival (OS) implicates an inability to further control micrometastases, providing rationale for intensified systemic treatment. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of adding oxaliplatin to a fluoropyrimidine (intervention) compared with fluoropyrimidine alone (control) in the treatment of LARC. We searched CENTRAL, Medline Ovid, PubMed and EMBASE databases. Randomised trials comparing the intervention and control delivered either pre- or post-operatively were included. Seven trials involving 4444 patients were identified; five studies evaluated the intervention vs control preoperatively; one study peri-operatively; and one, post-operatively. There was no significant difference in OS with oxaliplatin addition, HR 0.89, 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.06. There was however an improvement in disease free survival, 3-year local and distant recurrence rates (RR) favouring oxaliplatin. Preoperative oxaliplatin improved pathological complete response (pCR), but with a greater toxicity and reduced compliance with radiation. There is no OS benefit with oxaliplatin, despite improved pCR, local and distant RR. Before drawing definitive conclusions, longer follow-up in included trials and availability of published data from other eligible studies, including the induction setting, are needed.

  12. Oxaliplatin antagonizes HIV-1 latency by activating NF-κB without causing global T cell activation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhu, Xiaoli; Liu, Sijie; Wang, Pengfei

    Highlights: • The chemotherapeutic drug oxaliplatin reactivates latent HIV-1 in this cell line model of HIV-1 latency. • Reactivation is synergized when oxaliplatin is used in combination with valproic acid. • Oxaliplatin reactivates latent HIV-1 through activation of NF-kB and does not induce T cell activation. - Abstract: Reactivation of latent HIV-1 is a promising strategy for the clearance of the viral reservoirs. Because of the limitations of current agents, identification of new latency activators is urgently required. Using an established model of HIV-1 latency, we examined the effect of Oxaliplatin on latent HIV-1 reactivation. We showed that Oxaliplatin, alonemore » or in combination with valproic acid (VPA), was able to reactivate HIV-1 without inducing global T cell activation. We also provided evidence that Oxaliplatin reactivated HIV-1 expression by inducing nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) nuclear translocation. Our results indicated that Oxaliplatin could be a potential drug candidate for anti-latency therapies.« less

  13. Reactivating p53 and Inducing Tumor Apoptosis (RITA) Enhances the Response of RITA-Sensitive Colorectal Cancer Cells to Chemotherapeutic Agents 5-Fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin.

    PubMed

    Wiegering, Armin; Matthes, Niels; Mühling, Bettina; Koospal, Monika; Quenzer, Anne; Peter, Stephanie; Germer, Christoph-Thomas; Linnebacher, Michael; Otto, Christoph

    2017-04-01

    Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the most common cancer of the gastrointestinal tract with frequently dysregulated intracellular signaling pathways, including p53 signaling. The mainstay of chemotherapy treatment of CRC is 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and oxaliplatin. The two anticancer drugs mediate their therapeutic effect via DNA damage-triggered signaling. The small molecule reactivating p53 and inducing tumor apoptosis (RITA) is described as an activator of wild-type and reactivator of mutant p53 function, resulting in elevated levels of p53 protein, cell growth arrest, and cell death. Additionally, it has been shown that RITA can induce DNA damage signaling. It is expected that the therapeutic benefits of 5FU and oxaliplatin can be increased by enhancing DNA damage signaling pathways. Therefore, we highlighted the antiproliferative response of RITA alone and in combination with 5FU or oxaliplatin in human CRC cells. A panel of long-term established CRC cell lines (n=9) including p53 wild-type, p53 mutant, and p53 null and primary patient-derived, low-passage cell lines (n=5) with different p53 protein status were used for this study. A substantial number of CRC cells with pronounced sensitivity to RITA (IC 50 <3.0 μmol/l) were identified within established (4/9) and primary patient-derived (2/5) CRC cell lines harboring wild-type or mutant p53 protein. Sensitivity to RITA appeared independent of p53 status and was associated with an increase in antiproliferative response to 5FU and oxaliplatin, a transcriptional increase of p53 targets p21 and NOXA, and a decrease in MYC mRNA. The effect of RITA as an inducer of DNA damage was shown by a strong elevation of phosphorylated histone variant H2A.X, which was restricted to RITA-sensitive cells. Our data underline the primary effect of RITA, inducing DNA damage, and demonstrate the differential antiproliferative effect of RITA to CRC cells independent of p53 protein status. We found a substantial number of RITA-sensitive CRC

  14. Gc-protein-derived macrophage activating factor counteracts the neuronal damage induced by oxaliplatin.

    PubMed

    Morucci, Gabriele; Branca, Jacopo J V; Gulisano, Massimo; Ruggiero, Marco; Paternostro, Ferdinando; Pacini, Alessandra; Di Cesare Mannelli, Lorenzo; Pacini, Stefania

    2015-02-01

    Oxaliplatin-based regimens are effective in metastasized advanced cancers. However, a major limitation to their widespread use is represented by neurotoxicity that leads to peripheral neuropathy. In this study we evaluated the roles of a proven immunotherapeutic agent [Gc-protein-derived macrophage activating factor (GcMAF)] in preventing or decreasing oxaliplatin-induced neuronal damage and in modulating microglia activation following oxaliplatin-induced damage. The effects of oxaliplatin and of a commercially available formula of GcMAF [oleic acid-GcMAF (OA-GcMAF)] were studied in human neurons (SH-SY5Y cells) and in human microglial cells (C13NJ). Cell density, morphology and viability, as well as production of cAMP and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), markers of neuron regeneration [neuromodulin or growth associated protein-43 (Gap-43)] and markers of microglia activation [ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) and B7-2], were determined. OA-GcMAF reverted the damage inflicted by oxaliplatin on human neurons and preserved their viability. The neuroprotective effect was accompanied by increased intracellular cAMP production, as well as by increased expression of VEGF and neuromodulin. OA-GcMAF did not revert the effects of oxaliplatin on microglial cell viability. However, it increased microglial activation following oxaliplatin-induced damage, resulting in an increased expression of the markers Iba1 and B7-2 without any concomitant increase in cell number. When neurons and microglial cells were co-cultured, the presence of OA-GcMAF significantly counteracted the toxic effects of oxaliplatin. Our results demonstrate that OA-GcMAF, already used in the immunotherapy of advanced cancers, may significantly contribute to neutralizing the neurotoxicity induced by oxaliplatin, at the same time possibly concurring to an integrated anticancer effect. The association between these two powerful anticancer molecules would probably produce

  15. Oxaliplatin-Based Doublets Versus Cisplatin or Carboplatin-Based Doublets in the First-Line Treatment of Advanced Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer.

    PubMed

    Yu, Jing; Xiao, Jing; Yang, Yifan; Cao, Bangwei

    2015-07-01

    The efficacy and toxicity of oxaliplatin-based versus carboplatin/cisplatin-based doublets in patients with previously untreated nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been compared.We searched published randomized controlled trials of oxaliplatin-based or carboplatin/cisplatin-based medications for NSCLC. A fixed effect model was used to analyze outcomes which were expressed as the hazard ratio for overall survival (OS) and time-to-progression (TTP), relative risk, overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), 1-year survival, and the odds ratios for toxicity were pooled.Eight studies involving 1047 patients were included. ORR tended to favor carboplatin/cisplatin but the effect was not significantly different compared with oxaliplatin doublets (P = 0.05). The effects of OS, TTP, DCR, and 1-year survival between the 2 regimens were comparable. Oxaliplatin doublets caused less grade 3/4 leukocytopenia and neutropenia. Grades 3 to 4 nonhematological toxicities and grades 3 to 4 hematological toxicities showed little difference between oxaliplatin doublets and carboplatin/cisplatin doublets.Meta-analysis shows that the efficacy of oxaliplatin doublets is similar to that of other currently used platinum doublets. The lack of significant differences in the statistic analysis does not preclude genuine differences in clinical efficacy, because higher diversities between the studies covered differences between the 2 groups in each study. Oxaliplatin combined with a third-generation agent should be considered for use as alternative chemotherapy in patients who cannot tolerate conventional platinum-based regimens because the toxicity profile is much more favorable.

  16. [Stability study of oxaliplatin and doxorubicin for intraperitoneal administration with hyperthermia].

    PubMed

    Escudero-Ortiz, V; Duart-Duart, M J; Pérez-Ruixo, C; Pérez-Ruixo, J J; Valenzuela, B

    2014-05-01

    To evaluate the in vitro physicochemical stability of oxaliplatin and doxorubicin when the in vivo hyperthermic intraperitoneal conditions are reproduced. Three solutions were prepared, A (oxaliplatin 200 mg/L), B(doxorubicin 15 mg/L) and C (oxaliplatin 200 mg/L with doxorubicin 15mg/L) in glucose 5%. The three solutions were subjected to the maximum temperature reached in vivo (49° C) for two hours. Physical stability was focused on visual control of particles or precipitates in solutions, discharge of gases, odor and color. Samples were taken every 15 minutes and the chemical stability was evaluated by determining the concentration of oxaliplatin and doxorubicin remaining in the samples. Oxaliplatin concentrations were determined by atomic absorption graphite chamber while doxorubicin was determined by high performance liquid chromatography.The chemical stability criteria selected was the one described by the American Pharmacopoeia, which sets a permissible variation range between the 90-110% of the initial concentration. During the assay there was no appearance of particles, precipitates in the samples, discharge of gases, nor colour changes in the solutions. The samples showed a remaining concentration of oxaliplatin and doxorubicin within the 90-110% limit. The stability of the samples that follow to two cycles of freeze-thaw after hyperthermia was also found within the specified limits. A, B and c solutions in 5% glucose, are physically and chemically stable at 49° C for two hours. Under these conditions, these solutions could be used with guarantees of stability in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis subsidiary of intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy based in these antineoplastic agents. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

  17. Carvedilol prevents functional deficits in peripheral nerve mitochondria of rats with oxaliplatin-evoked painful peripheral neuropathy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Areti, Aparna; Komirishetty, Prashanth; Kumar, Ash

    Oxaliplatin use as chemotherapeutic agent is frequently limited by cumulative neurotoxicity which may compromise quality of life. Reports relate this neurotoxic effect to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in peripheral nerves and dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Carvedilol is an antihypertensive drug, has also been appreciated for its antioxidant and mitoprotective properties. Carvedilol co-treatment did not reduce the anti-tumor effects of oxaliplatin in human colon cancer cells (HT-29), but exhibited free radical scavenging activity against oxaliplatin-induced oxidative stress in neuronal cells (Neuro-2a). Hence, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of carvedilol in the experimental model of oxaliplatin-induced peripheralmore » neuropathy (OIPN) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Oxaliplatin reduced the sensory nerve conduction velocity and produced the thermal and mechanical nociception. Carvedilol significantly (P < 0.001) attenuated these functional and sensorimotor deficits. It also counteracted oxidative/nitrosative stress by reducing the levels of nitrotyrosine and improving the mitochondrial superoxide dismutase expression in both sciatic nerve and DRG tissues. It improved the mitochondrial function and prevented the oxaliplatin-induced alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential in sciatic nerve thus prevented loss of intra epidermal nerve fiber density in the foot pads. Together the results prompt the use of carvedilol along with chemotherapy with oxaliplatin to prevent the peripheral neuropathy. - Graphical abstract: Schematic representation neuroprotective mechanisms of carvedilol in oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. - Highlights: • Oxaliplatin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction causes neurotoxicity. • Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to bioenergetic and functional deficits. • Carvedilol alleviated oxaliplatin-induced behavioural and functional changes. • Targeting mitochondria with carvedilol attenuated neuropathic

  18. Potentiation of mitochondrial dysfunction in tumor cells by conjugates of metabolic modulator dichloroacetate with a Pt(IV) derivative of oxaliplatin.

    PubMed

    Zajac, Juraj; Kostrhunova, Hana; Novohradsky, Vojtech; Vrana, Oldrich; Raveendran, Raji; Gibson, Dan; Kasparkova, Jana; Brabec, Viktor

    2016-03-01

    The molecular and cellular mechanisms of enhanced toxic effects in tumor cells of the Pt(IV) derivatives of antitumor oxaliplatin containing axial dichloroacetate (DCA) ligands were investigated. DCA ligands were chosen because DCA has shown great potential as an apoptosis sensitizer and anticancer agent reverting the Wartburg effect. In addition, DCA reverses mitochondrial changes in a wide range of cancers, promoting tumor cell apoptosis in a mitochondrial-dependent pathway. We demonstrate that (i) the transformation of oxaliplatin to its Pt(IV) derivatives containing axial DCA ligands markedly enhances toxicity in cancer cells and helps overcome inherent and acquired resistance to cisplatin and oxaliplatin; (ii) a significant fraction of the intact molecules of DCA conjugates with Pt(IV) derivative of oxaliplatin accumulates in cancer cells where it releases free DCA; (iii) mechanism of biological action of the Pt(IV) derivatives of oxaliplatin containing DCA ligands is connected with the effects of DCA released in cancer cells from the Pt(IV) prodrugs on mitochondria and metabolism of glucose; (iv) treatments with the Pt(IV) derivatives of oxaliplatin containing DCA ligands activate an autophagic response in human colorectal cancer cells; (v) the toxic effects in cancer cells of the Pt(IV) derivatives of oxaliplatin containing DCA ligands can be potentiated if cells are treated with these prodrugs in combination with 5-fluorouracil. These properties of the Pt(IV) derivatives of oxaliplatin containing DCA ligands provide opportunities for further development of new platinum-based agents with the capability of killing cancer cells resistant to conventional antitumor platinum drugs used in the clinic. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. EphA2 affects the sensitivity of oxaliplatin by inducing EMT in oxaliplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Wen, Qiaocheng; Chen, Zihua; Chen, Zhikang; Chen, Jinxiang; Wang, Ran; Huang, Changhao; Yuan, Weijie

    2017-07-18

    Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2) is upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cells, which is accompanied by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The current study was designed to establish the oxaliplatin-resistant human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901/L-OHP, to determine if EMT in these cells could be reversed, and to determine if the susceptibility of these cells to oxaliplatin was affected by silencing EphA2 expression. We found that EphA2 expression levels were upregulated in gastric cancer and associated with chemotherapy sensitivity. EphA2 and the EMT molecular markers N-cadherin and Snail were upregulated in SGC-7901/L-OHP cells, while silencing of EphA2 using small interfering RNA had the opposite effect. Moreover, silencing of EphA2 inhibited cell migration and invasion, and significantly enhanced the sensitivity of oxaliplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells to oxaliplatin. These observations demonstrate that EphA2 affects the sensitivity to oxaliplatin by inducing EMT in oxaliplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells.

  20. Comparative Effectiveness of Oxaliplatin vs Non–Oxaliplatin-containing Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Stage III Colon Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Sanoff, Hanna K.; Carpenter, William R.; Martin, Christopher F.; Sargent, Daniel J.; Meyerhardt, Jeffrey A.; Stürmer, Til; Fine, Jason P.; Weeks, Jane; Niland, Joyce; Kahn, Katherine L.; Schymura, Maria J.

    2012-01-01

    Background The addition of oxaliplatin to adjuvant 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) improves survival of patients with stage III colon cancer in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). However, RCT participants are younger, healthier, and less racially diverse than the general cancer population. Thus, the benefit of oxaliplatin outside RCTs is uncertain. Subjects and Methods Patients younger than 75 years with stage III colon cancer who received chemotherapy within 120 days of surgical resection were identified from five observational data sources—the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry linked to Medicare claims (SEER–Medicare), the New York State Cancer Registry (NYSCR) linked to Medicaid and Medicare claims, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Outcomes Database, and the Cancer Care Outcomes Research & Surveillance Consortium (CanCORS). Overall survival (OS) was compared among patients treated with oxaliplatin vs non–oxaliplatin-containing adjuvant chemotherapy. Overall survival for 4060 patients diagnosed during 2004–2009 was compared with pooled data from five RCTs (the Adjuvant Colon Cancer ENdpoinTs [ACCENT] group, n = 8292). Datasets were juxtaposed but not combined using Kaplan–Meier curves. Covariate and propensity score adjusted proportional hazards models were used to calculate adjusted survival hazard ratios (HR). Stratified analyses examined effect modifiers. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results The survival advantage associated with the addition of oxaliplatin to adjuvant 5-FU was evident across diverse practice settings (3-year OS: RCTs, 86% [n = 1273]; SEER–Medicare, 80% [n = 1152]; CanCORS, 88% [n = 129]; NYSCR–Medicaid, 82% [n = 54]; NYSCR–Medicare, 79% [n = 180]; and NCCN, 86% [n = 438]). A statistically significant improvement in 3-year overall survival was seen in the largest cohort, SEER–Medicare, and in the NYSCR–Medicare cohort (non–oxaliplatin-containing vs oxaliplatin-containing adjuvant therapy

  1. Oxaliplatin-related neuropathy in Indian patients - no difference between generic and original molecules.

    PubMed

    Sirohi, Bhawna; Ostwal, Vikas; Dawood, Shaheenah; Lopes, Gilberto; Talole, Sanjay; Nashikkar, Chaitali; Shrikhande, Shailesh

    2016-01-01

    Oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy is a dose-limiting toxicity that significantly affects patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to compare its occurrence between a generic versus the original molecule in Indian patients. Between August 2012 and July 2013, 163 patients receiving oxaliplatin were prospectively enrolled. A data recording form was used in the clinic to record detailed information. The median age of patients was 55 years (range, 19-79). Chemotherapy regimens used included: capecitabine, oxaliplatin (59), epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine (20), docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine (11), 5-FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin (9), and gemcitabine-oxaliplatin (64). The median cumulative dose of oxaliplatin was 780 mg/m 2 . Eighty patients received the original version and 83 the generic one. Overall, 63 patients (38%) developed neuropathy. There was no significant difference in the incidence of neuropathy between the two forms of oxaliplatin used ( P = 0.50). Forty-nine percent of female patients had neuropathy as compared to 30% of male patients ( P = 0.014). Older patients had a trend toward a higher incidence of neuropathy: 44% of patients above age fifty developed neuropathy compared to 30% of patients younger than 50 ( P = 0.06). This is the first study to specifically show that neuropathy rates do not vary with the use of generic versus original oxaliplatin.

  2. Intermittent Withdrawal of Oxaliplatin for Alleviating Neurotoxicity during Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy for Japanese Patients with Inoperable or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Phase 2 Multicenter Study.

    PubMed

    Kato, Shunsuke; Imai, Hiroo; Gamoh, Makio; Takahata, Takenori; Ohori, Hisatsugu; Yasuda, Katsuhiro; Niitani, Tomohito; Murakawa, Yasuko; Amagai, Kenji; Isobe, Hideki; Shindo, Yoshiaki; Kuroki, Michio; Sakamoto, Yasuhiro; Shimodaira, Hideki; Yoshioka, Takashi; Ishioka, Chikashi

    2018-05-01

    Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is a well-established regimen for patients with inoperable and metastatic colorectal cancer. However, one of the major limitations of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is sensory neuropathy. It was previously reported that introduction of intermittent oxaliplatin treatment to an oxaliplatin-based regimen has a significant benefit on efficacy or safety. Here, we prospectively assessed whether efficacy and safety of first-line chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer are achieved by introduction of withdrawal of oxaliplatin treatment for a certain period (intermittent oxaliplatin treatment). The primary endpoint of the present study is to assess the progression free survival time on patients treated with chemotherapy (mFOLFOX6 (levofolinate, 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin combination therapy) plus bevacizumab or CapeOX (oxaliplatin and capecitabine combination therapy) plus bevacizumab) with intermittent oxaliplatin treatment. Bevacizumab is a humanized anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody. Median progression-free survival by the mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab with intermittent oxaliplatin treatment or the CapeOX plus bevacizumab with intermittent oxaliplatin treatment were 10.6 months (95% confidential interval [CI], 8.3-13.4 months) or 8.0 months (95% CI, 4.2-16.8 months), respectively. Overall response rate by the mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab with intermittent oxaliplatin treatment or CapeOX plus bevacizumab with intermittent oxaliplatin treatment was 55.1% or 42.1%, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 neuropathy was observed in 4.1% or 10.5% of patients treated with mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab with intermittent oxaliplatin treatment or CapeOX plus bevacizumab with intermittent oxaliplatin treatment, respectively. Introduction of intermittent oxaliplatin treatment has improved severe neuropathy in mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab regimen without reducing treatment efficacy.

  3. Oxaliplatin Alters Expression of T1R2 Receptor and Sensitivity to Sweet Taste in Rats.

    PubMed

    Ohishi, Akihiro; Nishida, Kentaro; Yamanaka, Yuri; Miyata, Ai; Ikukawa, Akiko; Yabu, Miharu; Miyamoto, Karin; Bansho, Saho; Nagasawa, Kazuki

    2016-01-01

    As one of the adverse effects of oxaliplatin, a key agent in colon cancer chemotherapy, a taste disorder is a severe issue in a clinical situation because it decreases the quality of life of patients. However, there is little information on the mechanism underlying the oxaliplatin-induced taste disorder. Here, we examined the molecular and behavioral characteristics of the oxaliplatin-induced taste disorder in rats. Oxaliplatin (4-16 mg/kg) was administered to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats intraperitoneally for 2 d. Expression levels of mRNA and protein of taste receptors in circumvallate papillae (CP) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Taste sensitivity was assessed by their behavioral change using a brief-access test. Morphological change of the taste buds in CP was evaluated by hematoxyline-eosin (HE) staining, and the number of taste cells in taste buds was counted by immunohistochemical analysis. Among taste receptors, the expression levels of mRNA and protein of T1R2, a sweet taste receptor subunit, were increased transiently in CP of oxaliplatin-administered rats on day 7. In a brief-access test, the lick ratio was decreased in oxaliplatin-administered rats on day 7 and the alteration was recovered to the control level on day 14. There was no detectable alteration in the morphology of taste buds, number of taste cells or plasma zinc level in oxaliplatin-administered rats. These results suggest that decreased sensitivity to sweet taste in oxaliplatin-administered rats is due, at least in part, to increased expression of T1R2, while these alterations are reversible.

  4. Antineuropathic Profile of N-Palmitoylethanolamine in a Rat Model of Oxaliplatin-Induced Neurotoxicity

    PubMed Central

    Di Cesare Mannelli, Lorenzo; Pacini, Alessandra; Corti, Francesca; Boccella, Serena; Luongo, Livio; Esposito, Emanuela; Cuzzocrea, Salvatore; Maione, Sabatino; Calignano, Antonio; Ghelardini, Carla

    2015-01-01

    Neurotoxicity is a main side effect of the anticancer drug oxaliplatin. The development of a neuropathic syndrome impairs quality of life and potentially results in chemotherapy dose reductions and/or early discontinuation. In the complex pattern of molecular and morphological alterations induced by oxaliplatin in the nervous system, an important activation of glia has been preclinically evidenced. N-Palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) modulates glial cells and exerts antinociceptive effects in several animal models. In order to improve the therapeutic chances for chemotherapy-dependent neuropathy management, the role of PEA was investigated in a rat model of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy (2.4 mg kg-1 daily, intraperitoneally). On day 21, a single administration of PEA (30 mg kg-1 i.p.) was able to reduce oxaliplatin-dependent pain induced by mechanical and thermal stimuli. The repeated treatment with PEA (30 mg kg-1 daily i.p. for 21 days, from the first oxaliplatin injection) prevented lowering of pain threshold as well as increased pain on suprathreshold stimulation. Ex vivo histological and molecular analysis of dorsal root ganglia, peripheral nerves and spinal cord highlighted neuroprotective effects and glia-activation prevention induced by PEA repeated administration. The protective effect of PEA resulted in the normalization of the electrophysiological activity of the spinal nociceptive neurons. Finally, PEA did not alter the oxaliplatin-induced mortality of the human colon cancer cell line HT-29. The efficacy of PEA in neuropathic pain control and in preventing nervous tissue alteration candidates this endogenous compound as disease modifying agent. These characteristics, joined to the safety profile, suggest the usefulness of PEA in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. PMID:26039098

  5. Dragon (RGMb) induces oxaliplatin resistance in colon cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Shi, Ying; Huang, Xiao-Xiao; Chen, Guo-Bin; Wang, Ying; Zhi, Qiang; Liu, Yuan-Sheng; Wu, Xiao-Ling; Wang, Li-Fen; Yang, Bing; Xiao, Chuan-Xing; Xing, Hui-Qin; Ren, Jian-Lin; Xia, Yin; Guleng, Bayasi

    2016-07-26

    Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and a major cause of cancer mortality. Chemotherapy resistance remains a major challenge for treating advanced CRC. Therefore, the identification of targets that induce drug resistance is a priority for the development of novel agents to overcome resistance. Dragon (also known as RGMb) is a member of the repulsive guidance molecule (RGM) family. We previously showed that Dragon expression increases with CRC progression in human patients. In the present study, we found that Dragon inhibited apoptosis and increased viability of CMT93 and HCT116 cells in the presence of oxaliplatin. Dragon induced resistance of xenograft tumor to oxaliplatinin treatment in mice. Mechanistically, Dragon inhibited oxaliplatin-induced JNK and p38 MAPK activation, and caspase-3 and PARP cleavages. Our results indicate that Dragon may be a novel target that induces drug resistance in CRC.

  6. Dragon (RGMb) induces oxaliplatin resistance in colon cancer cells

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Ying; Zhi, Qiang; Liu, Yuan-Sheng; Wu, Xiao-Ling; Wang, Li-Fen; Yang, Bing; Xiao, Chuan-Xing; Xing, Hui-Qin; Ren, Jian-Lin; Xia, Yin; Guleng, Bayasi

    2016-01-01

    Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and a major cause of cancer mortality. Chemotherapy resistance remains a major challenge for treating advanced CRC. Therefore, the identification of targets that induce drug resistance is a priority for the development of novel agents to overcome resistance. Dragon (also known as RGMb) is a member of the repulsive guidance molecule (RGM) family. We previously showed that Dragon expression increases with CRC progression in human patients. In the present study, we found that Dragon inhibited apoptosis and increased viability of CMT93 and HCT116 cells in the presence of oxaliplatin. Dragon induced resistance of xenograft tumor to oxaliplatinin treatment in mice. Mechanistically, Dragon inhibited oxaliplatin-induced JNK and p38 MAPK activation, and caspase-3 and PARP cleavages. Our results indicate that Dragon may be a novel target that induces drug resistance in CRC. PMID:27384995

  7. [Formation of oxalate in oxaliplatin injection diluted with infusion solutions].

    PubMed

    Eto, Seiji; Yamamoto, Kie; Shimazu, Kounosuke; Sugiura, Toshimune; Baba, Kaori; Sato, Ayaka; Goromaru, Takeshi; Hagiwara, Yoshiaki; Hara, Keiko; Shinohara, Yoshitake; Takahashi, Kojiro

    2014-01-01

    Oxaliplatin use can cause acute peripheral neuropathy characterized by sensory paresthesias, which are markedly exacerbated by exposure to cold temperatures, and is a dose-limiting factor in the treatment of colorectal cancer.Oxalate is eliminated in a series of nonenzymatic conversions of oxaliplatin in infusion solutions or biological fluids.Elimination of oxalate from oxaliplatin has been suggested as one of the reasons for the development of acute neuropathy.In this study, we developed a high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)-based method to detect oxalate formation, and investigated the time dependent formation of oxalate in oxaliplatin diluted with infusion solutions.The results obtained showed that the amount of oxalate in the solution corresponded to 1.6% of oxaliplatin 8 h after oxaliplatin dilution with a 5% glucose solution. On the other hand, oxalate formation from oxaliplatin diluted with a saline solution was ten-fold higher than that from oxaliplatin diluted with the 5% glucose solution.Most patients who were intravenously injected with oxaliplatin experienced venous pain.As a preventive measure against venous pain, dexamethasone was added to the oxaliplatin injection.We measured the amount of oxalate formed in the dexamethasone-containing oxaliplatin injection diluted with a 5% glucose solution.The amount of oxalate formed when dexamethasone was added did not differ significantly from that formed when dexamethasone was not added.Thus, there are no clinical problems associated with the stability of oxaliplatin solutions.

  8. Effects of Oxaliplatin Treatment on the Myenteric Plexus Innervation and Glia in the Murine Distal Colon.

    PubMed

    Stojanovska, Vanesa; McQuade, Rachel M; Miller, Sarah; Nurgali, Kulmira

    2018-05-01

    Oxaliplatin (platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent) is a first-line treatment of colorectal malignancies; its use associates with peripheral neuropathies and gastrointestinal side effects. These gastrointestinal dysfunctions might be due to toxic effects of oxaliplatin on the intestinal innervation and glia. Male Balb/c mice received intraperitoneal injections of sterile water or oxaliplatin (3 mg/kg/d) triweekly for 2 weeks. Colon tissues were collected for immunohistochemical assessment at day 14. The density of sensory, adrenergic, and cholinergic nerve fibers labeled with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), respectively, was assessed within the myenteric plexus of the distal colon. The number and proportion of excitatory neurons immunoreactive (IR) against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were counted, and the density of glial subpopulations was determined by using antibodies specific for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and s100β protein. Oxaliplatin treatment induced significant reduction of sensory and adrenergic innervations, as well as the total number and proportion of ChAT-IR neurons, and GFAP-IR glia, but increased s100β expression within the myenteric plexus of the distal colon. Treatment with oxaliplatin significantly alters nerve fibers and glial cells in the colonic myenteric plexus, which could contribute to long-term gastrointestinal side effects following chemotherapeutic treatment.

  9. Treatment of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy by intravenous mangafodipir

    PubMed Central

    Coriat, Romain; Alexandre, Jérôme; Nicco, Carole; Quinquis, Laurent; Benoit, Evelyne; Chéreau, Christiane; Lemaréchal, Hervé; Mir, Olivier; Borderie, Didier; Tréluyer, Jean-Marc; Weill, Bernard; Coste, Joel; Goldwasser, François; Batteux, Frédéric

    2013-01-01

    Background. The majority of patients receiving the platinum-based chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin develop peripheral neurotoxicity. Because this neurotoxicity involves ROS production, we investigated the efficacy of mangafodipir, a molecule that has antioxidant properties and is approved for use as an MRI contrast enhancer. Methods. The effects of mangafodipir were examined in mice following treatment with oxaliplatin. Neurotoxicity, axon myelination, and advanced oxidized protein products (AOPPs) were monitored. In addition, we enrolled 23 cancer patients with grade ≥2 oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy in a phase II study, with 22 patients receiving i.v. mangafodipir following oxaliplatin. Neuropathic effects were monitored for up to 8 cycles of oxaliplatin and mangafodipir. Results. Mangafodipir prevented motor and sensory dysfunction and demyelinating lesion formation. In mice, serum AOPPs decreased after 4 weeks of mangafodipir treatment. In 77% of patients treated with oxaliplatin and mangafodipir, neuropathy improved or stabilized after 4 cycles. After 8 cycles, neurotoxicity was downgraded to grade ≥2 in 6 of 7 patients. Prior to enrollment, patients received an average of 880 ± 239 mg/m2 oxaliplatin. Patients treated with mangafodipir tolerated an additional dose of 458 ± 207 mg/m2 oxaliplatin despite preexisting neuropathy. Mangafodipir responders managed a cumulative dose of 1,426 ± 204 mg/m2 oxaliplatin. Serum AOPPs were lower in responders compared with those in nonresponders. Conclusion. Our study suggests that mangafodipir can prevent and/or relieve oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy in cancer patients. Trial registration. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00727922. Funding. Université Paris Descartes, Ministère de la Recherche et de l’Enseignement Supérieur, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris. PMID:24355920

  10. Desensitization with oxaliplatin in patients intolerant of carboplatin desensitization.

    PubMed

    Rose, Peter G; Metz, Carol; Link, Nicolas

    2014-11-01

    The tolerance and efficacy of oxaliplatin desensitization in patients who were intolerant of carboplatin desensitization were determined. We retrospectively reviewed the Gynecologic Oncology patients who received carboplatin or oxaliplatin from December 2007 until August 2014. The number of treatments and number of patients of carboplatin standard infusions, carboplatin desensitizations, and oxaliplatin desensitizations were determined. Carboplatin infusions (2294) were administered to 281 patients. Twenty-eight (10%) of these patients developed carboplatin hypersensitivity and were treated with 205 carboplatin desensitizations. Nine (29%) patients were subsequently treated with 61 oxaliplatin desensitizations due to intolerance of carboplatin desensitization. Nine of the 10 patients tolerated this infusion well. Four of 9 evaluable patients had an objective response, 2 complete and 2 partial. Oxaliplatin desensitization seems well tolerated and effective in most patients who are intolerant of carboplatin desensitization.

  11. Aqueous extract of Lithospermi radix attenuates oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity in both in vitro and in vivo models.

    PubMed

    Cho, Eun-Sang; Yi, Jin-Mu; Park, Jong-Shik; Lee, You Jin; Lim, Chae Jun; Bang, Ok-Sun; Kim, No Soo

    2016-10-26

    nerve system without affecting the anti-tumor potential of oxaliplatin. Therefore, WLR could be considered as a good starting material to develop a novel therapeutic agent targeting OXIPN. However, further studies should be done to elucidate the underlying mechanism such as molecular targets and active constituent(s) in WLR with neuroprotective potential.

  12. siRNA-mediated silencing of MDR1 reverses the resistance to oxaliplatin in SW480/OxR colon cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Montazami, N; Kheir Andish, M; Majidi, J; Yousefi, M; Yousefi, B; Mohamadnejad, L; Shanebandi, D; Estiar, M A; Khaze, V; Mansoori, B; Baghbani, E; Baradaran, B

    2015-05-28

    One of the most challenging aspects of colon cancer therapy is rapid acquisition of multidrug resistant phenotype. The multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1) product, p—glycoprotein (P—gp), pump out a variety of anticancer agents from the cell, giving rise to a general drug resistance against chemotherapeutic agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a specific MDR1 small interference RNA (siRNA) on sensitivity of oxaliplatin—resistant SW480 human colon cancer cell line (SW480/OxR) to the chemotherapeutic drug oxaliplatin. SW480 cells were made resistant by continuous incubation with stepwise serially increased concentrations of oxaliplatin over a 6—months period. Resistance cell were subsequently transfected with specific MDR1 siRNA. Relative MDR1 mRNA expression was measured by Quantitative real—time PCR. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein levels of P—gp. The cytotoxic effects of oxaliplatin and MDR1 siRNA, alone and in combination were assessed using MTT and the number of apoptotic cells was determined with the TUNEL assay. MDR1 siRNA effectively reduced MDR1 expression in both mRNA and protein levels. MDR1 down—regulation synergistically increased the cytotoxic effects of oxaliplatin and spontaneous apoptosis SW480/OxR. Our data demonstrates that RNA interference could down regulate MDR1 gene expression and reduce the P—gp level, and partially reverse the drug resistance in SW480/OxR cells in vitro. Therefore, the results could suggest that MDR1 silencing may be a potent adjuvant in human colon chemotherapy.

  13. Delving into cornerstones of hypersensitivity to antineoplastic and biological agents: value of diagnostic tools prior to desensitization.

    PubMed

    Alvarez-Cuesta, E; Madrigal-Burgaleta, R; Angel-Pereira, D; Ureña-Tavera, A; Zamora-Verduga, M; Lopez-Gonzalez, P; Berges-Gimeno, M P

    2015-07-01

    Evidence regarding drug provocation test (DPT) with antineoplastic and biological agents is scarce. Our aim was to assess the usefulness of including DPT as a paramount gold standard diagnostic tool (prior to desensitization). Prospective, observational, longitudinal study with patients who, during a 3-year period, were referred to the Desensitization Program at Ramon y Cajal University Hospital. Patients underwent a structured diagnostic protocol by means of anamnesis, skin tests (ST), risk assessment, and DPT. Oxaliplatin-specific IgE was determined in oxaliplatin-reactive patients (who underwent DPT regardless of oxaliplatin-specific IgE results). Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were used to identify predictors of the final diagnosis among several variables. A total of 186 patients were assessed. A total of 104 (56%) patients underwent DPT. Sixty-four percent of all DPTs were negative (i.e., hypersensitivity was excluded). Sensitivity for oxaliplatin-specific IgE (0.35 UI/l cutoff point) was 34%, specificity 90.3%, negative predictive value 45.9%, positive predictive value 85%, negative likelihood ratio 0.7, and positive likelihood ratio 3.5. These are the first reported data based on more than 100 DPTs with antineoplastic and biological agents (paclitaxel, oxaliplatin, rituximab, infliximab, irinotecan, and other drugs). Implementation of DPT in diagnostic protocols helps exclude hypersensitivity (in 36% of all referred patients), and avoids unnecessary desensitizations in nonhypersensitive patients (30-56% of patients, depending on culprit-drug). Drug provocation test is vital to validate diagnostic tools; consequently, quality data are shown on oxaliplatin-specific IgE and oxaliplatin-ST in the largest series of oxaliplatin-reactive patients reported to date (74 oxaliplatin-reactive patients). Identifying phenotypes and predictors of a diagnosis of hypersensitivity may be helpful for tailored plans. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by

  14. Hypersensitivity and desensitization to antineoplastic agents: outcomes of 189 procedures with a new short protocol and novel diagnostic tools assessment.

    PubMed

    Madrigal-Burgaleta, R; Berges-Gimeno, M P; Angel-Pereira, D; Ferreiro-Monteagudo, R; Guillen-Ponce, C; Pueyo, C; Gomez de Salazar, E; Alvarez-Cuesta, E

    2013-07-01

    Desensitization to antineoplastic agents is becoming a standard of care. Efforts to establish and improve these techniques are being made at many institutions. Our aims are to evaluate a new rapid desensitization protocol designed to be shorter (approximately 4 h) and safer (reducing hazardous drugs exposure risks) and to assess the oxaliplatin-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) as a novel diagnostic tool. Prospective, observational, longitudinal study with patients who, for a 1-year period, suffered reactions to antineoplastic agents and were referred to the Desensitization Program at Ramon y Cajal University Hospital (RCUH). Patients were included or excluded as desensitization candidates after anamnesis, skin testing, risk assessment, and graded challenge. Specific IgE was determined in oxaliplatin-reactive patients. Candidate patients were desensitized using the new RCUH rapid desensitization protocol. Of 189 intravenous rapid desensitizations, 188 were successfully accomplished in the 23 patients who met inclusion criteria for desensitization (of 58 referred patients). No breakthrough reactions occurred in 94% of desensitizations, and most breakthrough reactions were mild. In 10 oxaliplatin-reactive patients, 38 desensitizations were successfully accomplished. Sensitivity for oxaliplatin-specific IgE was 38% (0.35UI/l cutoff point) and 54% (0.10UI/l cutoff point); specificity was 100% for both cutoff points. In the hands of a Desensitization Program, managed by drug desensitization experts, this new protocol has proven an effective therapeutic tool for hypersensitivity to several antineoplastic agents (oxaliplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab); moreover, it improves safety handling of hazardous drugs. We report the first large series of oxaliplatin desensitizations. Oxaliplatin-specific IgE determination could be helpful. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  15. Phase I Study of Oxaliplatin and Irinotecan in Pediatric Patients with Refractory Solid Tumors: A Children’s Oncology Group Study

    PubMed Central

    McGregor, Lisa M.; Spunt, Sheri L.; Furman, Wayne L.; Stewart, Clinton F.; Schaiquevich, Paula; Krailo, Mark D.; Speights, RoseAnne; Ivy, Percy; Adamson, Peter C.; Blaney, Susan M.

    2010-01-01

    Background This study estimates the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and describes the toxicities of oxaliplatin combined with irinotecan in children with refractory solid tumors. Methods Oxaliplatin was administered on days 1 and 8 in combination with irinotecan on days 1–5 and 8–12 of a 21-day cycle. An oral cephalosporin was administered daily to ameliorate irinotecan-associated diarrhea. Pharmacokinetic studies of oxaliplatin and UGT1A1 genotyping were performed. Results Thirteen patients were enrolled. Dose-limiting diarrhea (n = 3), serum lipase elevation (n = 3), serum amylase elevation (n = 2), colitis, abdominal pain, and headache (n = 1 each) occurred at the first dose level (60 mg/m2/dose oxaliplatin; 20 mg/m2/dose irinotecan). Only 1 of 7 patients treated with reduced doses of both agents (40 mg/m2/dose oxaliplatin; 15 mg/m2/dose irinotecan) experienced a DLT, diarrhea. When the oxaliplatin dose was re-escalated (60 mg/m2) with irinotecan 15 mg/m2, 2 of 3 patients had DLT (1 diarrhea, 1 hypokalemia). Myelosuppression was minimal. One patient had a complete response and another had stable disease for 6 cycles of therapy. The median oxaliplatin area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC0→∞) was 5.9 µ g·h/mL (range 1.8–7.6 µg·h/mL). The frequency of 6/6, 6/7, and 7/7 UGT1A1 promoter genotypes were 5/10, 4/10, and 1/10, respectively. Conclusion The oxaliplatin MTD was 40 mg/m2/dose on days 1 and 8 in combination with irinotecan 15 mg/m2/dose (days 1–5 and 8–12). There was some evidence of anti-tumor activity; however, severe toxicity, expected (diarrhea) and unexpected (elevation in pancreatic enzymes), was observed. PMID:19170226

  16. Network Modeling of MDM2 Inhibitor-Oxaliplatin Combination Reveals Biological Synergy in wt-p53 solid tumors

    PubMed Central

    Azmi, Asfar S.; Banerjee, Sanjeev; Ali, Shadan; Wang, Zhiwei; Bao, Bin; Beck, Frances W.J.; Maitah, Main; Choi, Minsig; Shields, Tony F.; Philip, Philip A.; Sarkar, Fazlul H.; Mohammad, Ramzi M.

    2011-01-01

    Earlier we had shown that the MDM2 inhibitor (MI-219) belonging to the spiro-oxindole family can synergistically enhance the efficacy of platinum chemotherapeutics leading to 50% tumor free survival in a genetically complex pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) xenograft model. In this report, we have taken a systems and network modeling approach in order to understand central mechanisms behind MI219-oxaliplatin synergy with validation in PDAC, colon and breast cancer cell lines. Microarray profiling of drug treatments (MI-219, oxaliplatin or their combination) in capan-2 cells reveal a similar unique set of gene alterations that is duplicated in other solid tumor cells. As single agent, MI-219 or oxaliplatin induced alterations in 48 and 761 genes respectively. The combination treatment resulted in 767 gene alterations with emergence of 286 synergy unique genes. Ingenuity network modeling of combination and synergy unique genes showed the crucial role of five key local networks CREB, CARF, EGR1, NF-kB and E Cadherin. The network signatures were validated at the protein level in all three cell lines. Individually silencing central nodes in these five hubs resulted in abrogation of MI-219-oxaliplatin activity confirming their critical role in aiding p53 mediated apoptotic response. We anticipate that our MI219-oxaliplatin network blueprints can be clinically translated in the rationale design and application of this unique therapeutic combination in a genetically pre-defined subset of patients. PMID:21623005

  17. Repeated administration of amitriptyline reduces oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia in rats.

    PubMed

    Sada, Hikaru; Egashira, Nobuaki; Ushio, Soichiro; Kawashiri, Takehiro; Shirahama, Masafumi; Oishi, Ryozo

    2012-01-01

    Oxaliplatin is a key drug in the treatment of colorectal cancer, but it causes acute and chronic neuropathies in patients. Amitriptyline has widely been used in patients with painful neuropathy. In this study, we investigated the effect of amitriptyline on the oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy in rats. Repeated administration of amitriptyline (5 and 10 mg/kg, p.o., once a day) reduced the oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia but not cold hyperalgesia and reversed the oxaliplatin-induced increase in the expression of NR2B protein and mRNA in rat spinal cord. These results suggest that amitriptyline is useful for the treatment of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy clinically.

  18. Spinal astrocyte gap junctions contribute to oxaliplatin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity.

    PubMed

    Yoon, Seo-Yeon; Robinson, Caleb R; Zhang, Haijun; Dougherty, Patrick M

    2013-02-01

    Spinal glial cells contribute to the development of many types of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Here the contribution of spinal astrocytes and astrocyte gap junctions to oxaliplatin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity was explored. The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in spinal dorsal horn was significantly increased at day 7 but recovered at day 14 after oxaliplatin treatment, suggesting a transient activation of spinal astrocytes by chemotherapy. Astrocyte-specific gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) was significantly increased in dorsal horn at both day 7 and day 14 following chemotherapy, but neuronal (connexin 36 [Cx36]) and oligodendrocyte (connexin 32 [Cx32]) gap junction proteins did not show any change. Blockade of astrocyte gap junction with carbenoxolone (CBX) prevented oxaliplatin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity in a dose-dependent manner and the increase of spinal GFAP expression, but had no effect once the mechanical hypersensitivity induced by oxaliplatin had fully developed. These results suggest that oxaliplatin chemotherapy induces the activation of spinal astrocytes and this is accompanied by increased expression of astrocyte-astrocyte gap junction connections via Cx43. These alterations in spinal astrocytes appear to contribute to the induction but not the maintenance of oxaliplatin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Combined, these results suggest that targeting spinal astrocyte/astrocyte-specific gap junction could be a new therapeutic strategy to prevent oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. Spinal astrocytes but not microglia were recently shown to be recruited in paclitaxel-related chemoneuropathy. Here, spinal astrocyte gap junctions are shown to play an important role in the induction of oxaliplatin neuropathy. Copyright © 2013 American Pain Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Minnelide Overcomes Oxaliplatin Resistance by Downregulating the DNA Repair Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer.

    PubMed

    Modi, Shrey; Kir, Devika; Giri, Bhuwan; Majumder, Kaustav; Arora, Nivedita; Dudeja, Vikas; Banerjee, Sulagna; Saluja, Ashok K

    2016-01-01

    Oxaliplatin is part of pancreatic cancer therapy in the FOLFIRINOX or GEMOX/XELOX regimen. DNA damage repair is one of the factors responsible for oxaliplatin resistance that eventually develops in this cancer. Triptolide/Minnelide has been shown to be effective against pancreatic cancer in preclinical trials. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of combination of triptolide and oxaliplatin against pancreatic cancer. Highly aggressive pancreatic cancer cells (MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1) were treated with oxaliplatin (0-10 μM), low-dose triptolide (50 nM), or a combination of both for 24-48 h. Cell viability, apoptosis, and DNA damage were evaluated by appropriate methods. Nucleotide excision repair pathway components were quantitated using qPCR and Western blot. Combination of low doses of Minnelide and oxaliplatin was tested in an orthotopic murine model of pancreatic cancer. Proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells was markedly inhibited by combination treatment. Triptolide potentiated apoptotic cell death induced by oxaliplatin and sensitized cancer cells towards oxaliplatin-induced DNA damage by suppressing the oxaliplatin-induced DNA damage repair pathway. Combination of low doses of Minnelide and oxaliplatin inhibited tumor progression by inducing significant apoptotic cell death in these tumors. Combination of low doses of Minnelide and oxaliplatin has immense potential to emerge as a novel therapeutic strategy against pancreatic cancer.

  20. Cetuximab-induced hypomagnesaemia aggravates peripheral sensory neurotoxicity caused by oxaliplatin

    PubMed Central

    Satomi, Machiko; Asama, Toshiyuki; Ebisawa, Yoshiaki; Chisato, Naoyuki; Suno, Manabu; Karasaki, Hidenori; Furukawa, Hiroyuki; Matsubara, Kazuo

    2010-01-01

    Calcium and magnesium replacement is effective in reducing oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity. However, cetuximab treatment has been associated with severe hypomagnesaemia. Therefore, we retrospectively investigated whether cetuximab-induced hypomagnesaemia exacerbated oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity. Six patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who were previously treated with oxaliplatin-fluorouracil combination therapy were administered cetuximab in combination with irinotecan alone or irinotecan and fluorouracil as a second-line treatment. All patients had normal magnesium levels before receiving cetuximab. The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 was used to evaluate the grade of neurotoxicity, hypomagnesaemia, hypocalcaemia, and hypokalemia every week. All six patients had grade 1 or higher hypomagnesaemia after starting cetuximab therapy. The serum calcium and potassium levels were within the normal range at the onset of hypomagnesaemia. Oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity occurred in all patients at the beginning of cetuximab therapy, with grade 1 neurotoxicity in five patients and grade 2 in one patient. After cetuximab administration, the neurotoxicity worsened in all six patients, and three progressed to grade 3. Among the three patients with grade 3 neurotoxicity, two required a dose reduction and one had to discontinue cetuximab therapy. A discontinuation or dose reduction in cetuximab therapy was associated with exacerbated oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity due to cetuximab-induced hypomagnesaemia in half of patients who had previously received oxaliplatin. Therefore, when administering cetuximab after oxaliplatin therapy, we suggest serially evaluating serum magnesium levels and neurotoxicity. PMID:22811813

  1. Hyperacute peripheral neuropathy is a predictor of oxaliplatin-induced persistent peripheral neuropathy.

    PubMed

    Tanishima, Hiroyuki; Tominaga, Toshiji; Kimura, Masamichi; Maeda, Tsunehiro; Shirai, Yasutsugu; Horiuchi, Tetsuya

    2017-05-01

    Chronic peripheral neuropathy is a major adverse response to oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy regimens, but there are no established risk factors pertaining to it. We investigated the efficacy of hyperacute peripheral neuropathy (HAPN) as a predictor of oxaliplatin-induced persistent peripheral neuropathy (PPN). Forty-seven cases of stage III colorectal cancer who received adjuvant chemotherapy with oxaliplatin after curative surgery between January 2010 and August 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. HAPN was defined as acute peripheral neuropathy (APN) occurring on day 1 (≤24 h after oxaliplatin infusion) of the first cycle. PPN was defined as neuropathy lasting >1 year after oxaliplatin discontinuation. The average total dose of oxaliplatin was 625.8 mg/m 2 , and the average relative dose intensity was 66.7%. Twenty-two of the 47 patients (46.8%) had PPN and 13 (27.7%) had HAPN. Male sex, treatment for neuropathy, HAPN, and APN were significantly more frequent in patients with PPN (p = 0.013, 0.02, <0.001, and 0.023, respectively). There was no significant difference in the total oxaliplatin dose between patients with and without PPN (p = 0.061). Multivariate analyses revealed total dose of oxaliplatin and HAPN as independent predictors of PPN [p = 0.015; odds ratio (OR) = 1.005, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.001-1.009 and p = 0.001; OR = 75.307, 5.3-1070.123, respectively]. The total dose of oxaliplatin was relatively lower in patients with HAPN than that in those without HAPN in the PPN-positive group (not significant, p = 0.068). HAPN was found to be a predictor of oxaliplatin-induced PPN.

  2. Comparison of oxaliplatin and paclitaxel-induced neuropathy (Alliance A151505).

    PubMed

    Pachman, Deirdre R; Qin, Rui; Seisler, Drew; Smith, Ellen M Lavoie; Kaggal, Suneetha; Novotny, Paul; Ruddy, Kathryn J; Lafky, Jacqueline M; Ta, Lauren E; Beutler, Andreas S; Wagner-Johnston, Nina D; Staff, Nathan P; Grothey, Axel; Dougherty, Patrick M; Cavaletti, Guido; Loprinzi, Charles L

    2016-12-01

    Oxaliplatin and paclitaxel are commonly used chemotherapies associated with acute and chronic neuropathies. There is a need to better understand the similarities and differences of these clinical syndromes. Neuropathy data were pooled from patients receiving adjuvant oxaliplatin and weekly paclitaxel or every 3 weeks of paclitaxel. Patients completed daily questionnaires after each chemotherapy dose and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality-of-life questionnaire for patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy before each chemotherapy cycle and for 12 months post-treatment. Acute neuropathy symptoms from both drugs peaked around day 3. Acute symptoms experienced in cycle 1 predicted occurrence in subsequent cycles. Paclitaxel-induced acute symptoms were similar in intensity in each cycle and largely resolved between cycles. Oxaliplatin-induced acute symptoms were about half as severe in the first cycle as in later cycles and did not resolve completely between cycles. Both drugs caused a predominantly sensory chronic neuropathy (with numbness and tingling being more common than pain). Oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy worsened after the completion of treatment and began to improve 3 months post-treatment. In contrast, paclitaxel-induced neuropathy began improving immediately after chemotherapy cessation. During treatment, the incidence of paclitaxel sensory symptoms was similar in the hands and feet; with oxaliplatin, the hands were affected more than the feet. Both paclitaxel- and oxaliplatin-induced acute neurotoxicity appeared to predict the severity of chronic neuropathy, more prominently with oxaliplatin. Knowledge of the similarities and differences between neuropathy syndromes may provide insight into their underlying pathophysiology and inform future research to identify preventative treatment approaches.

  3. Preparation, characterisation and antitumour activity of β-, γ- and HP-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes of oxaliplatin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Da; Zhang, Jianqiang; Jiang, Kunming; Li, Ke; Cong, Yangwei; Pu, Shaoping; Jin, Yi; Lin, Jun

    2016-01-01

    Three water-soluble oxaliplatin complexes were prepared by inclusion complexation with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), γ-CD and HP-β-CD. The structures of oxaliplatin/CDs were confirmed by NMR, FTIR, TGA, XRD as well as SEM analysis. The results show that the water solubility of oxaliplatin was increased in the complex with CDs in 1:1 stoichiometry inclusion modes, and the cyclohexane ring of oxaliplatin molecule was deeply inserted into the cavity of CDs. Moreover, the stoichiometry was established by a Job plot and the water stability constant (Kc) of oxaliplatin/CDs was calculated by phase solubility studies, all results show that the oxaliplatin/β-CD complex is more stable than free oxaliplatin, oxaliplatin/HP-β-CD and oxaliplatin/γ-CD. Meanwhile, the inclusion complexes displayed almost twice as high cytotoxicity compared to free oxaliplatin against HCT116 and MCF-7 cells. This satisfactory water solubility and higher cytotoxic activity of the oxaliplatin/CD complexes will potentially be useful for their application in anti-tumour therapy.

  4. Neoadjuvant Bevacizumab, Oxaliplatin, 5-Fluorouracil, and Radiation for Rectal Cancer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dipetrillo, Tom; Pricolo, Victor; Lagares-Garcia, Jorge

    Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and pathologic complete response rate of induction bevacizumab + modified infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) 6 regimen followed by concurrent bevacizumab, oxaliplatin, continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and radiation for patients with rectal cancer. Methods and Materials: Eligible patients received 1 month of induction bevacizumab and mFOLFOX6. Patients then received 50.4 Gy of radiation and concurrent bevacizumab (5 mg/kg on Days 1, 15, and 29), oxaliplatin (50 mg/m{sup 2}/week for 6 weeks), and continuous infusion 5-FU (200 mg/m{sup 2}/day). Because of gastrointestinal toxicity, the oxaliplatin dose was reduced to 40 mg/m{sup 2}/week. Resection was performedmore » 4-8 weeks after the completion of chemoradiation. Results: The trial was terminated early because of toxicity after 26 eligible patients were treated. Only 1 patient had significant toxicity (arrhythmia) during induction treatment and was removed from the study. During chemoradiation, Grade 3/4 toxicity was experienced by 19 of 25 patients (76%). The most common Grade 3/4 toxicities were diarrhea, neutropenia, and pain. Five of 25 patients (20%) had a complete pathologic response. Nine of 25 patients (36%) developed postoperative complications including infection (n = 4), delayed healing (n = 3), leak/abscess (n = 2), sterile fluid collection (n = 2), ischemic colonic reservoir (n = 1), and fistula (n = 1). Conclusions: Concurrent oxaliplatin, bevacizumab, continuous infusion 5-FU, and radiation causes significant gastrointestinal toxicity. The pathologic complete response rate of this regimen was similar to other fluorouracil chemoradiation regimens. The high incidence of postoperative wound complications is concerning and consistent with other reports utilizing bevacizumab with chemoradiation before major surgical resections.« less

  5. Rationally designed oxaliplatin-nanoparticle for enhanced antitumor efficacy

    PubMed Central

    Paraskar, Abhimanyu; Soni, Shivani; Roy, Bhaskar; Papa, Anne-Laure; Sengupta, Shiladitya

    2012-01-01

    Nanoscale drug delivery vehicles have been extensively studied as carriers for cancer chemotherapeutics. However the formulation of platinum chemotherapeutics in nanoparticles has been a challenge arising from their physicochemical properties. There are only few reports describing oxaliplatin nanoparticles. In this study, we derivatized the monomeric units of a polyisobutylene maleic acid copolymer with glucosamine, which chelates trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) platinum (II) through a novel monocarboxylato and O→Pt coordination linkage. At a specific polymer to platinum ratio, the complex self assembled into a nanoparticle, where the polymeric units act as the leaving group, releasing DACH-platinum in sustained pH-dependent manner. Sizing was done using dynamic light scatter and electron microscopy. The nanoparticles were evaluated for efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Biodistribution was quantified using inductive-coupled plasma-atomic absorption spectroscopy (ICP-AAS). The PIMA-GA-DACH-platinum nanoparticle was found to be more active than free oxaliplatin in vitro. In vivo, the nanoparticles resulted in greater tumor inhibition than oxaliplatin (equivalent to 5mg/kg platinum dose) with minimal nephrotoxicity or body weight loss. ICP-AAS revealed significant preferential tumor accumulation of platinum with reduced biodistribution to the kidney or liver following PIMA-GA-DACH-platinum nanoparticle administration as compared with free oxaliplatin. These results indicate that the rational engineering of a novel polymeric nanoparticle inspired by the bioactivation of oxaliplatin results in increased antitumor potency with reduced systemic toxicity compared with the parent cytotoxic. Rational design can emerge as an exciting strategy in the synthesis of nanomedicines for cancer chemotherapy. PMID:22275055

  6. Role of gap junction intercellular communication in testicular leydig cell apoptosis induced by oxaliplatin via the mitochondrial pathway.

    PubMed

    Tong, Xuhui; Han, Xi; Yu, Binbin; Yu, Meiling; Jiang, Guojun; Ji, Jie; Dong, Shuying

    2015-01-01

    Platinum agents are widely used in the chemotherapy of testicular cancer. However, adverse reactions and resistance to such agents have limited their application in antineoplastic treatment. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) composed of Cx43 on oxaliplatin‑induced survival/apoptosis in mouse leydig normal and cancer cells using MTT, Annexin V/PI double staining assays and western blot analysis. The results showed that GJIC exerted opposite effects on the mouse leydig cancer (I-10) and normal (TM3) cell apoptosis induced by oxaliplatin. In leydig cancer cells, survival of cells exposed to oxaliplatin was substantially reduced when gap junctions formed as compared to no gap junctions. Pharmacological inhibition of gap junctions by oleamide and 18-α-glycyrrhetinic acid resulted in enhanced survival/decreased apoptosis while enhancement of gap junctions by retinoic acid led to decreased survival/increased apoptosis. These effects occurred only in high‑density cultures (gap junction formed), while the pharmacological modulations had no effects when there was no opportunity for gap junction formation. Notably, GJIC played an opposite (protective) role in normal leydig cells survival/apoptosis following exposure to oxaliplatin. Furthermore, this converse oxaliplatin‑inducing apoptosis exerted through the functional gap junction was correlated with the mitochondrial pathway‑related protein Bcl-2/Bax and caspase‑3/9. These results suggested that in testicular leydig normal/cancer cells, GJIC plays an opposite role in oxaliplatin‑induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway.

  7. Long-term results with oral fluoropyrimidines and oxaliplatin-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy in patients with resectable rectal cancer. A single-institution experience.

    PubMed

    Díaz Beveridge, Robert; Aparicio, Jorge; Tormo, Alejandro; Estevan, Rafael; Artes, Josefina; Giménez, Alejandra; Segura, Ángel; Roldán, Susana; Palasí, Rosana; Ramos, David

    2012-06-01

    Neoadjuvant 5-FU-based chemoradiotherapy in resectable rectal cancer (RC) is a standard of treatment. The use of oral fluoropyrimidines and new agents such as oxaliplatin may improve efficacy and tolerance. Between 1999 and 2009, 126 RC patients with T3-T4 and/or N+ disease were given three successive protocols: UFT (32), UFT-oxaliplatin (75) and capecitabine-oxaliplatin (19), alongside 45 Gy of radiotherapy; with surgery 4-6 weeks after. Adjuvant treatment was given in all patients. The primary objective was pathologic complete response (pCR). Preoperative therapy was well tolerated, with no toxic deaths and a 15% grade 3-4 toxicity rate. Eighty-five percent of patients received the full chemotherapy dose, 56% had an abdominoperineal resection, 6% reinterventions and 57% received the full adjuvant chemotherapy planned. The pCR rate was 13%. The downstaging rate was 80%; 8% had progression of disease. The relapse rate was 20%, with local relapse in 6%. By 5 years of followup, 92% of relapses had occurred. Median follow-up was 73 months, 5- and 10-year disease-free survival rates were 75% and 50%, and 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 79% and 66% respectively. There was no benefit from the use of oxaliplatin regarding survival or pCR rates. Older patients had worse long-term outcomes. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with oral fluoropyrimidines and oxaliplatin is feasible and well tolerated. The risk of early progression is low. However, there was no added benefit with the use of oxaliplatin. There were no relapses in patients with pCR. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy is unclear.

  8. Spontaneous translocation of antitumor oxaliplatin, its enantiomeric analogue, and Cisplatin from one strand to another in double-helical DNA.

    PubMed

    Malina, Jaroslav; Natile, Giovanni; Brabec, Viktor

    2013-09-02

    Oxaliplatin and cisplatin belong to the class of platinum-based anticancer agents. Formation of DNA adducts by these complexes and the consequences for its structure and function, is the mechanistic paradigm by which these drugs exert their antitumor activity. We show that employing short oligonucleotide duplexes containing single, site-specific 1,3-intrastrand cross-links of oxaliplatin, its enantiomeric analogue, or cisplatin and by using gel electrophoresis that under physiological conditions the coordination bonds between platinum and the N7 position of guanine residues involved in the cross-links of the Pt(II) complexes can be cleaved. This cleavage may lead to linkage isomerization reactions between these metallodrugs and double-helical DNA. For instance, approximately 25 % 1,3-intrastrand cross-links of the platinum complexes isomerized after 192 h (at 310 K in 200 mM NaClO4). Differential scanning calorimetry of duplexes containing single, site-specific cross-links of oxaliplatin, its enantiomeric analogue, and cisplatin reveals that one of the driving forces that leads to the lability of DNA cross-links of these metallodrugs is a difference between the thermodynamic destabilization induced by the cross-link and by the adduct into which it could isomerize. The rearrangements may proceed in the way that cross-links originally formed in one strand of the DNA can spontaneously translocate from one DNA strand to its complementary counterpart, which may evoke walking of the platinum complex on DNA molecule. In addition, the differences in the kinetics of the rearrangement reactions and the thermodynamic destabilization of DNA observed for adducts of oxaliplatin and its enantiomeric analogue confirm that the chirality at the carrier 1,2-diaminocyclohexane ligand can considerably affect structural and other physical properties of DNA adducts and consequently their biological effects. In aggregate, interesting generalization of the results described in this work

  9. Accelerator mass spectrometry analysis of 14C-oxaliplatin concentrations in biological samples and 14C contents in biological samples and antineoplastic agents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Toyoguchi, Teiko; Kobayashi, Takeshi; Konno, Noboru; Shiraishi, Tadashi; Kato, Kazuhiro; Tokanai, Fuyuki

    2015-10-01

    Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is expected to play an important role in microdose trials. In this study, we measured the 14C concentration in 14C-oxaliplatin-spiked serum, urine and supernatant of fecal homogenate samples in our Yamagata University (YU) - AMS system. The calibration curves of 14C concentration in serum, urine and supernatant of fecal homogenate were linear (the correlation coefficients were ⩾0.9893), and the precision and accuracy was within the acceptance criteria. To examine a 14C content of water in three vacuum blood collection tubes and a syringe were measured. 14C was not detected from water in these devices. The mean 14C content in urine samples of 6 healthy Japanese volunteers was 0.144 dpm/mL, and the intra-day fluctuation of 14C content in urine from a volunteer was little. The antineoplastic agents are administered to the patients in combination. Then, 14C contents of the antineoplastic agents were quantitated. 14C contents were different among 10 antineoplastic agents; 14C contents of paclitaxel injection and docetaxel hydrate injection were higher than those of the other injections. These results indicate that our quantitation method using YU-AMS system is suited for microdosing studies and that measurement of baseline and co-administered drugs might be necessary for the studies in low concentrations.

  10. Transport of oxaliplatin species in water-saturated natural soil.

    PubMed

    Goykhman, Natalia; Dror, Ishai; Berkowitz, Brian

    2018-06-05

    This study reports the transport characteristics of the organometallic anticancer compound oxaliplatin and its derivatives in natural soil-water environments. Although pharmaceuticals and their derivatives have for many years been detected in water resources, and linked to toxicological impacts on ecological systems, their transport in soil and groundwater is not fully understood. Specifically, studies that describe transport of organometallic pharmaceuticals in porous media are rare, and the transport characteristics of platinum complexes have received little attention. Oxaliplatin transport was studied in sand, as a function of two added natural chelators (citrate and humic acid), and in soil, under four continuously monitored, environmentally-relevant redox conditions: oxic, nitrate reducing, iron reducing and methanogenic. In sand, oxaliplatin species retention was about 7%, and affected only mildly by added citrate, and by humic acid under buffered pH. Transport with unbuffered humic acid was affected significantly by pH variations, and exhibited strong retention at pH < 8. In soil, unexpectedly similar breakthrough patterns of oxaliplatin species were found for all redox conditions, exhibiting linear, reversible retention of 79-87%. The strongest retention was observed under iron reducing conditions, whereas the weakest retention was under oxic conditions. Increased cation activity appears to promote weaker sorption. The results indicate that soil composition is the leading factor affecting oxaliplatin species mobility and fate in the soil-water environment, followed by the weaker factors of redox conditions and cation activities. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Oxaliplatin triggers necrosis as well as apoptosis in gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wu, Ping; Zhu, Xueping; Jin, Wei

    Intrinsic apoptotic pathway is considered to be responsible for cell death induced by platinum anticancer drugs. While in this study, we found that, necrosis is an indispensable pathway besides apoptosis in oxaliplatin-treated gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells. Upon exposure to oxaliplatin, both apoptotic and necrotic features were observed. The majority of dead cells were double positive for Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI). Moreover, mitochondrial membrane potential collapsed and caspase cascades were activated. However, ultrastructural changes under transmission electron microscope, coupled with the release of cellular contents, demonstrated the rupture of the plasma membrane. Oxaliplatin administration did not stimulate reactive oxygenmore » species (ROS) production and autophagy, but elevated the protein level of Bmf. In addition, receptor interacting protein 1 (RIP1), but not receptor interacting protein 3 (RIP3) and its downstream components participated in this death process. Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) blocked oxaliplatin-induced cell death nearly completely, whereas z-VAD-fmk could partially suppress cell death. Oxaliplatin treatment resulted in poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) overactivation, as indicated by the increase of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR), which led to NAD{sup +} and ATP depletion. PARP-1 inhibitor, olaparib, could significantly block oxaliplatin-induced cell death, thus confirming that PARP-1 activation is mainly responsible for the cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin. Phosphorylation of H2AX at Ser139 and translocalization of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) are critical for this death process. Taken together, these results indicate that oxaliplatin can bypass canonical cell death pathways to kill gastric cancer cells, which may be of therapeutic advantage in the treatment of gastric cancer. - Highlights: • Oxaliplatin induces apoptotic and necrotic cell death. • Nec-1 can inhibit oxaliplatin-induced cell death nearly completely. • RIP3 and its

  12. KRAS Mutation Is a Predictor of Oxaliplatin Sensitivity in Colon Cancer Cells

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Yu-Lin; Ou, Da-Liang; Lin, Liang-In; Tseng, Li-Hui; Chang, Yih-Leong; Yeh, Kun-Huei; Cheng, Ann-Lii

    2012-01-01

    Molecular biomarkers to determine the effectiveness of targeted therapies in cancer treatment have been widely adopted in colorectal cancer (CRC), but those to predict chemotherapy sensitivity remain poorly defined. We tested our hypothesis that KRAS mutation may be a predictor of oxaliplatin sensitivity in CRC. KRAS was knocked-down in KRAS-mutant CRC cells (DLD-1G13D and SW480G12V) by small interfering RNAs (siRNA) and overexpressed in KRAS-wild-type CRC cells (COLO320DM) by KRAS-mutant vectors to generate paired CRC cells. These paired CRC cells were tested by oxaliplatin, irinotecan and 5FU to determine the change in drug sensitivity by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Reasons for sensitivity alteration were further determined by western blot and real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT -PCR). In KRAS-wild-type CRC cells (COLO320DM), KRAS overexpression by mutant vectors caused excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) downregulation in protein and mRNA levels, and enhanced oxaliplatin sensitivity. In contrast, in KRAS-mutant CRC cells (DLD-1G13D and SW480G12V), KRAS knocked-down by KRAS-siRNA led to ERCC1 upregulation and increased oxaliplatin resistance. The sensitivity of irinotecan and 5FU had not changed in the paired CRC cells. To validate ERCC1 as a predictor of sensitivity for oxaliplatin, ERCC1 was knocked-down by siRNA in KRAS-wild-type CRC cells, which restored oxaliplatin sensitivity. In contrast, ERCC1 was overexpressed by ERCC1-expressing vectors in KRAS-mutant CRC cells, and caused oxaliplatin resistance. Overall, our findings suggest that KRAS mutation is a predictor of oxaliplatin sensitivity in colon cancer cells by the mechanism of ERCC1 downregulation. PMID:23209813

  13. Effectiveness of oxaliplatin desensitization protocols.

    PubMed

    Cortijo-Cascajares, Susana; Nacle-López, Inmaculada; García-Escobar, Ignacio; Aguilella-Vizcaíno, María José; Herreros-de-Tejada, Alberto; Cortés-Funes Castro, Hernán; Calleja-Hernández, Miguel-Ángel

    2013-03-01

    Hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) to antineoplastic drugs can force doctors to stop treatment and seek other alternatives. These alternatives may be less effective, not as well tolerated and/or more expensive. Another option is to use desensitization protocols that induce a temporary state of tolerance by gradually administering small quantities of the antineoplastic drug until the therapeutic dosage is reached. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of oxaliplatin desensitization protocols. A retrospective observational study was carried out between January 2006 and May 2011. The inclusion criteria were patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment with oxaliplatin who had developed an HSR to the drug and who were candidates for continuing the treatment using a desensitization protocol. The patients' clinical records were reviewed and variables were gathered relating to the patient, the treatment, the HSR, and the desensitization protocol administered. The data were analysed using version 18.0 of the statistics program SPSS. A total of 53 desensitization protocols were administered to 21 patients. In 89 % of these cases, no new reactions occurred while the drug was being administered. New reactions of mild severity only occurred in 11 % of cases, and none of these reactions were severe enough for treatment to be stopped. All patients were able to complete the desensitization protocol. This study confirms that oxaliplatin desensitization protocols are safe and effective and allow patients to continue with the treatment that initially caused an HSR.

  14. Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 2 (MRP2) Mediated Transport of Oxaliplatin-Derived Platinum in Membrane Vesicles

    PubMed Central

    Myint, Khine; Li, Yan; Paxton, James; McKeage, Mark

    2015-01-01

    The platinum-based anticancer drug oxaliplatin is important clinically in cancer treatment. However, the role of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) in controlling oxaliplatin membrane transport, in vivo handling, toxicity and therapeutic responses is unclear. In the current study, preparations of MRP2-expressing and control membrane vesicles, containing inside-out orientated vesicles, were used to directly characterise the membrane transport of oxaliplatin-derived platinum measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Oxaliplatin inhibited the ATP-dependent accumulation of the model MRP2 fluorescent probe, 5(6)-carboxy-2,'7'-dichlorofluorescein, in MRP2-expressing membrane vesicles. MRP2-expressing membrane vesicles accumulated up to 19-fold more platinum during their incubation with oxaliplatin and ATP as compared to control membrane vesicles and in the absence of ATP. The rate of ATP-dependent MRP2-mediated active transport of oxaliplatin-derived platinum increased non-linearly with increasing oxaliplatin exposure concentration, approaching a plateau value (Vmax) of 2680 pmol Pt/mg protein/10 minutes (95%CI, 2010 to 3360 pmol Pt/mg protein/10 minutes), with the half-maximal platinum accumulation rate (Km) at an oxaliplatin exposure concentration of 301 μM (95% CI, 163 to 438 μM), in accordance with Michaelis-Menten kinetics (r2 = 0.954). MRP2 inhibitors (myricetin and MK571) reduced the ATP-dependent accumulation of oxaliplatin-derived platinum in MRP2-expressing membrane vesicles in a concentration-dependent manner. To identify whether oxaliplatin, or perhaps a degradation product, was the likely substrate for this active transport, HPLC studies were undertaken showing that oxaliplatin degraded slowly in membrane vesicle incubation buffer containing chloride ions and glutathione, with approximately 95% remaining intact after a 10 minute incubation time and a degradation half-life of 2.24 hours (95%CI, 2.08 to 2.43 hours). In

  15. Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 2 (MRP2) Mediated Transport of Oxaliplatin-Derived Platinum in Membrane Vesicles.

    PubMed

    Myint, Khine; Li, Yan; Paxton, James; McKeage, Mark

    2015-01-01

    The platinum-based anticancer drug oxaliplatin is important clinically in cancer treatment. However, the role of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) in controlling oxaliplatin membrane transport, in vivo handling, toxicity and therapeutic responses is unclear. In the current study, preparations of MRP2-expressing and control membrane vesicles, containing inside-out orientated vesicles, were used to directly characterise the membrane transport of oxaliplatin-derived platinum measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Oxaliplatin inhibited the ATP-dependent accumulation of the model MRP2 fluorescent probe, 5(6)-carboxy-2,'7'-dichlorofluorescein, in MRP2-expressing membrane vesicles. MRP2-expressing membrane vesicles accumulated up to 19-fold more platinum during their incubation with oxaliplatin and ATP as compared to control membrane vesicles and in the absence of ATP. The rate of ATP-dependent MRP2-mediated active transport of oxaliplatin-derived platinum increased non-linearly with increasing oxaliplatin exposure concentration, approaching a plateau value (Vmax) of 2680 pmol Pt/mg protein/10 minutes (95%CI, 2010 to 3360 pmol Pt/mg protein/10 minutes), with the half-maximal platinum accumulation rate (Km) at an oxaliplatin exposure concentration of 301 μM (95% CI, 163 to 438 μM), in accordance with Michaelis-Menten kinetics (r2 = 0.954). MRP2 inhibitors (myricetin and MK571) reduced the ATP-dependent accumulation of oxaliplatin-derived platinum in MRP2-expressing membrane vesicles in a concentration-dependent manner. To identify whether oxaliplatin, or perhaps a degradation product, was the likely substrate for this active transport, HPLC studies were undertaken showing that oxaliplatin degraded slowly in membrane vesicle incubation buffer containing chloride ions and glutathione, with approximately 95% remaining intact after a 10 minute incubation time and a degradation half-life of 2.24 hours (95%CI, 2.08 to 2.43 hours). In

  16. Therapeutic effect of orally administered microencapsulated oxaliplatin for colorectal cancer

    PubMed Central

    Urbanska, Aleksandra M.; Karagiannis, Emmanouil D.; Guajardo, Gonzalo; Langer, Robert S.; Anderson, Daniel G.

    2013-01-01

    Colorectal cancer is a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the United States and other Western countries. Oral delivery of therapeutics remains the most patient accepted form of medication. The development of an oral delivery formulation for local delivery of chemotherapeutics in the gastrointestinal tract can potentially alleviate the adverse side effects including systemic cytotoxicity, as well as focus therapy to the lesions. Here we develop an oral formulation of the chemotherapeutic drug oxaliplatin for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Oxaliplatin was encapsulated in pH sensitive, mucoadhesive chitosan-coated alginate microspheres. The microparticles were formulated to release the chemotherapeutics after passing through the acidic gastric environment thus targeting the intestinal tract. In vivo, these particles substantially reduced the tumor burden in an orthotopic mouse model of colorectal cancer, and reduced mortality. PMID:22472433

  17. Synergistic antitumor activity of withaferin A combined with oxaliplatin triggers reactive oxygen species-mediated inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in human pancreatic cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Li, Xu; Zhu, Feng; Jiang, Jianxin; Sun, Chengyi; Wang, Xin; Shen, Ming; Tian, Rui; Shi, Chengjian; Xu, Meng; Peng, Feng; Guo, Xingjun; Wang, Min; Qin, Renyi

    2015-02-01

    Application of oxaliplatin for the treatment of pancreatic cancer (PC) is restricted owing to its toxic side effects and drug resistance. We investigated how withaferin A (WA), a bioactive component isolated from the medicinal plant Withania somnifera, acts synergistically with oxaliplatin on human PC in vitro and in vivo. We found that WA enhanced oxaliplatin-induced growth suppression and apoptosis in PC cells dramatically through a mechanism involving mitochondrial dysfunction and inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combination treatment resulted in significant accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pretreatment of cells with the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine completely blocked the apoptosis induced by combination treatment, and recovered expression of AKT inactivation, which revealed the important role of ROS in apoptosis and AKT regulation. In vivo, combination therapy showed the strongest anti-tumor effects compared with single agents, without obvious additional toxicity. These results support the notion that combination treatment with oxaliplatin and WA could facilitate development of an effective strategy for PC treatment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Fisetin mediated apoptotic cell death in parental and Oxaliplatin/irinotecan resistant colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

    PubMed

    Jeng, Long-Bin; Kumar Velmurugan, Bharath; Chen, Ming-Cheng; Hsu, Hsi-Hsien; Ho, Tsung-Jung; Day, Cecilia-Hsuan; Lin, Yueh-Min; Padma, V Vijaya; Tu, Chuan-Chou; Huang, Chih-Yang

    2018-09-01

    Irinotecan (CPT11) and Oxaliplatin have been used in combination with fluorouracil and leucovorin for treating colorectal cancer. However, the efficacy of these drugs is reduced due to various side effects and drug resistance. Fisetin, a hydroxyflavone possess anti-proliferative, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity against various types of cancers. Apart from that, fisetin has been shown to induce cytotoxic effects when combined with other known chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether Fisetin was capable of sensitizing both Irinotecan and Oxaliplatin resistance colon cancer cells and explored the possible signaling pathways involved using In vitro and In vivo models. The results showed that Fisetin treatment effectively inhibited cell viability and apoptosis of CPT11-LoVo cells than Oxaliplatin (OR) and parental LoVo cancer cells. Western blot assays suggested that apoptosis was induced by fisetin administration, promoting Caspase-8, and Cytochrome-C expressions possibly by inhibiting aberrant activation of IGF1R and AKT proteins. Furthermore, fisetin inhibited tumor growth in athymic nude mouse xenograft model. Overall, our results provided a basis for Fisetin as a promising agent to treat parental as well as chemoresistance colon cancer. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. Interaction of classical platinum agents with the monomeric and dimeric Atox1 proteins: a molecular dynamics simulation study.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xiaolei; Li, Chaoqun; Wang, Yan; Chen, Guangju

    2013-12-20

    We carried out molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations for a series of binary and ternary models of the cisplatin, transplatin and oxaliplatin agents binding to a monomeric Atox1 protein and a dimeric Atox1 protein to investigate their interaction mechanisms. All three platinum agents could respectively combine with the monomeric Atox1 protein and the dimeric Atox1 protein to form a stable binary and ternary complex due to the covalent interaction of the platinum center with the Atox1 protein. The results suggested that the extra interaction from the oxaliplatin ligand-Atox1 protein interface increases its affinity only for the OxaliPt + Atox1 model. The binding of the oxaliplatin agent to the Atox1 protein might cause larger deformation of the protein than those of the cisplatin and transplatin agents due to the larger size of the oxaliplatin ligand. However, the extra interactions to facilitate the stabilities of the ternary CisPt + 2Atox1 and OxaliPt + 2Atox1 models come from the α1 helices and α2-β4 loops of the Atox1 protein-Atox1 protein interface due to the cis conformation of the platinum agents. The combinations of two Atox1 proteins in an asymmetric way in the three ternary models were analyzed. These investigations might provide detailed information for understanding the interaction mechanism of the platinum agents binding to the Atox1 protein in the cytoplasm.

  20. Oxaliplatin Analogues with Carboxy Derivatives of Boldine with Enhanced Antioxidant Activity

    PubMed Central

    Mellado, Marco; Jara, Carlos; Astudillo, David; Villena, Joan; Reveco, Patricio G.; Thomet, Franz A.

    2015-01-01

    A new oxaliplatin analog [Pt(dach)(L5)] (1) was synthesized and characterized as a continuation of a study of the previously reported [Pt(dach)(L6)] (2), where dach = (1R,2R)-diaminocyclohexane, L5 = 3-carboxyboldine, and L6 = 3-carboxypredicentrine. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited a substantially enhanced antioxidant activity compared to oxaliplatin (130 and 30 times for 1 and 13 and 4 times for 2 using the DPPH and FRAP assays, resp.). In addition, 1 and 2 exhibited cytotoxic activity in the same range as oxaliplatin toward the two human tumor cell lines (MCF-7 and HT-29) studied and two to four times lower activity in the human colon nontumor cell line (CCD-841). Preadministration of L5 or L6 to the colon tumor (HT-29) and the colon nontumor (CCD-841) cell lines prior to oxaliplatin addition increased the viability of the nontumor cell line to a greater extent than that of the tumor cell line. PMID:25814916

  1. Factors Influencing the Appearance of Oxaliplatin-Induced Allergy.

    PubMed

    Nishihara, Masayuki; Nishikura, Kyoko; Morikawa, Norimichi; Yokoyama, Shota

    2017-01-01

    Several studies reported that the administration of oxaliplatin often induced allergy, but few studies have analyzed the pathogenesis. In this study, we examined the relationship between the incidence of allergy and status of oxaliplatin administration, patient background, laboratory data, or combined drugs. The subjects were 144 patients with colorectal or gastric cancer in whom oxaliplatin administration was started and completed between 2010 and 2016. They were divided into 2 groups: allergy and non-allergy groups. We extracted important factors influencing its appearance using multivariate analysis, and analyzed items of which the influence was suggested, using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. In 11 patients (7.6%), allergy appeared. The median frequency of appearance was 9 times (range: 5-13), being similar to that previously reported. On multivariate analysis, albumin (Alb) was extracted as an important factor. The cut-off value of Alb for the risk of allergy was 4.1 g/dL. An increase in the number of protein conjugates may have increased the risk of functioning as a hapten. Furthermore, the results suggested that the more frequency of oxaliplatin administration might increase the incidence of allergy, although it was not extracted as an important factor. In addition to young and female patients, as previously indicated, careful follow-up may be necessary for those with an Alb level of ≥4.1 g/dL especially after the 6th course.

  2. Rechallenge of oxaliplatin-containing regimens in the third- or later-line therapy for patients with heavily treated metastatic colorectal cancer

    PubMed Central

    Jiang, Zhimin; Wang, Huizhong; Li, Weiyu; Zhang, Bei; Xie, Derong

    2018-01-01

    Purpose The third- or later-line therapy available often yield poor survival benefit in patients metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The retrospective study aimed to evaluate efficacy of rechallenge of oxaliplatin-containing regimens. Patients and methods Patients with mCRC who progressed from fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan in the first- and second-line chemotherapy, were treated by reexposure to oxaliplatin-containing regimen. Patients treated by anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies with irinotecan were included in the control arm. Results Ninety-five and 29 patients were treated with either oxaliplatin reexposure or anti-EGFR antibodies with irinotecan, respectively, as the third- or later-line therapy. The median time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS) was 3.77 and 12.17 months in the oxaliplatin arm, with 4.77 months of TTF and 11.37 months of OS in the control arm; there was no significance between the 2 arms (p>0.05). Oxaliplatin reexposure resulted in 6.3% objective response rate with no complete response, 6 partial response, 39 stable disease, and 37 progressive disease. The disease control rate was 47.4% (45/95). The multivariate analysis found that patients who achieved disease control by oxaliplatin reexposure had a superior TTF (6.13 vs 1.7 months, p<0.001) and OS (15.73 vs 6.27 months, p<0.001) compared with those presenting with progressive disease. Conclusion This study showed that rechallenge of oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy in the third- or later-line therapy may lead to tumor control and improved survival in mCRC patients, which was equivalent to that of anti-EGFR antibodies with irinotecan. Clinical significance Rechallenge of oxaliplatin-containing regimens in the third- or later-line of therapy is a common practice, despite few evidence available. The present study found that rechallenge of oxaliplatin-containing regimens produced equivalent tumor control and survival benefit to that of

  3. Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin Before, During, and After Radiotherapy for High-Risk Rectal Cancer.

    PubMed

    Larsen, Finn Ole; Markussen, Alice; Jensen, Benny V; Fromm, Anne L; Vistisen, Kirsten K; Parner, Vibeke K; Linnemann, Dorte; Hansen, Rasmus H; Johannesen, Helle H; Schou, Jakob V

    2017-06-01

    To evaluate the effect of capecitabine and oxaliplatin before, during, and after radiotherapy for high-risk rectal cancer. Patients with rectum cancer T4 or T3 involving the mesorectal fascia was included in a prospective phase 2 trial. Liver or lung metastases were accepted if the surgeons found them resectable. The patients received 6 weeks of capecitabine and oxaliplatin before chemoradiotherapy (CRT), continued capecitabine and oxaliplatin during radiotherapy, and received 4 weeks of capecitabine and oxaliplatin after CRT. The patients received radiotherapy as intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Total mesorectal excision was planned 8 weeks after CRT. The patients were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before start of treatment, after 6 weeks of chemotherapy, and again just before the operation. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-CR29 scoring system was used to evaluate adverse events. Fifty-two patients were enrolled between 2009 and 2012. The treatment was well tolerated, with only one death during treatment. Eighty percent of assessable patients experienced response to chemotherapy alone as evaluated by MRI, which increased to 94% after complete oncologic treatment. Forty-nine patients had a total mesorectal excision performed, all with a R0 resection and with a pathologic complete response of 20% for patients with T3 tumor and 7% for patients with T4 tumor. Five patients had metastases at study entry, while 47 patients had locally advanced rectal cancer without metastases. Of these 47 patients, overall survival and progression-free survival at 5 years was 72% and 62%, respectively, with a median follow-up of 60 months. This aggressive approach with capecitabine and oxaliplatin before, during, and after radiotherapy for high-risk rectal cancer is safe and feasible; it also has an impressive response rate as measured by MRI and a promising 5-year overall survival. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights

  4. Houttuynia cordata Thunb reverses oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain in rat by regulating Th17/Treg balance.

    PubMed

    Wan, Cheng-Fu; Zheng, Li-Li; Liu, Yan; Yu, Xue

    2016-01-01

    Oxaliplatin is a widely used anti-advanced colorectal cancer drug, while it could induce neuropathy. Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCT) has a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, and immune regulation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of HCT on oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy in rat models. HCT (1000 mg/kg/day) significantly decreased the number of withdrawal responses and the withdrawal latency in oxaliplatin-treated rats. HCT could down-regulated the serum levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and macrophage inflammatory protein1-α (MIP-1α) in oxaliplatin-treated rats. Th17/Treg balance was reversed by HCT in oxaliplatin-treated rats by regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. The present results suggest that HCT is useful as a therapeutic drug for oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain.

  5. Houttuynia cordata Thunb reverses oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain in rat by regulating Th17/Treg balance

    PubMed Central

    Wan, Cheng-Fu; Zheng, Li-Li; Liu, Yan; Yu, Xue

    2016-01-01

    Oxaliplatin is a widely used anti-advanced colorectal cancer drug, while it could induce neuropathy. Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCT) has a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, and immune regulation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of HCT on oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy in rat models. HCT (1000 mg/kg/day) significantly decreased the number of withdrawal responses and the withdrawal latency in oxaliplatin-treated rats. HCT could down-regulated the serum levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and macrophage inflammatory protein1-α (MIP-1α) in oxaliplatin-treated rats. Th17/Treg balance was reversed by HCT in oxaliplatin-treated rats by regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. The present results suggest that HCT is useful as a therapeutic drug for oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain. PMID:27186286

  6. Phase I study of intravenous (IV) docetaxel and intraperitoneal (IP) oxaliplatin in recurrent ovarian and fallopian tube cancer.

    PubMed

    Taylor, Sarah E; Li, Ruosha; Petschauer, Jennifer S; Donovan, Heidi; O'Neal, Sara; Keeler, Amanda W; Zamboni, William C; Edwards, Robert P; Zorn, Kristin K

    2015-09-01

    The primary objective was to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of IV docetaxel and IP oxaliplatin in women with recurrent ovarian (OV), fallopian tube (FT) or peritoneal (PP) cancer. Secondary objectives included response rate, time to progression, pharmacokinetics (PK) and quality of life (QoL). Patients received docetaxel 75mg/m(2) IV day (d) 1 and oxaliplatin escalating from 50mg/m(2) IP d2 every 3weeks using a 3+3 design. Treatment continued until disease progression, remission, or intolerable toxicity. Plasma and IP samples were taken to determine drug concentrations. MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and symptom interference scale were completed weekly. Thirteen patients were included. Median number of cycles was 6 (range 1-10). Ten patients had measureable disease. Best response was partial response (PR-2), stable disease (SD-7), and progressive disease (PD-1). Twenty-one Grades 3-4 toxicities were noted, commonly hematologic. Two patients had DLTs: prolonged neutropenia (1) and abdominal pain (1). MTD was d1 docetaxel 75mg/m(2) IV and d2 oxaliplatin 50mg/m(2) IP. Symptom burden peaked week one and returned to baseline by week two of each cycle on dose level 1. Dose level 2 had persistently high symptom burden and interference. At IP oxaliplatin doses of 50mg/m(2), total unbound drug exposure (AUC) averaged 8 times larger and Cmax reached concentrations 50-fold greater in IP fluid compared to plasma. Docetaxel 75mg/m(2) IV d1 and oxaliplatin 50mg/m(2) IP d2 is the MTD. Most patients had PR or SD. Patient-reported outcomes demonstrate temporary but tolerable decrements in QoL. IP oxaliplatin provides PK advantages over IV administration. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Astragali radix: could it be an adjuvant for oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy?

    PubMed Central

    Di Cesare Mannelli, Lorenzo; Pacini, Alessandra; Micheli, Laura; Femia, Angelo Pietro; Maresca, Mario; Zanardelli, Matteo; Vannacci, Alfredo; Gallo, Eugenia; Bilia, Anna Rita; Caderni, Giovanna; Firenzuoli, Fabio; Mugelli, Alessandro; Ghelardini, Carla

    2017-01-01

    Neurotoxicity is a major side effect of platinum derivatives both during and after treatment. In the absence of effective pharmacological compounds, the opportunity to identify safe adjuvant treatments among medicinal plants seems appropriate. Astragali radix is an adaptogenic herbal product recently analyzed in platinum-treated cancer patients. With the aim of evaluating the anti-neuropathic profile of Astragali radix, a previously characterized aqueous (Aqu) and two hydroalcoholic (20%HA and 50%HA) extracts were tested in a rat model of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. Repeated administrations significantly reduced oxaliplatin-dependent hypersensitivity with 50%HA, the most effective, fully preventing mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. Ex vivo, 50%HA reduced morphometric and molecular alterations induced by oxaliplatin in peripheral nerve and dorsal-root-ganglia. In the spinal cord and in brain areas, 50%HA significantly decreased activation of microglia and astrocytes. Furthermore, 50%HA prevented the nephro- and hepato-toxicity induced by the anticancer drug. The protective effect of 50%HA did not alter oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis in colon tumors of Pirc rats, an Apc-driven model of colon carcinogenesis. The hydroalcoholic extract (50%HA) of Astragali radix relieves pain and promotes the rescue mechanisms that protect nervous tissue from the damages triggering chronic pain. A safe profile strongly suggests the usefulness of this natural product in oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. PMID:28186109

  8. PKM2 Subcellular Localization Is Involved in Oxaliplatin Resistance Acquisition in HT29 Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines

    PubMed Central

    Ginés, Alba; Bystrup, Sara; Ruiz de Porras, Vicenç; Guardia, Cristina; Musulén, Eva; Martínez-Cardús, Anna; Manzano, José Luis; Layos, Laura; Abad, Albert; Martínez-Balibrea, Eva

    2015-01-01

    Chemoresistance is the main cause of treatment failure in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). However, molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain to be elucidated. In a previous work we identified low levels of PKM2 as a putative oxaliplatin-resistance marker in HT29 CRC cell lines and also in patients. In order to assess how PKM2 influences oxaliplatin response in CRC cells, we silenced PKM2 using specific siRNAs in HT29, SW480 and HCT116 cells. MTT test demonstrated that PKM2 silencing induced resistance in HT29 and SW480 cells and sensitivity in HCT116 cells. Same experiments in isogenic HCT116 p53 null cells and double silencing of p53 and PKM2 in HT29 cells failed to show an influence of p53. By using trypan blue stain and FITC-Annexin V/PI tests we detected that PKM2 knockdown was associated with an increase in cell viability but not with a decrease in apoptosis activation in HT29 cells. Fluorescence microscopy revealed PKM2 nuclear translocation in response to oxaliplatin in HCT116 and HT29 cells but not in OXA-resistant HTOXAR3 cells. Finally, by using a qPCR Array we demonstrated that oxaliplatin and PKM2 silencing altered cell death gene expression patterns including those of BMF, which was significantly increased in HT29 cells in response to oxaliplatin, in a dose and time-dependent manner, but not in siPKM2-HT29 and HTOXAR3 cells. BMF gene silencing in HT29 cells lead to a decrease in oxaliplatin-induced cell death. In conclusion, our data report new non-glycolytic roles of PKM2 in response to genotoxic damage and proposes BMF as a possible target gene of PKM2 to be involved in oxaliplatin response and resistance in CRC cells. PMID:25955657

  9. Effect of Vitamin E on Oxaliplatin-induced Peripheral Neuropathy Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

    PubMed

    Salehi, Zeinab; Roayaei, Mahnaz

    2015-01-01

    Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most important limitations of oxaliplatin base regimen, which is the standard for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Evidence has shown that Vitamin E may be protective in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Vitamin E administration on prevention of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with colorectal cancer. This was a prospective randomized, controlled clinical trial. Patients with colorectal cancer and scheduled to receive oxaliplatin-based regimens were enrolled in this study. Enrolled patients were randomized into two groups. The first group received Vitamin E at a dose of 400 mg daily and the second group observed, until after the sixth course of the oxaliplatin regimen. For oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy assessment, we used the symptom experience diary questionnaire that completed at baseline and after the sixth course of chemotherapy. Only patients with a score of zero at baseline were eligible for this study. Thirty-two patients were randomized to the Vitamin E group and 33 to the control group. There was no difference in the mean peripheral neuropathy score changes (after - before) between two groups, after sixth course of the oxaliplatin base regimen (mean difference [after - before] of Vitamin E group = 6.37 ± 2.85, control group = 6.57 ± 2.94; P = 0.78). Peripheral neuropathy scores were significantly increased after intervention compared with a base line in each group (P < 0.001). The results from this current trial demonstrate a lack of benefit for Vitamin E in preventing oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy.

  10. Predicting Acute and Persistent Neuropathy Associated with Oxaliplatin

    PubMed Central

    Alejandro, Linh; Behrendt, Carolyn E.; Chen, Kim; Openshaw, Harry; Shibata, Stephen

    2014-01-01

    Objectives We sought to predict oxaliplatin-associated peripheral neuropathy during modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6) therapy. Methods In a 50% female sample, patients with previously untreated, primary or recurrent colorectal cancer were followed through a first course of mFOLFOX6 with oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 every 2 weeks. Accounting for correlation among a subject's cycles, logistic regression estimated per-cycle risk of acute (under 14 days) and persistent (14 days or more) neuropathy. Proportional hazards regression predicted time to persistent neuropathy. Results Among mFOLFOX6 recipients (n=50, age 58.9 +10.1 years), 36% received concomitant bevacizumab. Of total cycles, 94.2% (422/448) were evaluable. Most (84%) subjects reported neuropathy at least once: 74% reported acute and 48% reported persistent symptoms. On multivariate analysis, risk factors shared by acute and persistent neuropathy were body-surface area >2.0, acute neuropathy in a past cycle, and lower body weight. In addition, risk of acute neuropathy decreased with age (adjusted for renal function and winter season), while risk of persistent neuropathy increased with cumulative dose of oxaliplatin and persistent neuropathy in a past cycle. Concomitant bevacizumab was not a risk factor when administered in Stage IV disease but was associated with persistent neuropathy when administered experimentally in Stage III. Females had no increased risk of either form of neuropathy. After 3 cycles, weight, body-surface area, and prior acute neuropathy predicted time to persistent neuropathy. Conclusions Routinely available clinical factors predict acute and persistent neuropathy associated with oxaliplatin. When validated, the proposed prognostic score for persistent neuropathy can help clinicians counsel patients about chemotherapy. PMID:22547012

  11. Molecular mechanism of Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin on the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Wang, Na; Liu, Dengxiang; Guo, Jun; Sun, Yawei; Guo, Ting; Zhu, Xiaoyan

    2018-06-01

    Natural product Poria cocos possesses antitumor effect. This study will explore the molecular mechanism of Poria cocos combined with chemotherapy in the inhibition of gastric cancer cell EMT process. The experiment was divided into blank control group, Poria cocos group, oxaliplatin group and Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin group. Scratch and Transwell assay were used to detect cell migration and invasion respectively. RT-qPCR and Western Blot analyses were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related factors including Snail, Twist, Vimentin, E-cadherin and N-cadherin respectively. Morphologic assessment was performed with HPIAS-1000 automated image analysis system. The migration and invasion abilities of gastric cancer cells in the Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin group were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Snail, Twist, Vimentin and N-cadherin were significantly decreased while the mRNA and protein expression of E-cadherin were significantly increased (P < 0.01) compared with blank control group. Nude mice model of gastric cancer was successfully established. Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin could significantly inhibit gastric tumor progression. The expression of EMT related factors were consistent with in vitro study. Morphologic assessment showed that the nucleus area, perimeter, mean diameter, volume, long diameter and shape factor in the Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin group were significantly different compared with the blank control group (P < 0.01) but not significantly different compared with the normal control. Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin could significantly inhibit the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Through both in vitro and in vivo studies, it is confirmed that Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin could significantly inhibit the EMT process of gastric cancer. Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin could

  12. Effect of Vitamin E on Oxaliplatin-induced Peripheral Neuropathy Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

    PubMed Central

    Salehi, Zeinab; Roayaei, Mahnaz

    2015-01-01

    Background: Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most important limitations of oxaliplatin base regimen, which is the standard for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Evidence has shown that Vitamin E may be protective in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Vitamin E administration on prevention of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: This was a prospective randomized, controlled clinical trial. Patients with colorectal cancer and scheduled to receive oxaliplatin-based regimens were enrolled in this study. Enrolled patients were randomized into two groups. The first group received Vitamin E at a dose of 400 mg daily and the second group observed, until after the sixth course of the oxaliplatin regimen. For oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy assessment, we used the symptom experience diary questionnaire that completed at baseline and after the sixth course of chemotherapy. Only patients with a score of zero at baseline were eligible for this study. Results: Thirty-two patients were randomized to the Vitamin E group and 33 to the control group. There was no difference in the mean peripheral neuropathy score changes (after − before) between two groups, after sixth course of the oxaliplatin base regimen (mean difference [after − before] of Vitamin E group = 6.37 ± 2.85, control group = 6.57 ± 2.94; P = 0.78). Peripheral neuropathy scores were significantly increased after intervention compared with a base line in each group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results from this current trial demonstrate a lack of benefit for Vitamin E in preventing oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. PMID:26682028

  13. Validation of a highly sensitive ICP-MS method for the determination of platinum in biofluids: application to clinical pharmacokinetic studies with oxaliplatin.

    PubMed

    Morrison, J G; White, P; McDougall, S; Firth, J W; Woolfrey, S G; Graham, M A; Greenslade, D

    2000-12-01

    ELOXATIN (Oxaliplatin) is a novel platinum containing anti-cancer agent with a diaminocyclohexane carrier ligand which has been approved in several major European countries. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the compound exhibits marked activity against colorectal cancers in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The aim of this work was to develop and validate a highly sensitive inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry assay for the determination of oxaliplatin-derived platinum in plasma ultrafiltrate, plasma and whole blood and to apply this technique to clinical pharmacokinetic studies with oxaliplatin. Ultratrace detection of platinum in plasma ultrafiltrate was achieved using ultrasonic nebulisation combined with ICP-MS. This technique allows detection of platinum at the 0.001 microg Pt/ml level in only 100 microl of matrix. Assays in blood and plasma utilised a standard Meinhardt nebuliser and spray chamber, achieving detection limits of 0.1 microg Pt/ml in 100 and 200 microl of matrix, respectively. The assays were validated (accuracy and precision within +/- 15%) over the concentration ranges: 0.001-0.250 microg Pt/ml in plasma ultrafiltrate and 0.1-10 microg Pt/ml for plasma and whole blood. The effect of sample digestion. dilution, long term frozen storage and quantitation in the presence of 5-FU were also investigated and validated. The method was used to monitor platinum exposure following oxaliplatin administration (130 mg/m2) to cancer patients. Following a 2 h i.v. infusion, peak platinum levels declined in a triphasic manner in all blood compartments. Free platinum was detected in plasma ultrafiltrate at low levels (0.001 0.010 microg Pt/ml) for up to 3 weeks. In conclusion, a highly sensitive and specific assay has been developed for the determination of platinum in biofluids. This method enabled characterisation of the long term exposure to platinum in patients following oxaliplatin treatment.

  14. Melatonin Promotes Apoptosis of Oxaliplatin-resistant Colorectal Cancer Cells Through Inhibition of Cellular Prion Protein.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jun Hee; Yoon, Yeo Min; Han, Yong-Seok; Yun, Chul Won; Lee, Sang Hun

    2018-04-01

    Drug resistance restricts the efficacy of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. However, the detailed molecular mechanism of drug resistance in colorectal cancer cells remains unclear. The level of cellular prion protein (PrP C ) in oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer (SNU-C5/Oxal-R) cells was assessed. PrP C level in SNU-C5/Oxal-R cells was significantly increased compared to that in wild-type (SNU-C5) cells. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were higher in SNU-C5/Oxal-R cells than in SNU-C5 cells. Treatment of SNU-C5/Oxal-R cells with oxaliplatin and melatonin reduced PrP C expression, while suppressing antioxidant enzyme activity and increasing superoxide anion generation. In SNU-C5/Oxal-R cells, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis were significantly increased following co-treatment with oxaliplatin and melatonin compared to treatment with oxaliplatin alone. Co-treatment with oxaliplatin and melatonin increased endoplasmic reticulum stress in and apoptosis of SNU-C5/Oxal-R cells through inhibition of PrP C , suggesting that PrP C could be a key molecule in oxaliplatin resistance of colorectal cancer cells. Copyright© 2018, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

  15. MSH3 mediates sensitization of colorectal cancer cells to cisplatin, oxaliplatin, and a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor.

    PubMed

    Takahashi, Masanobu; Koi, Minoru; Balaguer, Francesc; Boland, C Richard; Goel, Ajay

    2011-04-08

    The MSH3 gene is one of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes that has undergone somatic mutation frequently in MMR-deficient cancers. MSH3, together with MSH2, forms the MutSβ heteroduplex, which interacts with interstrand cross-links (ICLs) induced by drugs such as cisplatin and psoralen. However, the precise role of MSH3 in mediating the cytotoxic effects of ICL-inducing agents remains poorly understood. In this study, we first examined the effects of MSH3 deficiency on cytotoxicity caused by cisplatin and oxaliplatin, another ICL-inducing platinum drug. Using isogenic HCT116-derived clones in which MSH3 expression is controlled by shRNA expression in a Tet-off system, we discovered that MSH3 deficiency sensitized cells to both cisplatin and oxaliplatin at clinically relevant doses. Interestingly, siRNA-induced down-regulation of the MLH1 protein did not affect MSH3-dependent toxicity of these drugs, indicating that this process does not require participation of the canonical MMR pathway. Furthermore, MSH3-deficient cells maintained higher levels of phosphorylated histone H2AX and 53BP1 after oxaliplatin treatment in comparison with MSH3-proficient cells, suggesting that MSH3 plays an important role in repairing DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). This role of MSH3 was further supported by our findings that MSH3-deficient cells were sensitive to olaparib, a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor. Moreover, the combination of oxaliplatin and olaparib exhibited a synergistic effect compared with either treatment individually. Collectively, our results provide novel evidence that MSH3 deficiency contributes to the cytotoxicity of platinum drugs through deficient DSB repair. These data lay the foundation for the development of effective prediction and treatments for cancers with MSH3 deficiency.

  16. MSH3 Mediates Sensitization of Colorectal Cancer Cells to Cisplatin, Oxaliplatin, and a Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitor*

    PubMed Central

    Takahashi, Masanobu; Koi, Minoru; Balaguer, Francesc; Boland, C. Richard; Goel, Ajay

    2011-01-01

    The MSH3 gene is one of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes that has undergone somatic mutation frequently in MMR-deficient cancers. MSH3, together with MSH2, forms the MutSβ heteroduplex, which interacts with interstrand cross-links (ICLs) induced by drugs such as cisplatin and psoralen. However, the precise role of MSH3 in mediating the cytotoxic effects of ICL-inducing agents remains poorly understood. In this study, we first examined the effects of MSH3 deficiency on cytotoxicity caused by cisplatin and oxaliplatin, another ICL-inducing platinum drug. Using isogenic HCT116-derived clones in which MSH3 expression is controlled by shRNA expression in a Tet-off system, we discovered that MSH3 deficiency sensitized cells to both cisplatin and oxaliplatin at clinically relevant doses. Interestingly, siRNA-induced down-regulation of the MLH1 protein did not affect MSH3-dependent toxicity of these drugs, indicating that this process does not require participation of the canonical MMR pathway. Furthermore, MSH3-deficient cells maintained higher levels of phosphorylated histone H2AX and 53BP1 after oxaliplatin treatment in comparison with MSH3-proficient cells, suggesting that MSH3 plays an important role in repairing DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). This role of MSH3 was further supported by our findings that MSH3-deficient cells were sensitive to olaparib, a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor. Moreover, the combination of oxaliplatin and olaparib exhibited a synergistic effect compared with either treatment individually. Collectively, our results provide novel evidence that MSH3 deficiency contributes to the cytotoxicity of platinum drugs through deficient DSB repair. These data lay the foundation for the development of effective prediction and treatments for cancers with MSH3 deficiency. PMID:21285347

  17. Oxaliplatin-induced blood brain barrier loosening: a new point of view on chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity

    PubMed Central

    Valerio Branca, Jacopo Junio; Maresca, Mario; Morucci, Gabriele; Becatti, Matteo; Paternostro, Ferdinando; Gulisano, Massimo; Ghelardini, Carla; Salvemini, Daniela

    2018-01-01

    Oxaliplatin is a key drug in the treatment of advanced metastatic colorectal cancer. Despite its beneficial effects in tumor reduction, the most prevalent side-effect of oxaliplatin treatment is a chemotherapy-induced neuropathy that frequently forces to discontinue the therapy. Indeed, along with direct damage to peripheral nerves, the chemotherapy-related neurotoxicity involves also the central nervous system (CNS) as demonstrated by pain chronicity and cognitive impairment (also known as chemobrain), a newly described pharmacological side effect. The presence of the blood brain barrier (BBB) is instrumental in preventing the entry of the drug into the CNS; here we tested the hypothesis that oxaliplatin might enter the endothelial cells of the BBB vessels and trigger a signaling pathway that induce the disassembly of the tight junctions, the critical components of the BBB integrity. By using a rat brain endothelial cell line (RBE4) we investigated the signaling pathway that ensued the entry of oxaliplatin within the cell. We found that the administration of 10 μM oxaliplatin for 8 and 16 h induced alterations of the tight junction (TJs) proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and of F-actin, thus highlighting BBB alteration. Furthermore, we reported that intracellular oxaliplatin rapidly induced increased levels of reactive oxygen species and endoplasmic reticulum stress, assessed by the evaluation of glucose-regulated protein GRP78 expression levels. These events were accompanied by activation of caspase-3 that led to extracellular ATP release. These findings suggested a possible novel mechanism of action for oxaliplatin toxicity that could explain, at least in part, the chemotherapy-related central effects.

  18. The inhibition of spinal synaptic plasticity mediated by activation of AMP-activated protein kinase signaling alleviates the acute pain induced by oxaliplatin.

    PubMed

    Ling, Yun-Zhi; Li, Zhen-Yu; Ou-Yang, Han-Dong; Ma, Chao; Wu, Shao-Ling; Wei, Jia-You; Ding, Huan-Huan; Zhang, Xiao-Long; Liu, Meng; Liu, Cui-Cui; Huang, Zhen-Zhen; Xin, Wen-Jun

    2017-02-01

    Our recent findings demonstrated that oxaliplatin entering CNS may directly induce spinal central sensitization, and contribute to the rapid development of CNS-related side effects including acute pain during chemotherapy. However, the mechanism is largely unclear. In the current study, we found that the amplitude of C-fiber-evoked field potentials was significantly increased and the expression of phosphorylated mammalian AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) was markedly decreased following high frequency stimulation (HFS) or single intraperitoneal injection of oxaliplatin (4mg/kg). Spinal local application of AMPK agonist metformin (25μg) prevented the long term potentiation (LTP) induction and the activation of mTOR/p70S6K signal pathway, and significantly attenuated the acute thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia following single oxaliplatin treatment. Importantly, we found that incubation of low concentration oxaliplatin at dose of 6.6nM (the detected concentration in CSF following a single intraperitoneal injection of oxaliplatin) also significantly inhibited the AMPKα activation and increased the amplitude of sEPSCs, the number of action potential, and the expression of p-mTOR and p-p70S6K in spinal cord slices. Metformin (25μg) or rapamycin (2μg) inhibited the increased excitability of dorsal horn neurons and the decrease of p-AMPKα expression induced by low concentration oxaliplatin incubation. Furthermore, spinal application of AMPK inhibitor compound C (5μg) induced the spinal LTP, thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia, and rapamycin attenuated the spinal LTP, the thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia following oxaliplatin treatment (i.p.). Local application of metformin significantly decreased the mTOR and p70S6K activation induced by tetanus stimulation or oxaliplatin (i.p.). These results suggested that the decreased AMPKα activity via negatively regulating mTOR/p70S6K signal pathway enhanced the synaptic plasticity

  19. Antitumor Efficacy of Combination Therapy Consisting of S-1, Leucovorin, and Oxaliplatin against Human Gastric Cancer Xenografts.

    PubMed

    Nagase, Hideki; Nakagawa, Fumio; Uchida, Junji

    2018-01-01

    A phase 3 trial of S-1, leucovorin (LV), and oxaliplatin for treating gastric cancer is now underway. However, the antitumor efficacy of the combination has not yet been examined in an in vivo preclinical study. This study examined the antitumor efficacy of combination therapy consisting of S-1, LV, and oxaliplatin against 4 human gastric cancer xenografts: NUGC-4, St-40, SC-2, and SC-4. The antitumor efficacy was evaluated using human gastric cancer xenograft-bearing nude mice. S-1 and LV were administered orally once daily on days 1-7 at doses of 6.9 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. Oxaliplatin was administered intravenously at a dose of 8.3 mg/kg on day 1. The tumor volume was measured on day 15, and the relative tumor volume (RTV) was calculated. In all 4 xenograft models, S-1 alone and oxaliplatin alone, but not LV alone, had significant antitumor activities (p < 0.001). Combination therapy consisting of S-1 and LV resulted in a significantly smaller RTV than S-1 alone (p < 0.001). Combination therapy consisting of S-1 and oxaliplatin also resulted in a significantly smaller RTV than either S-1 alone (p < 0.001) or oxaliplatin alone (p < 0.001). Furthermore, combination therapy consisting of S-1, LV, and oxaliplatin resulted in the highest antitumor activity in these models (p < 0.001 vs. S-1 + LV; p < 0.001 or p = 0.003 vs. S-1 + oxaliplatin). Combination therapy consisting of S-1, LV, and oxaliplatin administered according to a 1-week-on/1-week-off schedule may be useful for the treatment of patients with gastric cancer. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  20. Oxaliplatin but Not Irinotecan Impairs Posthepatectomy Liver Regeneration in a Murine Model

    PubMed Central

    Soriano, Perry A.; Liu, Nian; Castillo, Erick; Foster, Brock; Artinyan, Avo; Kim, Joseph; Huang, Wendong; Wagman, Lawrence D.

    2011-01-01

    Introduction. We examined the murine hepatectomy model of liver regeneration (LR) in the setting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods. C57BL/6 mice were randomized to receive neoadjuvant intraperitoneal (IP) injections of a control, oxaliplatin (15 mg/kg), or irinotecan (100 mg/Kg or 250 mg/Kg) solution. Hepatectomy (70%) was performed 14 days after the final IP treatment. Animals were sacrificed at postoperative day (D) 0, 1, 2, 3, and 7. Liver remnants and serum were collected for analysis. T-tests for independent samples were used for statistical comparisons. Results. For oxaliplatin, percent LR did not differ at D1 or D2 but was significantly less at D3 (89.0% versus 70.0%, P = 0.048) with no difference on D7 (P = 0.21). Irinotecan-treated mice at both dose levels (100 mg/Kg and 250 mg/Kg) showed no significant differences in LR. BrdU incorporation was significantly decreased in oxaliplatin-treated animals (D1,2,3). Conclusions. Neoadjuvant oxaliplatin but not irinotecan impairs early LR in a posthepatectomy murine model which correlates with decreased DNA synthesis. PMID:22164336

  1. Natural killer cells inhibit oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer by repressing WBSCR22 via upregulating microRNA-146b-5p.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Haiyan; Su, Wuyun; Kang, Qingmei; Xing, Ze; Lin, Xue; Wu, Zhongjun

    2018-01-01

    Natural killer (NK) cells have exhibited promising efficacy in inhibiting cancer growth. We aimed to explorer the effect of NK cells on oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer and the underlying molecular mechanism. Oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer cell lines were co-cultured with NK cells to evaluate the effect on viability, proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro . Oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer cells were also co-injected with NK cells into mice to establish xenograft tumor model, to assess the in vivo effect of NK cells on tumorigenesis of the oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer cells. Expression of WBSCR22 gene was assessed in the oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer cells following NK cell treatment to elucidate the mechanism. NK cell treatment significantly reduces growth of oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo , as well as reduced WBSCR22 expression. MicroRNAs potentially targeting WBSCR22 were analyzed, and microRNA-146b-5p was found to be significantly upregulated following NK cell treatment. MicroRNA-146b-5p directly targeted WBSCR22 mRNA 3'-UTR to inhibit its expression, which was required for NK cell-induced inhibition of oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer cell lines. NK cells inhibit oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer by repressing WBSCR22 via upregulating microRNA-146b-5p, both of which could serve as candidates for targeted therapy against oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer.

  2. Oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity is mediated through gap junction channels and hemichannels and can be prevented by octanol.

    PubMed

    Kagiava, Alexia; Theophilidis, George; Sargiannidou, Irene; Kyriacou, Kyriacos; Kleopa, Kleopas A

    2015-10-01

    Oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity (OIN) is a common complication of chemotherapy without effective treatment. In order to clarify the mechanisms of both acute and chronic OIN, we used an ex-vivo mouse sciatic nerve model. Exposure to 25 μM oxaliplatin caused a marked prolongation in the duration of the nerve evoked compound action potential (CAP) by nearly 1200% within 300 min while amplitude remained constant for over 20 h. This oxaliplatin effect was almost completely reversed by the gap junction (GJ) inhibitor octanol in a concentration-dependent manner. Further GJ blockers showed similar effects although with a narrower therapeutic window. To clarify the target molecule we studied sciatic nerves from connexin32 (Cx32) and Cx29 knockout (KO) mice. The oxaliplatin effect and neuroprotection by octanol partially persisted in Cx29 better than in Cx32 KO nerves, suggesting that oxaliplatin affects both, but Cx32 GJ channels more than Cx29 hemichannels. Oxaliplatin also accelerated neurobiotin uptake in HeLa cells expressing the human ortholog of Cx29, Cx31.3, as well as dye transfer between cells expressing the human Cx32, and this effect was blocked by octanol. Oxaliplatin caused no morphological changes initially (up to 3 h of exposure), but prolonged nerve exposure caused juxtaparonodal axonal edema, which was prevented by octanol. Our study indicates that oxaliplatin causes forced opening of Cx32 channels and Cx29 hemichannels in peripheral myelinated fibers leading to disruption of axonal K(+) homeostasis. The GJ blocker octanol prevents OIN at very low concentrations and should be further studied as a neuroprotectant. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. [Inhibitory effect of nimesulide and oxaliplatin on tumor growth and lymphatic metastasis of transplanted human lung cancer in nude mice].

    PubMed

    Lang, Zhe; Chen, Gang; Wang, Dong-chang

    2012-10-01

    This study was designed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of nimesulide in combination with oxaliplatin on tumor growth, expression of COX-2, VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, survivin and β-catenin, and lymphatic metastasis in lung cancer xenograft in nude mice, and to discuss the possible synergistic effect of nimesulide in combination with oxaliplatin. Human lung cancer A549 cells were injected into BALB/c nude mice subcutaneously. Thirty-three healthy male nude mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group, nimesulide group, oxaliplatin group and nimesulide combined with oxaliplatin group. Transplanted tumor tissues were collected and the expressions of COX-2, VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, survivin, β-catenin protein were detected by immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR assay was used to assess the expression of tumor COX-2, VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, survivin and β-catenin mRNA. SPSS 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. Data were present as (x(-) ± s), and the means were compared by analysis of variance test. Tumor inhibition rates of the nimesulide group, oxaliplatin group and nimesulide + oxaliplatin group were 39.73%, 48.04% and 65.94%, respectively. Immunohistochemical and RT-PCR analysis showed that compared with the control group, the expression levels of COX-2, VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, survivin and β-catenin of the nimesulide group were significantly reduced (all P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, statistical analysis of variance showed that the expression levels of COX-2, VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 of the oxaliplatin group were significantly increased (P < 0.05), the expression levels of survivin and β-catenin protein and mRNA of the oxaliplatin group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of COX-2, VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, survivin and β-catenin of the nimesulide + oxaliplatin group were significantly reduced (all P < 0.05). Both nimesulide alone or in combination with oxaliplatin can significantly inhibit the growth of lung cancer

  4. High pressure enhances the effect of hyperthermia in intraperitoneal chemotherapy with oxaliplatin: an experimental study.

    PubMed

    Facy, Olivier; Al Samman, Sophie; Magnin, Guy; Ghiringhelli, Francois; Ladoire, Sylvain; Chauffert, Bruno; Rat, Patrick; Ortega-Deballon, Pablo

    2012-12-01

    Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) achieve good results in selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. High intra-abdominal pressure could enhance the penetration of chemotherapy drugs. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high pressure and hyperthermia when used separately and when combined in terms of blood and tissue absorption of oxaliplatin in a swine model of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Four groups of 5 pigs each underwent laparotomy and open intraperitoneal chemotherapy with oxaliplatin at a constant concentration (150 mg/L) for 30 minutes in normothermia and atmospheric pressure (group 1), or hyperthermia (42°C) and atmospheric pressure (group 2), or normothermia and high pressure (25 cm H2O) (group 3), or hyperthermia and high pressure (group 4). High pressure was achieved thorough a water column over the abdomen. Systemic absorption and abdominal tissue mapping of the penetration of oxaliplatin in each group were studied. Blood concentrations of oxaliplatin were similar in the different groups. Hyperthermia achieved higher concentrations in visceral surfaces (P = 0.0014), but not in parietal surfaces. High pressure enhanced diffusion of the drug in both the visceral and parietal peritoneum (P = 0.0058 and P = 0.0044, respectively). The combination of hyperthermia and high pressure significantly increased the penetration of oxaliplatin and achieved the highest tissue concentrations (10.39 mg/kg vs 5.48 mg/kg; P = 0.00001 in the visceral peritoneum, and 66.16 mg/kg vs 35.62 mg/kg; P = 0.0003 in the parietal peritoneum). Open high-pressure HIPEC with oxaliplatin is feasible in the pig. Hyperthermia enhances diffusion in the visceral peritoneum, whereas high pressure is effective in the visceral and parietal peritoneum. The combination of the two achieves the highest tissue concentrations of oxaliplatin.

  5. Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy via TRPA1 Stimulation in Mice Dorsal Root Ganglion Is Correlated with Aluminum Accumulation

    PubMed Central

    Roh, Kangsan; Kil, Eui-Joon; Lee, Minji; Auh, Chung-Kyun; Lee, Myung-Ah; Yeom, Chang-Hwan; Lee, Sukchan

    2015-01-01

    Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based anticancer drug used to treat metastatic colorectal, breast, and lung cancers. While oxaliplatin kills cancer cells effectively, it exhibits several side effects of varying severity. Neuropathic pain is commonly experienced during treatment with oxaliplatin. Patients describe symptoms of paresthesias or dysesthesias that are triggered by cold (acute neuropathy), or as abnormal sensory or motor function (chronic neuropathy). In particular, we found that aluminum levels were relatively high in some cancer patients suffering from neuropathic pain based on clinical observations. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that aluminum accumulation in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in the course of oxaliplatin treatment exacerbates neuropathic pain. In mice injected with oxaliplatin (three cycles of 3 mg/kg i.p. daily for 5 days, followed by 5 days of rest), we detected cold allodynia using the acetone test, but not heat hyperalgesia using a hot plate. However, co-treatment with aluminum chloride (AlCl3∙6H2O; 7 mg/kg i.p. for 14 days: equivalent 0.78 mg/kg of elemental Al) and oxaliplatin (1 cycle of 3 mg/kg i.p. daily for 5 days, followed by 5 days of rest) synergistically induced cold allodynia as well as increased TRPAl mRNA and protein expression. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis showed a significant increase in aluminum concentrations in the DRG of mice treated with aluminum chloride and oxaliplatin compared to aluminum chloride alone. Similarly, in a mouse induced-tumor model, aluminum concentrations were increased in DRG tissue and tumor cells after oxaliplatin treatment. Taken together, these findings suggest that aluminum accumulation in the DRG may exacerbate neuropathic pain in oxaliplatin-treated mice. PMID:25928068

  6. The incidence of acute oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy and its impact on treatment in the first cycle: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Gebremedhn, Endale Gebreegziabher; Shortland, Peter John; Mahns, David Anthony

    2018-04-12

    Although acute oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy (OXIPN) is frequently regarded to be transient, recent studies have reported prolongation of infusion times, dose reduction and treatment cessation following the first dose of oxaliplatin in quarter of patients. Acute OXIPN is also a well-established risk factor for chronic neuropathy. However, there is underreporting of these parameters during the acute phase (≤ 14 days). This paper systematically reviews the incidence of acute OXIPN and its impact on treatment in the first cycle. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and Medline. Published original articles were included if they described details about prevalence of oxaliplatin-induced acute neuropathy. Fourteen studies, comprised of 6211 patients were evaluated. The majority of patients were treated with oxaliplatin in combination with leucovorin and fluorouracil (FOLFOX). Most studies used the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria to assess acute neuropathy. Acute neuropathy (Grades 1-4) was the most common event with prevalence ranging from 4-98%, followed by haematological (1.4-81%) and gastrointestinal (1.2-67%) toxicities, respectively. Drug regimens, starting dose of oxaliplatin and neuropathy assessment tools varied across studies. In addition, moderate to severe toxicities were common in patients that received a large dose of oxaliplatin (> 85 mg/m 2 ) and/ or combined drugs. The majority of studies did not report the factors affecting acute neuropathy namely the range (minimal) doses required to evoke acute neuropathy, patient and clinical risk factors. In addition, there was no systematic reporting of the number of patients subjected to prolonged infusion, dose reduction, treatment delay and treatment cessation during the acute phase. Despite the heterogeneity of studies regarding oxaliplatin starting dose, drug regimen, neuropathy assessment tools and study design, a large number of patients developed acute

  7. A subset of platinum-containing chemotherapeutic agents kill cells by inducing ribosome biogenesis stress rather than by engaging a DNA damage response

    PubMed Central

    Bruno, Peter M.; Liu, Yunpeng; Park, Ga Young; Murai, Junko; Koch, Catherine E.; Eisen, Timothy J.; Pritchard, Justin R.; Pommier, Yves; Lippard, Stephen J.; Hemann, Michael T.

    2017-01-01

    Cisplatin and its platinum analogues, carboplatin and oxaliplatin, are some of the most widely used cancer chemotherapeutics. However, although cisplatin and carboplatin are primarily used in germ cell, breast and lung malignancies, oxaliplatin is instead used almost exclusively in colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers. Here, we utilize a unique multi-platform genetic approach to study the mechanism of action of these clinically established platinum anti-cancer agents as well as more recently developed cisplatin analogues. We show that oxaliplatin, unlike cisplatin and carboplatin, does not kill cells via the DNA damage response. Rather, oxaliplatin kills cells by inducing ribosome biogenesis stress. This difference in drug mechanism explains the distinct clinical implementation of oxaliplatin relative to cisplatin and may enable mechanistically informed selection of distinct platinum drugs for distinct malignancies. These data highlight the functional diversity of core components of front line cancer therapy and the potential benefits of applying a mechanism-based rationale to the use of our current arsenal of anti-cancer drugs. PMID:28263311

  8. Meta-Analysis of Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy Combined With Traditional Medicines for Colorectal Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Menghua; May, Brian H.; Zhou, Iris W.; Xue, Charlie C. L.; Zhang, Anthony L.

    2015-01-01

    This meta-analysis evaluates the clinical evidence for the addition of traditional medicines (TMs) to oxaliplatin-based regimens for colorectal cancer (CRC) in terms of tumor response rate (TRR). Eight electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy combined with TMs compared to the same oxaliplatin-based regimen. Data on TRR from 42 randomized controlled trials were analyzed using Review Manager 5.1. Studies were conducted in China or Japan. Publication bias was not evident. The meta-analyses suggest that the combination of the TMs with oxaliplatin-based regimens increased TRR in the palliative treatment of CRC (risk ratio [RR] 1.31 [1.20-1.42], I2 = 0%). Benefits were evident for both injection products (RR 1.36 [1.18-1.57], I2 = 0%) and orally administered TMs (RR 1.27 [1.15-1.41], I2 = 0%). Further sensitivity analysis of specific plant-based TMs found that Paeonia, Curcuma, and Sophora produced consistently higher contributions to the RR results. Compounds in each of these TMs have shown growth-inhibitory effects in CRC cell-line studies. Specific combinations of TMs appeared to produce higher contributions to TRR than the TMs individually. Notable among these was the combination of Hedyotis, Astragalus, and Scutellaria. PMID:26254190

  9. Impact of age on efficacy of postoperative oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

    PubMed

    Huang, Xuan-Zhang; Gao, Peng; Song, Yong-Xi; Sun, Jing-Xu; Chen, Xiao-Wan; Zhao, Jun-Hua; Ma, Bin; Wang, Jun; Wang, Zhen-Ning

    2016-04-12

    Clinical practice guidelines focusing on age-related adjuvant chemotherapy for rectal cancer are currently limited. The present study aimed to explore the impact of age on the efficacy of adjuvant oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare-linked database from 1992-2009. We enrolled patients with yp stages I-III rectal cancer who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and underwent curative resection. The age-related survival benefit of adding oxaliplatin to adjuvant 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with propensity score-matching and Cox proportional hazards models. Comparing the oxaliplatin group with the 5-FU group, there were significant interactions between age and chemotherapy efficacy in terms of overall survival (OS) (p for interaction = 0.017) among patients with positive lymph nodes (ypN+). Adding oxaliplatin to 5-FU could prolong survival in patients aged < 73 years and ypN+ category, and but did not translate into survival benefits in patients aged ≥ 73 years and ypN+ category. No significant interactions were observed among ypN- patients, and oxaliplatin did not significantly improve OS, regardless of age. In patients with rectal cancer who have already received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and undergone curative resection, adding oxaliplatin to 5-FU could prolong OS in patients aged < 73 years and ypN+ category. However, adding oxaliplatin did not translate into survival benefits in patients age ≥ 73 years and ypN+ category, or in ypN- patients.

  10. Glutathione S-transferase M1-null genotype as risk factor for SOS in oxaliplatin-treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Vreuls, C P H; Olde Damink, S W M; Koek, G H; Winstanley, A; Wisse, E; Cloots, R H E; van den Broek, M A J; Dejong, C H C; Bosman, F T; Driessen, A

    2013-02-19

    Oxaliplatin is used as a neo-adjuvant therapy in hepatic colorectal carcinoma metastasis. This treatment has significant side effects, as oxaliplatin is toxic to the sinusoidal endothelial cells and can induce sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), which is related to decreased overall survival. Glutathione has an important role in the defence system, catalysed by glutathione S-transferase (GST), including two non-enzyme producing polymorphisms (GSTM1-null and GSTT1-null). We hypothesise that patients with a non-enzyme producing polymorphism have a higher risk of developing toxic injury owing to oxaliplatin. In the nontumour-bearing liver, the presence of SOS was studied histopathologically. The genotype was determined by a semi-nested PCR. Thirty-two of the 55 (58%) patients showed SOS lesions, consisting of 27% mild, 22% moderate and 9% severe lesions. The GSTM1-null genotype was present in 25 of the 55 (46%). Multivariate analysis showed that the GSTM1-null genotype significantly correlated with the presence of (moderate-severe) SOS (P=0.026). The GSTM1-null genotype is an independent risk factor for SOS. This finding allows us, in association with other risk factors, to conceive a potential risk profile predicting whether the patient is at risk of developing SOS, before starting oxaliplatin, and subsequently might result in adjustment of treatment.

  11. MEG3 is a prognostic factor for CRC and promotes chemosensitivity by enhancing oxaliplatin-induced cell apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Li, Lixia; Shang, Jian; Zhang, Yupeng; Liu, Shi; Peng, Yanan; Zhou, Zhou; Pan, Huaqing; Wang, Xiaobing; Chen, Lipng; Zhao, Qiu

    2017-09-01

    A major reason for the failure of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment is the occurrence of chemoresistance to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Recently, studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in drug resistance. Using HiSeq sequencing methods, we identified that lncRNAs show differential expression levels in oxaliplatin-resistant (OxR) and non-resistant CRC patients. RT-qPCR was then performed in tissues and serum samples, and lncRNA MEG3 was verified to be downregulated in non-responding patients and to have considerable discriminating potential to identify responding patients from non-responding patients. Moreover, decreased serum MEG3 expression was associated with poor chemoresponse and low survival rate in CRC patients receiving oxaliplatin treatment. Subsequently, OxR cell lines were established, and MEG3 was significantly downregulated in HT29 OxR and SW480 OxR cells. In addition, overexpression of MEG3 with pMEG3 reversed oxaliplatin resistance in both CRC cell lines. Flow cytometric apoptosis analysis indicated that MEG3 promoted CRC cell apoptosis. More importantly, MEG3 enhanced oxaliplatin‑induced cell cytotoxicity in CRC. In conclusion, our integrated approach demonstrated that decreased expression of lncRNA MEG3 in CRC confers potent poor therapeutic efficacy, and that MEG3 promotes chemosensitivity by enhancing oxaliplatin-induced cell apoptosis. Thus, overexpression of MEG3 may be a future direction by which to develop a novel therapeutic strategy to overcome oxaliplatin resistance of CRC patients.

  12. Analysis of the efficacy and safety of a combined gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and pegaspargase regimen for NK/T-cell lymphoma

    PubMed Central

    Xia, Zhong-jun; Huang, Hui-qiang; Jiang, Wen-qi; Lu, Yue

    2016-01-01

    Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is an aggressive neoplasm with a poor outcome. Novel L-asparaginase-based treatment regimens, such as GELOX (gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and L-asparaginase) and P-gemox (gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and pegaspargase), have shown promising results against stage IE/IIE ENKTL. To define the general applicability of P-gemox, in a retrospective analysis we examined the efficacy and safety of P-gemox in a cohort of 117 patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory ENKTL. Treatment included 2 to 8 cycles of P-gemox: intravenous gemcitabine (1250 mg/m2) and oxaliplatin (85 mg/m2) and intramuscular pegaspargase (2500 IU/m2) on day 1 and repeated every 2 weeks, or intravenous gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) on days 1 and 8 and intravenous oxaliplatin (130 mg/m2) and intramuscular pegaspargase (2500 IU/m2) on day 1 and repeated every 3 weeks. Upon completion of treatment, the overall response rate was 88.8%, and responses were similar for newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory patients. After a median follow-up of 17 months, the 3-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 72.7% and 57.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that CR after treatment was the most significant factor affecting survival. P-gemox thus appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for patients with ENKTL. PMID:27072578

  13. Oxaliplatin in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: efficacy and pharmacokinetics parameters.

    PubMed

    Burz, C; Berindan-Neagoe, I; Balacescu, O; Todor, N; Pelau, D; Floares, C; Kacso, G; Tanaselia, C; Ursu, M; Vlase, L; Leucuta, S E; Cristea, V; Irimie, A

    2010-01-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of the FOLFOX-4 regimen and to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of oxaliplatin in untreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. 43 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients received oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2) as 2-h i.v. infusion, on day 1, and bolus 5-fluorouracil (5FU) 400 mg/m(2) plus leucovorin (LV) 200 mg/m(2) followed by 5FU 600 mg/m(2) as 22-h infusion on day 1 and 2, every 2 weeks. The pharmacokinetics of oxaliplatin evaluated in 4 patients was performed in blood, plasma and ultrafiltered plasma (UFT) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The overall response rate and the median time to progression (TTP) were 53.49% and 7.1 months, respectively. Grade 3-4 toxic effects were observed in 11 (25.5%) patients. Grade 3 neuropathy was observed in 13.95% of the cases. In univariate analysis only Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) was correlated with response. No correlation was found between grade 3-4 adverse events and the patient characteristics. The area under the time-concentration curve (AUC) in UFT was 4.8 + or - 0.72 standard deviation (SD) microg h/ml and the total clearance 30.17 + or - 7.75 l/min. The values for volume of distribution and the maximum concentration were 567 + or - 20 liters and 0.38 + or - 0.17 ug/ml, respectively. FOLFOX-4 was an effective regimen with good tolerability in previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer patients. The pharmacokinetics of oxaliplatin was triphasic with a short initial distribution phase and a long terminal elimination phase.

  14. Phase I/II study of azacitidine and capecitabine/oxaliplatin (CAPOX) in refractory CIMP-high metastatic colorectal cancer: evaluation of circulating methylated vimentin

    PubMed Central

    Overman, Michael J.; Morris, Van; Moinova, Helen; Manyam, Ganiraju; Ensor, Joe; Lee, Michael S.; Eng, Cathy; Kee, Bryan; Fogelman, David; Shroff, Rachna T.; LaFramboise, Thomas; Mazard, Thibault; Feng, Tian; Hamilton, Stanley; Broom, Bradley; Lutterbaugh, James; Issa, Jean-Pierre; Markowitz, Sanford D.; Kopetz, Scott

    2016-01-01

    Purpose Hypermethylation of promoter CpG islands (CIMP) has been strongly implicated in chemotherapy resistance and is implicated in the pathogenesis of a subset of colorectal cancers (CRCs) termed CIMP-high. Experimental Design This phase I/II study in CRC (phase II portion restricted to CIMP-high CRC), treated fluoropyrimidine/oxaliplatin refractory patients with azacitidine (75 mg/m2/day subcutaneously D1-5) and CAPOX (capecitibine and oxaliplatin) every three weeks. Results Twenty-six patients (pts) were enrolled in this study: 15 pts (12 treated at MTD) in phase I and 11 pts in phase II. No dose limiting toxicities were observed. A total of 14 pts were CIMP-high. No responses were seen. CIMP-high status did not correlate with efficacy endpoints [stable disease (SD) or progression-free survival (PFS)] or baseline vimentin methylation level. Changes in vimentin methylation over time did not correlate with efficacy outcomes. Baseline methylated vimentin correlated with tumor volume (P<0.001) and higher levels of baseline methylation correlated with the obtainment of stable disease (P=0.04). Conclusions Azacitidine and CAPOX were well tolerated with high rates of stable disease in CIMP-high pts, but no objective responses. Serum methylated vimentin may be associated with benefit from a regimen including a hypomethylation agent, although this study is not able to separate a potential prognostic or predictive role for the biomarker. PMID:27542211

  15. Phase I/II study of azacitidine and capecitabine/oxaliplatin (CAPOX) in refractory CIMP-high metastatic colorectal cancer: evaluation of circulating methylated vimentin.

    PubMed

    Overman, Michael J; Morris, Van; Moinova, Helen; Manyam, Ganiraju; Ensor, Joe; Lee, Michael S; Eng, Cathy; Kee, Bryan; Fogelman, David; Shroff, Rachna T; LaFramboise, Thomas; Mazard, Thibault; Feng, Tian; Hamilton, Stanley; Broom, Bradley; Lutterbaugh, James; Issa, Jean-Pierre; Markowitz, Sanford D; Kopetz, Scott

    2016-10-11

    Hypermethylation of promoter CpG islands (CIMP) has been strongly implicated in chemotherapy resistance and is implicated in the pathogenesis of a subset of colorectal cancers (CRCs) termed CIMP-high. This phase I/II study in CRC (phase II portion restricted to CIMP-high CRC), treated fluoropyrimidine/oxaliplatin refractory patients with azacitidine (75 mg/m2/day subcutaneously D1-5) and CAPOX (capecitibine and oxaliplatin) every three weeks. Twenty-six patients (pts) were enrolled in this study: 15 pts (12 treated at MTD) in phase I and 11 pts in phase II. No dose limiting toxicities were observed. A total of 14 pts were CIMP-high. No responses were seen. CIMP-high status did not correlate with efficacy endpoints [stable disease (SD) or progression-free survival (PFS)] or baseline vimentin methylation level. Changes in vimentin methylation over time did not correlate with efficacy outcomes. Baseline methylated vimentin correlated with tumor volume (P<0.001) and higher levels of baseline methylation correlated with the obtainment of stable disease (P=0.04). Azacitidine and CAPOX were well tolerated with high rates of stable disease in CIMP-high pts, but no objective responses. Serum methylated vimentin may be associated with benefit from a regimen including a hypomethylation agent, although this study is not able to separate a potential prognostic or predictive role for the biomarker.

  16. Cisplatin and Oxaliplatin Toxicity: Importance of Cochlear Kinetics as a Determinant for Ototoxicity

    PubMed Central

    Wallin, Inger; Eriksson, Sofi; Hernlund, Emma; Jerremalm, Elin; Berndtsson, Maria; Eksborg, Staffan; Arnér, Elias S. J.; Shoshan, Maria; Ehrsson, Hans; Laurell, Göran

    2009-01-01

    Background Cisplatin is a cornerstone anticancer drug with pronounced ototoxicity, whereas oxaliplatin, a platinum derivative with a different clinical profile, is rarely ototoxic. This difference has not been explained. Methods In HCT116 cells, cisplatin (20 μM)-induced apoptosis was reduced by a calcium chelator from 9.9-fold induction (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.1- to 11.7-fold), to 3.1-fold induction (95% CI = 2.0- to 4.2-fold) and by superoxide scavenging from 9.3-fold (95% CI = 8.8- to 9.8-fold), to 5.1-fold (95% CI = 4.4- to 5.8-fold). A guinea pig model (n = 23) was used to examine pharmacokinetics. Drug concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography with post-column derivatization. The total platinum concentration in cochlear tissue was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Drug pharmacokinetics was assessed by determining the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC). Statistical tests were two-sided. Results In HCT116 cells, cisplatin (20 μM)-induced apoptosis was reduced by a calcium chelator from 9.9-fold induction (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.1- to 11.7-fold to 3.1-fold induction) (95% CI = 2.0- to 4.2-fold) and by superoxide scavenging (from 9.3-fold, 95% CI = 8.8- to 9.8-fold, to 5.1-fold, 95% CI = 4.4- to 5.8-fold). Oxaliplatin (20 μM)-induced apoptosis was unaffected by calcium chelation (from 7.1- to 6.2-fold induction) and by superoxide scavenging (from 5.9- to 5.6-fold induction). In guinea pig cochlea, total platinum concentration (0.12 vs 0.63 μg/kg, respectively, P = .008) and perilymphatic drug concentrations (238 vs 515 μM × minute, respectively, P < .001) were lower after intravenous oxaliplatin treatment (16.6 mg/kg) than after equimolar cisplatin treatment (12.5 mg/kg). However, after a non-ototoxic cisplatin dose (5 mg/kg) or the same oxaliplatin dose (16.6 mg/kg), the AUC for perilymphatic concentrations was similar, indicating that the two drugs have different cochlear

  17. Geographic variation and sociodemographic disparity in the use of oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy in patients with stage III colon cancer.

    PubMed

    Panchal, Janki M; Lairson, David R; Chan, Wenyaw; Du, Xianglin L

    2013-06-01

    This study examined the geographic variation and sociodemographic disparities in the use of oxaliplatin chemotherapy, which has not been widely studied in the past. Our results suggest that chemotherapy use varies across geographic regions. Patterns of use that relate specifically to oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy can inform providers and researchers how newer regimens are being used as standard chemotherapy in a real-world setting. According to the National Cancer Comprehensive Network (NCCN), oxaliplatin with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (5-FU/LV) is the recommended adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with resected stage III colon cancer. Age and race are considered strong predictors of chemotherapy receipt, whereas geographic disparity has received minimal attention. The purpose of this study was to examine geographic variation and sociodemographic disparity in the use of chemotherapy in patients with stage III colon cancer, focusing specifically on oxaliplatin. A retrospective cohort of 4106 Medicare patients was identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)/Medicare linked database. Descriptive statistics show how oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy was used in various geographic regions among different age and racial groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between receipt of oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy and geographic region while adjusting for other sociodemographic and tumor characteristics. Only 49% of the patients with stage III disease received adjuvant chemotherapy within 3 to 6 months of colon cancer-specific surgery. Patients aged 66 to 70 years were 78% more likely to receive chemotherapy than were those aged 80 years and older (P<.001). Patients in less urban regions were approximately 42% less likely to receive oxaliplatin chemotherapy than those residing in a big metro region (odds ratio [OR], 0.58; P=.008). Chemotherapy use varies across geographic regions

  18. Physicochemical stability of oxaliplatin in 5% dextrose injection stored in polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and polypropylene infusion bags.

    PubMed

    Eiden, Céline; Philibert, Laurent; Bekhtari, Khedidja; Poujol, Sylvain; Malosse, Francoise; Pinguet, Frédéric

    2009-11-01

    The physicochemical stability of extemporaneous dilutions of oxaliplatin in 5% dextrose injection stored in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, and polyethylene infusion bags was studied. Oxaliplatin 100 mg/20 mL concentrated solution was diluted in 100 mL of 5% dextrose injection in PVC, polypropylene, and polyethylene infusion bags to produce nominal oxaliplatin concentrations of 0.2 and 1.3 mg/mL. The filled bags were stored for 14 days at 20 degrees C and protected from light, at 20 degrees C under normal fluorescent light, and at 4 degrees C. A 1-mL sample was removed from each bag at time 0 and at 24, 48, 72, 120, 168, and 336 hours. The samples were visually inspected for color and clarity, and the pH values of the solutions were measured. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to assay oxaliplatin concentration. Bacterial contamination was assessed on study day 14 after incubation in trypticase soy solution for three days at 37 degrees C. Solutions of oxaliplatin 0.2 and 1.3 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection were stable in the three container types for at least 14 days at both 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C without regard to light exposure. No color change was detected during the storage period, and pH values remained stable. No microbial contamination was detected in any samples over the study period. Oxaliplatin solutions diluted in 5% dextrose injection to 0.2 and 1.3 mg/mL were stable in PVC and PVC-free infusion bags for at least 14 days at both 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C without regard to light exposure.

  19. Oxaliplatin regulates chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathic pain in the dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglion via the Calcineurin/NFAT pathway.

    PubMed

    Huang, Wan; Huang, Jingxiu; Jiang, Yu; Huang, Xuanwei; Xing, Wei; He, Yaoxuan; Ouyang, Handong

    2018-05-24

    The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of oxaliplatin in the induction of neuropathic pain as a symptom of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The CIPN rat model was induced with a one-time injection of oxaliplatin, and the paw withdrawal response was determined using von Frey filaments. The paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) value was recorded and the dorsal horn (DH) and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissues were collected. The mRNA and protein levels of calcineurin (CaN), nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), and other relevant cytokines were determined. CaN and NFAT inhibition reagents, FK506 and 11R-VIVIT, were applied in order to investigate the functions of the CaN/NFAT pathway in the neuropathic pain processes. The levels of the downstream inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, were assessed by ELISA. The application of oxaliplatin reduced the value of PWT by 4 times on days 7(4±1.33)and 14(5.13±3.07)compared with the control group(14±0.91; 13.67±0.76). After treatment, the CaN mRNA level decreased and that of NFAT increased in DH and DRG tissues (P<0.05). However, treatment with FK506 and 11R-VIVIT decreased the value of PWT that had increased after oxaliplatin treatment. The expression of downstream cytokines related to the CaN/NFAT pathway increased, including CCR2, COX2, p-ERK, and p-P38 (all p<0.05). In addition, when the CaN/NFAT pathway was activated, the concentration of TNFα increased to 40pg/mg in DH tissues and 60pg/mg in DRG tissues compared with the control group, while the concentration of IL-1β increased to over 60pg/mg in DH and DRG tissues. It was the first time to prove that oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain was correlated to the activation of the CaN/NFAT pathway in our rat model. This finding can provide a new direction for explore the mechanism of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  20. Proteomic profiling reveals DNA damage, nucleolar and ribosomal stress are the main responses to oxaliplatin treatment in cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Ozdian, Tomas; Holub, Dusan; Maceckova, Zuzana; Varanasi, Lakshman; Rylova, Gabriela; Rehulka, Jiri; Vaclavkova, Jana; Slavik, Hanus; Moudry, Pavel; Znojek, Pawel; Stankova, Jarmila; de Sanctis, Juan Bautista; Hajduch, Marian; Dzubak, Petr

    2017-06-06

    Oxaliplatin is widely used to treat colorectal cancer in both palliative and adjuvant settings. It is also being tested for use in treating hematological, esophageal, biliary tract, pancreatic, gastric, and hepatocellular cancers. Despite its routine clinical use, little is known about the responses it induces in cancer cells. Therefore the whole-cell proteomics study was conducted to characterize the cellular response induced by oxaliplatin. Chemosensitive CCRF-CEM cells were treated with oxaliplatin at 29.3μM (5×IC 50 ) for 240min (half-time to caspase activation). The proteomes of un-/treated cells were then compared by high-resolution mass spectrometry, revealing 4049 proteins expressed over 3 biological replicates. Among these proteins, 76 were significantly downregulated and 31 significantly upregulated in at least two replicates. In agreement with the DNA-damaging effects of platinum drugs, proteins involved in DNA damage responses were present in both the upregulated and downregulated groups. The downregulated proteins were divided into three subgroups; i) centrosomal proteins, ii) RNA processing and iii) ribosomal proteins, which indicates nucleolar and ribosomal stress. In conclusion, our data supported by further validation experiments indicate the initial cellular response to oxaliplatin is the activation of DNA damage response, which in turn or in parallel triggers nucleolar and ribosomal stress. We have performed a whole-cell proteomic study of cellular response to oxaliplatin treatment, which is the drug predominantly used in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Compared to its predecessors, cisplatin and carboplatin, there is only a small fraction of studies dedicated to oxaliplatin. From those studies, most of them are focused on modification of treatment regimens or study of oxaliplatin in new cancer diagnoses. Cellular response hasn't been studied deeply and to our best knowledge, this is the first whole-cell proteomics study focused exclusively

  1. Gemcitabine and oxaliplatin or alkylating agents for neuroendocrine tumors: Comparison of efficacy and search for predictive factors guiding treatment choice.

    PubMed

    Dussol, Anne-Sophie; Joly, Marie-Odile; Vercherat, Cecile; Forestier, Julien; Hervieu, Valérie; Scoazec, Jean-Yves; Lombard-Bohas, Catherine; Walter, Thomas

    2015-10-01

    The alkylating agents (ALKYs) streptozotocin, dacarbazine, and temozolomide currently are the main drugs used in systemic chemotherapy for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The promising activity shown by gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX) in previous studies prompted this study 1) to confirm the use of GEMOX in a larger population of NET patients, 2) to compare its efficacy with that of ALKYs, and 3) to explore whether the O(6) -methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) status could help in selecting the chemotherapy regimen. One hundred four patients with metastatic NETs (37 pancreatic NETs, 33 gastrointestinal NETs, 23 bronchial NETs, and 11 NETs of other/unknown origin) were treated with GEMOX between 2004 and 2014. Among these patients, 63 also received ALKYs. MGMT promoter gene methylation was assessed via pyrosequencing in 42 patients. Patients received a median of 6 courses of GEMOX. Twenty-four (23%) had an objective response (OR). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 7.8 and 31.6 months, respectively. In the 63 patients treated with both ALKYs and GEMOX, the ORs (22% and 22%) and the PFSs (7.5 and 7.3 months) were similar. The response was concordant in 53% of the patients. Promoter gene methylation of MGMT was associated with better outcomes with ALKYs (P = .03 for OR and P = .04 for PFS) but not GEMOX. GEMOX is effective against NETs; its activity is comparable to that of ALKYs, and it is not influenced by the MGMT status. Our data suggest that GEMOX might be preferred for patients with unmethylated MGMT tumors. Cancer 2015;121:3435-43. © 2015 American Cancer Society. © 2015 American Cancer Society.

  2. Serotonergic mechanism of the relieving effect of bee venom acupuncture on oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic cold allodynia in rats.

    PubMed

    Lee, Ji-Hye; Li, Dong Xing; Yoon, Heera; Go, Donghyun; Quan, Fu Shi; Min, Byung-Il; Kim, Sun Kwang

    2014-12-06

    Oxaliplatin, an important chemotherapy drug for advanced colorectal cancer, often induces peripheral neuropathy, especially cold allodynia. Our previous study showed that bee venom acupuncture (BVA), which has been traditionally used in Korea to treat various pain symptoms, potently relieves oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia in rats. However, the mechanism for this anti-allodynic effect of BVA remains poorly understood. We investigated whether and how the central serotonergic system, a well-known pathway for acupuncture analgesia, mediates the relieving effect of BVA on cold allodynia in oxaliplatin-injected rats. The behavioral signs of cold allodynia in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were induced by a single injection of oxaliplatin (6 mg/kg, i.p.). Before and after BVA treatment, the cold allodynia signs were evaluated by immersing the rat's tail into cold water (4°C) and measuring the withdrawal latency. For BVA treatment, a diluted BV (0.25 mg/kg) was subcutaneously administered into Yaoyangguan (GV3) acupoint, which is located between the spinous processes of the fourth and the fifth lumbar vertebra. Serotonin was depleted by a daily injection of DL-p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 150 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 days. The amount of serotonin in the spinal cord was measured by ELISA. Serotonergic receptor antagonists were administered intraperitoneally or intrathecally before BVA treatment. The serotonin levels in the spinal cord were significantly increased by BVA treatment and such increase was significantly reduced by PCPA. This PCPA pretreatment abolished the relieving effect of BVA on oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia. Either of methysergide (mixed 5-HT1/5-HT2 receptor antagonist, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) or MDL-72222 (5-HT3 receptor antagonist, 1 mg/kg, i.p) blocked the anti-allodynic effect of BVA. Further, an intrathecal injection of MDL-72222 (12 μg) completely blocked the BVA-induced anti-allodynic action, whereas NAN-190 (5-HT1A receptor antagonist, 15 μg, i.t.) or

  3. Effects of oxaliplatin and oleic acid Gc-protein-derived macrophage-activating factor on murine and human microglia.

    PubMed

    Branca, Jacopo J V; Morucci, Gabriele; Malentacchi, Francesca; Gelmini, Stefania; Ruggiero, Marco; Pacini, Stefania

    2015-09-01

    The biological properties and characteristics of microglia in rodents have been widely described, but little is known about these features in human microglia. Several murine microglial cell lines are used to investigate neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory conditions; however, the extrapolation of the results to human conditions is frequently met with criticism because of the possibility of species-specific differences. This study compares the effects of oxaliplatin and of oleic acid Gc-protein-derived macrophage-activating factor (OA-GcMAF) on two microglial cell lines, murine BV-2 cells and human C13NJ cells. Cell viability, cAMP levels, microglial activation, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were evaluated. Our data demonstrate that oxaliplatin induced a significant decrease in cell viability in BV-2 and in C13NJ cells and that this effect was not reversed with OA-GcMAF treatment. The signal transduction pathway involving cAMP/VEGF was activated after treatment with oxaliplatin and/or OA-GcMAF in both cell lines. OA-GcMAF induced a significant increase in microglia activation, as evidenced by the expression of the B7-2 protein, in BV-2 as well as in C13NJ cells that was not associated with a concomitant increase in cell number. Furthermore, the effects of oxaliplatin and OA-GcMAF on coculture morphology and apoptosis were evaluated. Oxaliplatin-induced cell damage and apoptosis were nearly completely reversed by OA-GcMAF treatment in both BV-2/SH-SY5Y and C13NJ/SH-SY5Y cocultures. Our data show that murine and human microglia share common signal transduction pathways and activation mechanisms, suggesting that the murine BV-2 cell line may represent an excellent model for studying human microglia. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  4. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy with fluorouracil and oxaliplatin versus fluorouracil alone in locally advanced rectal cancer: initial results of the German CAO/ARO/AIO-04 randomised phase 3 trial.

    PubMed

    Rödel, Claus; Liersch, Torsten; Becker, Heinz; Fietkau, Rainer; Hohenberger, Werner; Hothorn, Torsten; Graeven, Ullrich; Arnold, Dirk; Lang-Welzenbach, Marga; Raab, Hans-Rudolf; Sülberg, Heiko; Wittekind, Christian; Potapov, Sergej; Staib, Ludger; Hess, Clemens; Weigang-Köhler, Karin; Grabenbauer, Gerhard G; Hoffmanns, Hans; Lindemann, Fritz; Schlenska-Lange, Anke; Folprecht, Gunnar; Sauer, Rolf

    2012-07-01

    Preoperative chemoradiotherapy, total mesorectal excision surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy with fluorouracil is the standard combined modality treatment for rectal cancer. With the aim of improving disease-free survival (DFS), this phase 3 study (CAO/ARO/AIO-04) integrated oxaliplatin into standard treatment. This was a multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3 study in patients with histologically proven carcinoma of the rectum with clinically staged T3-4 or any node-positive disease. Between July 25, 2006, and Feb 26, 2010, patients were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group receiving standard fluorouracil-based combined modality treatment, consisting of preoperative radiotherapy of 50·4 Gy plus infusional fluorouracil (1000 mg/m(2) days 1-5 and 29-33), followed by surgery and four cycles of bolus fluorouracil (500 mg/m(2) days 1-5 and 29; fluorouracil group); and an experimental group receiving preoperative radiotherapy of 50·4 Gy plus infusional fluorouracil (250 mg/m(2) days 1-14 and 22-35) and oxaliplatin (50 mg/m(2) days 1, 8, 22, and 29), followed by surgery and eight cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with oxaliplatin (100 mg/m(2) days 1 and 15), leucovorin (400 mg/m(2) days 1 and 15), and infusional fluorouracil (2400 mg/m(2) days 1-2 and 15-16; fluorouracil plus oxaliplatin group). Randomisation was done with computer-generated block-randomisation codes stratified by centre, clinical T category (cT1-4 vs cT4), and clinical N category (cN0 vs cN1-2) without masking. DFS is the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints, including toxicity, compliance, and histopathological response are reported here. Safety and compliance analyses included patients as treated, efficacy endpoints were analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00349076. Of the 1265 patients initially enrolled, 1236 were evaluable (613 in the fluorouracil plus oxaliplatin group and 623 in the fluorouracil

  5. Mitochondria As the Target for the Modulatory Effect of Curcumin in Oxaliplatin-induced Toxicity in Isolated Rat Liver Mitochondria.

    PubMed

    Waseem, Mohammad; Parvez, Suhel; Tabassum, Heena

    2017-01-01

    To explore hepatoprotective action of curcumin (CMN, a bioflavonoid) on oxaliplatin (Oxa)-triggered mitochondrial oxidative stress and respiratory chain complexes in liver of rats. Oxa is a ubiquitously utilized platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent commonly used for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Mitochondria have recently emerged as targets for anticancer drugs in several kinds of toxicity including hepatotoxicity that can lead to neoplastic disease. There is a dearth of evidence involving the role of mitochondria in mediating Oxa-evoked hepatotoxicity and its underlying mechanism is still debatable. The study was performed in mitochondria isolated from liver of Wistar rats. Oxa (200 μg/mL) and CMN (5 μmol) were incubated under in vitro conditions. Oxa evoked a significant increase in the membrane lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, protein carbonyl (PC) contents, decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) and nonprotein thiol (NP-SH) levels. Oxa also caused a marked decline in the activities of enzymatic antioxidants and respiratory chain enzymes (I, II, III and V) in liver mitochondria. CMN pre-treatment significantly prevented the activities of enzymatic antioxidants and mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes. CMN also restored the LPO and PC contents, GSH and NP-SH levels in liver mitochondria. CMN intake might be effective in regulation of Oxa-evoked mitotoxicity during chemotherapy. Moreover, it is included in the armamentarium for anticancer agent-induced oxidative stress. Copyright © 2017 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Associations between glutathione S-transferase pi Ile105Val and glyoxylate aminotransferase Pro11Leu and Ile340Met polymorphisms and early-onset oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy.

    PubMed

    Kanai, Masashi; Yoshioka, Akira; Tanaka, Shiro; Nagayama, Satoshi; Matsumoto, Shigemi; Nishimura, Takafumi; Niimi, Miyuki; Teramukai, Satoshi; Takahashi, Ryo; Mori, Yukiko; Kitano, Toshiyuki; Ishiguro, Hiroshi; Yanagihara, Kazuhiro; Chiba, Tsutomu; Fukushima, Masanori; Matsuda, Fumihiko

    2010-04-01

    Although the risk of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy depends on cumulative oxaliplatin dose, susceptibility to this adverse event differs greatly among patients. In this study, we investigated the associations between oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy and the following polymorphisms: glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP1) Ile(105)Val, and glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGXT) Pro(11)Leu and AGXT Ile(340)Met. Eighty-two Japanese patients with histologically confirmed colorectal cancer who received at least six cycles of the modified FOLFOX6 (m-FOLFOX6) regimen were enrolled. To minimize differences in cumulative oxaliplatin dose between patients, oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy was evaluated using an oxaliplatin-specific scale during the 2-week period after completion of the sixth cycle of treatment. Forty-four patients developed grade 2/3 oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. There were more patients carrying at least one GSTP1(105)Val allele among the group with grade 2/3 neuropathy (18/44, 41%) than among the group with grade 1 neuropathy (9/38, 24%), although the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.098). There were similar numbers of patients carrying at least one AGXT(105)Met allele in the grade 2/3 neuropathy (7/44, 16%) and grade 1 neuropathy groups (5/38, 13%; P=0.725). The AGXT(11)Leu allele was not found in any of our patients or controls. We found no significant association between oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy and the GSTP1 Ile(105)Val and AGXT Ile(340)Met polymorphisms. Given that no AGXT(11)Leu allele was found among our study population (n=177), evaluating this polymorphism in Japanese patients in future studies is likely to be uninformative.

  7. Cetuximab Plus Oxaliplatin May Not Be Effective Primary Treatment for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

    Cancer.gov

    In a randomized phase III trial, the addition of the targeted therapy cetuximab to oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy did not prolong survival or time to disease progression of patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

  8. ERCC1 and ERCC2 as predictive biomarkers to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients from Egypt.

    PubMed

    Kassem, Amira B; Salem, Salem Eid; Abdelrahim, Mohamed E; Said, Amira S A; Salahuddin, Ahmad; Hussein, Marwa Mahmoud; Bahnassy, Abeer A

    2017-02-01

    The impact of Excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) and group 2 (ERCC2) expression levels on the efficacy of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is still controversial. The present study was conducted to determine the predictive value of these molecular biomarkers in stage III and IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients receiving oxaliplatin (OX)-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment. The study included 80 CRC patients who received first line oxaliplatin based chemotherapy The expression levels of ERCC1 and ERCC2-mRNA and proteins were determined in the primary tumors by quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC); respectively. The results of mRNA expression were correlated with patients' characteristics, response to treatment, overall- and event free survival (OS & EFS). Sixty four out of the 80 patients were legible for assessment of ERCC1 and ERCC2 expression. The cut-off levels of ERCC1and ERCC2-RNA were 3.8×10 -3 & 4.6×10 -3 ; respectively. Reduced ERCC1 and ERCC2 RNA expressions were detected in 50 (78.1%) and 48 (75%) cases, respectively whereas reduced proteins were detected in 48 cases (75%) for ERCC1 and ERCC2. After The median follow up period was 30.5months (range: 7-104months), Patients with low mRNAERCC1levels showed significantly longer OS (p=0.011) and EFS (p˂0.001). However, no significant relation was found between ERCC2 levels and OS or EFS. In multivariate analysis performance status (PS), stage of the disease and ERCC1-mRNA expression were independent prognostic factors for EFS whereas tumor histology and stage of the disease were independent factors for OS. ERCC1 expression levels may help in selecting patients who benefit from oxaliplatin chemotherapy in stage III & IV CRC. Further large trials are needed to validate these data. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. The Crystal Structure of Oxaliplatin: A Case of Overlooked Pseudo Symmetry.

    PubMed

    Johnstone, Timothy C

    2014-01-08

    The crystal structure of the anticancer drug oxaliplatin, [Pt( R,R- DACH)(oxalate)] (DACH = diaminocyclohexane), was first reported in the non-centrosymmetric space group P2 1 , confirming the sole presence of the R , R enantiomer of the DACH ligand [M. A. Bruck et al. , Inorg. Chim. Acta , 92 (1984) 279-284]. It was later proposed that the crystal structure is better described in the centrosymmetric space group P2 1 /m, signifying the presence of the compound as a racemic mixture [A. S. Abu-Surrah et al. , Polyhedron , 22 (2003) 1529-1534]. Herein is presented a reinvestigation of this crystal structure, which shows that the discrepancy between the two proposed space group assignments arises from overlooked pseudo symmetry. The crystal structures of the synthetic precursor to oxaliplatin, Pt( R , R -DACH)I 2 , and a platinum(IV) derivative, trans -[Pt( R , R -DACH)(oxalate)(OH) 2 ], were also determined, and the absolute configuration of the DACH ligand in each was confirmed to be R , R . A spectroscopic investigation of the optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) of the oxaliplatin crystals was carried out to further confirm the lack of the true crystallographic mirror plane required for a P2 1 /m solution. The ORD was theoretically simulated, in one instance, by applying the Kramers-Kronig transform to the computed circular dichroism spectrum and was found to corroborate the spectroscopic and crystallographic findings. Finally, a brief discussion is given of the importance of discussing the details of nuanced crystal structures and of providing evidence in addition to X-ray structure determination if chemically unexpected results are obtained.

  10. The Crystal Structure of Oxaliplatin: A Case of Overlooked Pseudo Symmetry

    PubMed Central

    Johnstone, Timothy C.

    2013-01-01

    The crystal structure of the anticancer drug oxaliplatin, [Pt(R,R-DACH)(oxalate)] (DACH = diaminocyclohexane), was first reported in the non-centrosymmetric space group P21, confirming the sole presence of the R,R enantiomer of the DACH ligand [M. A. Bruck et al., Inorg. Chim. Acta, 92 (1984) 279–284]. It was later proposed that the crystal structure is better described in the centrosymmetric space group P21/m, signifying the presence of the compound as a racemic mixture [A. S. Abu-Surrah et al., Polyhedron, 22 (2003) 1529–1534]. Herein is presented a reinvestigation of this crystal structure, which shows that the discrepancy between the two proposed space group assignments arises from overlooked pseudo symmetry. The crystal structures of the synthetic precursor to oxaliplatin, Pt(R,R-DACH)I2, and a platinum(IV) derivative, trans-[Pt(R,R-DACH)(oxalate)(OH)2], were also determined, and the absolute configuration of the DACH ligand in each was confirmed to be R,R. A spectroscopic investigation of the optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) of the oxaliplatin crystals was carried out to further confirm the lack of the true crystallographic mirror plane required for a P21/m solution. The ORD was theoretically simulated, in one instance, by applying the Kramers-Kronig transform to the computed circular dichroism spectrum and was found to corroborate the spectroscopic and crystallographic findings. Finally, a brief discussion is given of the importance of discussing the details of nuanced crystal structures and of providing evidence in addition to X-ray structure determination if chemically unexpected results are obtained. PMID:24415827

  11. Effect of perfusion temperature on glucose and electrolyte transport during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) with oxaliplatin.

    PubMed

    Ceelen, W; De Somer, F; Van Nieuwenhove, Y; Vande Putte, D; Pattyn, P

    2013-07-01

    Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) with oxaliplatin is increasingly used in patients with carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer. For reasons of chemical stability, oxaliplatin can only be administered in a dextrose (D5%) solution, and this causes peroperative glucose and electrolyte shifts. Here, we examined the influence of perfusion temperature on glucose and electrolyte transport, metabolic shifts, and surgical morbidity. Patients with carcinomatosis underwent cytoreduction and HIPEC using oxaliplatin (460 mg/m(2) in D5%, open abdomen) during 30 min at 39°-41 °C. Intraperitoneal (IP) temperature was measured at three locations using thermocouple probes. The area under the temperature versus time curve (AUCt) was calculated using the trapezoid rule. The influence of perfusion temperature on surgical outcome was assessed using linear regression models and the Mann Whitney U test where appropriate. From July 2005 until March 2011, 145 procedures were performed in 139 patients with a diagnosis of CRC (70%), pseudomyxoma peritonei (11%), ovarian cancer (10%), or miscellaneous peritoneal malignancies (9%). Postoperative mortality and major morbidity were 1.4% and 26%, respectively. Higher perfusion temperature was related to more pronounced changes in serum glucose (P = 0.058), sodium (P = 0.017), and lactate (P < 0.001). The median duration of nasogastric drainage was 5 days, and this was unrelated to perfusion temperature (P = 0.76). The GI fistula rate and reoperation rate were 12.4% and 16.5% respectively; neither was related to perfusion temperature. In patients undergoing HIPEC with oxaliplatin, perfusion temperature exacerbates peroperative metabolic shifts but does not affect surgical outcome. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Oxaliplatin-containing Preoperative Therapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Local Response, Toxicity and Long-term Outcome.

    PubMed

    Dueland, S; Ree, A H; Grøholt, K K; Saelen, M G; Folkvord, S; Hole, K H; Seierstad, T; Larsen, S G; Giercksky, K E; Wiig, J N; Boye, K; Flatmark, K

    2016-08-01

    This non-randomised study was undertaken to examine oxaliplatin as possibly an intensifying component of sequential neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer for improved local and metastatic outcome. Ninety-seven patients (57 T2-3 cases, 40 T4 cases) received two cycles of the Nordic FLOX regimen (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2) day 1 and bolus 5-fluorouracil 500 mg/m(2) and folinic acid 100 mg days 1 and 2) before long-course chemoradiotherapy with concomitant oxaliplatin and capecitabine, followed by pelvic surgery. Treatment toxicity, local tumour response and long-term outcome were recorded. Good histologic tumour regression was obtained in 72% of patients. Implementing protocol-specific dose adjustments, tolerance was acceptable and 95% of patients received the total prescribed radiation dose. Estimated 5 year progression-free and overall survival were 61% and 83%, respectively. T4 stage was associated with an inferior local response rate, which again was highly associated with impaired long-term outcome. In this cohort of rectal cancer patients dominated by T4 and advanced T3 cases given sequential oxaliplatin-containing preoperative therapy with acceptable toxicity, high tumour response rates and overall survival were obtained, consistent with both local and systemic effects. However, tumour response and long-term outcome remained inferior for a significant number of T4 cases, suggesting that the T4 entity is biologically heterogeneous with subgroups of patients eligible for further individualisation of therapy. Copyright © 2016 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Identification of clinical predictive factors of oxaliplatin-induced chronic peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer patients treated with adjuvant Folfox IV.

    PubMed

    Vincenzi, Bruno; Frezza, Anna Maria; Schiavon, Gaia; Spoto, Chiara; Silvestris, Nicola; Addeo, Raffaele; Catalano, Vincenzo; Graziano, Francesco; Santini, Daniele; Tonini, Giuseppe

    2013-05-01

    Oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy is a dose-related side effect which occurs in almost 40 % of patients treated with oxaliplatin. Aim of the present study was to identify reliable clinical factors predicting its development and duration. One hundred sixty-nine completely resected colorectal cancer patients treated with adjuvant Folfox IV regimen were retrospectively included. The following pre-treatment clinical parameters were collected: hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, anaemia, diabetes, chronic renal failure (CRF), folate deficiency, vitamin B(12) deficiency, number of cycles received and habit to alcohol consumption. Incidence, grade (NCI-CTCAE v.3) and duration of neuropathy were recorded. Incidence of neuropathy was found to be higher in patients with pre-treatment anaemia (p = 0.001), hypoalbuminaemia (p = 0.01) and hypomagnesaemia (p = 0.001) as well in those with habit to alcohol consumption (p = 0.003). Neuropathy durations were conversely associated with age, being longer in younger patients (p = 0.03), and again with hypoalbuminaemia (p = 0.04) and hypomagnesaemia (p = 0.002). No correlation was found with gender, hypocalcaemia, diabetes and CRF. The correlation between vitamin B(12) and folate levels and the development of neurotoxicity were not analysed because of the high number of missing data in the population. Age, anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, hypomagnesaemia and alcohol consumption are reliable and easily assessable clinical factors predicting incidence and length of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy.

  14. Oxaliplatin immuno hybrid nanoparticles for active targeting: an approach for enhanced apoptotic activity and drug delivery to colorectal tumors.

    PubMed

    Tummala, Shashank; Gowthamarajan, K; Satish Kumar, M N; Wadhwani, Ashish

    2016-06-01

    Tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) proved to be a promising new target for colorectal cancer treatment. Elevated expression of TRAIL protein in tumor cells distinguishes it from healthy cells, thereby delivering the drug at the specific site. Here, we formulated oxaliplatin immunohybrid nanoparticles (OIHNPs) to deliver oxaliplatin and anti-TRAIL for colorectal cancer treatment in xenograft tumor models. The polymeric chitosan layer binds to the lipid film with the mixture of phospholipids by an ultra sound method followed by conjugating with thiolated antibody using DSPE-PEG-mal3400, resulting in the formation of OIHNPs. The polymer layer helps in more encapsulation of the drug (71 ± 0.09%) with appreciable particle size (95 ± 0.01 nm), and lipid layer prevents degradation of the drug in serum by preventing nanoparticle aggregation. OIHNPs have shown a 4-fold decrease in the IC50 value compared to oxaliplatin in HT-29 cells by the MTT assay. These immuno-nanoparticles represent the successful uptake and internalization of oxaliplatin in HT-29 cells rather than in MCF-7 cells determined by triple fluorescence method. Apoptotic activity in vitro of OIHNPs was determined by the change in the mitochondria membrane potential that further elevates its anti-tumor property. Furthermore, the conjugated nanoparticles can effectively deliver the drug to the tumor sites, which can be attributed to its ability in reducing tumor mass and tumor volume in xenograft tumor models in vivo along with sustaining its release in vitro. These findings indicated that the oxaliplatin immuno-hybrid nanoparticles would be a promising nano-sized active targeted formulation for colorectal-tumor targeted therapy.

  15. Glutathione-S-transferase pi (GSTP1) codon 105 polymorphism is not associated with oxaliplatin efficacy or toxicity in advanced colorectal cancer patients.

    PubMed

    Kweekel, Dina M; Gelderblom, Hans; Antonini, Ninja F; Van der Straaten, Tahar; Nortier, Johan W R; Punt, Cornelis J A; Guchelaar, Henk-Jan

    2009-03-01

    Oxaliplatin is detoxified by conjugation to glutathione via the enzyme Glutathione-S-transferase pi (GSTP1). The aim of this study is to investigate the association of GSTP1 Ile105Val genetic polymorphism with oxaliplatin efficacy and toxicity in advanced colorectal cancer (ACC) patients. A total of 91 ACC patients received capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) as a part of a multicentre phase-III study of the Dutch Colorectal Cancer Group. Tumour response was evaluated according to RECIST, toxicity was graded using CTC, and GSTP1 Ile105Val was determined by pyrosequencing. Overall survival after CAPOX was similar for patients with the Ile/Ile (11.5 mo), Ile/Val (11.6 mo) and Val/Val (12.6 mo) genotypes (p=0.602). Likewise, there were no statistically significant differences in progression-free survival (p=0.252). Overall grades 3-4 toxicity was not related to genotype (p=0.313). There were no differences in any grade or grades 3-4 neurotoxicity amongst the patients who received > or =500 mg/m(2) of oxaliplatin (p-values of 0.376 and 0.772, respectively). The results of this study indicate that the GSTP1 genotype is not predictive for progression-free survival or overall survival in ACC patients treated with CAPOX. Moreover, overall neurotoxicity and neurotoxicity in patients receiving 500 mg/m(2) of oxaliplatin was not associated with GSTP1 genotype.

  16. Coupling CP-MD simulations and X-ray absorption spectroscopy: exploring the structure of oxaliplatin in aqueous solution.

    PubMed

    Beret, Elizabeth C; Provost, Karine; Müller, Diane; Marcos, Enrique Sánchez

    2009-09-10

    A combined experimental-theoretical approach applying X-ray absorption spectroscopy and ab initio molecular dynamics (CP-MD) simulations is used to get insight into the structural determination of oxaliplatin, a third-generation anticancer drug of the cisplatin family, in aqueous solution. Experimental Pt L(III)-edge EXAFS and XANES spectra of oxaliplatin in water are compared with theoretical XAS spectra. The latter are obtained as statistically averaged spectra computed for a set of selected snapshots extracted from the MD trajectory of ethyldiamineoxalatoplatinum(II) (EDO-Pt) in liquid water. This compound is a simplified structure of oxaliplatin, where the outer part of the cyclohexane ring contained in the cyclohexanediamine ligand of oxaliplatin has been removed. We show that EDO-Pt is an appropriate model to simulate the spectroscopical properties of oxaliplatin given that the cyclohexane ring does not generate particular features in neither the EXAFS nor the XANES spectra. The computation of average EXAFS spectra using structures from the MD simulation in which atoms are selected according to different cutoff radii around the Pt center allows the assignment of spectral features to particular structural motifs, both in k and R-spaces. The outer oxygen atoms of the oxalate ligand (R(Pt-O(II)) = 3.97 +/- 0.03 A) are responsible for a well-defined hump at around 6.5 A(-1) in the k(2)-weighted EXAFS spectrum. The conventional EXAFS analysis data procedure is reexamined by its application to the simulated average EXAFS spectra. The structural parameters resulting from the fit may then be compared with those obtained from the simulation, providing an estimation of the methodological error associated with the global fitting procedure. A thorough discussion on the synergy between the experimental and theoretical XAS approaches is presented, and evidence for the detection of a slight hydration structure around the Pt complex is shown, leading to the suggestion of a

  17. Phase 1a/1b and pharmacogenetic study of docetaxel, oxaliplatin and capecitabine in patients with advanced cancer of the stomach or the gastroesophageal junction.

    PubMed

    Deenen, Maarten J; Meulendijks, Didier; Boot, Henk; Legdeur, Marie-Cecile J C; Beijnen, Jos H; Schellens, Jan H M; Cats, Annemieke

    2015-12-01

    The prognosis of gastroesophageal cancer is poor, and current regimens are associated with limited efficacy. The purpose of this study was to explore the safety and preliminary efficacy of docetaxel, oxaliplatin plus capecitabine for advanced cancer of the stomach or the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Secondary objectives included pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic analyses. Patients were treated in escalating dose levels with docetaxel and oxaliplatin (both on day 1), plus capecitabine b.i.d. on days 1-14 every 3 weeks, to determine the dose-limiting toxicity and maximum tolerated dose (MTD). An expansion cohort was treated at the MTD. A total of ten polymorphisms in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic candidate genes were analyzed and tested for association with treatment outcome. A total of 34 evaluable patients were enrolled. The MTD was docetaxel 50 mg/m(2), oxaliplatin 100 mg/m(2) plus capecitabine 850 mg/m(2) b.i.d. The median number of treatment cycles was 6 (range 2-8). Grade ≥ 3 toxicities included neutropenia (24 %), leukocytopenia (15 %), febrile neutropenia (12 %), fatigue (9 %) and diarrhea (6 %). The overall response rate was 45 %; two patients achieved a complete response. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 6.5 months (95 % CI 5.4-7.6) and 11.0 months (95 % CI 7.9-14.1), respectively. The polymorphisms ERCC1 354C>T, TYMS 1053C>T and rs2612091 in ENOSF1 were associated with severe toxicity; ERCC1 354C>T and ERCC2 2251A>C were associated with poor progression-free survival. Docetaxel, oxaliplatin plus capecitabine are a well-tolerable, safe and effective treatment regimen for patients with advanced cancer of the stomach or GEJ. Pharmacogenetic markers in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic candidate genes may be predictive for treatment outcome.

  18. Neoadjuvant 5-FU or Capecitabine Plus Radiation With or Without Oxaliplatin in Rectal Cancer Patients: A Phase III Randomized Clinical Trial

    PubMed Central

    Yothers, Greg; O’Connell, Michael J.; Beart, Robert W.; Wozniak, Timothy F.; Pitot, Henry C.; Shields, Anthony F.; Landry, Jerome C.; Ryan, David P.; Arora, Amit; Evans, Lisa S.; Bahary, Nathan; Soori, Gamini; Eakle, Janice F.; Robertson, John M.; Moore, Dennis F.; Mullane, Michael R.; Marchello, Benjamin T.; Ward, Patrick J.; Sharif, Saima; Roh, Mark S.; Wolmark, Norman

    2015-01-01

    Background: National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project R-04 was designed to determine whether the oral fluoropyrimidine capecitabine could be substituted for continuous infusion 5-FU in the curative setting of stage II/III rectal cancer during neoadjuvant radiation therapy and whether the addition of oxaliplatin could further enhance the activity of fluoropyrimidine-sensitized radiation. Methods: Patients with clinical stage II or III rectal cancer undergoing preoperative radiation were randomly assigned to one of four chemotherapy regimens in a 2x2 design: CVI 5-FU or oral capecitabine with or without oxaliplatin. The primary endpoint was local-regional tumor control. Time-to-event endpoint distributions were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Hazard ratios were estimated from Cox proportional hazard models. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: Among 1608 randomized patients there were no statistically significant differences between regimens using 5-FU vs capecitabine in three-year local-regional tumor event rates (11.2% vs 11.8%), 5-year DFS (66.4% vs 67.7%), or 5-year OS (79.9% vs 80.8%); or for oxaliplatin vs no oxaliplatin for the three endpoints of local-regional events, DFS, and OS (11.2% vs 12.1%, 69.2% vs 64.2%, and 81.3% vs 79.0%). The addition of oxaliplatin was associated with statistically significantly more overall and grade 3–4 diarrhea (P < .0001). Three-year rates of local-regional recurrence among patients who underwent R0 resection ranged from 3.1 to 5.1% depending on the study arm. Conclusions: Continuous infusion 5-FU produced outcomes for local-regional control, DFS, and OS similar to those obtained with oral capecitabine combined with radiation. This study establishes capecitabine as a standard of care in the pre-operative rectal setting. Oxaliplatin did not improve the local-regional failure rate, DFS, or OS for any patient risk group but did add considerable toxicity. PMID:26374429

  19. Neoadjuvant 5-FU or Capecitabine Plus Radiation With or Without Oxaliplatin in Rectal Cancer Patients: A Phase III Randomized Clinical Trial.

    PubMed

    Allegra, Carmen J; Yothers, Greg; O'Connell, Michael J; Beart, Robert W; Wozniak, Timothy F; Pitot, Henry C; Shields, Anthony F; Landry, Jerome C; Ryan, David P; Arora, Amit; Evans, Lisa S; Bahary, Nathan; Soori, Gamini; Eakle, Janice F; Robertson, John M; Moore, Dennis F; Mullane, Michael R; Marchello, Benjamin T; Ward, Patrick J; Sharif, Saima; Roh, Mark S; Wolmark, Norman

    2015-11-01

    National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project R-04 was designed to determine whether the oral fluoropyrimidine capecitabine could be substituted for continuous infusion 5-FU in the curative setting of stage II/III rectal cancer during neoadjuvant radiation therapy and whether the addition of oxaliplatin could further enhance the activity of fluoropyrimidine-sensitized radiation. Patients with clinical stage II or III rectal cancer undergoing preoperative radiation were randomly assigned to one of four chemotherapy regimens in a 2x2 design: CVI 5-FU or oral capecitabine with or without oxaliplatin. The primary endpoint was local-regional tumor control. Time-to-event endpoint distributions were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Hazard ratios were estimated from Cox proportional hazard models. All statistical tests were two-sided. Among 1608 randomized patients there were no statistically significant differences between regimens using 5-FU vs capecitabine in three-year local-regional tumor event rates (11.2% vs 11.8%), 5-year DFS (66.4% vs 67.7%), or 5-year OS (79.9% vs 80.8%); or for oxaliplatin vs no oxaliplatin for the three endpoints of local-regional events, DFS, and OS (11.2% vs 12.1%, 69.2% vs 64.2%, and 81.3% vs 79.0%). The addition of oxaliplatin was associated with statistically significantly more overall and grade 3-4 diarrhea (P < .0001). Three-year rates of local-regional recurrence among patients who underwent R0 resection ranged from 3.1 to 5.1% depending on the study arm. Continuous infusion 5-FU produced outcomes for local-regional control, DFS, and OS similar to those obtained with oral capecitabine combined with radiation. This study establishes capecitabine as a standard of care in the pre-operative rectal setting. Oxaliplatin did not improve the local-regional failure rate, DFS, or OS for any patient risk group but did add considerable toxicity. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For

  20. REOX: Evaluation of the Efficacy of Retreatment With an Oxaliplatin-containing Regimen in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Single-center Study.

    PubMed

    Costa, Talita; Nuñez, Jose; Felismino, Tiago; Boente, Leonardo; Mello, Celso

    2017-12-01

    Treatment of metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma (mCRC) has evolved, and survival is over 30 months in contemporary trials. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of effective regimes after the first or second-line treatment. Thus, reexposure to previously used drugs has become a treatment strategy for some patients. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of retreatment with an oxaliplatin-containing regimen in mCRC and correlate this with clinicopathologic features. We retrospectively analyzed 83 patients with mCRC who underwent reexposure to oxaliplatin (REOX). REOX was defined as a second trial of an oxaliplatin-containing regimen after a previous failure. Primary endpoint was time to treatment failure (TTF). The median age was 53.5 years, and the female/male ratio was 51.8%/48.2%. The site of the primary tumor was colon (67.5%) and rectal (32.5%). KRAS was mutated in 39.8%. Liver-limited metastasis was found in 19.3% of patients. The main regimen was 5-fluorouracil, levoleucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) (84.3%). Bevacizumab and cetuximab were used in 42.2% and 6% of patients, respectively. REOX was used in the third and fourth lines in 48.2% and 25.3% of patients, respectively. The median TTF after REOX was 6.04 months. Overall survival (OS) was 10.04 months. Disease control (complete response + partial response + stable disease) was observed in 56.6%, whereas 42.2% had progressive disease. Partial response + complete response to previous oxaliplatin was predictive of prolonged OS. Patients who attained disease control had better median OS compared with those with progressive disease (14.5 vs. 6.24 months; P < .0001). In the setting of heavily pretreated patients with mCRC, REOX was an effective treatment, with mTTF of 6.04 months in our cohort. Selection of patients with the longest time since previous oxaliplatin can translate in better outcome. Further studies should be conducted to confirm our data. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Evaluation of CpG Island Methylator Phenotype as a Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer Treated With Adjuvant Oxaliplatin.

    PubMed

    Cohen, Stacey A; Wu, Chen; Yu, Ming; Gourgioti, Georgia; Wirtz, Ralph; Raptou, Georgia; Gkakou, Chryssa; Kotoula, Vassiliki; Pentheroudakis, George; Papaxoinis, George; Karavasilis, Vasilios; Pectasides, Dimitrios; Kalogeras, Konstantine T; Fountzilas, George; Grady, William M

    2016-06-01

    The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) is a promising biomarker for irinotecan/5-fluorouracil/leucovorin chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer. In the present study, we evaluated whether CIMP is a prognostic biomarker for standard-of-care oxaliplatin-based adjuvant therapy. The HE6C/05 trial randomized 441 patients with stage II-III colorectal adenocarcinoma to adjuvant XELOX (capecitabine, oxaliplatin) or modified FOLFOX6 (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin). The primary and secondary objectives were disease-free and overall survival, respectively. CIMP status was determined using the DNA methylation status of CACNA1G, IGF2, NEUROG1, RUNX3, and SOCS1. Cox models were used to assess the association of CIMP with survival. Of the 293 available tumors, 28 (9.6%) were CIMP(+). On univariate Cox regression analysis, no significant differences in survival were observed between individuals with CIMP(+) versus CIMP(-) tumors. CIMP(+) tumors were more likely to be right-sided and BRAF mutant (χ(2), P < .001). In the multivariate model, TNM stage II (vs. stage III) was associated with a reduced risk of relapse (hazard ratio [HR], 0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11-0.55; Wald's P < .001), and a colon primary located on the left side and earlier TNM stage were associated with a reduced risk of death (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.28-0.81; P = .006; and HR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10-0.49; P < .001, respectively). In the present exploratory analysis, CIMP did not appear to be a prognostic biomarker in oxaliplatin-treated patients with resected colorectal cancer. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Clinical Course of Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathy: Results From the Randomized Phase III Trial N08CB (Alliance)

    PubMed Central

    Pachman, Deirdre R.; Qin, Rui; Seisler, Drew K.; Smith, Ellen M.L.; Beutler, Andreas S.; Ta, Lauren E.; Lafky, Jacqueline M.; Wagner-Johnston, Nina D.; Ruddy, Kathryn J.; Dakhil, Shaker; Staff, Nathan P.; Grothey, Axel; Loprinzi, Charles L.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose Given that the clinical course of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy is not well defined, the current study was performed to better understand clinical parameters associated with its presentation. Methods Acute and chronic neuropathy was evaluated in patients receiving adjuvant FOLFOX (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) on study N08CB (North Central Cancer Treatment Group, Alliance). Acute neuropathy was assessed by having patients complete daily questionnaires for 6 days with each cycle of FOLFOX. Before each dose of FOLFOX and as long as 18 months after chemotherapy cessation, chronic neurotoxicity was assessed with use of the 20-item, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality-of-life questionnaire for patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Results Three hundred eight (89%) of the 346 patients had at least one symptom of acute neuropathy with the first cycle of FOLFOX; these symptoms included sensitivity to touching cold items (71%), sensitivity to swallowing cold items (71%), throat discomfort (63%), or muscle cramps (42%). Acute symptoms peaked at day 3 and improved, although they did not always resolve completely between treatments. These symptoms were about twice as severe in cycles 2 through 12 as they were in cycle 1. For chronic neurotoxicity, tingling was the most severe symptom, followed by numbness and then pain. During chemotherapy, symptoms in the hands were more prominent than they were in the feet; by 18 months, symptoms were more severe in the feet than they were in the hands. Patients with more severe acute neuropathy during the first cycle of therapy experienced more chronic sensory neurotoxicity (P < .0001). Conclusion Acute oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy symptoms do not always completely resolve between treatment cycles and are only half as severe on the first cycle as compared with subsequent cycles. There is a correlation between the severities of acute and chronic neuropathies. PMID

  3. Improved anti-tumor efficacy via combination of oxaliplatin and fibrin glue in colorectal cancer

    PubMed Central

    Hu, Yuzhu; Yu, Ting; Liu, Xiaoxiao; He, Yihong; Deng, Lihong; Guo, Jiajuan; Hua, Yuanqi; Luo, Ting; Gao, Xiang

    2018-01-01

    Colorectal cancer is very common worldwide and advanced colorectal cancer exhibited very poor clinical outcome. Oxaliplatin (OXP) is one of the principal chemotherapeutic agents in colorectal cancer treatment presenting impressive anti-tumor ability, limited by adverse effect in clinical practice. Fibrin glue (FG) is a biocompatible formulation made of fibrinogen and thrombin, extensively used in surgery for hemostasis, tissue adhesion and sealing. In this study, FG was innovatively applied as OXP delivery system and results showed enhanced anti-tumor performance in subcutaneous model and abdominal metastasis model of murine colorectal cancer compared with that of OXP used alone. It is revealed that combination of OXP and FG could increase activated CD8+ T cells, reduce regulatory T (Treg) cells and increase interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Furthermore, results showed promoted tumor apoptosis, decreased proliferation and inhibited tumor angiogenesis by OXP and FG combination. No obvious systemic toxicity was observed in this study. Finally, our findings provided basis for promising application of OXP and FG combination in colorectal cancer treatment. PMID:29416788

  4. Oxaliplatin and protracted venous infusion of 5-fluorouracil in patients with advanced or relapsed 5-fluorouracil pretreated colorectal cancer

    PubMed Central

    Chau, I; Webb, A; Cunningham, D; Hill, M; Waters, J S; Norman, A; Massey, A

    2001-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the activity and safety of oxaliplatin and protracted venous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (PVI 5-FU) in patients with advanced or relapsed 5-FU pretreated colorectal cancer. 38 patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal carcinoma with documented progression on or within 6 months following 5-FU or thymidylate synthase inhibitor containing chemotherapy were recruited between June 1997 and September 2000. Oxaliplatin (100 mg m−2) was given every 2 weeks and PVI 5-FU (300 mg m−2day−1) was administered. Median age of patients was 61 years. 17 patients had >2 sites of disease involvement. 10 had received 5-FU based adjuvant chemotherapy. 16 received oxaliplatin and PVI 5-FU as second-line chemotherapy for advanced disease and 22 as third or subsequent lines. Median follow up was 6.1 months. The best achieved objective tumour response rate was 29% (11 partial responses 95% confidence interval [CI] = 15–46%). 20 patients (52.6%) had stable disease. The median duration of response was 3.9 months. Even for patients who had previously received both 5-FU and irinotecan (n= 22), 27.3% had partial response with oxaliplatin and PVI 5-FU. 37 patients had symptoms on entry into the study. 25 patients had pain, 10 had anorexia and 28 had lethargy. 64%, 70% and 17.9% had symptomatic improvement after treatment respectively. Grade 3–4 toxicities were anaemia 10.6%, neutropenia 2.6%, thrombocytopenia 5.2%, diarrhoea 18.9%, nausea and vomiting 2.7%, infection 5.4% and lethargy 37.8%. The median survival was 9.1 months. Probability of overall survival at 6 months was 58.4% (95% CI = 38.7–73.7%). The median failure-free survival was 4 months. Oxaliplatin and PVI 5FU is an active and well tolerated regimen in patients with heavily pre-treated advanced colorectal cancer. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign PMID:11720458

  5. Phase II study of preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy with oxaliplatin for locally advanced esophageal cancer.

    PubMed

    Huang, Jing-Wen; Yeh, Hui-Ling; Hsu, Chung-Ping; Chuang, Cheng-Yen; Lin, Jin-Ching; Lin, Jai-Fu; Chang, Chen-Fa

    2017-07-01

    We investigated preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with oxaliplatin for locally advanced, potentially operative esophageal cancer in this Phase II study. Between October 2009 and October 2011, 35 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed esophageal cancer clinical stage T3-4, N0-1, M0 were enrolled into this study. One dose of chemotherapy with oxaliplatin (35 mg/m 2 ) on Day 1 and Day 2, leucovorin (200 mg/m 2 ) on Day 1, and 5-fluorouracil [5-FU; 2400 mg/m 2 intravenously (i.v.) administered continuously for 48 hours] on Day 1 was administered 2 weeks before preoperative CCRT. During preoperative CCRT, radiation dose of 4500 cGy in 25 fractions was administered to the clinical target volume and 5000 cGy to 5040 cGy in 25 fractions was administered to the gross tumor volume; chemotherapy is administered concomitantly with oxaliplatin (45 mg/m 2 ) on Day 1 of radiation therapy (R/T) every 14 days; 5-FU (400 mg/m 2 i.v. bolus for 1 hour) for 5 days on Weeks 1 and 5 of R/T. Operation was performed 4-6 weeks after preoperative CCRT. Acute toxicity profile, overall survival rate, disease-free survival rate, distant metastasis failure-free survival rate, and local recurrence rate were evaluated. Four patients withdrew from the study. The total number of patients in this analysis was 31. The resection rate was 64.5%. The pathologic complete response rate was 15%. The overall median survival was 19.3 months. The 5-year overall survival rate was 37.8%. The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 31.1%. The 5-year distant metastasis failure-free survival rate was 40.7% (50.56% for patients with operation; 27.2% for patients without operation, p=0.0298). The acute toxicities were mild, and no Grade 3 or above hematologic toxicity was noted. There was only one patient with Grade 3 esophagus toxicity. Grade 3 lung toxicity occurred in only three patients. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy with oxaliplatin in the treatment of locally advanced, potentially

  6. Irinotecan and Oxaliplatin Might Provide Equal Benefit as Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Patients with Resectable Synchronous Colon Cancer and Liver-confined Metastases: A Nationwide Database Study.

    PubMed

    Liang, Yi-Hsin; Shao, Yu-Yun; Chen, Ho-Min; Cheng, Ann-Lii; Lai, Mei-Shu; Yeh, Kun-Huei

    2017-12-01

    Although irinotecan and oxaliplatin are both standard treatments for advanced colon cancer, it remains unknown whether either is effective for patients with resectable synchronous colon cancer and liver-confined metastasis (SCCLM) after curative surgery. A population-based cohort of patients diagnosed with de novo SCCLM between 2004 and 2009 was established by searching the database of the Taiwan Cancer Registry and the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. Patients who underwent curative surgery as their first therapy followed by chemotherapy doublets were classified into the irinotecan group or oxaliplatin group accordingly. Patients who received radiotherapy or did not receive chemotherapy doublets were excluded. We included 6,533 patients with de novo stage IV colon cancer. Three hundred and nine of them received chemotherapy doublets after surgery; 77 patients received irinotecan and 232 patients received oxaliplatin as adjuvant chemotherapy. The patients in both groups exhibited similar overall survival (median: not reached vs. 40.8 months, p=0.151) and time to the next line of treatment (median: 16.5 vs. 14.3 months, p=0.349) in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Additionally, patients with resectable SCCLM had significantly shorter median overall survival than patients with stage III colon cancer who underwent curative surgery and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy, but longer median overall survival than patients with de novo stage IV colon cancer who underwent surgery only at the primary site followed by standard systemic chemotherapy (p<0.001). Irinotecan and oxaliplatin exhibited similar efficacy in patients who underwent curative surgery for resectable SCCLM. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

  7. Optimal Sequence of Irinotecan and Oxaliplatin-Based Regimens in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Observational Study

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Ching-Heng; Hwang, Wen-Li

    2015-01-01

    The optimal sequence of irinotecan and oxaliplatin-based regimens for metastatic colorectal cancer remains unclear. We conducted a population-based observational study by retrospectively reviewing records from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database to explore this issue. Patients aged ≥20 years with metastatic colorectal cancer newly diagnosed between 2004 and 2008 (n = 9490) were enrolled in current study. Among these 9490 patients, 3895 patients (41.04%) did not receive any chemotherapy within the first three months after catastrophic illness registration. Patients who received best supportive care were older and had higher Charlson comorbidity indexes and incidences of comorbidities than those who received irinotecan-based regimens, oxaliplatin-based regimens, and 5-fluorouracil/capecitabine alone. Patients who received irinotecan followed by oxaliplatin-based regimens and those who received the reverse sequence were further stratified into arm A (n = 542) and arm B (n = 1156), respectively. The median first time to next treatment was not significantly different between arm A and arm B (210 days vs. 196 days; p = 0.17). However, the median second time to next treatment was longer in arm A than in arm B (155 days vs. 123 days; p = 0.006), which translated into a better overall survival (487 days vs. 454 days; p = 0.02). The crossover rate was higher in arm A than in arm B (47.84% vs. 41.61%; p<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that overall survival was comparable between the two chemotherapy sequences (p = 0.27). Our study suggested that irinotecan followed by oxaliplatin-based regimens might be a better chemotherapy treatment option for metastatic colorectal cancer than the reverse sequence given the higher crossover rate and potential overall survival benefit. PMID:26273837

  8. Optimal Sequence of Irinotecan and Oxaliplatin-Based Regimens in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Observational Study.

    PubMed

    Teng, Chieh-Lin Jerry; Wang, Chen-Yu; Chen, Yi-Huei; Lin, Ching-Heng; Hwang, Wen-Li

    2015-01-01

    The optimal sequence of irinotecan and oxaliplatin-based regimens for metastatic colorectal cancer remains unclear. We conducted a population-based observational study by retrospectively reviewing records from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database to explore this issue. Patients aged ≥ 20 years with metastatic colorectal cancer newly diagnosed between 2004 and 2008 (n = 9490) were enrolled in current study. Among these 9490 patients, 3895 patients (41.04%) did not receive any chemotherapy within the first three months after catastrophic illness registration. Patients who received best supportive care were older and had higher Charlson comorbidity indexes and incidences of comorbidities than those who received irinotecan-based regimens, oxaliplatin-based regimens, and 5-fluorouracil/capecitabine alone. Patients who received irinotecan followed by oxaliplatin-based regimens and those who received the reverse sequence were further stratified into arm A (n = 542) and arm B (n = 1156), respectively. The median first time to next treatment was not significantly different between arm A and arm B (210 days vs. 196 days; p = 0.17). However, the median second time to next treatment was longer in arm A than in arm B (155 days vs. 123 days; p = 0.006), which translated into a better overall survival (487 days vs. 454 days; p = 0.02). The crossover rate was higher in arm A than in arm B (47.84% vs. 41.61%; p<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that overall survival was comparable between the two chemotherapy sequences (p = 0.27). Our study suggested that irinotecan followed by oxaliplatin-based regimens might be a better chemotherapy treatment option for metastatic colorectal cancer than the reverse sequence given the higher crossover rate and potential overall survival benefit.

  9. European Medicines Agency approval summary: Zaltrap for the treatment of patients with oxaliplatin-resistant metastatic colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Stanel, Stefan Cristian; Sjöberg, Jan; Salmonson, Tomas; Foggi, Paolo; Caleno, Mariapaola; Melchiorri, Daniela; Gravanis, Iordanis; Tzogani, Kyriaki; Pignatti, Francesco

    2017-01-01

    On 1 February 2013, a marketing authorisation valid throughout the European Union was issued for aflibercept (Zaltrap) in combination with irinotecan/5-fluorouracil/folinic acid chemotherapy for the treatment of adults with metastatic colorectal cancer resistant to or progressive after an oxaliplatin-containing regimen. Aflibercept is a recombinant fusion protein which blocks the activation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors and the proliferation of endothelial cells, acting as a soluble decoy receptor that binds to VEGF-A with higher affinity than its native receptors, as well as placental growth factor and VEGF-B. The use of aflibercept was studied in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III study, in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who had previously been treated with an oxaliplatin-based treatment with or without prior bevacizumab. Aflibercept (n=612) was compared with placebo (n=614), both in combination with FOLFIRI (infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin and irinotecan). The primary endpoint of the study was overall survival (OS). The median OS in the intent-to-treat population was 13.5 months in subjects treated with aflibercept compared with 12.1 months for subjects in the control arm (stratified HR=0.817, 95% CI 0.714 to 0.935, stratified pvalue=0.0032). The frequency of adverse events was higher in the aflibercept arm compared with the placebo arm, reflecting the toxicity profile of anti-VEGF agents in combination with chemotherapy. This paper is based on the scientific review of the application leading to approval of aflibercept in the EU. The detailed scientific assessment report and product information for this product are available on the European Medicines Agency website (http://www.ema.europa.eu). Trial registration number NCT00561470, Results.

  10. Neuroprotective activities of curcumin and quercetin with potential relevance to mitochondrial dysfunction induced by oxaliplatin.

    PubMed

    Waseem, Mohammad; Parvez, Suhel

    2016-03-01

    Peripheral neurotoxicity is one of the serious dose-limiting side effects of oxaliplatin (Oxa) when used in the treatment of malignant conditions. It is documented that it elicits major side effects specifically neurotoxicity due to oxidative stress forcing the patients to limit its clinical use in long-term treatment. Oxidative stress has been proven to be involved in Oxa-induced toxicity including neurotoxicity. The mitochondria have recently emerged as targets for anticancer drugs in various kinds of toxicity including neurotoxicity that can lead to neoplastic disease. However, there is paucity of literature involving the role of the mitochondria in mediating Oxa-induced neurotoxicity and its underlying mechanism is still debatable. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dose-dependent damage caused by Oxa on isolated brain mitochondria under in vitro conditions. The study was also designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of nutraceuticals, curcumin (CMN), and quercetin (QR) on Oxa-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress and respiratory chain complexes in the brain of rats. Oxidative stress biomarkers, levels of nonenzymatic antioxidants, activities of enzymatic antioxidants, and mitochondrial complexes were evaluated against the neurotoxicity induced by Oxa. Pretreatment with CMN and QR significantly replenished the mitochondrial lipid peroxidation levels and protein carbonyl content induced by Oxa. CMN and QR ameliorated altered nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants and complex enzymes of mitochondria. We conclude that CMN and QR, by attenuating oxidative stress as evident by mitochondrial dysfunction, hold promise as agents that can potentially reduce Oxa-induced adverse effects in the brain.

  11. Orofacial neuropathic pain induced by oxaliplatin: downregulation of KCNQ2 channels in V2 trigeminal ganglion neurons and treatment by the KCNQ2 channel potentiator retigabine.

    PubMed

    Ling, Jennifer; Erol, Ferhat; Viatchenko-Karpinski, Viacheslav; Kanda, Hirosato; Gu, Jianguo G

    2017-01-01

    Neuropathic pain induced by chemotherapy drugs such as oxaliplatin is a dose-limiting side effect in cancer treatment. The mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain are not fully understood. KCNQ2 channels are low-threshold voltage-gated K+ channels that play a role in controlling neuronal excitability. Downregulation of KCNQ2 channels has been proposed to be an underlying mechanism of sensory hypersensitivity that leads to neuropathic pain. However, it is currently unknown whether KCNQ channels may be downregulated by chemotherapy drugs in trigeminal ganglion neurons to contribute to the pathogenesis of chemotherapy-induced orofacial neuropathic pain. In the present study, mechanical sensitivity in orofacial regions is measured using the operant behavioral test in rats treated with oxaliplatin. Operant behaviors in these animals show the gradual development of orofacial neuropathic pain that manifests with orofacial mechanical allodynia. Immunostaining shows strong KCNQ2 immunoreactivity in small-sized V2 trigeminal ganglion neurons in controls, and the numbers of KCNQ2 immunoreactivity positive V2 trigeminal ganglion neurons are significantly reduced in oxaliplatin-treated animals. Immunostaining is also performed in brainstem and shows strong KCNQ2 immunoreactivity at the trigeminal afferent central terminals innervating the caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus (Vc) in controls, but the KCNQ2 immunoreactivity intensity is significantly reduced in oxaliplatin-treated animals. We further show with the operant behavioral test that oxaliplatin-induced orofacial mechanical allodynia can be alleviated by the KCNQ2 potentiator retigabine. Taken together, these findings suggest that KCNQ2 downregulation may be a cause of oxaliplatin-induced orofacial neuropathic pain and KCNQ2 potentiators may be useful for alleviating the neuropathic pain.

  12. Ninjin'yoeito and ginseng extract prevent oxaliplatin-induced neurodegeneration in PC12 cells.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Toshiaki; Yamamoto, Ayano; Ohsawa, Masahiro; Motoo, Yoshiharu; Mizukami, Hajime; Makino, Toshiaki

    2015-10-01

    Ninjin'yoeito (NYT) is a formula of Japanese traditional kampo medicine composed of 12 crude drugs, and is designed to improve the decline in constitution after recovery from disease, fatigue, anemia, anorexia, perspiration during sleep, cold limbs, slight fever, chills, persistent cough, malaise, mental disequilibrium, insomnia, and constipation. Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is a platinum-based anticancer drug used to treat colorectal, pancreatic, and stomach cancers. However, it often causes acute and chronic peripheral neuropathies including cold allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia. In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of NYT on neuronal degeneration caused by L-OHP using PC12 cells, which are derived from the rat adrenal medulla and differentiate into nerve-like cells after exposure to nerve growth factor. L-OHP treatment decreased the elongation of neurite-like projection outgrowths in differentiated PC12 cells. When PC12 cells were treated with NYT hot water extract, neurodegeneration caused by L-OHP was significantly prevented in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the 12 crude drugs composing NYT, the extract of Ginseng (the root of Panax ginseng) exhibited the strongest preventive effects on neurodegeneration in differentiated PC12 cells. By activity-guided fractionation, we found that the fraction containing ginsenosides displayed preventive activity and, among several ginsenosides, ginsenoside F2 exhibited significant preventive effects on L-OHP-induced decreases in neurite-like outgrowths in differentiated PC12 cells. These results suggest that NYT and ginseng are promising agents for preventing L-OHP-induced neuropathies and present ginsenoside F2 as one of the active ingredients in ginseng.

  13. Efficacy Endpoints of Radiation Therapy Group Protocol 0247: A Randomized, Phase 2 Study of Neoadjuvant Radiation Therapy Plus Concurrent Capecitabine and Irinotecan or Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin for Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wong, Stuart J.; Moughan, Jennifer; Meropol, Neal J., E-mail: Neal.Meropol@case.edu

    Purpose: To report secondary efficacy endpoints of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group protocol 0247, primary endpoint analysis of which demonstrated that preoperative radiation therapy (RT) with capecitabine plus oxaliplatin achieved a pathologic complete remission prespecified threshold (21%) to merit further study, whereas RT with capecitabine plus irinotecan did not (10%). Methods and Materials: A randomized, phase 2 trial evaluated preoperative RT (50.4 Gy in 1.8-Gy fractions) with 2 concurrent chemotherapy regimens: (1) capecitabine (1200 mg/m{sup 2}/d Monday-Friday) plus irinotecan (50 mg/m{sup 2}/wk × 4); and (2) capecitabine (1650 mg/m{sup 2}/d Monday-Friday) plus oxaliplatin (50 mg/m{sup 2}/wk × 5) for clinical T3 or T4 rectal cancer. Surgery was performed 4 tomore » 8 weeks after chemoradiation, then 4 to 6 weeks later, adjuvant chemotherapy (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m{sup 2}; leucovorin 400 mg/m{sup 2}; 5-fluorouracil 400 mg/m{sup 2}; 5-fluorouracil 2400 mg/m{sup 2}) every 2 weeks × 9. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated univariately by the Kaplan-Meier method. Local–regional failure (LRF), distant failure (DF), and second primary failure (SP) were estimated by the cumulative incidence method. No statistical comparisons were made between arms because each was evaluated individually. Results: A total of 104 patients (median age, 57 years) were treated; characteristics were similar for both arms. Median follow-up for RT with capecitabine/irinotecan arm was 3.77 years and for RT with capecitabine/oxaliplatin arm was 3.97 years. Four-year DFS, OS, LRF, DF, and SP estimates for capecitabine/irinotecan arm were 68%, 85%, 16%, 24%, and 2%, respectively. The 4-year DFS, OS, LRF, DF, and SP failure estimates for capecitabine/oxaliplatin arm were 62%, 75%, 18%, 30%, and 6%, respectively. Conclusions: Efficacy results for both arms are similar to other reported studies but suggest that pathologic complete

  14. Tandem repeat variation near the HIC1 (hypermethylated in cancer 1) promoter predicts outcome of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Okazaki, Satoshi; Schirripa, Marta; Loupakis, Fotios; Cao, Shu; Zhang, Wu; Yang, Dongyun; Ning, Yan; Berger, Martin D; Miyamoto, Yuji; Suenaga, Mitsukuni; Iqubal, Syma; Barzi, Afsaneh; Cremolini, Chiara; Falcone, Alfredo; Battaglin, Francesca; Salvatore, Lisa; Borelli, Beatrice; Helentjaris, Timothy G; Lenz, Heinz-Josef

    2017-11-15

    The hypermethylated in cancer 1/sirtuin 1 (HIC1/SIRT1) axis plays an important role in regulating the nucleotide excision repair pathway, which is the main oxaliplatin-induced damage-repair system. On the basis of prior evidence that the variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) sequence located near the promoter lesion of HIC1 is associated with HIC1 gene expression, the authors tested the hypothesis that this VNTR is associated with clinical outcome in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who receive oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Four independent cohorts were tested. Patients who received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy served as the training cohort (n = 218), and those who received treatment without oxaliplatin served as the control cohort (n = 215). Two cohorts of patients who received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy were used for validation studies (n = 176 and n = 73). The VNTR sequence near HIC1 was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction analysis and gel electrophoresis and was tested for associations with the response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival. In the training cohort, patients who harbored at least 5 tandem repeats (TRs) in both alleles had a significantly shorter PFS compared with those who had fewer than 4 TRs in at least 1 allele (9.5 vs 11.6 months; hazard ratio, 1.93; P = .012), and these findings remained statistically significant after multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-3.54; P = .018). This preliminary association was confirmed in the validation cohort, and patients who had at least 5 TRs in both alleles had a worse PFS compared with the other cohort (7.9 vs 9.8 months; hazard ratio, 1.85; P = .044). The current findings suggest that the VNTR sequence near HIC1 could be a predictive marker for oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Cancer 2017;123:4506-14. © 2017 American Cancer Society. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

  15. High pressure does not counterbalance the advantages of open techniques over closed techniques during heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy with oxaliplatin.

    PubMed

    Facy, Olivier; Combier, Christophe; Poussier, Matthieu; Magnin, Guy; Ladoire, Sylvain; Ghiringhelli, François; Chauffert, B; Rat, Patrick; Ortega-Deballon, Pablo

    2015-01-01

    Heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) treats residual microscopic disease after cytoreductive surgery. In experimental models, the open HIPEC technique has shown a higher and more homogenous concentration of platinum in the peritoneum than achieved using the closed technique. A 25-cm H2O pressure enhances the penetration of oxaliplatin. Because pressure is easier to set up with the closed technique, high pressure may counterbalance the drawbacks of this technique versus open HIPEC, and a higher pressure may induce a higher penetration. Because higher concentration does not mean deeper penetration, a study of tissues beneath the peritoneum is required. Finally, achieving a deeper penetration (and a higher concentration) raises the question of the passage of drugs through the surgical glove and the surgeon's safety. Four groups of pigs underwent HIPEC with oxaliplatin (150 mg/L) for 30 minutes in open isobaric pressure and pressure at 25 cm H2O, and closed pressure at 25 and 40 cm H2O. Systemic absorption and peritoneal mapping of the concentration of platinum were analyzed, as well as in the retroperitoneal tissue and the surgical gloves. Blood concentrations were higher in open groups. In the parietal surfaces, the concentrations were not different between the isobaric and the closed groups (47.08, 56.39, and 48.57 mg/kg, respectively), but were higher in the open high-pressure group (85.93 mg/kg). In the visceral surfaces, they were lower in the closed groups (3.2 and 3.05 mg/kg) than in the open groups (7.03 and 9.56 mg/kg). Platinum concentrations were similar in the deep retroperitoneal tissue when compared between isobaric and high-pressure procedures. No platin was detected in the internal aspect of the gloves. The use of high pressure during HIPEC does not counterbalance the drawbacks of closed techniques. The tissue concentration of oxaliplatin achieved with the open techniques is higher, even if high pressure is applied during a closed technique

  16. Randomized phase 2 trial of S1 and oxaliplatin-based chemoradiotherapy with or without induction chemotherapy for esophageal cancer.

    PubMed

    Yoon, Dok Hyun; Jang, Geundoo; Kim, Jong Hoon; Kim, Yong-Hee; Kim, Ji Youn; Kim, Hyeong Ryul; Jung, Hwoon-Yong; Lee, Gin-Hyug; Song, Ho Young; Cho, Kyung-Ja; Ryu, Jin-Sook; Kim, Sung-Bae

    2015-03-01

    To assess, in a randomized, phase 2 trial, the efficacy and safety of chemoradiotherapy with or without induction chemotherapy (ICT) of S1 and oxaliplatin for esophageal cancer. Patients with stage II, III, or IVA esophageal cancer were randomly allocated to either 2 cycles of ICT (oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) on day 1 and S1 at 40 mg/m(2) twice daily on days 1-14, every 3 weeks) followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) (46 Gy, 2 Gy/d with oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 21 and S1 30 mg/m(2) twice daily, 5 days per week during radiation therapy) and esophagectomy (arm A), or the same CCRT followed by esophagectomy without ICT (arm B). The primary endpoint was the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate. A total of 97 patients were randomized (arm A/B, 47/50), 70 of whom underwent esophagectomy (arm A/B, 34/36). The intention-to-treat pCR rate was 23.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.2-35.6%) in arm A and 38% (95% CI 24.5% to 51.5%) in arm B. With a median follow-up duration of 30.3 months, the 2-year progression-free survival rate was 58.4% in arm A and 58.6% in arm B, whereas the 2-year overall survival rate was 60.7% and 63.7%, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia during CCRT was more common in arm A than in arm B (35.4% vs 4.1%). The relative dose intensity of S1 (89.5% ± 20.6% vs 98.3% ± 5.2%, P=.005) and oxaliplatin (91.4% ± 16.8% vs 99.0% ± 4.2%, P=.007) during CCRT was lower in arm A compared with arm B. Three patients in arm A, compared with none in arm B, died within 90 days after surgery. Combination chemotherapy of S1 and oxaliplatin is an effective chemoradiotherapy regimen to treat esophageal cancer. However, we failed to show that the addition of ICT to the regimen can improve the pCR rate. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Oxaliplatin loaded PLAGA microspheres: design of specific release profiles.

    PubMed

    Lagarce, F; Cruaud, O; Deuschel, C; Bayssas, M; Griffon-Etienne, G; Benoit, J

    2002-08-21

    Oxaliplatin loaded PLAGA microspheres have been prepared by solvent extraction process. Parameters affecting the release kinetics in vitro have been studied in order to design specific release profiles suitable for direct intra-tumoral injection. By varying the nature and the relative proportions of different polymers we managed to prepare microspheres with good encapsulation efficiency (75-90%) and four different release profiles: zero order kinetics (type II) and the classical sigmoïd release profile with three different sizes of plateau and burst. These results, if correlated with in vivo activity, are promising to enhance effectiveness of local tumor treatment.

  18. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Mediate the Suppressive Effect of an Injection of Diluted Bee Venom into the GV3 Acupoint on Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathic Cold Allodynia in Rats.

    PubMed

    Yoon, Heera; Kim, Min Joon; Yoon, Insoo; Li, Dong Xing; Bae, Hyunsu; Kim, Sun Kwang

    2015-01-01

    Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapy drug, often induces acute neuropathic pain, especially cold allodynia, even after a single administration. Subcutaneous injection of diluted bee venom (BV) into acupoints has been used to treat various pain symptoms in traditional oriental medicine. Although we previously demonstrated the suppressive effect of BV injection on oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia in rats, its neurochemical mechanism remained unclear. This study investigates whether and how the cholinergic system mediates the relieving effect of BV injection on cold allodynia in oxaliplatin-administered rats. The behavioral signs of cold allodynia induced by an oxaliplatin administration (6 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) were evaluated by a tail immersion test in cold water (4°C). BV (0.25 mg/kg, subcutaneously (s.c.)) injection into the Yaoyangguan acupoint, located between the spinous processes of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, significantly alleviated the cold allodynia. This relieving effect of BV injection on oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia was blocked by a pretreatment with mecamylamine (a non-selective nicotinic receptor antagonist, 2 mg/kg, i.p.), but not by atropine (a non-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist, 1 mg/kg, i.p.). Further, dihydro-β-erythroidinehydrobromide (DHβE, an α4β2 nicotinic antagonist, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) prevented the anti-allodynic effect of BV, whereas methyllycaconitine (an α7 nicotinic antagonist, 6 mg/kg, i.p.) did not. Finally, intrathecal administration of DHβE (10 nM) blocked the BV-induced anti-allodynic effect. These results suggest that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, especially spinal α4β2 receptors, but not muscarinic receptors, mediate the suppressive effect of BV injection on oxaliplatin-induced acute cold allodynia in rats.

  19. 28 CFR 552.25 - Use of less-than-lethal weapons, including chemical agents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Use of less-than-lethal weapons... Use of less-than-lethal weapons, including chemical agents. (a) The Warden may authorize the use of less-than-lethal weapons, including those containing chemical agents, only when the situation is such...

  20. 28 CFR 552.25 - Use of less-than-lethal weapons, including chemical agents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Use of less-than-lethal weapons... Use of less-than-lethal weapons, including chemical agents. (a) The Warden may authorize the use of less-than-lethal weapons, including those containing chemical agents, only when the situation is such...

  1. 28 CFR 552.25 - Use of less-than-lethal weapons, including chemical agents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Use of less-than-lethal weapons... Use of less-than-lethal weapons, including chemical agents. (a) The Warden may authorize the use of less-than-lethal weapons, including those containing chemical agents, only when the situation is such...

  2. N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 promotes oxaliplatin-triggered apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells via enhancing the ubiquitination of Bcl-2.

    PubMed

    Yang, Xiao; Zhu, Fan; Yu, Chaoran; Lu, Jiaoyang; Zhang, Luyang; Lv, Yanfeng; Sun, Jing; Zheng, Minhua

    2017-07-18

    N-myc downstream-regulated gene1 (NDRG1) has been identified as a potent tumor suppressor gene. The molecular mechanisms of anti-tumor activity of NDRG1 involve its suppressive effects on a variety of tumorigenic signaling pathways. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of NDRG1 in the apoptosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. We first collected the clinical data of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients receiving oxaliplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in our medical center. Correlation analysis revealed that NDRG1 positively associated with the downstaging rates and prognosis of patients. Then, the effects of over-expression and depletion of NDRG1 gene on apoptosis of colorectal cancer were tested in vitro and in vivo. NDRG1 over-expression promoted apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells whereas depletion of NDRG1 resulted in resistance to oxaliplatin treatment. Furthermore, we observed that Bcl-2, a major anti-apoptotic protein, was regulated by NDRG1 at post-transcriptional level. By binding Protein kinase Cα (PKCα), a classical regulating factor of Bcl-2, NDRG1 enhanced the ubiquitination and degradation of Bcl-2, thus promoting apoptosis in CRC cells. In addition, NDRG1 inhibited tumor growth and promoted apoptosis in mouse xenograft model. In conclusion,NDRG1 promotes oxaliplatin-triggered apoptosis in colorectal cancer. Therefore, colorectal cancer patients can be stratified by the expression level of NDRG1. NDRG1-positive patients may benefit from oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy regimens whereas those with negative NDRG1 expression should avoid the usage of this cytotoxic drug.

  3. Pregabalin for the Prevention of Oxaliplatin-Induced Painful Neuropathy: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.

    PubMed

    de Andrade, Daniel Ciampi; Jacobsen Teixeira, Manoel; Galhardoni, Ricardo; Ferreira, Karine S L; Braz Mileno, Paula; Scisci, Nathalia; Zandonai, Alexandra; Teixeira, William G J; Saragiotto, Daniel F; Silva, Valquíria; Raicher, Irina; Cury, Rubens Gisbert; Macarenco, Ricardo; Otto Heise, Carlos; Wilson Iervolino Brotto, Mario; Andrade de Mello, Alberto; Zini Megale, Marcelo; Henrique Curti Dourado, Luiz; Mendes Bahia, Luciana; Lilian Rodrigues, Antonia; Parravano, Daniella; Tizue Fukushima, Julia; Lefaucheur, Jean-Pascal; Bouhassira, Didier; Sobroza, Evandro; Riechelmann, Rachel P; Hoff, Paulo M; Valério da Silva, Fernanda; Chile, Thais; Dale, Camila S; Nebuloni, Daniela; Senna, Luiz; Brentani, Helena; Pagano, Rosana L; de Souza, Ângela M

    2017-10-01

    Pregabalin is a medication that can decrease neuronal hyperexcitability, relieve neuropathic pain, and reach stable plasma levels after a titration period of only a few days.Its use during oxaliplatin infusions was not able to decrease the incidence of chronic, oxalipaltin-related neuropathic pain, compared with placebo. Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) receiving oxaliplatin (OXA) develop acute and chronic painful oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OXAIPN). Acute and chronic OXA-related neuropathies have different pathophysiological bases, but both lead to a common phenomenon: central sensitization (CS) of nociceptive neuronal networks, leading to increased sensitivity (hyperlgesia, allodynia) in the somatosensory system, the common ground of chronic neuropathic pain. Because CS is related to increased risk of painful OXAIPN, we hypothesized that preemptive use of the anti-hyperalgesic drug pregabaline (known to decrease CS) during OXA infusions would decrease the incidence of chronic OXAIPN. Pain-free, chemotherapy-naïve CRC patients receiving at least one cycle of modified-FLOX [5-FU(500 mg/m 2 )+leucovorin(20 mg/m 2 )/week for] 6 weeks+oxaliplatin(85 mg/m 2 ) at weeks 1-3-5 every 8 weeks] were randomized (1:1) into the study. Patients received either pregabalin or placebo for 3 days before and 3 days after each OXA infusion and were followed for up to 6 months. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of chemotherapy, and after the follow-up period. The main outcome was average pain at the last visit assessed by the visual analogic scale (0-10) item of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Secondary endpoints were presence of neuropathic pain according to the Douleur Neuropathique-4 (DN-4), pain dimensions (short- form McGill Pain Questionnaire [MPQ]), Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), and changes in nerve conduction studies (NCS) and side effect profile. One hundred ninety-nine patients (57.0 ± 10.7 years old, 98 female

  4. MSH3 expression does not influence the sensitivity of colon cancer HCT116 cell line to oxaliplatin and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor as monotherapy or in combination.

    PubMed

    Tentori, Lucio; Muzi, Alessia; Dorio, Annalisa Susanna; Dolci, Susanna; Campolo, Federica; Vernole, Patrizia; Lacal, Pedro Miguel; Praz, Françoise; Graziani, Grazia

    2013-07-01

    Defective expression of the mismatch repair protein MSH3 is frequently detected in colon cancer, and down-regulation of its expression was found to decrease sensitivity to platinum compounds or poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) monotherapy. We have investigated whether MSH3 transfection in MSH3-deficient colon cancer cells confers resistance to oxaliplatin or PARPi and whether their combination restores chemosensitivity. MSH3-deficient/MLH1-proficient colon cancer HCT116(MLH1) cells were transfected with the MSH3 cDNA cloned into the pcDNA3.1(-) vector. MSH3/MLH1-deficient HCT116, carrying MLH1 and MSH3 mutations on chromosome 3 and 5, respectively, and HCT116 in which wild-type MLH1 (HCT116+3), MSH3 (HCT116+5) or both genes (HCT116+3+5) were introduced by chromosome transfer were also tested. Sensitivity to oxaliplatin and to PARPi was evaluated by analysis of clonogenic survival, cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle. MSH3 transfection in HCT116 cells did not confer resistance to oxaliplatin or PARPi monotherapy. MSH3-proficient HCT116+5 or HCT116+3+5 cells, which were more resistant to oxaliplatin and PARPi in comparison with their MSH3-deficient counterparts, expressed higher levels of the nucleotide excision repair ERCC1 and XPF proteins, involved in the resistance to platinum compounds, and lower PARP-1 levels. In all cases, PARPi increased sensitivity to oxaliplatin. Restoring of MSH3 expression by cDNA transfection, rather than by chromosome transfer, did not affect colon cancer sensitivity to oxaliplatin or PARPi monotherapy; PARP-1 levels seemed to be more crucial for the outcome of PARPi monotherapy.

  5. Cetuximab plus gemcitabine/oxaliplatin (GEMOXCET) in first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer: a multicentre phase II study

    PubMed Central

    Kullmann, F; Hollerbach, S; Dollinger, M M; Harder, J; Fuchs, M; Messmann, H; Trojan, J; Gäbele, E; Hinke, A; Hollerbach, C; Endlicher, E

    2009-01-01

    Targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway in pancreatic cancer seems to be an attractive therapeutic approach. This study assessed the efficacy of cetuximab plus the combination of gemcitabine/oxaliplatin in metastatic pancreatic cancer. Eligible subjects had histological or cytological diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The primary end point was response according to RECIST. Patients received cetuximab 400 mg m−2 at first infusion followed by weekly 250 mg m−2 combined with gemcitabine 1000 mg m−2 as a 100 min infusion on day 1 and oxaliplatin 100 mg m−2 as a 2-h infusion on day 2 every 2 weeks. Between January 2005 and August 2006, a total of 64 patients (22 women (34%), 42 men (66%); median age 64 years (range 31–78)) were enrolled at seven study centres. On October 2007, a total of 17 patients were alive. Sixty-two patients were evaluable for baseline and 61 for assessment of response to treatment in an intention-to-treat analysis. Six patients had an incomplete drug combination within the first cycle of the treatment plan (n=4 hypersensitivity reactions to the first cetuximab infusion, n=2 refused to continue therapy). Reported grade 3/4 toxicities (% of patients) were leukopaenia 15%, anaemia 8%, thrombocytopaenia 10%, diarrhoea 7%, nausea 18%, infection 18% and allergy 7%. Cetuximab-attributable skin reactions occurred as follows: grade 0: 20%, grade 1: 41%, grade 2: 30% and grade 3: 10%. The intention-to-treat analysis of 61 evaluable patients showed an overall response rate of 33%, including 1 (2%) complete and 19 (31%) partial remissions. There were 31% patients with stable and 36% with progressive disease or discontinuation of the therapy before re-staging. The presence of a grade 2 or higher skin rash was associated with a higher likelihood of achieving objective response. Median time to progression was 118 days, with a median overall survival of 213 days. A clinical benefit response was noted in

  6. Treatment using oxaliplatin and S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy for pathological stage III gastric cancer: a multicenter phase II study (TOSA trial) protocol.

    PubMed

    Namikawa, Tsutomu; Maeda, Hiromichi; Kitagawa, Hiroyuki; Oba, Koji; Tsuji, Akihito; Yoshikawa, Takaki; Kobayashi, Michiya; Hanazaki, Kazuhiro

    2018-02-13

    Recent studies demonstrated the efficacy of S-1-based adjuvant chemotherapy administered for six months after curative surgery for stage III gastric cancer; however, it is unproven whether this type of combination chemotherapy is more effective than the standard adjuvant chemotherapy of S-1 for one year. This multicenter phase II study evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjuvant chemotherapy using S-1 plus oxaliplatin followed by S-1 for up to one year for curatively resected stage III gastric cancer in patients aged over 20 years. Treatment initially comprises oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 (80 mg/m 2 ) administered twice daily for the first 2 weeks of a 3-week cycle. On day 1 of a second 3-week cycle, patients will receive 100 mg/m 2 of intravenous oxaliplatin followed by 80 mg/m 2 of S-1 (maximum 8 cycles). Then, the patients will receive 80 mg/m 2 of S-1 daily for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of no chemotherapy. This 6-week cycle will be repeated during the first year after surgery. The primary endpoint is relapse-free survival for 3 years and secondary endpoints are safety, including the incidence of adverse events, and grading of neuropathy with each treatment cycle. The planned sample size of 75 patients is appropriate for this trial. The data will be analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis, assuming a two-sided test with a 5% level of significance. In contrast to previous trials, the current study involves administration of S-1 until one year after surgery in addition to prior S-1 plus oxaliplatin, and is the first study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of S-1 plus oxaliplatin followed by S-1 for up to one year in patients with curatively resected stage III gastric cancer. This trial is registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network's Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) registration number, R000029656  ( https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000029656 ). Registered January 24, 2017.

  7. Randomized Phase 2 Trial of S1 and Oxaliplatin-Based Chemoradiotherapy With or Without Induction Chemotherapy for Esophageal Cancer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yoon, Dok Hyun; Jang, Geundoo; Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul

    2015-03-01

    Purpose: To assess, in a randomized, phase 2 trial, the efficacy and safety of chemoradiotherapy with or without induction chemotherapy (ICT) of S1 and oxaliplatin for esophageal cancer. Patients and Methods: Patients with stage II, III, or IVA esophageal cancer were randomly allocated to either 2 cycles of ICT (oxaliplatin 130 mg/m{sup 2} on day 1 and S1 at 40 mg/m{sup 2} twice daily on days 1-14, every 3 weeks) followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) (46 Gy, 2 Gy/d with oxaliplatin 130 mg/m{sup 2} on days 1 and 21 and S1 30 mg/m{sup 2} twice daily, 5 days per week during radiation therapy) and esophagectomy (arm A), ormore » the same CCRT followed by esophagectomy without ICT (arm B). The primary endpoint was the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate. Results: A total of 97 patients were randomized (arm A/B, 47/50), 70 of whom underwent esophagectomy (arm A/B, 34/36). The intention-to-treat pCR rate was 23.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.2-35.6%) in arm A and 38% (95% CI 24.5% to 51.5%) in arm B. With a median follow-up duration of 30.3 months, the 2-year progression-free survival rate was 58.4% in arm A and 58.6% in arm B, whereas the 2-year overall survival rate was 60.7% and 63.7%, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia during CCRT was more common in arm A than in arm B (35.4% vs 4.1%). The relative dose intensity of S1 (89.5% ± 20.6% vs 98.3% ± 5.2%, P=.005) and oxaliplatin (91.4% ± 16.8% vs 99.0% ± 4.2%, P=.007) during CCRT was lower in arm A compared with arm B. Three patients in arm A, compared with none in arm B, died within 90 days after surgery. Conclusions: Combination chemotherapy of S1 and oxaliplatin is an effective chemoradiotherapy regimen to treat esophageal cancer. However, we failed to show that the addition of ICT to the regimen can improve the pCR rate.« less

  8. Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin in the Preoperative Multimodality Treatment of Rectal Cancer: Surgical End Points From National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Trial R-04

    PubMed Central

    O'Connell, Michael J.; Colangelo, Linda H.; Beart, Robert W.; Petrelli, Nicholas J.; Allegra, Carmen J.; Sharif, Saima; Pitot, Henry C.; Shields, Anthony F.; Landry, Jerome C.; Ryan, David P.; Parda, David S.; Mohiuddin, Mohammed; Arora, Amit; Evans, Lisa S.; Bahary, Nathan; Soori, Gamini S.; Eakle, Janice; Robertson, John M.; Moore, Dennis F.; Mullane, Michael R.; Marchello, Benjamin T.; Ward, Patrick J.; Wozniak, Timothy F.; Roh, Mark S.; Yothers, Greg; Wolmark, Norman

    2014-01-01

    Purpose The optimal chemotherapy regimen administered concurrently with preoperative radiation therapy (RT) for patients with rectal cancer is unknown. National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project trial R-04 compared four chemotherapy regimens administered concomitantly with RT. Patients and Methods Patients with clinical stage II or III rectal cancer who were undergoing preoperative RT (45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks plus a boost of 5.4 Gy to 10.8 Gy in three to six daily fractions) were randomly assigned to one of the following chemotherapy regimens: continuous intravenous infusional fluorouracil (CVI FU; 225 mg/m2, 5 days per week), with or without intravenous oxaliplatin (50 mg/m2 once per week for 5 weeks) or oral capecitabine (825 mg/m2 twice per day, 5 days per week), with or without oxaliplatin (50 mg/m2 once per week for 5 weeks). Before random assignment, the surgeon indicated whether the patient was eligible for sphincter-sparing surgery based on clinical staging. The surgical end points were complete pathologic response (pCR), sphincter-sparing surgery, and surgical downstaging (conversion to sphincter-sparing surgery). Results From September 2004 to August 2010, 1,608 patients were randomly assigned. No significant differences in the rates of pCR, sphincter-sparing surgery, or surgical downstaging were identified between the CVI FU and capecitabine regimens or between the two regimens with or without oxaliplatin. Patients treated with oxaliplatin experienced significantly more grade 3 or 4 diarrhea (P < .001). Conclusion Administering capecitabine with preoperative RT achieved similar rates of pCR, sphincter-sparing surgery, and surgical downstaging compared with CVI FU. Adding oxaliplatin did not improve surgical outcomes but added significant toxicity. The definitive analysis of local tumor control, disease-free survival, and overall survival will be performed when the protocol-specified number of events has occurred. PMID:24799484

  9. Capecitabine and oxaliplatin in the preoperative multimodality treatment of rectal cancer: surgical end points from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project trial R-04.

    PubMed

    O'Connell, Michael J; Colangelo, Linda H; Beart, Robert W; Petrelli, Nicholas J; Allegra, Carmen J; Sharif, Saima; Pitot, Henry C; Shields, Anthony F; Landry, Jerome C; Ryan, David P; Parda, David S; Mohiuddin, Mohammed; Arora, Amit; Evans, Lisa S; Bahary, Nathan; Soori, Gamini S; Eakle, Janice; Robertson, John M; Moore, Dennis F; Mullane, Michael R; Marchello, Benjamin T; Ward, Patrick J; Wozniak, Timothy F; Roh, Mark S; Yothers, Greg; Wolmark, Norman

    2014-06-20

    The optimal chemotherapy regimen administered concurrently with preoperative radiation therapy (RT) for patients with rectal cancer is unknown. National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project trial R-04 compared four chemotherapy regimens administered concomitantly with RT. Patients with clinical stage II or III rectal cancer who were undergoing preoperative RT (45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks plus a boost of 5.4 Gy to 10.8 Gy in three to six daily fractions) were randomly assigned to one of the following chemotherapy regimens: continuous intravenous infusional fluorouracil (CVI FU; 225 mg/m(2), 5 days per week), with or without intravenous oxaliplatin (50 mg/m(2) once per week for 5 weeks) or oral capecitabine (825 mg/m(2) twice per day, 5 days per week), with or without oxaliplatin (50 mg/m(2) once per week for 5 weeks). Before random assignment, the surgeon indicated whether the patient was eligible for sphincter-sparing surgery based on clinical staging. The surgical end points were complete pathologic response (pCR), sphincter-sparing surgery, and surgical downstaging (conversion to sphincter-sparing surgery). From September 2004 to August 2010, 1,608 patients were randomly assigned. No significant differences in the rates of pCR, sphincter-sparing surgery, or surgical downstaging were identified between the CVI FU and capecitabine regimens or between the two regimens with or without oxaliplatin. Patients treated with oxaliplatin experienced significantly more grade 3 or 4 diarrhea (P < .001). Administering capecitabine with preoperative RT achieved similar rates of pCR, sphincter-sparing surgery, and surgical downstaging compared with CVI FU. Adding oxaliplatin did not improve surgical outcomes but added significant toxicity. The definitive analysis of local tumor control, disease-free survival, and overall survival will be performed when the protocol-specified number of events has occurred. © 2014 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

  10. Feasibility of sequential adjuvant chemotherapy with a 3-month oxaliplatin-based regimen followed by 3 months of capecitabine in patients with stage III and high-risk stage II colorectal cancer: JSWOG-C2 study.

    PubMed

    Tsuruta, Atsushi; Yamashita, Kazuki; Tanioka, Hiroaki; Tsuji, Akihito; Inukai, Michio; Yamakawa, Toshiki; Yamatsuji, Tomoki; Yoshimitsu, Masanori; Toyota, Kazuhiro; Yamano, Taketoshi; Nagasaka, Takeshi; Okajima, Masazumi

    2016-01-01

    Six months of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is the standard adjuvant chemotherapy for completely resected stage III colorectal cancer (CRC). Also, patients with stage II CRC who are considered to be at high risk of disease recurrence often receive the same adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. We prospectively investigated the extent and degree of neuropathy suffered by stage III and high-risk stage II resectable CRC patients who underwent sequential approach involving 3 months of an oxaliplatin-based regimen followed by 3 months of capecitabine. Patients with completely resected stage III and high-risk stage II CRC aged ≥20 years were eligible. Patients were treated with folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) or capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) for 3 months followed by capecitabine (2,500 mg/m 2 on days 1-14 every 3 weeks) for 3 months. Primary end points were frequency and the grade of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity as evaluated using the physician-based Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 (CTCAE) grading and the patient-based scale, self-reported Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire. Ninety-one patients were enrolled and 86 patients assessed. Eighty-four percent of patients completed the planned oxaliplatin-based therapy for 3 months, and 63% of patients completed all treatments for the full 6 months. Overall incidences of grade 3 or 4 peripheral sensory or motor neuropathy according to the CTCAE were 3.5% and 1.2%, respectively. Regarding the peripheral sensory neuropathy, the proportion of Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (grade C-E) and CTCAE (grade 2-4) at months 1.5/3/6 were 11.3/22.1/29.4% and 5.3/4.4/11.3%, respectively (Spearman correlation coefficient: 0.47). A sequential approach to adjuvant chemotherapy with 3 months of an oxaliplatin-based regimen followed by 3 months of capecitabine was tolerated by patients and associated with a low incidence of neuropathy.

  11. 3, 3′- DIINDOLYLMETHANE ENHANCES CHEMOSENSITIVITY OF MULTIPLE CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENTS IN PANCREATIC CANCER

    PubMed Central

    Banerjee, Sanjeev; Wang, Zhiwei; Kong, Dejuan; Sarkar, Fazlul H.

    2009-01-01

    Clinical management of pancreatic cancer (PC) is a major problem, which is in part due to both de novo and acquired resistance to conventional therapeutics. Here, we present in vitro and in vivo preclinical evidence in support of chemo-sensitization of PC cells by DIM, a natural compound that can be easily obtained by consuming cruciferous vegetables. DIM pretreatment of PC cells led to a significantly increased apoptosis (p<0.01) with suboptimal concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents (cisplatin, gemcitabine and oxaliplatin) compared to monotherapy. It is known that resistance to chemotherapy in PC is associated with constitutively activated NF-κB, which becomes further activated by chemotherapeutic drugs. Our data provide mechanistic evidence for the first time showing that DIM potentiates the killing of PC cells by down-regulation of constitutive as well as drug induced activation of NF-κB and its downstream genes (Bcl-xL, XIAP, c-IAP, survivin). Most importantly, using an orthotopic animal model, we found reduction in tumor size (p<0.001) when DIM was given in combination with oxaliplatin compared to monotherapy. This was accompanied by loss of phospho p-65, down-regulation of NF-κB activity and its downstream genes (Bcl-xL, survivin and XIAP), which correlated with reduced cell proliferation (as assessed by Ki-67 immunostaining of tumor specimens) and evidence of apoptosis (as assessed by PARP cleavage and TUNEL staining). These results provide strong in vivo evidence in support of our hypothesis that DIM could abrogate chemotherapeutic drug (cisplatin, gemcitabine and/or oxaliplatin) induced activation of NF-κB, resulting in the chemo-sensitization of pancreatic tumors to conventional therapeutics. PMID:19531648

  12. A ‘modified de Gramont’ regimen of fluorouracil, alone and with oxaliplatin, for advanced colorectal cancer

    PubMed Central

    Cheeseman, S L; Joel, S P; Chester, J D; Wilson, G; Dent, J T; Richards, F J; Seymour, M T

    2002-01-01

    The standard de Gramont (dG) regimen of fortnightly leucovorin, bolus fluorouracil and 22-h infusion of fluorouracil, d1+2, and the same regimen plus oxaliplatin, are effective but also cumbersome. We therefore present simplified ‘Modified de Gramont’ (MdG) regimens. Forty-six advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients entered a dose-exploring study of MdG, including an expanded cohort of colorectal cancer patients at optimum dose. Treatment (fortnightly) comprised: 2-h i.v.i. leucovorin (350 mg d,l-LV or 175 mg l-LV, not adjusted for patient surface area); bolus fluorouracil (400 mg m−2), then ambulatory 46-h fluorouracil infusion (2000–3600 mg m−2, cohort escalation). Subsequently, 62 colorectal patients (25 unpretreated; 37 fluorouracil-resistant) received MdG plus oxaliplatin (OxMdG) 85 mg m−2. Fluorouracil pharmacokinetics during MdG were compared with dG. The optimum fluorouracil doses for MdG alone were determined as 400 mg m−2 bolus + 2800 mg m−2 46-h infusion. A lower dose of 400 mg m−2 bolus + 2400 mg m−2 infusion which, like dG produces minimal toxicity, was chosen for the OxMdG combination. Fluorouracil exposure (AUC0–48 h) at this lower dose is equivalent to dG. With OxMdG, grade 3–4 toxicity was rare (neutropenia 2.8% cycles; vomiting or diarrhoea <1% cycles), but despite this there were two infection-associated deaths. Oxaliplatin was omitted for cumulative neurotoxicity in 17 out of 62 patients. Objective responses in colorectal cancer patients were: 1st-line MdG (22 assessable): PR=36%, NC=32%, PD=32%. 1st-line OxMdG (24 assessable): CR/PR=72%; NC=20%; PD=8%; 2nd line OxMdG (34 assessable): PR=12%; NC=38%; PD=50%. MdG and OxMdG are convenient and well-tolerated. OxMdG was particularly active as 1st-line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Both regimens are being further evaluated in the current UK MRC phase III trial. British Journal of Cancer (2002) 87, 393–399. doi:10

  13. Phase II Trial of Preoperative Radiation With Concurrent Capecitabine, Oxaliplatin, and Bevacizumab Followed by Surgery and Postoperative 5-Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), and Bevacizumab in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: 5-Year Clinical Outcomes ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group E3204.

    PubMed

    Landry, Jerome C; Feng, Yang; Prabhu, Roshan S; Cohen, Steven J; Staley, Charles A; Whittington, Richard; Sigurdson, Elin Ruth; Nimeiri, Halla; Verma, Udit; Benson, Al Bowen

    2015-06-01

    The 5-year oncologic outcomes from the trial regimen were excellent. However, the neoadjuvant and surgical toxicity of this regimen was significant and was the primary reason for the low compliance with adjuvant systemic therapy.Due to the lack of an improvement in the pathologic complete response rate, the substantial associated toxicity, and the negative phase III trials of adjuvant bevacizumab in colon cancer, this regimen will not be pursued for further study. The addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy improves overall survival for metastatic colorectal cancer. We initiated a phase II trial to evaluate preoperative capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab with radiation therapy (RT) followed by surgery and postoperative 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), and bevacizumab for locally advanced rectal cancer. The purpose of this report is to describe the 5-year oncologic outcomes of this regimen. In a phase II Simon two-stage design study, we evaluated preoperative treatment with capecitabine (825 mg/m(2) b.i.d. Monday-Friday), oxaliplatin (50 mg/m(2) weekly), bevacizumab (5 mg/kg on days 1, 15, and 29), and RT (50.4 Gy). Surgery was performed by 8 weeks after RT. Beginning 8-12 weeks after surgery, patients received FOLFOX plus bevacizumab (5 mg/kg) every 2 weeks for 12 cycles (oxaliplatin stopped after 9 cycles). The primary endpoint was a pathologic complete response (path-CR) rate of 30%. Fifty-seven patients with resectable T3/T4 rectal adenocarcinoma were enrolled between 2006 and 2010. Of 57 enrolled patients, 53 were eligible and included in the analysis. Forty-eight (91%) patients completed preoperative therapy, all of whom underwent curative surgical resection. Nine patients (17%) achieved path-CR. There were 29 worst grade 3 events, 8 worst grade 4 events, and 2 patient deaths, 1 of which was attributed to study therapy. Twenty-six patients (54%) began adjuvant chemotherapy. After a median follow-up period of 41 months, the 5-year

  14. PPP1R12A Copy Number Is Associated with Clinical Outcomes of Stage III CRC Receiving Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Chenbo; Li, Ajian; Li, Huaguang; Peng, Kangsheng; Wei, Qing; Lin, Moubin; Liu, Zhanju; Yin, Lu; Li, Jianwen

    2015-01-01

    Aim. To investigate the correlation between PPP1R12A gene copy number and clinical outcomes of oxaliplatin-based regimen in stage III colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods. A total of 139 paraffin-embedded tissue samples of stage III CRC patients who received oxaliplatin-based treatment after radical surgery were recruited. Genomic DNA was extracted and purified from paraffin-embedded sections. Quantitative PCR methods were used to detect the relative copy number (RCN) of PPP1R12A. Results. Statistical analysis demonstrated that low PPP1R12A RCN was associated with poor RFS (HR = 2.186, 95% CI: 1.293–3.696; P = 0.003) and OS (HR = 2.782, 95% CI: 1.531–5.052; P < 0.001). Additionally, when patients were stratified according to subgroups of stage III and tumor location, poor RFS and OS were also observed in the low PPP1R12A RCN group with significance (RFS: IIIB HR = 2.870, P < 0.001; colon HR = 1.910, P = 0.037; OS: IIIB HR = 3.527, P < 0.001; IIIC HR = 2.662, P = 0.049; rectum HR = 4.229, P = 0.002). Conclusion. Our findings suggest the copy number of PPP1R12A can independently predict recurrence and overall survival of stage III colorectal cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. PMID:26113782

  15. Nrf2 inhibits oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy via protection of mitochondrial function.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yang; Luo, Lan; Cai, Xueting; Fang, Yuan; Wang, Jiaqi; Chen, Gang; Yang, Jie; Zhou, Qian; Sun, Xiaoyan; Cheng, Xiaolan; Yan, Huaijiang; Lu, Wuguang; Hu, Chunping; Cao, Peng

    2018-05-20

    Oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) is a severe, dose-limiting toxicity associated with cancer chemotherapy. The efficacy of antioxidant administration in OIPN is debatable, as the promising preliminary results obtained with a number of antioxidants have not been confirmed in larger clinical trials. Besides its antioxidant activity, the transcription factor, nuclear factor-erythroid 2 (NF-E2) p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a crucial role in the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitochondrial dysfunction is a key contributor to OIPN. Here, we have investigated the protective properties of Nrf2 in OIPN. Nrf2 -/- mice displayed severe mechanical allodynia and cold sensitivity and thus experienced increased peripheral nervous system injury compared to Nrf2 +/+ mice. Furthermore, Nrf2 knockout aggravated oxaliplatin-induced reactive oxygen species production, decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, led to abnormal intracellular calcium levels, and induced cytochrome c-related apoptosis and overexpression of the TRP protein family. Sulforaphane-induced activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway alleviated morphological alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction in dorsal root ganglion neurons, and nociceptive sensations in mice. Our findings reveal that Nrf2 may play a critical role in ameliorating OIPN, through protection of mitochondrial function by alleviating oxidative stress and inhibiting TRP protein family expression. This suggests that pharmacological or therapeutic activation of Nrf2 may be used to prevent or slow down the progression of OIPN. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Role of metformin in oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with stage III colorectal cancer: randomized, controlled study.

    PubMed

    El-Fatatry, Basma Mahrous; Ibrahim, Osama Mohamed; Hussien, Fatma Zakaria; Mostafa, Tarek Mohamed

    2018-06-21

    Peripheral sensory neuropathy is the most prominently reported adverse effect of oxaliplatin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate metformin role in oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. From November 2014 to May 2016, 40 patients with stage III colorectal cancer completed 12 cycles of FOLFOX-4 regimen. Twenty patients in the control arm received FOLFOX-4 regimen only, and 20 patients in the metformin arm, received the same regimen along with metformin 500 mg three times daily. The metformin efficacy was evaluated using National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE version 4.0), a12-item neurotoxicity questionnaire (Ntx-12) from the validated Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group and, the brief pain inventory short form "worst pain" item. In addition to neurotensin, malondialdehyde and interleukin-6 serum levels assessment. At the end of the 12th cycle, there were less patients with grade 2 and 3 neuropathy in metformin arm as compared to control arm. (60 versus 95%, P = 0.009) In addition, metformin arm showed significantly higher total scores of Ntx-12 questionnaire than control arm (24.0 versus 19.2, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean pain score in metformin arm was significantly lower than those of control arm, (6.7 versus 7.3, P = 0.005). Mean serum levels of malondialdehyde and neurotensin were significantly lower in metformin arm after the 6th and the 12th cycles. Metformin may be a promising drug in protecting colorectal cancer patients against oxaliplatin-induced chronic peripheral sensory neuropathy.

  17. The role of Her2-Nrf2 axis in induction of oxaliplatin resistance in colon cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Pirpour Tazehkand, Abbas; Akbarzadeh, Maryam; Velaie, Kobra; Sadeghi, Mohammad Reza; Samadi, Nasser

    2018-04-20

    Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a pivotal role in promoting chemoresistance by regulation of antioxidants and detoxification enzymes. Her2 is a member of tyrosine kinase receptor family with a key function in resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapeutics. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible cross talk between Nrf2 and Her2 mediated signaling pathways in development of oxaliplatin resistance in colon cancer cells. We first generated oxaliplatin-resistant LS174T and SW480 colon cancer cells with different Her2 expression levels by employing IC50 concentrations followed by a resting period. We evaluated the viability and apoptosis of the cells by MTT and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Nrf2 and Her2 gene expression levels were examined by qRT-PCR. The morphology analysis and combination index calculation were performed using the ImagJ and CompuSyn softwares, respectively. Development of resistant cells revealed a marked increase in half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value from 3.95 ± 0.92 μM to 29.27 ± 3.13 μM in SW480 cells and 377 ± 46 nM to 9.59 ± 0.76 μM in LS174T cells with a significant change in morphology of the cells from elongated to small round shape (p < 0.05). Her2 expression level was increased in both types of resistant cells, but the Nrf2 expression was increased in LS174T resistant (LS174T/Res) cells and decreased in SW480/Res cells which were consistent with the level of resistance in these cells (25 fold increase in IC50 value in LS174T/Res cells versus 7 fold increase in this value in SW480/Res cells). Inhibition of either Nrf2 or Her2 alone and in combination caused a significant increase in oxaliplatin-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis with maximum effects in SW480/Res cells with low Her2 and Nrf2 expression levels. Altogether, our results suggest that inhibition of Nrf2 signaling in colon cancer patients with Her2 overexpression can be considered as

  18. Processed aconite root and its active ingredient neoline may alleviate oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathic pain.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Toshiaki; Miyamoto, Keisuke; Yokoyama, Naomi; Sugi, Mayuko; Kagioka, Akina; Kitao, Yuka; Adachi, Takumi; Ohsawa, Masahiro; Mizukami, Hajime; Makino, Toshiaki

    2016-06-20

    Processed aconite root (PA, the root of Aconitum carmichaeli, Ranunculaceae) is a crude drug used in traditional Chinese or Japanese kampo medicine to generate heat in the body and to treat pain associated with coldness. Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is a platinum-based anticancer drug that frequently causes acute and chronic peripheral neuropathies, including cold and mechanical hyperalgesia. We investigated the effects of PA on L-OHP-induced peripheral neuropathies and identified the active ingredient within PA extract. L-OHP was intraperitoneally injected into mice, and PA boiled water extract was orally administered. Cold and mechanical hyperalgesia were evaluated using the acetone test and the von Frey filament method, respectively. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were isolated from normal mice and cultured with L-OHP with or without PA extract. Cell viability and neurite elongation were evaluated. PA extract significantly attenuated cold and mechanical hyperalgesia induced by L-OHP in mice. In cultured DRG neurons, L-OHP reduced cell viability and neurite elongation in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with PA extract significantly alleviated the L-OHP-induced reduction of neurite elongation, while the cytotoxicity of L-OHP was not affected. Using activity-guided fractionation, we isolated neoline from PA extract as the active ingredient. Neoline significantly alleviated L-OHP-induced reduction of neurite elongation in cultured DRG neurons in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, subcutaneous injection of neoline attenuated cold and mechanical hyperalgesia in L-OHP-treated mice. PA extract and neoline did not show sedation and motor impairment. The present study indicates that PA and its active ingredient neoline are promising agents to alleviate L-OHP-induced neuropathic pain. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Feasibility of sequential adjuvant chemotherapy with a 3-month oxaliplatin-based regimen followed by 3 months of capecitabine in patients with stage III and high-risk stage II colorectal cancer: JSWOG-C2 study

    PubMed Central

    Tsuruta, Atsushi; Yamashita, Kazuki; Tanioka, Hiroaki; Tsuji, Akihito; Inukai, Michio; Yamakawa, Toshiki; Yamatsuji, Tomoki; Yoshimitsu, Masanori; Toyota, Kazuhiro; Yamano, Taketoshi; Nagasaka, Takeshi; Okajima, Masazumi

    2016-01-01

    Background Six months of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is the standard adjuvant chemotherapy for completely resected stage III colorectal cancer (CRC). Also, patients with stage II CRC who are considered to be at high risk of disease recurrence often receive the same adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. We prospectively investigated the extent and degree of neuropathy suffered by stage III and high-risk stage II resectable CRC patients who underwent sequential approach involving 3 months of an oxaliplatin-based regimen followed by 3 months of capecitabine. Patients and methods Patients with completely resected stage III and high-risk stage II CRC aged ≥20 years were eligible. Patients were treated with folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) or capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) for 3 months followed by capecitabine (2,500 mg/m2 on days 1–14 every 3 weeks) for 3 months. Primary end points were frequency and the grade of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity as evaluated using the physician-based Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 (CTCAE) grading and the patient-based scale, self-reported Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire. Results Ninety-one patients were enrolled and 86 patients assessed. Eighty-four percent of patients completed the planned oxaliplatin-based therapy for 3 months, and 63% of patients completed all treatments for the full 6 months. Overall incidences of grade 3 or 4 peripheral sensory or motor neuropathy according to the CTCAE were 3.5% and 1.2%, respectively. Regarding the peripheral sensory neuropathy, the proportion of Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (grade C–E) and CTCAE (grade 2–4) at months 1.5/3/6 were 11.3/22.1/29.4% and 5.3/4.4/11.3%, respectively (Spearman correlation coefficient: 0.47). Conclusion A sequential approach to adjuvant chemotherapy with 3 months of an oxaliplatin-based regimen followed by 3 months of capecitabine was tolerated by patients and associated with a low incidence of

  20. A phase II trial of oxaliplatin, docetaxel, and bevacizumab as first-line therapy of advanced cancer of the ovary, peritoneum, and fallopian tube

    PubMed Central

    Herzog, Thomas J.; Monk, Bradley J.; Rose, Peter G.; Braly, Patricia; Hines, Jeffrey F.; Bell, Maria C.; Wenham, Robert M.; Secord, Angeles Alvarez; Roman, Lynda D.; Einstein, Mark H.; Drake, Richard D.; Childs, Barrett H.

    2017-01-01

    Objective To determine the safety and efficacy of the novel combination of docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab as first-line treatment of advanced cancer of the ovary, peritoneum or fallopian tube after initial debulking surgery. Methods Eligible patients (stage IB-IV) were treated with 6 cycles of oxaliplatin (85 mg/m2), docetaxel (75 mg/m2), and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) every 3 weeks, followed by single-agent bevacizumab 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks to complete one year of therapy. The primary endpoint was 12-month progression-free survival (PFS). Results A total of 132 patients (80 with measurable disease at baseline; 52 with non-measurable, evaluable disease at baseline) enrolled and received study treatment. At diagnosis, 76.5% of patients had stage III disease and 20% had stage IV. 62.9% were optimally cytoreduced. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (42.4%), leukopenia (13.6%), hypertension (8.3%), fatigue (6.1%), and nausea (6.1%). One patient (0.8%) had a fatal gastrointestinal perforation. The best overall confirmed response rate (complete response + partial response [measurable disease subgroup]) was 58.6% (95% CI 49%, 67%). CA-125 response rates for the measurable and non-measurable disease subgroups were 83.0% and 81.5%, respectively. The 12-month PFS rate for the measurable disease subgroup was 65.7% (95% CI 53.4%, 76.7%); median PFS was 16.3 (95% CI 12.6, 19.6) months. Median overall survival was 47.3 (95% CI 34.1, upper limit not applicable) months. Conclusions This novel treatment regimen may provide a promising therapeutic approach for women with ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube carcinoma. No unanticipated safety concerns were identified. PMID:24476788

  1. Interim analysis of postoperative chemoradiotherapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin versus capecitabine alone for pathological stage II and III rectal cancer: a randomized multicenter phase III trial.

    PubMed

    Feng, Yan-Ru; Zhu, Yuan; Liu, Lu-Ying; Wang, Wei-Hu; Wang, Shu-Lian; Song, Yong-Wen; Wang, Xin; Tang, Yuan; Liu, Yue-Ping; Ren, Hua; Fang, Hui; Zhang, Shi-Ping; Liu, Xin-Fan; Yu, Zi-Hao; Li, Ye-Xiong; Jin, Jing

    2016-05-03

    The aim of this study is to present an interim analysis of a phase III trial (NCT00714077) of postoperative concurrent capecitabine and radiotherapy with or without oxaliplatin for pathological stage II and III rectal cancer. Patients with pathologically confirmed stage II and III rectal cancer were randomized to either radiotherapy with concurrent capecitabine (Cap-RT group) or with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (Capox-RT group). The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival rate (DFS). The 3-year DFS rate was 73.9% in the Capox-RT group and 71.6% in the Cap-RT group (HR 0.92, p = 0.647), respectively. No significant difference was observed in overall survival, cumulative incidence of local recurrence and distant metastasis between the two groups (p > 0.05). More grade 3-4 acute toxicity was observed in the Capox-RT group than in the Cap-RT group (38.1% vs. 29.2%, p = 0.041). Inclusion of oxaliplatin in the capecitabine-based postoperative regimen did not improve DFS but increased toxicities for pathological stage II and III rectal cancer in this interim analysis.

  2. Efficacy of Capecitabine Plus Oxaliplatin Combination Chemotherapy for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer after Failure of First-Line Gemcitabine-Based Therapy.

    PubMed

    Chung, Kwang Hyun; Ryu, Ji Kon; Son, Jun Hyuk; Lee, Jae Woo; Jang, Dong Kee; Lee, Sang Hyub; Kim, Yong-Tae

    2017-03-15

    Second-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that progresses following gemcitabine-based treatment has not been established. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of second-line combination chemotherapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) in these patients. Between August 2011 and May 2014, all patients who received at least one cycle of XELOX (capecitabine, 1,000 mg/m 2 twice daily for 14 days; oxaliplatin, 130 mg/m 2 on day 1 of a 3-week cycle) combination chemotherapy for unresectable or recurrent PDAC were retrospectively recruited. The response was evaluated every 9 weeks, and the tumor response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival, and adverse events were assessed. Sixty-two patients were included; seven patients (11.3%) had a partial tumor response, and 20 patients (32.3%) had stable disease. The median progression-free and overall survival were 88 days (range, 35.1 to 140.9 days) and 158 days (range, 118.1 to 197.9 days), respectively. Patients who remained stable longer with frontline therapy (≥120 days) exhibited significantly longer progression-free and overall survival. The most common grade 3 to 4 adverse events in patients were vomiting (8.1%) and anorexia (6.5%). There was one treatment-related mortality caused by severe neutropenia and typhlitis. Second-line XELOX combination chemotherapy demonstrated an acceptable response and survival rate in patients with advanced PDAC who had failed gemcitabine-based chemotherapy.

  3. Printing metal-spiked inks for LA-ICP-MS bioimaging internal standardization: comparison of the different nephrotoxic behavior of cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin.

    PubMed

    Moraleja, Irene; Esteban-Fernández, Diego; Lázaro, Alberto; Humanes, Blanca; Neumann, Boris; Tejedor, Alberto; Luz Mena, M; Jakubowski, Norbert; Gómez-Gómez, M Milagros

    2016-03-01

    The study of the distribution of the cytostatic drugs cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin along the kidney may help to understand their different nephrotoxic behavior. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) allows the acquisition of trace element images in biological tissues. However, results obtained are affected by several variations concerning the sample matrix and instrumental drifts. In this work, an internal standardization method based on printing an Ir-spiked ink onto the surface of the sample has been developed to evaluate the different distributions and accumulation levels of the aforementioned drugs along the kidney of a rat model. A conventional ink-jet printer was used to print fresh sagittal kidney tissue slices of 4 μm. A reproducible and homogenous deposition of the ink along the tissue was observed. The ink was partially absorbed on top of the tissue. Thus, this approach provides a pseudo-internal standardization, due to the fact that the ablation sample and internal standard take place subsequently and not simultaneously. A satisfactory normalization of LA-ICP-MS bioimages and therefore a reliable comparison of the kidney treated with different Pt-based drugs were achieved even for tissues analyzed on different days. Due to the complete ablation of the sample, the transport of the ablated internal standard and tissue to the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is practically taking place at the same time. Pt accumulation in the kidney was observed in accordance to the dosages administered for each drug. Although the accumulation rate of cisplatin and oxaliplatin is high in both cases, their Pt distributions differ. The strong nephrotoxicity observed for cisplatin and the absence of such side effect in the case of oxaliplatin could explain these distribution differences. The homogeneous distribution of oxaliplatin in the cortical and medullar areas could be related with its higher affinity for

  4. [A Case of Pathological Complete Response after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy(S-1 plus Oxaliplatin)and Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer].

    PubMed

    Ichinohe, Daichi; Morohashi, Hajime; Umetsu, Satoko; Yoshida, Tatsuya; Wakasa, Yusuke; Odagiri, Tadashi; Kimura, Toshirou; Suto, Akiko; Saito, Takeshi; Yoshida, Eri; Akasaka, Harue; Jin, Hiroyuki; Miura, Takuya; Sakamoto, Yoshiyuki; Hakamada, Kenichi

    2016-11-01

    We report a case of pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)(S-1 plus oxaliplatin)for rectal cancer. The patient was a 50-year-old man who had type 3 circumferential rectal cancer. An abdominal CT scan revealed locally advanced rectal cancer(cT3N2H0P0M0, cStage III b)with severe stenosis and oral-side intestinal dilatation. The patient was treated with NAC after loop-ileostomy. After 3 courses of chemotherapy, a CT scan revealed significant tumor reduction. Laparoscopic low anterior resection and bilateral lymph node dissection were performed 5 weeks after the last course of chemotherapy. The pathological diagnosis was a pathological complete response(no residual cancer cells). This case suggests that laparoscopic low anterior resection after NAC with S-1 plus oxaliplatin for locally advanced rectal cancer is a potentially effective procedure.

  5. Five-year data and prognostic factor analysis of oxaliplatin and irinotecan combinations for advanced colorectal cancer: N9741.

    PubMed

    Sanoff, Hanna K; Sargent, Daniel J; Campbell, Megan E; Morton, Roscoe F; Fuchs, Charles S; Ramanathan, Ramesh K; Williamson, Stephen K; Findlay, Brian P; Pitot, Henry C; Goldberg, Richard M

    2008-12-10

    In this report, we update survival (OS) and time-to-progression (TTP) data for the Intergroup trial N9741 after a median 5 years of follow-up by using risk-stratified and prognostic factor analyses to determine if treatment outcomes differ in specific patient subgroups. A total of 1,691 patients were randomly assigned to one of seven fluorouracil-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-containing regimens. OS and TTP were calculated by treatment arm and baseline risk group (on the basis of WBC, performance status, number of sites of disease, and alkaline phosphatase). Multivariate prognostic factor analysis was used to assess clinical factors for their relationships to OS, TTP, response, and toxicity by using Cox and logistic regression models. The observed 5-year survival with infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) of 9.8% was better than with irinotecan plus bolus fluorouracil and leucovorin (IFL; 3.7%; P = .04) or with bolus irinotecan/oxaliplatin (IROX; 5.1%; P = .128). OS and TTP were significantly longer for FOLFOX (20.2 months and 8.9 months, respectively) than for IFL (14.6 months and 6.1 months, respectively; P < .001 for both) or for IROX (17.3 months and 6.7 months, respectively; P < .001 for both). OS differed by risk group: 20.7 months for low risk, 17.4 months for intermediate risk, and 9.4 months for high risk (P < .001). FOLFOX treatment was superior in all risk groups and was the most powerful prognostic factor for OS, TTP, response rate, and toxicity. The 9.8% 5-year OS in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who were treated with first-line FOLFOX sets a new benchmark. Neither baseline risk group nor any prognostic factor examined was predictive of treatment-specific outcome. However, treatment efficacy and patient longevity varied as a function of risk group.

  6. Five-Year Data and Prognostic Factor Analysis of Oxaliplatin and Irinotecan Combinations for Advanced Colorectal Cancer: N9741

    PubMed Central

    Sanoff, Hanna K.; Sargent, Daniel J.; Campbell, Megan E.; Morton, Roscoe F.; Fuchs, Charles S.; Ramanathan, Ramesh K.; Williamson, Stephen K.; Findlay, Brian P.; Pitot, Henry C.; Goldberg, Richard M.

    2008-01-01

    Purpose In this report, we update survival (OS) and time-to-progression (TTP) data for the Intergroup trial N9741 after a median 5 years of follow-up by using risk-stratified and prognostic factor analyses to determine if treatment outcomes differ in specific patient subgroups. Patients and Methods A total of 1,691 patients were randomly assigned to one of seven fluorouracil-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-containing regimens. OS and TTP were calculated by treatment arm and baseline risk group (on the basis of WBC, performance status, number of sites of disease, and alkaline phosphatase). Multivariate prognostic factor analysis was used to assess clinical factors for their relationships to OS, TTP, response, and toxicity by using Cox and logistic regression models. Results The observed 5-year survival with infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) of 9.8% was better than with irinotecan plus bolus fluorouracil and leucovorin (IFL; 3.7%; P = .04) or with bolus irinotecan/oxaliplatin (IROX; 5.1%; P = .128). OS and TTP were significantly longer for FOLFOX (20.2 months and 8.9 months, respectively) than for IFL (14.6 months and 6.1 months, respectively; P < .001 for both) or for IROX (17.3 months and 6.7 months, respectively; P < .001 for both). OS differed by risk group: 20.7 months for low risk, 17.4 months for intermediate risk, and 9.4 months for high risk (P < .001). FOLFOX treatment was superior in all risk groups and was the most powerful prognostic factor for OS, TTP, response rate, and toxicity. Conclusion The 9.8% 5-year OS in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who were treated with first-line FOLFOX sets a new benchmark. Neither baseline risk group nor any prognostic factor examined was predictive of treatment-specific outcome. However, treatment efficacy and patient longevity varied as a function of risk group. PMID:19001325

  7. Phase I Study of Preoperative Chemoradiation With S-1 and Oxaliplatin in Patients With Locally Advanced Resectable Rectal Cancer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hong, Yong Sang; Lee, Jae-Lyun; Park, Jin Hong

    Purpose: To perform a Phase I study of preoperative chemoradiation (CRT) with S-1, a novel oral fluoropyrimidine, plus oxaliplatin in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, to determine the maximum tolerated dose and the recommended dose. Methods and Materials: Radiotherapy was delivered to a total of 45 Gy in 25 fractions and followed by a coned-down boost of 5.4 Gy in 3 fractions. Concurrent chemotherapy consisted of a fixed dose of oxaliplatin (50 mg/m{sup 2}/week) on Days 1, 8, 22, and 29 and escalated doses of S-1 on Days 1-14 and 22-35. The initial dose of S-1 was 50 mg/m{supmore » 2}/day, gradually increasing to 60, 70, and 80 mg/m{sup 2}/day. Surgery was performed within 6 {+-} 2 weeks. Results: Twelve patients were enrolled and tolerated up to Dose Level 4 (3 patients at each dose level) without dose-limiting toxicity. An additional 3 patients were enrolled at Dose Level 4, with 1 experiencing a dose-limiting toxicity of Grade 3 diarrhea. Although maximum tolerated dose was not attained, Dose Level 4 (S-1 80 mg/m{sup 2}/day) was chosen as the recommended dose for further Phase II studies. No Grade 4 toxicity was observed, and Grade 3 toxicities of leukopenia and diarrhea occurred in the same patient (1 of 15, 6.7%). Pathologic complete responses were observed in 2 of 15 patients (13.3%). Conclusions: The recommended dose of S-1 was determined to be 80 mg/m{sup 2}/day when combined with oxaliplatin in preoperative CRT, and a Phase II trial is now ongoing.« less

  8. Pharmacokinetic and toxicodynamic evaluation of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy and hematological toxicity in rats.

    PubMed

    Ito, Yukako; Kobuchi, Shinji; Shimizu, Risa; Katsuyama, Yosuke

    2018-01-01

    Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is a third-generation, platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent and is widely used in gastroenterological cancer regimens. It is important to complete chemotherapy cycles to improve treatment efficacy for cancer patients. However, undesirable side effects, including acute and chronic neuropathies, and myelosuppression, lead to the discontinuation of chemotherapy in some treatment regimens. To predict and prevent the onset of side effects, and to establish appropriate dose adjustment, pharmacokinetic and toxicodynamic studies were performed to investigate the effects of L-OHP in rats. Rats were administered intravenous L-OHP, once a week for 4 weeks, at doses of 3, 5, or 8 mg/kg. Pharmacokinetic profiles were observed on Day 1 and Day 22. Acute and chronic neuropathies were evaluated over 4 weeks; cold allodynia was evaluated using an acetone test and mechanical allodynia using the von Frey test. Hematological parameters were also investigated during the same period. The mean AUC0-∞ values for L-OHP were 0.4 ± 0.2, 2.4 ± 0.4, and 3.5 ± 0.9 ng h/mL, increasing dose-dependently on Day 1. The accumulation of L-OHP on Day 22 was observed after repeated administration of L-OHP, as shown by mean AUC0-∞ values of 0.6 ± 0.2, 4.0 ± 1.0, and 14.1 ± 9.8 ng·h/mL, for the three doses. Cold allodynia was observed from Day 3 in the 5 and 8 mg/kg groups, and the extent of this response was dose-dependent. Mechanical allodynia was also observed from Day 10 in the 5 and 8 mg/kg groups. Moreover, the platelet count was the most sensitive among the hematological parameters. These results provide useful experimental data for clinical cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, to establish a pharmacokinetic and toxicodynamic model of L-OHP for adequate dose adjustment.

  9. Effect of KRAS codon13 mutations in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (advanced CRC) under oxaliplatin containing chemotherapy. Results from a translational study of the AIO colorectal study group

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background To evaluate the value of KRAS codon 13 mutations in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (advanced CRC) treated with oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidines. Methods Tumor specimens from 201 patients with advanced CRC from a randomized, phase III trial comparing oxaliplatin/5-FU vs. oxaliplatin/capecitabine were retrospectively analyzed for KRAS mutations. Mutation data were correlated to response data (Overall response rate, ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results 201 patients were analysed for KRAS mutation (61.2% males; mean age 64.2 ± 8.6 years). KRAS mutations were identified in 36.3% of tumors (28.8% in codon 12, 7.4% in codon 13). The ORR in codon 13 patients compared to codon 12 and wild type patients was significantly lower (p = 0.008). There was a tendency for a better overall survival in KRAS wild type patients compared to mutants (p = 0.085). PFS in all patients was not different in the three KRAS genetic groups (p = 0.72). However, we found a marked difference in PFS between patients with codon 12 and 13 mutant tumors treated with infusional 5-FU versus capecitabine based regimens. Conclusions Our data suggest that the type of KRAS mutation may be of clinical relevance under oxaliplatin combination chemotherapies without the addition of monoclonal antibodies in particular when overall response rates are important. Trial registration number 2002-04-017 PMID:22876876

  10. Management of extravasation of oxaliplatin by mimicking its biotransformation.

    PubMed

    Bahadori, F; Demiray, M

    2018-04-27

    Although oxaliplatin (Oxali) plays a key role in the treatment of many types of cancer and has been reported to be an irritant, there is no specific and effective method for its extravasation and failure in Oxali extravasation management results in the need for plastic surgery. In the body, Oxali bio-transforms upon dilution in chloride-containing buffer salts to its di-chloro derivative and loses an oxalate molecule. Consequently, the chloride ions exchange with water molecules in the intracellular environment to produce the di-aqua derivative, which is the most active biotransformation product of Oxali in terms of forming the DNA adducts. Thus, inhibiting transformation of di-chloro to di-aqua derivatives by accumulating chloride ions at the site of extravasation and saturating the Oxali molecule with these ions is a strategy that could help manage extravasation. Injecting normal saline at this site is a simple yet effective way to achieve this goal.

  11. Wen-Luo-Tong Prevents Glial Activation and Nociceptive Sensitization in a Rat Model of Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain.

    PubMed

    Deng, Bo; Jia, Liqun; Pan, Lin; Song, Aiping; Wang, Yuanyuan; Tan, Huangying; Xiang, Qing; Yu, Lili; Ke, Dandan

    2016-01-01

    One of the main dose-limiting complications of the chemotherapeutic agent oxaliplatin (OXL) is painful neuropathy. Glial activation and nociceptive sensitization may be responsible for the mechanism of neuropathic pain. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Wen-luo-tong (WLT) has been widely used in China to treat chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain. However, there is no study on the effects of WLT on spinal glial activation induced by OXL. In this study, a rat model of OXL-induced chronic neuropathic pain was established and WLT was administrated. Pain behavioral tests and morphometric examination of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were conducted. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostaining was performed, glial activation was evaluated, and the excitatory neurotransmitter substance P (SP) and glial-derived proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were analyzed. WLT treatment alleviated OXL-induced mechanical allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia. Changes in the somatic, nuclear, and nucleolar areas of neurons in DRG were prevented. In the spinal dorsal horn, hypertrophy and activation of GFAP-positive astrocytes were averted, and the level of GFAP mRNA decreased significantly. Additionally, TNF-α mRNA and protein levels decreased. Collectively, these results indicate that WLT reversed both glial activation in the spinal dorsal horn and nociceptive sensitization during OXL-induced chronic neuropathic pain in rats.

  12. Inhibition of JNK Sensitizes Hypoxic Colon Cancer Cells to DNA Damaging Agents

    PubMed Central

    Vasilevskaya, Irina A.; Selvakumaran, Muthu; Hierro, Lucia Cabal; Goldstein, Sara R.; Winkler, Jeffrey D.; O'Dwyer, Peter J.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose We showed previously that in HT29 colon cancer cells, modulation of hypoxia-induced stress signaling affects oxaliplatin cytotoxicity. To further study the significance of hypoxia-induced signaling through JNK, we set out to investigate how modulation of kinase activities influences cellular responses of hypoxic colon cancer cells to cytotoxic drugs. Experimental design In a panel of cell lines we investigated effects of pharmacological and molecular inhibition of JNK on sensitivity to oxaliplatin, SN-38 and 5-FU. Combination studies for the drugs and JNK inhibitor CC-401 were carried out in vitro and in vivo. Results Hypoxia-induced JNK activation was associated with resistance to oxaliplatin. CC-401 in combination with chemotherapy demonstrates synergism in colon cancer cell lines, though synergy is not always hypoxia-specific. A more detailed analysis focused on HT29 and SW620 (responsive), and HCT116 (non-responsive) lines. In HT29 and SW620 cells CC-401 treatment results in greater DNA damage in the sensitive cells. In vivo, potentiation of bevacizumab, oxaliplatin, and the combination by JNK inhibition was confirmed in HT29-derived mouse xenografts, where tumor growth delay was greater in the presence of CC-401. Finally, stable introduction of a dominant negative JNK1, but not JNK2, construct into HT29 cells rendered them more sensitive to oxaliplatin under hypoxia, suggesting differing input of JNK isoforms in cellular responses to chemotherapy. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that signaling through JNK is a determinant of response to therapy in colon cancer models, and support the testing of JNK inhibition to sensitize colon tumors in the clinic. PMID:26023085

  13. Neurotoxicity Associated with Platinum-Based Anti-Cancer Agents: What are the Implications of Copper Transporters?

    PubMed

    Stojanovska, Vanesa; McQuade, Rachel; Rybalka, Emma; Nurgali, Kulmira

    2017-01-01

    Platinum-based anti-cancer agents, which include cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin, are an important class of drugs used in clinical setting to treat a variety of cancers. The cytotoxic efficacy of these drugs is mediated by the formation of inter-strand and intrastrand crosslinks, or platinum adducts on nuclear DNA. There is also evidence demonstrating that mitochondrial DNA is susceptible to platinum-adduct damage in dorsal root ganglia neurons. Although all platinum-based agents form similar DNA adducts, they are quite different in terms of activation, systemic toxicity and tolerance. Platinum-based agents are well known for their neurotoxicity and gastrointestinal side-effects which are major causes for dose limitation and treatment discontinuation compromising the efficacy of anti-cancer treatment. Accumulating evidence in non-neuronal cells shows that the copper transport system is associated with platinum drug sensitivity and resistance. There is minimal research concerning the role of copper transporters within the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is unclear whether neurons are more sensitive to platinum-based drugs, are insufficient in drug clearance, or whether platinum accumulation affects intracellular copper status and coppermediated functions. Understanding these mechanisms is important as neurotoxicity is the predominant side-effect of platinum-based chemotherapy. This review highlights the role of copper transpor ters in drug influx, differences in drug activation and side-effects caused by platinum-based agents, as well as their association with central and peripheral neuropathies and gastrointestinal toxicities. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  14. Chrysin Attenuates Cell Viability of Human Colorectal Cancer Cells through Autophagy Induction Unlike 5-Fluorouracil/Oxaliplatin.

    PubMed

    Lin, Yueh-Ming; Chen, Chih-I; Hsiang, Yi-Ping; Hsu, Yung-Chia; Cheng, Kung-Chuan; Chien, Pei-Hsuan; Pan, Hsiao-Lin; Lu, Chien-Chang; Chen, Yun-Ju

    2018-06-14

    Chemotherapeutic 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combined with oxaliplatin is often used as the standard treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). The disturbing side effects and drug resistance commonly observed in chemotherapy motivate us to develop alternative optimal therapeutic options for CRC treatment. Chrysin, a natural and biologically active flavonoid abundant in propolis, is reported to have antitumor effects on a few CRCs. However, whether and how chrysin achieves similar effectiveness to the 5-FU combination is not clear. In this study, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), western blotting, fluorescence microscopy, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were assayed. We found that chrysin exhibited similar inhibition of cell viability as the 5-FU combination in a panel of human CRC cells. Furthermore, the results showed that chrysin significantly increased the levels of LC3-II, an autophagy-related marker, in CRC cells, which was not observed with the 5-FU combination. More importantly, blockage of autophagy induction restored chrysin-attenuated CRC cell viability. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that chrysin, not the 5-FU combination, induced ROS generation, and in turn, inhibited the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Collectively, these results imply that chrysin may be a potential replacement for the 5-FU and oxaliplatin combination to achieve antitumor activity through autophagy for CRC treatment in the future.

  15. Cetuximab Combined With Induction Oxaliplatin and Capecitabine, Followed by Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: SWOG 0713.

    PubMed

    Leichman, Cynthia Gail; McDonough, Shannon L; Smalley, Stephen R; Billingsley, Kevin G; Lenz, Heinz-Josef; Beldner, Matthew A; Hezel, Aram F; Velasco, Mario R; Guthrie, Katherine A; Blanke, Charles D; Hochster, Howard S

    2018-03-01

    Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NCRT) is standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. Pathologic complete response (pCR) has associated with improved survival. In modern phase III trials of NCRT, pCR ranges from 10% to 20%. Cetuximab improves response in KRAS (KRAS proto-oncogene) wild type (wt) metastatic colorectal cancer. S0713 was designed to assess improvement in pCR with additional use of cetuximab with induction chemotherapy and NCRT for locally advanced, KRAS-wt rectal cancer. Patient eligibility: stage II to III biopsy-proven, KRAS-wt rectal adenocarcinoma; no bowel obstruction; adequate hematologic, hepatic and renal function; performance status of 0 to 2. Target enrollment: 80 patients. induction chemotherapy with wCAPOX (weekly capecitabine and oxaliplatin) and cetuximab followed by the same regimen concurrent with radiation (omitting day 15 oxaliplatin). If fewer than 7 pCRs were observed at planned interim analysis after 40 patients received all therapy, the study would close. Eighty eligible patients would provide 90% power given a true pCR rate > 35% at a significance of 0.04. The regimen would lack future interest if pCR probability was ≤ 20%. Between February 2009 and April 2013, 83 patients registered. Four were ineligible and 4 not treated, leaving 75 evaluable for clinical outcomes and toxicity, of whom 65 had surgery. Of 75 patients, 20 had pCR (27%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 17%-38%); 19 (25%) had microscopic cancer; 36 (48%) had minor/no response (including 10 without surgery). Three-year disease-free survival was 73% (95% CI, 63%-83%). Our trial did not meet the pCR target of 35%. Toxicity was generally acceptable. This regimen cannot be recommended outside the clinical trial setting. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. A novel and selective poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor ameliorates chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy.

    PubMed

    Ta, Lauren E; Schmelzer, James D; Bieber, Allan J; Loprinzi, Charles L; Sieck, Gary C; Brederson, Jill D; Low, Philip A; Windebank, Anthony J

    2013-01-01

    Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy is the principle dose limiting factor requiring discontinuation of many chemotherapeutic agents, including cisplatin and oxaliplatin. About 30 to 40% of patients receiving chemotherapy develop pain and sensory changes. Given that poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition has been shown to provide neuroprotection, the current study was developed to test whether the novel PARP inhibitor compound 4a (analog of ABT-888) would attenuate pain in cisplatin and oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy in mice. An established chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy model of two weekly cycles of 10 intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections separated by 5 days rest was used to examine the therapeutic potential of the PARP inhibitor compound 4a. Behavioral testing using von Frey, paw radiant heat, cold plate, and exploratory behaviors were taken at baseline, and followed by testing at 3, 6, and 8 weeks from the beginning of drug treatment. Cisplatin-treated mice developed heat hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia while oxaliplatin-treated mice exhibited cold hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. Co-administration of 50 mg/kg or 25 mg/kg compound 4a with platinum regimen, attenuated cisplatin-induced heat hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in a dose dependent manner. Similarly, co-administration of 50 mg/kg compound 4a attenuated oxaliplatin-induced cold hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. These data indicate that administration of a novel PARP inhibitor may have important applications as a therapeutic agent for human chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy.

  17. A randomized phase II study of combination therapy with S-1, oral leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (SOL) and mFOLFOX6 in patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Yamazaki, Kentaro; Kuwano, Hiroyuki; Ojima, Hitoshi; Otsuji, Toshio; Kato, Takeshi; Shimada, Ken; Hyodo, Ichinosuke; Nishina, Tomohiro; Shirao, Kuniaki; Esaki, Taito; Ohishi, Takashi; Denda, Tadamichi; Takeuchi, Masahiro; Boku, Narikazu

    2015-03-01

    Biochemical modulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by leucovorin (LV) enhances antitumor activity. LV is thus often added to 5-FU-based regimens for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). A combination of S-1, oxaliplatin, and LV (SOL) was shown to be feasible, effective, and safe in a previous phase I trial. We therefore conducted a randomized phase II trial to evaluate efficacy and safety of SOL compared with mFOLFOX6. Patients with mCRC and no prior chemotherapy were randomly assigned to receive either SOL or mFOLFOX6. SOL consisted of S-1 (40-60 mg bid) plus oral LV (25 mg bid) for 1 week and oxaliplatin (85 mg/m(2)) on day 1, repeated every 2 weeks. Among 107 patients enrolled from July 2008 through July 2009, 105 (56 in the SOL group and 49 in the mFOLFOX6 group) were eligible and evaluated. The median progression-free survival was 9.6 months in the SOL group and 6.9 months in the mFOLFOX6 group [hazard ratio (HR) 0.83, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.49-1.40]. The median overall survival was 29.9 and 25.9 months, respectively (HR 0.91, 95 % CI 0.55-1.49). The response rate was 55 % in both groups. Grade 3 or 4 adverse drug reactions were neutropenia (20 % with SOL vs 41 % with mFOLFOX6), sensory neuropathy (20 vs 2.0 %), anorexia (13 vs 7.8 %), fatigue (11 vs 5.9 %), and diarrhea (11 vs 3.9 %). SOL demonstrated promising efficacy and acceptable toxicity as first-line chemotherapy for mCRC. Further studies of SOL combined with molecular target agents are warranted.

  18. Combination Chemotherapy with S-1 and Oxaliplatin (SOX) as First-Line Treatment in Elderly Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer.

    PubMed

    Zhong, Dong-ta; Wu, Ri-ping; Wang, Xin-li; Huang, Xiao-bing; Lin, Meng-xin; Lan, Yan-qin; Chen, Qiang

    2015-09-01

    This study is a retrospective analysis evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of combination chemotherapy with S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX) as first-line treatment in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer. One hundred and twenty-nine patients with recurrent or metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma were treated with SOX; S-1 (40-60 mg depending on patient's body surface area) was given orally, twice daily on days 1 to 14 followed by a 7-day rest period, 130 mg/m(2) oxaliplatin was given as an intravenous infusion over 2-hours on day one. The cycle was repeated every three weeks. All of the patients were older than 65 years. Among 129 patients enrolled, nine patients could not be evaluated for responses because of the absence of any measurable lesions or early discontinuation of therapy. Assessment of the response of 120 patients was made. The overall objective response rate was 54.2 % (95 %CI, 45.3-63.1 %), with three complete responses and 62 partial responses. The disease control rate was 80.8 % (95 %CI, 73.8-87.8 %). The median follow-up period was 23 months (range, 5-42 months). The median time to progression was 6.9 months (95 %CI, 5.5-8.3 months) and the median overall survival was 12.8 months (95 %CI, 11.4-14.2 months). The one-year survival rate was 57.5 % (95 %CI, 48.7-66.3 %). In 129 patients assessed safety, grade 3 and 4 toxicities included leucopenia (20.9 %), neutropenia (24.0 %), anemia (10.9 %), thrombocytopenia (10.1 %), anorexia (3.1 %), peripheral neurotoxicity (15.5 %), and fatigue (12.4 %). No treatment-related deaths occurred. Combination chemotherapy with SOX offers an effective, safe and well-tolerated regimen for elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer.

  19. Label-free monitoring of interaction between DNA and oxaliplatin in aqueous solution by terahertz spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Xiaojun; E, Yiwen; Xu, Xinlong; Wang, Li

    2012-07-01

    We demonstrated the feasibility of applying terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) to monitor the molecular reactions in aqueous solutions of anticancer drug oxaliplatin with λ-DNA and macrophages DNA. The reaction time dependent refractive index and absorption coefficient were extracted and analyzed. The reaction half-decaying time of about 4.0 h for λ-DNA and 12.9 h for M-DNA was established. The results suggest that the THz-TDS detection could be an effective label-free technique to sense the molecular reaction in aqueous solutions and could be very useful in biology, medicine, and pharmacy industry.

  20. The Next Generation of Platinum Drugs: Targeted Pt(II) Agents, Nanoparticle Delivery, and Pt(IV) Prodrugs

    PubMed Central

    Johnstone, Timothy C.; Suntharalingam, Kogularamanan; Lippard, Stephen J.

    2016-01-01

    The platinum drugs, cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin, prevail in the treatment of cancer,, but new platinum agents have been very slow to enter the clinic. Recently, however, there has been a surge of activity, based on a great deal of mechanistic information, aimed at developing non-classical platinum complexes that operate via mechanisms of action distinct from those of the approved drugs. The use of nanodelivery devices has also grown and many different strategies have been explored to incorporate platinum warheads into nanomedicine constructs. In this review, we discuss these efforts to create the next generation of platinum anticancer drugs. The introduction provides the reader with a brief overview of the use, development, and mechanism of action of the approved platinum drugs to provide the context in which more recent research has flourished. We then describe approaches that explore non-classical platinum(II) complexes with trans geometry and with a monofunctional coordination mode, polynuclear platinum(II) compounds, platinum(IV) prodrugs, dual-treat agents, and photoactivatable platinum(IV) complexes. Nanodelivery particles designed to deliver platinum(IV) complexes will also be discussed, including carbon nanotubes, carbon nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, upconversion nanoparticles, and polymeric micelles. Additional nanoformulations including supramolecular self-assembled structures, proteins, peptides, metal-organic frameworks, and coordination polymers will then be described. Finally, the significant clinical progress made by nanoparticle formulations of platinum(II) agents will be reviewed. We anticipate that such a synthesis of disparate research efforts will not only help to generate new drug development ideas and strategies, but also reflect our optimism that the next generation of platinum cancer drugs is about to arrive. PMID:26865551

  1. Updated efficacy and toxicity analysis of irinotecan and oxaliplatin (IROX) : intergroup trial N9741 in first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Ashley, Amanda C; Sargent, Daniel J; Alberts, Steven R; Grothey, Axel; Campbell, Megan E; Morton, Roscoe F; Fuchs, Charles S; Ramanathan, Ramesh K; Williamson, Stephen K; Findlay, Brian P; Pitot, Henry C; Goldberg, Richard M

    2007-08-01

    Efficacy and toxicity of oxaliplatin (Eloxatin; Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France) combined with irinotecan (IROX) were examined in 383 patients enrolled on the IROX arm of Intergroup Study N9741. This IROX regimen was oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2) and irinotecan 200 mg/m(2) administered every 3 weeks. The relation between adverse events on IROX to selected characteristics was analyzed. Time to progression (TTP), response rate, and overall survival for patients treated with IROX compared with patients treated with oxaliplatin with 5- fluorouracil (FOLFOX) were updated in this article. Grade >or=3 gastrointestinal and hematologic toxicities were common with 39% patients experiencing neutropenia, 28% diarrhea, and 21% vomiting. Patients ages >70 years experienced higher rates of grade >or=3 toxicity, with significantly higher rates of grade >or=3 hematologic toxicities (P = .02). Long-term toxicity was uncommon, and nearly all cases of grade >or=3 neurotoxicity resolved within 10 months. Fifty-two percent of patients required dose reductions for adverse events, and 26% experienced 119 hospitalizations related to complications of treatment or their disease, with 5 treatment-related deaths. This analysis confirmed prior findings that FOLFOX is superior to IROX in terms of response rate (43% vs 36%, p = 0.002), TTP (9.2 months vs 6.7 months, P < .0001), and overall survival (19.5 months vs 17.3 months, P = .0001). IROX was found to be less active than FOLFOX but with a similar toxicity profile except in patients ages >70 years. Although IROX may be considered in patients intolerant of 5-FU or in patients known to have a dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency, it should be used with caution in older patients. (c) 2007 American Cancer Society.

  2. Increased sensitivity of p53-deficient cells to anticancer agents due to loss of Pms2

    PubMed Central

    Fedier, A; Ruefenacht, U B; Schwarz, V A; Haller, U; Fink, D

    2002-01-01

    A large fraction of human tumours carries mutations in the p53 gene. p53 plays a central role in controlling cell cycle checkpoint regulation, DNA repair, transcription, and apoptosis upon genotoxic stress. Lack of p53 function impairs these cellular processes, and this may be the basis of resistance to chemotherapeutic regimens. By virtue of the involvement of DNA mismatch repair in modulating cytotoxic pathways in response to DNA damaging agents, we investigated the effects of loss of Pms2 on the sensitivity to a panel of widely used anticancer agents in E1A/Ha-Ras-transformed p53-null mouse fibroblasts either proficient or deficient in Pms2. We report that lack of the Pms2 gene is associated with an increased sensitivity, ranging from 2–6-fold, to some types of anticancer agents including the topoisomerase II poisons doxorubicin, etoposide and mitoxantrone, the platinum compounds cisplatin and oxaliplatin, the taxanes docetaxel and paclitaxel, and the antimetabolite gemcitabine. In contrast, no change in sensitivity was found after treatment with 5-fluorouracil. Cell cycle analysis revealed that both, Pms2-deficient and -proficient cells, retain the ability to arrest at the G2/M upon cisplatin treatment. The data indicate that the concomitant loss of Pms2 function chemosensitises p53-deficient cells to some types of anticancer agents, that Pms2 positively modulates cell survival by mechanisms independent of p53, and that increased cytotoxicity is paralleled by increased apoptosis. Tumour-targeted functional inhibition of Pms2 may be a valuable strategy for increasing the efficacy of anticancer agents in the treatment of p53-mutant cancers. British Journal of Cancer (2002) 87, 1027–1033. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6600599 www.bjcancer.com © 2002 Cancer Research UK PMID:12434296

  3. Randomized controlled trial of reduced-dose bolus fluorouracil plus leucovorin and irinotecan or infused fluorouracil plus leucovorin and oxaliplatin in patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer: a North American Intergroup Trial.

    PubMed

    Goldberg, Richard M; Sargent, Daniel J; Morton, Roscoe F; Fuchs, Charles S; Ramanathan, Ramesh K; Williamson, Stephen K; Findlay, Brian P; Pitot, Henry C; Alberts, Steven

    2006-07-20

    Previously, we reported results of Intergroup N9741, which compared standard bolus fluorouracil (FU), leucovorin, plus irinotecan (IFL) with infused FU, leucovorin, plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4) and irinotecan plus oxaliplatin in patients with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer. High rates of grade > or = 3 toxicity on IFL (resulting in some deaths) led us to reduce the starting doses of both irinotecan and FU by 20% (rIFL). This article compares rIFL with FOLFOX4. The primary comparison was time to progression, with secondary end points of response rate (RR), overall survival, and toxicity. Three hundred five patients were randomly assigned. The North Central Cancer Treatment Group Data Safety Monitoring Committee interrupted enrollment at a planned interim analysis when outcomes crossed predetermined stopping boundaries. The results were significantly superior for FOLFOX4 compared with rIFL for time to progression (9.7 v 5.5 months, respectively; P < .0001), RR (48% v 32%, respectively; P = .006), and overall survival (19.0 v 16.3 months, respectively; P = .026). Toxicity profiles were not significantly different between regimens for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, febrile neutropenia, dehydration, or 60-day all-cause mortality. Sensory neuropathy and neutropenia were significantly more common with FOLFOX4. Approximately 75% of patients in both arms received second-line therapy; 58% of rIFL patients received oxaliplatin-based second-line therapy, and 55% of FOLFOX4 patients received irinotecan-based regimens as second-line therapy. FOLFOX4 led to superior RR, time to progression, and overall survival compared with rIFL. The survival benefit for FOLFOX4 observed in the earlier stage of the study was preserved with equal use of either irinotecan or oxaliplatin as second-line therapy.

  4. Biweekly XELOX (capecitabine and oxaliplatin) as first-line treatment in elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Grande, Carlos; Quintero, Guillermo; Candamio, Sonia; París Bouzas, Lorena; Villanueva, María José; Campos, Begoña; Gallardo, Elena; Alvarez, Elena; Casal, Joaquín; Mel, José Ramón

    2013-04-01

    The combination of oxaliplatin and oral capecitabine (XELOX) has shown to be an active regimen in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). However, the experience with XELOX in elderly patients is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of XELOX as first-line treatment in elderly patients with MCRC. Patients aged ≥70years with previously untreated MCRC received oxaliplatin 85mg/m(2) on day 1, every 2weeks plus capecitabine 1000mg/m(2) (or capecitabine 750mg/m(2) if creatinine clearance was 30-50mL/min) twice daily on days 1-7, every 2weeks. Treatment was continued until progression, intolerable toxicity, or for a maximum of 12cycles. Thirty-five patients were enrolled. Median age was 78years (range, 70-83). Patients received a median of 11cycles of treatment. The objective response rate (ORR) was 49% and the tumor control rate was 86%. Median time to progression and overall survival were 8.6 (95% CI: 5.5-11.7) and 15.5 (95% CI: 9.6-21.3) months, respectively. Toxicities were generally mild to moderate. Major grade 1-2 toxicities were asthenia (40%), nausea (43%), and diarrhea (40%). No grade 4 toxicity was detected and grade 3 toxicities were reported in 17% of patients. There was no treatment-related death. Our findings show that the biweekly XELOX regimen represents an effective and tolerable first-line treatment option for elderly patients with MCRC. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Combination antiemetic therapy with aprepitant/fosaprepitant in patients with colorectal cancer receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (SENRI trial): a multicentre, randomised, controlled phase 3 trial.

    PubMed

    Nishimura, Junichi; Satoh, Taroh; Fukunaga, Mutsumi; Takemoto, Hiroyoshi; Nakata, Ken; Ide, Yoshihito; Fukuzaki, Takayuki; Kudo, Toshihiro; Miyake, Yasuhiro; Yasui, Masayoshi; Morita, Shunji; Sakai, Daisuke; Uemura, Mamoru; Hata, Taishi; Takemasa, Ichiro; Mizushima, Tsunekazu; Ohno, Yuko; Yamamoto, Hirofumi; Sekimoto, Mitsugu; Nezu, Riichiro; Doki, Yuichiro; Mori, Masaki

    2015-07-01

    The oral neurokinin-1 antagonist aprepitant is recommended in several guidelines for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea & vomiting (CINV) due to highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy. Little is known about the feasibility and safety of aprepitant in patients treated with oxaliplatin. In this multicentre, open label, randomised, phase 3 trial, we recruited patients with colorectal cancer who underwent an oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Patients were centrally randomised in a 1:1 ratio to the control group (5-HT3-receptor antagonist+dexamethasone) or aprepitant group (5-HT3-receptor antagonist+dexamethasone+aprepitant or fosaprepitant) in the first course. All patients were treated with aprepitant/fosaprepitant therapy in the second course. The primary end-point was the proportion of patients with no emesis. A total of 413 patients entered this clinical trial from 25 centres in Japan. Significantly more patients in the aprepitant group achieved no vomiting overall and delayed phase than those in the control group (95.7% versus 83.6%, and 95.7% versus 84.7%, respectively). The aprepitant group also had statistically significantly higher percentages of no significant nausea, complete response and complete protection than the control group overall. In the control group, the percentages of no vomiting were higher in the second cycle than in the first cycle. The incidence of vomiting occurred day 7 or later was significantly higher in the control group compared with the aprepitant group. Other adverse events were not significant between the groups. The aprepitant therapy was more effective than the control therapy for prevention of CINV in colorectal cancer patients receiving an oxaliplatin-based regimen. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Platinum anticancer agents and antidepressants: desipramine enhances platinum-based cytotoxicity in human colon cancer cells

    PubMed Central

    Kabolizadeh, Peyman; Engelmann, Brigitte J.; Pullen, Nicholas; Stewart, Jennifer K.; Ryan, John J.

    2011-01-01

    A unique synergistic effect on platinum drug cytotoxicity is noted in the presence of the tricyclic anti-depressant desipramine. Desipramine is used for treating neuropathic pain, particularly in prostate cancer patients. The clinically used drugs cisplatin (cis-[PtCl2(NH3)2]), oxaliplatin [1,2-diaminocyclohexaneoxalatoplatinum(II)], and the cationic trinuclear agent BBR3464 [{trans-PtCl(NH3)2}2-μ-(trans-Pt(NH3)2(H2N(CH2)6NH2)2)]4+, which has undergone evaluation in phase II clinical trials for activity in lung and ovarian cancers, were evaluated. Surprisingly, desipramine greatly augments the cytotoxicity of all the platinum-based chemotherapeutics in HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cell lines. Desipramine enhanced cellular accumulation of cisplatin, but had no effect on the accumulation of oxaliplatin or BBR3464, suggesting that enhanced accumulation could not be a consistent means by which desipramine altered the platinum-drug-mediated cytotoxicity. The desipramine/cisplatin combination resulted in increased levels of p53 as well as mitochondrial damage, caspase activation, and poly(ADP ribose) polymerase cleavage, suggesting that desipramine may synergize with cisplatin more than with other platinum chemotherapeutics partly by activating distinct apoptotic pathways. The study argues that desipramine may be a means of enhancing chemoresponsiveness of platinum drugs and the results warrant further investigation. The results emphasize the importance of understanding the differential pharmacological action of adjuvants employed in combinations with cancer chemotherapeutics. PMID:21918844

  7. Glioblastoma Treatment: Bypassing the Toxicity of Platinum Compounds by Using Liposomal Formulation and Increasing Treatment Efficiency With Concomitant Radiotherapy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Charest, Gabriel; Sanche, Leon; Fortin, David

    2012-09-01

    Purpose: Treatments of glioblastoma with cisplatin or oxaliplatin only marginally improve the overall survival of patients and cause important side effects. To prevent adverse effects, improve delivery, and optimize the tumor response to treatment in combination with radiotherapy, a potential approach consists of incorporating the platinum agent in a liposome. Methods and Materials: In this study, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, carboplatin, Lipoplatin (the liposomal formulation of cisplatin), and Lipoxal (the liposomal formulation of oxaliplatin) were tested on F98 glioma orthotopically implanted in Fischer rats. The platinum compounds were administered by intracarotid infusion and were assessed for the ability to reduce toxicity, improvemore » cancer cell uptake, and increase survival of animals when combined or not combined with radiotherapy. Results: The tumor uptake was 2.4-fold more important for Lipoxal than the liposome-free oxaliplatin. Lipoxal also improved the specificity of oxaliplatin as shown by a higher ratio of tumor to right hemisphere uptake. Surprisingly, Lipoplatin led to lower tumor uptake compared with cisplatin. However, Lipoplatin had the advantage of largely reducing the toxicity of cisplatin and allowed us to capitalize on the anticancer activity of this agent. Conclusion: Among the five platinum compounds tested, carboplatin showed the best increase in survival when combined with radiation for treatment of glioma implanted in Fischer rats.« less

  8. A triplet combination with capecitabine/oxaliplatin/irinotecan (XELOXIRI) plus cetuximab as first-line therapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: a dose escalation study.

    PubMed

    Sato, Yasushi; Hirakawa, Masahiro; Ohnuma, Hiroyuki; Takahashi, Minoru; Okamoto, Tetsuro; Okamoto, Koichi; Miyamoto, Hiroshi; Muguruma, Naoki; Furuhata, Tomohisa; Takemasa, Ichiro; Kato, Junji; Takayama, Tetsuji

    2017-12-01

    The addition of cetuximab to triplet chemotherapy can increase treatment efficacy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We explored the dose-limiting toxicity and feasibility of a triweekly capecitabine, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, plus cetuximab (XELOXIRI plus cetuximab) regimen in patients with wild-type KRAS mCRC. Patients received oxaliplatin (100 mg/m 2 , day 1), capecitabine (1700 mg/m 2 per day from day 2 to 15), irinotecan (100, 120, and 150 mg/m 2 for dose levels 1, 2, 3, respectively, on day 1), and cetuximab (400 mg/m 2 , day 1 and, thereafter, 250 mg/m 2 every week), repeated every 3 weeks. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were assessed in the first 2 treatment cycles to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommended dose (RD). Twelve patients received a median of 7 cycles of therapy (range 2-10). The DLT was grade 4 neutropenia, observed in 1 of 6 patients at dose level 2. The MTD was not reached at dose level 3. Therefore, the RD of irinotecan was defined as 150 mg/m 2 . Most common grade ≥ 3 toxicities were neutropenia (50%), diarrhea (17%), and febrile neutropenia (8%). The response rate was 83% (complete and partial response: 1 and 9 patient(s), respectively), including 4 conversion cases. The combination of XELOXIRI and cetuximab is feasible and has an acceptable toxicity profile; neutropenia was the DLT. The RD of irinotecan is 150 mg/m 2 . The observed response rate was promising and warrants further investigation.

  9. Adjuvant therapy for resected colon cancer 2017, including the IDEA analysis.

    PubMed

    Tang, Monica; Price, Timothy Jay; Shapiro, Jeremy; Gibbs, Peter; Haller, Daniel G; Arnold, Dirk; Peeters, Marc; Segelov, Eva; Roy, Amitesh; Tebbutt, Niall; Pavlakis, Nick; Karapetis, Chris; Burge, Matthew

    2018-04-01

    Oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy has been the standard of care for resected early colon cancer for over a decade. Recent results from the IDEA meta-analysis attempt to address the question of whether 3 or 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy is preferable in Stage III colon cancer. Areas covered: A review of the literature and recent conference presentations was undertaken on the topic of adjuvant therapy for resected early colon cancers. This article reviews the current evidence for adjuvant treatment of Stage II and III colon cancer, as well as up-to-date data regarding optimal duration of therapy. This article reviews the evidence for lifestyle modifications in the management of early colorectal cancer and other future directions for research in early colon cancer. Expert commentary: In recent years, there have been no advances in the development of novel agents for adjuvant therapy in colorectal cancer. Although the IDEA meta-analysis was negative for its primary non-inferiority endpoint, the detailed results provide valuable information that allows personalisation of treatment regimen and duration.

  10. NEOSCOPE: A randomised phase II study of induction chemotherapy followed by oxaliplatin/capecitabine or carboplatin/paclitaxel based pre-operative chemoradiation for resectable oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

    PubMed

    Mukherjee, Somnath; Hurt, Christopher Nicholas; Gwynne, Sarah; Sebag-Montefiore, David; Radhakrishna, Ganesh; Gollins, Simon; Hawkins, Maria; Grabsch, Heike I; Jones, Gareth; Falk, Stephen; Sharma, Ricky; Bateman, Andrew; Roy, Rajarshi; Ray, Ruby; Canham, Jo; Griffiths, Gareth; Maughan, Tim; Crosby, Tom

    2017-03-01

    Oxaliplatin-capecitabine (OxCap) and carboplatin-paclitaxel (CarPac) based neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) have shown promising activity in localised, resectable oesophageal cancer. A non-blinded, randomised (1:1 via a centralised computer system), 'pick a winner' phase II trial. Patients with resectable oesophageal adenocarcinoma ≥ cT3 and/or ≥ cN1 were randomised to OxCapRT (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m 2  day 1, 15, 29; capecitabine 625 mg/m 2 bd on days of radiotherapy) or CarPacRT (carboplatin AUC2; paclitaxel 50 mg/m 2  day 1, 8, 15, 22, 29). Radiotherapy dose was 45 Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks. Both arms received induction OxCap chemotherapy (2 × 3 week cycles of oxaliplatin 130 mg/m 2  day 1, capecitabine 625 mg/m 2 bd days 1-21). Surgery was performed 6-8 weeks after nCRT. Primary end-point was pathological complete response (pCR). Secondary end-points included toxicity, surgical morbidity/mortality, resection rate and overall survival. Based on pCR ≤ 15% not warranting future investigation, but pCR ≥ 35% would, 76 patients (38/arm) gave 90% power (one-sided alpha 10%), implying that arm(s) having ≥10 pCR out of first 38 patients could be considered for phase III trials. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01843829. Funder: Cancer Research UK (C44694/A14614). Eighty five patients were randomised between October 2013 and February 2015 from 17 UK centres. Three of 85 (3.5%) died during induction chemotherapy. Seventy-seven patients (OxCapRT = 36; CarPacRT = 41) underwent surgery. The 30-d post-operative mortality was 2/77 (2.6%). Grade III/IV toxicity was comparable between arms, although neutropenia was higher in the CarPacRT arm (21.4% versus 2.6%, p = 0.01). Twelve of 41 (29.3%) (10 of first 38 patients) and 4/36 (11.1%) achieved pCR in the CarPacRT and OxcapRT arms, respectively. Corresponding R0 resection rates were 33/41 (80.5%) and 26/36 (72.2%), respectively. Both regimens were well tolerated. Only CarPacRT passed the predefined p

  11. Phase II, randomized study of concomitant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery and adjuvant capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) compared with induction CAPOX followed by concomitant chemoradiotherapy and surgery in magnetic resonance imaging-defined, locally advanced rectal cancer: Grupo cancer de recto 3 study.

    PubMed

    Fernández-Martos, Carlos; Pericay, Carles; Aparicio, Jorge; Salud, Antonieta; Safont, Mariajose; Massuti, Bertomeu; Vera, Ruth; Escudero, Pilar; Maurel, Joan; Marcuello, Eugenio; Mengual, Jose Luis; Saigi, Eugenio; Estevan, Rafael; Mira, Moises; Polo, Sonia; Hernandez, Ana; Gallen, Manuel; Arias, Fernando; Serra, Javier; Alonso, Vicente

    2010-02-10

    PURPOSE The optimal therapeutic sequence of the adjuvant chemotherapy component of preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer is controversial. Induction chemotherapy before preoperative CRT may be associated with better efficacy and compliance. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 108 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer were randomly assigned to arm A-preoperative CRT with capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and concurrent radiation followed by surgery and four cycles of postoperative adjuvant capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX)-or arm B-induction CAPOX followed by CRT and surgery. The primary end point was pathologic complete response rate (pCR). Results On an intention-to-treat basis, the pCR for arms A and B were 13.5% (95% CI, 5.6% to 25.8%) and 14.3% (95% CI, 6.4% to 26.2%), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in other end points, including downstaging, tumor regression, and R0 resection. Overall, chemotherapy treatment exposure was higher in arm B than in arm A for both oxaliplatin (P < .0001) and capecitabine (P < .0001). During CRT, grades 3 to 4 adverse events were similar in both arms but were significantly higher in arm A during postoperative adjuvant CT than with induction CT in arm B. There were three deaths in each arm during the treatment period. CONCLUSION Compared with postoperative adjuvant CAPOX, induction CAPOX before CRT had similar pCR and complete resection rates. It did achieve more favorable compliance and toxicity profiles. On the basis of these findings, a phase III study to definitively test the induction strategy is warranted.

  12. Risk Factors for Oxaliplatin-Induced Hypersensitivity Reactions in Japanese Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Seki, Kyoko; Senzaki, Kenzou; Tsuduki, Yasuo; Ioroi, Takeshi; Fujii, Michiko; Yamauchi, Hiroko; Shiraishi, Yukinari; Nakata, Izumi; Nishiguchi, Kohshi; Matsubayashi, Teruhisa; Takakubo, Yoshihide; Okamura, Noboru; Yamamori, Motohiro; Tamura, Takao; Sakaeda, Toshiyuki

    2011-01-01

    Objective: Previously, we suggested that oxaliplatin (L-OHP)-related grade 3/4 hypersensitivity reactions occurred immediately after the initiation, but grade 1/2 reactions did not. This study was conducted to clarify the risk factors for L-OHP-related hypersensitivity reactions. Methods: Clinical data from 108 Japanese patients with colorectal cancer were analyzed, who were treated with L-OHP-containing regimens, FOLFOX4 and/or mFOLFOX6. The risk factors examined included demographic data, preexisting allergies, laboratory test data, treatment regimen, treatment line of therapy, pretreatment with steroids, total number of cycles and cumulative amount of L-OHP. Results: The incidence of grade 1/2 and grade 3/4 hypersensitivity reactions were found at 13.0% (14/108) and 9.3% (10/108), respectively. Female (P=0.037), preexisting allergies (P=0.004) and lower level of lactate dehydrogenase (P=0.003) were risk factors for grade 1/2 hypersensitivity reactions, and higher neutrophil count (P=0.043) and lower monocyte count (P=0.007) were for grade 3/4 reactions. Total number of cycles were larger in the patients with grade 3/4 reactions than those without reactions (P=0.049). Conclusions: Further extensive examination with a large number of patients is needed to establish a patient management strategy. PMID:21448307

  13. Phase II study of S-1 combined with oxaliplatin as therapy for patients with metastatic biliary tract cancer: influence of the CYP2A6 polymorphism on pharmacokinetics and clinical activity.

    PubMed

    Kim, K-p; Jang, G; Hong, Y S; Lim, H-S; Bae, K-s; Kim, H-S; Lee, S S; Shin, J-G; Lee, J-L; Ryu, M-H; Chang, H-M; Kang, Y-K; Kim, T W

    2011-02-15

    Advanced biliary cancer is often treated with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a combination of S-1, an oral fluoropyrimidine prodrug, and oxaliplatin in patients with metastatic biliary cancer. Patients with histologically confirmed metastatic biliary cancer and no history of radiotherapy or chemotherapy were enrolled. Oxaliplatin was administered intravenously (130 mg m(-2)), followed by 14-day administration of oral S-1 (40 mg m(-2) twice daily) with a subsequent 7-day rest period every 21 days. Pharmacokinetic analysis of S-1 was performed at cycle 1. Patients were genotyped for CYP2A6 polymorphisms ((*)1, (*)4, (*)7, (*)9 or (*)10), and pharmacokinetic and clinical parameters compared according to the CYP2A6 genotype. In total, 49 patients were evaluated, who received a median of four cycles. The overall response rate was 24.5%. Median progression-free and overall survival was 3.7 and 8.7 months, respectively. The most common haematological grade 3 out of 4 toxicity was neutropenia (14%), while non-hematological grade 3 out of 4 toxicities included anorexia (14%), nausea (12%), asthenia (10%), vomiting (10%), and diarrhoea (4%). Biotransformation of S-1 (AUC(0-24 h) of 5-fluorouracil/AUC(0-24 h) of tegafur) was 1.85-fold higher for the *1/*1 group than for the other groups (90% confidence interval 1.37-2.49). Diarrhoea (P=0.0740), neutropenia (P=0.396), and clinical efficacy (response rate, P=0.583; PFS, P=0.916) were not significantly associated with CYP2A6 genotype, despite differences in 5-FU exposure. The combination of S-1 and oxaliplatin appears to be active and well tolerated in patients with metastatic biliary cancer, and thus is feasible as a therapeutic modality. CYP2A6 genotypes are associated with differences in the biotransformation of S-1. However, the impact of the CYP2A6 polymorphism on variations in clinical efficacy or toxicity requires further evaluation.

  14. The Role of Bcl-xL in Synergistic Induction of Apoptosis by Mapatumumab and Oxaliplatin in Combination with Hyperthermia on Human Colon Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Song, Xinxin; Kim, Seog-Young; Lee, Yong J.

    2012-01-01

    Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. The main cause of death of colorectal cancer is hepatic metastases which can be treated using isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP), allowing treatment of colorectal metastasis with various methods. In this study we present a novel potent multimodality strategy comprising humanized death receptor 4 (DR4) antibody mapatumumab (Mapa) in combination with oxaliplatin and hyperthermia to treat human colon cancer cells. Oxaliplatin and hyperthermia sensitized colon cancer cells to Mapa in the mitochondrial dependent apoptotic pathway and increased reactive oxygen species production, leading to Bcl-xL phosphorylation at Serine 62 in a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-dependent manner. Overexpression of Bcl-xL reduced the efficacy of the multimodality treatment, while phosphorylation of Bcl-xL decreased its anti-apoptotic activity. The multimodality treatment dissociated Bcl-xL from Bax, allowing Bax oligomerization to induce cytochrome c release from mitochondria. In addition, the multimodality treatment significantly inhibited colorectal cancer xenografts’ tumor growth. The successful outcome of this study will support the application of multimodality strategy to colorectal hepatic metastases. PMID:23051936

  15. Protective Effect of a Mitochondria-Targeted Peptide against the Development of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Mice.

    PubMed

    Toyama, Satoshi; Shimoyama, Naohito; Szeto, Hazel H; Schiller, Peter W; Shimoyama, Megumi

    2018-04-18

    Several chemotherapeutic agents used for cancer treatment induce dose-limiting peripheral neuropathy that compromises patients' quality of life and limits cancer treatment. Recently, mitochondrial dysfunction has been shown to be involved in the mechanism of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. SS-20 is a mitochondria-targeted peptide that promotes mitochondrial respiration and restores mitochondrial bioenergetics. In the present study, we examined the protective effect of SS-20 against the development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy utilizing a murine model of peripheral neuropathy induced by oxaliplatin, a first-line chemotherapy agent for colon cancer. Weekly administrations of oxaliplatin induced peripheral neuropathy as demonstrated by the development of neuropathic pain and loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers in the hind paw. Continuous administration of SS-20 protected against the development of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain and mitigated the loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers to normal levels. Our findings suggest that SS-20 may be a drug candidate for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

  16. Oxaliplatin added to fluorouracil-based preoperative chemoradiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy of locally advanced rectal cancer (the German CAO/ARO/AIO-04 study): final results of the multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial.

    PubMed

    Rödel, Claus; Graeven, Ullrich; Fietkau, Rainer; Hohenberger, Werner; Hothorn, Torsten; Arnold, Dirk; Hofheinz, Ralf-Dieter; Ghadimi, Michael; Wolff, Hendrik A; Lang-Welzenbach, Marga; Raab, Hans-Rudolf; Wittekind, Christian; Ströbel, Philipp; Staib, Ludger; Wilhelm, Martin; Grabenbauer, Gerhard G; Hoffmanns, Hans; Lindemann, Fritz; Schlenska-Lange, Anke; Folprecht, Gunnar; Sauer, Rolf; Liersch, Torsten

    2015-08-01

    Preoperative chemoradiotherapy with infusional fluorouracil, total mesorectal excision surgery, and postoperative chemotherapy with fluorouracil was established by the German CAO/ARO/AIO-94 trial as a standard combined modality treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. Here we compare the previously established regimen with an investigational regimen in which oxaliplatin was added to both preoperative chemoradiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy. In this multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3 study we randomly assigned patients with rectal adenocarcinoma, clinically staged as cT3-4 or any node-positive disease, to two groups: a control group receiving standard fluorouracil-based combined modality treatment, consisting of preoperative radiotherapy of 50·4 Gy in 28 fractions plus infusional fluorouracil (1000 mg/m(2) on days 1-5 and 29-33), followed by surgery and four cycles of bolus fluorouracil (500 mg/m(2) on days 1-5 and 29); or to an investigational group receiving preoperative radiotherapy of 50·4 Gy in 28 fractions plus infusional fluorouracil (250 mg/m(2) on days 1-14 and 22-35) and oxaliplatin (50 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, 22, and 29), followed by surgery and eight cycles of oxaliplatin (100 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 15), leucovorin (400 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 15), and infusional fluorouracil (2400 mg/m(2) on days 1-2 and 15-16). Randomisation was done with computer-generated block-randomisation codes stratified by centre, clinical T category (cT1-3 vs cT4), and clinical N category (cN0 vs cN1-2) without masking. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival, defined as the time between randomisation and non-radical surgery of the primary tumour (R2 resection), locoregional recurrence after R0/1 resection, metastatic disease or progression, or death from any cause, whichever occurred first. Survival and cumulative incidence of recurrence analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle; toxicity analyses included all patients treated. Enrolment of

  17. Gemcitabine-cisplatin versus gemcitabine-oxaliplatin doublet chemotherapy in advanced gallbladder cancers: a match pair analysis.

    PubMed

    Ramaswamy, Anant; Ostwal, Vikas; Pinninti, Rakesh; Kannan, Sadhana; Bhargava, Prabhat; Nashikkar, Chaitali; Mirani, Jimmy; Banavali, Shripad

    2017-05-01

    Gemcitabine-cisplatin (GC) and gemcitabine-oxaliplatin (GO) are the most commonly used regimens in advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC). The data of patients with advanced GBC, treated between January 2013 and June 2015 were retrieved. A 1:1 matching without replacement was performed by using nearest neighbor matching method. A total of 326 patients (163 GC and 163 GO), were matched 1:1 by age and gender. The response rates for GC and GO were 31.2% and 36.3% (P = 0.350). The overall median event free survival (EFS) was 4.34 months (95% CI 4.030-4.644 months). The median EFS was 4.67 months (95% CI 4.060-5.271 months) in GC cohort and 3.88 months (95% CI 3.369-4.385 months) in GO cohort (P = 0.023). The overall median OS was 8.016 months (95% CI 7.361-8.672 months). The median OS was 8.02 months (95% CI 7.257-8.776 months) in GC cohort and 7.79 months (95% CI 6.690-8.88 months) in GO cohort (P = 0.455). The incidence of Grade 2/3 peripheral neuropathy (9.2% vs. 3.1%; P = 0.445) and Grade 3/4 transamintis (14.7% vs. 6.1%) was higher with GO while the incidence of anemia (22.1% vs. 6.7%; P < 0.001), neutropenia (7.3% vs. 2.4%; P = 0.49) and thrombocytopenia (9.8% vs. 3.7%; P = 0.033) was higher with GC. Gemcitabine-cisplatin or gemcitabine-oxaliplatin can be used as an initial regimen in advanced GBC. Higher EFS, potentially lower costs, lower incidence of peripheral neuropathy and hepatotoxicity favor the use of GC, whereas a lower incidence of hematological toxicities, and potential ease of administration in patients with borderline renal and cardiac functions favor GO. © 2017 Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.

  18. Timed‑flat infusion of 5‑fluorouracil with docetaxel and oxaliplatin as first‑line treatment of gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma: A single institution experience with the FD/FOx regimen.

    PubMed

    Cortellini, Alessio; Cannita, Katia; Parisi, Alessandro; Venditti, Olga; Lanfiuti Baldi, Paola; De Berardis, Berardo; Vicentini, Roberto; Vicentini, Vincenzo; Verna, Lucilla; Porzio, Giampiero; Ficorella, Corrado

    2018-06-06

    To date, there is no consensus regarding first‑line chemotherapy for patients with HER2‑negative, locally advanced/metastatic gastric cancer (a/m GC). In the present study we reported a retrospective case‑series of patients treated with a weekly regimen containing timed‑flat infusion of 5‑fluorouracil (TFI/5‑FU), docetaxel and oxaliplatin. From June 2007 to July 2017, 32 consecutive a/m GC patients were treated with first‑line standard (st) or modulated (mod) 'FD/FOx' regimen: Weekly 12 h (from 10.00 p.m. to 10.00 a.m.) TFI/5‑FU for two consecutive nights at 900 mg/m2/day, associated to weekly alternating docetaxel, 50 mg/m2 and oxaliplatin, 80 mg/m2. The median age of the patients was 60 years and their Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group‑performance status (ECOG‑PS) was as follows: i) ECOG‑PS 0/1, (n=28, 87.5%); and ii) ECOG‑PS 2 (n=4, 12.5%). Patient activity, efficacy and safety data were collected and subgroup analyses were conducted among patients treated with st and mod FD/FOx. In the intention‑to‑treat (ITT) analysis, the objective response rate (ORR) was 75% (95% CI, 53‑90) and the disease control rate (DCR) was 87.5% (95% CI, 67.6‑97.3). After a median follow‑up of 16 months, median progression‑free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) were 14.0 and 19.0 months, respectively. The received dose‑intensities were ~80% of the standard doses for each agent. The most relevant treatment‑related grade 3 adverse events were: Neutropenia (40.6%), asthenia (18.7%) and diarrhea (18.7%). The only treatment‑related grade 4 adverse event was neutropenia (9.3%). No febrile neutropenia was observed and none of the patients died as a result of adverse events. FD/FOx regimen appeared to be a feasible option as a first‑line treatment of a/m GC patients, especially in case of high‑tumor burden, with the need of rapid tumor shrinkage and disease‑related symptoms palliation.

  19. The GOFURTGO Study: AGITG Phase II Study of fixed dose rate gemcitabine–oxaliplatin integrated with concomitant 5FU and 3-D conformal radiotherapy for the treatment of localised pancreatic cancer

    PubMed Central

    Goldstein, D; Spry, N; Cummins, M M; Brown, C; van Hazel, G A; Carroll, S; Selva-Nayagam, S; Borg, M; Ackland, S P; Wratten, C; Shapiro, J; Porter, I W T; Hruby, G; Horvath, L; Bydder, S; Underhill, C; Harvey, J; Gebski, V J

    2012-01-01

    Background: Locally advanced inoperable pancreatic cancer (LAPC) has a poor prognosis. By increasing intensity of systemic therapy combined with an established safe chemoradiation technique, our intention was to enhance the outcomes of LAPC. In preparation for phase III evaluation, the feasibility and efficacy of our candidate regimen gemcitabine–oxaliplatin chemotherapy with sandwich 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) needs to be established. Methods: A total of 48 patients with inoperable LAPC without metastases were given gemcitabine (1000 mg m−2 d1 + d15 q28) and oxaliplatin (100 mg m−2 d2 + d16 q28) in induction (one cycle) and consolidation (three cycles), and 5FU 200 mg m−2 per day over 6 weeks during 3DCRT 54 Gy. Results: Median duration of sustained local control (LC) was 15.8 months, progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.0 months, and overall survival was 15.7 months. Survival rates for 1, 2, and 3 years were 70.2%, 21.3%, and 12.8%, respectively. Global quality of life did not significantly decline from baseline during treatment, which was associated with modest treatment-related toxicity. Conclusion: Fixed-dose gemcitabine and oxaliplatin, combined with an effective and safe regimen of 5FU and 3DCRT radiotherapy, was feasible and reasonably tolerated. The observed improved duration of LC and PFS with more intensive therapy over previous trials may be due to patient selection, but suggest that further evaluation in phase III trials is warranted. PMID:22134511

  20. [Risk Factors for Oxaliplatin-Induced Phlebitis and Venous Pain, and Evaluation of the Preventive Effect of Preheating with a Hot Compress for Administration of Oxaliplatin].

    PubMed

    Nakauchi, Kana; Kawazoe, Hitoshi; Miyajima, Risa; Waizumi, Chieko; Rokkaku, Yuki; Tsuneoka, Kikue; Higuchi, Noriko; Fujiwara, Mitsuko; Kojima, Yoh; Yakushijin, Yoshihiro

    2015-11-01

    Venous pain induced by oxaliplatin(L-OHP)is a clinical issue related to adherence to the Cape OX regimen. To prevent LOHP- induced venous pain, we provided nursing care to outpatients who were administered a preheated L -OHP diluted solution using a hot compress. We retrospectively evaluated the risk factors for colorectal cancer patients who had L -OHP induced phlebitis and venous pain. Furthermore, the preventive effect of nursing care was compared between inpatients and outpatients from January 2010 to March 2012. At the L-OHP administration site, any symptoms were defined as phlebitis, whereas pain was defined as venous pain. A total of 132 treatment courses among 31 patients were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that both phlebitis and venous pain were significantly more common in female patients (adjusted odds ratio, 2.357; 95%CI: 1.053-5.418; and adjusted odds ratio, 5.754; 95%CI: 2.119-18.567, respectively). The prevalence of phlebitis and venous pain did not differ between inpatients and outpatients (phlebitis, 61.3% vs 67.7%; venous pain, 29.0%vs 19.4%). These results suggest that administration of L-OHP via a central venous route should be considered in female patients.

  1. Real-world cost analysis of chemotherapy for colorectal cancer in Japan: detailed costs of various regimens during the entire course of chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Yajima, Shuichi; Shimizu, Hisanori; Sakamaki, Hiroyuki; Ikeda, Shunya; Ikegami, Naoki; Murayama, Jun-Ichiro

    2016-01-04

    Various chemotherapy regimens for advanced colorectal cancer have been introduced to clinical practice in Japan over the past decade. The cost profiles of these regimens, however, remain unclear in Japan. To explore the detailed costs of different regimens used to treat advanced colorectal cancer during the entire course of chemotherapy in patients treated in a practical setting, we conducted a so-called "real-world" cost analysis. A detailed cost analysis was performed retrospectively. Patients with advanced colorectal cancer who had received chemotherapy in a practical healthcare setting from July 2004 through October 2010 were extracted from the ordering system database of Showa University Hospital. Direct medical costs of chemotherapy regimens were calculated from the hospital billing data of the patients. The analysis was conducted from a payer's perspective. A total of 30 patients with advanced colorectal cancer were identified. Twenty patients received up to second-line treatment, and 8 received up to third-line treatment. The regimens identified from among all courses of treatment in all patients were 13 oxaliplatin-based regimens, 31 irinotecan-based regimens, and 11 regimens including molecular targeted agents. The average (95% confidence interval [95% CI]) monthly cost during the overall period from the beginning of treatment to the end of treatment was 308,363 (258,792 to 357,933) Japanese yen (JPY). According to the type of regimen, the average monthly cost was 418,463 (357,413 to 479,513) JPY for oxaliplatin-based regimens, 215,499 (188,359 to 242,639) JPY for irinotecan-based regimens, and 705,460 (586,733 to 824,187) JPY for regimens including molecular targeted agents. Anticancer drug costs and hospital fees accounted for 50 to 77% and 11 to 25% of the overall costs of chemotherapy, respectively. The costs of irinotecan-based regimens were lower than those of oxaliplatin-based regimens and regimens including molecular targeted agents in Japan

  2. FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after first-line bevacizumab plus oxaliplatin-based therapy: the randomized phase III EAGLE study†

    PubMed Central

    Iwamoto, S.; Takahashi, T.; Tamagawa, H.; Nakamura, M.; Munemoto, Y.; Kato, T.; Hata, T.; Denda, T.; Morita, Y.; Inukai, M.; Kunieda, K.; Nagata, N.; Kurachi, K.; Ina, K.; Ooshiro, M.; Shimoyama, T.; Baba, H.; Oba, K.; Sakamoto, J.; Mishima, H.

    2015-01-01

    Background A targeted agent combined with chemotherapy is the standard treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The present phase III study was conducted to compare two doses of bevacizumab combined with irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (FOLFIRI) in the second-line setting after first-line therapy with bevacizumab plus oxaliplatin-based therapy. Patients and methods Patients were randomly assigned to receive FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab 5 or 10 mg/kg in 2-week cycles until disease progression. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS), and secondary end points included overall survival (OS), time to treatment failure (TTF), and safety. Results Three hundred and eighty-seven patients were randomized between September 2009 and January 2012 from 100 institutions in Japan. Baseline patient characteristics were well balanced between the two groups. Efficacy was evaluated in 369 patients (5 mg/kg, n = 181 and 10 mg/kg, n = 188). Safety was evaluated in 365 patients (5 mg/kg, n = 180 and 10 mg/kg, n = 185). The median PFS was 6.1 versus 6.4 months (hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75–1.21; P = 0.676), and median TTF was 5.2 versus 5.2 months (hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% CI 0.81–1.25; P = 0.967), respectively, for the bevacizumab 5 and 10 mg/kg groups. Follow-up of OS is currently ongoing. Adverse events, including hypertension and hemorrhage, occurred at similar rates in both groups. Conclusion Bevacizumab 10 mg/kg plus FOLFIRI as the second-line treatment did not prolong PFS compared with bevacizumab 5 mg/kg plus FOLFIRI in patients with mCRC. If bevacizumab is continued after first-line therapy in mCRC, a dose of 5 mg/kg is appropriate for use as second-line treatment. Clinical trial identifier UMIN000002557. PMID:25908603

  3. Causative Agents of Aspergillosis Including Cryptic Aspergillus Species and A. fumigatus.

    PubMed

    Toyotome, Takahito

    2016-01-01

    Aspergillosis is an important deep mycosis. The causative agents are Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus terreus, of which A. fumigatus is the most prevalent. Cryptic Aspergillus spp., which morphologically resemble representative species of each Aspergillus section, also cause aspergillosis. Most of the cryptic species reveal different susceptibility patterns and/or different secondary metabolite profiles, also called exometabolome in this manuscript, from those representative species. On the other hand, azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains in clinical specimens and in the environment have been reported. Therefore, it is imperative to precisely identify the species, including cryptic Aspergillus spp., and evaluate the susceptibility of isolates.In this manuscript, some of the causative cryptic Aspergillus spp. are briefly reviewed. In addition, the exometabolome of Aspergillus section Fumigati is described. Finally, azole resistance of A. fumigatus is also discussed, in reference to several studies from Japan.

  4. Phase I study of 3-weekly combination chemotherapy using epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and S-1 (EOS) in patients with previously untreated advanced gastric cancer.

    PubMed

    Sym, Sun Jin; Hong, Junsik; Jung, Minkyu; Park, Jinny; Cho, Eun Kyung; Lee, Woon Ki; Chung, Min; Kim, Hyung-Sik; Lee, Jae Hoon; Shin, Dong Bok

    2012-08-01

    This study was performed to determine the recommended dose (RD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) associated with epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and S-1 (EOS) combination therapy in patients with previously untreated advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Previously untreated patients with histologically proven metastatic AGC, with an ECOG performance status of 0-2, were enrolled in this study. A fixed dose of epirubicin (50 mg/m(2)) and oxaliplatin (130 mg/m(2)) was intravenously administered on day 1 of treatment, followed by oral S-1 administration twice daily on days 1-14. The S-1 dose was escalated according to the following schedule: level I, 35 mg/m(2); level II, 40 mg/m(2); level III, 45 mg/m(2); Level IV, 50 mg/m(2). Each cycle was repeated every 21 days. DLTs were evaluated during the first two cycles of treatment. Nineteen patients with a median age of 53 years (range, 40-71 years) were enrolled in this study. One case of DLT (grade 4 neutropenia lasting more than 5 days) developed from among the six dose level II patients, while 2 DLTs (grade 3 diarrhea and nausea) were observed among the 4 dose level III patients. Based on these results, dose level II was determined as the RD. Of the 13 patients with measurable lesions, eight achieved partial response, three showed stable disease, and the objective response rate was 61.5 % (95 % confidence interval (CI), 13.3-66.6 %). The median progression-free survival and overall survival of all patients was 6.8 months (95 % CI, 1.4-9.5 months) and 13.3 months (95 % CI, 1.9-24.6 months), respectively. The RD of the EOS regimen in patients with previously untreated AGC was 50 mg/m(2) of epirubicin and 130 mg/m(2) of oxaliplatin on day 1, with administration of 40 mg/m(2) of S-1 twice a day on days 1-14 for each 21-day cycle. The EOS regimen described produced promising results.

  5. Z-FL-COCHO, a cathepsin S inhibitor, enhances oxaliplatin-induced apoptosis through upregulation of Bim expression.

    PubMed

    Seo, Seung Un; Woo, Seon Min; Min, Kyoung-Jin; Kwon, Taeg Kyu

    2018-04-15

    Inhibition of cathespsin S not only inhibits invasion and angiogenesis, but also induces apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells. In present study, we revealed that pharmacological inhibitor [Z-FL-COCHO (ZFL)] of cathepsin S up-regulates pro-apoptotic protein Bim expression at the posttranslational levels. These effects were not associated with MAPKs and AMPK signal pathways. Interestingly, pretreatment with the chemical chaperones (TUDCA and PBA) and knockdown of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) markedly inhibited ZFL-induced Bim upregulation. ZFL enhances oxaliplatin-mediated apoptosis through ER stress-induced Bim upregulation in cancer cells. Collectively, our results suggest that inhibition of cathepsin S-induced Bim upregulation contribute to anti-cancer drug-induced apoptotic cell death in renal carcinoma Caki cells. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. 21 CFR 700.13 - Use of mercury compounds in cosmetics including use as skinbleaching agents in cosmetic...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 7 2011-04-01 2010-04-01 true Use of mercury compounds in cosmetics including use as skinbleaching agents in cosmetic preparations also regarded as drugs. 700.13 Section 700.13 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) COSMETICS...

  7. 21 CFR 700.13 - Use of mercury compounds in cosmetics including use as skinbleaching agents in cosmetic...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 7 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Use of mercury compounds in cosmetics including use as skinbleaching agents in cosmetic preparations also regarded as drugs. 700.13 Section 700.13...) COSMETICS GENERAL Requirements for Specific Cosmetic Products § 700.13 Use of mercury compounds in cosmetics...

  8. 21 CFR 700.13 - Use of mercury compounds in cosmetics including use as skinbleaching agents in cosmetic...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 7 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Use of mercury compounds in cosmetics including use as skinbleaching agents in cosmetic preparations also regarded as drugs. 700.13 Section 700.13...) COSMETICS GENERAL Requirements for Specific Cosmetic Products § 700.13 Use of mercury compounds in cosmetics...

  9. 21 CFR 700.13 - Use of mercury compounds in cosmetics including use as skinbleaching agents in cosmetic...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 7 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Use of mercury compounds in cosmetics including use as skinbleaching agents in cosmetic preparations also regarded as drugs. 700.13 Section 700.13...) COSMETICS GENERAL Requirements for Specific Cosmetic Products § 700.13 Use of mercury compounds in cosmetics...

  10. Effect of doxorubicin, oxaliplatin, and methotrexate administration on the transcriptional activity of BCL-2 family gene members in stomach cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Florou, Dimitra; Patsis, Christos; Ardavanis, Alexandros; Scorilas, Andreas

    2013-07-01

    Defective apoptosis comprises the main reason for tumor aggressiveness and chemotherapy tolerance in solid neoplasias. Among the BCL-2 family members, whose mRNA or protein expression varies considerably in different human malignancies, BCL2L12 is the one for which we have recently shown its propitious prognostic value in gastric cancer. The purpose of the current work was to investigate the expression behavior of BCL2L12, BAX, and BCL-2 in human stomach adenocarcinoma cells following their exposure to anti-tumor substances. The 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and trypan blue methods assessed the impact of doxorubicin, oxaliplatin and methotrexate on AGS cells' viability and growth. Following isolation from cells, total RNA was reverse-transcribed to cDNA. Quantification of target genes' expression was performed with real-time PCR using SYBR Green detection system. The relative changes in their mRNA levels between drug-exposed and untreated cells were calculated with the comparative Ct method (2(-ddCt)). All three drugs, as a result of their administration to AGS cancer cells for particular time intervals, provoked substantial fluctuations in the transcriptional levels of the apoptosis-related genes studied. While BAX was principally upregulated, striking similar were the notable changes regarding BCL-2 and BCL2L12 expression in our cellular system. Our findings indicate the growth suppressive effects of doxorubicin, oxaliplatin and methotrexate treatment on stomach carcinoma cells and the implication of BCL2L12, BAX, and BCL-2 expression profiles in the molecular signaling pathways triggered by chemotherapy.

  11. Phase I study of orally administered S-1 in combination with epirubicin and oxaliplatin in patients with advanced solid tumors and chemotherapy-naïve advanced or metastatic esophagogastric cancer.

    PubMed

    Moehler, Markus; Mahlberg, Rolf; Heinemann, Volker; Obermannová, Radka; Kubala, Eugen; Melichar, Bohuslav; Weinmann, Arndt; Scigalla, Paul; Tesařová, Marietta; Janda, Petr; Hédouin-Biville, Fabienne; Mansoor, Wasat

    2017-03-01

    This phase I study investigated the safety and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 when combined with epirubicin and oxaliplatin (EOS). Patients aged ≥18 years with advanced or metastatic solid tumors were enrolled in a 3 + 3 design with S-1 dose escalation (two planned cohorts) performed according to the occurrence of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). On day 1 of each 21-day cycle, patients received epirubicin 50 mg/m 2 followed by oxaliplatin 130 mg/m 2 (maximum 8 cycles) and then S-1 [20 mg/m 2 (cohort 1) or 25 mg/m 2 (cohort 2), twice daily]: first dose, evening of day 1; subsequent administration on days 2-14, twice daily; last dose, morning of day 15 (unlimited number of S-1 cycles). After protocol amendment, enrollment in a third cohort was restricted to patients with chemotherapy-naïve advanced or metastatic esophagogastric cancer. DLT was reported for two of the five patients in cohort 2, defining 20 mg/m 2 twice daily as the MTD of S-1 combined with epirubicin and oxaliplatin in heavily pretreated patients. Thirteen patients with chemotherapy-naïve advanced or metastatic esophagogastric cancer were subsequently enrolled and treated at an S-1 dose level of 25 mg/m 2 twice daily; no DLTs were reported; median overall survival was 13.1 months. Of the 11 evaluable patients, three (27 %) had partial responses and seven (64 %) had stable disease. The safety profile was in line with expectations. The promising activity of EOS (S-1 dose level, 25 mg/m 2 twice daily) and acceptable safety profile support further clinical development of this combination for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic esophagogastric cancer.

  12. High-dose 8% capsaicin patch in treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: single-center experience.

    PubMed

    Filipczak-Bryniarska, Iwona; Krzyzewski, Roger M; Kucharz, Jakub; Michalowska-Kaczmarczyk, Anna; Kleja, Justyna; Woron, Jarosław; Strzepek, Katarzyna; Kazior, Lucyna; Wordliczek, Jerzy; Grodzicki, Tomasz; Krzemieniecki, Krzysztof

    2017-08-17

    High-dose capsaicin patch is effective in treatment of neuropathic pain in HIV-associated neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy. There are no studies assessing effectiveness of high-dose capsaicin patch in treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. We sought to determine the effectiveness of treatment of pain associated with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy with high-dose capsaicin patch. Our study group consisted of 18 patients with clinically confirmed oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy. Baseline characteristic including underling disease, received cumulative dose of neurotoxic agent, neuropathic symptoms, prior treatment and initial pain level were recorded. Pain was evaluated with Numeric Rating Scale prior to treatment with high-dose capsaicin and after 1.8 day and after 8 and 12 weeks after introducing treatment. Patients were divided into two groups accordingly to the amount of neurotoxic agent that caused neuropathy (high sensitivity and low sensitivity group). Most frequent symptoms of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy were: pain (88.89%), paresthesis (100%), sock and gloves sensation (100%) and hypoesthesis (100%). Initial pain level was 7.45 ± 1.14. Mean cumulative dose of oxaliplatin after which patients developed symptoms was 648.07 mg/m 2 . Mean pain level after 12 weeks of treatment was 0.20 ± 0.41. When examined according to high and low sensitivity to neurotoxic agent patients with low sensitivity had higher pain reduction, especially after 8 days after introducing treatment (69.55 ± 12.09 vs. 49.40 ± 20.34%; p = 0.02) and after 12 weeks (96.96 ± 5.56 vs. 83.93 ± 18.59%; p = 0.04). High-dose capsaicin patch is an effective treatment for pain associated with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in patients treated with oxaliplatin. Patients with lower sensitivity to neurotoxic agents have better response to treatment and pain reduction.

  13. EF24 and RAD001 potentiates the anticancer effect of platinum-based agents in human malignant pleural mesothelioma (MSTO-211H) cells and protects nonmalignant mesothelial (MET-5A) cells.

    PubMed

    Onen, H I; Yilmaz, A; Alp, E; Celik, A; Demiroz, S M; Konac, E; Kurul, I C; Menevse, E S

    2015-02-01

    The most widespread neoplasm of the pleura is malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) with low prevalence rate. The mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathway, inhibited by RAD001, was shown to be deregulated in MPM development and considered a novel target for the MPM therapy. The EF24, a curcumin analog, also affects several signaling pathways and kills cancer cells as a single agent or in combination with classical drugs. We aimed to evaluate possible effects of RAD001, EF24, cisplatin, and oxaliplatin treatments on both malignant pleural mesothelioma (MSTO-211H) and nonmalignant mesothelial (Met-5A) cell lines. The effects of the agents on MSTO-211H and Met-5A cells were evaluated in terms of cell viability, cytotoxicity, DNA synthesis rate, quantitation of apoptotic DNA fragmentation, and cleaved caspase 3 levels. Moreover, quantitative messenger RNA (mRNA) analysis of apoptotic (CASP9) and antiapoptotic (BCL2L1 and BCL2) genes were also performed. We found that both EF24 and RAD001 alone treatments decreased only MSTO-211H cell viability, but cisplatin and oxaliplatin affected both cell lines. Pretreatment with EF24 or RAD001 followed by cisplatin increased the effects of cisplatin alone application. EF24 and RAD001 pretreatment decreased DNA fragmentation rate when compared with cisplatin alone treatment in Met-5A cells. Sequential treatments resulted in a significant increase of CASP9 mRNA expression in MSTO-211H cells but not in Met-5A cells. Our preliminary results suggest that pretreatment with EF24 or RAD001 may reduce cytotoxic effect of cisplatin on nonmalignant mesothelial cells and increase cell death response of MPM cells. Further analyses using animal models are needed to confirm these findings in vivo. © The Author(s) 2015.

  14. The analgesic effect of orexin-A in a murine model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain.

    PubMed

    Toyama, Satoshi; Shimoyama, Naohito; Shimoyama, Megumi

    2017-02-01

    Orexins are neuropeptides that are localized to neurons in the lateral and dorsal hypothalamus but its receptors are distributed to many different regions of the central nervous system. Orexins are implicated in a variety of physiological functions including sleep regulation, energy homeostats, and stress reactions. Furthermore, orexins administered exogenously have been shown to have analgesic effects in animal models. A type of intractable pain in patients is pain due to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Several chemotherapeutic agents used for the treatment of malignant diseases induce dose-limiting neuropathic pain that compromises patients' quality of life. Here, we examined the analgesic effect of orexin-A in a murine model of CIPN, and compared it with the effect of duloxetine, the only drug recommended for the treatment of CIPN pain in patients. CIPN was induced in male BALB/c mice by repeated intraperitoneal injection of oxaliplatin, a platinum chemotherapeutic agent used for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Neuropathic mechanical allodynia was assessed by the von Frey test, and the effect on acute thermal pain was assessed by the tail flick test. Intracerebroventricularly administered orexin-A dose-dependently attenuated oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia and increased tail flick latencies. Oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia was completely reversed by orexin-A at a low dose that did not increase tail flick latency. Duloxetine only partially reversed mechanical allodynia and had no effect on tail flick latency. The analgesic effect of orexin-A on oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia was completely antagonized by prior intraperitoneal injection of SB-408124 (orexin type-1 receptor antagonist), but not by prior intraperitoneal injection of TCS-OX2-29 (orexin type-2 receptor antagonist). Our findings suggest that orexin-A is more potent than duloxetine in relieving pain CIPN pain and its analgesic effect is

  15. Trial watch

    PubMed Central

    Vacchelli, Erika; Galluzzi, Lorenzo; Fridman, Wolf Hervé; Galon, Jerome; Sautès-Fridman, Catherine; Tartour, Eric; Kroemer, Guido

    2012-01-01

    The long-established notion that apoptosis would be immunologically silent, and hence it would go unnoticed by the immune system, if not tolerogenic, and hence it would actively suppress immune responses, has recently been revisited. In some instances, indeed, cancer cells undergo apoptosis while emitting a spatiotemporally-defined combination of signals that renders them capable of eliciting a long-term protective antitumor immune response. Importantly, only a few anticancer agents can stimulate such an immunogenic cell death. These include cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and oxaliplatin, which are currently approved by FDA for the treatment of multiple hematologic and solid malignancies, as well as mitoxantrone, which is being used in cancer therapy and against multiple sclerosis. In this Trial Watch, we will review and discuss the progress of recent (initiated after January 2008) clinical trials evaluating the off-label use of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, oxaliplatin and mitoxantrone. PMID:22720239

  16. Restoring sensitivity to oxaliplatin by a novel approach in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

    PubMed Central

    Banerjee, Sanjeev; Kong, Dejuan; Azmi, Asfar S.; Wang, Zhiwei; Ahmad, Aamir; Sethi, Seema; Sarkar, Fazlul H.

    2011-01-01

    Oxaliplatin (OxP) has been used in combination therapy with gemcitabine for the treatment of pancreatic cancer (PC), but the beneficial effect was marginal, which is believed to be due to de novo and acquired drug resistance of PC. Here, we report our in vitro and in vivo preclinical evidence in support of chemosensitization of drug-resistant cells by a nontoxic chemopreventive agent (genistein). Genistein pretreatment together with low concentration of OxP showed significant reduction in cell viability and colony formation concomitant with increased apoptosis (p < 0.01), which was highly synergistic. Drug resistance of PC is allegedly linked with both constitutive and OxP-induced activation of NF-κB, and we found that inactivation of (nuclear factor kappa B) NF-κB by genistein before treatment of cells with OxP was required for cell killing, which was consistent with the downregulation of NF-κB and its downstream antiapoptotic genes (Bcl-2, XIAPs and survivin). Most importantly, our in vivo experiments using orthotopic mouse model showed significant reduction in tumor size (p < 0.01) and reduction of locoregional lymph node metastasis by combination treatment. These results were also consistent with inactivation of NF-κB and the downregulation of NF-κB downstream genes, decreased proliferation marker (Ki-67) and increased apoptosis (TUNEL) in tumor remnants, all of which was consistent with in vitro findings. From these results, we conclude that genistein sensitizes drug-resistant PC to OxP, which is mechanistically linked with inactivation of NF-κB signaling, resulting in greater antitumor effects, and thus our data suggest that this approach could be useful in improving the treatment outcome for patients diagnosed with PC. PMID:20824697

  17. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin for locally advanced rectal cancer: long-term results of a phase II trial.

    PubMed

    Liu, Luying; Cao, Caineng; Zhu, Yuan; Li, Dechuan; Feng, Haiyang; Luo, Jialin; Tang, Zhongzhu; Liu, Peng; Lu, Ke; Ju, Haixing; Zhang, Na

    2015-03-01

    The aim of this study was to report long-term results of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin. From February 2002 to November 2006, a total of 58 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer were recruited. Secondary endpoints included the cumulative incidence of local and distant recurrences, disease-free survival, and overall survival. The median follow-up time was 138 months (109-151 months). The cumulative incidence of local recurrence at 10 years was 12.1%. The cumulative incidence of distant recurrence at 10 years was 53.4%. The overall survival in the intention-to-treat population was 39.5% at 10 years. Disease-free survival in the intention-to-treat population was 41.8% at 10 years. Univariate analysis revealed that pathologic complete response was associated with local recurrence, distant recurrence, disease-free survival, and overall survival (p < .05). Distant recurrence remains the predominant pattern of failure for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy and total mesorectal excision. Pathologic complete response is an independent prognostic factor for locally advanced rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy.

  18. The preventive effect of sensorimotor- and vibration exercises on the onset of Oxaliplatin- or vinca-alkaloid induced peripheral neuropathies - STOP.

    PubMed

    Streckmann, Fiona; Balke, Maryam; Lehmann, Helmar C; Rustler, Vanessa; Koliamitra, Christina; Elter, Thomas; Hallek, Michael; Leitzmann, Michael; Steinmetz, Tilman; Heinen, Petra; Baumann, Freerk T; Bloch, Wilhelm

    2018-01-10

    Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and clinically relevant side effect of chemotherapy. Approximately 50% of all leukemia, lymphoma, colorectal- and breast cancer patients are affected. CIPN is induced by neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agents and can manifest with sensory and/or motor deficits. It is associated with significant disability and poor recovery. Common symptoms include pain, altered sensation, reduced or absent reflexes, muscle weakness, reduced balance control and insecure gait. These symptoms not only affect activities of daily living, subsequently reducing patients' quality of life, they have far more become a decisive limiting factor for medical therapy, causing treatment delays, dose reductions, or even discontinuation of therapy, which can affect the outcome and compromise survival. To date, CIPN cannot be prevented and its occurrence presents a diagnostic dilemma since approved and effective treatment options are lacking. Promising results have recently been achieved with exercise. We have revealed that sensorimotor training (SMT) or whole body vibration (WBV) can reduce the symptoms of CIPN and attenuate motor and sensory deficits. We furthermore detected a tendency that it may also have a preventive effect on the onset of CIPN. We are therefore conducting a prospective, multicentre, controlled clinical trial involving 236 oncological patients receiving either oxaliplatin (N = 118) or vinca-alkaloid (N = 118) who are randomized to one of two interventions (SMT or WBV) or a treatment as usual (TAU) group. Primary endpoint is the time to incidence of neurologically confirmed CIPN. Secondary endpoints are pain, maintenance of the functionality of sensory as well as motor nerve fibres as well as the level of physical activity. The baseline assessment is performed prior to the first cycle of chemotherapy. Subsequent follow-up assessments are conducted at 12 weeks, after completion of chemotherapy, and at a 3-month

  19. A Phase I, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Study of Vorinostat in Combination with 5-Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Oxaliplatin in Patients with Refractory Colorectal Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Fakih, Marwan G.; Pendyala, Lakshmi; Fetterly, Gerald; Toth, Karoli; Zwiebel, James A; Espinoza-Delgado, Igor; Litwin, Alan; Rustum, Youcef M.; Ross, Mary Ellen; Holleran, Julianne L.; Egorin, Merrill J.

    2014-01-01

    Purpose We conducted a phase I study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of vorinostat in combination with fixed doses of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX). Experimental Design Vorinostat was given PO BID for 1 week every 2 weeks. FOLFOX was given on days 4 and 5 of vorinostat. The vorinostat starting dose was 100 mg BID. Escalation occurred in cohorts of 3–6 patients. Pharmacokinetics of vorinostat, 5-FU, and oxaliplatin were studied. Results Twenty-one patients were enrolled. Thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, gastrointestinal toxicities, and fatigue increased in frequency and severity at higher dose-levels (DL) of vorinostat. Two of 4 evaluable patients at DL 4 (vorinostat 400 mg PO BID) developed dose-limiting fatigue. One of 10 evaluable patients at DL3 (vorinostat 300 mg PO BID) had dose-limiting fatigue, anorexia, and dehydration. There were significant relationships between vorinostat dose and AUC on days 1 and 5 (Pearson, < 0.001). Vorinostat AUC increased (p = 0.005) and clearance decreased (p = 0.003) on day 5 compared to day 1. The median Cmax of 5-FU at each DL increased significantly with increasing doses of vorinostat, suggesting a pharmacokinetic interaction between 5-FU and vorinostat. Vorinostat-induced thymidylate synthase modulation was not consistent; only two of six patients had a decrease in intra-tumoral thymidylate synthase expression by RT-PCR. Conclusions The MTD of vorinostat in combination with FOLFOX is 300 mg PO BID x 1 week every two weeks. Alternative vorinostat dosing schedules may be needed for optimal down-regulation of thymidylate synthase expression. PMID:19383814

  20. Melatonin pre-treatment mitigates SHSY-5Y cells against oxaliplatin induced mitochondrial stress and apoptotic cell death

    PubMed Central

    Choudhury, Arnab; Kar, Sudeshna; Tabassum, Heena

    2017-01-01

    Oxaliplatin (Oxa) treatment to SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells has been shown by previous studies to induce oxidative stress, which in turn modulates intracellular signaling cascades resulting in cell death. While this phenomenon of Oxa-induced neurotoxicity is known, the underlying mechanisms involved in this cell death cascade must be clarified. Moreover, there is still little known regarding the roles of neuronal mitochondria and cytosolic compartments in mediating Oxa-induced neurotoxicity. With a better grasp of the mechanisms driving neurotoxicity in Oxa-treated SH-SY5Y cells, we can then identify certain pathways to target in protecting against neurotoxic cell damage. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether one such agent, melatonin (Mel), could confer protection against Oxa-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Results from the present study found Oxa to significantly reduce SH-SY5Y cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Alternatively, we found Mel pre-treatment to SH-SY5Y cells to attenuate Oxa-induced toxicity, resulting in a markedly increased cell viability. Mel exerted its protective effects by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and reducing superoxide radicals inside Oxa-exposed. In addition, we observed pre-treatment with Mel to rescue Oxa-treated cells by protecting mitochondria. As Oxa-treatment alone decreases mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), resulting in an altered Bcl-2/Bax ratio and release of sequestered cytochrome c, so Mel was shown to inhibit these pathways. Mel was also found to inhibit proteolytic activation of caspase 3, inactivation of Poly (ADP Ribose) polymerase, and DNA damage, thereby allowing SH-SY5Y cells to resist apoptotic cell death. Collectively, our results suggest a role for melatonin in reducing Oxa induced neurotoxicity. Further studies exploring melatonin’s protective effects may prove successful in eliciting pathways to further alter the neurotoxic pathways of

  1. Gemcitabine-oxaliplatin (GEMOX) for epithelial ovarian cancer patients resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Elshebeiny, Mohamed; Almorsy, Walid

    2016-09-01

    Patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) experience poor outcome. Currently, no clearly superior management strategy exists for platinum-resistant EOC patients. Analyze the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine-oxaliplatin (GEMOX) in platinum resistant EOC patients. Thirty-two patients with platinum-based resistant EOC were included. Studied patients had received GEM at the dose of 1000mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 and OX 100mg/m(2) on day 1, administered over 2h 30min after GEM infusion of 3week treatment cycle. In the evaluation of tumor response, none of patients had achieved CR while PR, SD, were observed in 7 (21.9%), 9 (28.1%) respectively, clinical benefit (CR+PR+SD) was recorded in 50% of patients while PD was observed in 16 (50%) patients. In regard to survival, the median value of OS was 10.5months (range, 2.2-17.5months). The median value of PFS was 6.37months (range, 1-17.5months). The one-year OS rate was 34.4% and the one-year PFS rate was 12.5%. Concerning hematological toxicity grade 3 neutropenia was recorded in 4 (12.5%) patients while grade 4 febrile neutropenia was recorded in 2 (6.3%) patients and grade 4 anemia was represented by 3.1%. Grade 1-2 fatigue was the most common non-hematological toxicity and represented by 65.6% of patients. Grade 3 non hematological toxicity was recorded with nausea/vomiting and hepatic toxicity represented by 3.1% for both. The GEMOX combination is a regimen with a moderate therapeutic efficacy and tolerable toxic side effects in patients with platinum-resistant EOC. Copyright © 2016. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.

  2. Epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine with or without panitumumab for patients with previously untreated advanced oesophagogastric cancer (REAL3): a randomised, open-label phase 3 trial.

    PubMed

    Waddell, Tom; Chau, Ian; Cunningham, David; Gonzalez, David; Okines, Alicia Frances Clare; Frances, Alicia; Okines, Clare; Wotherspoon, Andrew; Saffery, Claire; Middleton, Gary; Wadsley, Jonathan; Ferry, David; Mansoor, Wasat; Crosby, Tom; Coxon, Fareeda; Smith, David; Waters, Justin; Iveson, Timothy; Falk, Stephen; Slater, Sarah; Peckitt, Clare; Barbachano, Yolanda

    2013-05-01

    EGFR overexpression occurs in 27-55% of oesophagogastric adenocarcinomas, and correlates with poor prognosis. We aimed to assess addition of the anti-EGFR antibody panitumumab to epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine (EOC) in patients with advanced oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma. In this randomised, open-label phase 3 trial (REAL3), we enrolled patients with untreated, metastatic, or locally advanced oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma at 63 centres (tertiary referral centres, teaching hospitals, and district general hospitals) in the UK. Eligible patients were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive up to eight 21-day cycles of open-label EOC (epirubicin 50 mg/m(2) and oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) on day 1 and capecitabine 1250 mg/m(2) per day on days 1-21) or modified-dose EOC plus panitumumab (mEOC+P; epirubicin 50 mg/m(2) and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m(2) on day 1, capecitabine 1000 mg/m(2) per day on days 1-21, and panitumumab 9 mg/kg on day 1). Randomisation was blocked and stratified for centre region, extent of disease, and performance status. The primary endpoint was overall survival in the intention-to-treat population. We assessed safety in all patients who received at least one dose of study drug. After a preplanned independent data monitoring committee review in October, 2011, trial recruitment was halted and panitumumab withdrawn. Data for patients on treatment were censored at this timepoint. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00824785. Between June 2, 2008, and Oct 17, 2011, we enrolled 553 eligible patients. Median overall survival in 275 patients allocated EOC was 11.3 months (95% CI 9.6-13.0) compared with 8.8 months (7.7-9.8) in 278 patients allocated mEOC+P (hazard ratio [HR] 1.37, 95% CI 1.07-1.76; p=0.013). mEOC+P was associated with increased incidence of grade 3-4 diarrhoea (48 [17%] of 276 patients allocated mEOC+P vs 29 [11%] of 266 patients allocated EOC), rash (29 [11%] vs two [1%]), mucositis (14 [5%] vs none), and

  3. Commitment of Scaffold Proteins in the Onco-Biology of Human Colorectal Cancer and Liver Metastases after Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Rotoli, Deborah; Morales, Manuel; Ávila, Julio; Maeso, María Del Carmen; García, María Del Pino; Mobasheri, Ali; Martín-Vasallo, Pablo

    2017-04-22

    Scaffold proteins play pivotal roles in the regulation of signaling pathways, integrating external and internal stimuli to various cellular outputs. We report the pattern of cellular and subcellular expression of scaffoldins angiomotin-like 2 (AmotL2), FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP51) and IQ motif containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and metastases in liver resected after oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (CT). Positive immunostaining for the three scaffoldins was found in most cells in healthy colon, tumor, healthy liver and metastasized liver. The patterns of expression of AmotL2, FKBP51 and IQGAP1 show the greatest variability in immune system cells and neurons and glia cells and the least in blood vessel cells. The simultaneous subcellular localization in tumor cells and other cell types within the tumor suggest an involvement of these three scaffoldins in cancer biology, including a role in Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition. The display in differential localization and quantitative expression of AmotL2, FKBP51, and IQGAP1 could be used as biomarkers for more accurate tumor staging and as potential targets for anti-cancer therapeutics by blocking or slowing down their interconnecting functions. Tough further research needs to be done in order to improve these assessments.

  4. First-Line XELOX Plus Bevacizumab Followed by XELOX Plus Bevacizumab or Single-Agent Bevacizumab as Maintenance Therapy in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The Phase III MACRO TTD Study

    PubMed Central

    Gómez-España, Auxiliadora; Massutí, Bartomeu; Sastre, Javier; Abad, Albert; Valladares, Manuel; Rivera, Fernando; Safont, Maria J.; Martínez de Prado, Purificación; Gallén, Manuel; González, Encarnación; Marcuello, Eugenio; Benavides, Manuel; Fernández-Martos, Carlos; Losa, Ferrán; Escudero, Pilar; Arrivi, Antonio; Cervantes, Andrés; Dueñas, Rosario; López-Ladrón, Amelia; Lacasta, Adelaida; Llanos, Marta; Tabernero, Jose M.; Antón, Antonio; Aranda, Enrique

    2012-01-01

    Purpose. The aim of this phase III trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab alone with those of bevacizumab and capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) as maintenance treatment following induction chemotherapy with XELOX plus bevacizumab in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Patients and Methods. Patients were randomly assigned to receive six cycles of bevacizumab, capecitabine, and oxaliplatin every 3 weeks followed by XELOX plus bevacizumab or bevacizumab alone until progression. The primary endpoint was the progression-free survival (PFS) interval; secondary endpoints were the overall survival (OS) time, objective response rate (RR), time to response, duration of response, and safety. Results. The intent-to-treat population comprised 480 patients (XELOX plus bevacizumab, n = 239; bevacizumab, n = 241); there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. The median follow-up was 29.0 months (range, 0–53.2 months). There were no statistically significant differences in the median PFS or OS times or in the RR between the two arms. The most common grade 3 or 4 toxicities in the XELOX plus bevacizumab versus bevacizumab arms were diarrhea, hand–foot syndrome, and neuropathy. Conclusion. Although the noninferiority of bevacizumab versus XELOX plus bevacizumab cannot be confirmed, we can reliably exclude a median PFS detriment >3 weeks. This study suggests that maintenance therapy with single-agent bevacizumab may be an appropriate option following induction XELOX plus bevacizumab in mCRC patients. PMID:22234633

  5. Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathic Pain and Fatigue in Patients Receiving Oxaliplatin: An Open Label Quasi-Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

    PubMed

    Izgu, Nur; Ozdemir, Leyla; Bugdayci Basal, Fatma

    2017-12-02

    Patients receiving oxaliplatin may experience peripheral neuropathic pain and fatigue. Aromatherapy massage, a nonpharmacological method, may help to control these symptoms. The aim of this open-label, parallel-group, quasi-randomized controlled pilot study was to investigate the effect of aromatherapy massage on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain and fatigue in patients receiving oxaliplatin. Stratified randomization was used to allocate 46 patients to 2 groups: intervention (n = 22) and control (n = 24). Between week 1 and week 6, participants in the intervention group (IG) received aromatherapy massage 3 times a week. There was no intervention in weeks 7 and 8. The control group (CG) received routine care. Neuropathic pain was identified using the Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions; severity of painful paresthesia was assessed with the numerical rating scale; fatigue severity was identified with the Piper Fatigue Scale. At week 6, the rate of neuropathic pain was significantly lower in the IG, when compared with the CG. The severity of painful paresthesia based on numerical rating scale in the IG was significantly lower than that in the CG at weeks 2, 4, and 6. At week 8, fatigue severity in the IG was significantly lower when compared with CG (P < .05). Aromatherapy massage may be useful in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain and fatigue. This pilot study suggests that aromatherapy massage may be useful to relieve neuropathic pain and fatigue. However, there is a need for further clinical trials to validate the results of this study.

  6. A phase I, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study on vorinostat in combination with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin in patients with refractory colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Fakih, Marwan G; Pendyala, Lakshmi; Fetterly, Gerald; Toth, Karoli; Zwiebel, James A; Espinoza-Delgado, Igor; Litwin, Alan; Rustum, Youcef M; Ross, Mary Ellen; Holleran, Julianne L; Egorin, Merrill J

    2009-05-01

    We conducted a phase I study to determine the maximum tolerated dose of vorinostat in combination with fixed doses of 5-fluorouracil (FU), leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX). Vorinostat was given orally twice daily for 1 week every 2 weeks. FOLFOX was given on days 4 and 5 of vorinostat. The vorinostat starting dose was 100 mg twice daily. Escalation occurred in cohorts of three to six patients. Pharmacokinetics of vorinostat, FU, and oxaliplatin were studied. Twenty-one patients were enrolled. Thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, gastrointestinal toxicities, and fatigue increased in frequency and severity at higher dose levels of vorinostat. Two of 4 evaluable patients at dose level 4 (vorinostat 400 mg orally twice daily) developed dose-limiting fatigue. One of 10 evaluable patients at dose level 3 (vorinostat 300 mg orally twice daily) had dose-limiting fatigue, anorexia, and dehydration. There were significant relationships between vorinostat dose and the area under the curve on days 1 and 5 (Pearson, < 0.001). The vorinostat area under the curve increased (P = 0.005) and clearance decreased (P = 0.003) on day 5 compared with day 1. The median C(max) of FU at each dose level increased significantly with increasing doses of vorinostat, suggesting a pharmacokinetic interaction between FU and vorinostat. Vorinostat-induced thymidylate synthase (TS) modulation was not consistent; only two of six patients had a decrease in intratumoral TS expression by reverse transcription-PCR. The maximum tolerated dose of vorinostat in combination with FOLFOX is 300 mg orally twice daily x 1 week every 2 weeks. Alternative vorinostat dosing schedules may be needed for optimal down-regulation of TS expression.

  7. Safety and efficacy of adjuvant therapy with oxaliplatin, leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil after mesorectal excision with lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for stage iii lower rectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Iwasa, Satoru; Souda, Hiroaki; Yamazaki, Kentaro; Takahari, Daisuke; Miyamoto, Yuji; Takii, Yasumasa; Ikeda, Satoshi; Hamaguchi, Tetsuya; Kanemitsu, Yukihide; Shimada, Yasuhiro

    2015-03-01

    Preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) is the standard treatment for stage III lower rectal cancer worldwide. However, in Japan, the standard treatment is TME with lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLD) followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. We examined the safety and efficacy of adjuvant therapy with oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and 5-fluorouracil (modified FOLFOX6) after TME with LPLD. This retrospective study included 33 patients who received modified FOLFOX6 after TME with LPLD for stage III lower rectal cancer. The overall completion rate of 12 cycles of adjuvant modified FOLFOX6 was 76%. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was observed in eight patients (24%). Sensory neuropathy was observed in 32 patients (97%) with 4 (12%) having a grade 3 event. The disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 45% at 3 years. Adjuvant modified FOLFOX6 was feasible in patients with stage III lower rectal cancer after TME with LPLD. Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

  8. Provider-Based Research Networks May Improve Early Access to Innovative Colon Cancer Treatment for African Americans Treated in the Community

    PubMed Central

    Penn, Dolly C.; Chang, YunKyung; Meyer, Anne-Marie; Mack, Christina DeFilippo; Sanoff, Hanna; Stitzenberg, Karyn; Carpenter, William

    2014-01-01

    Background African Americans (AA) with colon cancer (CC) experience worse outcomes than Caucasian Americans (CA) partly due to differential treatment. The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP), a provider-based research network (PBRN), adopts and diffuses innovative CC treatments quickly. We hypothesized that CCOP participation would lessen racial differences in receipt of oxaliplatin, innovative CC treatment, for patients with stage III CC in the community. Methods Using SEER-Medicare data, we performed a population-based retrospective cohort study of AA and CA individuals ≥66years diagnosed with stage III CC from 2003-2005. We used generalized estimating equations to calculate odds of receiving an oxaliplatin-containing regimen. Predicted probabilities of oxaliplatin receipt for race-CCOP combinations were calculated. The absolute difference in oxaliplatin receipt between races was estimated using interaction contrast ratio (ICR). Results Of 2,971 included individuals, 36% received oxaliplatin, 29.5% were CCOP-affiliated, and 7.6% were AA. In multivariate analysis, early diffusion of oxaliplatin was not associated with race or CCOP participation. The probability of receiving oxaliplatin for CCOP AAs (0.46) almost doubled that of non-CCOP AAs (0.25,p<0.05). For CAs the probabilities of receiving oxaliplatin did not differ by CCOP participation. For oxaliplatin receipt, the joint effects assessment suggested a greater benefit of CCOP participation among AAs (ICR=1.7). Conclusions Among older stage III CC patients there is a differential impact of race on oxaliplatin receipt depending on CCOP participation. AAs treated by CCOPs were more likely to receive oxaliplatin than AAs treated elsewhere. PBRNs may facilitate early access to innovative treatment for AAs with stage III CC. PMID:25209056

  9. [Clinical administration of oxaliplatin for patients previously treated for refractory advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer].

    PubMed

    Takahari, Daisuke; Tsuji, Yasushi; Sagawa, Tamotsu; Honda, Kana; Sumiyoshi, Tetsuya; Yoshizaki, Naohito; Kuroiwa, Ganji; Kondo, Hitoshi

    2006-01-01

    Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) was administered to 10 patients previously treated for refractory advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer. The number of times each had received previous chemotherapy treatment ranged from 1 to 5 (median 3) for durations of 2.5 to 52.8 (median 11.7) months. At the time, L-OHP was not yet approved for sale in Japan, and could only be imported from overseas for personal use. As this made it very expensive,we used a low L-OHP dose of 100 mg/body. Combinations with 5-FU were administered differently from previous regimens; these included chronotherapy, weekly high-dose, FOLFOX 4, and FOLFOX 6. L-OHP was administered from 1 to 14 times (median 4.5), and the response to treatment was PR in 2 patients and NC in 5. The response rate was 22.2%. Although in NC there was a tendency toward tumor reduction in 2 of the 5 patients, the treatment had to be suspended because of their financial situations. Overall survival from commencement of the first treatment was 3.1 to 58.7 months (median 17.6+) and after starting L-OHP was 0.6 to 17.2 months (median 6.4+). Adverse events included bone marrow suppression in three patients, 3 cases of leukocytopenia (grade 3 in two patients and grade 4 in one), grade 4 thrombocytopenia in one patient,grade 3 sensory disturbance in one patient,and grade 3 anorexia in two patients. All reactions were able to be controlled except for one patient with Grade 4 thrombocytopenia. In summary,treatment with L-OHP as salvage chemotherapy can possibly contribute to prolongation of survival time in cases of refractory advanced colorectal cancer. It is useful to combine L-OHP with high-dose continuous administration of 5-FU,namely FOLFOX regimens.FOLFOX 6 is the most useful of the FOLFOX regimens because it is simple and can be administered on an outpatient basis.

  10. Agent oriented programming

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shoham, Yoav

    1994-01-01

    The goal of our research is a methodology for creating robust software in distributed and dynamic environments. The approach taken is to endow software objects with explicit information about one another, to have them interact through a commitment mechanism, and to equip them with a speech-acty communication language. System-level applications include software interoperation and compositionality. A government application of specific interest is an infrastructure for coordination among multiple planners. Daily activity applications include personal software assistants, such as programmable email, scheduling, and new group agents. Research topics include definition of mental state of agents, design of agent languages as well as interpreters for those languages, and mechanisms for coordination within agent societies such as artificial social laws and conventions.

  11. Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and levofolinate for T3 or T4 stage II/III rectal cancer: the FACT trial.

    PubMed

    Koike, Junichi; Funahashi, Kimihiko; Yoshimatsu, Kazuhiko; Yokomizo, Hajime; Kan, Hayato; Yamada, Takeshi; Ishida, Hideyuki; Ishibashi, Keiichiro; Saida, Yoshihisa; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Katsumata, Kenji; Hisada, Masayuki; Hasegawa, Hirotoshi; Koda, Keiji; Ochiai, Takumi; Sakamoto, Kazuhiro; Shiokawa, Hiroyuki; Ogawa, Shimpei; Itabashi, Michio; Kameoka, Shingo

    2017-03-01

    A multicenter phase II clinical study was performed in patients with T3 or T4 stage II/III rectal cancer to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, levofolinate, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6). Patients received four 2-week cycles of mFOLFOX6 therapy (oxaliplatin at 85 mg/m 2  + leucovorin at 200 mg/m 2  + fluorouracil as a 400 mg/m 2 bolus followed by infusion of 2400 mg/m 2 over 46 h, all on Day 1). They were evaluated by computed tomography after completion of the fourth cycle. If there was no disease progression, two additional cycles were administered and then surgery was performed. Adjuvant chemotherapy was generally administered for 6 months using appropriate regimens at the discretion of the physician. mFOLFOX6 therapy was given to 52 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. The preoperative response rate was 48.8% and the operation rate was 80.8%. Serious adverse events of Grade 3-4 were neutropenia (n = 5), leukopenia (n = 1), thrombocytopenia (n = 1), febrile neutropenia (n = 1), nausea (n = 1), vomiting (n = 1), and peripheral neuropathy (n = 2). The R0 resection rate, pathologic complete response rate, and sphincter preservation rate were 91.0, 11.9, and 73.8%, respectively. Postoperative complications were tolerable. The present results suggested that neoadjuvant therapy with mFOLFOX6 is safe and effective, representing a reasonable treatment option for locally advanced rectal cancer.

  12. A Phase II Study of Cetuximab (Erbitux®) plus FOLFIRI for Irinotecan and Oxaliplatin-refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Koo, Dong Hoe; Lee, Jae-Lyun; Kim, Tae Won; Chang, Heung Moon; Ryu, Min-Hee; Lee, Sung Sook; Kim, Min Kyoung; Sym, Sun Jin; Lee, Jung Shin

    2007-01-01

    We have evaluated the efficacy and safety of cetuximab plus FOLFIRI for irinotecan and oxaliplatin-refractory colorectal cancers. From September 2004 to February 2006, 31 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were treated with cetuximab (400 mg/m2 intravenously [IV] over 2 hr on day 1 followed by weekly 1-hr infusions of 250 mg/m2) plus bi-weekly FOLFIRI (irinotecan 150 mg/m2 IV over 90 min, and leucovorin 100 mg/m2 IV over 2 hr, followed by 5-FU 400 mg/m2 IV bolus on day 1, and followed by 5-FU 2,400 mg/m2 by continuous IV over 46 hrs). Patients received a median of four cycles (range: 1-23). Eight (25.8%) patients had confirmed partial responses and 10 (32.2%) had stable disease. After a median follow-up of 13.2 months for surviving patients, the median time to progression was 2.9 months, the median duration of response was 5.4 months, and the median overall survival was 10.9 months. Skin toxicity was observed in 25 patients (80.4%) including grade 3 in 6 patients (19.4%). Other common non-hematologic toxicities of all grades were mucositis (32.3%), asthenia (22.6%), diarrhea (12.9%), and paronychial cracking (12.9%). The combination of cetuximab with FOLFIRI was effective and tolerable in colorectal cancer patients heavily pretreated with a number of chemotherapy regimens. PMID:17923763

  13. Association between ERCC1 and TS mRNA levels and disease free survival in colorectal cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin and fluorouracil (5-FU) adjuvant chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Li, Sheng; Zhu, Liangjun; Yao, Li; Xia, Lei; Pan, Liangxi

    2014-08-29

    Aim was to explore the association of ERCC1 and TS mRNA levels with the disease free survival (DFS) in Chinese colorectal cancer (CRC) patients receiving oxaliplatin and 5-FU based adjuvant chemotherapy. Total 112 Chinese stage II-III CRC patients were respectively treated by four different chemotherapy regimens after curative operation. The TS and ERCC1 mRNA levels in primary tumor were measured by real-time RT-PCR. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used for DFS analysis. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for prognostic analysis. In univariate analysis, the hazard ratio (HR) for the mRNA expression levels of TS and ERCC1 (logTS: HR = 0.820, 95% CI = 0.600 - 1.117, P = 0.210; logERCC1: HR = 1.054, 95% CI = 0.852 - 1.304, P = 0.638) indicated no significant association of DFS with the TS and ERCC1 mRNA levels. In multivariate analyses, tumor stage (IIIc: reference, P = 0.083; IIb: HR = 0.240, 95% CI = 0.080 - 0.724, P = 0.011; IIc: HR < 0.0001, P = 0.977; IIIa: HR = 0.179, 95% CI = 0.012 - 2.593, P = 0.207) was confirmed to be the independent prognostic factor for DFS. Moreover, the Kaplan-Meier DFS curves showed that TS and ERCC1 mRNA levels were not significantly associated with the DFS (TS: P = 0.264; ERCC1: P = 0.484). The mRNA expression of ERCC1 and TS were not applicable to predict the DFS of Chinese stage II-III CRC patients receiving 5-FU and oxaliplatin based adjuvant chemotherapy.

  14. Gemcitabine or gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium unfit for cisplatin-based chemotherapy: a randomized phase 2 study of the French Genitourinary Tumor Group (GETUG V01).

    PubMed

    Culine, Stéphane; Fléchon, Aude; Guillot, Aline; Le Moulec, Sylvestre; Pouessel, Damien; Rolland, Frédéric; Ravaud, Alain; Houédé, Nadine; Mignot, Laurent; Joly, Florence; Oudard, Stéphane; Gourgou, Sophie

    2011-12-01

    The optimal chemotherapy for patients with advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium who are not eligible for cisplatin remains to be defined. To assess the activity of gemcitabine alone (GEM) or in combination with oxaliplatin (GEMOX) in a randomized phase 2 trial. The primary end point was the objective response rate according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. The sample size was based on a two-stage Fleming design with p0=35% and p1=55%. At the end of the first stage designed to register 20 patients on each treatment arm, the observation of seven or more objective responses would have led to the inclusion of 30 more patients in each arm. From July 2004 to March 2009, 44 patients in 10 centers were randomly assigned into the GEM or the GEMOX arm, 22 on each treatment arm. The median age was 76 yr. Seven patients were included for a performance status (PS) of 2 only. The remaining 37 patients had an impaired renal function, 11 of whom also had a PS of 2. The median creatinine clearance was 45 ml/min (range: 30-80 ml/min). The trial was closed after the first part because the GEMOX arm did not reach the targeted objective response rate to proceed further. Oxaliplatin does not add any significant activity (in terms of response rates) compared with gemcitabine alone in patients with advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium who are ineligible for cisplatin. Copyright © 2011 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. BGP-15 Protects against Oxaliplatin-Induced Skeletal Myopathy and Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Mice.

    PubMed

    Sorensen, James C; Petersen, Aaron C; Timpani, Cara A; Campelj, Dean G; Cook, Jordan; Trewin, Adam J; Stojanovska, Vanesa; Stewart, Mathew; Hayes, Alan; Rybalka, Emma

    2017-01-01

    Chemotherapy is a leading intervention against cancer. Albeit highly effective, chemotherapy has a multitude of deleterious side-effects including skeletal muscle wasting and fatigue, which considerably reduces patient quality of life and survivability. As such, a defense against chemotherapy-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction is required. Here we investigate the effects of oxaliplatin (OXA) treatment in mice on the skeletal muscle and mitochondria, and the capacity for the Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, BGP-15, to ameliorate any pathological side-effects induced by OXA. To do so, we investigated the effects of 2 weeks of OXA (3 mg/kg) treatment with and without BGP-15 (15 mg/kg). OXA induced a 15% ( p < 0.05) reduction in lean tissue mass without significant changes in food consumption or energy expenditure. OXA treatment also altered the muscle architecture, increasing collagen deposition, neutral lipid and Ca 2+ accumulation; all of which were ameliorated with BGP-15 adjunct therapy. Here, we are the first to show that OXA penetrates the mitochondria, and, as a possible consequence of this, increases mtROS production. These data correspond with reduced diameter of isolated FDB fibers and shift in the fiber size distribution frequency of TA to the left. There was a tendency for reduction in intramuscular protein content, albeit apparently not via Murf1 (atrophy)- or p62 (autophagy)- dependent pathways. BGP-15 adjunct therapy protected against increased ROS production and improved mitochondrial viability 4-fold and preserved fiber diameter and number. Our study highlights BGP-15 as a potential adjunct therapy to address chemotherapy-induced skeletal muscle and mitochondrial pathology.

  16. Validation of the 12-gene colon cancer recurrence score in NSABP C-07 as a predictor of recurrence in patients with stage II and III colon cancer treated with fluorouracil and leucovorin (FU/LV) and FU/LV plus oxaliplatin.

    PubMed

    Yothers, Greg; O'Connell, Michael J; Lee, Mark; Lopatin, Margarita; Clark-Langone, Kim M; Millward, Carl; Paik, Soonmyung; Sharif, Saima; Shak, Steven; Wolmark, Norman

    2013-12-20

    Accurate assessments of recurrence risk and absolute treatment benefit are needed to inform colon cancer adjuvant therapy. The 12-gene Recurrence Score assay has been validated in patients with stage II colon cancer from the Cancer and Leukemia Group B 9581 and Quick and Simple and Reliable (QUASAR) trials. We conducted an independent, prospectively designed clinical validation study of Recurrence Score, with prespecified end points and analysis plan, in archival specimens from patients with stage II and III colon cancer randomly assigned to fluorouracil (FU) or FU plus oxaliplatin in National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project C-07. Recurrence Score was assessed in 892 fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor specimens (randomly selected 50% of patients with tissue). Data were analyzed by Cox regression adjusting for stage and treatment. Continuous Recurrence Score predicted recurrence (hazard ratio for a 25-unit increase in score, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.50 to 2.55; P < .001), as well as disease-free and overall survival (both P < .001). Recurrence Score predicted recurrence risk (P = .001) after adjustment for stage, mismatch repair, nodes examined, grade, and treatment. Recurrence Score did not have significant interaction with stage (P = .90) or age (P = .76). Relative benefit of oxaliplatin was similar across the range of Recurrence Score (interaction P = .48); accordingly, absolute benefit of oxaliplatin increased with higher scores, most notably in patients with stage II and IIIA/B disease. The 12-gene Recurrence Score predicts recurrence risk in stage II and stage III colon cancer and provides additional information beyond conventional clinical and pathologic factors. Incorporating Recurrence Score into the clinical context may better inform adjuvant therapy decisions in stage III as well as stage II colon cancer.

  17. Validation of the 12-Gene Colon Cancer Recurrence Score in NSABP C-07 As a Predictor of Recurrence in Patients With Stage II and III Colon Cancer Treated With Fluorouracil and Leucovorin (FU/LV) and FU/LV Plus Oxaliplatin

    PubMed Central

    Yothers, Greg; O'Connell, Michael J.; Lee, Mark; Lopatin, Margarita; Clark-Langone, Kim M.; Millward, Carl; Paik, Soonmyung; Sharif, Saima; Shak, Steven; Wolmark, Norman

    2013-01-01

    Purpose Accurate assessments of recurrence risk and absolute treatment benefit are needed to inform colon cancer adjuvant therapy. The 12-gene Recurrence Score assay has been validated in patients with stage II colon cancer from the Cancer and Leukemia Group B 9581 and Quick and Simple and Reliable (QUASAR) trials. We conducted an independent, prospectively designed clinical validation study of Recurrence Score, with prespecified end points and analysis plan, in archival specimens from patients with stage II and III colon cancer randomly assigned to fluorouracil (FU) or FU plus oxaliplatin in National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project C-07. Methods Recurrence Score was assessed in 892 fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor specimens (randomly selected 50% of patients with tissue). Data were analyzed by Cox regression adjusting for stage and treatment. Results Continuous Recurrence Score predicted recurrence (hazard ratio for a 25-unit increase in score, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.50 to 2.55; P < .001), as well as disease-free and overall survival (both P < .001). Recurrence Score predicted recurrence risk (P = .001) after adjustment for stage, mismatch repair, nodes examined, grade, and treatment. Recurrence Score did not have significant interaction with stage (P = .90) or age (P = .76). Relative benefit of oxaliplatin was similar across the range of Recurrence Score (interaction P = .48); accordingly, absolute benefit of oxaliplatin increased with higher scores, most notably in patients with stage II and IIIA/B disease. Conclusion The 12-gene Recurrence Score predicts recurrence risk in stage II and stage III colon cancer and provides additional information beyond conventional clinical and pathologic factors. Incorporating Recurrence Score into the clinical context may better inform adjuvant therapy decisions in stage III as well as stage II colon cancer. PMID:24220557

  18. Rural-urban migration including formal and informal workers in the urban sector: an agent-based numerical simulation study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Branco, Nilton; Oliveira, Tharnier; Silveira, Jaylson

    2012-02-01

    The goal of this work is to study rural-urban migration in the early stages of industrialization. We use an agent-based model and take into account the existence of informal and formal workers on the urban sector and possible migration movements, dependent on the agents' social and private utilities. Our agents are place on vertices of a square lattice, such that each vertex has only one agent. Rural, urban informal and urban formal workers are represented by different states of a three-state Ising model. At every step, a fraction a of the agents may change sectors or migrate. The total utility of a given agent is then calculated and compared to a random utility, in order to check if this agent turns into an actual migrant or changes sector. The dynamics is carried out until an equilibrium state is reached and equilibrium variables are then calculated and compared to available data. We find that a generalized Harris-Todaro condition is satisfied [1] on these equilibrium regimes, i.e, the ratio between expected wages between any pair of sectors reach a constant value. [4pt] [1] J. J. Silveira, A. L. Esp'indola and T. J. Penna, Physica A, 364, 445 (2006).

  19. Capecitabine Plus Oxaliplatin Compared With Fluorouracil/Folinic Acid As Adjuvant Therapy for Stage III Colon Cancer: Final Results of the NO16968 Randomized Controlled Phase III Trial.

    PubMed

    Schmoll, Hans-Joachim; Tabernero, Josep; Maroun, Jean; de Braud, Filippo; Price, Timothy; Van Cutsem, Eric; Hill, Mark; Hoersch, Silke; Rittweger, Karen; Haller, Daniel G

    2015-11-10

    To report the final efficacy findings and biomarker analysis from the NO16968 trial comparing bolus fluorouracil/folinic acid (FU/FA) with capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) in resected stage III colon cancer. After curative resection, patients were randomly assigned to receive XELOX, as oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) on day 1 and capecitabine 1,000 mg/m(2) twice daily on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks, or bolus FU/FA, as the Mayo Clinic or Roswell Park regimens, for 6 months. The primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS). Secondary end points included overall survival (OS). The intention-to-treat population comprised 1,886 patients (XELOX, n = 944; FU/FA, n = 942). Seven-year DFS rates were 63% and 56% in the XELOX and FU/FA groups, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 0.80; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.93; P = .004). Seven-year OS rates were 73% and 67% in the XELOX and FU/FA groups, respectively (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.99; P = .04). A total of 68% and 77% of patients who experienced relapse or a new colorectal cancer in the XELOX and FU/FA groups, respectively, received drug treatment for metastatic disease. Four hundred ninety-eight patients consented to the biomarker analysis: 242 in the XELOX group and 256 in the FU/FA group. Low tumor expression of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase may be predictive for XELOX efficacy; in the XELOX group, for high versus low dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase expression levels, DFS HR was 2.45 (95% CI, 1.55 to 3.86; P < .001), and OS HR was 2.75 (95% CI, 1.65 to 4.59; P < .001). In the FU/FA group, no statistically significant associations were observed between any tumor biomarker and outcomes. XELOX improved OS compared with bolus FU/FA in patients with resected stage III colon cancer after a median follow-up of almost 7 years. XELOX should be considered a standard adjuvant treatment option in patients with stage III disease. Tumoral dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase expression is a promising predictive, and potentially, highly clinically

  20. Novel synthetic curcumin analogs as potent antiangiogenic agents in colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Rajitha, Balney; Nagaraju, Ganji Purnachandra; Shaib, Walid L; Alese, Olatunji B; Snyder, James P; Shoji, Mamoru; Pattnaik, Subasini; Alam, Afroz; El-Rayes, Bassel F

    2017-01-01

    The transcription factor NF-κB plays a central role in angiogenesis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Curcumin is a natural dietary product that inhibits NF-κB. The objective of this study is to evaluate the antiangiogenic effects of curcumin and two potent synthetic analogues (EF31 and UBS109) in CRC. IC 50 values for curcumin, EF31, and UBS109 were determined in the HCT116 and HT-29 cell lines. HUVEC tube formation, egg CAM assay, and matrigel plug assays revealed decreased angiogenesis in cell lines treated with curcumin, EF31, or UBS109. Curcumin and its analogues significantly inhibited VEGF-A synthesis and secretion in both cell lines in association with loss of HIF-1α, COX-2, and p-STAT-3 expression. Nuclear NF-κB expression was inhibited by curcumin, EF31, and UBS109. Transfection of p65-NF-κB in HCT116 and HT-29 cells resulted in increased expression of HIF-1α, COX-2, STAT-3, and VEGF-A. Treatment with curcumin, EF31, or UBS109 inhibited these effects in transfected cell lines. In mice carrying HCT116 and HT-29 cell xenografts, EF31 and UBS109 inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth and potentiated the effects of oxaliplatin and 5-FU. Tumors from treated animals revealed inhibition of HIF-1α, COX-2, p-STAT-3, and VEGF expression. Our findings suggest that inhibition of NF-κB leading to decreased transcription and expression of HIF-1α, COX-2, STAT-3, and VEGF is a rational approach for antiangiogenic therapy in CRC. The distinctive properties of EF31 and UBS109 make them promising therapeutic agents for development in CRC as single agents or as part of combination chemotherapy regimens. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Phase 2 Trial of Induction Gemcitabine, Oxaliplatin, and Cetuximab Followed by Selective Capecitabine Based Chemoradiation in Patients With Borderline Resectable or Unresectable Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Esnaola, Nestor F.; Chaudhary, Uzair B.; O'Brien, Paul; Garrett-Mayer, Elizabeth; Camp, E. Ramsay; Thomas, Melanie B.; Cole, David J.; Montero, Alberto J.; Hoffman, Brenda J.; Romagnuolo, Joseph; Orwat, Kelly P.; Marshall, David T.

    2014-01-01

    Purpose To evaluate, in a phase 2 study, the safety and efficacy of induction gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and cetuximab followed by selective capecitabine-based chemoradiation in patients with borderline resectable or unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (BRPC or LAPC, respectively). Methods and Materials Patients received gemcitabine and oxaliplatin chemotherapy repeated every 14 days for 6 cycles, combined with weekly cetuximab. Patients were then restaged; “downstaged” patients with resectable disease underwent attempted resection. Remaining patients were treated with chemoradiation consisting of intensity modulated radiation therapy (54 Gy) and concurrent capecitabine; patients with borderline resectable disease or better at restaging underwent attempted resection. Results A total of 39 patients were enrolled, of whom 37 were evaluable. Protocol treatment was generally well tolerated. Median follow-up for all patients was 11.9 months. Overall, 29.7% of patients underwent R0 surgical resection (69.2% of patients with BRPC; 8.3% of patients with LAPC). Overall 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) was 62%, and median PFS was 10.4 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 11.8 months. In patients with LAPC, median OS was 9.3 months; in patients with BRPC, median OS was 24.1 months. In the group of patients who underwent R0 resection (all of which were R0 resections), median survival had not yet been reached at the time of analysis. Conclusions This regimen was well tolerated in patients with BRPC or LAPC, and almost one-third of patients underwent R0 resection. Although OS for the entire cohort was comparable to that in historical controls, PFS and OS in patients with BRPC and/or who underwent R0 resection was markedly improved. PMID:24606850

  2. Planned Safety Analysis of the ACTS-CC 02 Trial: A Randomized Phase III Trial of S-1 With Oxaliplatin Versus Tegafur and Uracil With Leucovorin as Adjuvant Chemotherapy for High-Risk Stage III Colon Cancer.

    PubMed

    Kusumoto, Tetsuya; Sunami, Eiji; Ota, Mitsuyoshi; Yoshida, Kazuhiro; Sakamoto, Yoshiyuki; Tomita, Naohiro; Maeda, Atsuyuki; Mochizuki, Izumi; Okabe, Michio; Kunieda, Katsuyuki; Yamauchi, Junichiro; Itabashi, Michio; Kotake, Kenjiro; Takahashi, Keiichi; Baba, Hideo; Boku, Narikazu; Aiba, Keisuke; Ishiguro, Megumi; Morita, Satoshi; Sugihara, Kenichi

    2018-06-01

    This trial was designed to verify the superiority of 6 months of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with SOX (S-1 with oxaliplatin) with UFT (tegafur and uracil) with LV (leucovorin) in terms of disease-free survival in patients with high-risk stage III colon cancer. We report the results of a planned safety analysis. Patients who underwent curative resection for high-risk stage III colon cancer (any T, N2, or positive nodes around the origin of the feeding arteries) were randomly assigned to receive either UFT/LV (300-600 mg/d UFT with 75 mg/d LV on days 1-28, every 35 days, for 5 cycles) or SOX (100 mg/m 2 of oxaliplatin on day 1 with 80-120 mg/d S-1 on days 1-14, every 21 days, for 8 cycles). Treatment status and safety were evaluated. A total of 966 patients were enrolled, and 932 patients were included in safety analyses. The planned 6-month protocol treatment was received by 76.9% of the patients in the UFT/LV group and 65.8% of those in the SOX group. The overall incidence of any Grade adverse events (AEs) were 91.3% in the UFT/LV group and 98.7% in the SOX group, and those of Grade ≥ 3 AEs were 16.1% and 36.1%, respectively. As for Grade ≥ 3 AEs, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and sensory neuropathy were more common in the SOX group. The incidence of Grade ≥ 3 sensory peripheral neuropathy was 4.6% in the SOX group. The completion rate of adjuvant SOX and its incidence of AEs were acceptable in patients with colon cancer. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. The effects of emulsifying agents on disposition of lipid-soluble drugs included in fat emulsion.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Yasuyuki; Masumitsu, Yasushi; Okudaira, Kazuho; Hayashi, Masahiro

    2004-02-01

    The uses for drug delivery systems of two soybean oil fat emulsions prepared with an emulsifying agent, phosphatidyl choline (PC) or Pluronic F-127 (PLU), were examined comparatively in vivo and in vitro. In the presence of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in vitro, the mean particle size of the PLU emulsion changed less than that of the PC emulsion. The production of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) from the PLU emulsion in the presence of LPL was smaller than that from the PC emulsion. These in vitro results indicate that the PLU emulsion is more stable than the PC emulsion. Plasma NEFA concentration following intravenous administration of the emulsions decreased with time for the PC emulsion, but was kept lower and constant for the PLU emulsion, supporting the in vitro stability data. The order of plasma cyclosporine A (CsA) concentration following intravenous administration in the above two emulsions and the mixed solution of polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG) and dimethylamide (DMA) in rats was PLU emulsion>PC emulsion>PEG/DMA solution. The plasma concentration was maintained higher and tissue distribution lower for the PLU emulsion than for other formulations. The uptake of oil violet (OV) into the rat parenchymal cells from the PLU emulsion was approximately half that from the PC emulsion, but the uptake into the Kupffer cells was almost equal in both emulsions. In conclusion, these emulsifying agents can control plasma elimination and tissue distribution of lipophilic drugs included in the emulsion. The use of the emulsion formulation makes it possible to avoid side effects through the reduction of drug uptake into non-targeted tissues.

  4. Chemotherapy options in elderly and frail patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (MRC FOCUS2): an open-label, randomised factorial trial.

    PubMed

    Seymour, Matthew T; Thompson, Lindsay C; Wasan, Harpreet S; Middleton, Gary; Brewster, Alison E; Shepherd, Stephen F; O'Mahony, M Sinead; Maughan, Timothy S; Parmar, Mahesh; Langley, Ruth E

    2011-05-21

    with oxaliplatin (83/219 [38%] vs 70/221 [32%]; p=0·17), but was higher with capecitabine than with fluorouracil (88/222 [40%] vs 65/218 [30%]; p=0·03). In multivariable analysis, fewer baseline symptoms (odds ratio 1·32, 95% CI 1·14-1·52), less widespread disease (1·51, 1·05-2·19), and use of oxaliplatin (0·57, 0·39-0·82) were predictive of better OTU. FOCUS2 shows that with an appropriate design, including reduced starting doses of chemotherapy, frail and elderly patients can participate in a randomised controlled trial. On balance, a combination including oxaliplatin was preferable to single-agent fluoropyrimidines, although the primary endpoint of PFS was not met. Capecitabine did not improve QoL compared with fluorouracil. Comprehensive baseline assessment holds promise as an objective predictor of treatment benefit. Cancer Research UK and the Medical Research Council. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Topical antifungal agents: an update.

    PubMed

    Diehl, K B

    1996-10-01

    So many topical antifungal agents have been introduced that it has become very difficult to select the proper agent for a given infection. Nonspecific agents have been available for many years, and they are still effective in many situations. These agents include Whitfield's ointment, Castellani paint, gentian violet, potassium permanganate, undecylenic acid and selenium sulfide. Specific antifungal agents include, among others, the polyenes (nystatin, amphotericin B), the imidazoles (metronidazole, clotrimazole) and the allylamines (terbinafine, naftifine). Although the choice of an antifungal agent should be based on an accurate diagnosis, many clinicians believe that topical miconazole is a relatively effective agent for the treatment of most mycotic infections. Terbinafine and other newer drugs have primary fungicidal effects. Compared with older antifungal agents, these newer drugs can be used in lower concentrations and shorter therapeutic courses. Studies are needed to evaluate the clinical efficacies and cost advantages of both newer and traditional agents.

  6. Anti-tumour activity of platinum compounds in advanced prostate cancer-a systematic literature review.

    PubMed

    Hager, S; Ackermann, C J; Joerger, M; Gillessen, S; Omlin, A

    2016-06-01

    For men with advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), several treatment options are available, including androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors (abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide), taxanes (docetaxel, cabazitaxel) and the radionuclide (radium-223). However, cross-resistance is a clinically relevant problem. Platinum compounds have been tested in a number of clinical trials in molecularly unselected prostate cancer patients. Advances in CRPC molecular profiling have shown that a significant proportion of patients harbour DNA repair defects, which may serve as predictive markers for sensitivity to platinum agents. To systematically identify and analyse clinical trials that have evaluated platinum agents in advanced prostate cancer patients. PubMed was searched to identify published clinical trials of platinum agents in advanced prostate cancer. The PRIMSA statement was followed for the systematic review process. Identified trials are analysed for study design, statistical plan, assessments of anti-tumour activity and the potential value of predictive biomarkers. A total of 163 references were identified by the literature search and 72 publications that met the selection criteria were included in this review; of these 33 used carboplatin, 27 cisplatin, 6 satraplatin, 4 oxaliplatin and 2 other platinum compounds. Overall, anti-tumour activity varies in the range of 10%-40% for objective response and 20%-70% for PSA decline ≥50%. Response seemed highest for the combinations of carboplatin with taxanes or oxaliplatin with gemcitabine. The interpretation of the clinical data is limited by differences in response criteria used and patient populations studied. Platinum compounds have moderate anti-tumour activity in molecularly unselected patients with advanced prostate cancer. Translational evidence of DNA repair deficiency should be leveraged in future studies to select prostate cancer patients most likely to benefit from platinum-based therapy. © The

  7. New agents for prostate cancer.

    PubMed

    Agarwal, N; Di Lorenzo, G; Sonpavde, G; Bellmunt, J

    2014-09-01

    The therapeutic landscape of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) has been revolutionized by the arrival of multiple novel agents in the past 2 years. Immunotherapy in the form of sipuleucel-T, androgen axis inhibitors, including abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide, a chemotherapeutic agent, cabazitaxel, and a radiopharmaceutical, radium-223, have all yielded incremental extensions of survival and have been recently approved. A number of other agents appear promising in early studies, suggesting that the armamentarium against castrate-resistant prostate cancer is likely to continue to expand. Emerging androgen pathway inhibitors include androgen synthesis inhibitors (TAK700), androgen receptor inhibitors (ARN-509, ODM-201), AR DNA binding domain inhibitors (EPI-001), selective AR downregulators or SARDs (AZD-3514), and agents that inhibit both androgen synthesis and receptor binding (TOK-001/galeterone). Promising immunotherapeutic agents include poxvirus vaccines and CTLA-4 inhibitor (ipilimumab). Biologic agents targeting the molecular drivers of disease are also being investigated as single agents, including cabozantinib (Met and VEGFR2 inhibitor) and tasquinimod (angiogenesis and immune modulatory agent). Despite the disappointing results seen from studies evaluating docetaxel in combination with other agents, including GVAX, anti-angiogentic agents (bevacizumab, aflibercept, lenalinomide), a SRC kinase inhibitor (dasatinib), endothelin receptor antagonists (atrasentan, zibotentan), and high-dose calcitriol (DN-101), the results from the trial evaluating docetaxel in combination with the clusterin antagonist, custirsen, are eagerly awaited. New therapeutic hurdles consist of discovering new targets, understanding resistance mechanisms, the optimal sequencing and combinations of available agents, as well as biomarkers predictive for benefit. Novel agents targeting bone metastases are being developed following the success of zoledronic acid

  8. DPD and UGT1A1 deficiency in colorectal cancer patients receiving triplet chemotherapy with fluoropyrimidines, oxaliplatin and irinotecan

    PubMed Central

    Falvella, Felicia Stefania; Cheli, Stefania; Martinetti, Antonia; Mazzali, Cristina; Iacovelli, Roberto; Maggi, Claudia; Gariboldi, Manuela; Pierotti, Marco Alessandro; Di Bartolomeo, Maria; Sottotetti, Elisa; Mennitto, Roberta; Bossi, Ilaria; de Braud, Filippo; Clementi, Emilio; Pietrantonio, Filippo

    2015-01-01

    Aims Triplet chemotherapy with fluoropyrimidines, oxaliplatin and irinotecan is a standard therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DPYD and UGT1A1 influence fluoropyrimdines and irinotecan adverse events (AEs). Low frequency DPYD variants (c.1905 + 1G > A, c.1679 T > G, c.2846A > T) are validated but more frequent ones (c.496A > G, c.1129-5923C > G and c.1896 T > C) are not. rs895819 T > C polymorphism in hsa-mir-27a is associated with reduced DPD activity. In this study, we evaluated the clinical usefulness of a pharmacogenetic panel for patients receiving triplet combinations. Methods Germline DNA was available from 64 CRC patients enrolled between 2008 and 2013 in two phase II trials of capecitabine, oxaliplatin and irinotecan plus bevacizumab or cetuximab. SNPs were determined by Real-Time PCR. We evaluated the functional variants in DPYD (rare: c.1905 + 1G > A, c.1679 T > G, c.2846A > T; most common: c.496A > G, c.1129-5923C > G, c.1896 T > C), hsa-mir-27a (rs895819) and UGT1A1 (*28) genes to assess their association with grade 3–4 AEs. Results None of the patients carried rare DPYD variants. We found DPYD c.496A > G, c.1129-5923C > G, c.1896 T > C in heterozygosity in 19%, 5% and 8%, respectively, homozygous rs895819 in hsa-mir-27a in 9% and homozygous UGT1A1*28 in 8%. Grade 3–4 AEs were observed in 36% patients and were associated with DPYD c.496A > G (odds ratio (OR) 4.93, 95% CI 1.29, 18.87; P = 0.021) and homozygous rs895819 in hsa-mir-27a (OR 11.11, 95% CI 1.21, 102.09; P = 0.020). Carriers of DPYD c.1896 T > C and homozygous UGT1A1*28 showed an OR of 8.42 (95% CI 0.88, 80.56; P = 0.052). Multivariate analysis confirmed an independent value for DPYD c.496A > G and c.1896 T > C. Conclusions Concomitant assessment of DPYD variants and the UGT1A1*28 allele is a promising strategy needing further validation for dose personalization. PMID:25782327

  9. Phase III noninferiority trial comparing irinotecan with oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma previously treated with fluorouracil: N9841.

    PubMed

    Kim, George P; Sargent, Daniel J; Mahoney, Michelle R; Rowland, Kendrith M; Philip, Philip A; Mitchell, Edith; Mathews, Abraham P; Fitch, Tom R; Goldberg, Richard M; Alberts, Steven R; Pitot, Henry C

    2009-06-10

    The primary goal of this multicenter phase III trial was to determine whether overall survival (OS) of fluorouracil (FU) -refractory patients was noninferior when treated with second-line infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4; arm B) versus irinotecan (arm A). Cross-over to the other treatment on disease progression was mandated. Patients who experienced treatment failure with one prior FU-based therapy and had not received prior irinotecan or oxaliplatin, either for metastatic disease or within 6 months of adjuvant FU therapy, were randomly assigned to arm A (irinotecan 350 or 300 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks) or arm B (FOLFOX4). A total of 491 patients were randomly assigned (arm A, n = 245; arm B, n = 246); 288 (59%) had experienced treatment failure with FU for metastatic colorectal cancer. Two hundred twenty-seven patients (46%) received protocol-mandated third-line therapy (arm A, 43%; arm B, 57%). Median survival was 13.8 months (95% CI, 12.2 to 15.0 months) for initial treatment with FOLFOX4 and 14.3 months (95% CI, 12.0 to 15.9 months) for irinotecan (P = .38; hazard ratio = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.8 to 1.1). Response rates (RR; 28% v 15.5%; P = .0009) and time to progression (TTP; 6.2 v 4.4 months; P = .0009) were significantly superior with FOLFOX4. In the nonrandom subset of patients who crossed over, RR and TTP improvements with FOLFOX4 continued into third-line treatment. Irinotecan therapy was associated with more grade 3 nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and febrile neutropenia; FOLFOX4 was associated with more neutropenia and paresthesias. In patients who experienced treatment failure with front-line FU therapy, OS does not significantly differ whether second-line therapy begins with irinotecan or FOLFOX4. FOLFOX4 produces higher RR and longer TTP. Both arms had notable OS in patients who experienced treatment failure with first-line FU therapy.

  10. Phase III Noninferiority Trial Comparing Irinotecan With Oxaliplatin, Fluorouracil, and Leucovorin in Patients With Advanced Colorectal Carcinoma Previously Treated With Fluorouracil: N9841

    PubMed Central

    Kim, George P.; Sargent, Daniel J.; Mahoney, Michelle R.; Rowland, Kendrith M.; Philip, Philip A.; Mitchell, Edith; Mathews, Abraham P.; Fitch, Tom R.; Goldberg, Richard M.; Alberts, Steven R.; Pitot, Henry C.

    2009-01-01

    Purpose The primary goal of this multicenter phase III trial was to determine whether overall survival (OS) of fluorouracil (FU) -refractory patients was noninferior when treated with second-line infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4; arm B) versus irinotecan (arm A). Cross-over to the other treatment on disease progression was mandated. Patients and Methods Patients who experienced treatment failure with one prior FU-based therapy and had not received prior irinotecan or oxaliplatin, either for metastatic disease or within 6 months of adjuvant FU therapy, were randomly assigned to arm A (irinotecan 350 or 300 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) or arm B (FOLFOX4). Results A total of 491 patients were randomly assigned (arm A, n = 245; arm B, n = 246); 288 (59%) had experienced treatment failure with FU for metastatic colorectal cancer. Two hundred twenty-seven patients (46%) received protocol-mandated third-line therapy (arm A, 43%; arm B, 57%). Median survival was 13.8 months (95% CI, 12.2 to 15.0 months) for initial treatment with FOLFOX4 and 14.3 months (95% CI, 12.0 to 15.9 months) for irinotecan (P = .38; hazard ratio = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.8 to 1.1). Response rates (RR; 28% v 15.5%; P = .0009) and time to progression (TTP; 6.2 v 4.4 months; P = .0009) were significantly superior with FOLFOX4. In the nonrandom subset of patients who crossed over, RR and TTP improvements with FOLFOX4 continued into third-line treatment. Irinotecan therapy was associated with more grade 3 nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and febrile neutropenia; FOLFOX4 was associated with more neutropenia and paresthesias. Conclusion In patients who experienced treatment failure with front-line FU therapy, OS does not significantly differ whether second-line therapy begins with irinotecan or FOLFOX4. FOLFOX4 produces higher RR and longer TTP. Both arms had notable OS in patients who experienced treatment failure with first-line FU therapy. PMID:19380443

  11. The short-term outcomes of induction SOX (S-1 + oxaliplatin) ± cetuximab chemotherapy followed by short-course chemoradiotherapy in patients with poor-risk locally advanced rectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Beppu, Naohito; Yoshie, Hidenori; Kimura, Fumihiko; Aihara, Tsukasa; Doi, Hiroshi; Kamikonya, Norihiko; Matsubara, Nagahide; Tomita, Naohiro; Yanagi, Hidenori; Yamanaka, Naoki

    2016-10-01

    To evaluate the safety and efficacy of induction SOX (S-1 + oxaliplatin) ± cetuximab chemotherapy followed by short-course chemoradiotherapy and surgery in patients with poor-risk locally advanced rectal cancer. We enrolled eligible patients with poor-risk rectal cancer defined as T3 lower rectal cancer with mesorectal fascia involvement, T4a or T4b tumors or cases with lateral lymph node swelling. The primary endpoint was a pathological complete response (pCR), and the secondary endpoints were the objective response rate (ORR) and the pathological high response rate (Grade 2 plus 3). Twenty eligible patients were enrolled. The majority (75.0 %, 15/20) of the patients completed four cycles of induction chemotherapy, and all patients completed the radiotherapy (25 Gy/10 fractions/5 days). The global rate of Grade 3-4 toxicities was 30.0 % (6/20 patients). The ORRs were 85.0 % (17/20) and 95.0 % (19/20) in the patients who underwent R0 and R1 resection, respectively. The pathological high response rate was 70.0 % (14/20) and the pCR was 10.0 % (2/20). The regimen of induction SOX (S-1 + oxaliplatin) ± cetuximab chemotherapy followed by short-course chemoradiotherapy is safe and is associated with good tumor regression in patients with poor-risk locally advanced rectal cancer.

  12. Phase 2 Trial of Induction Gemcitabine, Oxaliplatin, and Cetuximab Followed by Selective Capecitabine-Based Chemoradiation in Patients With Borderline Resectable or Unresectable Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Esnaola, Nestor F.; Chaudhary, Uzair B.; O'Brien, Paul

    Purpose: To evaluate, in a phase 2 study, the safety and efficacy of induction gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and cetuximab followed by selective capecitabine-based chemoradiation in patients with borderline resectable or unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (BRPC or LAPC, respectively). Methods and Materials: Patients received gemcitabine and oxaliplatin chemotherapy repeated every 14 days for 6 cycles, combined with weekly cetuximab. Patients were then restaged; “downstaged” patients with resectable disease underwent attempted resection. Remaining patients were treated with chemoradiation consisting of intensity modulated radiation therapy (54 Gy) and concurrent capecitabine; patients with borderline resectable disease or better at restaging underwent attempted resection. Results:more » A total of 39 patients were enrolled, of whom 37 were evaluable. Protocol treatment was generally well tolerated. Median follow-up for all patients was 11.9 months. Overall, 29.7% of patients underwent R0 surgical resection (69.2% of patients with BRPC; 8.3% of patients with LAPC). Overall 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) was 62%, and median PFS was 10.4 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 11.8 months. In patients with LAPC, median OS was 9.3 months; in patients with BRPC, median OS was 24.1 months. In the group of patients who underwent R0 resection (all of which were R0 resections), median survival had not yet been reached at the time of analysis. Conclusions: This regimen was well tolerated in patients with BRPC or LAPC, and almost one-third of patients underwent R0 resection. Although OS for the entire cohort was comparable to that in historical controls, PFS and OS in patients with BRPC and/or who underwent R0 resection was markedly improved.« less

  13. ME-143 Is Superior to Genistein in Suppression of WNT Signaling in Colon Cancer Cells.

    PubMed

    Pintova, Sofya; Planutis, Kestutis; Planutiene, Marina; Holcombe, Randall F

    2017-04-01

    This study tested the effect of the soy isoflavones genistein and ME-143, and two chemotherapeutic agents, 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and oxaliplatin, on WNT signaling. Colon cancer cell lines RKO (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer type) and DLD1 (most common colorectal cancer type driven by a mutation in WNT pathway) were utilized. WNT throughput was measured using a β-catenin-responsive SuperTopFlash luciferase assay. A stabilized β-catenin construct was employed to test β-catenin involvement in the mechanism of drug activity. ME-143 was a more than 10-fold potent inhibitor of DLD1 proliferation than genistein at 3.125 μM. Genistein alone did not inhibit WNT signaling in either cell line. In RKO cells, oxaliplatin and its combination with 5FU significantly inhibited WNT throughput. Neither 5FU, oxaliplatin nor their combination inhibited WNT signaling in DLD1 cells. In both the RKO and DLD1 cell lines, ME-143 significantly reduced WNT throughput by 65-75%. The introduction of stabilized β-catenin attenuated the ME-143-dependent inhibition of the WNT/β-catenin pathway. ME-143 alone and in combination with 5FU and oxaliplatin effectively inhibits the WNT/β-catenin pathway in colorectal cancer cells of diverse genetic background. β-Catenin is directly involved in the mechanism of inhibition, and clinical studies are warranted. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

  14. Liposomalization of oxaliplatin induces skin accumulation of it, but negligible skin toxicity.

    PubMed

    Nishida, Kentaro; Kashiwagi, Misaki; Shiba, Shunsuke; Muroki, Kiwamu; Ohishi, Akihiro; Doi, Yusuke; Ando, Hidenori; Ishida, Tatsuhiro; Nagasawa, Kazuki

    2017-12-15

    Liposomalization causes alteration of the pharmacokinetics of encapsulated drugs, and allows delivery to tumor tissues through passive targeting via an enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect. PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil ® , Lipo-DXR), a representative liposomal drug, is well-known to reduce cardiotoxicity and increase the anti-tumor activity of DXR, but to induce the hand-foot syndrome (HFS) as a result of skin DXR accumulation, which is one of its severe adverse effects. We have developed a new liposomal preparation of oxaliplatin (l-OHP), an important anti-tumor drug for treatment of colorectal cancer, using PEGylated liposomes (Lipo-l-OHP), and showed that Lipo-l-OHP exhibits increased anti-tumor activity in tumor-bearing mice compared to the original preparation of l-OHP. However, whether Lipo-l-OHP causes HFS-like skin toxicity similar to Lipo-DXR remains to be determined. Administration of Lipo-l-OHP promoted accumulation of platinum in rat hind paws, however, it caused negligible morphological and histological alterations on the plantar surface of the paws. Administration of DiI-labeled empty PEGylated liposomes gave almost the same distribution profile of dyes into the dermis of hind paws with DXR as in the case of Lipo-DXR. Treatment with Lipo-l-OHP, Lipo-DXR, DiI-labeled empty PEGylated liposomes or empty PEGylated liposomes caused migration of CD68 + macrophages into the dermis of hind paws. These findings suggest that the skin toxicity on administration of liposomalized drugs is reflected in the proinflammatory characteristics of encapsulated drugs, and indicate that Lipo-l-OHP with a higher anti-cancer effect and no HFS may be an outstanding l-OHP preparation leading to an improved quality of life of cancer patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. The Clinical and Cost Effectiveness of Aflibercept in Combination with Irinotecan and Fluorouracil-Based Therapy (FOLFIRI) for the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Which has Progressed Following Prior Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy: a Critique of the Evidence.

    PubMed

    Wade, Ros; Duarte, Ana; Simmonds, Mark; Rodriguez-Lopez, Rocio; Duffy, Steven; Woolacott, Nerys; Spackman, Eldon

    2015-05-01

    The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) invited the manufacturer of aflibercept (Sanofi) to submit clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence for aflibercept in combination with irinotecan and fluorouracil-based therapy [irinotecan/5-fluorouracil/folinic acid (FOLFIRI)] for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer which has progressed following prior oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, as part of the Institute's Single Technology Appraisal process. The Centre for Reviews and Dissemination and Centre for Health Economics at the University of York were commissioned to act as the independent Evidence Review Group (ERG). This article provides a description of the company submission, the ERG review and the resulting NICE guidance TA307 issued in March 2014. The ERG critically reviewed the evidence presented in the manufacturer's submission and identified areas requiring clarification, for which the manufacturer provided additional evidence. The clinical effectiveness data were derived from one good-quality double-blind randomised controlled trial (RCT), the VELOUR trial, which compared aflibercept plus FOLFIRI with placebo plus FOLFIRI. This RCT found a small but statistically significant increase in overall survival (OS); the difference in median OS was 1.44 months (13.5 months in the aflibercept group and 12.06 months in the placebo group). There was also a statistically significant increase in progression-free survival (PFS) with aflibercept; the difference in median PFS was 2.23 months (6.9 months in the aflibercept group and 4.67 months in the placebo group). However, grade 3-4 adverse events were more frequent in the aflibercept group than the placebo group: 83.5% compared with 62.5%. Treatment-emergent adverse events led to permanent discontinuation of treatment in 26.8% of patients in the aflibercept group and 12.1% of patients in the placebo group. The manufacturer's submission included an estimation of mean OS benefit based on extrapolation

  16. Formulation and optimization of oxaliplatin immuno-nanoparticles using Box-Behnken design and cytotoxicity assessment for synergistic and receptor-mediated targeting in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Tummala, Shashank; Gowthamarajan, K; Satish Kumar, M N; Praveen, T K; Yamjala, Karthik; Tripuraneni, Naga Srinivas; Prakash, Ashwati

    2016-12-01

    Conventional chemotherapy majorly lacks clinical application attributed to its inspecificity, adverse effects and inability to penetrate into tumor cells. Hence, the aim of the study was to prepare oxaliplatin solid lipid nanoparticles (OP-SLN) by microemulsion method optimizing it by Box-Behnken design and then covalently conjugated to TRAIL (CD-253) monoclonal antibody (TR-OP-SLN) for targeting colorectal cancer cells. The optimized OP-SLN3 has shown an appreciable particle size (121 ± 1.22 nm), entrapment efficiency (78 ± 0.09%) and drug loading (32 ± 1.01%). Fluorescence study and the Bradford assay further confirmed the binding of the protein. A 1.5-fold increase in cytotoxicity of immuno-nanoparticles (4.9 μM) was observed.

  17. Chronicle: results of a randomised phase III trial in locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation randomising postoperative adjuvant capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) versus control.

    PubMed

    Glynne-Jones, R; Counsell, N; Quirke, P; Mortensen, N; Maraveyas, A; Meadows, H M; Ledermann, J; Sebag-Montefiore, D

    2014-07-01

    In stage III colon cancer, oxaliplatin/5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based adjuvant chemotherapy (FOLFOX) improves disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). In rectal adenocarcinoma following neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT), we examined the benefit of postoperative adjuvant capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) chemotherapy. Eligible patients were randomly assigned following fluoropyrimidine-based CRT and curative resection to observation or six cycles of XELOX. The primary end point was DFS; secondary end points were acute toxicity and OS. 390 patients were required in each arm, to detect an improvement in 3-year DFS from 40% to 50.5%, with 85% power and two-sided 5% significance level. The study closed prematurely in 2008 because of poor accrual. Only 113 patients were randomly assigned to either observation (n = 59) or XELOX (n = 54). Compliance was poor, 93% allocated chemotherapy started and 48% completed six cycles. Protocolised dose reductions in XELOX were 39%, and levels of G3/G4 toxicity 40%. After a median follow-up of 44.8 months, 16 patients (27%) in the observation arm had relapsed or died compared with 12 patients (22%) in XELOX. The 3-year DFS rate was 78% with XELOX and 71% with observation [hazard ratio (HR) for DFS = 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38-1.69; P = 0.56]. The 3-year OS for XELOX and observation were 89% and 88%, respectively (HR for OS = 1.18; 95% CI 0.43-3.26; P = 0.75). The observed improvement in DFS for adjuvant XELOX and similar OS were not statistically significant, as expected given the small number of patients and consequent low power. Our findings support the need for trials that test the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. NCT00427713. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  18. Combination of Oxaliplatin and Vit.E-TPGS in Lipid Nanosystem for Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy in Colon Cancers.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yanlei; Zhang, Xiang; Zhang, Wenqiang; Dong, Hao; Zhang, Wenjie; Mao, Jiajia; Dai, Yong

    2018-01-08

    The main aim of present study was to prepare the oxaliplatin (OXL)-loaded D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS)-based lipid nanoparticles to enhance the anticancer effect in colon cancer cells. The nanoparticles were nanosized and spherical shaped and exhibited controlled release kinetics. Flow cytometer and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed a remarkable uptake of nanoparticles in cancer cells in a time-dependent manner. The presence of TPGS remarkably increased the anticancer effect of OXL in HT-29 colon cancer cells. The IC50 value of free OXL was 4.25 μg/ml whereas IC50 value of OXL-loaded TPGS-based lipid nanoparticles (OXL/TLNP) was 1.12 μg/ml. The 3-fold lower IC50 value of OXL/TLNP indicates the superior anticancer effect of nanoparticle-based OXL. Consistently, OXL/TLNP induced a remarkable apoptosis of cancer cells. Approximately, ~52% of cells were in early apoptosis phase and ~13% of cells were in late apoptosis phase indicating the potent anticancer effect of the formulations. The findings from this study provide novel insights into the use of TPGS and lipid nanoparticle together for the better antitumor effect in colon cancers. Future studies will involve the detailed in vitro and in vivo studies on clinically relevant animals.

  19. A novel glycyrrhetinic acid-modified oxaliplatin liposome for liver-targeting and in vitro/vivo evaluation

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Jingde; Jiang, Hong; Wu, Yin; Li, Yandong; Gao, Yong

    2015-01-01

    In this study, oxaliplatin (OX) liposomes surface-modified with glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) were developed by the film-dispersion method. Their morphology, physical and chemical properties, and in vitro release performance were investigated. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) image showed that most liposomes were spherical particles with similar size and uniform dispersion. Both OX-liposomes and GA-OX-liposomes had an average size of 90 nm. They were negatively charged, with zeta potentials of −20.6 and −21.3 mV, respectively, and the entrapment efficiency values of both were higher than 94%. In vitro data showed that the application of liposomes could prolong the OX release. The relatively high correlation coefficient values obtained from analyzing the amount of drug released versus the square root of time depicted that release followed the Weibull model. No significant changes were observed after the addition of GA to the liposomes. In vivo, the relatively long time to reach the maximum plasma concentration of OX-liposomes suggested a sustained-release profile of liposomes, which was consistent with the results of the in vitro release study. The increased area under the curve and maximum plasma concentration of OX-liposomes and GA-OX-liposomes demonstrated an increased absorption. The drug concentration in tissues indicated that the GA-modified liposomes delivered OX mainly to liver after intravenous administration. In addition, no severe signs, such as appearance of epithelial necrosis or sloughing of epithelial cells, were detected in histology studies. PMID:25945038

  20. Proceedings of the Agent 2002 Conference on Social Agents : Ecology, Exchange, and Evolution

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Macal, C., ed.; Sallach, D., ed.

    2003-04-10

    Welcome to the ''Proceedings'' of the third in a series of agent simulation conferences cosponsored by Argonne National Laboratory and The University of Chicago. The theme of this year's conference, ''Social Agents: Ecology, Exchange and Evolution'', was selected to foster the exchange of ideas on some of the most important social processes addressed by agent simulation models, namely: (1) The translation of ecology and ecological constraints into social dynamics; (2) The role of exchange processes, including the peer dependencies they create; and (3) The dynamics by which, and the attractor states toward which, social processes evolve. As stated in themore » ''Call for Papers'', throughout the social sciences, the simulation of social agents has emerged as an innovative and powerful research methodology. The promise of this approach, however, is accompanied by many challenges. First, modeling complexity in agents, environments, and interactions is non-trivial, and these representations must be explored and assessed systematically. Second, strategies used to represent complexities are differentially applicable to any particular problem space. Finally, to achieve sufficient generality, the design and experimentation inherent in agent simulation must be coupled with social and behavioral theory. Agent 2002 provides a forum for reviewing the current state of agent simulation scholarship, including research designed to address such outstanding issues. This year's conference introduces an extensive range of domains, models, and issues--from pre-literacy to future projections, from ecology to oligopolistic markets, and from design to validation. Four invited speakers highlighted major themes emerging from social agent simulation.« less

  1. Nondestructive Intervention to Multi-Agent Systems through an Intelligent Agent

    PubMed Central

    Han, Jing; Wang, Lin

    2013-01-01

    For a given multi-agent system where the local interaction rule of the existing agents can not be re-designed, one way to intervene the collective behavior of the system is to add one or a few special agents into the group which are still treated as normal agents by the existing ones. We study how to lead a Vicsek-like flocking model to reach synchronization by adding special agents. A popular method is to add some simple leaders (fixed-headings agents). However, we add one intelligent agent, called ‘shill’, which uses online feedback information of the group to decide the shill's moving direction at each step. A novel strategy for the shill to coordinate the group is proposed. It is strictly proved that a shill with this strategy and a limited speed can synchronize every agent in the group. The computer simulations show the effectiveness of this strategy in different scenarios, including different group sizes, shill speed, and with or without noise. Compared to the method of adding some fixed-heading leaders, our method can guarantee synchronization for any initial configuration in the deterministic scenario and improve the synchronization level significantly in low density groups, or model with noise. This suggests the advantage and power of feedback information in intervention of collective behavior. PMID:23658695

  2. Three Versus 6 Months of Oxaliplatin-Based Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer: Disease-Free Survival Results From a Randomized, Open-Label, International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant (IDEA) France, Phase III Trial.

    PubMed

    André, Thierry; Vernerey, Dewi; Mineur, Laurent; Bennouna, Jaafar; Desrame, Jérôme; Faroux, Roger; Fratte, Serge; Hug de Larauze, Marine; Paget-Bailly, Sophie; Chibaudel, Benoist; Bez, Jeremie; Dauba, Jérôme; Louvet, Christophe; Lepere, Céline; Dupuis, Olivier; Becouarn, Yves; Mabro, May; Egreteau, Joëlle; Bouche, Olivier; Deplanque, Gaël; Ychou, Marc; Galais, Marie Pierre; Ghiringhelli, François; Dourthe, Louis Marie; Bachet, Jean-Baptiste; Khalil, Ahmed; Bonnetain, Franck; de Gramont, Aimery; Taieb, Julien

    2018-05-20

    Purpose Reduction of adjuvant treatment duration may decrease toxicities without loss of efficacy in stage III colon cancer. This could offer clear advantages to patients and health care providers. Methods In International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy (IDEA) France, as part of the IDEA international collaboration, patient with colon cancer patients were randomly assigned to 3 and 6 months of modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6: infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) or capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) by physician choice. The primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS), and analyses were descriptive. Results A total of 2,010 eligible patients received either 3 or 6 months of chemotherapy (modified intention-to-treat population); 2,000 (99%) had stage III colon cancer (N1: 75%, N2: 25%); 1,809 (90%) received mFOLFOX6, and 201 (10%) received CAPOX. The median age was 64 years, and the median follow-up time was 4.3 years. Overall, 94% (3 months) and 78% (6 months) of patients completed treatment (fluoropyrimidines ± oxaliplatin). Maximal grade 2 and 3 neuropathy rates were 28% and 8% in the 3-month arm and 41% and 25% in the 6-month arm ( P < .001). Final rates of residual neuropathy greater than grade 1 were 3% in the 3-month arm and 7% in the 6-month arm ( P < .001). There were 578 DFS events: 314 and 264 in the 3- and 6-month arms, respectively. The 3-year DFS rates were 72% and 76% in the 3- and 6-month arms, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.46; P = .0112). In the 3 and 6-month arms, respectively, for patients who received mFOLFOX6, the 3-year DFS rates were 72% and 76% (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.51); for the T4 and/or N2 population, they were 58% and 66% (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.82); and for the T1-3N1 population, they were 81% and 83% (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.49). Conclusion IDEA France, in which 90% of patients received mFOLFOX6, shows superiority of 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy compared

  3. Neoadjuvant Sandwich Treatment With Oxaliplatin and Capecitabine Administered Prior to, Concurrently With, and Following Radiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Prospective Phase 2 Trial

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gao, Yuan-Hong; Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou; Lin, Jun-Zhong

    Purpose: Systemic failure remains the major challenge in management of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). To optimize the timing of neoadjuvant treatment and enhance systemic control, we initiated a phase 2 trial to evaluate a new strategy of neoadjuvant sandwich treatment, integrating induction chemotherapy, concurrent chemoradiation therapy, and consolidation chemotherapy. Here, we present preliminary results of this trial, reporting the tumor response, toxicities, and surgical complications. Methods and Materials: Fifty-one patients with LARC were enrolled, among which were two patients who were ineligible because of distant metastases before treatment. Patients were treated first with one cycle of induction chemotherapy consistingmore » of oxaliplatin, 130 mg/m² on day 1, with capecitabine, 1000 mg/m² twice daily for 14 days every 3 weeks (the XELOX regimen), followed by chemoradiation therapy, 50 Gy over 5 weeks, with the modified XELOX regimen (oxaliplatin 100 mg/m²), and then with another cycle of consolidation chemotherapy with the XELOX regimen. Surgery was performed 6 to 8 weeks after completion of radiation therapy. Tumor responses, toxicities, and surgical complications were recorded. Results: All but one patent completed the planned schedule of neoadjuvant sandwich treatment. Neither life-threatening blood count decrease nor febrile neutropenia were observed. Forty-five patents underwent optimal surgery with total mesorectal excision (TME). Four patients refused surgery because of clinically complete response. There was no perioperative mortality in this cohort. Five patients (11.1%) developed postoperative complications. Among the 45 patients who underwent TME, pathologic complete response (pCR), pCR or major regression, and at least moderate regression were achieved in 19 (42.2%), 37 (82.2%), and 44 patients (97.8%), respectively. Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest that the strategy of neoadjuvant sandwich treatment using XELOX

  4. Transdermal delivery of therapeutic agent

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kwiatkowski, Krzysztof C. (Inventor); Hayes, Ryan T. (Inventor); Magnuson, James W. (Inventor); Giletto, Anthony (Inventor)

    2008-01-01

    A device for the transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent to a biological subject that includes a first electrode comprising a first array of electrically conductive microprojections for providing electrical communication through a skin portion of the subject to a second electrode comprising a second array of electrically conductive microprojections. Additionally, a reservoir for holding the therapeutic agent surrounding the first electrode and a pulse generator for providing an exponential decay pulse between the first and second electrodes may be provided. A method includes the steps of piercing a stratum corneum layer of skin with two arrays of conductive microprojections, encapsulating the therapeutic agent into biocompatible charged carriers, surrounding the conductive microprojections with the therapeutic agent, generating an exponential decay pulse between the two arrays of conductive microprojections to create a non-uniform electrical field and electrokinetically driving the therapeutic agent through the stratum corneum layer of skin.

  5. Agent planning in AgScala

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tošić, Saša; Mitrović, Dejan; Ivanović, Mirjana

    2013-10-01

    Agent-oriented programming languages are designed to simplify the development of software agents, especially those that exhibit complex, intelligent behavior. This paper presents recent improvements of AgScala, an agent-oriented programming language based on Scala. AgScala includes declarative constructs for managing beliefs, actions and goals of intelligent agents. Combined with object-oriented and functional programming paradigms offered by Scala, it aims to be an efficient framework for developing both purely reactive, and more complex, deliberate agents. Instead of the Prolog back-end used initially, the new version of AgScala relies on Agent Planning Package, a more advanced system for automated planning and reasoning.

  6. Preparation and Evaluation of Oxaliplatin Thermosensitive Liposomes with Rapid Release and High Stability

    PubMed Central

    Cheng, Xiaohui; Liu, Yan; Zhang, Hui; Zhao, Shiqing; Yang, Zhenbo; Li, Mingyuan; Li, Zhiping; Mei, Xingguo

    2016-01-01

    Oxaliplatin (OXP) was reported to show low anti-tumor activity when used alone and to display side effects; this low activity was attributed to high partitioning to erythrocytes and low accumulation in tumors. Thermosensitive liposomes (TSL) were considered able to specifically deliver drugs to heated tumors and to resolve the OXP distribution problem. Regretfully, TSL encapsulating doxorubicin did not demonstrate significant improvement in progression-free survival. Drug release below 41°C and significant leakage were considered major reasons for the failure. The purpose of this study was to acquire OXP TSL with rapid release at the triggered temperature and high stability at body temperature and at storage temperatures. A small quantity of poloxamer 188 was introduced into the TSL formulation to stabilize the encapsulated drug. It was shown that the addition of poloxamer 188 had no influence on the TSL characteristics. More than 90% of OXP was released within 10 min at 42°C, and less than 15% was released within 60 min at temperatures below 39°C. TSL were stable at 37°C for 96 h and at 4°C for 6 months. The anti-tumor activity of TSL at the dose of 2.5 mg/kg was certified to be equal to those of OXP injection and non-thermosensitive liposomes (NTSL) at the dose of 5 mg/kg, and significant improvement of tumor inhibition was observed in TSL compared with injection and NTSL at the same dose. It was also shown from the histological transmutation of tumors that TSL had stronger anti-tumor activity. Therefore, it could be concluded that TSL composed of a proper amount of poloxamer had rapid release and high stability, and OXP TSL would be anticipated to exert prominent anti-tumor activity in the clinic. PMID:27415823

  7. Contrast echocardiography: new agents.

    PubMed

    Miller, Andrew P; Nanda, Navin C

    2004-04-01

    In this report, we review the history, rationale, current status and future directions of contrast agents in echocardiography. First, we discuss the historic development of contrast agents through a review of important physical principles of microbubbles in ultrasonography. Second, we identify attributes of an ideal contrast agent and review those that are currently available or in the "pipeline" for clinical use. Third, we review indications for contrast echocardiography, including endocardial border detection, perfusion quantification and reperfusion assessment, and validate these observations by comparisons with other imaging modalities. Then, we briefly review different methodologies of performing a contrast study, including interrupted, real-time and a hybrid modality. Finally, we identify novel future applications of the newest contrast agents. These newer concepts in contrast echocardiography should form a foundation for nearly limitless application of echocardiography in improved anatomical assessment, perfusion imaging and even special applications, such as detection of vascular inflammation and site-specific drug delivery.

  8. Conversational Agents in E-Learning

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kerry, Alice; Ellis, Richard; Bull, Susan

    This paper discusses the use of natural language or 'conversational' agents in e-learning environments. We describe and contrast the various applications of conversational agent technology represented in the e-learning literature, including tutors, learning companions, language practice and systems to encourage reflection. We offer two more detailed examples of conversational agents, one which provides learning support, and the other support for self-assessment. Issues and challenges for developers of conversational agent systems for e-learning are identified and discussed.

  9. Novel platinum compounds and nanoparticles as anticancer agents.

    PubMed

    Sarkar, Arindam

    2018-01-01

    Since the approval of cisplatin in 1979, platinum-based drugs have been regularly used in cancer chemotherapy as a first-line treatment or with the combination of other nonplatinum drugs. Subsequent approval of second- and third-generation drugs such as carboplatin and oxaliplatin respectively, has widened the therapeutic achievement of platinum compounds. There are few other platinum drugs approved recently and many other new drugs as well as the formulations of the old ones are going through clinical trials now. Considering the astonishing achievement of these drugs, analyses on the overall scenario of the patent applications on platinum compounds have become the priority to the scientific community. This review summarizes the published patent applications on the novel platinum anticancer compounds from 2012 to 2017 (August).

  10. Putative neuroprotective agents in neuropsychiatric disorders.

    PubMed

    Dodd, Seetal; Maes, Michael; Anderson, George; Dean, Olivia M; Moylan, Steven; Berk, Michael

    2013-04-05

    In many individuals with major neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, their disease characteristics are consistent with a neuroprogressive illness. This includes progressive structural brain changes, cognitive and functional decline, poorer treatment response and an increasing vulnerability to relapse with chronicity. The underlying molecular mechanisms of neuroprogression are thought to include neurotrophins and regulation of neurogenesis and apoptosis, neurotransmitters, inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, cortisol and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and epigenetic influences. Knowledge of the involvement of each of these pathways implies that specific agents that act on some or multiple of these pathways may thus block this cascade and have neuroprotective properties. This paper reviews the potential of the most promising of these agents, including lithium and other known psychotropics, aspirin, minocycline, statins, N-acetylcysteine, leptin and melatonin. These agents are putative neuroprotective agents for schizophrenia and mood disorders. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Addition of cetuximab to oxaliplatin-based first-line combination chemotherapy for treatment of advanced colorectal cancer: results of the randomised phase 3 MRC COIN trial

    PubMed Central

    Maughan, Timothy S; Adams, Richard A; Smith, Christopher G; Meade, Angela M; Seymour, Matthew T; Wilson, Richard H; Idziaszczyk, Shelley; Harris, Rebecca; Fisher, David; Kenny, Sarah L; Kay, Edward; Mitchell, Jenna K; Madi, Ayman; Jasani, Bharat; James, Michelle D; Bridgewater, John; Kennedy, M John; Claes, Bart; Lambrechts, Diether; Kaplan, Richard; Cheadle, Jeremy P

    2011-01-01

    Summary Background In the Medical Research Council (MRC) COIN trial, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted antibody cetuximab was added to standard chemotherapy in first-line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer with the aim of assessing effect on overall survival. Methods In this randomised controlled trial, patients who were fit for but had not received previous chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer were randomly assigned to oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy (arm A), the same combination plus cetuximab (arm B), or intermittent chemotherapy (arm C). The choice of fluoropyrimidine therapy (capecitabine or infused fluouroracil plus leucovorin) was decided before randomisation. Randomisation was done centrally (via telephone) by the MRC Clinical Trials Unit using minimisation. Treatment allocation was not masked. The comparison of arms A and C is described in a companion paper. Here, we present the comparison of arm A and B, for which the primary outcome was overall survival in patients with KRAS wild-type tumours. Analysis was by intention to treat. Further analyses with respect to NRAS, BRAF, and EGFR status were done. The trial is registered, ISRCTN27286448. Findings 1630 patients were randomly assigned to treatment groups (815 to standard therapy and 815 to addition of cetuximab). Tumour samples from 1316 (81%) patients were used for somatic molecular analyses; 565 (43%) had KRAS mutations. In patients with KRAS wild-type tumours (arm A, n=367; arm B, n=362), overall survival did not differ between treatment groups (median survival 17·9 months [IQR 10·3–29·2] in the control group vs 17·0 months [9·4–30·1] in the cetuximab group; HR 1·04, 95% CI 0·87–1·23, p=0·67). Similarly, there was no effect on progression-free survival (8·6 months [IQR 5·0–12·5] in the control group vs 8·6 months [5·1–13·8] in the cetuximab group; HR 0·96, 0·82–1·12, p=0·60). Overall response rate increased from 57% (n=209

  12. Molecular Dissection of Induced Platinum Resistance through Functional and Gene Expression Analysis in a Cell Culture Model of Bladder Cancer

    DOE PAGES

    Wang, Sisi; Zhang, Hongyong; Scharadin, Tiffany M.; ...

    2016-01-22

    Here, we report the development, functional and molecular characterization of an isogenic, paired bladder cancer cell culture model system for studying platinum drug resistance. The 5637 human bladder cancer cell line was cultured over ten months with stepwise increases in oxaliplatin concentration to generate a drug resistant 5637R sub cell line. The MTT assay was used to measure the cytotoxicity of several bladder cancer drugs. Liquid scintillation counting allowed quantification of cellular drug uptake and efflux of radiolabeled oxaliplatin and carboplatin. The impact of intracellular drug inactivation was assessed by chemical modulation of glutathione levels. Oxaliplatin- and carboplatin-DNA adduct formationmore » and repair was measured using accelerator mass spectrometry. Resistance factors including apoptosis, growth factor signaling and others were assessed with RNAseq of both cell lines and included confirmation of selected transcripts by RT-PCR. Oxaliplatin, carboplatin, cisplatin and gemcitabine were significantly less cytotoxic to 5637R cells compared to the 5637 cells. In contrast, doxorubicin, methotrexate and vinblastine had no cell line dependent difference in cytotoxicity. Upon exposure to therapeutically relevant doses of oxaliplatin, 5637R cells had lower drug-DNA adduct levels than 5637 cells. This difference was partially accounted for by pre-DNA damage mechanisms such as drug uptake and intracellular inactivation by glutathione, as well as faster oxaliplatin-DNA adduct repair. In contrast, both cell lines had no significant differences in carboplatin cell uptake, efflux and drug-DNA adduct formation and repair, suggesting distinct resistance mechanisms for these two closely related drugs. The functional studies were augmented by RNAseq analysis, which demonstrated a significant change in expression of 83 transcripts, including 50 known genes and 22 novel transcripts. Most of the transcripts were not previously associated with bladder cancer

  13. Molecular Dissection of Induced Platinum Resistance through Functional and Gene Expression Analysis in a Cell Culture Model of Bladder Cancer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang, Sisi; Zhang, Hongyong; Scharadin, Tiffany M.

    Here, we report the development, functional and molecular characterization of an isogenic, paired bladder cancer cell culture model system for studying platinum drug resistance. The 5637 human bladder cancer cell line was cultured over ten months with stepwise increases in oxaliplatin concentration to generate a drug resistant 5637R sub cell line. The MTT assay was used to measure the cytotoxicity of several bladder cancer drugs. Liquid scintillation counting allowed quantification of cellular drug uptake and efflux of radiolabeled oxaliplatin and carboplatin. The impact of intracellular drug inactivation was assessed by chemical modulation of glutathione levels. Oxaliplatin- and carboplatin-DNA adduct formationmore » and repair was measured using accelerator mass spectrometry. Resistance factors including apoptosis, growth factor signaling and others were assessed with RNAseq of both cell lines and included confirmation of selected transcripts by RT-PCR. Oxaliplatin, carboplatin, cisplatin and gemcitabine were significantly less cytotoxic to 5637R cells compared to the 5637 cells. In contrast, doxorubicin, methotrexate and vinblastine had no cell line dependent difference in cytotoxicity. Upon exposure to therapeutically relevant doses of oxaliplatin, 5637R cells had lower drug-DNA adduct levels than 5637 cells. This difference was partially accounted for by pre-DNA damage mechanisms such as drug uptake and intracellular inactivation by glutathione, as well as faster oxaliplatin-DNA adduct repair. In contrast, both cell lines had no significant differences in carboplatin cell uptake, efflux and drug-DNA adduct formation and repair, suggesting distinct resistance mechanisms for these two closely related drugs. The functional studies were augmented by RNAseq analysis, which demonstrated a significant change in expression of 83 transcripts, including 50 known genes and 22 novel transcripts. Most of the transcripts were not previously associated with bladder cancer

  14. Burnout among Extension Agents in the Ohio Cooperative Extension Service.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Igodan, O. Chris; Newcomb, L. H.

    A study examined the extent and causes of burnout among extension agents in Ohio. From the 241 extension agents working in the 88 counties of Ohio, researchers selected a random sample of 101 agents. Included in the sample were 34 agriculture agents, 33 home economics agents. Included in the sample agents were asked to complete a survey…

  15. Oxaliplatin in combination with protracted-infusion fluorouracil and radiation: report of a clinical trial for patients with esophageal cancer.

    PubMed

    Khushalani, Nikhil I; Leichman, Cynthia Gail; Proulx, Gary; Nava, Hector; Bodnar, Lisa; Klippenstein, Donald; Litwin, Alan; Smith, Judy; Nava, Enriqueta; Pendyala, Lakshmi; Smith, Patrick; Greco, William; Berdzik, Joanne; Douglass, Harold; Leichman, Lawrence

    2002-06-15

    To identify a dose and schedule of oxaliplatin (OXP) to be safely administered in combination with protracted-infusion (PI) fluorouracil (5-FU) and external-beam radiation therapy (XRT) for patients with primary esophageal carcinoma (EC). Eligibility included therapeutically naïve EC patients with clinical disease stages II, III, or IV. Initial doses and schedules for cycle 1 consisted of OXP 85 mg/m(2) on days 1, 15, and 29; PI 5-FU 180 mg/m(2) for 24 hours for 35 days; and XRT 1.8 Gy in 28 fractions starting on day 8. At completion of cycle 1, eligible patients could undergo an operation or begin cycle 2 without XRT. Postoperative patients were eligible for cycle 2. Stage IV patients were allowed three cycles in the absence of disease progression. OXP and 5-FU increases were based on dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) encountered in cohorts of three consecutive patients. Thirty-eight eligible patients received therapy: 22 noninvasively staged as IV and 16 noninvasively staged as II and III. Thirty-six patients completed cycle 1, 29 patients started cycle 2, and 24 patients completed cycle 2. The combined-modality therapy was well tolerated, but DLT prevented OXP and 5-FU escalation. No grade 4 hematologic toxicity was noted. Eleven grade 3 and two grade 4 clinical toxicities were noted in eight patients. After cycle 1, 29 patients (81%) had no cancer in the esophageal mucosa. Thirteen patients underwent an operation with intent to resect the esophagus; five patients (38%) exhibited pathologic complete responses. OXP 85 mg/m(2) on days 1, 15, and 29 administered with PI 5-FU and XRT is safe, tolerable, and seems effective against primary EC. The role of OXP in multimodality regimens against EC deserves further evaluation.

  16. Anti-pancreatic cancer activity of ONC212 involves the unfolded protein response (UPR) and is reduced by IGF1-R and GRP78/BIP.

    PubMed

    Lev, Avital; Lulla, Amriti R; Wagner, Jessica; Ralff, Marie D; Kiehl, Joshua B; Zhou, Yan; Benes, Cyril H; Prabhu, Varun V; Oster, Wolfgang; Astsaturov, Igor; Dicker, David T; El-Deiry, Wafik S

    2017-10-10

    Pancreatic cancer is chemo-resistant and metastasizes early with an overall five-year survival of ∼8.2%. First-in-class imipridone ONC201 is a small molecule in clinical trials with anti-cancer activity. ONC212, a fluorinated-ONC201 analogue, shows preclinical efficacy in melanoma and hepatocellular-cancer models. We investigated efficacy of ONC201 and ONC212 against pancreatic cancer cell lines ( N =16 including 9 PDX-cell lines). We demonstrate ONC212 efficacy in 4 in-vivo models including ONC201-resistant tumors. ONC212 is active in pancreatic cancer as single agent or in combination with 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin or RTK inhibitor crizotinib. Based on upregulation of pro-survival IGF1-R in some tumors, we found an active combination of ONC212 with inhibitor AG1024, including in vivo . We show a rationale for targeting pancreatic cancer using ONC212 combined with targeting the unfolded-protein response and ER chaperones such as GRP78/BIP. Our results lay the foundation to test imipridones, anti-cancer agents, in pancreatic cancer, that is refractory to most drugs.

  17. Joint chemical agent detector (JCAD): the future of chemical agent detection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Laljer, Charles E.

    2003-08-01

    The Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD) has continued development through 2002. The JCAD has completed Contractor Validation Testing (CVT) that included chemical warfare agent testing, environmental testing, electromagnetic interferent testing, and platform integration validation. The JCAD provides state of the art chemical warfare agent detection capability to military and homeland security operators. Intelligence sources estimate that over twenty countries have active chemical weapons programs. The spread of weapons of mass destruction (and the industrial capability for manufacture of these weapons) to third world nations and terrorist organizations has greatly increased the chemical agent threat to U.S. interests. Coupled with the potential for U.S. involvement in localized conflicts in an operational or support capacity, increases the probability that the military Joint Services may encounter chemical agents anywhere in the world. The JCAD is a small (45 in3), lightweight (2 lb.) chemical agent detector for vehicle interiors, aircraft, individual personnel, shipboard, and fixed site locations. The system provides a common detection component across multi-service platforms. This common detector system will allow the Joint Services to use the same operational and support concept for more efficient utilization of resources. The JCAD detects, identifies, quantifies, and warns of the presence of chemical agents prior to onset of miosis. Upon detection of chemical agents, the detector provides local and remote audible and visual alarms to the operators. Advance warning will provide the vehicle crew and other personnel in the local area with the time necessary to protect themselves from the lethal effects of chemical agents. The JCAD is capable of being upgraded to protect against future chemical agent threats. The JCAD provides the operator with the warning necessary to survive and fight in a chemical warfare agent threat environment.

  18. Gemcitabine-oxaliplatin plus rituximab (R-GemOx) as first-line treatment in elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a single-arm, open-label, phase 2 trial.

    PubMed

    Shen, Qiu-Dan; Zhu, Hua-Yuan; Wang, Li; Fan, Lei; Liang, Jin-Hua; Cao, Lei; Wu, Wei; Xia, Yi; Li, Jian-Yong; Xu, Wei

    2018-06-01

    The combination of rituximab, gemcitabine, and oxaliplatin (R-GemOx) has shown high efficacy with a low toxicity profile in elderly patients with relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of the R-GemOx regimen as a first-line treatment in elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In this single-arm, open-label, phase 2 clinical trial, we enrolled patients with previously untreated, histologically confirmed, CD20-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, aged 70 years or older, or aged 60-69 years with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status score of 2 or greater. Patients were recruited from Jiangsu Province Hospital (Jiangsu Sheng, China). The R-GemOx regimen was administered intravenously: rituximab 375 mg/m 2 on day 0; gemcitabine 1 g/m 2 on day 1; and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m 2 on day 1. The cycle was repeated every 14 days. Six cycles were planned if the patient achieved at least partial remission after the interim assessment. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an overall response at the end of treatment (defined as complete response plus partial response). Analyses were done by intention to treat. The trial is ongoing but no longer recruiting patients. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01670370. Between Aug 22, 2012, and Dec 31, 2015, 60 patients were enrolled and included in the study. The median age of the patients was 75 years (IQR 70-80) and 27 (45%) patients had a poor performance status with an ECOG score of 2 or greater. 45 (75%) patients achieved an overall response at the end of the treatment, with 28 (47%) achieving a complete response. Common grade 3-4 adverse events were haematological toxicities (thrombocytopenia in five [8%] patients, anaemia in four [7%], and neutropenia in nine [15%]) and gastrointestinal complications (nausea in five [8%] patients, vomiting in three [5%], and diarrhoea

  19. Multi-Agent Information Classification Using Dynamic Acquaintance Lists.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mukhopadhyay, Snehasis; Peng, Shengquan; Raje, Rajeev; Palakal, Mathew; Mostafa, Javed

    2003-01-01

    Discussion of automated information services focuses on information classification and collaborative agents, i.e. intelligent computer programs. Highlights include multi-agent systems; distributed artificial intelligence; thesauri; document representation and classification; agent modeling; acquaintances, or remote agents discovered through…

  20. Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS): A light and electron microscopy study in human liver.

    PubMed

    Vreuls, C P H; Driessen, A; Olde Damink, S W M; Koek, G H; Duimel, H; van den Broek, M A J; Dejong, C H C; Braet, F; Wisse, E

    2016-05-01

    Oxaliplatin is an important chemotherapeutic agent, used in the treatment of hepatic colorectal metastases, and known to induce the sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS). Pathophysiological knowledge concerning SOS is based on a rat model. Therefore, the aim was to perform a comprehensive study of the features of human SOS, using both light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM). Included were all patients of whom wedge liver biopsies were collected during a partial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases, in a 4-year period. The wedge biopsy were perfusion fixated and processed for LM and EM. The SOS lesions were selected by LM and details were studied using EM. Material was available of 30 patients, of whom 28 patients received neo-adjuvant oxaliplatin. Eighteen (64%) of the 28 patients showed SOS lesions, based on microscopy. The lesions consisted of sinusoidal endothelial cell detachment from the space of Disse on EM. In the enlarged space of Disse a variable amount of erythrocytes were located. Sinusoidal endothelial cell detachment was present in human SOS, accompanied by enlargement of the space of Disse and erythrocytes in this area. These findings, originally described in a rat model, were now for the first time confirmed in human livers under clinically relevant settings. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Anabolic agents and bone quality.

    PubMed

    Sibai, Tarek; Morgan, Elise F; Einhorn, Thomas A

    2011-08-01

    The definition of bone quality is evolving particularly from the perspective of anabolic agents that can enhance not only bone mineral density but also bone microarchitecture, composition, morphology, amount of microdamage, and remodeling dynamics. This review summarizes the molecular pathways and physiologic effects of current and potential anabolic drugs. From a MEDLINE search (1996-2010), articles were identified by the search terms "bone quality" (1851 articles), "anabolic agent" (5044 articles), "PTH or parathyroid hormone" (32,229 articles), "strontium" or "strontium ranelate" (283 articles), "prostaglandin" (77,539 articles), and "statin" or "statins" (14,233 articles). The search strategy included combining each with the phrase "bone quality." Another more limited search aimed at finding more novel potential agents. Parathyroid hormone is the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved bone anabolic agent in the United States and has been the most extensively studied in in vitro animal and human trials. Strontium ranelate is approved in Europe but has not undergone Food and Drug Administration trials in the United States. All the studies on prostaglandin agonists have used in vivo animal models and there are no human trials examining prostaglandin agonist effects. The advantages of statins include the long-established advantages and safety profile, but they are limited by their bioavailability in bone. Other potential pathways include proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2) and sclerostin (SOST) inhibition, among others. The ongoing research to enhance the anabolic potential of current agents, identify new agents, and develop better delivery systems will greatly enhance the management of bone quality-related injuries and diseases in the future.

  2. Intelligent Agent Architectures: Reactive Planning Testbed

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rosenschein, Stanley J.; Kahn, Philip

    1993-01-01

    An Integrated Agent Architecture (IAA) is a framework or paradigm for constructing intelligent agents. Intelligent agents are collections of sensors, computers, and effectors that interact with their environments in real time in goal-directed ways. Because of the complexity involved in designing intelligent agents, it has been found useful to approach the construction of agents with some organizing principle, theory, or paradigm that gives shape to the agent's components and structures their relationships. Given the wide variety of approaches being taken in the field, the question naturally arises: Is there a way to compare and evaluate these approaches? The purpose of the present work is to develop common benchmark tasks and evaluation metrics to which intelligent agents, including complex robotic agents, constructed using various architectural approaches can be subjected.

  3. Trial watch: Immunogenic cell death induction by anticancer chemotherapeutics.

    PubMed

    Garg, Abhishek D; More, Sanket; Rufo, Nicole; Mece, Odeta; Sassano, Maria Livia; Agostinis, Patrizia; Zitvogel, Laurence; Kroemer, Guido; Galluzzi, Lorenzo

    2017-01-01

    The expression "immunogenic cell death" (ICD) refers to a functionally unique form of cell death that facilitates (instead of suppressing) a T cell-dependent immune response specific for dead cell-derived antigens. ICD critically relies on the activation of adaptive responses in dying cells, culminating with the exposure or secretion of immunostimulatory molecules commonly referred to as "damage-associated molecular patterns". Only a few agents can elicit bona fide ICD, including some clinically established chemotherapeutics such as doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone, bleomycin, bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and oxaliplatin. In this Trial Watch, we discuss recent progress on the development of ICD-inducing chemotherapeutic regimens, focusing on studies that evaluate clinical efficacy in conjunction with immunological biomarkers.

  4. Multi-agent autonomous system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fink, Wolfgang (Inventor); Dohm, James (Inventor); Tarbell, Mark A. (Inventor)

    2010-01-01

    A multi-agent autonomous system for exploration of hazardous or inaccessible locations. The multi-agent autonomous system includes simple surface-based agents or craft controlled by an airborne tracking and command system. The airborne tracking and command system includes an instrument suite used to image an operational area and any craft deployed within the operational area. The image data is used to identify the craft, targets for exploration, and obstacles in the operational area. The tracking and command system determines paths for the surface-based craft using the identified targets and obstacles and commands the craft using simple movement commands to move through the operational area to the targets while avoiding the obstacles. Each craft includes its own instrument suite to collect information about the operational area that is transmitted back to the tracking and command system. The tracking and command system may be further coupled to a satellite system to provide additional image information about the operational area and provide operational and location commands to the tracking and command system.

  5. A quantitative sensory analysis of peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer and its exacerbation by oxaliplatin chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    de Carvalho Barbosa, Mariana; Kosturakis, Alyssa K; Eng, Cathy; Wendelschafer-Crabb, Gwen; Kennedy, William R; Simone, Donald A; Wang, Xin S; Cleeland, Charles S; Dougherty, Patrick M

    2014-11-01

    Peripheral neuropathy caused by cytotoxic chemotherapy, especially platins and taxanes, is a widespread problem among cancer survivors that is likely to continue to expand in the future. However, little work to date has focused on understanding this challenge. The goal in this study was to determine the impact of colorectal cancer and cumulative chemotherapeutic dose on sensory function to gain mechanistic insight into the subtypes of primary afferent fibers damaged by chemotherapy. Patients with colorectal cancer underwent quantitative sensory testing before and then prior to each cycle of oxaliplatin. These data were compared with those from 47 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Patients showed significant subclinical deficits in sensory function before any therapy compared with healthy volunteers, and they became more pronounced in patients who received chemotherapy. Sensory modalities that involved large Aβ myelinated fibers and unmyelinated C fibers were most affected by chemotherapy, whereas sensory modalities conveyed by thinly myelinated Aδ fibers were less sensitive to chemotherapy. Patients with baseline sensory deficits went on to develop more symptom complaints during chemotherapy than those who had no baseline deficit. Patients who were tested again 6 to 12 months after chemotherapy presented with the most numbness and pain and also the most pronounced sensory deficits. Our results illuminate a mechanistic connection between the pattern of effects on sensory function and the nerve fiber types that appear to be most vulnerable to chemotherapy-induced toxicity, with implications for how to focus future work to ameloirate risks of peripheral neuropathy. ©2014 American Association for Cancer Research.

  6. Agent independent task planning

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Davis, William S.

    1990-01-01

    Agent-Independent Planning is a technique that allows the construction of activity plans without regard to the agent that will perform them. Once generated, a plan is then validated and translated into instructions for a particular agent, whether a robot, crewmember, or software-based control system. Because Space Station Freedom (SSF) is planned for orbital operations for approximately thirty years, it will almost certainly experience numerous enhancements and upgrades, including upgrades in robotic manipulators. Agent-Independent Planning provides the capability to construct plans for SSF operations, independent of specific robotic systems, by combining techniques of object oriented modeling, nonlinear planning and temporal logic. Since a plan is validated using the physical and functional models of a particular agent, new robotic systems can be developed and integrated with existing operations in a robust manner. This technique also provides the capability to generate plans for crewmembers with varying skill levels, and later apply these same plans to more sophisticated robotic manipulators made available by evolutions in technology.

  7. New perspectives of cobalt tris(bipyridine) system: anti-cancer effect and its collateral sensitivity towards multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancers

    PubMed Central

    Mok, Simon Wing Fai; Liu, Hauwei; Zeng, Wu; Han, Yu; Gordillo-Martinez, Flora; Chan, Wai-Kit; Wong, Keith Man-Chung; Wong, Vincent Kam Wai

    2017-01-01

    Platinating compounds including cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin are common chemotherapeutic agents, however, patients developed resistance to these clinical agents after initial therapeutic treatments. Therefore, different approaches have been applied to identify novel therapeutic agents, molecular mechanisms, and targets for overcoming drug resistance. In this study, we have identified a panel of cobalt complexes that were able to specifically induce collateral sensitivity in taxol-resistant and p53-deficient cancer cells. Consistently, our reported anti-cancer functions of cobalt complexes 1–6 towards multidrug-resistant cancers have suggested the protective and non-toxic properties of cobalt metal-ions based compounds in anti-cancer therapies. As demonstrated in xenograft mouse model, our results also confirmed the identified cobalt complex 2 was able to suppress tumor growth in vivo. The anti-cancer effect of the cobalt complex 2 was further demonstrated to be exerted via the induction of autophagy, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of cell invasion and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity. These data have provided alternative metal ion compounds for targeting drug resistance cancers in chemotherapies. PMID:28903398

  8. Emerging combination therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer – impact of trifluridine/tipiracil

    PubMed Central

    Puthiamadathil, Jeevan M; Weinberg, Benjamin A

    2017-01-01

    Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are surviving longer now than ever before, but mortality rates are still high and more effective therapies are clearly needed. For patients with disease that is refractory to fluoropyrimidines, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and biologic agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor pathways, novel treatment options trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS-102) and regorafenib can be effective disease stabilizers. However, objective clinical responses are rare and toxicities are manageable but common. In order to tackle poor clinical responses to TAS-102, there is an ongoing effort to effectively combine this drug with other agents, particularly those targeting angiogenesis. Certain subpopulations appear to benefit more than others from TAS-102; those that benefit often have underlying genetic defects in DNA repair pathways and/or develop neutropenia. In this review, we focus on the role of TAS-102 in the treatment of mCRC, including its use in combination with other agents, potential predictive biomarkers of response to TAS-102, and possible future directions. PMID:29056855

  9. Hydroxypyridonate chelating agents and synthesis thereof

    DOEpatents

    Raymond, K.N.; Scarrow, R.C.; White, D.L.

    1985-11-12

    Chelating agents having 1-hydroxy-2-pyridinone (HOPO) and related moieties incorporated within their structures, including polydentate HOPO-substituted polyamines such as spermidine and spermine, and HOPO-substituted desferrioxamine. The chelating agents are useful in selectively removing certain cations from solution, and are particularly useful as ferric ion and actinide chelators. Novel syntheses of the chelating agents are provided. 4 tabs.

  10. Military chemical warfare agent human subjects testing: part 2--long-term health effects among participants of U.S. military chemical warfare agent testing.

    PubMed

    Brown, Mark

    2009-10-01

    Military chemical warfare agent testing from World War I to 1975 produced thousands of veterans with concerns about how their participation affected their health. A companion article describes the history of these experiments, and how the lack of clinical data hampers evaluation of long-term health consequences. Conversely, much information is available about specific agents tested and their long-term health effects in other populations, which may be invaluable for helping clinicians respond effectively to the health care and other needs of affected veterans. The following review describes tested agents and their known long-term health consequences. Although hundreds of chemicals were tested, they fall into only about a half-dozen pharmaceutical classes, including common pharmaceuticals; anticholinesterase agents including military nerve agents and pesticides; anticholinergic glycolic acid esters such as atropine; acetylcholine reactivators such as 2-PAM; psychoactive compounds including cannabinoids, phencyclidine, and LSD; and irritants including tear gas and riot control agents.

  11. Characterization of chemical agent transport in paints.

    PubMed

    Willis, Matthew P; Gordon, Wesley; Lalain, Teri; Mantooth, Brent

    2013-09-15

    A combination of vacuum-based vapor emission measurements with a mass transport model was employed to determine the interaction of chemical warfare agents with various materials, including transport parameters of agents in paints. Accurate determination of mass transport parameters enables the simulation of the chemical agent distribution in a material for decontaminant performance modeling. The evaluation was performed with the chemical warfare agents bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide (distilled mustard, known as the chemical warfare blister agent HD) and O-ethyl S-[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl] methylphosphonothioate (VX), an organophosphate nerve agent, deposited on to two different types of polyurethane paint coatings. The results demonstrated alignment between the experimentally measured vapor emission flux and the predicted vapor flux. Mass transport modeling demonstrated rapid transport of VX into the coatings; VX penetrated through the aliphatic polyurethane-based coating (100 μm) within approximately 107 min. By comparison, while HD was more soluble in the coatings, the penetration depth in the coatings was approximately 2× lower than VX. Applications of mass transport parameters include the ability to predict agent uptake, and subsequent long-term vapor emission or contact transfer where the agent could present exposure risks. Additionally, these parameters and model enable the ability to perform decontamination modeling to predict how decontaminants remove agent from these materials. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  12. Antidiabetic Agents.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Plummer, Nancy; Michael, Nancy, Ed.

    This module on antidiabetic agents is intended for use in inservice or continuing education programs for persons who administer medications in long-term care facilities. Instructor information, including teaching suggestions, and a listing of recommended audiovisual materials and their sources appear first. The module goal and objectives are then…

  13. Induction gemcitabine and oxaliplatin therapy followed by a twice-weekly infusion of gemcitabine and concurrent external-beam radiation for neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a single institutional experience.

    PubMed

    Leone, Francesco; Gatti, Marco; Massucco, Paolo; Colombi, Federica; Sperti, Elisa; Campanella, Delia; Regge, Daniele; Gabriele, Pietro; Capussotti, Lorenzo; Aglietta, Massimo

    2013-01-15

    Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) may render curative resection feasible in patients with locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma (LAPC). The authors previously demonstrated the achievement of significant disease control and a median survival of 14 months by CRT in patients with LAPC. In this study, they evaluated the use of induction chemotherapy followed by a CRT neoadjuvant protocol. Patients first received induction gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX) (gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2), oxaliplatin 100 mg/m(2)). Patients without disease progression then received gemcitabine twice weekly (50 mg/m(2) daily) concurrent with radiotherapy (50.4 grays) and were re-evaluated for resectability. Thirty-nine patients (15 with borderline resectable disease and 24 with unresectable disease) entered the study. The treatment was well tolerated. Disease control was obtained in 29 of 39 patients. Two patients progressed after GEMOX, and 7 progressed after CRT. After a median follow-up of 13 months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.2 months. The median PFS of patients with borderline resectable and unresectable disease was 16.6 and 9.1 months, respectively (P = .056). For the whole group, the median overall survival (OS) was 16.7 months (27.8 months for patients with borderline resectable disease, 13.3 for patients with unresectable disease; P = .045). Eleven patients (9 with borderline resectable disease and 2 with unresectable disease at diagnosis) underwent successful resection. Patients who underwent resection had a significantly longer median PFS compared with nonresected patients (19.7 months vs 7.6 months, respectively). The median OS among resected and nonresected patients was 31.5 months and 12.3 months, respectively (P < .001). The current results indicated that induction GEMOX followed by CRT is feasible in patients with LAPC. Both those with borderline resectable disease and those with unresectable disease received clinical benefit, a chance to obtain resectability, and

  14. Effects of S 38093, an antagonist/inverse agonist of histamine H3 receptors, in models of neuropathic pain in rats.

    PubMed

    Chaumette, T; Chapuy, E; Berrocoso, E; Llorca-Torralba, M; Bravo, L; Mico, J A; Chalus, M; Eschalier, A; Ardid, D; Marchand, F; Sors, A

    2018-01-01

    Histamine H3 receptors are mainly expressed on CNS neurons, particularly along the nociceptive pathways. The potential involvement of these receptors in pain processing has been suggested using H3 receptor inverse agonists. The antinociceptive effect of S 38093, a novel inverse agonist of H3 receptors, has been evaluated in several neuropathic pain models in rat and compared with those of gabapentin and pregabalin. While S 38093 did not change vocalization thresholds to paw pressure in healthy rats, it exhibited a significant antihyperalgesic effect in the Streptozocin-induced diabetic (STZ) neuropathy model after acute and chronic administration and, in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model only after chronic administration, submitted to the paw-pressure test. Acute S 38093 administration at all doses tested displayed a significant cold antiallodynic effect in a model of acute or repeated administration of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy submitted to cold tail immersion, cold allodynia being the main side effect of oxaliplatin in patients. The effect of S 38093 increased following chronic administration (i.e. twice a day during 5 days) in the CCI and STZ models except in the oxaliplatin models where its effect was already maximal from the first administration The kinetics and size of effect of S 38093 were similar to gabapentin and/or pregabalin. Finally, the antinociceptive effect of S 38093 could be partially mediated by α2 adrenoreceptors desensitization in the locus coeruleus. These results highlight the interest of S 38093 to relieve neuropathic pain and warrant clinical trials especially in chemotherapeutic agent-induced neuropathic pain. S 38093, a new H3 antagonist/inverse agonist, displays antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effect in neuropathic pain, especially in oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy after chronic administration. This effect of S 38093 in neuropathic pain could be partly mediated by α2 receptors desensitization in the locus coeruleus

  15. In vitro effects of platinum compounds on renal cellular respiration in mice.

    PubMed

    Almarzooqi, Saeeda-S; Alfazari, Ali-S; Abdul-Kader, Hidaya-M; Saraswathiamma, Dhanya; Albawardi, Alia-S; Souid, Abdul-Kader

    2015-01-01

    Cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin are structurally-related compounds, which are commonly used in cancer therapy. Cisplatin (Platinol(®)) has Boxed Warning stating: "Cumulative renal toxicity associated with PLATINOL is severe", while carboplatin and oxaliplatin are less nephrotoxic. These drugs form platinum adducts with cellular DNA. Their bindings to cellular thiols (e.g., glutathione and metallothionein) are known to contribute to drug resistance while thiol depletion augments platinum toxicity. Using phosphorescence oxygen analyzer, this study investigated the effects of platinum drugs on renal cellular respiration (mitochondrial O2 consumption) in the presence and absence of the thiol blocking agent N-ethylmaleimide (used here as a model for thiol depletion). Renal cellular ATP was also determined. Kidney fragments from C57BL/6 mice were incubated at 37 °C in Krebs-Henseleit buffer (gassed with 95% O2:5% CO2) with and without 100 μM platinum drug in the presence and absence of 100 μM N-ethylmaleimide for ≤ 6 h. Platinum drugs alone had no effects on cellular respiration (P ≥ 0.143) or ATP (P ≥ 0.161). N-ethylmaleimide lowered cellular respiration (P ≤ 0.114) and ATP (P = 0.008). The combination of platinum drug and N-ethylmaleimide significantly lowered both cellular respiration (P ≤ 0.006) and ATP (P ≤ 0.003). Incubations with N-ethylmaleimide alone were associated with moderate-to-severe tubular necrosis. Incubations with cisplatin+N-ethylmaleimide vs. cisplatin alone produced similar severities of tubular necrosis. Tubular derangements were more prominent in carboplatin+N-ethylmaleimide vs. carboplatin alone and in oxaliplatin+N-ethylmaleimide vs. oxaliplatin alone. These results demonstrate the adverse events of thiol depletion on platinum-induced nephrotoxicities. The results suggest cellular bioenergetics is a useful surrogate biomarker for assessing drug-induced nephrotoxicities.

  16. A Multi-Agent System for Intelligent Online Education.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    O'Riordan, Colm; Griffith, Josephine

    1999-01-01

    Describes the system architecture of an intelligent Web-based education system that includes user modeling agents, information filtering agents for automatic information gathering, and the multi-agent interaction. Discusses information management; user interaction; support for collaborative peer-peer learning; implementation; testing; and future…

  17. Do Low Molecular Weight Agents Cause More Severe Asthma than High Molecular Weight Agents?

    PubMed

    Meca, Olga; Cruz, María-Jesús; Sánchez-Ortiz, Mónica; González-Barcala, Francisco-Javier; Ojanguren, Iñigo; Munoz, Xavier

    2016-01-01

    The aim of this study was to analyse whether patients with occupational asthma (OA) caused by low molecular weight (LMW) agents differed from patients with OA caused by high molecular weight (HMW) with regard to risk factors, asthma presentation and severity, and response to various diagnostic tests. Seventy-eight patients with OA diagnosed by positive specific inhalation challenge (SIC) were included. Anthropometric characteristics, atopic status, occupation, latency periods, asthma severity according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) control classification, lung function tests and SIC results were analysed. OA was induced by an HMW agent in 23 patients (29%) and by an LMW agent in 55 (71%). A logistic regression analysis confirmed that patients with OA caused by LMW agents had a significantly higher risk of severity according to the GINA classification after adjusting for potential confounders (OR = 3.579, 95% CI 1.136-11.280; p = 0.029). During the SIC, most patients with OA caused by HMW agents presented an early reaction (82%), while in patients with OA caused by LMW agents the response was mainly late (73%) (p = 0.0001). Similarly, patients with OA caused by LMW agents experienced a greater degree of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, measured as the difference in the methacholine dose-response ratio (DRR) before and after SIC (1.77, range 0-16), compared with patients with OA caused by HMW agents (0.87, range 0-72), (p = 0.024). OA caused by LMW agents may be more severe than that caused by HMW agents. The severity of the condition may be determined by the different mechanisms of action of these agents.

  18. Anti-pancreatic cancer activity of ONC212 involves the unfolded protein response (UPR) and is reduced by IGF1-R and GRP78/BIP

    PubMed Central

    Lev, Avital; Lulla, Amriti R.; Wagner, Jessica; Ralff, Marie D.; Kiehl, Joshua B.; Zhou, Yan; Benes, Cyril H.; Prabhu, Varun V.; Oster, Wolfgang; Astsaturov, Igor; Dicker, David T.; El-Deiry, Wafik S.

    2017-01-01

    Pancreatic cancer is chemo-resistant and metastasizes early with an overall five-year survival of ∼8.2%. First-in-class imipridone ONC201 is a small molecule in clinical trials with anti-cancer activity. ONC212, a fluorinated-ONC201 analogue, shows preclinical efficacy in melanoma and hepatocellular-cancer models. We investigated efficacy of ONC201 and ONC212 against pancreatic cancer cell lines (N=16 including 9 PDX-cell lines). We demonstrate ONC212 efficacy in 4 in-vivo models including ONC201-resistant tumors. ONC212 is active in pancreatic cancer as single agent or in combination with 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin or RTK inhibitor crizotinib. Based on upregulation of pro-survival IGF1-R in some tumors, we found an active combination of ONC212 with inhibitor AG1024, including in vivo. We show a rationale for targeting pancreatic cancer using ONC212 combined with targeting the unfolded-protein response and ER chaperones such as GRP78/BIP. Our results lay the foundation to test imipridones, anti-cancer agents, in pancreatic cancer, that is refractory to most drugs. PMID:29137221

  19. Designing Distributed Learning Environments with Intelligent Software Agents

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lin, Fuhua, Ed.

    2005-01-01

    "Designing Distributed Learning Environments with Intelligent Software Agents" reports on the most recent advances in agent technologies for distributed learning. Chapters are devoted to the various aspects of intelligent software agents in distributed learning, including the methodological and technical issues on where and how intelligent agents…

  20. Detecting acute neurotoxicity during platinum chemotherapy by neurophysiological assessment of motor nerve hyperexcitability

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background Platinum-based drugs, such as cisplatin and oxaliplatin, are well-known for inducing chronic sensory neuropathies but their acute and motor neurotoxicities are less well characterised. Use was made of nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography (EMG) to assess motor nerve excitability in cancer patients during their first treatment cycle with platinum-based chemotherapy in this study. Methods Twenty-nine adult cancer patients had a neurophysiological assessment either before oxaliplatin plus capecitabine, on days 2 to 4 or 14 to 20 after oxaliplatin plus capecitabine, or on days 2 to 4 after carboplatin plus paclitaxel or cisplatin, undertaken by a neurophysiologist who was blinded to patient and treatment details. Patients completed a symptom questionnaire at the end of the treatment cycle. Results Abnormal spontaneous high frequency motor fibre action potentials were detected in 100% of patients (n = 6) and 72% of muscles (n = 22) on days 2 to 4 post-oxaliplatin, and in 25% of patients (n = 8) and 13% of muscles (n = 32) on days 14 to 20 post-oxaliplatin, but in none of the patients (n = 14) or muscles (n = 56) tested prior to oxaliplatin or on days 2 to 4 after carboplatin plus paclitaxel or cisplatin. Repetitive compound motor action potentials were less sensitive and less specific than spontaneous high frequency motor fibre action potentials for detection of acute oxaliplatin-induced motor nerve hyperexcitability but were present in 71% of patients (n = 7) and 32% of muscles (n = 32) on days 2 to 4 after oxaliplatin treatment. Acute neurotoxicity symptoms, most commonly cold-induced paraesthesiae and jaw or throat tightness, were reported by all patients treated with oxaliplatin (n = 22) and none of those treated with carboplatin plus paclitaxel or cisplatin (n = 6). Conclusions Abnormal spontaneous high frequency motor fibre activity is a sensitive and specific endpoint of acute oxaliplatin-induced motor nerve hyperexcitability, detectable

  1. Novel therapeutic agents for osteosarcoma.

    PubMed

    O'Day, Kathleen; Gorlick, Richard

    2009-04-01

    Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant primary bone tumor in childhood. Despite multiagent chemotherapy and aggressive surgical resection, 30% of patients with localized disease and 80% of patients with metastatic disease at diagnosis will relapse. Survival for these patients has remained unchanged over the past 20 years. A number of novel agents in various stages of development hold promise for improving therapy for patients with osteosarcoma. This article will focus on novel therapeutic approaches, including agents targeting signal-transduction pathways, inhibitors of the tumor microenvironment and immunomodulatory agents, as well as overcoming resistance mechanisms and the use of novel delivery mechanisms.

  2. Fluid extraction using carbon dioxide and organophosphorus chelating agents

    DOEpatents

    Smart, N.G.; Wai, C.M.; Lin, Y.; Kwang, Y.H.

    1998-11-24

    Methods for extracting metalloid and metal species from a solid or liquid material by exposing the material to a fluid solvent, particularly supercritical CO{sub 2}, and a chelating agent are described. The chelating agent forms a chelate with the species, the chelate being soluble in the fluid to allow removal of the species from the material. In preferred embodiments the extraction solvent is supercritical CO{sub 2} and the chelating agent comprises an organophosphorous chelating agent, particularly sulfur-containing organophosphorous chelating agents, including mixtures of chelating agents. Examples of chelating agents include monothiophosphinic acid, di-thiophosphinic acid, phosphine sulfite, phosphorothioic acid, and mixtures thereof. The method provides an environmentally benign process for removing metal and metalloids from industrial waste solutions, particularly acidic solutions. Both the chelate and the supercritical fluid can be regenerated and the contaminant species recovered to provide an economic, efficient process. 1 fig.

  3. Fluid extraction using carbon dioxide and organophosphorus chelating agents

    DOEpatents

    Smart, Neil G.; Wai, Chien M.; Lin, Yuehe; Kwang, Yak Hwa

    1998-01-01

    Methods for extracting metalloid and metal species from a solid or liquid material by exposing the material to a fluid solvent, particularly supercritical CO.sub.2, and a chelating agent are described. The chelating agent forms a chelate with the species, the chelate being soluble in the fluid to allow removal of the species from the material. In preferred embodiments the extraction solvent is supercritical CO.sub.2 and the chelating agent comprises an organophosphorous chelating agent, particularly sulfur-containing organophosphorous chelating agents, including mixtures of chelating agents. Examples of chelating agents include monothiophosphinic acid, di-thiophosphinic acid, phosphine sulfite, phosphorothioic acid, and mixtures thereof. The method provides an environmentally benign process for removing metal and metalloids from industrial waste solutions, particularly acidic solutions. Both the chelate and the supercritical fluid can be regenerated and the contaminant species recovered to provide an economic, efficient process.

  4. 21 CFR 181.28 - Release agents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... classified as release agents, when migrating from food-packaging material shall include: Dimethylpolysiloxane... 21 Food and Drugs 3 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Release agents. 181.28 Section 181.28 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) PRIOR-SANCTIONED...

  5. WE-H-BRA-03: Development of a Model to Include the Evolution of Resistant Tumor Subpopulations Into the Treatment Optimization Process for Schedules Involving Targeted Agents in Chemoradiation Therapy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Grassberger, C; Paganetti, H

    Purpose: To develop a model that includes the process of resistance development into the treatment optimization process for schedules that include targeted therapies. Further, to validate the approach using clinical data and to apply the model to assess the optimal induction period with targeted agents before curative treatment with chemo-radiation in stage III lung cancer. Methods: Growth of the tumor and its subpopulations is modeled by Gompertzian growth dynamics, resistance induction as a stochastic process. Chemotherapy induced cell kill is modeled by log-cell kill dynamics, targeted agents similarly but restricted to the sensitive population. Radiation induced cell kill is assumedmore » to follow the linear-quadratic model. The validation patient data consist of a cohort of lung cancer patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors that had longitudinal imaging data available. Results: The resistance induction model was successfully validated using clinical trial data from 49 patients treated with targeted agents. The observed recurrence kinetics, with tumors progressing from 1.4–63 months, result in tumor growth equaling a median volume doubling time of 92 days [34–248] and a median fraction of pre-existing resistance of 0.035 [0–0.22], in agreement with previous clinical studies. The model revealed widely varying optimal time points for the use of curative therapy, reaching from ∼1m to >6m depending on the patient’s growth rate and amount of pre-existing resistance. This demonstrates the importance of patient-specific treatment schedules when targeted agents are incorporated into the treatment. Conclusion: We developed a model including evolutionary dynamics of resistant sub-populations with traditional chemotherapy and radiation cell kill models. Fitting to clinical data yielded patient specific growth rates and resistant fraction in agreement with previous studies. Further application of the model demonstrated how proper timing of chemo

  6. 32 CFR 552.66 - Actions required by agents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... officer or counselor. Agents must complete DA Form 2056 (Commercial Insurance Solicitation Record). Blank DA Forms 2056 (not allotment forms) will be available to insurance agents on request. In the “Remarks” section of DA Form 2056, agents will include all pertinent information and a clear statement that...

  7. Homeostatic Agent for General Environment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yoshida, Naoto

    2018-03-01

    One of the essential aspect in biological agents is dynamic stability. This aspect, called homeostasis, is widely discussed in ethology, neuroscience and during the early stages of artificial intelligence. Ashby's homeostats are general-purpose learning machines for stabilizing essential variables of the agent in the face of general environments. However, despite their generality, the original homeostats couldn't be scaled because they searched their parameters randomly. In this paper, first we re-define the objective of homeostats as the maximization of a multi-step survival probability from the view point of sequential decision theory and probabilistic theory. Then we show that this optimization problem can be treated by using reinforcement learning algorithms with special agent architectures and theoretically-derived intrinsic reward functions. Finally we empirically demonstrate that agents with our architecture automatically learn to survive in a given environment, including environments with visual stimuli. Our survival agents can learn to eat food, avoid poison and stabilize essential variables through theoretically-derived single intrinsic reward formulations.

  8. Opinion evolution influenced by informed agents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fan, Kangqi; Pedrycz, Witold

    2016-11-01

    Guiding public opinions toward a pre-set target by informed agents can be a strategy adopted in some practical applications. The informed agents are common agents who are employed or chosen to spread the pre-set opinion. In this work, we propose a social judgment based opinion (SJBO) dynamics model to explore the opinion evolution under the influence of informed agents. The SJBO model distinguishes between inner opinions and observable choices, and incorporates both the compromise between similar opinions and the repulsion between dissimilar opinions. Three choices (support, opposition, and remaining undecided) are considered in the SJBO model. Using the SJBO model, both the inner opinions and the observable choices can be tracked during the opinion evolution process. The simulation results indicate that if the exchanges of inner opinions among agents are not available, the effect of informed agents is mainly dependent on the characteristics of regular agents, including the assimilation threshold, decay threshold, and initial opinions. Increasing the assimilation threshold and decay threshold can improve the guiding effectiveness of informed agents. Moreover, if the initial opinions of regular agents are close to null, the full and unanimous consensus at the pre-set opinion can be realized, indicating that, to maximize the influence of informed agents, the guidance should be started when regular agents have little knowledge about a subject under consideration. If the regular agents have had clear opinions, the full and unanimous consensus at the pre-set opinion cannot be achieved. However, the introduction of informed agents can make the majority of agents choose the pre-set opinion.

  9. A New Approach To Secure Federated Information Bases Using Agent Technology.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weippi, Edgar; Klug, Ludwig; Essmayr, Wolfgang

    2003-01-01

    Discusses database agents which can be used to establish federated information bases by integrating heterogeneous databases. Highlights include characteristics of federated information bases, including incompatible database management systems, schemata, and frequently changing context; software agent technology; Java agents; system architecture;…

  10. Anti-Clotting Agents Explained

    MedlinePlus

    ... becomes potentially life-threatening. Anti platelet agents, including aspirin , clopidogrel, dipyridamole and ticlopidine, work by inhibiting the production of thromboxane. Aspirin is highly recommended for preventing a first stroke, ...

  11. Naltrexone at low doses upregulates a unique gene expression not seen with normal doses: Implications for its use in cancer therapy.

    PubMed

    Liu, Wai M; Scott, Katherine A; Dennis, Jayne L; Kaminska, Elwira; Levett, Alan J; Dalgleish, Angus G

    2016-08-01

    It has been reported that lower doses of the opioid antagonist naltrexone are able to reduce tumour growth by interfering with cell signalling as well as by modifying the immune system. We have evaluated the gene expression profile of a cancer cell line after treatment with low-dose naltrexone (LDN), and assessed the effect that adapting treatment schedules with LDN may have on enhancing efficacy. LDN had a selective impact on genes involved with cell cycle regulation and immune modulation. Similarly, the pro-apoptotic genes BAD and BIK1 were increased only after LDN. Continuous treatment with LDN had little effect on growth in different cell lines; however, altering the treatment schedule to include a phase of culture in the absence of drug following an initial round of LDN treatment, resulted in enhanced cell killing. Furthermore, cells pre-treated with LDN were more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of a number of common chemotherapy agents. For example, priming HCT116 with LDN before treatment with oxaliplatin significantly increased cell killing to 49±7.0 vs. 14±2.4% in cultures where priming was not used. Interestingly, priming with NTX before oxaliplatin resulted in just 32±1.8% cell killing. Our data support further the idea that LDN possesses anticancer activity, which can be improved by modifying the treatment schedule.

  12. Infectious Agents Trigger Trophic Cascades.

    PubMed

    Buck, Julia C; Ripple, William J

    2017-09-01

    Most demonstrated trophic cascades originate with predators, but infectious agents can also cause top-down indirect effects in ecosystems. Here we synthesize the literature on trophic cascades initiated by infectious agents including parasitoids, pathogens, parasitic castrators, macroparasites, and trophically transmitted parasites. Like predators, infectious agents can cause density-mediated and trait-mediated indirect effects through their direct consumptive and nonconsumptive effects respectively. Unlike most predators, however, infectious agents are not fully and immediately lethal to their victims, so their consumptive effects can also trigger trait-mediated indirect effects. We find that the frequency of trophic cascades reported for different consumer types scales with consumer lethality. Furthermore, we emphasize the value of uniting predator-prey and parasite-host theory under a general consumer-resource framework. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Forest Service special agents, assistant special agents in charge, senior special agents, and supervisory special agents report: nationwide study

    Treesearch

    Deborah J. Chavez; Joanne F. Tynon

    2007-01-01

    This is the fourth in a series of studies to evaluate perceptions of U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service law enforcement personnel of the roles, responsibilities, and issues related to their jobs. An e-mail survey was administered to the 89 Forest Service special agents, assistant special agents in charge, senior special agents, and supervisory special agents...

  14. Temporary plugging agent

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Black, H.N.; Melton, L.L.

    1966-01-04

    A temporary plugging agent, fracturing fluid and/or channel sealing agent is introduced into a selected area of a formation. The water-gelled fluid agent contains sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, and borax. It also contains a chemical breaker such as benzotrichloride, benzylidene chloride, or benzyl chloride. The water-gelled fluid consists essentially of water and from about 1-3% by weight of water of a finely powdered water-soluble gum of the galactomannan class. The borate compound is included in an amount of about 10% by weight of the gum to delay the reaction with the gel and to form a rubbery jelly-like mass withmore » it. The fluid composition has a delaying solidifying action and after a given interval of time it forms a plug. After a predetermined time, acid is produced upon the hydrolysis of the breaker in the plug and removes the plug from the area.« less

  15. Biologic agents for IBD: practical insights.

    PubMed

    Danese, Silvio; Vuitton, Lucine; Peyrin-Biroulet, Laurent

    2015-09-01

    Six biologic agents are currently approved for the treatment of IBD: four anti-TNF agents (infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab and certolizumab pegol) and two anti-integrin agents (natalizumab and vedolizumab). In Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis refractory to standard medications, treatment choice among available biologic agents can be challenging. Several parameters should be taken into account to help physicians through the decision-making process, including the comparative effectiveness and long-term safety profile, availability and labelling in the prescriber's country, international guidelines, and cost, as well as patient preferences (such as the route of administration). Herein, we provide practical insights on the use of biologic agents in IBD. The results of head-to-head trials between biologic agents are eagerly awaited to guide decision-making regarding the choice of first-line biologic agents and to determine whether switching within the same drug class or swapping (switching out of the drug class) is preferable after primary or secondary loss of response to the first biologic agent. In the near future, treatment algorithms might evolve with the launch of new drugs (such as ustekinumab, tofacitinib and etrolizumab) and the increased use of biosimilars.

  16. Phase II trial of cetuximab, gemcitabine, and oxaliplatin followed by chemoradiation with cetuximab for locally advanced (T4) pancreatic adenocarcinoma: correlation of Smad4(Dpc4) immunostaining with pattern of disease progression.

    PubMed

    Crane, Christopher H; Varadhachary, Gauri R; Yordy, John S; Staerkel, Gregg A; Javle, Milind M; Safran, Howard; Haque, Waqar; Hobbs, Bridgett D; Krishnan, Sunil; Fleming, Jason B; Das, Prajnan; Lee, Jeffrey E; Abbruzzese, James L; Wolff, Robert A

    2011-08-01

    This phase II trial was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of cetuximab, gemcitabine, and oxaliplatin followed by cetuximab, capecitabine, and radiation therapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Treatment-naive eligible patients (n = 69) received intravenous gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m(2)) and oxaliplatin (100 mg/m(2)) every 2 weeks for four doses, followed by radiation (50.4 Gy to the gross tumor only) with concurrent capecitabine (825 mg/m(2) twice daily on radiation treatment days). Cetuximab (500 mg/m(2)) was started on day 1 of chemotherapy and was continued every 2 weeks during chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. Diagnostic cytology specimens were immunostained for Smad4(Dpc4) expression. Median overall survival time was 19.2 months (95% CI, 14.2 to 24.2 months), and 1-year, 2-year, and 4-year actuarial overall survival rates were 66.0%, 25.02%, and 11.3%, respectively. Acneiform rash correlated with improved survival (P = .001), but initial CA19-9, borderline resectable initial stage, and surgical resection (n = 7) did not. The 1-year and 2-year radiographic local progression rates were 22.8% and 61.0%, respectively. The worst acute toxic effects were GI toxicity (32% and 10% for grades 2 and 3, respectively); fatigue (26% and 6% for grades 2 and 3, respectively); sensory neuropathy (9% and 1% for grades 2 and 3, respectively); and acneiform rash (54% and 3% for grades 2 and 3, respectively). Smad4(Dpc4) expression correlated with a local rather than a distant dominant pattern of disease progression (P = .016). This regimen appears effective and has acceptable toxicity. The primary end point (1-year overall survival rate > 45%) was met, with encouraging survival duration. Smad4(Dpc4) immunostaining correlated with the pattern of disease progression. Prospective validation of Smad4(Dpc4) expression in cytology specimens as a predictive biomarker is warranted and may lead to personalized treatment strategies for patients with localized

  17. PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A PROSPECTIVE FEASIBILITY PILOT STUDY OF “GEMPOX” (GEMCITABINE, OXALIPLATIN, AND PACLITAXEL) IN PEDIATRIC AND ADULT PATIENTS WITH REFRACTORY OR RECURRENT CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) GERM CELL TUMORS (GCT): THE INTERNATIONAL CNS GCT CONSORTIUM TRIAL, CNS GCT-4

    PubMed Central

    Finlay, Jonathan L.; Liu, Yin; Haley, Kelley; Erdreich-Epstein, Anat; Rushing, Teresa; Grimm, John; Wong, Kenneth E.; Kiehna, Erin; Krieger, Mark D.; Gilles, Floyd; Badie, Benham; D'Apuzzo, Massimo; Dhall, Girish

    2014-01-01

    BACKGROUND: The optimal management of patients with recurrent CNS GCT, especially those with non-germinomatous (mixed malignant) GCT (MMGCT), remains unclear. Preliminary results are presented on the response rate, toxicity and early outcomes of a re-induction regimen of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and paclitaxel (GEMPOX) administered, in responsive patients, prior to myeloablative chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell rescue (HDCx + AuHCR). METHODS: Since December 2004, 13 recurrent or refractory patients (12 MMGCT, 1 germinoma; 12 males; mean age 16.5 years, range 7-34 years) have been treated with up to 4 cycles of gemcitabine (800 mg/m2), oxaliplatin (100 mg/m2) and paclitaxel (170 mg/m2), administered on one day at 14 days intervals. RESULTS: Of 13 patients, five were treated on a preceding feasibility pilot with 1-3 cycles of GEMPOX, and seven have been formally enrolled on an ongoing prospective multi-center trial. Six patients achieved complete remissions (tumor marker and/or imaging studies), five achieved partial remissions and two developed progressive disease (PD) while on GEMPOX; one patient with PD after 1 cycle had pathologically confirmed malignant transformation to pure embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.; the second patient, with pure pineal choriocarcinoma, progressed following the second cycle of GEMPOX. Eleven of the 13 patents subsequently underwent HDCx + AuHCR. Six of them subsequently received irradiation. Transient hepatotoxicity and pancytopenia were the most commonly observed toxicities. Other toxicities included: paclitaxel anaphylaxis (1), transient encephalopathy (1), peripheral neuropathy (1), hyperesthesia (4), mucositis (2) and electrolyte imbalances (3). Four of the 12 patients with MMGCT continue alive and disease-free for 8+ , 10+ , 14+ and 16+ months since discontinuation of all therapy. One patient (with pure yolk sac tumor) relapsed in a loco-regional extra-CNS location (cavernous and ethmoid/sphenoid sinuses) and remains alive

  18. Mother ship and physical agents collaboration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Young, Stuart H.; Budulas, Peter P.; Emmerman, Philip J.

    1999-07-01

    This paper discusses ongoing research at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory that investigates the feasibility of developing a collaboration architecture between small physical agents and a mother ship. This incudes the distribution of planning, perception, mobility, processing and communications requirements between the mother ship and the agents. Small physical agents of the future will be virtually everywhere on the battlefield of the 21st century. A mother ship that is coupled to a team of small collaborating physical agents (conducting tasks such as Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA); logistics; sentry; and communications relay) will be used to build a completely effective and mission capable intelligent system. The mother ship must have long-range mobility to deploy the small, highly maneuverable agents that will operate in urban environments and more localized areas, and act as a logistics base for the smaller agents. The mother ship also establishes a robust communications network between the agents and is the primary information disseminating and receiving point to the external world. Because of its global knowledge and processing power, the mother ship does the high-level control and planning for the collaborative physical agents. This high level control and interaction between the mother ship and its agents (including inter agent collaboration) will be software agent architecture based. The mother ship incorporates multi-resolution battlefield visualization and analysis technology, which aids in mission planning and sensor fusion.

  19. Use of topical hemostatic agents in gynecologic surgery.

    PubMed

    Wysham, Weiya Z; Roque, Dario R; Soper, John T

    2014-09-01

    Sutures, hemoclips, and electrocautery are the primary mechanisms used to achieve hemostasis during gynecologic surgery, but in situations in which these are inadequate or not feasible, an array of hemostatic agents are available to help achieve hemostasis. These agents include physical agents such as cellulose, collagen, or gelatin products as well as biologic agents such as thrombin and fibrin products. Limited data are available on many of these agents, although their use is increasing, sometimes at high costs. In gynecologic surgery, hemostatic agents are likely most effective when used in areas of oozing or slow bleeding and as an adjunct to conventional surgical methods of hemostasis.

  20. The kuru infectious agent is a unique geographic isolate distinct from Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease and scrapie agents

    PubMed Central

    Manuelidis, Laura; Chakrabarty, Trisha; Miyazawa, Kohtaro; Nduom, Nana-Aba; Emmerling, Kaitlin

    2009-01-01

    Human sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD), endemic sheep scrapie, and epidemic bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) are caused by a related group of infectious agents. The new U.K. BSE agent spread to many species, including humans, and clarifying the origin, specificity, virulence, and diversity of these agents is critical, particularly because infected humans do not develop disease for many years. As with viruses, transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agents can adapt to new species and become more virulent yet maintain fundamentally unique and stable identities. To make agent differences manifest, one must keep the host genotype constant. Many TSE agents have revealed their independent identities in normal mice. We transmitted primate kuru, a TSE once epidemic in New Guinea, to mice expressing normal and ≈8-fold higher levels of murine prion protein (PrP). High levels of murine PrP did not prevent infection but instead shortened incubation time, as would be expected for a viral receptor. Sporadic CJD and BSE agents and representative scrapie agents were clearly different from kuru in incubation time, brain neuropathology, and lymphoreticular involvement. Many TSE agents can infect monotypic cultured GT1 cells, and unlike sporadic CJD isolates, kuru rapidly and stably infected these cells. The geographic independence of the kuru agent provides additional reasons to explore causal environmental pathogens in these infectious neurodegenerative diseases. PMID:19633190

  1. Marine Mollusk‐Derived Agents with Antiproliferative Activity as Promising Anticancer Agents to Overcome Chemotherapy Resistance

    PubMed Central

    Lefranc, Florence; Carbone, Marianna; Mollo, Ernesto; Gavagnin, Margherita; Betancourt, Tania; Dasari, Ramesh

    2016-01-01

    Abstract The chemical investigation of marine mollusks has led to the isolation of a wide variety of bioactive metabolites, which evolved in marine organisms as favorable adaptations to survive in different environments. Most of them are derived from food sources, but they can be also biosynthesized de novo by the mollusks themselves, or produced by symbionts. Consequently, the isolated compounds cannot be strictly considered as “chemotaxonomic markers” for the different molluscan species. However, the chemical investigation of this phylum has provided many compounds of interest as potential anticancer drugs that assume particular importance in the light of the growing literature on cancer biology and chemotherapy. The current review highlights the diversity of chemical structures, mechanisms of action, and, most importantly, the potential of mollusk‐derived metabolites as anticancer agents, including those biosynthesized by mollusks and those of dietary origin. After the discussion of dolastatins and kahalalides, compounds previously studied in clinical trials, the review covers potentially promising anticancer agents, which are grouped based on their structural type and include terpenes, steroids, peptides, polyketides and nitrogen‐containing compounds. The “promise” of a mollusk‐derived natural product as an anticancer agent is evaluated on the basis of its ability to target biological characteristics of cancer cells responsible for poor treatment outcomes. These characteristics include high antiproliferative potency against cancer cells in vitro, preferential inhibition of the proliferation of cancer cells over normal ones, mechanism of action via nonapoptotic signaling pathways, circumvention of multidrug resistance phenotype, and high activity in vivo, among others. The review also includes sections on the targeted delivery of mollusk‐derived anticancer agents and solutions to their procurement in quantity. PMID:27925266

  2. Sexual dysfunction with antihypertensive and antipsychotic agents.

    PubMed

    Smith, P J; Talbert, R L

    1986-05-01

    The physiology of the normal sexual response, epidemiology of sexual dysfunction, and the pharmacologic mechanisms involved in antihypertensive- and antipsychotic-induced problems with sexual function are discussed, with recommendations for patient management. The physiologic mechanisms involved in the normal sexual response include neurogenic, psychogenic, vascular, and hormonal factors that are coordinated by centers in the hypothalamus, limbic system, and cerebral cortex. Sexual dysfunction is frequently attributed to antihypertensive and antipsychotic agents and is a cause of noncompliance. Drug-induced effects include diminished libido, delayed orgasm, ejaculatory disturbances, gynecomastia, impotence, and priapism. The pharmacologic mechanisms proposed to account for these adverse effects include adrenergic inhibition, adrenergic-receptor blockade, anticholinergic properties, and endocrine and sedative effects. The most frequently reported adverse effect on sexual function with the antihypertensive agents is impotence. It is seen most often with methyldopa, guanethidine, clonidine, and propranolol. In contrast, the most common adverse effect on sexual function with the antipsychotic agents involves ejaculatory disturbances. Thioridazine, with its potent anticholinergic and alpha-blocking properties, is cited most often. Drug-induced sexual dysfunction may be alleviated by switching to agents with dissimilar mechanisms to alter the observed adverse effect while maintaining adequate control of the patient's disease state.

  3. NRG Oncology Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0822: A Phase 2 Study of Preoperative Chemoradiation Therapy Using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy in Combination With Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin for Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hong, Theodore S., E-mail: tshong1@mgh.harvard.edu; Moughan, Jennifer; Garofalo, Michael C.

    Purpose: To evaluate the rate of gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity of neoadjuvant chemoradiation with capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in cT3-4 rectal cancer. Methods and Materials: Patients with localized, nonmetastatic T3 or T4 rectal cancer <12 cm from the anal verge were enrolled in a prospective, multi-institutional, single-arm study of preoperative chemoradiation. Patients received 45 Gy with IMRT in 25 fractions, followed by a 3-dimensional conformal boost of 5.4 Gy in 3 fractions with concurrent capecitabine/oxaliplatin (CAPOX). Surgery was performed 4 to 8 weeks after the completion of therapy. Patients were recommended to receive FOLFOX chemotherapy after surgery. The primary endpoint ofmore » the study was acute grade 2 to 5 GI toxicity. Seventy-one patients provided 80% probability to detect at least a 12% reduction in the specified GI toxicity with the treatment of CAPOX and IMRT, at a significance level of .10 (1-sided). Results: Seventy-nine patients were accrued, of whom 68 were evaluable. Sixty-one patients (89.7%) had cT3 disease, and 37 (54.4%) had cN (+) disease. Postoperative chemotherapy was given to 42 of 68 patients. Fifty-eight patients had target contours drawn per protocol, 5 patients with acceptable variation, and 5 patients with unacceptable variations. Thirty-five patients (51.5%) experienced grade ≥2 GI toxicity, 12 patients (17.6%) experienced grade 3 or 4 diarrhea, and pCR was achieved in 10 patients (14.7%). With a median follow-up time of 3.98 years, the 4-year rate of locoregional failure was 7.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0%-13.7%). The 4-year rates of OS and DFS were 82.9% (95% CI: 70.1%-90.6%) and 60.6% (95% CI: 47.5%-71.4%), respectively. Conclusion: The use of IMRT in neoadjuvant chemoradiation for rectal cancer did not reduce the rate of GI toxicity.« less

  4. The sources, fate, and toxicity of chemical warfare agent degradation products.

    PubMed Central

    Munro, N B; Talmage, S S; Griffin, G D; Waters, L C; Watson, A P; King, J F; Hauschild, V

    1999-01-01

    We include in this review an assessment of the formation, environmental fate, and mammalian and ecotoxicity of CW agent degradation products relevant to environmental and occupational health. These parent CW agents include several vesicants: sulfur mustards [undistilled sulfur mustard (H), sulfur mustard (HD), and an HD/agent T mixture (HT)]; nitrogen mustards [ethylbis(2-chloroethyl)amine (HN1), methylbis(2-chloroethyl)amine (HN2), tris(2-chloroethyl)amine (HN3)], and Lewisite; four nerve agents (O-ethyl S-[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl] methylphosphonothioate (VX), tabun (GA), sarin (GB), and soman (GD)); and the blood agent cyanogen chloride. The degradation processes considered here include hydrolysis, microbial degradation, oxidation, and photolysis. We also briefly address decontamination but not combustion processes. Because CW agents are generally not considered very persistent, certain degradation products of significant persistence, even those that are not particularly toxic, may indicate previous CW agent presence or that degradation has occurred. Of those products for which there are data on both environmental fate and toxicity, only a few are both environmentally persistent and highly toxic. Major degradation products estimated to be of significant persistence (weeks to years) include thiodiglycol for HD; Lewisite oxide for Lewisite; and ethyl methyl phosphonic acid, methyl phosphonic acid, and possibly S-(2-diisopropylaminoethyl) methylphosphonothioic acid (EA 2192) for VX. Methyl phosphonic acid is also the ultimate hydrolysis product of both GB and GD. The GB product, isopropyl methylphosphonic acid, and a closely related contaminant of GB, diisopropyl methylphosphonate, are also persistent. Of all of these compounds, only Lewisite oxide and EA 2192 possess high mammalian toxicity. Unlike other CW agents, sulfur mustard agents (e.g., HD) are somewhat persistent; therefore, sites or conditions involving potential HD contamination should include an

  5. Impact of complete response to chemotherapy on overall survival in advanced colorectal cancer: results from Intergroup N9741.

    PubMed

    Dy, Grace K; Krook, James E; Green, Erin M; Sargent, Daniel J; Delaunoit, Thierry; Morton, Roscoe F; Fuchs, Charles S; Ramanathan, Ramesh K; Williamson, Stephen K; Findlay, Brian P; Pockaj, Barbara A; Sticca, Robert P; Alberts, Steven R; Pitot, Henry C; Goldberg, Richard M

    2007-08-10

    To evaluate clinical characteristics and survival outcomes among patients with locally advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer who achieve a complete response (CR) to systemic treatment either alone or with multimodality approach. Data were collected retrospectively from CRC patients enrolled onto the phase III trial N9741, a National Cancer Institute-funded and Gastrointestinal Cancer Intergroup-sponsored study coordinated by the North Central Cancer Treatment Group. Patients were randomly assigned to combinations of oxaliplatin, fluorouracil (FU)/leucovorin (LV) and irinotecan. The three treatment arms consist of IFL (irinotecan + FU/LV), FOLFOX4 (oxaliplatin + FU/LV), and IROX (irinotecan + oxaliplatin). Median follow-up was 42.6 months. Sixty-two (4%) of 1,508 patients had a CR to chemotherapy alone, and an additional 32 (2%) had a CR after multimodality treatment. Factors associated with achieving CR with systemic chemotherapy alone included FOLFOX4 treatment, patients with assessable disease, or a single site of metastasis. Continuing protocol treatment beyond two cycles after documentation of CR was not associated with improved survival. The rate of curative intent resection was significantly higher for patients treated with oxaliplatin-containing regimens (P = .02). Median survival was similar between patients with CR after chemotherapy alone (44.3 months) or after multimodality approach (47.4 months; P = .81). FOLFOX4 was more likely to produce a CR than were IFL or IROX. Oxaliplatin regimens were more likely to result in successful surgical resections. Patients who have CR to systemic chemotherapy alone can achieve impressive survival outcomes similar to those seen among patients who attained a CR status after multimodality treatment.

  6. Agent Based Modeling Applications for Geosciences

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stein, J. S.

    2004-12-01

    Agent-based modeling techniques have successfully been applied to systems in which complex behaviors or outcomes arise from varied interactions between individuals in the system. Each individual interacts with its environment, as well as with other individuals, by following a set of relatively simple rules. Traditionally this "bottom-up" modeling approach has been applied to problems in the fields of economics and sociology, but more recently has been introduced to various disciplines in the geosciences. This technique can help explain the origin of complex processes from a relatively simple set of rules, incorporate large and detailed datasets when they exist, and simulate the effects of extreme events on system-wide behavior. Some of the challenges associated with this modeling method include: significant computational requirements in order to keep track of thousands to millions of agents, methods and strategies of model validation are lacking, as is a formal methodology for evaluating model uncertainty. Challenges specific to the geosciences, include how to define agents that control water, contaminant fluxes, climate forcing and other physical processes and how to link these "geo-agents" into larger agent-based simulations that include social systems such as demographics economics and regulations. Effective management of limited natural resources (such as water, hydrocarbons, or land) requires an understanding of what factors influence the demand for these resources on a regional and temporal scale. Agent-based models can be used to simulate this demand across a variety of sectors under a range of conditions and determine effective and robust management policies and monitoring strategies. The recent focus on the role of biological processes in the geosciences is another example of an area that could benefit from agent-based applications. A typical approach to modeling the effect of biological processes in geologic media has been to represent these processes in

  7. Agent-Based Models in Social Physics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Quang, Le Anh; Jung, Nam; Cho, Eun Sung; Choi, Jae Han; Lee, Jae Woo

    2018-06-01

    We review the agent-based models (ABM) on social physics including econophysics. The ABM consists of agent, system space, and external environment. The agent is autonomous and decides his/her behavior by interacting with the neighbors or the external environment with the rules of behavior. Agents are irrational because they have only limited information when they make decisions. They adapt using learning from past memories. Agents have various attributes and are heterogeneous. ABM is a non-equilibrium complex system that exhibits various emergence phenomena. The social complexity ABM describes human behavioral characteristics. In ABMs of econophysics, we introduce the Sugarscape model and the artificial market models. We review minority games and majority games in ABMs of game theory. Social flow ABM introduces crowding, evacuation, traffic congestion, and pedestrian dynamics. We also review ABM for opinion dynamics and voter model. We discuss features and advantages and disadvantages of Netlogo, Repast, Swarm, and Mason, which are representative platforms for implementing ABM.

  8. Preparing Change Agents for Change Agent Roles.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sedlacek, James R.

    Seventy-seven Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking agricultural change agents from developing Central and South American countries responded to a questionnaire which sought perceptions of the roles in which the change agents felt they were involved and the roles for which they felt they were being trained. The agents were participating in training…

  9. Gregarines (Apicomplexa, Gregarinasina) in psocids (Insecta, Psocoptera) including a new species description and their potential use as pest control agents.

    PubMed

    Rueckert, Sonja; Devetak, Dušan

    2017-08-01

    Gregarine apicomplexans are unicellular organisms that infect invertebrate hosts in marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats. The largest group of invertebrates infested on land is the insects. The insect order Psocoptera (booklice) has recently gained wider interest due to specimens occurring in stored food products and therefore being considered pest organisms. Biological control agents are often used to eliminate pest organisms. In this study we examined the psocid Dorypteryx domestica, an invasive psocid species that is spreading all over the world. We were able to isolate and describe a new gregarine species (Enterocystis dorypterygis sp. n.) infecting D. domestica. The trophozoites are panduri- or pyriform and their association/syzygy is caudo-frontal. The surface is inscribed by longitudinal epicytic folds covering the complete cell. Phylogenetic analyses of the SSU rDNA gene revealed an only weakly supported relationship with two Gregarina species G. ormieri and G. basiconstrictonea, both from tenebrionid beetles. Gregarines have been proposed to have some potential as biological control agents for several insects. Identifying the gregarine species infecting pest organisms like psocids is a first step and prerequisite for the probable utilization of these parasites as biological control agents in the future. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  10. Investigational Antimicrobial Agents of 2013

    PubMed Central

    Pucci, Michael J.

    2013-01-01

    SUMMARY New antimicrobial agents are always needed to counteract the resistant pathogens that continue to be selected by current therapeutic regimens. This review provides a survey of known antimicrobial agents that were currently in clinical development in the fall of 2012 and spring of 2013. Data were collected from published literature primarily from 2010 to 2012, meeting abstracts (2011 to 2012), government websites, and company websites when appropriate. Compared to what was reported in previous surveys, a surprising number of new agents are currently in company pipelines, particularly in phase 3 clinical development. Familiar antibacterial classes of the quinolones, tetracyclines, oxazolidinones, glycopeptides, and cephalosporins are represented by entities with enhanced antimicrobial or pharmacological properties. More importantly, compounds of novel chemical structures targeting bacterial pathways not previously exploited are under development. Some of the most promising compounds include novel β-lactamase inhibitor combinations that target many multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, a critical medical need. Although new antimicrobial agents will continue to be needed to address increasing antibiotic resistance, there are novel agents in development to tackle at least some of the more worrisome pathogens in the current nosocomial setting. PMID:24092856

  11. Interventional management of gastroduodenal lesions complicating intra-arterial hepatic chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Proietti, Stefania; De Baere, Thierry; Bessoud, Bertrand; Doenz, Francesco; Qanadli, Salah Dine; Schnyder, Pierre; Denys, Alban

    2007-08-01

    Herein we report the efficacy of embolization of small patent gastric or duodenal vessels for treating gastroduodenal complications after hepatic arterial infusion therapy (HAIC). Catheter ports were implanted percutaneously from a femoral approach in three cases or surgically in the gastroduodenal artery in two cases. Acute abdominal pain developed on average after four HAIC courses of 5FU-oxaliplatin, mytomycin, oxaliplatin or fotemustine. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed gastroduodenal lesions (gastroduodenitis with or without ulcerations) in all cases. Despite the interruption of the HAIC, symptoms persisted and led to selective hepatic arteriography showing a patent right gastric artery (n = 4) or a recanalized gastroduodenal artery (n = 1) responsible for gastroduodenal misperfusion. Successful embolizations of the arteries responsible for gastroduodenal misperfusion (right gastric artery in four cases and gastroduodenal artery in one case) using 0.018 platinium coils relieved the patients' symptoms and allowed the HAIC to continue. In gastroduodenal complications of HAIC, a selective hepatic arteriography should be performed to search any artery responsible for the misperfusion of the toxic agent in the gastroduodenal area. Embolization of these arteries allowed the HAIC to be restored.

  12. Agent Reward Shaping for Alleviating Traffic Congestion

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tumer, Kagan; Agogino, Adrian

    2006-01-01

    Traffic congestion problems provide a unique environment to study how multi-agent systems promote desired system level behavior. What is particularly interesting in this class of problems is that no individual action is intrinsically "bad" for the system but that combinations of actions among agents lead to undesirable outcomes, As a consequence, agents need to learn how to coordinate their actions with those of other agents, rather than learn a particular set of "good" actions. This problem is ubiquitous in various traffic problems, including selecting departure times for commuters, routes for airlines, and paths for data routers. In this paper we present a multi-agent approach to two traffic problems, where far each driver, an agent selects the most suitable action using reinforcement learning. The agent rewards are based on concepts from collectives and aim to provide the agents with rewards that are both easy to learn and that if learned, lead to good system level behavior. In the first problem, we study how agents learn the best departure times of drivers in a daily commuting environment and how following those departure times alleviates congestion. In the second problem, we study how agents learn to select desirable routes to improve traffic flow and minimize delays for. all drivers.. In both sets of experiments,. agents using collective-based rewards produced near optimal performance (93-96% of optimal) whereas agents using system rewards (63-68%) barely outperformed random action selection (62-64%) and agents using local rewards (48-72%) performed worse than random in some instances.

  13. [Alkylating agents].

    PubMed

    Pourquier, Philippe

    2011-11-01

    With the approval of mechlorethamine by the FDA in 1949 for the treatment of hematologic malignancies, alkylating agents are the oldest class of anticancer agents. Even though their clinical use is far beyond the use of new targeted therapies, they still occupy a major place in specific indications and sometimes represent the unique option for the treatment of refractory diseases. Here, we are reviewing the major classes of alkylating agents and their mechanism of action, with a particular emphasis for the new generations of alkylating agents. As for most of the chemotherapeutic agents used in the clinic, these compounds are derived from natural sources. With a complex but original mechanism of action, they represent new interesting alternatives for the clinicians, especially for tumors that are resistant to conventional DNA damaging agents. We also briefly describe the different strategies that have been or are currently developed to potentiate the use of classical alkylating agents, especially the inhibition of pathways that are involved in the repair of DNA lesions induced by these agents. In this line, the development of PARP inhibitors is a striking example of the recent regain of interest towards the "old" alkylating agents.

  14. Effects of Antiparasite Chemotherapeutic Agents on Immune Functions.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-05-01

    OF ALKYLATING AGENTS AGAINST CELLS PARTICIPATING IN SUPPRESSION OF ANTIBODY RESPONSES* RONALD D. PAUL, ABOUL GHAFFARt and M. MICHAEL SIGEL Department... alkylating agents on the induction and expression of specific suppressor cell activity induced by supraoptimal immunization (SO[) with (4x 109) SRBC was...including 1982b). different subsets of T cells (Cantor & Gershon, A number of alkylating agents which are used as 1979). It is therefore necessary to

  15. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review

    PubMed Central

    Arif, Tasleem

    2015-01-01

    Salicylic acid has been used to treat various skin disorders for more than 2,000 years. The ability of salicylic acid to exfoliate the stratum corneum makes it a good agent for peeling. In particular, the comedolytic property of salicylic acid makes it a useful peeling agent for patients with acne. Once considered as a keratolytic agent, the role of salicylic acid as a desmolytic agent, because of its ability to disrupt cellular junctions rather than breaking or lysing intercellular keratin filaments, is now recognized and is discussed here. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent has a number of indications, including acne vulgaris, melasma, photodamage, freckles, and lentigines. The efficacy and safety of salicylic acid peeling in Fitzpatrick skin types I–III as well as in skin types V and VI have been well documented in the literature. This paper reviews the available data and literature on salicylic acid as a peeling agent and its possible indications. Its properties, efficacy and safety, the peeling procedure, and possible side effects are discussed in detail. An account of salicylism is also included. PMID:26347269

  16. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review.

    PubMed

    Arif, Tasleem

    2015-01-01

    Salicylic acid has been used to treat various skin disorders for more than 2,000 years. The ability of salicylic acid to exfoliate the stratum corneum makes it a good agent for peeling. In particular, the comedolytic property of salicylic acid makes it a useful peeling agent for patients with acne. Once considered as a keratolytic agent, the role of salicylic acid as a desmolytic agent, because of its ability to disrupt cellular junctions rather than breaking or lysing intercellular keratin filaments, is now recognized and is discussed here. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent has a number of indications, including acne vulgaris, melasma, photodamage, freckles, and lentigines. The efficacy and safety of salicylic acid peeling in Fitzpatrick skin types I-III as well as in skin types V and VI have been well documented in the literature. This paper reviews the available data and literature on salicylic acid as a peeling agent and its possible indications. Its properties, efficacy and safety, the peeling procedure, and possible side effects are discussed in detail. An account of salicylism is also included.

  17. Anti-inflammatory Agents: Present and Future

    PubMed Central

    Dinarello, Charles A.

    2012-01-01

    Inflammation involving the innate and adaptive immune systems is a normal response to infection. However, when allowed to continue unchecked, inflammation may result in autoimmune or autoinflammatory disorders, neurodegenerative disease, or cancer. A variety of safe and effective anti-inflammatory agents are available, including aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, with many more drugs under development. In particular, the new era of anti-inflammatory agents includes “biologicals” such as anticytokine therapies and small molecules that block the activity of kinases. Other anti-inflammatories currently in use or under development include statins, histone deacetylase inhibitors, PPAR agonists, and small RNAs. This Review discusses the current status of anti-inflammatory drug research and the development of new anti-inflammatory therapeutics. PMID:20303881

  18. Hepatic arterial infusion of oxaliplatin plus fluorouracil/leucovorin vs. sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Lyu, Ning; Kong, Yanan; Mu, Luwen; Lin, Youen; Li, Jibin; Liu, Yaru; Zhang, Zhenfeng; Zheng, Lie; Deng, Haijing; Li, Shaolong; Xie, Qiankun; Guo, Rongping; Shi, Ming; Xu, Li; Cai, Xiuyu; Wu, Peihong; Zhao, Ming

    2018-07-01

    To compare the overall survival (OS) and disease progression free survival (PFS) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (Ad-HCC) who are undergoing hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) of oxaliplatin, fluorouracil/leucovorin (FOLFOX) treatment vs. sorafenib. This retrospective study was approved by the ethical review committee, and informed consent was obtained from all patients before treatment. HAI of FOLFOX (HAIF) was recommended as an alternative treatment option for patients who refused sorafenib. Of the 412 patients with Ad-HCC (376 men and 36 women) between Jan 2012 to Dec 2015, 232 patients were treated with sorafenib; 180 patients were given HAIF therapy. The median age was 51 years (range, 16-82 years). Propensity-score matched estimates were used to reduce bias when evaluating survival. Survival curves were calculated by performing the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by using the log-rank test and Cox regression models. The median PFS and OS in the HAIF group were significantly longer than those in the sorafenib group (PFS 7.1 vs. 3.3 months [RECIST]/7.4 vs. 3.6 months [mRECIST], respectively; OS 14.5 vs. 7.0 months; p <0.001 for each). In the propensity-score matched cohorts (147 pairs), both PFS and OS in the HAIF group were longer than those in the sorafenib group (p <0.001). At multivariate analysis, HAIF treatment was an independent factor for PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.389 [RECIST]/0.402 [mRECIST]; p <0.001 for each) and OS (HR 0.129; p <0.001). HAIF therapy may improve survival compared to sorafenib in patients with Ad-HCC. A prospective randomized trial is ongoing to confirm this finding. We compared the hepatic arterial infusion of FOLFOX (a combination chemotherapy) with sorafenib (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, retrospectively. It was found that hepatic arterial infusion of FOLFOX therapy may improve both progression free and overall survival in patients with advanced

  19. Guest-Service Agent. Teacher Edition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Al-Harake, Mounzer

    This teacher's guide for the hospitality and tourism industry is designed to include the entry-level competencies students will need to enter any of the occupational areas identified in the front-desk section of the lodging occupations cluster. These occupations include front-desk clerk, cashier, telephone operator, guest-service agent,…

  20. [Exposure to biological agents used in Polish enterprises: analysis of data derived from the National Register of Biological Agent].

    PubMed

    Kozajda, Anna; Szadkowska-Stańczyk, Irena

    2011-01-01

    The National Register of Biological Agents at Work and the National Information Centre for Biological Agents Present at Workplaces were established in the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in 2005. The National Information Centre carries out consultation and education activities concerning occupational exposure and risk assessment, development and implementation of preventive programs and accurate registration of reliable information about the use of biological agents. Educational materials on biological exposure are published on the website. The National Register of Biological Agents (database) collects and periodically analyzes the information obtained from employers about the use of biological agents for research, diagnostic or industrial purposes. As of 10 December 2010 there were 240 notifications from companies, which use biological agents for the following purposes: research--69, industrial--30 and diagnostic--321. Near 75% of all notifications were obtained from different diagnostic laboratories (public and private). In total, 3226 workers, including 2967 (92%) women and 256 (8%) men were exposed to biological agents. In general, occupational exposure to 209 biological agents (186 of risk group 2 and 23 of risk group 3, of which 16 are additionally marked by 3**) were registered in the data base.

  1. Evaluating Water Demand Using Agent-Based Modeling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lowry, T. S.

    2004-12-01

    The supply and demand of water resources are functions of complex, inter-related systems including hydrology, climate, demographics, economics, and policy. To assess the safety and sustainability of water resources, planners often rely on complex numerical models that relate some or all of these systems using mathematical abstractions. The accuracy of these models relies on how well the abstractions capture the true nature of the systems interactions. Typically, these abstractions are based on analyses of observations and/or experiments that account only for the statistical mean behavior of each system. This limits the approach in two important ways: 1) It cannot capture cross-system disruptive events, such as major drought, significant policy change, or terrorist attack, and 2) it cannot resolve sub-system level responses. To overcome these limitations, we are developing an agent-based water resources model that includes the systems of hydrology, climate, demographics, economics, and policy, to examine water demand during normal and extraordinary conditions. Agent-based modeling (ABM) develops functional relationships between systems by modeling the interaction between individuals (agents), who behave according to a probabilistic set of rules. ABM is a "bottom-up" modeling approach in that it defines macro-system behavior by modeling the micro-behavior of individual agents. While each agent's behavior is often simple and predictable, the aggregate behavior of all agents in each system can be complex, unpredictable, and different than behaviors observed in mean-behavior models. Furthermore, the ABM approach creates a virtual laboratory where the effects of policy changes and/or extraordinary events can be simulated. Our model, which is based on the demographics and hydrology of the Middle Rio Grande Basin in the state of New Mexico, includes agent groups of residential, agricultural, and industrial users. Each agent within each group determines its water usage

  2. Biological agents with potential for misuse: a historical perspective and defensive measures.

    PubMed

    Bhalla, Deepak K; Warheit, David B

    2004-08-15

    Biological and chemical agents capable of producing serious illness or mortality have been used in biowarfare from ancient times. Use of these agents has progressed from crude forms in early and middle ages, when snakes and infected cadavers were used as weapons in battles, to sophisticated preparations for use during and after the second World War. Cults and terrorist organizations have attempted the use of biological agents with an aim to immobilize populations or cause serious harm. The reasons for interest in these agents by individuals and organizations include relative ease of acquisition, potential for causing mass casualty or panic, modest financing requirement, availability of technology, and relative ease of delivery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified Critical Biological Agents into three major categories. This classification was based on several criteria, which include severity of impact on human health, potential for delivery in a weapon, capacity to cause panic and special needs for development, and stockpiling of medication. Agents that could cause the greatest harm following deliberate use were placed in category A. Category B included agents capable of producing serious harm and significant mortality but of lower magnitude than category A agents. Category C included emerging pathogens that could be developed for mass dispersion in future and their potential as a major health threat. A brief description of the category A bioagents is included and the pathophysiology of two particularly prominent agents, namely anthrax and smallpox, is discussed in detail. The potential danger from biological agents and their ever increasing threat to human populations have created a need for developing technologies for their early detection, for developing treatment strategies, and for refinement of procedures to ensure survival of affected individuals so as to attain the ultimate goal of eliminating the threat from intentional use of

  3. Incorporating BDI Agents into Human-Agent Decision Making Research

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kamphorst, Bart; van Wissen, Arlette; Dignum, Virginia

    Artificial agents, people, institutes and societies all have the ability to make decisions. Decision making as a research area therefore involves a broad spectrum of sciences, ranging from Artificial Intelligence to economics to psychology. The Colored Trails (CT) framework is designed to aid researchers in all fields in examining decision making processes. It is developed both to study interaction between multiple actors (humans or software agents) in a dynamic environment, and to study and model the decision making of these actors. However, agents in the current implementation of CT lack the explanatory power to help understand the reasoning processes involved in decision making. The BDI paradigm that has been proposed in the agent research area to describe rational agents, enables the specification of agents that reason in abstract concepts such as beliefs, goals, plans and events. In this paper, we present CTAPL: an extension to CT that allows BDI software agents that are written in the practical agent programming language 2APL to reason about and interact with a CT environment.

  4. Galactose conjugated platinum(II) complex targeting the Warburg effect for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and colon cancer.

    PubMed

    Wu, Meng; Li, Hong; Liu, Ran; Gao, Xiangqian; Zhang, Menghua; Liu, Pengxing; Fu, Zheng; Yang, Jinna; Zhang-Negrerie, Daisy; Gao, Qingzhi

    2016-03-03

    Malignant neoplasms exhibit a higher rate of glycolysis than normal cells; this is known as the Warburg effect. To target it, a galactose-conjugated (trans-R,R-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine)-2-chloromalonato-platinum(II) complex (Gal-Pt) was designed, synthesized, and evaluated in five human cancer cell lines and against two different xenograft tumour models. Gal-Pt exhibits much higher aqueous solubility (over 25 times) and improved cytotoxicity than oxaliplatin, especially in human colon (HT29) and lung (H460) cancer cell lines. The safety profile of Gal-Pt was investigated in vivo by exploring the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and animal mortality rate. The ratios of the animal lethal dosage values to the cytotoxicity in HT29 (LD50/IC50) showed that Gal-Pt was associated with an increased therapeutic index by over 30-fold compared to cisplatin and oxaliplatin. We evaluated in vivo antitumor activity by single agent intravenous treatment comparison studies of Gal-Pt (50 mg/kg as 65% MTD) and cisplatin (3 mg/kg, as 80% MTD) in a H460 lung cancer xenograft model, and with oxaliplatin (7 mg/kg, as 90% MTD) in a HT29 colon cancer xenograft model. The results show that Gal-Pt was more efficacious against H460 than cisplatin, and had superior potency in HT29 cells compared to oxaliplatin under nontoxic dosage conditions. The dependency between cytotoxicity of Gal-Pt and glucose transporters (GLUTs) was investigated by using quercetin as an inhibitor of GLUTs in HT29 cells. The cytotoxic potency of Gal-Pt was highly reduced by the inhibitor, suggesting that the uptake of Gal-Pt was regulated by glucose transporters. The GLUT mediated transportability and cellular uptake of Gal-Pt was also demonstrated using a fluorescent glucose bioprobe in HT29 competition assay. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  5. Mitochondrial Agents for Bipolar Disorder.

    PubMed

    Pereira, Círia; Chavarria, Victor; Vian, João; Ashton, Melanie Maree; Berk, Michael; Marx, Wolfgang; Dean, Olivia May

    2018-03-27

    Bipolar disorder is a chronic and often debilitating illness. Current treatment options (both pharmaco- and psychotherapy) have shown efficacy, but for many leave a shortfall in recovery. Advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder suggest that interventions that target mitochondrial dysfunction may provide a therapeutic benefit. This review explores the current and growing theoretical rationale as well as existing preclinical and clinical data for those therapies aiming to target the mitochondrion in bipolar disorder. A Clinicaltrials.gov and ANZCTR search was conducted for complete and ongoing trials on mitochondrial agents used in psychiatric disorders. A PubMed search was also conducted for literature published between January 1981 and July 2017. Systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, case series, and animal studies with an emphasis on agents affecting mitochondrial function and its role in bipolar disorder were included. The search was augmented by manually searching the references of key papers and related literature. The results were presented as a narrative review. Mitochondrial agents offer new horizons in mood disorder treatment. While some negative effects have been reported, most compounds are overall well tolerated and have generally benign side-effect profiles. The study of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and mitochondrial function has contributed the understanding of bipolar disorder's pathophysiology. Agents targeting these pathways could be a potential therapeutic strategy. Future directions include identification of novel candidate mitochondrial modulators as well as rigorous and well-powered clinical trials.

  6. Chemical warfare agents.

    PubMed

    Kuca, Kamil; Pohanka, Miroslav

    2010-01-01

    Chemical warfare agents are compounds of different chemical structures. Simple molecules such as chlorine as well as complex structures such as ricin belong to this group. Nerve agents, vesicants, incapacitating agents, blood agents, lung-damaging agents, riot-control agents and several toxins are among chemical warfare agents. Although the use of these compounds is strictly prohibited, the possible misuse by terrorist groups is a reality nowadays. Owing to this fact, knowledge of the basic properties of these substances is of a high importance. This chapter briefly introduces the separate groups of chemical warfare agents together with their members and the potential therapy that should be applied in case someone is intoxicated by these agents.

  7. [Decorporation agents for internal radioactive contamination].

    PubMed

    Ohmachi, Yasushi

    2015-01-01

    When radionuclides are accidentally ingested or inhaled, blood circulation or tissue/organ deposition of the radionuclides causes systemic or local radiation effects. In such cases, decorporation therapy is used to reduce the health risks due to their intake. Decorporation therapy includes reduction and/or inhibition of absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, isotopic dilution, and the use of diuretics, adsorbents, and chelating agents. For example, penicillamine is recommended as a chelating agent for copper contamination, and diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid is approved for the treatment of internal contamination with plutonium. During chelation therapy, the removal effect of the drugs should be monitored using a whole-body counter and/or bioassay. Some authorities, such as the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements and International Atomic Energy Agency, have reported recommended decorporation agents for each radionuclide. However, few drugs are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and many are off-label-use agents. Because many decontamination agents are drugs that have been available for a long time and have limited efficacy, the development of new, higher-efficacy drugs has been carried out mainly in the USA and France. In this article, in addition to an outline of decorporation agents for internal radioactive contamination, an outline of our research on decorporation agents for actinide (uranium and plutonium) contamination and for radio-cesium contamination is also presented.

  8. Next Generation Remote Agent Planner

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jonsson, Ari K.; Muscettola, Nicola; Morris, Paul H.; Rajan, Kanna

    1999-01-01

    In May 1999, as part of a unique technology validation experiment onboard the Deep Space One spacecraft, the Remote Agent became the first complete autonomous spacecraft control architecture to run as flight software onboard an active spacecraft. As one of the three components of the architecture, the Remote Agent Planner had the task of laying out the course of action to be taken, which included activities such as turning, thrusting, data gathering, and communicating. Building on the successful approach developed for the Remote Agent Planner, the Next Generation Remote Agent Planner is a completely redesigned and reimplemented version of the planner. The new system provides all the key capabilities of the original planner, while adding functionality, improving performance and providing a modular and extendible implementation. The goal of this ongoing project is to develop a system that provides both a basis for future applications and a framework for further research in the area of autonomous planning for spacecraft. In this article, we present an introductory overview of the Next Generation Remote Agent Planner. We present a new and simplified definition of the planning problem, describe the basics of the planning process, lay out the new system design and examine the functionality of the core reasoning module.

  9. 7 CFR 46.32 - Duties of growers' agents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... contracts to determine the methods of accounting and settlement with their grower members. An agent who... failure. (b) Accounting for charges. A growers' agent whose operations include such services as the... render to the growers accurate and detailed accountings covering all aspects of their handling of the...

  10. Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma with Glandular Differentiation That Confirmed the Response by Autopsy Specimen to Second-Line mFOLFOX6 (Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, and Leucovorin) plus Bevacizumab Chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Naiki, Taku; Etani, Toshiki; Naiki-Ito, Aya; Fujii, Kana; Ando, Ryosuke; Iida, Keitaro; Nagai, Takashi; Sugiyama, Yosuke; Nakagawa, Motoo; Kawai, Noriyasu; Yasui, Takahiro

    2017-01-01

    The prognostic significance of glandular differentiation in urothelial carcinoma (UC) is controversial, and thus far there is no established treatment strategy against metastasis of glandular component. We describe here a case of metastatic UC with glandular differentiation that had histological disappearance of adenocarcinoma components at autopsy after sequential chemotherapy with S-1 and cisplatin (CDDP) and with mFOLFOX6 (fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and leucovorin) plus bevacizumab (mFOLFOX6+Bev). A 62-year-old Asian male was diagnosed with invasive UC with glandular differentiation (T2N0M0) by radical cystectomy and ileal conduit, and careful follow-up observation was made. Eight years after radical operation, peritoneal metastases occurred, and a biopsy specimen using colon fiber revealed high-grade adenocarcinomas with an immunohistochemical profile that included positivity for cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and negativity for cytokeratin 20 (CK20) and uroplakin, which was identical to the radical cystectomy specimen. Thus, he received combination chemotherapy consisting of S-1 and CDDP; however, the peritoneal metastasis worsened after 2 cycles. Therefore, second-line mFOLFOX6+Bev chemotherapy was performed for a total of 5 courses. In spite of this, the patient died, and the final diagnosis by autopsy was multiple metastases of infiltrating pure UC to the lung, bone, and peritoneum. Interestingly, there were no pathological findings of adenocarcinoma, and the immunohistochemical profile of the metastatic lesions was identical to that of the previous specimens from the bladder and colon. This suggests that sequential chemotherapy of S-1 and CDDP and second-line mFOLFOX6+Bev might be a feasible option in metastatic UC with glandular differentiation. PMID:29515396

  11. Inhibition of CRM1-dependent nuclear export sensitizes malignant cells to cytotoxic and targeted agents

    PubMed Central

    Turner, Joel G.; Dawson, Jana; Cubitt, Christopher L.; Baz, Rachid; Sullivan, Daniel M.

    2014-01-01

    and the addition of alkylating agents (melphalan), anthracyclines (doxorubicin and daunomycin), BRAF inhibitors, platinum drugs (cisplatin and oxaliplatin), proteosome inhibitors (bortezomib and carfilzomib), or tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (imatinib). Also, the sequence of treatment may be important for combination therapy. We found that the most effective treatment regimen involved first priming the cancer cells with the CRM1 inhibitor followed by doxorubicin, bortezomib, carfilzomib, or melphalan. This order sensitized both de novo and acquired drug-resistant cancer cell lines. PMID:24631834

  12. Biological Agents

    MedlinePlus

    ... E-Tools Safety and Health Topics / Biological Agents Biological Agents This page requires that javascript be enabled ... 202) 693-2300 if additional assistance is required. Biological Agents Menu Overview In Focus: Ebola Frederick A. ...

  13. Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents for MR Cancer Imaging

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Zhuxian; Lu, Zheng-Rong

    2013-01-01

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a clinical imaging modality effective for anatomical and functional imaging of diseased soft tissues, including solid tumors. MRI contrast agents have been routinely used for detecting tumor at an early stage. Gadolinium based contrast agents are the most commonly used contrast agents in clinical MRI. There have been significant efforts to design and develop novel Gd(III) contrast agents with high relaxivity, low toxicity and specific tumor binding. The relaxivity of the Gd(III) contrast agents can be increased by proper chemical modification. The toxicity of Gd(III) contrast agents can be reduced by increasing the agents’ thermodynamic and kinetic stability, as well as optimizing their pharmacokinetic properties. The increasing knowledge in the field of cancer genomics and biology provides an opportunity for designing tumor-specific contrast agents. Various new Gd(III) chelates have been designed and evaluated in animal models for more effective cancer MRI. This review outlines the design and development, physicochemical properties, and in vivo properties of several classes of Gd(III)-based MR contrast agents for tumor imaging. PMID:23047730

  14. New generation tissue sealants and hemostatic agents: innovative urologic applications.

    PubMed

    Traver, Michael A; Assimos, Dean G

    2006-01-01

    Control of blood loss during urologic surgery is paramount to the success of patient recovery. Hemostatic agents and tissue sealants are used routinely to prevent excess blood loss and in reconstruction during surgical repair. Some of the available products include thrombin sealant, fibrin glue, bovine serum/albumin/glutaraldehyde, and gelatin matrix. Each of these agents differs in mechanism, cost, and application. Complications can include allergic reactions or thromboembolism and the risk of contracting bovine spongiform encephalitis or hepatitis. Many new hemostatic agents are being developed and approved. The benefits and risks of use of these agents versus conventional treatment need to be considered on a case-by-case basis by the surgeon.

  15. A review of responsive MRI contrast agents: 2005–2014

    PubMed Central

    Hingorani, Dina V.; Bernstein, Adam S.; Pagel, Mark D.

    2014-01-01

    This review focuses on MRI contrast agents that are responsive to a change in a physiological biomarker. The response mechanisms are dependent on six physicochemical characteristics, including the accessibility of water to the agent, tumbling time, proton exchange rate, electron spin state, MR frequency, or superparamagnetism of the agent. These characteristics can be affected by changes in concentrations or activities of enzymes, proteins, nucleic acids, metabolites, or metal ions, or changes in redox state, pH, temperature, or light. A total of 117 examples are presented, including examples that employ nuclei other than 1H, which attests to the creativity of multidisciplinary research efforts to develop responsive MRI contrast agents. PMID:25355685

  16. Contrast-enhanced peripheral MRA: technique and contrast agents.

    PubMed

    Nielsen, Yousef W; Thomsen, Henrik S

    2012-09-01

    In the last decade contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) has gained wide acceptance as a valuable tool in the diagnostic work-up of patients with peripheral arterial disease. This review presents current concepts in peripheral CE-MRA with emphasis on MRI technique and contrast agents. Peripheral CE-MRA is defined as an MR angiogram of the arteries from the aortic bifurcation to the feet. Advantages of CE-MRA include minimal invasiveness and lack of ionizing radiation. The basic technique employed for peripheral CE-MRA is the bolus-chase method. With this method a paramagnetic MRI contrast agent is injected intravenously and T1-weighted images are acquired in the subsequent arterial first-pass phase. In order to achieve high quality MR angiograms without interfering venous contamination or artifacts, a number of factors need to be taken into account. This includes magnetic field strength of the MRI system, receiver coil configuration, use of parallel imaging, contrast bolus timing technique, and k-space filling strategies. Furthermore, it is possible to optimize peripheral CE-MRA using venous compression techniques, hybrid scan protocols, time-resolved imaging, and steady-state MRA. Gadolinium(Gd)-based contrast agents are used for CE-MRA of the peripheral arteries. Extracellular Gd agents have a pharmacokinetic profile similar to iodinated contrast media. Accordingly, these agents are employed for first-pass MRA. Blood-pool Gd-based agents are characterized by prolonged intravascular stay, due to macromolecular structure or protein binding. These agents can be used for first-pass, as well as steady-state MRA. Some Gd-based contrast agents with low thermodynamic stability have been linked to development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with severe renal insufficiency. Using optimized technique and a stable MRI contrast agent, peripheral CE-MRA is a safe procedure with diagnostic accuracy close to that of conventional catheter X

  17. Designing Agent Utilities for Coordinated, Scalable and Robust Multi-Agent Systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tumer, Kagan

    2005-01-01

    Coordinating the behavior of a large number of agents to achieve a system level goal poses unique design challenges. In particular, problems of scaling (number of agents in the thousands to tens of thousands), observability (agents have limited sensing capabilities), and robustness (the agents are unreliable) make it impossible to simply apply methods developed for small multi-agent systems composed of reliable agents. To address these problems, we present an approach based on deriving agent goals that are aligned with the overall system goal, and can be computed using information readily available to the agents. Then, each agent uses a simple reinforcement learning algorithm to pursue its own goals. Because of the way in which those goals are derived, there is no need to use difficult to scale external mechanisms to force collaboration or coordination among the agents, or to ensure that agents actively attempt to appropriate the tasks of agents that suffered failures. To present these results in a concrete setting, we focus on the problem of finding the sub-set of a set of imperfect devices that results in the best aggregate device. This is a large distributed agent coordination problem where each agent (e.g., device) needs to determine whether to be part of the aggregate device. Our results show that the approach proposed in this work provides improvements of over an order of magnitude over both traditional search methods and traditional multi-agent methods. Furthermore, the results show that even in extreme cases of agent failures (i.e., half the agents failed midway through the simulation) the system's performance degrades gracefully and still outperforms a failure-free and centralized search algorithm. The results also show that the gains increase as the size of the system (e.g., number of agents) increases. This latter result is particularly encouraging and suggests that this method is ideally suited for domains where the number of agents is currently in the

  18. Multi-Agent Design and Implementation for an Online Peer Help System

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Meng, Anbo

    2014-01-01

    With the rapid advance of e-learning, the online peer help is playing increasingly important role. This paper explores the application of MAS to an online peer help system (MAPS). In the design phase, the architecture of MAPS is proposed, which consists of a set of agents including the personal agent, the course agent, the diagnosis agent, the DF…

  19. Exclusive queueing model including the choice of service windows

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tanaka, Masahiro; Yanagisawa, Daichi; Nishinari, Katsuhiro

    2018-01-01

    In a queueing system involving multiple service windows, choice behavior is a significant concern. This paper incorporates the choice of service windows into a queueing model with a floor represented by discrete cells. We contrived a logit-based choice algorithm for agents considering the numbers of agents and the distances to all service windows. Simulations were conducted with various parameters of agent choice preference for these two elements and for different floor configurations, including the floor length and the number of service windows. We investigated the model from the viewpoint of transit times and entrance block rates. The influences of the parameters on these factors were surveyed in detail and we determined that there are optimum floor lengths that minimize the transit times. In addition, we observed that the transit times were determined almost entirely by the entrance block rates. The results of the presented model are relevant to understanding queueing systems including the choice of service windows and can be employed to optimize facility design and floor management.

  20. Recent patents therapeutic agents for cancer.

    PubMed

    Li, Xun; Xu, Wenfang

    2006-06-01

    Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases with a complex pathogenesis, which threats human life greatly. Multidisciplinary scientific investigations are making best efforts to combat this disease and put to the identification of novel anticancer agents. Patent anticancer agents registered in China are therefore increasing dramatically during the past ten years, which will be reviewed briefly in this article. platinum complexes anthracycline analogs (including doxorubicin derivatives) quinoline analogs podophyllotoxins analogs taxane analogs camptothecin (CPT) analogs.

  1. Cancer morbidity in British military veterans included in chemical warfare agent experiments at Porton Down: cohort study

    PubMed Central

    Linsell, L; Brooks, C; Keegan, T J; Langdon, T; Doyle, P; Maconochie, N E S; Fletcher, T; Nieuwenhuijsen, M J; Beral, V

    2009-01-01

    Objective To determine cancer morbidity in members of the armed forces who took part in tests of chemical warfare agents from 1941 to 1989. Design Historical cohort study, with cohort members followed up to December 2004. Data source Archive of UK government research facility at Porton Down, UK military personnel records, and national death and cancer records. Participants All veterans included in the cohort study of mortality, excluding those known to have died or been lost to follow-up before 1 January 1971 when the UK cancer registration system commenced: 17 013 male members of the UK armed forces who took part in tests (Porton Down veterans) and a similar group of 16 520 men who did not (non-Porton Down veterans). Main outcome measures Cancer morbidity in each group of veterans; rate ratios, with 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for age group and calendar period. Results 3457 cancers were reported in the Porton Down veterans compared with 3380 cancers in the non-Porton Down veterans. While overall cancer morbidity was the same in both groups (rate ratio 1.00, 95% confidence interval 0.95 to 1.05), Porton Down veterans had higher rates of ill defined malignant neoplasms (1.12, 1.02 to 1.22), in situ neoplasms (1.45, 1.06 to 2.00), and those of uncertain or unknown behaviour (1.32, 1.01 to 1.73). Conclusion Overall cancer morbidity in Porton Down veterans was no different from that in non-Porton Down veterans. PMID:19318700

  2. Chemotherapy drug extravasation in totally implantable venous access port systems: how effective is early surgical lavage?

    PubMed

    Azaïs, Henri; Bresson, Lucie; Bassil, Alfred; Katdare, Ninad; Merlot, Benjamin; Houpeau, Jean-Louis; El Bedoui, Sophie; Meurant, Jean-Pierre; Tresch, Emmanuelle; Narducci, Fabrice

    2015-01-01

    Totally implantable venous access port systems (TIVAPS) are a widely used and an essential tool in the efficient delivery of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drug extravasation (CDE) can have dire consequences and will delay treatment. The purpose of this study is to both clarify the management of CDE and show the effectiveness of early surgical lavage (ESL). Patients who had presented to the Cancer Center of Lille (France) with TIVAPS inserted between January 2004 and April 2013 and CDE had their medical records reviewed retrospectively. Thirty patients and 33 events were analyzed. Implicated agents were vesicants (51.5%), irritants (45.5%) and non-vesicants (3%). Huber needle malpositionning was involved in 27 cases. Surgery was performed in 97% of cases, 87.5% of which were for ESL with 53.1% of the latter requiring TIVAPS extraction. Six patients required a second intervention due to adverse outcomes (severe cases). Vesicants were found to be implicated in four out of six severe cases and oxaliplatin in two others. Extravasated volume was above 50 ml in 80% of cases. Only one patient required a skin graft. CDEs should be managed in specialized centers. ESL allows for limited tissue contact of the chemotherapy drug whilst using a simple, widely accessible technique. The two main factors that correlate with adverse outcome seem to be the nature of the implicated agent (vesicants) and the extravasated volume (above 50 ml) leading to worse outcomes. Oxaliplatin should be considered as a vesicant.

  3. 5-Fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) plus sunitinib or bevacizumab as first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer: a randomized Phase IIb study

    PubMed Central

    Hecht, J Randolph; Mitchell, Edith P; Yoshino, Takayuki; Welslau, Manfred; Lin, Xun; Chow Maneval, Edna; Paolini, Jolanda; Lechuga, Maria Jose; Kretzschmar, Albrecht

    2015-01-01

    Background Sunitinib is an oral inhibitor of tyrosine kinase receptors implicated in tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. In this randomized, multicenter, open-label Phase IIb study, sunitinib plus mFOLFOX6 (oxaliplatin plus leucovorin plus 5-fluorouracil) was compared with bevacizumab plus mFOLFOX6 as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Methods Patients were stratified by performance status, baseline lactate dehydrogenase level, and prior adjuvant treatment, and randomized 1:1 to receive sunitinib 37.5 mg/day for 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off plus mFOLFOX6 every 2 weeks or bevacizumab 5 mg/kg every 2 weeks plus mFOLFOX6 every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate, overall survival, safety, and quality of life. Results Enrollment was closed early following accrual of 191 patients, based on an interim analysis showing an inferior trend in the primary progression-free survival efficacy endpoint for sunitinib. Ninety-six patients were randomized to sunitinib plus mFOLFOX6 and 95 to bevacizumab plus mFOLFOX6. Median progression-free survival was 9.3 months and 15.4 months, respectively, but the objective response rate was similar between the study arms. Median overall survival was 23.7 months and 34.1 months, respectively. Dose reductions and interruptions were more common with sunitinib. Hematologic toxicity was more common in the sunitinib arm. Conclusion While the results of the sunitinib arm are comparable with those of previously reported FOLFOX combinations, the sunitinib-based combination was associated with more toxicity than that observed with bevacizumab and mFOLFOX6. The bevacizumab arm had an unexpectedly good outcome, and was much better than that seen in the Phase III trials. Combination therapy with sunitinib plus mFOLFOX6 is not recommended for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. PMID:26109878

  4. 22 CFR 51.22 - Passport agents and passport acceptance agents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Passport agents and passport acceptance agents. 51.22 Section 51.22 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE NATIONALITY AND PASSPORTS PASSPORTS Application § 51.22 Passport agents and passport acceptance agents. (a) U.S. citizen employees of the...

  5. 22 CFR 51.22 - Passport agents and passport acceptance agents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Passport agents and passport acceptance agents. 51.22 Section 51.22 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE NATIONALITY AND PASSPORTS PASSPORTS Application § 51.22 Passport agents and passport acceptance agents. (a) U.S. citizen employees of the...

  6. 22 CFR 51.22 - Passport agents and passport acceptance agents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Passport agents and passport acceptance agents. 51.22 Section 51.22 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE NATIONALITY AND PASSPORTS PASSPORTS Application § 51.22 Passport agents and passport acceptance agents. (a) U.S. citizen employees of the...

  7. 22 CFR 51.22 - Passport agents and passport acceptance agents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Passport agents and passport acceptance agents. 51.22 Section 51.22 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE NATIONALITY AND PASSPORTS PASSPORTS Application § 51.22 Passport agents and passport acceptance agents. (a) U.S. citizen employees of the...

  8. 22 CFR 51.22 - Passport agents and passport acceptance agents.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Passport agents and passport acceptance agents. 51.22 Section 51.22 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE NATIONALITY AND PASSPORTS PASSPORTS Application § 51.22 Passport agents and passport acceptance agents. (a) U.S. citizen employees of the...

  9. Agent Communication for Dynamic Belief Update

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kobayashi, Mikito; Tojo, Satoshi

    Thus far, various formalizations of rational / logical agent model have been proposed. In this paper, we include the notion of communication channel and belief modality into update logic, and introduce Belief Update Logic (BUL). First, we discuss that how we can reformalize the inform action of FIPA-ACL into communication channel, which represents a connection between agents. Thus, our agents can send a message only when they believe, and also there actually is, a channel between him / her and a receiver. Then, we present a static belief logic (BL) and show its soundness and completeness. Next, we develop the logic to BUL, which can update Kripke model by the inform action; in which we show that in the updated model the belief operator also satisfies K45. Thereafter, we show that every sentence in BUL can be translated into BL; thus, we can contend that BUL is also sound and complete. Furthermore, we discuss the features of CUL, including the case of inconsistent information, as well as channel transmission. Finally, we summarize our contribution and discuss some future issues.

  10. Oxidative decontamination of chemical and biological warfare agents using L-Gel.

    PubMed

    Raber, Ellen; McGuire, Raymond

    2002-08-05

    A decontamination method has been developed using a single reagent that is effective both against chemical warfare (CW) and biological warfare (BW) agents. The new reagent, "L-Gel", consists of an aqueous solution of a mild commercial oxidizer, Oxone, together with a commercial fumed silica gelling agent, Cab-O-Sil EH-5. L-Gel is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, relatively non-corrosive, maximizes contact time because of its thixotropic nature, clings to walls and ceilings, and does not harm carpets or painted surfaces. The new reagent also addresses the most demanding requirements for decontamination in the civilian sector, including availability, low maintenance, ease of application and deployment by a variety of dispersal mechanisms, minimal training and acceptable expense. Experiments to test the effectiveness of L-Gel were conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and independently at four other locations. L-Gel was tested against all classes of chemical warfare agents and against various biological warfare agent surrogates, including spore-forming bacteria and non-virulent strains of real biological agents. Testing showed that L-Gel is as effective against chemical agents and biological materials, including spores, as the best military decontaminants.

  11. Intelligent Design of Nano-Scale Molecular Imaging Agents

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Sung Bae; Hattori, Mitsuru; Ozawa, Takeaki

    2012-01-01

    Visual representation and quantification of biological processes at the cellular and subcellular levels within living subjects are gaining great interest in life science to address frontier issues in pathology and physiology. As intact living subjects do not emit any optical signature, visual representation usually exploits nano-scale imaging agents as the source of image contrast. Many imaging agents have been developed for this purpose, some of which exert nonspecific, passive, and physical interaction with a target. Current research interest in molecular imaging has mainly shifted to fabrication of smartly integrated, specific, and versatile agents that emit fluorescence or luminescence as an optical readout. These agents include luminescent quantum dots (QDs), biofunctional antibodies, and multifunctional nanoparticles. Furthermore, genetically encoded nano-imaging agents embedding fluorescent proteins or luciferases are now gaining popularity. These agents are generated by integrative design of the components, such as luciferase, flexible linker, and receptor to exert a specific on–off switching in the complex context of living subjects. In the present review, we provide an overview of the basic concepts, smart design, and practical contribution of recent nano-scale imaging agents, especially with respect to genetically encoded imaging agents. PMID:23235326

  12. Intelligent design of nano-scale molecular imaging agents.

    PubMed

    Kim, Sung Bae; Hattori, Mitsuru; Ozawa, Takeaki

    2012-12-12

    Visual representation and quantification of biological processes at the cellular and subcellular levels within living subjects are gaining great interest in life science to address frontier issues in pathology and physiology. As intact living subjects do not emit any optical signature, visual representation usually exploits nano-scale imaging agents as the source of image contrast. Many imaging agents have been developed for this purpose, some of which exert nonspecific, passive, and physical interaction with a target. Current research interest in molecular imaging has mainly shifted to fabrication of smartly integrated, specific, and versatile agents that emit fluorescence or luminescence as an optical readout. These agents include luminescent quantum dots (QDs), biofunctional antibodies, and multifunctional nanoparticles. Furthermore, genetically encoded nano-imaging agents embedding fluorescent proteins or luciferases are now gaining popularity. These agents are generated by integrative design of the components, such as luciferase, flexible linker, and receptor to exert a specific on-off switching in the complex context of living subjects. In the present review, we provide an overview of the basic concepts, smart design, and practical contribution of recent nano-scale imaging agents, especially with respect to genetically encoded imaging agents.

  13. Comparison of capecitabine and oxaliplatin with S-1 as adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III gastric cancer after D2 gastrectomy.

    PubMed

    Cho, Jang Ho; Lim, Jae Yun; Cho, Jae Yong

    2017-01-01

    To compare capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) with S-1 as adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III gastric cancer after D2 gastrectomy. Clinical data from 206 patients who received XELOX or S-1 regimens as adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III gastric cancer were collected. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to regimen; the groups were XELOX (n = 114) and S-1 monotherapy (n = 92). 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) was higher in the S-1 group than in the XELOX group (66.6% vs 59.1%; p = 0.636). 3-year overall survival (OS) was 75.6% in the S-1 group and 69.6% in the XELOX group (p = 0.495). But, the difference was not statistically significant. Especially, for patients with stage IIIC disease, 3-year overall survival was 55.2% in the XELOX group and 39.0% in the S-1 group (hazard ratio, HR 0.50, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.23-1.10; p = 0.075). In multivariate analysis, N stage (HR, 5.639; 95% CI, 1.297-24.522; p = 0.021) and cycle completion as planned (HR, 5.734; 95% CI, 3.007-10.936; p<0.001) were independent predictors of overall survival. Adjuvant XELOX and S-1 regimen did not prove anything superior for stage III gastric cancer in this study. But, XELOX had a tendency to be superior to S-1 in stage IIIC gastric cancer after D2 gastrectomy although the difference was not statistically significant. N stage and cycle completion as planned were prognostic factors.

  14. The highly intelligent virtual agents for modeling financial markets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, G.; Chen, Y.; Huang, J. P.

    2016-02-01

    Researchers have borrowed many theories from statistical physics, like ensemble, Ising model, etc., to study complex adaptive systems through agent-based modeling. However, one fundamental difference between entities (such as spins) in physics and micro-units in complex adaptive systems is that the latter are usually with high intelligence, such as investors in financial markets. Although highly intelligent virtual agents are essential for agent-based modeling to play a full role in the study of complex adaptive systems, how to create such agents is still an open question. Hence, we propose three principles for designing high artificial intelligence in financial markets and then build a specific class of agents called iAgents based on these three principles. Finally, we evaluate the intelligence of iAgents through virtual index trading in two different stock markets. For comparison, we also include three other types of agents in this contest, namely, random traders, agents from the wealth game (modified on the famous minority game), and agents from an upgraded wealth game. As a result, iAgents perform the best, which gives a well support for the three principles. This work offers a general framework for the further development of agent-based modeling for various kinds of complex adaptive systems.

  15. Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome (Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease)

    PubMed Central

    Fan, Cathy Q.; Crawford, James M.

    2014-01-01

    Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is an obliterative venulitis of the terminal hepatic venules, which in its more severe forms imparts a high risk of mortality. SOS, also known as veno-occlusive disease (VOD), occurs as a result of cytoreductive therapy prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), following oxaliplatin-containing adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal carcinoma metastatic to the liver and treated by partial hepatectomy, in patients taking pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing herbal remedies, and in other particular settings such as the autosomal recessive condition of veno-occlusive disease with immunodeficiency (VODI). A central pathogenic event is toxic destruction of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC), with sloughing and downstream occlusion of terminal hepatic venules. Contributing factors are SEC glutathione depletion, nitric oxide depletion, increased intrahepatic expression of matrix metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and activation of clotting factors. The clinical presentation of SOS includes jaundice, development of right upper-quadrant pain and tender hepatomegaly, ascites, and unexplained weight gain. Owing to the potentially critical condition of these patients, transjugular biopsy may be the preferred route for liver biopsy to exclude other potential causes of liver dysfunction and to establish a diagnosis of SOS. Treatment includes rigorous fluid management so as to avoid excessive fluid overload while avoiding too rapid diuresis or pericentesis, potential use of pharmaceutics such as defibrotide, coagulolytic agents, or methylprednisolone, and liver transplantation. Proposed strategies for prevention and prophylaxis include reduced-intensity conditioning radiation for HSCT, treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid, and inclusion of bevacizumab with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapeutic regimes. While significant progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis

  16. Thyroid Dysfunction from Antineoplastic Agents

    PubMed Central

    Larsen, P. Reed; Marqusee, Ellen

    2011-01-01

    Unlike cytotoxic agents that indiscriminately affect rapidly dividing cells, newer antineoplastic agents such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies are associated with thyroid dysfunction. These include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, bexarotene, radioiodine-based cancer therapies, denileukin diftitox, alemtuzumab, interferon-α, interleukin-2, ipilimumab, tremelimumab, thalidomide, and lenalidomide. Primary hypothyroidism is the most common side effect, although thyrotoxicosis and effects on thyroid-stimulating hormone secretion and thyroid hormone metabolism have also been described. Most agents cause thyroid dysfunction in 20%–50% of patients, although some have even higher rates. Despite this, physicians may overlook drug-induced thyroid dysfunction because of the complexity of the clinical picture in the cancer patient. Symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weakness, depression, memory loss, cold intolerance, and cardiovascular effects, may be incorrectly attributed to the primary disease or to the antineoplastic agent. Underdiagnosis of thyroid dysfunction can have important consequences for cancer patient management. At a minimum, the symptoms will adversely affect the patient’s quality of life. Alternatively, such symptoms can lead to dose reductions of potentially life-saving therapies. Hypothyroidism can also alter the kinetics and clearance of medications, which may lead to undesirable side effects. Thyrotoxicosis can be mistaken for sepsis or a nonendocrinologic drug side effect. In some patients, thyroid disease may indicate a higher likelihood of tumor response to the agent. Both hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis are easily diagnosed with inexpensive and specific tests. In many patients, particularly those with hypothyroidism, the treatment is straightforward. We therefore recommend routine testing for thyroid abnormalities in patients receiving these antineoplastic agents. PMID:22010182

  17. Tax Examiners, Revenue Agents, and Collectors.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McCarron, Kevin M.

    2001-01-01

    Describes the nature of the work of tax examiners, revenue agents, and collectors. Includes employment outlook; benefits and drawbacks; qualifications, training, and advancement; and sources of additional information. (JOW)

  18. Method and apparatus for enhanced detection of toxic agents

    DOEpatents

    Greenbaum, Elias; Rodriguez, Jr., Miguel; Wu, Jie Jayne; Qi, Hairong

    2013-10-01

    A biosensor based detection of toxins includes enhancing a fluorescence signal by concentrating a plurality of photosynthetic organisms in a fluid into a concentrated region using biased AC electro-osmosis. A measured photosynthetic activity of the photosynthetic organisms is obtained in the concentrated region, where chemical, biological or radiological agents reduce a nominal photosynthetic activity of the photosynthetic organisms. A presence of the chemical, biological and/or radiological agents or precursors thereof, is determined in the fluid based on the measured photosynthetic activity of the concentrated plurality of photosynthetic organisms. A lab-on-a-chip system is used for the concentrating step. The presence of agents is determined from feature vectors, obtained from processing a time dependent signal using amplitude statistics and/or time-frequency analysis, relative to a control signal. A linear discriminant method including support vector machine classification (SVM) is used to identify the agents.

  19. Maintenance therapy for colorectal cancer: which regimen and which patients?

    PubMed

    Mikhail, Sameh; Bekaii-Saab, Tanios

    2015-11-01

    The introduction of therapeutic agents such as irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and more recently biologic agents such as vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors has significantly improved survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. These novel agents have also contributed to added toxicities. Therefore, several studies have evaluated the role of maintenance therapy with less intensive regimens in patients who experienced stable disease or treatment response following induction therapy as a strategy to reduce toxicity and improve quality of life. The success of such strategies, however, requires assurance that their survival would not be compromised. We therefore reviewed studies that have explored the various strategies of treatment de-escalation with an emphasis on survival and toxicity outcomes. Recent studies evaluated the role of maintenance therapy with chemotherapy only, chemotherapy plus bevcizumab, bevacizumab only, and EGFR inhibitors. Current evidence suggests that maintenance strategies offer significant benefit to patients by providing continuous clinical benefit while minimizing the risks associated with continuous therapy. Strategies to improve selection of patients for maintenance therapy versus identifying subgroups of patients that will benefit from a chemotherapy-free interval need to continue to be studied. Finally, as our understanding of the molecular and genetic drivers of colorectal cancer continues to expand, refining these strategies to include more target-specific agents should become more routine.

  20. Anti-Obesity Agents and the US Food and Drug Administration.

    PubMed

    Casey, Martin F; Mechanick, Jeffrey I

    2014-09-01

    Despite the growing market for obesity care, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only two new pharmaceutical agents-lorcaserin and combination phentermine/topiramate-for weight reduction since 2000, while removing three agents from the market in the same time period. This article explores the FDA's history and role in the approval of anti-obesity medications within the context of a public health model of obesity. Through the review of obesity literature and FDA approval documents, we identified two major barriers preventing fair evaluation of anti-obesity agents including: (1) methodological pitfalls in clinical trials and (2) misaligned values in the assessment of anti-obesity agents. Specific recommendations include the use of adaptive (Bayesian) design protocols, value-based analyses of risks and benefits, and regulatory guidance based on a comprehensive, multi-platform obesity disease model. Positively addressing barriers in the FDA approval process of anti-obesity agents may have many beneficial effects within an obesity disease model.

  1. [Platelet aggregation and antiplatelet agents in acute coronary syndromes].

    PubMed

    Collet, Jean-Philippe; Choussat, Rémi; Montalescot, Gilles

    2004-03-01

    Antiplatelet agents are the cornerstone therapy of acute coronary syndromes. In the setting of ST elevation myocardial infarction, antiplatelet therapy prevent the prothrombotic effect of reperfusion therapy including thrombolysis and primary percutaneous coronary intervention. In non ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes, antiplatelet therapy prevent s complete coronary thrombotic occlusion and therefore the occurrence of ST elevation myocardial infarction. Antiplatelet agent benefit is related to the patient's risk profile. It is well established that combined antiplatelet therapy is the most effective in high risk patients. Several important issues have to be faced including the identification of non responders, dose adjustment and the management of temporary interruption of antiplatelet agents in stable coronary artery disease patients.

  2. Situation awareness-based agent transparency for human-autonomy teaming effectiveness

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Jessie Y. C.; Barnes, Michael J.; Wright, Julia L.; Stowers, Kimberly; Lakhmani, Shan G.

    2017-05-01

    We developed the Situation awareness-based Agent Transparency (SAT) model to support human operators' situation awareness of the mission environment through teaming with intelligent agents. The model includes the agent's current actions and plans (Level 1), its reasoning process (Level 2), and its projection of future outcomes (Level 3). Human-inthe-loop simulation experiments have been conducted (Autonomous Squad Member and IMPACT) to illustrate the utility of the model for human-autonomy team interface designs. Across studies, the results consistently showed that human operators' task performance improved as the agents became more transparent. They also perceived transparent agents as more trustworthy.

  3. Iron Oxide as an MRI Contrast Agent for Cell Tracking

    PubMed Central

    Korchinski, Daniel J.; Taha, May; Yang, Runze; Nathoo, Nabeela; Dunn, Jeff F.

    2015-01-01

    Iron oxide contrast agents have been combined with magnetic resonance imaging for cell tracking. In this review, we discuss coating properties and provide an overview of ex vivo and in vivo labeling of different cell types, including stem cells, red blood cells, and monocytes/macrophages. Furthermore, we provide examples of applications of cell tracking with iron contrast agents in stroke, multiple sclerosis, cancer, arteriovenous malformations, and aortic and cerebral aneurysms. Attempts at quantifying iron oxide concentrations and other vascular properties are examined. We advise on designing studies using iron contrast agents including methods for validation. PMID:26483609

  4. A survey of the sequence-specific interaction of damaging agents with DNA: emphasis on antitumor agents.

    PubMed

    Murray, V

    1999-01-01

    This article reviews the literature concerning the sequence specificity of DNA-damaging agents. DNA-damaging agents are widely used in cancer chemotherapy. It is important to understand fully the determinants of DNA sequence specificity so that more effective DNA-damaging agents can be developed as antitumor drugs. There are five main methods of DNA sequence specificity analysis: cleavage of end-labeled fragments, linear amplification with Taq DNA polymerase, ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction (PCR), single-strand ligation PCR, and footprinting. The DNA sequence specificity in purified DNA and in intact mammalian cells is reviewed for several classes of DNA-damaging agent. These include agents that form covalent adducts with DNA, free radical generators, topoisomerase inhibitors, intercalators and minor groove binders, enzymes, and electromagnetic radiation. The main sites of adduct formation are at the N-7 of guanine in the major groove of DNA and the N-3 of adenine in the minor groove, whereas free radical generators abstract hydrogen from the deoxyribose sugar and topoisomerase inhibitors cause enzyme-DNA cross-links to form. Several issues involved in the determination of the DNA sequence specificity are discussed. The future directions of the field, with respect to cancer chemotherapy, are also examined.

  5. User modeling for distributed virtual environment intelligent agents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Banks, Sheila B.; Stytz, Martin R.

    1999-07-01

    This paper emphasizes the requirement for user modeling by presenting the necessary information to motivate the need for and use of user modeling for intelligent agent development. The paper will present information on our current intelligent agent development program, the Symbiotic Information Reasoning and Decision Support (SIRDS) project. We then discuss the areas of intelligent agents and user modeling, which form the foundation of the SIRDS project. Included in the discussion of user modeling are its major components, which are cognitive modeling and behavioral modeling. We next motivate the need for and user of a methodology to develop user models to encompass work within cognitive task analysis. We close the paper by drawing conclusions from our current intelligent agent research project and discuss avenues of future research in the utilization of user modeling for the development of intelligent agents for virtual environments.

  6. Susceptibility of Legionella pneumophila to twenty antimicrobial agents.

    PubMed Central

    Edelstein, P H; Meyer, R D

    1980-01-01

    Thirty-three isolates of Legionella pneumophila, all except one of which were clinical isolates, were tested against 20 antimicrobial agents by using an agar dilution technique. Erythromycin, rifamp]in, and rosaramycin were the most active agents tested. Aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, and cefoxitin also inhibited the organisms at low concentrations. Other agents, including moxalactam, cefoperazone, and cephalosporins, exhibited moderate to little activity. Tetracycline, doxycycline and minocyeline were apparently inactivated by charcoal-yeast extract medium. There was slight inoculum dependence noted with most of the antimicrobials tested, particularly the beta-lactam agents. There was no consistent difference in susceptibility between Center for Disease Control-supplied stock strains and recent clinical isolates, but there were marked differences with some agents. Susceptibility testing needs to be standardized in view of the influence of inoculum size, strain variation, and the medium used. PMID:7425611

  7. TACtic- A Multi Behavioral Agent for Trading Agent Competition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khosravi, Hassan; Shiri, Mohammad E.; Khosravi, Hamid; Iranmanesh, Ehsan; Davoodi, Alireza

    Software agents are increasingly being used to represent humans in online auctions. Such agents have the advantages of being able to systematically monitor a wide variety of auctions and then make rapid decisions about what bids to place in what auctions. They can do this continuously and repetitively without losing concentration. To provide a means of evaluating and comparing (benchmarking) research methods in this area the trading agent competition (TAC) was established. This paper describes the design, of TACtic. Our agent uses multi behavioral techniques at the heart of its decision making to make bidding decisions in the face of uncertainty, to make predictions about the likely outcomes of auctions, and to alter the agent's bidding strategy in response to the prevailing market conditions.

  8. Nanodiamond-Manganese dual mode MRI contrast agents for enhanced liver tumor detection.

    PubMed

    Hou, Weixin; Toh, Tan Boon; Abdullah, Lissa Nurrul; Yvonne, Tay Wei Zheng; Lee, Kuan J; Guenther, Ilonka; Chow, Edward Kai-Hua

    2017-04-01

    Contrast agent-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is critical for the diagnosis and monitoring of a number of diseases, including cancer. Certain clinical applications, including the detection of liver tumors, rely on both T1 and T2-weighted images even though contrast agent-enhanced MR imaging is not always reliable. Thus, there is a need for improved dual mode contrast agents with enhanced sensitivity. We report the development of a nanodiamond-manganese dual mode contrast agent that enhanced both T1 and T2-weighted MR imaging. Conjugation of manganese to nanodiamonds resulted in improved longitudinal and transverse relaxivity efficacy over unmodified MnCl 2 as well as clinical contrast agents. Following intravenous administration, nanodiamond-manganese complexes outperformed current clinical contrast agents in an orthotopic liver cancer mouse model while also reducing blood serum concentration of toxic free Mn 2+ ions. Thus, nanodiamond-manganese complexes may serve as more effective dual mode MRI contrast agent, particularly in cancer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Biosecurity reference : CFR-listed agent and toxin summaries.

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Barnett, Natalie Beth

    This reference document provides summary information on the animal, plant, zoonotic, and human pathogens and toxins regulated and categorized by 9 CFR 331 and 7 CFR 121, 'Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002; Possession, Use and Transfer of Biological Agents and Toxins,' and 42 CFR 73, 'Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins.' Summary information includes, at a minimum, a description of the agent and its associated symptoms; often additional information is provided on the diagnosis, treatment, geographic distribution, transmission, control and eradication, and impacts on public health.

  10. Design and Implementation of Context-Aware Musuem Guide Agents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Satoh, Ichiro

    This paper presents an agent-based system for building and operating context-aware services in public spaces, including museums. The system provides users with agents and detects the locations of users and deploys location-aware user-assistant agents at computers near the their current locations by using active RFID-tags. When a visitor moves between exhibits in a museum, this dynamically deploys his/her agent at the computers close to the exhibits by using mobile agent technology. It annotates the exhibits in his/her personalized form and navigate him/her user to the next exhibits along his/her routes. It also introduces user movement as a natural approach to interacting between users and agents. To demonstrate the utility and effectiveness of the system, we constructed location/user-aware visitor-guide services and experimented them for two weeks in a public museum.

  11. Two decades of dendrimers as versatile MRI agents: a tale with and without metals.

    PubMed

    McMahon, Michael T; Bulte, Jeff W M

    2018-05-01

    Dendrimers or dendritic polymers are a class of compounds with great potential for nanomedical use. Some of their properties, including their rigidity, low polydispersity and the ease with which their surfaces can be modified make them particularly well suited for use as MRI diagnostic or theranostic agents. For the past 20 years, researchers have recognized this potential and refined dendrimer formulations to optimize these nanocarriers for a host of MRI applications, including blood pool imaging agents, lymph node imaging agents, tumor-targeted theranostic agents and cell tracking agents. This review summarizes the various types of dendrimers according to the type of MR contrast they can provide. This includes the metallic T 1 , T 2 and paraCEST imaging agents, and the non-metallic diaCEST and fluorinated ( 19 F) heteronuclear imaging agents. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  12. Oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin versus fluorouracil and leucovorin as adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (ADORE): an open-label, multicentre, phase 2, randomised controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Hong, Yong Sang; Nam, Byung-Ho; Kim, Kyu-Pyo; Kim, Jeong Eun; Park, Seong Joon; Park, Young Suk; Park, Joon Oh; Kim, Sun Young; Kim, Tae-You; Kim, Jee Hyun; Ahn, Joong Bae; Lim, Seok-Byung; Yu, Chang Sik; Kim, Jin Cheon; Yun, Seong Hyeon; Kim, Jong Hoon; Park, Jin-Hong; Park, Hee Chul; Jung, Kyung Hae; Kim, Tae Won

    2014-10-01

    The role of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with rectal cancer is controversial, especially when used after preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy, including fluorouracil and leucovorin, has been widely used; however, the addition of oxaliplatin to fluorouracil and leucovorin (FOLFOX), a standard adjuvant regimen for colon cancer, has not been tested in rectal cancer. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of adjuvant fluorouracil and leucovorin with that of FOLFOX in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy. In this open-label, multicentre, phase 2, randomised trial, patients with postoperative pathological stage II (ypT3-4N0) or III (ypTanyN1-2) rectal cancer after preoperative fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiotherapy and total mesorectal excision were recruited and randomly assigned (1:1) via a web-based software platform to receive adjuvant chemotherapy with either four cycles of fluorouracil and leucovorin (fluorouracil 380 mg/m(2) and leucovorin 20 mg/m(2) on days 1-5, every 4 weeks) or eight cycles of FOLFOX (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2), leucovorin 200 mg/m(2), and fluorouracil bolus 400 mg/m(2) on day 1, and fluorouracil infusion 2400 mg/m(2) for 46 h, every 2 weeks). Stratification factors were pathological stage (II vs III) and centre. Neither patients nor investigators were masked to group assignment. The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival, analysed by intention to treat. This study is fully enrolled, is in long-term follow-up, and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00807911. Between Nov 19, 2008, and June 12, 2012, 321 patients were randomly assigned to fluorouracil and leucovorin (n=161) and FOLFOX (n=160). 141 (95%) of 149 patients in the fluorouracil plus leucovorin group and 141 (97%) of 146 in the FOLFOX group completed all planned cycles of adjuvant treatment. Median follow-up was 38·2 months (IQR 26·4-50·6). 3-year disease

  13. Effect of pH adjustment by mixing steroid for venous pain in colorectal cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin through peripheral vein: a multicenter randomized phase II study (APOLLO).

    PubMed

    Hata, Taishi; Honda, Michitaka; Kobayashi, Michiya; Toyokawa, Akihiro; Tsuda, Masahiro; Tokunaga, Yukihiko; Takase, Kozo; Miyake, Masakazu; Morita, Satoshi; Nagata, Naoki; Sakamoto, Junichi; Gosho, Masahiko; Mishima, Hideyuki

    2015-12-01

    The aim of this phase II clinical trial was to evaluate the preventive effect of dexamethasone mixing injection for venous pain in patients with colorectal cancer during chemotherapy. Patients were randomized to receive a 2-h intravenous infusion of oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) on day 1 followed by capecitabine 1000 mg/m(2) (or S-1 40-60 mg/m(2)) twice daily on days 1 through 14 of every 3 weeks with or without dexamethasone 1.65 mg at the infusion on day 1. A total of 53 patients were enrolled. The analysis population consisted of 49 patients (arm A, with dexamethasone N = 24; arm B, without dexamethasone N = 25). The incidence of venous pain ≥grade 2 based on the CTCAE version 4.0 was 33.3 % in arm A and 56.0 % in arm B (relative risk 0.60; 95 % CI 0.31-1.16). The incidences based on the verbal rating scale for arms A and B were 50.0 and 64.0 %, respectively (relative risk 0.78; 95 % CI 0.48-1.28). The primary endpoint was not met in this preliminary study.

  14. New Pyrrole Derivatives with Potent Tubulin Polymerization Inhibiting Activity As Anticancer Agents Including Hedgehog-Dependent Cancer

    PubMed Central

    La Regina, Giuseppe; Bai, Ruoli; Coluccia, Antonio; Famiglini, Valeria; Pelliccia, Sveva; Passacantilli, Sara; Mazzoccoli, Carmela; Ruggieri, Vitalba; Sisinni, Lorenza; Bolognesi, Alessio; Rensen, Whilelmina Maria; Miele, Andrea; Nalli, Marianna; Alfonsi, Romina; Di Marcotullio, Lucia; Gulino, Alberto; Brancale, Andrea; Novellino, Ettore; Dondio, Giulio; Vultaggio, Stefania; Varasi, Mario; Mercurio, Ciro; Hamel, Ernest; Lavia, Patrizia; Silvestri, Romano

    2014-01-01

    We synthesized 3-aroyl-1-arylpyrrole (ARAP) derivatives as potential anticancer agents having different substituents at the pendant 1-phenyl ring. Both the 1-phenyl ring and 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)carbonyl moieties were mandatory to achieve potent inhibition of tubulin polymerization, binding of colchicine to tubulin, and cancer cell growth. ARAP 22 showed strong inhibition of the P-glycoprotein-overexpressing NCI-ADR-RES and Messa/Dx5MDR cell lines. Compounds 22 and 27 suppressed in vitro the Hedgehog signaling pathway, strongly reducing luciferase activity in SAG treated NIH3T3 Shh-Light II cells, and inhibited the growth of medulloblastoma D283 cells at nanomolar concentrations. ARAPs 22 and 27 represent a new potent class of tubulin polymerization and cancer cell growth inhibitors with the potential to inhibit the Hedgehog signaling pathway. PMID:25025991

  15. Riot Control Agents

    MedlinePlus

    ... Submit What's this? Submit Button Facts About Riot Control Agents Interim document Recommend on Facebook Tweet Share Compartir What riot control agents are Riot control agents (sometimes referred to ...

  16. Successful treatment using apatinib with or without docetaxel in heavily pretreated advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer: A case report and literature review.

    PubMed

    Wu, Fengying; Zhang, Shijia; Gao, Guanghui; Zhao, Jing; Ren, Shengxiang; Zhou, Caicun

    2018-03-04

    Although targeted therapy directed toward driver mutations has produced a significant efficacy benefit for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), many patients do not possess mutations associated with the approved targeted drugs. Angiogenic agents play an important role in the therapeutic strategy for advanced NSCLC. Apatinib is a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2. A phase II clinical trial demonstrated the survival benefit of apatinib monotherapy in advanced NSCLC. Moreover, addition of anti-angiogenic agents to chemotherapy showed robust efficacy in advanced NSCLC, regardless of tumor histology. Here, we present the case of a heavily pretreated lung adenocarcinoma patient who was treated with apatinib and apatinib continuation plus docetaxel re-challenge. He was negative for several driver genes, including EGFR, ALK, KRAS, ROS1, HER2, RET and BRAF. The previous treatment included platinum-based doublets, pemetrexed monotherapy, docetaxel plus bevacizumab, gefitinib monotherapy, nab-paclitaxel monotherapy, irinotecan plus oxaliplatin and radiotherapy. He obtained a partial response after both apatinib monotherapy and apatinib plus docetaxel treatment, with progression-free survival durations of 5 months and 6 months, respectively. This case indicated that apatinib monotherapy or apatinib plus docetaxel might be regarded as a therapeutic option for heavily pretreated patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC.

  17. Evaluation of carrier agents for hyperpolarized xenon MRI

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Venkatesh, A. K.; Zhao, L.; Balamore, D.; Jolesz, F. A.; Albert, M. S.

    2000-01-01

    Several biocompatible carrier agents, in which xenon is highly soluble and has a long T(1), were tested, and injected in living rats. These included saline, Intralipid suspension, perfluorocarbon emulsion and (129)Xe gas-filled liposomes. The T(1) of (129)Xe in these compounds ranged from 47 to 116 s. Vascular injection of these carrier agents was tolerated well, encouraging their use for further experiments in live animals. In vivo spectra, obtained from gas-filled liposomes and perfluorocarbon solutions, suggest that these carrier agents have potential for use in angiography and perfusion imaging. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  18. The Promise of Neuroprotective Agents in Parkinson’s Disease

    PubMed Central

    Seidl, Stacey E.; Potashkin, Judith A.

    2011-01-01

    Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain. Since there are limited treatment options for PD, neuroprotective agents are currently being tested as a means to slow disease progression. Agents targeting oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation are prime candidates for neuroprotection. This review identifies Rasagiline, Minocycline, and creatine, as the most promising neuroprotective agents for PD, and they are all currently in phase III trials. Other agents possessing protective characteristics in delaying PD include stimulants, vitamins, supplements, and other drugs. Additionally, combination therapies also show benefits in slowing PD progression. The identification of neuroprotective agents for PD provides us with therapeutic opportunities for modifying the course of disease progression and, perhaps, reducing the risk of onset when preclinical biomarkers become available. PMID:22125548

  19. Topical non-barrier agents for postoperative adhesion prevention in animal models.

    PubMed

    Imai, Atsushi; Suzuki, Noriko

    2010-04-01

    Pelvic adhesion can form as a result of inflammation, endometriosis or surgical trauma. Most surgical procedures performed by obstetrician-gynecologists are associated with pelvic adhesions that may cause subsequent serious sequelae, including small bowel obstruction, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and difficulty in postoperative treatment, including complexity during subsequent surgical procedures. An increasing number of adhesion reduction agents, in the form of site-specific and broad-coverage barriers and solutions, are becoming available to surgical teams. The most widely studied strategies include placing synthetic barrier agents between the pelvic structures. Most of the adhesions in the barrier-treated patients develop in uncovered areas in the abdomen. This fact suggests that the application of liquid or gel anti-adhesive agents to cover all potential peritoneal lesions, together with the use of barrier agents, may reduce the formation of postoperative adhesions. This article introduces the topical choices available for adhesion prevention mentioned in preliminary clinical applications and animal models. To date there is no substantial evidence that their use reduces the incidence of postoperative adhesions. In combination with good surgical techniques, these non-barrier agents may play an important role in adhesion reduction. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. The clinical pharmacology of alkylating agents in high-dose chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Huitema, A D; Smits, K D; Mathôt, R A; Schellens, J H; Rodenhuis, S; Beijnen, J H

    2000-08-01

    Alkylating agents are widely used in high-dose chemotherapy regimens in combination with hematological support. Knowledge about the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these agents administered in high doses is critical for the safe and efficient use of these regimens. The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical pharmacology of the alkylating agents (including the platinum compounds) in high-dose chemotherapy. Differences between conventional and high doses will be discussed.

  1. A Novel Network Attack Audit System based on Multi-Agent Technology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jianping, Wang; Min, Chen; Xianwen, Wu

    A network attack audit system which includes network attack audit Agent, host audit Agent and management control center audit Agent is proposed. And the improved multi-agent technology is carried out in the network attack audit Agent which has achieved satisfactory audit results. The audit system in terms of network attack is just in-depth, and with the function improvement of network attack audit Agent, different attack will be better analyzed and audit. In addition, the management control center Agent should manage and analyze audit results from AA (or HA) and audit data on time. And the history files of network packets and host log data should also be audit to find deeper violations that cannot be found in real time.

  2. Ultrasound Contrast Agents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cachard, Christian; Basset, Olivier

    While the use of contrast agents in other imaging modalities (X ray, MRI, PET, …) has been routinely accepted for many years, the development and commercialization of contrast agents designed specifically for ultrasound imaging has occurred only very recently. As in the other imaging modalities, the injection of contrast agents during an ultrasound examination is intended to facilitate the detection and diagnosis of specific pathologies. Contrast agents efficiency is based on the backscattering of ultrasound by microbubbles. These microparticules are intravenously injected in the blood flow. After an introduction and generalities on ultrasound contrast agents (UCA) the microbubble physics in an acoustic field will be developed. Second, physics characteristics of contrast agents will be compared (bubbles with or without shell, gas nature, size distribution). Influence of acoustic pressure on the behaviour of the microparticules (linear, non linear and destruction) will be discussed. Finally, a review of specific imaging adapted to contrast agent properties as harmonic imaging, pulse inversion imaging will be presented.

  3. Remote Agent Demonstration

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dorais, Gregory A.; Kurien, James; Rajan, Kanna

    1999-01-01

    We describe the computer demonstration of the Remote Agent Experiment (RAX). The Remote Agent is a high-level, model-based, autonomous control agent being validated on the NASA Deep Space 1 spacecraft.

  4. Modelling of robotic work cells using agent based-approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sękala, A.; Banaś, W.; Gwiazda, A.; Monica, Z.; Kost, G.; Hryniewicz, P.

    2016-08-01

    In the case of modern manufacturing systems the requirements, both according the scope and according characteristics of technical procedures are dynamically changing. This results in production system organization inability to keep up with changes in a market demand. Accordingly, there is a need for new design methods, characterized, on the one hand with a high efficiency and on the other with the adequate level of the generated organizational solutions. One of the tools that could be used for this purpose is the concept of agent systems. These systems are the tools of artificial intelligence. They allow assigning to agents the proper domains of procedures and knowledge so that they represent in a self-organizing system of an agent environment, components of a real system. The agent-based system for modelling robotic work cell should be designed taking into consideration many limitations considered with the characteristic of this production unit. It is possible to distinguish some grouped of structural components that constitute such a system. This confirms the structural complexity of a work cell as a specific production system. So it is necessary to develop agents depicting various aspects of the work cell structure. The main groups of agents that are used to model a robotic work cell should at least include next pattern representatives: machine tool agents, auxiliary equipment agents, robots agents, transport equipment agents, organizational agents as well as data and knowledge bases agents. In this way it is possible to create the holarchy of the agent-based system.

  5. Effects of a Pedagogical Agent's Emotional Expressiveness on Learner Perceptions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Romero, Enilda J.; Watson, Ginger S.

    2012-01-01

    The use of animated pedagogical agents or avatars in instruction has lagged behind their use in entertainment. This is due in part to the cost and complexity of development and implementation of agents in educational settings, but also results from a lack of research to understand how emotions from animated agents influence instructional effectiveness. The phenomenological study presented here assesses the perceptions of eight learners interacting with low and high intensity emotionally expressive pedagogical agents in a computer-mediated environment. Research methods include maximum variation and snowball sampling with random assignment to treatment. The resulting themes incorporate perceptions of importance, agent humanness, enjoyment, implementation barriers, and suggested improvements. Design recommendations and implications for future research are presented.

  6. Neuroprotective "agents" in surgery. Secret "agent" man, or common "agent" machine?

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Andrews, R. J.

    1999-01-01

    The search for clinically-effective neuroprotective agents has received enormous support in recent years--an estimated $200 million by pharmaceutical companies on clinical trials for traumatic brain injury alone. At the same time, the pathophysiology of brain injury has proved increasingly complex, rendering the likelihood of a single agent "magic bullet" even more remote. On the other hand, great progress continues with technology that makes surgery less invasive and less risky. One example is the application of endovascular techniques to treat coronary artery stenosis, where both the invasiveness of sternotomy and the significant neurological complication rate (due to microemboli showering the cerebral vasculature) can be eliminated. In this paper we review aspects of intraoperative neuroprotection both present and future. Explanations for the slow progress on pharmacologic neuroprotection during surgery are presented. Examples of technical advances that have had great impact on neuroprotection during surgery are given both from coronary artery stenosis surgery and from surgery for Parkinson's disease. To date, the progress in neuroprotection resulting from such technical advances is an order of magnitude greater than that resulting from pharmacologic agents used during surgery. The progress over the last 20 years in guidance during surgery (CT and MRI image-guidance) and in surgical access (endoscopic and endovascular techniques) will soon be complemented by advances in our ability to evaluate biological tissue intraoperatively in real-time. As an example of such technology, the NASA Smart Probe project is considered. In the long run (i.e., in 10 years or more), pharmacologic "agents" aimed at the complex pathophysiology of nervous system injury in man will be the key to true intraoperative neuroprotection. In the near term, however, it is more likely that mundane "agents" based on computers, microsensors, and microeffectors will be the major impetus to improved

  7. Metal organic frameworks for the catalytic detoxification of chemical warfare nerve agents

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hupp, Joseph T.; Farha, Omar K.; Katz, Michael J.

    A method of using a metal organic framework (MOF) comprising a metal ion and an at least bidendate organic ligand to catalytically detoxify chemical warfare nerve agents including exposing the metal-organic-framework (MOF) to the chemical warfare nerve agent and catalytically decomposing the nerve agent with the MOF.

  8. Gadolinium Endohedral Metallofullerene-Based MRI Contrast Agents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bolskar, Robert D.

    With the ability to encapsulate and carry the highly paramagnetic Gd3+ ion, gadolinium endohedral metallofullerenes or "gadofullerenes" are being explored as alternatives to the chelate complexes that are currently used for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Reviewed here are the various water-soluble derivatives of the gadofullerenes Gd@C82, Gd@C60, and Gd3N@C80 that have been investigated as MRI contrast agents. The water proton r1 relaxivities of gadofullerenes can be more than an order of magnitude higher than those of clinically used chelate agents. Gadofullerene relaxivity mechanisms have been studied, and multiple factors are found to contribute to their high relaxivities. In vitro and in vivoT1-weighted MRI tests of gadofullerene derivatives have shown their utility as bright image-enhancing agents. The gadofullerene MRI contrast agents are a promising new and unique style of gadolinium carrier for advanced imaging applications, including cellular and molecular imaging.

  9. Long-course oxaliplatin-based preoperative chemoradiation versus 5 × 5 Gy and consolidation chemotherapy for cT4 or fixed cT3 rectal cancer: results of a randomized phase III study.

    PubMed

    Bujko, K; Wyrwicz, L; Rutkowski, A; Malinowska, M; Pietrzak, L; Kryński, J; Michalski, W; Olędzki, J; Kuśnierz, J; Zając, L; Bednarczyk, M; Szczepkowski, M; Tarnowski, W; Kosakowska, E; Zwoliński, J; Winiarek, M; Wiśniowska, K; Partycki, M; Bęczkowska, K; Polkowski, W; Styliński, R; Wierzbicki, R; Bury, P; Jankiewicz, M; Paprota, K; Lewicka, M; Ciseł, B; Skórzewska, M; Mielko, J; Bębenek, M; Maciejczyk, A; Kapturkiewicz, B; Dybko, A; Hajac, Ł; Wojnar, A; Leśniak, T; Zygulska, J; Jantner, D; Chudyba, E; Zegarski, W; Las-Jankowska, M; Jankowski, M; Kołodziejski, L; Radkowski, A; Żelazowska-Omiotek, U; Czeremszyńska, B; Kępka, L; Kolb-Sielecki, J; Toczko, Z; Fedorowicz, Z; Dziki, A; Danek, A; Nawrocki, G; Sopyło, R; Markiewicz, W; Kędzierawski, P; Wydmański, J

    2016-05-01

    Improvements in local control are required when using preoperative chemoradiation for cT4 or advanced cT3 rectal cancer. There is therefore a need to explore more effective schedules. Patients with fixed cT3 or cT4 cancer were randomized either to 5 × 5 Gy and three cycles of FOLFOX4 (group A) or to 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions combined with two 5-day cycles of bolus 5-Fu 325 mg/m(2)/day and leucovorin 20 mg/m(2)/day during the first and fifth week of irradiation along with five infusions of oxaliplatin 50 mg/m(2) once weekly (group B). The protocol was amended in 2012 to allow oxaliplatin to be then foregone in both groups. Of 541 entered patients, 515 were eligible for analysis; 261 in group A and 254 in group B. Preoperative treatment acute toxicity was lower in group A than group B, P = 0.006; any toxicity being, respectively, 75% versus 83%, grade III-IV 23% versus 21% and toxic deaths 1% versus 3%. R0 resection rates (primary end point) and pathological complete response rates in groups A and B were, respectively, 77% versus 71%, P = 0.07, and 16% versus 12%, P = 0.17. The median follow-up was 35 months. At 3 years, the rates of overall survival and disease-free survival in groups A and B were, respectively, 73% versus 65%, P = 0.046, and 53% versus 52%, P = 0.85, together with the cumulative incidence of local failure and distant metastases being, respectively, 22% versus 21%, P = 0.82, and 30% versus 27%, P = 0.26. Postoperative and late complications rates in group A and group B were, respectively, 29% versus 25%, P = 0.18, and 20% versus 22%, P = 0.54. No differences were observed in local efficacy between 5 × 5 Gy with consolidation chemotherapy and long-course chemoradiation. Nevertheless, an improved overall survival and lower acute toxicity favours the 5 × 5 Gy schedule with consolidation chemotherapy. The trial is registered as ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00833131. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European

  10. Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD): the future of chemical agent detection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Laljer, Charles E.; Owen, Jeffery L.

    2002-06-01

    The Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD) will provide state of the art chemical warfare agent detection capability to ground vehicle operators. Intelligence sources estimate that over twenty counties have active chemical weapons programs. The spread of chemical weapons to third world nations, coupled with the potential for US involvement in these areas in an operational or support capacity, increases the probability that the Joint Services may encounter chemical agents and toxic industrial materials anywhere in the world. Currently, fielded chemical agent detectors are bulky, labor intensive, and subject to false readings. No legacy detector is sensitive enough to provide detection and warning of the low dose hazards associated with miosis contamination. The JCAD will provide a small, lightweight chemical agent detector for vehicle interiors, aircraft, individual personnel, shipboard, and fixed site locations. The system provides a common detection components across multi-service platforms. This common detector system will allow the Joint Services to use the same operational and support concept for more efficient utilization of resources. The JCAD will detect, identify, quantify, and warn of the presence of chemical agents prior to onset of miosis. Upon detection of chemical agents, the detector will provide local and remote audible and visual alarms to the operators. Advance warning will provide the vehicle crew with the time necessary to protect themselves from the lethal effects of chemical agents. The JCAD will also be capable of being upgraded to protect against future chemical agent threats. The JCAD will provide the vehicle operators with the warning necessary to survive and fight in a chemical warfare agent threat environment.

  11. Sunscreening Agents

    PubMed Central

    Martis, Jacintha; Shobha, V; Sham Shinde, Rutuja; Bangera, Sudhakar; Krishnankutty, Binny; Bellary, Shantala; Varughese, Sunoj; Rao, Prabhakar; Naveen Kumar, B.R.

    2013-01-01

    The increasing incidence of skin cancers and photodamaging effects caused by ultraviolet radiation has increased the use of sunscreening agents, which have shown beneficial effects in reducing the symptoms and reoccurrence of these problems. Many sunscreen compounds are in use, but their safety and efficacy are still in question. Efficacy is measured through indices, such as sun protection factor, persistent pigment darkening protection factor, and COLIPA guidelines. The United States Food and Drug Administration and European Union have incorporated changes in their guidelines to help consumers select products based on their sun protection factor and protection against ultraviolet radiation, whereas the Indian regulatory agency has not yet issued any special guidance on sunscreening agents, as they are classified under cosmetics. In this article, the authors discuss the pharmacological actions of sunscreening agents as well as the available formulations, their benefits, possible health hazards, safety, challenges, and proper application technique. New technologies and scope for the development of sunscreening agents are also discussed as well as the role of the physician in patient education about the use of these agents. PMID:23320122

  12. Differential histopathologic parameters in colorectal cancer liver metastases resected after triplets plus bevacizumab or cetuximab: a pooled analysis of five prospective trials.

    PubMed

    Cremolini, Chiara; Milione, Massimo; Marmorino, Federica; Morano, Federica; Zucchelli, Gemma; Mennitto, Alessia; Prisciandaro, Michele; Lonardi, Sara; Pellegrinelli, Alessio; Rossini, Daniele; Bergamo, Francesca; Aprile, Giuseppe; Urbani, Lucio; Morelli, Luca; Schirripa, Marta; Cardellino, Giovanni Gerardo; Fassan, Matteo; Fontanini, Gabriella; de Braud, Filippo; Mazzaferro, Vincenzo; Falcone, Alfredo; Pietrantonio, Filippo

    2018-04-01

    Many factors, including histopathologic parameters, seem to influence the prognosis of patients undergoing resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM), although their relative weight is unclear. Histopathologic growth patterns (HGPs) of CRCLM may affect sensitivity to antiangiogenics. We aimed at evaluating differences in histopathologic parameters of response according to the use of bevacizumab or cetuximab as first-line targeted agents, and at exploring the prognostic and predictive role of HGPs. We performed a comprehensive histopathologic characterisation of CRCLM from 159 patients who underwent secondary resection, after receiving triplets FOLFOXIRI (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan) or COI (capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan) plus bevacizumab (N = 103) vs cetuximab (N = 56) in five first-line no-profit clinical trials. Both major histopathologic response (tumour regression grade TRG1-2, 32 vs 14%, p = 0.013) and infarct-like necrosis (80 vs 64%, p = 0.035) were significantly higher in the bevacizumab than in the cetuximab group. Achieving major response positively affected relapse-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.012) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.045), also in multivariable models (RFS, p = 0.008; OS, p = 0.033). In the desmoplastic HGP (N = 28), a higher percentage of major response was reported (57 vs 17% in pushing and 22% in replacement HGP, p < 0.001) and an unsignificant advantage from cetuximab vs bevacizumab was evident in RFS (p = 0.116). In the pushing HGP (N = 66), a significant benefit from bevacizumab vs cetuximab (p = 0.017) was observed. No difference was described in the replacement HGP (N = 65, p = 0.615). The histopathologic response is the only independent determinant of survival in patients resected after triplets plus a biologic. When associated with triplet chemotherapy, bevacizumab induces a higher histopathologic response rate than

  13. Travel Agent. Occupational Simulation Kit.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Peterson, Wayne

    This career exploration instructional booklet on the travel agent's occupation is one of several resulting from the rural southwestern Colorado CEPAC Project (Career Education Process of Attitude Change). Based on a job analysis and utilizing a programed instructional format, the following content is included: A brief description of what a travel…

  14. PEGylated Peptide-Based Imaging Agents for Targeted Molecular Imaging.

    PubMed

    Wu, Huizi; Huang, Jiaguo

    2016-01-01

    Molecular imaging is able to directly visualize targets and characterize cellular pathways with a high signal/background ratio, which requires a sufficient amount of agents to uptake and accumulate in the imaging area. The design and development of peptide based agents for imaging and diagnosis as a hot and promising research topic that is booming in the field of molecular imaging. To date, selected peptides have been increasingly developed as agents by coupling with different imaging moieties (such as radiometals and fluorophore) with the help of sophisticated chemical techniques. Although a few successes have been achieved, most of them have failed mainly caused by their fast renal clearance and therefore low tumor uptakes, which may limit the effectively tumor retention effect. Besides, several peptide agents based on nanoparticles have also been developed for medical diagnostics. However, a great majority of those agents shown long circulation times and accumulation over time into the reticuloendothelial system (RES; including spleen, liver, lymph nodes and bone marrow) after systematic administration, such long-term severe accumulation probably results in the possible likelihood of toxicity and potentially induces health hazards. Recently reported design criteria have been proposed not only to enhance binding affinity in tumor region with long retention, but also to improve clearance from the body in a reasonable amount of time. PEGylation has been considered as one of the most successful modification methods to prolong tumor retention and improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties for peptide-based imaging agents. This review summarizes an overview of PEGylated peptides imaging agents based on different imaging moieties including radioisotopes, fluorophores, and nanoparticles. The unique concepts and applications of various PEGylated peptide-based imaging agents are introduced for each of several imaging moieties. Effects of PEGylation on

  15. Pain-relieving agents for infantile colic.

    PubMed

    Biagioli, Elena; Tarasco, Valentina; Lingua, Carla; Moja, Lorenzo; Savino, Francesco

    2016-09-16

    Infantile colic is a common disorder in the first months of life, affecting somewhere between 4% and 28% of infants worldwide, depending on geography and definitions used. Although it is self limiting and resolves by four months of age, colic is perceived by parents as a problem that requires action. Pain-relieving agents, such as drugs, sugars and herbal remedies, have been suggested as interventions to reduce crying episodes and severity of symptoms. To assess the effectiveness and safety of pain-relieving agents for reducing colic in infants younger than four months of age. We searched the following databases in March 2015 and again in May 2016: CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO, along with 11 other databases. We also searched two trial registers, four thesis repositories and the reference lists of relevant studies to identify unpublished and ongoing studies. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs evaluating the effects of pain-relieving agents given to infants with colic. We used the standard methodological procedures of The Cochrane Collaboration. We included 18 RCTs involving 1014 infants. All studies were small and at high risk of bias, often presenting major shortcomings across multiple design factors (e.g. selection, performance, attrition, lack of washout period).Three studies compared simethicone with placebo, and one with Mentha piperita; four studies compared herbal agents with placebo; two compared sucrose or glucose with placebo; five compared dicyclomine with placebo; and two compared cimetropium - one against placebo and the other at two different dosages. One multiple-arm study compared sucrose and herbal tea versus no treatment. Simethicone. Comparison with placebo revealed no difference in daily hours of crying reported for simethicone at the end of treatment in one small, low-quality study involving 27 infants. A meta-analysis of data from two cross-over studies comparing simethicone with placebo showed no

  16. Whole body cleaning agent containing N-acyltaurate

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lentsch, Steven E. (Inventor)

    1992-01-01

    The subject invention relates to a human cleansing agent particularly suitable for use in long duration spaceflight and to a method of bathing with the agent. The agent of the subject invention is in the form of a paste having a pH of 5.0 to 7.9 which comprises an acyltaurate, a skin conditioner, a hair conditioner, and a preservative. More specifically, it includes sodium N-coconut acid-N-methyl taurate, in combination with soybean lecithin, polyquaternium 16, and formalin. This particular combination satisfies the following objectives: (1) that it be usable with a minimum amount of water per shower (approximately 1 gallon); (2) that it be easily separated from the water for purposes of water reclamation; (3) that it be pH compatible with skin and hair; (4) that it rinse well in deionized water; (5) that it be mild to skin and eyes; (6) that it effectively clean both skin and hair; (7) that it be suitable for use in zero gravity; and (8) that it provide ease of combing of wet and dry hair. The method of the invention includes the steps of wetting the skin and hair with a small quantity of water, lathering the skin with the paste, rinsing the lather from the skin and hair with a small quantity of water to produce a rinse water containing the cleansing agent, defoaming the rinse water, and supplying the defoamed rinse water to a water reclamation unit for recycling the water. The novelty of the invention appears to lie in the particular formulation of the cleansing agent and its method of use which provide optimal results under the given constraints and objectives.

  17. Multi-Agent Cooperative Target Search

    PubMed Central

    Hu, Jinwen; Xie, Lihua; Xu, Jun; Xu, Zhao

    2014-01-01

    This paper addresses a vision-based cooperative search for multiple mobile ground targets by a group of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with limited sensing and communication capabilities. The airborne camera on each UAV has a limited field of view and its target discriminability varies as a function of altitude. First, by dividing the whole surveillance region into cells, a probability map can be formed for each UAV indicating the probability of target existence within each cell. Then, we propose a distributed probability map updating model which includes the fusion of measurement information, information sharing among neighboring agents, information decay and transmission due to environmental changes such as the target movement. Furthermore, we formulate the target search problem as a multi-agent cooperative coverage control problem by optimizing the collective coverage area and the detection performance. The proposed map updating model and the cooperative control scheme are distributed, i.e., assuming that each agent only communicates with its neighbors within its communication range. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms is illustrated by simulation. PMID:24865884

  18. Impact of intravitreal pharmacotherapies including antivascular endothelial growth factor and corticosteroid agents on diabetic retinopathy.

    PubMed

    Wykoff, Charles C

    2017-05-01

    Diabetic retinopathy is common and increasing in prevalence. Pharmacologic management of diabetic macular edema (DME) has improved tremendously over the last decade with the use of two families of intravitreally administered medications: antivascular endothelial growth factor-specific agents and corticosteroids. Clinical evaluation of these pharmaceuticals has demonstrated that they can have a substantial impact on diabetic retinopathy severity levels and the underlying retinal vasculature itself. Phase 3 trials employing ranibizumab, aflibercept, and fluocinolone acetonide enrolling eyes with center-involving DME causing visual acuity loss have demonstrated impressive alteration of the natural history of progressive diabetic retinopathy worsening over time through blunted progression to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, improving diabetic retinopathy severity levels, and slowing progressive retinal nonperfusion, the underlying disease process central to diabetic retinopathy itself. Accumulating data indicate that the threshold to initiate ocular-specific pharmacologic treatment for diabetic retinopathy, previously predominately limited to eyes with visual loss because of center-involved DME or proliferative diabetic retinopathy, is being lowered to earlier stages of diabetic retinopathy. Ongoing clinical trials and secondary analyses continue to further explore the impact and durability of vascular endothelial growth factor blockade and corticosteroids on modification of diabetic retinopathy and the underlying retinal vasculature itself.

  19. The New Agent: A Qualitative Study to Strategically Adapt New Agent Professional Development

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Baker, Lauri M.; Hadley, Gregg

    2014-01-01

    The qualitative study reported here assessed the needs of agents related to new agent professional development to improve the current model. Agents who participated in new agent professional development within the last 5 years were selected to participate in focus groups to determine concerns and continued needs. Agents enjoyed networking and…

  20. Pharmacologic Agents for Chronic Diarrhea

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    Chronic diarrhea is usually associated with a number of non-infectious causes. When definitive treatment is unavailable, symptomatic drug therapy is indicated. Pharmacologic agents for chronic diarrhea include loperamide, 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists, diosmectite, cholestyramine, probiotics, antispasmodics, rifaximin, and anti-inflammatory agents. Loperamide, a synthetic opiate agonist, decreases peristaltic activity and inhibits secretion, resulting in the reduction of fluid and electrolyte loss and an increase in stool consistency. Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant that is generally considered as the first-line treatment for bile acid diarrhea. 5-HT3 receptor antagonists have significant benefits in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea. Ramosetron improves stool consistency as well as global IBS symptoms. Probiotics may have a role in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, data on the role of probiotics in the treatment of chronic diarrhea are lacking. Diosmectite, an absorbent, can be used for the treatment of chronic functional diarrhea, radiation-induced diarrhea, and chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. Antispasmodics including alverine citrate, mebeverine, otilonium bromide, and pinaverium bromide are used for relieving diarrheal symptoms and abdominal pain. Rifaximin can be effective for chronic diarrhea associated with IBS and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Budesonide is effective in both lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis. The efficacy of mesalazine in microscopic colitis is weak or remains uncertain. Considering their mechanisms of action, these agents should be prescribed properly. PMID:26576135

  1. Immunotherapeutics in Pediatric Autoimmune Central Nervous System Disease: Agents and Mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Nosadini, Margherita; Sartori, Stefano; Sharma, Suvasini; Dale, Russell C

    2017-08-01

    Beyond the major advances produced by careful clinical-radiological phenotyping and biomarker development in autoimmune central nervous system disorders, a comprehensive knowledge of the range of available immune therapies and a deeper understanding of their action should benefit therapeutic decision-making. This review discusses the agents used in neuroimmunology and their mechanisms of action. First-line treatments typically include corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis, while for severe disease second-line "induction" agents such as rituximab or cyclophosphamide are used. Steroid-sparing agents such as mycophenolate, azathioprine, or methotrexate are often used in potentially relapsing or corticosteroid-dependent diseases. Lessons from adult neuroimmunology and rheumatology could be translated into pediatric autoimmune central nervous system disease in the future, including the potential utility of monoclonal antibodies targeting lymphocytes, adhesion molecules for lymphocytic migration, cytokines or their receptors, or complement. Finally, many agents used in other fields have multiple mechanisms of action, including immunomodulation, with potential usefulness in neuroimmunology, such as antibiotics, psychotropic drugs, probiotics, gut health, and ketogenic diet. All currently accepted and future potential agents have adverse effects, which can be severe; therefore, a "risk-versus-benefit" determination should guide therapeutic decision-making. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Development of polyimide foams with blowing agents

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gagliani, John (Inventor); Sorathia, Usman A. K. (Inventor); Lee, Raymond (Inventor)

    1985-01-01

    A method of preparing a polyimide foam which includes the steps of: preparing, foaming, and curing a precursor containing at least one alkyl ester of 3,3'4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid; a meta- or para-substituted aromatic diamine; a heterocyclic diamine; an aliphatic diamine; and a solid blowing agent. The blowing agent is added to said precursor in a concentration which is sufficient to effect at least one of the following attributes of the foam: cell size, proportion of open cells, cell density, and indentation load deflection.

  3. Interrogation of transcriptomic changes associated with drug-induced hepatic sinusoidal dilatation in colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Jarzabek, Monika A; Proctor, William R; Vogt, Jennifer; Desai, Rupal; Dicker, Patrick; Cain, Gary; Raja, Rajiv; Brodbeck, Jens; Stevens, Dale; van der Stok, Eric P; Martens, John W M; Verhoef, Cornelis; Hegde, Priti S; Byrne, Annette T; Tarrant, Jacqueline M

    2018-01-01

    Drug-related sinusoidal dilatation (SD) is a common form of hepatotoxicity associated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy used prior to resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Recently, hepatic SD has also been associated with anti-delta like 4 (DLL4) cancer therapies targeting the NOTCH pathway. To investigate the hypothesis that NOTCH signaling plays an important role in drug-induced SD, gene expression changes were examined in livers from anti-DLL4 and oxaliplatin-induced SD in non-human primate (NHP) and patients, respectively. Putative mechanistic biomarkers of bevacizumab (bev)-mediated protection against oxaliplatin-induced SD were also investigated. RNA was extracted from whole liver sections or centrilobular regions by laser-capture microdissection (LCM) obtained from NHP administered anti-DLL4 fragment antigen-binding (F(ab')2 or patients with CRLM receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy with or without bev. mRNA expression was quantified using high-throughput real-time quantitative PCR. Significance analysis was used to identify genes with differential expression patterns (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05). Eleven (CCL2, CCND1, EFNB2, ERG, ICAM1, IL16, LFNG, NOTCH1, NOTCH4, PRDX1, and TGFB1) and six (CDH5, EFNB2, HES1, IL16, MIK67, HES1 and VWF) candidate genes were differentially expressed in the liver of anti-DLL4- and oxaliplatin-induced SD, respectively. Addition of bev to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy resulted in differential changes in hepatic CDH5, HEY1, IL16, JAG1, MMP9, NOTCH4 and TIMP1 expression. This work implicates NOTCH and IL16 pathways in the pathogenesis of drug-induced SD and further explains the hepato-protective effect of bev in oxaliplatin-induced SD observed in CRLM patients.

  4. Adjuvant treatment for resected rectal cancer: impact of standard and intensified postoperative chemotherapy on disease-free survival in patients undergoing preoperative chemoradiation-a propensity score-matched analysis of an observational database.

    PubMed

    Garlipp, Benjamin; Ptok, Henry; Benedix, Frank; Otto, Ronny; Popp, Felix; Ridwelski, Karsten; Gastinger, Ingo; Benckert, Christoph; Lippert, Hans; Bruns, Christiane

    2016-12-01

    Adjuvant chemotherapy for resected rectal cancer is widely used. However, studies on adjuvant treatment following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and total mesorectal excision (TME) have yielded conflicting results. Recent studies have focused on adding oxaliplatin to both preoperative and postoperative therapy, making it difficult to assess the impact of adjuvant oxaliplatin alone. This study was aimed at determining the impact of (i) any adjuvant treatment and (ii) oxaliplatin-containing adjuvant treatment on disease-free survival in CRT-pretreated, R0-resected rectal cancer patients. Patients undergoing R0 TME following 5-fluorouracil (5FU)-only-based CRT between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2010, were selected from a nationwide registry. After propensity score matching (PSM), comparison of disease-free survival (DFS) using Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test was performed in (i) patients receiving no vs. any adjuvant treatment and (ii) patients treated with adjuvant 5FU/capecitabine without vs. with oxaliplatin. Out of 1497 patients, 520 matched pairs were generated for analysis of no vs. any adjuvant treatment. Mean DFS was significantly prolonged with adjuvant treatment (81.8 ± 2.06 vs. 70.1 ± 3.02 months, p < 0.001). One hundred forty-eight matched pairs were available for analysis of adjuvant therapy with or without oxaliplatin, showing no improvement in DFS in patients receiving oxaliplatin (76.9 ± 4.12 vs. 79.3 ± 4.44 months, p = 0.254). Local recurrence rate was not significantly different between groups in either analysis. In this cohort of rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant CRT and TME surgery under routine conditions, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved DFS. No benefit was observed for the addition of oxaliplatin to adjuvant chemotherapy in this setting.

  5. Trial Watch: Immunogenic cell death inducers for anticancer chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Pol, Jonathan; Vacchelli, Erika; Aranda, Fernando; Castoldi, Francesca; Eggermont, Alexander; Cremer, Isabelle; Sautès-Fridman, Catherine; Fucikova, Jitka; Galon, Jérôme; Spisek, Radek; Tartour, Eric; Zitvogel, Laurence; Kroemer, Guido; Galluzzi, Lorenzo

    2015-04-01

    The term "immunogenic cell death" (ICD) is now employed to indicate a functionally peculiar form of apoptosis that is sufficient for immunocompetent hosts to mount an adaptive immune response against dead cell-associated antigens. Several drugs have been ascribed with the ability to provoke ICD when employed as standalone therapeutic interventions. These include various chemotherapeutics routinely employed in the clinic (e.g., doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone, bleomycin, bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and oxaliplatin) as well as some anticancer agents that are still under preclinical or clinical development (e.g., some microtubular inhibitors of the epothilone family). In addition, a few drugs are able to convert otherwise non-immunogenic instances of cell death into bona fide ICD, and may therefore be employed as chemotherapeutic adjuvants within combinatorial regimens. This is the case of cardiac glycosides, like digoxin and digitoxin, and zoledronic acid. Here, we discuss recent developments on anticancer chemotherapy based on ICD inducers.

  6. 7 CFR 4290.1620 - Functions of agents, including Central Registration Agent, Selling Agent and Fiscal Agent.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... Debentures and/or TCs. (iv) Arranging for the production of Offering Circulars, certificates, and such other... to determine those factors that will minimize or reduce the cost of funding Debentures. (iii) Monitor... the Secretary; (vii) Remain custodian of such other documentation as the Secretary shall direct by...

  7. 13 CFR 108.1620 - Functions of agents, including Central Registration Agent, Selling Agent and Fiscal Agent.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... periodic sales of Debentures and/or TCs. (iv) Arranging for the production of Offering Circulars... financial markets to determine those factors that will minimize or reduce the cost of funding Debentures... SBA; (vii) Remain custodian of such other documentation as SBA shall direct by written instructions...

  8. 13 CFR 107.1620 - Functions of agents, including Central Registration Agent, Selling Agent and Fiscal Agent.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... Participating Securities and/or TCs. (iv) Arranging for the production of the Offering Circular, certificates... markets to determine those factors that will minimize or reduce the cost of funding Debentures or... instructions from SBA; (vii) Remain custodian of such other documentation as SBA shall direct by written...

  9. Biological agents and respiratory infections: Causative mechanisms and practice management.

    PubMed

    Takayanagi, Noboru

    2015-09-01

    Biological agents are increasingly being used to treat patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease. In Japan, currently approved biological agents for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, interleukin-6 receptor-blocking monoclonal antibody, and T-cell costimulation inhibitor. Rheumatologists have recognized that safety issues are critical aspects of treatment decisions in RA. Therefore, a wealth of safety data has been gathered from a number of sources, including randomized clinical trials and postmarketing data from large national registries. These data revealed that the most serious adverse events from these drugs are respiratory infections, especially pneumonia, tuberculosis, nontuberculous mycobacteriosis, and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, and that the most common risk factors associated with these respiratory infections are older age, concomitant corticosteroid use, and underlying respiratory comorbidities. Because of this background, in 2014, the Japanese Respiratory Society published their consensus statement of biological agents and respiratory disorders. This review summarizes this statement and adds recent evidence, especially concerning respiratory infections in RA patients, biological agents and respiratory infections, and practice management of respiratory infections in patients treated with biological agents. To decrease the incidence of infections and reduce mortality, we should know the epidemiology, risk factors, management, and methods of prevention of respiratory infections in patients receiving biological agents. Copyright © 2015 The Japanese Respiratory Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Novel separation method for highly sensitive speciation of cancerostatic platinum compounds by HPLC-ICP-MS.

    PubMed

    Hann, S; Stefánka, Zs; Lenz, K; Stingeder, G

    2005-01-01

    A high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) method is presented for analysis of cisplatin, monoaquacisplatin, diaquacisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin in biological and environmental samples. Chromatographic separation was achieved on pentafluorophenylpropyl-functionalized silica gel. For cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin limits of detection of 0.09, 0.10, and 0.15 microg L(-1), respectively, were calculated at m/z 194, using aqueous standard solutions. (3 microL injection volume). The method was utilized for model experiments studying the stability of carboplatin and oxaliplatin at different chloride concentrations simulating wastewater and surface water conditions. It was found that a high fraction of carboplatin is stable in ultrapure water and in solutions containing 1.5 mol L(-1) Cl-, whereas oxaliplatin degradation was increased by increasing the chloride concentration. In order to support the assessment of oxaliplatin eco-toxicology, the method was tested for speciation of patient urine. The urine sample contained more than 17 different reaction products, which demonstrates the extensive biotransformation of the compound. In a second step of the study the method was successfully evaluated for monitoring cancerostatic platinum compounds in hospital waste water.

  11. Evidence for Two Modes of Synergistic Induction of Apoptosis by Mapatumumab and Oxaliplatin in Combination with Hyperthermia in Human Colon Cancer Cells

    PubMed Central

    Song, Xinxin; Kim, Seog-Young; Lee, Yong J.

    2013-01-01

    Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world-- the main cause of death from colorectal cancer is hepatic metastases, which can be treated with isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP). Searching for the most clinically relevant approaches for treating colorectal metastatic disease by isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP), we developed the application of oxaliplatin concomitantly with hyperthermia and humanized death receptor 4 (DR4) antibody mapatumumab (Mapa), and investigated the molecular mechanisms of this multimodality treatment in human colon cancer cell lines CX-1 and HCT116 as well as human colon cancer stem cells Tu-12, Tu-21 and Tu-22. We showed here, in this study, that the synergistic effect of the multimodality treatment-induced apoptosis was caspase dependent and activated death signaling via both the extrinsic apoptotic pathway and the intrinsic pathway. Death signaling was activated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling which led to Bcl-xL phosphorylation at serine 62, decreasing the anti-apoptotic activity of Bcl-xL, which contributed to the intrinsic pathway. The downregulation of cellular FLICE inhibitory protein long isoform (c-FLIPL) in the extrinsic pathway was accomplished through ubiquitination at lysine residue (K) 195 and protein synthesis inhibition. Overexpression of c-FLIPL mutant (K195R) and Bcl-xL mutant (S62A) completely abrogated the synergistic effect. The successful outcome of this study supports the application of multimodality strategy to patients with colorectal hepatic metastases who fail to respond to standard chemoradiotherapy that predominantly targets the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. PMID:24013390

  12. miR-34a mediates oxaliplatin resistance of colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting macroautophagy via transforming growth factor-β/Smad4 pathway.

    PubMed

    Sun, Chen; Wang, Fu-Jing; Zhang, Hao-Gang; Xu, Xun-Zheng; Jia, Rui-Chun; Yao, Lei; Qiao, Peng-Fei

    2017-03-14

    To investigate whether microRNA (miR)-34a mediates oxaliplatin (OXA) resistance of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells by inhibiting macroautophagy via the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad4 pathway. miR-34a expression levels were detected in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Computational search, functional luciferase assay and western blotting were used to demonstrate the downstream target of miR-34a in CRC cells. Cell viability was measured with Cell Counting Kit-8. Apoptosis and macroautophagy of CRC cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy, and expression of beclin I and LC3-II was detected by western blotting. Expression of miR-34a was significantly reduced while expression of TGF-β and Smad4 was increased in CRC patients treated with OXA-based chemotherapy. OXA treatment also resulted in decreased miR-34a levels and increased TGF-β and Smad4 levels in both parental cells and the OXA-resistant CRC cells. Activation of macroautophagy contributed to OXA resistance in CRC cells. Expression levels of Smad4 and miR-34a in CRC patients had a significant inverse correlation and overexpressing miR-34a inhibited macroautophagy activation by directly targeting Smad4 through the TGF-β/Smad4 pathway. OXA-induced downregulation of miR-34a and increased drug resistance by activating macroautophagy in CRC cells. miR-34a mediates OXA resistance of CRC by inhibiting macroautophagy via the TGF-β/Smad4 pathway.

  13. miR-34a mediates oxaliplatin resistance of colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting macroautophagy via transforming growth factor-β/Smad4 pathway

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Chen; Wang, Fu-Jing; Zhang, Hao-Gang; Xu, Xun-Zheng; Jia, Rui-Chun; Yao, Lei; Qiao, Peng-Fei

    2017-01-01

    AIM To investigate whether microRNA (miR)-34a mediates oxaliplatin (OXA) resistance of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells by inhibiting macroautophagy via the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad4 pathway. METHODS miR-34a expression levels were detected in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Computational search, functional luciferase assay and western blotting were used to demonstrate the downstream target of miR-34a in CRC cells. Cell viability was measured with Cell Counting Kit-8. Apoptosis and macroautophagy of CRC cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy, and expression of beclin I and LC3-II was detected by western blotting. RESULTS Expression of miR-34a was significantly reduced while expression of TGF-β and Smad4 was increased in CRC patients treated with OXA-based chemotherapy. OXA treatment also resulted in decreased miR-34a levels and increased TGF-β and Smad4 levels in both parental cells and the OXA-resistant CRC cells. Activation of macroautophagy contributed to OXA resistance in CRC cells. Expression levels of Smad4 and miR-34a in CRC patients had a significant inverse correlation and overexpressing miR-34a inhibited macroautophagy activation by directly targeting Smad4 through the TGF-β/Smad4 pathway. OXA-induced downregulation of miR-34a and increased drug resistance by activating macroautophagy in CRC cells. CONCLUSION miR-34a mediates OXA resistance of CRC by inhibiting macroautophagy via the TGF-β/Smad4 pathway. PMID:28348487

  14. Relay tracking control for second-order multi-agent systems with damaged agents.

    PubMed

    Dong, Lijing; Li, Jing; Liu, Qin

    2017-11-01

    This paper investigates a situation where smart agents capable of sensory and mobility are deployed to monitor a designated area. A preset number of agents start tracking when a target intrudes this area. Some of the tracking agents are possible to be out of order over the tracking course. Thus, we propose a cooperative relay tracking strategy to ensure the successful tracking with existence of damaged agents. Relay means that, when a tracking agent quits tracking due to malfunction, one of the near deployed agents replaces it to continue the tracking task. This results in jump of tracking errors and dynamic switching of topology of the multi-agent system. Switched system technique is employed to solve this specific problem. Finally, the effectiveness of proposed tracking strategy and validity of the theoretical results are verified by conducting a numerical simulation. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. An intelligent agent for optimal river-reservoir system management

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rieker, Jeffrey D.; Labadie, John W.

    2012-09-01

    A generalized software package is presented for developing an intelligent agent for stochastic optimization of complex river-reservoir system management and operations. Reinforcement learning is an approach to artificial intelligence for developing a decision-making agent that learns the best operational policies without the need for explicit probabilistic models of hydrologic system behavior. The agent learns these strategies experientially in a Markov decision process through observational interaction with the environment and simulation of the river-reservoir system using well-calibrated models. The graphical user interface for the reinforcement learning process controller includes numerous learning method options and dynamic displays for visualizing the adaptive behavior of the agent. As a case study, the generalized reinforcement learning software is applied to developing an intelligent agent for optimal management of water stored in the Truckee river-reservoir system of California and Nevada for the purpose of streamflow augmentation for water quality enhancement. The intelligent agent successfully learns long-term reservoir operational policies that specifically focus on mitigating water temperature extremes during persistent drought periods that jeopardize the survival of threatened and endangered fish species.

  16. Pathogenic agents in freshwater resources

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Geldreich, Edwin E.

    1996-02-01

    Numerous pathogenic agents have been found in freshwaters used as sources for water supplies, recreational bathing and irrigation. These agents include bacterial pathogens, enteric viruses, several protozoans and parasitic worms more common to tropical waters. Although infected humans are a major source of pathogens, farm animals (cattle, sheep, pigs), animal pets (dogs, cats) and wildlife serve as significant reservoirs and should not be ignored. The range of infected individuals within a given warm-blooded animal group (humans included) may range from 1 to 25%. Survival times for pathogens in the water environment may range from a few days to as much as a year (Ascaris, Taenia eggs), with infective dose levels varying from one viable cell for several primary pathogenic agents to many thousands of cells for a given opportunistic pathogen.As pathogen detection in water is complex and not readily incorporated into routine monitoring, a surrogate is necessary. In general, indicators of faecal contamination provide a positive correlation with intestinal pathogen occurrences only when appropriate sample volumes are examined by sensitive methodology.Pathways by which pathogens reach susceptible water users include ingestion of contaminated water, body contact with polluted recreational waters and consumption of salad crops irrigated by polluted freshwaters. Major contributors to the spread of various water-borne pathogens are sewage, polluted surface waters and stormwater runoff. All of these contributions are intensified during periods of major floods. Several water-borne case histories are cited as examples of breakdowns in public health protection related to water supply, recreational waters and the consumption of contaminated salad crops. In the long term, water resource management must focus on pollution prevention from point sources of waste discharges and the spread of pathogens in watershed stormwater runoff.

  17. Antidotes and treatments for chemical warfare/terrorism agents: an evidence-based review.

    PubMed

    Rodgers, G C; Condurache, C T

    2010-09-01

    This article reviews the evidence supporting the efficacy of antidotes used or recommended for the potential chemical warfare agents of most concern. Chemical warfare agents considered include cyanide, vesicants, pulmonary irritants such as chlorine and phosgene, and nerve agents. The strength of evidence for most antidotes is weak, highlighting the need for additional research in this area.

  18. Influence of mitochondrion-toxic agents on the cardiovascular system.

    PubMed

    Finsterer, Josef; Ohnsorge, Peter

    2013-12-01

    Cardiovascular disease may be induced or worsened by mitochondrion-toxic agents. Mitochondrion-toxic agents may be classified as those with or without a clinical effect, those which induce cardiac disease only in humans or animals or both, as prescribed drugs, illicit drugs, exotoxins, or nutritiants, as those which affect the heart exclusively or also other organs, as those which are effective only in patients with a mitochondrial disorder or cardiac disease or also in healthy subjects, or as solid, liquid, or volatile agents. In humans, cardiotoxic agents due to mitochondrial dysfunction include anthracyclines (particularly doxorubicin), mitoxantrone, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, fluorouracil, imatinib, bortezomib, trastuzumab, arsenic trioxide, cyclosporine-A, zidovudine, lamotrigine, glycosides, lidocain, isoproterenol, nitroprusside, pivalic acid, alcohol, cocaine, pesticides, cadmium, mycotoxins, cyanotoxins, meat meal, or carbon monoxide. Even more agents exhibit cardiac abnormalities due to mitochondrion-toxicity only in animals or tissue cultures. The mitochondrion-toxic effect results from impairment of the respiratory chain, the oxidative phosphorylation, the Krebs cycle, or the β-oxidation, from decrease of the mitochondrion-membrane potential, from increased oxidative stress, reduced anti-oxidative capacity, or from induction of apoptosis. Cardiac abnormalities induced via these mechanisms include cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, or Takotsubo syndrome. Discontinuation of the cardiotoxic agent results in complete recovery in the majority of the cases. Antioxidants and nutritiants may be of additional help. Particularly coenzyme-Q, riboflavin, vitamin-E, vitamin-C, L-carnitine, vitamin-D, thiamin, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and D-ribose may alleviate mitochondrial cardiotoxic effects. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Mobile Agents Applications.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Martins, Rosane Maria; Chaves, Magali Ribeiro; Pirmez, Luci; Rust da Costa Carmo, Luiz Fernando

    2001-01-01

    Discussion of the need to filter and retrieval relevant information from the Internet focuses on the use of mobile agents, specific software components which are based on distributed artificial intelligence and integrated systems. Surveys agent technology and discusses the agent building package used to develop two applications using IBM's Aglet…

  20. Pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of methamphetamine dependence.

    PubMed

    Morley, Kirsten C; Cornish, Jennifer L; Faingold, Alon; Wood, Katie; Haber, Paul S

    2017-05-01

    Methamphetamine use is a serious public health concern in many countries and is second to cannabis as the most widely abused illicit drug in the world. Effective management for methamphetamine dependence remains elusive and the large majority of methamphetamine users relapse following treatment. Areas covered: Progression in the understanding of the pharmacological basis of methamphetamine use has provided us with innovative opportunities to develop agents to treat dependence. The current review summarizes relevant literature on the neurobiological and clinical correlates associated with methamphetamine use. We then outline agents that have been explored for potential treatments in preclinical studies, human laboratory phase I and phase II trials over the last ten years. Expert opinion: No agent has demonstrated a broad and strong effect in achieving MA abstinence in Phase II trials. Agents with novel therapeutic targets appear promising. Advancement in MA treatment, including translation into practice, faces several clinical challenges.

  1. Biological warfare agents

    PubMed Central

    Thavaselvam, Duraipandian; Vijayaraghavan, Rajagopalan

    2010-01-01

    The recent bioterrorist attacks using anthrax spores have emphasized the need to detect and decontaminate critical facilities in the shortest possible time. There has been a remarkable progress in the detection, protection and decontamination of biological warfare agents as many instrumentation platforms and detection methodologies are developed and commissioned. Even then the threat of biological warfare agents and their use in bioterrorist attacks still remain a leading cause of global concern. Furthermore in the past decade there have been threats due to the emerging new diseases and also the re-emergence of old diseases and development of antimicrobial resistance and spread to new geographical regions. The preparedness against these agents need complete knowledge about the disease, better research and training facilities, diagnostic facilities and improved public health system. This review on the biological warfare agents will provide information on the biological warfare agents, their mode of transmission and spread and also the detection systems available to detect them. In addition the current information on the availability of commercially available and developing technologies against biological warfare agents has also been discussed. The risk that arise due to the use of these agents in warfare or bioterrorism related scenario can be mitigated with the availability of improved detection technologies. PMID:21829313

  2. Constructing Agent Model for Virtual Training Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Murakami, Yohei; Sugimoto, Yuki; Ishida, Toru

    Constructing highly realistic agents is essential if agents are to be employed in virtual training systems. In training for collaboration based on face-to-face interaction, the generation of emotional expressions is one key. In training for guidance based on one-to-many interaction such as direction giving for evacuations, emotional expressions must be supplemented by diverse agent behaviors to make the training realistic. To reproduce diverse behavior, we characterize agents by using a various combinations of operation rules instantiated by the user operating the agent. To accomplish this goal, we introduce a user modeling method based on participatory simulations. These simulations enable us to acquire information observed by each user in the simulation and the operating history. Using these data and the domain knowledge including known operation rules, we can generate an explanation for each behavior. Moreover, the application of hypothetical reasoning, which offers consistent selection of hypotheses, to the generation of explanations allows us to use otherwise incompatible operation rules as domain knowledge. In order to validate the proposed modeling method, we apply it to the acquisition of an evacuee's model in a fire-drill experiment. We successfully acquire a subject's model corresponding to the results of an interview with the subject.

  3. Spacecraft sanitation agent development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1972-01-01

    The development of an effective sanitizing agent that is compatible with the spacecraft environment and the human occupant is discussed. Experimental results show that two sanitation agents must be used to satisfy mission requirements: one agent for personal hygiene and one for equipment maintenance. It was also recommended that a water rinse be used with the agents for best results, and that consideration be given to using the agents pressure packed or in aerosol formulations.

  4. Anticlotting agents and the surgical management of glaucoma.

    PubMed

    Sozeri, Yasemin; Salim, Sarwat

    2018-03-01

    A large subset of patients with glaucoma uses anticlotting agents. No standardized guidelines currently exist for managing these agents in the specific perioperative setting of glaucoma surgery. The present review focuses on currently available anticlotting agents, their influence on hemorrhagic complications following glaucoma surgery, and management strategies for their use in the perioperative period RECENT FINDINGS: Anticlotting agents increase the risk of perioperative hemorrhagic complications following glaucoma surgery. Other factors that increase that risk have been identified as well, including the type of glaucoma surgery, preoperative intraocular pressure, postoperative hypotony, previous ocular surgeries, and race. Although general guidelines in the perioperative management of blood thinning agents exist, the best way to apply these guidelines specifically to glaucoma surgery remains unclear. Blood thinners are widely used and can increase the risk of hemorrhagic complications in patients undergoing glaucoma surgery. Managing these agents in the perioperative setting is challenging and should be done in collaboration with the patient's primary care provider, hematologist, or cardiologist. Management strategies should be tailored to each individual's risk of hemorrhage versus thromboembolism. Additionally, surgical plans can be modified to help minimize hemorrhagic outcomes, especially in patients who are deemed to be at high risk for perioperative bleeding.

  5. Epigenetics in focus: pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes and the role of hypomethylating agents.

    PubMed

    Santini, Valeria; Melnick, Ari; Maciejewski, Jaroslaw P; Duprez, Estelle; Nervi, Clara; Cocco, Lucio; Ford, Kevin G; Mufti, Ghulam

    2013-11-01

    Dysregulation of cellular epigenetic machinery is considered a major pathogenetic determinant in many malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The importance of epigenetic dysfunction in MDS is reflected by the success of hypomethylating agents as standard of care for their treatment. Although these agents improve both survival and quality of life, knowledge gaps remain regarding the precise role of epigenetics in the pathogenesis of MDS and mechanisms by which hypomethylating agents exert their clinical effects. This article reviews the pathogenic role of epigenetic alterations in MDS, including the relationship between genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, and highlights emerging evidence that hypomethylating agents may reprogram the "methylome" while re-establishing hematopoiesis. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

  6. Smart Swarms of Bacteria-Inspired Agents with Performance Adaptable Interactions

    PubMed Central

    Shklarsh, Adi; Ariel, Gil; Schneidman, Elad; Ben-Jacob, Eshel

    2011-01-01

    Collective navigation and swarming have been studied in animal groups, such as fish schools, bird flocks, bacteria, and slime molds. Computer modeling has shown that collective behavior of simple agents can result from simple interactions between the agents, which include short range repulsion, intermediate range alignment, and long range attraction. Here we study collective navigation of bacteria-inspired smart agents in complex terrains, with adaptive interactions that depend on performance. More specifically, each agent adjusts its interactions with the other agents according to its local environment – by decreasing the peers' influence while navigating in a beneficial direction, and increasing it otherwise. We show that inclusion of such performance dependent adaptable interactions significantly improves the collective swarming performance, leading to highly efficient navigation, especially in complex terrains. Notably, to afford such adaptable interactions, each modeled agent requires only simple computational capabilities with short-term memory, which can easily be implemented in simple swarming robots. PMID:21980274

  7. Smart swarms of bacteria-inspired agents with performance adaptable interactions.

    PubMed

    Shklarsh, Adi; Ariel, Gil; Schneidman, Elad; Ben-Jacob, Eshel

    2011-09-01

    Collective navigation and swarming have been studied in animal groups, such as fish schools, bird flocks, bacteria, and slime molds. Computer modeling has shown that collective behavior of simple agents can result from simple interactions between the agents, which include short range repulsion, intermediate range alignment, and long range attraction. Here we study collective navigation of bacteria-inspired smart agents in complex terrains, with adaptive interactions that depend on performance. More specifically, each agent adjusts its interactions with the other agents according to its local environment--by decreasing the peers' influence while navigating in a beneficial direction, and increasing it otherwise. We show that inclusion of such performance dependent adaptable interactions significantly improves the collective swarming performance, leading to highly efficient navigation, especially in complex terrains. Notably, to afford such adaptable interactions, each modeled agent requires only simple computational capabilities with short-term memory, which can easily be implemented in simple swarming robots.

  8. New antiobesity agents: lorcaserin (Belviq) and phentermine/topiramate ER (Qsymia).

    PubMed

    Shyh, Grace; Cheng-Lai, Angela

    2014-01-01

    Obesity is a risk factor for a wide range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease. Although lifestyle modifications remain the cornerstone for the management of obesity, pharmacologic agents may be a helpful addition to patients who have comorbidities and do not respond adequately to diet and exercise. Lorcaserin and phentermine/topiramate ER are 2 long-awaited agents, approved in 2012 for obesity management, 13 years since orlistat received US Food and Drug Administration approval in 1999. Lorcaserin is a serotonin agonist, whereas phentermine/topiramate is a combination of a sympathomimetic agent and an antiepileptic drug; both these agents have been shown to reduce weight significantly and improve cardiovascular and metabolic parameters, such as blood pressure, lipids, and HbA1C. This article reviews the pharmacology and clinical efficacy and safety of each of these agents. The differences among the three available agents for long-term management of obesity will also be examined.

  9. Developing a Conceptual Architecture for a Generalized Agent-based Modeling Environment (GAME)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-03-01

    4. REPAST (Java, Python , C#, Open Source) ........28 5. MASON: Multi-Agent Modeling Language (Swarm Extension... Python , C#, Open Source) Repast (Recursive Porous Agent Simulation Toolkit) was designed for building agent-based models and simulations in the...Repast makes it easy for inexperienced users to build models by including a built-in simple model and provide interfaces through which menus and Python

  10. The Fate of Chemical Warfare Agents in the Environment

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Talmage, Sylvia Smith; Munro, Nancy B; Watson, Annetta Paule

    2007-01-01

    Chemical Warfare Agents, Second Edition has been totally revised since the successful first edition and expanded to about three times the length, with many new chapters and much more in-depth consideration of all the topics. The chapters have been written by distinguished international experts in various aspects of chemical warfare agents and edited by an experienced team to produce a clear review of the field. The book now contains a wealth of material on the mechanisms of action of the major chemical warfare agents, including the nerve agent cyclosarin, formally considered to be of secondary importance, as well as ricinmore » and abrin. Chemical Warfare Agents, Second Edition discusses the physico-chemical properties of chemical warfare agents, their dispersion and fate in the environment, their toxicology and management of their effects on humans, decontamination and protective equipment. New chapters cover the experience gained after the use of sarin to attack travelers on the Tokyo subway and how to deal with the outcome of the deployment of riot control agents such as CS gas. This book provides a comprehensive review of chemical warfare agents, assessing all available evidence regarding the medical, technical and legal aspects of their use. It is an invaluable reference work for physicians, public health planners, regulators and any other professionals involved in this field.« less

  11. Are Microsoft's Animated Interface Agents Helpful?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Head, Allison J.

    1998-01-01

    Discusses interface agents and online help systems, focusing on Microsoft's animated office assistants. Highlights include intermediaries such as librarians in off-line reference problems; user complaints about online help systems; navigation problems; evaluation of the online office assistants; and categories of user queries to online help…

  12. Agility: Agent - Ility Architecture

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-10-01

    existing and emerging standards (e.g., distributed objects, email, web, search engines , XML, Java, Jini). Three agent system components resulted from...agents and other Internet resources and operate over the web (AgentGram), a yellow pages service that uses Internet search engines to locate XML ads for agents and other Internet resources (WebTrader).

  13. A decontamination study of simulated chemical and biological agents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Uhm, Han S.; Lee, Han Y.; Hong, Yong C.; Shin, Dong H.; Park, Yun H.; Hong, Yi F.; Lee, Chong K.

    2007-07-01

    A comprehensive decontamination scheme of the chemical and biological agents, including airborne agents and surface contaminating agents, is presented. When a chemical and biological attack occurs, it is critical to decontaminate facilities or equipments to an acceptable level in a very short time. The plasma flame presented here may provide a rapid and effective elimination of toxic substances in the interior air in isolated spaces. As an example, a reaction chamber, with the dimensions of a 22cm diameter and 30cm length, purifies air with an airflow rate of 5000l/min contaminated with toluene, the simulated chemical agent, and soot from a diesel engine, the simulated aerosol for biological agents. Although the airborne agents in an isolated space are eliminated to an acceptable level by the plasma flame, the decontamination of the chemical and biological agents cannot be completed without cleaning surfaces of the facilities. A simulated sterilization study of micro-organisms was carried out using the electrolyzed ozone water. The electrolyzed ozone water very effectively kills endospores of Bacillus atrophaeus (ATCC 9372) within 3min. The electrolyzed ozone water also kills the vegetative micro-organisms, fungi, and virus. The electrolyzed ozone water, after the decontamination process, disintegrates into ordinary water and oxygen without any trace of harmful materials to the environment.

  14. CATS-based Agents That Err

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Callantine, Todd J.

    2002-01-01

    This report describes preliminary research on intelligent agents that make errors. Such agents are crucial to the development of novel agent-based techniques for assessing system safety. The agents extend an agent architecture derived from the Crew Activity Tracking System that has been used as the basis for air traffic controller agents. The report first reviews several error taxonomies. Next, it presents an overview of the air traffic controller agents, then details several mechanisms for causing the agents to err in realistic ways. The report presents a performance assessment of the error-generating agents, and identifies directions for further research. The research was supported by the System-Wide Accident Prevention element of the FAA/NASA Aviation Safety Program.

  15. 78 FR 56234 - Multi-Agency Informational Meeting Concerning Compliance with the Select Agent Regulations...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-09-12

    ... Informational Meeting Concerning Compliance with the Select Agent Regulations; Public Webcast AGENCY: Centers... purpose of the webcast is to provide guidance related to the select agent regulations established under... Justice Information Services. Changes to Section 11(Security) of the select agent regulations including...

  16. Agent Architectures for Compliance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Burgemeestre, Brigitte; Hulstijn, Joris; Tan, Yao-Hua

    A Normative Multi-Agent System consists of autonomous agents who must comply with social norms. Different kinds of norms make different assumptions about the cognitive architecture of the agents. For example, a principle-based norm assumes that agents can reflect upon the consequences of their actions; a rule-based formulation only assumes that agents can avoid violations. In this paper we present several cognitive agent architectures for self-monitoring and compliance. We show how different assumptions about the cognitive architecture lead to different information needs when assessing compliance. The approach is validated with a case study of horizontal monitoring, an approach to corporate tax auditing recently introduced by the Dutch Customs and Tax Authority.

  17. Study on the E-commerce platform based on the agent

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, Ruixue; Qin, Lishuan; Gao, Yinmin

    2011-10-01

    To solve problem of dynamic integration in e-commerce, the Multi-Agent architecture of electronic commerce platform system based on Agent and Ontology has been introduced, which includes three major types of agent, Ontology and rule collection. In this architecture, service agent and rule are used to realize the business process reengineering, the reuse of software component, and agility of the electronic commerce platform. To illustrate the architecture, a simulation work has been done and the results imply that the architecture provides a very efficient method to design and implement the flexible, distributed, open and intelligent electronic commerce platform system to solve problem of dynamic integration in ecommerce. The objective of this paper is to illustrate the architecture of electronic commerce platform system, and the approach how Agent and Ontology support the electronic commerce platform system.

  18. Current and Developing Technologies for Monitoring Agents of Bioterrorism and Biowarfare

    PubMed Central

    Lim, Daniel V.; Simpson, Joyce M.; Kearns, Elizabeth A.; Kramer, Marianne F.

    2005-01-01

    Recent events have made public health officials acutely aware of the importance of rapidly and accurately detecting acts of bioterrorism. Because bioterrorism is difficult to predict or prevent, reliable platforms to rapidly detect and identify biothreat agents are important to minimize the spread of these agents and to protect the public health. These platforms must not only be sensitive and specific, but must also be able to accurately detect a variety of pathogens, including modified or previously uncharacterized agents, directly from complex sample matrices. Various commercial tests utilizing biochemical, immunological, nucleic acid, and bioluminescence procedures are currently available to identify biological threat agents. Newer tests have also been developed to identify such agents using aptamers, biochips, evanescent wave biosensors, cantilevers, living cells, and other innovative technologies. This review describes these current and developing technologies and considers challenges to rapid, accurate detection of biothreat agents. Although there is no ideal platform, many of these technologies have proved invaluable for the detection and identification of biothreat agents. PMID:16223949

  19. Fibrous Filter to Protect Building Environments from Polluting Agents: A Review

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chavhan, Md. Vaseem; Mukhopadhyay, Arunangshu

    2016-04-01

    This paper discusses the use of fibrous filter to protect the building environments from air born polluting agents and especially of concern chemical, biological and radiological agents. Air-filtration includes removal of particulate from air and toxic gases from air. In air filtration, particulate which are mostly biological and radioactive types of agents can be removed by using mechanical and electrostatic filters. Some biological agents, which cannot be removed by air filtration alone, special techniques like antimicrobial finish, UV germicides, coated filters etc. are required. Biocide agent can be added into the fibre itself by grafting reaction to impart antimicrobial activity. Chemical agents like toxic gases can be removed by integrating adsorbents and sorbents in filters or by fibre modifications. It is also possible to impart catalytic conversion properties into the fibre to remove volatile gasous. Radioactive agents can be removed by particulate filter if present in the form of aerosol or by gas cleaning by the use of specific fibre impregnate.

  20. A validated inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for the quantification of total platinum content in plasma, plasma ultrafiltrate, urine and peritoneal fluid.

    PubMed

    Lemoine, Lieselotte; Thijssen, Elsy; Noben, Jean-Paul; Adriaensens, Peter; Carleer, Robert; Speeten, Kurt Van der

    2018-04-15

    Oxaliplatin is a platinum (Pt) 1 containing antineoplastic agent that is applied in current clinical practice for the treatment of colon and appendiceal neoplasms. A fully validated, highly sensitive, high throughput inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method is provided to quantify the total Pt content in plasma, plasma ultrafiltrate, urine and peritoneal fluid. In this ICP-MS approach, the only step of sample preparation is a 1000-fold dilution in 0.5% nitric acid, allowing the analysis of 17 samples per hour. Detection of Pt was achieved over a linear range of 0.01-100 ng/mL. The limit of quantification was 18.0 ng/mL Pt in plasma, 8.0 ng/mL in ultrafiltrate and 6.1 ng/mL in urine and peritoneal fluid. The ICP-MS method was further validated for inter-and intraday precision and accuracy (≤15%), recovery, robustness and stability. Short-term storage of the biofluids, for 14 days, can be performed at -4 °C, -24 °C and -80 °C. As to long-term stability, up to 5 months, storage at -80 °C is encouraged. Furthermore, a timeline assessing the total and unbound Pt fraction in plasma and ultrafiltrate over a period of 45 h is provided. Following an incubation period of 5 h at 37 °C, 19-21% of Pt was recovered in the ultrafiltrate, emphasizing the extensive and rapid binding of oxaliplatin-derived Pt to plasma proteins. The described method can easily be implemented in a routine setting for pharmacokinetic studies in patients treated with oxaliplatin-based hyperthermic intraperitoneal perioperative chemotherapy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Pegylated Liposomal Irinotecan Hydrochloride Trihydrate for Treating Pancreatic Cancer After Gemcitabine: An Evidence Review Group Perspective of a NICE Single Technology Appraisal.

    PubMed

    Fleeman, Nigel; Abdulla, Ahmed; Bagust, Adrian; Beale, Sophie; Richardson, Marty; Stainthorpe, Angela; Boland, Angela; Kotas, Eleanor; McEntee, Joanne; Palmer, Daniel

    2018-03-01

    company's economic model. Using the discounted patient access scheme price for liposomal irinotecan + 5-FU/LV, the company reported an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained of £54,412 for the comparison with oxaliplatin + 5-FU/LV. The ERG considered that the company's base-case cost-effectiveness results for the comparison of liposomal irinotecan + 5-FU/LV versus oxaliplatin + 5-FU/LV were underestimates and should be interpreted with extreme caution. Following implementation of a number of model amendments, the ERG's modified exploratory ICER for the comparison of liposomal irinotecan + 5-FU/LV versus oxaliplatin + 5-FU/LV was £106,898 per QALY gained. The AC accepted the majority of the ERG's amendments to the model, and also highlighted that the total QALYs for oxaliplatin + 5-FU/LV were lower than for 5-FU/LV in the company's model, which the AC considered to be clinically implausible. The AC therefore considered results from exploratory analyses, undertaken by the ERG, which included altering the QALY difference between liposomal irinotecan + 5-FU/LV and oxaliplatin + 5-FU/LV by ± 10%. These analyses resulted in ICERs for the comparison of liposomal irinotecan + 5-FU/LV versus oxaliplatin + 5-FU/LV of between £201,019 per QALY gained to liposomal irinotecan + 5-FU/LV being dominated by oxaliplatin + 5-FU/LV. Therefore, despite uncertainty around the clinical-effectiveness evidence and cost-effectiveness results, the AC was confident that the ICER was in excess of £50,000 per QALY gained. The final guidance issued by NICE is that liposomal irinotecan + 5-FU/LV is not recommended within its marketing authorisation for treating metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas in adults whose disease has progressed after gemcitabine-based therapy.

  2. Moral actor, selfish agent.

    PubMed

    Frimer, Jeremy A; Schaefer, Nicola K; Oakes, Harrison

    2014-05-01

    People are motivated to behave selfishly while appearing moral. This tension gives rise to 2 divergently motivated selves. The actor-the watched self-tends to be moral; the agent-the self as executor-tends to be selfish. Three studies present direct evidence of the actor's and agent's distinct motives. To recruit the self-as-actor, we asked people to rate the importance of various goals. To recruit the self-as-agent, we asked people to describe their goals verbally. In Study 1, actors claimed their goals were equally about helping the self and others (viz., moral); agents claimed their goals were primarily about helping the self (viz., selfish). This disparity was evident in both individualist and collectivist cultures, attesting to the universality of the selfish agent. Study 2 compared actors' and agents' motives to those of people role-playing highly prosocial or selfish exemplars. In content (Study 2a) and in the impressions they made on an outside observer (Study 2b), actors' motives were similar to those of the prosocial role-players, whereas agents' motives were similar to those of the selfish role-players. Study 3 accounted for the difference between the actor and agent: Participants claimed that their agent's motives were the more realistic and that their actor's motives were the more idealistic. The selfish agent/moral actor duality may account for why implicit and explicit measures of the same construct diverge, and why feeling watched brings out the better angels of human nature.

  3. [New lipid lowering agents].

    PubMed

    Cuevas, Ada; Farías, María Magdalena; Alonso, Rodrigo

    2014-07-01

    Statins are the preferred treatment for hypercholesterolemia and several studies have demonstrated their long-term safety and efficacy in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, in some cases of severe hypercholesterolemia such as homozygous and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or statin intolerant patients, statins can be less efficient. In recent years, new lipid-lowering agents with novel mechanisms of action have been developed to reduce LDL-cholesterol in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia, associated or not to conventional lipid-lowering therapy. These therapies include microsomal transfer protein inhibitor (Lomitapide), antisense oligonucleotide to Apo B100 (Mipomersen) and monoclonal antibodies against Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Different studies have shown the great effectiveness of these new therapies. Short-term studies confirmed their adequate security profile, especially in patients with homozygous familiar hypercholesterolemia or severe hypercholesterolemia. Some of these agents have been also tested in statin-intolerant patients. However, long-term studies are needed to evaluate their safety, effectiveness and impact on cardiovascular risk reduction.

  4. [Gadolinium-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging].

    PubMed

    Carrasco Muñoz, S; Calles Blanco, C; Marcin, Javier; Fernández Álvarez, C; Lafuente Martínez, J

    2014-06-01

    Gadolinium-based contrast agents are increasingly being used in magnetic resonance imaging. These agents can improve the contrast in images and provide information about function and metabolism, increasing both sensitivity and specificity. We describe the gadolinium-based contrast agents that have been approved for clinical use, detailing their main characteristics based on their chemical structure, stability, and safety. In general terms, these compounds are safe. Nevertheless, adverse reactions, the possibility of nephrotoxicity from these compounds, and the possibility of developing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis will be covered in this article. Lastly, the article will discuss the current guidelines, recommendations, and contraindications for their clinical use, including the management of pregnant and breast-feeding patients. Copyright © 2014 SERAM. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  5. Understanding the Impact of Intelligent Tutoring Agents on Real-Time Training Simulations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-01-01

    environments has increased. Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) technology may include reactive or proactive simulation agents that monitor and... environments . These reactive agents monitor the trainee’s progress and provide hints or other feedback only when there is sufficient variance from... agents have a higher computational cost in that they need to sense and understand more about the trainee, environment and training context, but are

  6. Psychiatrists' relationships with industry: the principal-agent problem.

    PubMed

    Appelbaum, Paul S; Gold, Azgad

    2010-01-01

    Psychiatrists' relationships with the pharmaceutical and device industries have been a growing focus of attention, with questions raised about the impact of those relationships on prescribing practices, diagnostic criteria, practice guidelines, continuing education, conduct and reporting of research, and patients' and public trust. Indeed, these concerns exist for the medical profession as a whole, with various remedial measures proposed. We suggest that such relationships can be understood as giving rise to a "principal-agent problem," which occurs when an agent (here, a physician) is engaged to advance the interests of another party, the principal (typically a patient), but also faces incentives to promote other interests. Studies suggest that at least some relationships--which include attending industry-sponsored presentations, meeting with marketing representatives, and accepting samples--can alter psychiatrists' and other physicians' behavior in ways that can compromise patients' interests, and that industry-funded research may create bias in the medical literature. These effects are difficult to detect in specific cases, however, because of asymmetries of information and may not be apparent even to physicians themselves. Principal-agent analysis suggests that the possible responses to such problems, including appeals to ethical principles, monitoring behavior, and managing risk-inducing situations, should include consideration of aligning agents' incentives with principals' interests. This type of analysis underscores the similarity of the issues raised by physicians' relationships with industry to problems that arise more generally in society, thus reducing physicians' potential affective responses to these issues and efforts to address them. Finally, such analysis directs attention to the benefits and costs of each alternative, thereby encouraging reliance on evidence as a basis for policy.

  7. Methods and kits for predicting a response to an erythropoietic agent

    DOEpatents

    Merchant, Michael L.; Klein, Jon B.; Brier, Michael E.; Gaweda, Adam E.

    2015-06-16

    Methods for predicting a response to an erythropoietic agent in a subject include providing a biological sample from the subject, and determining an amount in the sample of at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 1-17. If there is a measurable difference in the amount of the at least one peptide in the sample, when compared to a control level of the same peptide, the subject is then predicted to have a good response or a poor response to the erythropoietic agent. Kits for predicting a response to an erythropoietic agent are further provided and include one or more antibodies, or fragments thereof, that specifically recognize a peptide of SEQ ID NOS: 1-17.

  8. Liposome encapsulation of chelating agents

    DOEpatents

    Rahman, Yueh Erh

    1976-01-13

    A method for transferring a chelating agent across a cellular membrane by encapsulating the charged chelating agent within liposomes and carrying the liposome-encapsulated chelating agent to the cellular membrane where the liposomes containing the chelating agent will be taken up by the cells, thereby transferring the chelating agent across the cellular membrane. A chelating agent can be introduced into the interior of a cell of a living organism wherein the liposomes will be decomposed, releasing the chelating agent to the interior of the cell. The released chelating agent will complex intracellularly deposited toxic heavy metals, permitting the more soluble metal complex to transfer across the cellular membrane from the cell and subsequently be removed from the living organism.

  9. Biomorphic Multi-Agent Architecture for Persistent Computing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lodding, Kenneth N.; Brewster, Paul

    2009-01-01

    A multi-agent software/hardware architecture, inspired by the multicellular nature of living organisms, has been proposed as the basis of design of a robust, reliable, persistent computing system. Just as a multicellular organism can adapt to changing environmental conditions and can survive despite the failure of individual cells, a multi-agent computing system, as envisioned, could adapt to changing hardware, software, and environmental conditions. In particular, the computing system could continue to function (perhaps at a reduced but still reasonable level of performance) if one or more component( s) of the system were to fail. One of the defining characteristics of a multicellular organism is unity of purpose. In biology, the purpose is survival of the organism. The purpose of the proposed multi-agent architecture is to provide a persistent computing environment in harsh conditions in which repair is difficult or impossible. A multi-agent, organism-like computing system would be a single entity built from agents or cells. Each agent or cell would be a discrete hardware processing unit that would include a data processor with local memory, an internal clock, and a suite of communication equipment capable of both local line-of-sight communications and global broadcast communications. Some cells, denoted specialist cells, could contain such additional hardware as sensors and emitters. Each cell would be independent in the sense that there would be no global clock, no global (shared) memory, no pre-assigned cell identifiers, no pre-defined network topology, and no centralized brain or control structure. Like each cell in a living organism, each agent or cell of the computing system would contain a full description of the system encoded as genes, but in this case, the genes would be components of a software genome.

  10. Double agents and secret agents: the emerging fields of exogenous chemical exchange saturation transfer and T2-exchange magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents for molecular imaging.

    PubMed

    Daryaei, Iman; Pagel, Mark D

    2015-01-01

    Two relatively new types of exogenous magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents may provide greater impact for molecular imaging by providing greater specificity for detecting molecular imaging biomarkers. Exogenous chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) agents rely on the selective saturation of the magnetization of a proton on an agent, followed by chemical exchange of a proton from the agent to water. The selective detection of a biomarker-responsive CEST signal and an unresponsive CEST signal, followed by the ratiometric comparison of these signals, can improve biomarker specificity. We refer to this improvement as a "double-agent" approach to molecular imaging. Exogenous T 2 -exchange agents also rely on chemical exchange of protons between the agent and water, especially with an intermediate rate that lies between the slow exchange rates of CEST agents and the fast exchange rates of traditional T 1 and T 2 agents. Because of this intermediate exchange rate, these agents have been relatively unknown and have acted as "secret agents" in the contrast agent research field. This review exposes these secret agents and describes the merits of double agents through examples of exogenous agents that detect enzyme activity, nucleic acids and gene expression, metabolites, ions, redox state, temperature, and pH. Future directions are also provided for improving both types of contrast agents for improved molecular imaging and clinical translation. Therefore, this review provides an overview of two new types of exogenous contrast agents that are becoming useful tools within the armamentarium of molecular imaging.

  11. Ferrimagnetic susceptibility contrast agents.

    PubMed

    Bach-Gansmo, T

    1993-01-01

    Contrast agents based on superparamagnetic particles have been in clinical development for more than 5 years, and the complexity of their effects is still not elucidated. The relaxivities are frequently used to give an idea of their efficacy, but these parameters can only be used if they are concentration independent. For large superparamagnetic systems, the evolution of the transverse magnetization is biexponential, after an initial loss of magnetization. Both these characteristics of large superparamagnetic systems should lead to prudence in using the relaxivities as indicators of contrast medium efficacy. Susceptibility induced artefacts have been associated with the use of superparamagnetic contrast agents since the first imaging evaluation took place. The range of concentrations where good contrast effect was achieved without inducing artefacts, as well as blurring and metal artefacts were evaluated. The influence of motion on the induction of artefacts was studied, and compared to the artefacts induced by a paramagnetic agent subject to motion. With a suitable concentration of a negative contrast agent, a signal void could be achieved in the region prone to motion, and no artefacts were induced. If the concentration was too high, a displacement of the region close to the contrast agent was observed. The artefacts occurred in a volume surrounding the contrast agent, i.e., also outside the imaging plane. In comparison a positive, paramagnetic contrast agent induced heavy artefacts in the phase encoding direction, appearing as both high intensity regions and black holes, in a mosaic pattern. Clinical trials of the oral contrast agent OMP for abdominal MR imaging showed this agent to be safe and efficacious. OMP increased the diagnostic efficacy of abdominal MR imaging in 2 of 3 cases examined, with a significant decrease in motion artefacts. Susceptibility contrast agents may also be of use in the evaluation of small lesions in the liver. Particulate material

  12. Chronic Heart Failure Follow-up Management Based on Agent Technology.

    PubMed

    Mohammadzadeh, Niloofar; Safdari, Reza

    2015-10-01

    Monitoring heart failure patients through continues assessment of sign and symptoms by information technology tools lead to large reduction in re-hospitalization. Agent technology is one of the strongest artificial intelligence areas; therefore, it can be expected to facilitate, accelerate, and improve health services especially in home care and telemedicine. The aim of this article is to provide an agent-based model for chronic heart failure (CHF) follow-up management. This research was performed in 2013-2014 to determine appropriate scenarios and the data required to monitor and follow-up CHF patients, and then an agent-based model was designed. Agents in the proposed model perform the following tasks: medical data access, communication with other agents of the framework and intelligent data analysis, including medical data processing, reasoning, negotiation for decision-making, and learning capabilities. The proposed multi-agent system has ability to learn and thus improve itself. Implementation of this model with more and various interval times at a broader level could achieve better results. The proposed multi-agent system is no substitute for cardiologists, but it could assist them in decision-making.

  13. Chronic Heart Failure Follow-up Management Based on Agent Technology

    PubMed Central

    Safdari, Reza

    2015-01-01

    Objectives Monitoring heart failure patients through continues assessment of sign and symptoms by information technology tools lead to large reduction in re-hospitalization. Agent technology is one of the strongest artificial intelligence areas; therefore, it can be expected to facilitate, accelerate, and improve health services especially in home care and telemedicine. The aim of this article is to provide an agent-based model for chronic heart failure (CHF) follow-up management. Methods This research was performed in 2013-2014 to determine appropriate scenarios and the data required to monitor and follow-up CHF patients, and then an agent-based model was designed. Results Agents in the proposed model perform the following tasks: medical data access, communication with other agents of the framework and intelligent data analysis, including medical data processing, reasoning, negotiation for decision-making, and learning capabilities. Conclusions The proposed multi-agent system has ability to learn and thus improve itself. Implementation of this model with more and various interval times at a broader level could achieve better results. The proposed multi-agent system is no substitute for cardiologists, but it could assist them in decision-making. PMID:26618038

  14. A CSP-Based Agent Modeling Framework for the Cougaar Agent-Based Architecture

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gracanin, Denis; Singh, H. Lally; Eltoweissy, Mohamed; Hinchey, Michael G.; Bohner, Shawn A.

    2005-01-01

    Cognitive Agent Architecture (Cougaar) is a Java-based architecture for large-scale distributed agent-based applications. A Cougaar agent is an autonomous software entity with behaviors that represent a real-world entity (e.g., a business process). A Cougaar-based Model Driven Architecture approach, currently under development, uses a description of system's functionality (requirements) to automatically implement the system in Cougaar. The Communicating Sequential Processes (CSP) formalism is used for the formal validation of the generated system. Two main agent components, a blackboard and a plugin, are modeled as CSP processes. A set of channels represents communications between the blackboard and individual plugins. The blackboard is represented as a CSP process that communicates with every agent in the collection. The developed CSP-based Cougaar modeling framework provides a starting point for a more complete formal verification of the automatically generated Cougaar code. Currently it is used to verify the behavior of an individual agent in terms of CSP properties and to analyze the corresponding Cougaar society.

  15. Pattern-oriented modeling of agent-based complex systems: Lessons from ecology

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Grimm, Volker; Revilla, Eloy; Berger, Uta; Jeltsch, Florian; Mooij, Wolf M.; Railsback, Steven F.; Thulke, Hans-Hermann; Weiner, Jacob; Wiegand, Thorsten; DeAngelis, Donald L.

    2005-01-01

    Agent-based complex systems are dynamic networks of many interacting agents; examples include ecosystems, financial markets, and cities. The search for general principles underlying the internal organization of such systems often uses bottom-up simulation models such as cellular automata and agent-based models. No general framework for designing, testing, and analyzing bottom-up models has yet been established, but recent advances in ecological modeling have come together in a general strategy we call pattern-oriented modeling. This strategy provides a unifying framework for decoding the internal organization of agent-based complex systems and may lead toward unifying algorithmic theories of the relation between adaptive behavior and system complexity.

  16. Pattern-Oriented Modeling of Agent-Based Complex Systems: Lessons from Ecology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grimm, Volker; Revilla, Eloy; Berger, Uta; Jeltsch, Florian; Mooij, Wolf M.; Railsback, Steven F.; Thulke, Hans-Hermann; Weiner, Jacob; Wiegand, Thorsten; DeAngelis, Donald L.

    2005-11-01

    Agent-based complex systems are dynamic networks of many interacting agents; examples include ecosystems, financial markets, and cities. The search for general principles underlying the internal organization of such systems often uses bottom-up simulation models such as cellular automata and agent-based models. No general framework for designing, testing, and analyzing bottom-up models has yet been established, but recent advances in ecological modeling have come together in a general strategy we call pattern-oriented modeling. This strategy provides a unifying framework for decoding the internal organization of agent-based complex systems and may lead toward unifying algorithmic theories of the relation between adaptive behavior and system complexity.

  17. Evaluation of new antiemetic agents and definition of antineoplastic agent emetogenicity--an update.

    PubMed

    Grunberg, Steven M; Osoba, David; Hesketh, Paul J; Gralla, Richard J; Borjeson, Sussanne; Rapoport, Bernardo L; du Bois, Andreas; Tonato, Maurizio

    2005-02-01

    Development of effective antiemetic therapy depends upon an understanding of both the antiemetic agents and the emetogenic challenges these agents are designed to address. New potential antiemetic agents should be studied in an orderly manner, proceeding from phase I to phase II open-label trials and then to randomized double-blind phase III trials comparing new agents and regimens to best standard therapy. Use of placebos in place of antiemetic therapy against highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy is unacceptable. Nausea and vomiting should be evaluated separately and for both the acute and delayed periods. Defining the emetogenicity of new antineoplastic agents is a challenge, since such data are often not reliably recorded during early drug development. A four-level classification system is proposed for emetogenicity of intravenous antineoplastic agents. A separate four-level classification system for emetogenicity of oral antineoplastic agents, which are often given over an extended period of time, is also proposed.

  18. Curcumin inhibits cancer stem cell phenotypes in ex vivo models of colorectal liver metastases, and is clinically safe and tolerable in combination with FOLFOX chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    James, Mark I.; Iwuji, Chinenye; Irving, Glen; Karmokar, Ankur; Higgins, Jennifer A.; Griffin-Teal, Nicola; Thomas, Anne; Greaves, Peter; Cai, Hong; Patel, Samita R.; Morgan, Bruno; Dennison, Ashley; Metcalfe, Matthew; Garcea, Giuseppe; Lloyd, David M.; Berry, David P.; Steward, William P.; Howells, Lynne M.; Brown, Karen

    2015-01-01

    In vitro and pre-clinical studies have suggested that addition of the diet-derived agent curcumin may provide a suitable adjunct to enhance efficacy of chemotherapy in models of colorectal cancer. However, the majority of evidence for this currently derives from established cell lines. Here, we utilised patient-derived colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) to assess whether curcumin may provide added benefit over 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) in cancer stem cell (CSC) models. Combination of curcumin with FOLFOX chemotherapy was then assessed clinically in a phase I dose escalation study. Curcumin alone and in combination significantly reduced spheroid number in CRLM CSC models, and decreased the number of cells with high aldehyde dehydrogenase activity (ALDHhigh/CD133−). Addition of curcumin to oxaliplatin/5-FU enhanced anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in a proportion of patient-derived explants, whilst reducing expression of stem cell-associated markers ALDH and CD133. The phase I dose escalation study revealed curcumin to be a safe and tolerable adjunct to FOLFOX chemotherapy in patients with CRLM (n = 12) at doses up to 2 grams daily. Curcumin may provide added benefit in subsets of patients when administered with FOLFOX, and is a well-tolerated chemotherapy adjunct. PMID:25979230

  19. Arsenic compounds as anticancer agents.

    PubMed

    Wang, Z Y

    2001-08-01

    In this paper the use of arsenic compounds as anticancer agents in clinical trials and in in vitro investigations is reviewed, including the experience at our institute. Treatment of newly diagnosed and relapsed patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with arsenic trioxide (As2O3) has been found to result in complete remission (CR) rates of 85-93% when given by intravenous infusion for 2-3 h at a dose of 10 mg/day diluted in 5% glucose saline solution. Patients exhibit a response in 28-42 days. CR rates after administration of Composite Indigo Naturalis tablets containing arsenic sulfide and of pure tetraarsenic tetrasulfide reached 98% and 84.9%, respectively. At higher concentrations (1-2 microM), arsenic induced apoptosis, while at lower concentrations (0.1-0.5 microM), it triggered cell differentiation in vitro. As2O3-induced apoptosis has been observed in many cancer cell lines, including esophageal carcinoma, gastric cancer, neuroblastoma, lymphoid malignancies, and multiple myeloma. Its effectiveness was confirmed in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Arsenic compounds are effective agents in the treatment of APL and their activity against other types of cancer requires further investigation.

  20. Research progress of cardioprotective agents for prevention of anthracycline cardiotoxicity.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jing; Cui, Xiaohai; Yan, Yan; Li, Min; Yang, Ya; Wang, Jiansheng; Zhang, Jia

    2016-01-01

    Anthracyclines, including doxorubicin, epirubicin, daunorubicin and aclarubicin, are widely used as chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of hematologic and solid tumor, including acute leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, gastric cancer, soft tissue sarcomas and ovarian cancer. In the cancer treatment, anthracyclines also can be combined with other chemotherapies and molecular-targeted drugs. The combination of anthracyclines with other therapies is usually the first-line treatment. Anthracyclines are effective and potent agents with a broad antitumor spectrum, but may cause adverse reactions, including hair loss, myelotoxicity, as well as cardiotoxicity. We used hematopoietic stimulating factors to control the myelotoxicity, such as G-CSF, EPO and TPO. However, the cardiotoxicity is the most serious side effect of anthracyclines. Clinical research and practical observations indicated that the cardiotoxicity of anthracyclines is commonly progressive and irreversible. Especially to those patients who have the first time use of anthracyclines, the damage is common. Therefore, early detection and prevention of anthracyclines induced cardiotoxicity are particularly important and has already aroused more attention in clinic. By literature review, we reviewed the research progress of cardioprotective agents for prevention of anthracycline cardiotoxicity.

  1. The Three Bacterial Lines of Defense against Antimicrobial Agents.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Gang; Shi, Qing-Shan; Huang, Xiao-Mo; Xie, Xiao-Bao

    2015-09-09

    Antimicrobial agents target a range of extra- and/or intracellular loci from cytoplasmic wall to membrane, intracellular enzymes and genetic materials. Meanwhile, many resistance mechanisms employed by bacteria to counter antimicrobial agents have been found and reported in the past decades. Based on their spatially distinct sites of action and distribution of location, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms of bacteria were categorized into three groups, coined the three lines of bacterial defense in this review. The first line of defense is biofilms, which can be formed by most bacteria to overcome the action of antimicrobial agents. In addition, some other bacteria employ the second line of defense, the cell wall, cell membrane, and encased efflux pumps. When antimicrobial agents permeate the first two lines of defense and finally reach the cytoplasm, many bacteria will make use of the third line of defense, including alterations of intracellular materials and gene regulation to protect themselves from harm by bactericides. The presented three lines of defense theory will help us to understand the bacterial resistance mechanisms against antimicrobial agents and design efficient strategies to overcome these resistances.

  2. Passive Standoff Detection of Chemical Warfare Agents on Surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thériault, Jean-Marc; Puckrin, Eldon; Hancock, Jim; Lecavalier, Pierre; Lepage, Carmela Jackson; Jensen, James O.

    2004-11-01

    Results are presented on the passive standoff detection and identification of chemical warfare (CW) liquid agents on surfaces by the Fourier-transform IR radiometry. This study was performed during surface contamination trials at Defence Research and Development Canada-Suffield in September 2002. The goal was to verify that passive long-wave IR spectrometric sensors can potentially remotely detect surfaces contaminated with CW agents. The passive sensor, the Compact Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer, was used in the trial to obtain laboratory and field measurements of CW liquid agents, HD and VX. The agents were applied to high-reflectivity surfaces of aluminum, low-reflectivity surfaces of Mylar, and several other materials including an armored personnel carrier. The field measurements were obtained at a standoff distance of 60 m from the target surfaces. Results indicate that liquid contaminant agents deposited on high-reflectivity surfaces can be detected, identified, and possibly quantified with passive sensors. For low-reflectivity surfaces the presence of the contaminants can usually be detected; however, their identification based on simple correlations with the absorption spectrum of the pure contaminant is not possible.

  3. ATM regulates 3-Methylpurine-DNA glycosylase and promotes therapeutic resistance to alkylating agents

    PubMed Central

    Agnihotri, Sameer; Burrell, Kelly; Buczkowicz, Pawel; Remke, Marc; Golbourn, Brian; Chornenkyy, Yevgen; Gajadhar, Aaron; Fernandez, Nestor A.; Clarke, Ian D.; Barszczyk, Mark S.; Pajovic, Sanja; Ternamian, Christian; Head, Renee; Sabha, Nesrin; Sobol, Robert W.; Taylor, Michael D; Rutka, James T.; Jones, Chris; Dirks, Peter B.; Zadeh, Gelareh; Hawkins, Cynthia

    2014-01-01

    Alkylating agents are a frontline therapy for the treatment of several aggressive cancers including pediatric glioblastoma, a lethal tumor in children. Unfortunately, many tumors are resistant to this therapy. We sought to identify ways of sensitizing tumor cells to alkylating agents while leaving normal cells unharmed; increasing therapeutic response while minimizing toxicity. Using a siRNA screen targeting over 240 DNA damage response genes, we identified novel sensitizers to alkylating agents. In particular the base excision repair (BER) pathway, including 3-methylpurine-DNA glycosylase (MPG), as well as ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) were identified in our screen. Interestingly, we identified MPG as a direct novel substrate of ATM. ATM-mediated phosphorylation of MPG was required for enhanced MPG function. Importantly, combined inhibition or loss of MPG and ATM resulted in increased alkylating agent-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prolonged survival in vivo. The discovery of the ATM-MPG axis will lead to improved treatment of alkylating agent-resistant tumors. PMID:25100205

  4. Agent tracking: a psycho-historical theory of the identification of living and social agents.

    PubMed

    Bullot, Nicolas J

    To explain agent-identification behaviours, universalist theories in the biological and cognitive sciences have posited mental mechanisms thought to be universal to all humans, such as agent detection and face recognition mechanisms. These universalist theories have paid little attention to how particular sociocultural or historical contexts interact with the psychobiological processes of agent-identification. In contrast to universalist theories, contextualist theories appeal to particular historical and sociocultural contexts for explaining agent-identification. Contextualist theories tend to adopt idiographic methods aimed at recording the heterogeneity of human behaviours across history, space, and cultures. Defenders of the universalist approach tend to criticise idiographic methods because such methods can lead to relativism or may lack generality. To overcome explanatory limitations of proposals that adopt either universalist or contextualist approaches in isolation, I propose a philosophical model that integrates contributions from both traditions: the psycho-historical theory of agent-identification. This theory investigates how the tracking processes that humans use for identifying agents interact with the unique socio-historical contexts that support agent-identification practices. In integrating hypotheses about the history of agents with psychological and epistemological principles regarding agent-identification, the theory can generate novel hypotheses regarding the distinction between recognition-based, heuristic-based, and explanation-based agent-identification.

  5. Early results of multicenter phase II trial of perioperative oxaliplatin and capecitabine without radiotherapy for high-risk rectal cancer: CORONA I study.

    PubMed

    Kamiya, T; Uehara, K; Nakayama, G; Ishigure, K; Kobayashi, S; Hiramatsu, K; Nakayama, H; Yamashita, K; Sakamoto, E; Tojima, Y; Kawai, S; Kodera, Y; Nagino, M

    2016-06-01

    Perioperative introduction of developed chemotherapy into the treatment strategy for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) may be a promising option. However, the most prevalent treatment for high-risk LARC remains preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in Western countries. A phase II trial was undertaken to evaluate safety and efficacy of perioperative XELOX without radiotherapy (RT) for patients with high-risk LARC. Patients received 4 cycles of XELOX before and after surgery, respectively. Primary endpoint was disease-free survival. We enrolled 41 patients between June 2012 and April 2014. The completion rate of the preoperative XELOX was 90.3%. Twenty-nine patients (70.7%) could start postoperative XELOX, 15 of these patients (51.7%) completed 4 cycles. Allergic reaction to oxaliplatin was experienced by 5 patients (17.2%) during postoperative XELOX. One patient received additional RT after preoperative XELOX. Consequently, the remaining 40 patients underwent primary resection. Major complications occurred in 6 of 40 patients (15.0%). Pathological complete response (pCR) rate was 12.2%, and good tumor regression was exhibited in 31.7%. N down-staging (cN+ to ypN0) and T down-staging were detected in 56.7% and 52.5%, respectively. Clinical T4 tumor was a predictor of poor pathological response (p < 0.001). We could show the favorable pCR rate after preoperative XELOX alone. However, the T and N down-staging rate was likely to be insufficient. When tumor regression is essential for curative resection, the use of preoperative CRT is likely to be recommended. For patients with massive LN metastasis, the additional Bev to NAC might be a promising option. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Representation in dynamical agents.

    PubMed

    Ward, Ronnie; Ward, Robert

    2009-04-01

    This paper extends experiments by Beer [Beer, R. D. (1996). Toward the evolution of dynamical neural networks for minimally cognitive behavior. In P. Maes, M. Mataric, J. Meyer, J. Pollack, & S. Wilson (Eds.), From animals to animats 4: Proceedings of the fourth international conference on simulation of adaptive behavior (pp. 421-429). MIT Press; Beer, R. D. (2003). The dynamics of active categorical perception in an evolved model agent (with commentary and response). Adaptive Behavior, 11 (4), 209-243] with an evolved, dynamical agent to further explore the question of representation in cognitive systems. Beer's environmentally-situated visual agent was controlled by a continuous-time recurrent neural network, and evolved to perform a categorical perception task, discriminating circles from diamonds. Despite the agent's high levels of discrimination performance, Beer found no evidence of internal representation in the best-evolved agent's nervous system. Here we examine the generality of this result. We evolved an agent for shape discrimination, and performed extensive behavioral analyses to test for representation. In this case we find that agents developed to discriminate equal-width shapes exhibit what Clark [Clark, A. (1997). The dynamical challenge. Cognitive Science, 21 (4), 461-481] calls "weak-substantive representation". The agent had internal configurations that (1) were understandably related to the object in the environment, and (2) were functionally used in a task relevant way when the target was not visible to the agent.

  7. Milnacipran versus other antidepressive agents for depression.

    PubMed

    Nakagawa, Atsuo; Watanabe, Norio; Omori, Ichiro M; Barbui, Corrado; Cipriani, Andrea; McGuire, Hugh; Churchill, Rachel; Furukawa, Toshi A

    2009-07-08

    Although pharmacological and psychological interventions are both effective for major depression, antidepressant drugs are frequently used as first-line treatment in primary and secondary care settings. Milnacipran, a dual serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is one of the antidepressant drugs that clinicians use for routine depression care. To assess the evidence for the efficacy, acceptability and tolerability of milnacipran in comparison with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), heterocyclics, SSRIs and other newer antidepressive agents in the acute-phase treatment of major depression. The Cochrane Collaboration Depression, Anxiety & Neurosis review group Controlled Trials Register (CCDANCTR-Studies and CCDANCTR-References) were electronically searched in August 2008. References of relevant trials and other reviews were also checked. Trial databases of the drug-approving agencies and ongoing clinical trial registers for all published and unpublished trials were hand-searched in 2007. All relevant authors were contacted for supplemental data. No language restriction was applied. Randomised controlled trials comparing milnacipran with any other active antidepressive agents (including non-conventional agents such as herbal products like hypericum) as monotherapy in the acute phase of major depression were selected. Two reviewers independently checked eligibility, assessed methodological quality and extracted data from the eligible trials using a standardised data extraction form. The number of participants who responded to treatment or those who achieved remission were calculated on an intention-to-treat basis. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted, combining data from the included trials. A total of 16 randomised controlled trials (n=2277) were included in the meta-analysis.Despite the size of this sample, the pooled 95% confidence intervals were rather wide and there were no statistically significant differences in efficacy, acceptability and

  8. A novel in-situ-gelling liquid suppository for site-targeting delivery of anti-colorectal cancer drugs.

    PubMed

    Lin, Hong-Ru; Tseng, Chao-Chih; Lin, Yiu-Jiuan; Ling, Ming-Hung

    2012-01-01

    In order to avoid anti-cancer drugs undergoing a first-pass effect and reduce their toxicity, and to solve conventional suppositories defects, we developed an in-situ-gelling and injectable Pluronic-poly(acrylic acid) (Pluronic-PAA) liquid suppository, which could gel fast in the physiological state and had suitable gel strength and bioadhesive force. The liquid suppositories were inserted into the rectum of rabbits without difficulty and leakage, and retained in the rectum for at least 6 h and while releasing the drug. The toxicity and cytotoxic tests indicated that Pluronic and PAA were non-toxic materials and could inhibit colon cancer cells when oxaliplatin was incorporated. C max and AUC0→12h values of oxaliplatin after rectal administration of a oxaliplatin suppository were higher than those for an oxaliplatin solution administered orally. These results suggest that an in-situ-gelling and injectable liquid suppository for humans can be further developed as a more convenient and effective rectal dosage form.

  9. Oxaliplatin Plus Dual Inhibition of Thymidilate Synthase During Preoperative Pelvic Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Carcinoma: Long-Term Outcome

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Avallone, Antonio, E-mail: avalloneantonio@libero.i; Delrio, Paolo; Pecori, Biagio

    Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of oxaliplatin (OXA) plus dual inhibition of thymidilate synthase during preoperative pelvic radiotherapy (RT) in patients with poor prognosis for rectal carcinoma. Methods and Materials: Sixty-three patients with the following characteristics, a clinical (c) stage T4, cN1-2, or cT3N0 of {<=}5 cm from the anal verge and/or with a circumferential resection margin (CRM) of {<=}5 mm (by magnetic resonance imaging), received three biweekly courses of chemotherapy with OXA, 100 mg/m{sup 2}; raltitrexed (RTX), 2.5 mg/m{sup 2} on day 1, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), 900 mg/m{sup 2} (31 patients) or 800 mg/m{sup 2} (32 patients);more » levo-folinic acid (LFA), 250 mg/m{sup 2} on day 2, during pelvic RT (45 Gy). Pathologic response was defined as complete pathological response (ypCR), major (tumor regression grade(TRG) 2 to 3, with ypCRM-ve and ypN-ve) or minor or no response (TRG4 to -5, or ypCRM+ve, or ypN+ve). Adjuvant 5-FU/LFA regimen was given in cases of cT4, ypN+ve, or ypCRM+ve. Results: Overall, neutropenia (40%) and diarrhea (13%) were the most common grade {>=}3 toxicities, and tolerability was better with a 5-FU dose reduction. No significant difference in pathologic response was seen according 5-FU dosage: overall, a ypCR was obtained in 24 (39%) patients, and a major response in 20 (32%) patients. The 5-year probability of freedom from recurrence was 80% (95% confidence interval, 68%-92%); it was 56% for the minor/no response group, while it was around 90% for both the ypCR and the major response group. Conclusions: OXA, RTX, and 5-FU/LFA administered during pelvic RT produced promising early and long-term results in rectal carcinoma patients with poor prognosis. The postoperative treatment strategy applied in our study supports the risk-adapted approach in postoperative management.« less

  10. Modeling of a production system using the multi-agent approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gwiazda, A.; Sękala, A.; Banaś, W.

    2017-08-01

    The method that allows for the analysis of complex systems is a multi-agent simulation. The multi-agent simulation (Agent-based modeling and simulation - ABMS) is modeling of complex systems consisting of independent agents. In the case of the model of the production system agents may be manufactured pieces set apart from other types of agents like machine tools, conveyors or replacements stands. Agents are magazines and buffers. More generally speaking, the agents in the model can be single individuals, but you can also be defined as agents of collective entities. They are allowed hierarchical structures. It means that a single agent could belong to a certain class. Depending on the needs of the agent may also be a natural or physical resource. From a technical point of view, the agent is a bundle of data and rules describing its behavior in different situations. Agents can be autonomous or non-autonomous in making the decision about the types of classes of agents, class sizes and types of connections between elements of the system. Multi-agent modeling is a very flexible technique for modeling and model creating in the convention that could be adapted to any research problem analyzed from different points of views. One of the major problems associated with the organization of production is the spatial organization of the production process. Secondly, it is important to include the optimal scheduling. For this purpose use can approach multi-purposeful. In this regard, the model of the production process will refer to the design and scheduling of production space for four different elements. The program system was developed in the environment NetLogo. It was also used elements of artificial intelligence. The main agent represents the manufactured pieces that, according to previously assumed rules, generate the technological route and allow preprint the schedule of that line. Machine lines, reorientation stands, conveyors and transport devices also represent the

  11. The value of less connected agents in Boolean networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Epstein, Daniel; Bazzan, Ana L. C.

    2013-11-01

    In multiagent systems, agents often face binary decisions where one seeks to take either the minority or the majority side. Examples are minority and congestion games in general, i.e., situations that require coordination among the agents in order to depict efficient decisions. In minority games such as the El Farol Bar Problem, previous works have shown that agents may reach appropriate levels of coordination, mostly by looking at the history of past decisions. Not many works consider any kind of structure of the social network, i.e., how agents are connected. Moreover, when structure is indeed considered, it assumes some kind of random network with a given, fixed connectivity degree. The present paper departs from the conventional approach in some ways. First, it considers more realistic network topologies, based on preferential attachments. This is especially useful in social networks. Second, the formalism of random Boolean networks is used to help agents to make decisions given their attachments (for example acquaintances). This is coupled with a reinforcement learning mechanism that allows agents to select strategies that are locally and globally efficient. Third, we use agent-based modeling and simulation, a microscopic approach, which allows us to draw conclusions about individuals and/or classes of individuals. Finally, for the sake of illustration we use two different scenarios, namely the El Farol Bar Problem and a binary route choice scenario. With this approach we target systems that adapt dynamically to changes in the environment, including other adaptive decision-makers. Our results using preferential attachments and random Boolean networks are threefold. First we show that an efficient equilibrium can be achieved, provided agents do experimentation. Second, microscopic analysis show that influential agents tend to consider few inputs in their Boolean functions. Third, we have also conducted measurements related to network clustering and centrality

  12. Dose-finding study of intensive weekly alternating schedule of docetaxel, 5-fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin, FD/FOx regimen, in metastatic gastric cancer.

    PubMed

    Bruera, Gemma; Massacese, Silvia; Galvano, Antonio; Mas, Antonella Dal; Guadagni, Stefano; Calvisi, Giuseppe; Ciacco, Eugenio; Russo, Antonio; Ricevuto, Enrico

    2018-04-17

    Proper administration timing, dose-intensity, efficacy/toxicity ratio of triplet docetaxel (DTX), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and oxaliplatin (OXP) should be improved to safely perform three-drugs intensive first line in advanced gastric cancer (GC). This dose-finding study investigated recommended 5-FU and OXP doses, safety of triplet regimen and preliminary activity. Schedule: 12h-timed-flat-infusion 5-FU 700-1000 mg/m 2 /d 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, with 100 mg/m 2 /d increase for dose level; DTX 50 mg/m 2 d 1, 15 fixed dose, OXP at three increasing dose-levels 60-70-80 mg/m 2 d 8, 22, every 4 weeks. Intra- and inter-patients dose-escalation was planned. Ten fit <75 years patients were enrolled: median age 59; young-elderly 4 (40%). From first to fifth dose level, 5 patients (1 per cohort) were enrolled according to intra-patient dose escalation, no dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) were reported. At sixth level, 1 DLT, G2 diarrhea, was reported, thus other 2 patients were enrolled, DLT 1/3 patients (33%). Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not reached. 5-FU and OXP recommended doses (RD) were 1000 mg/m 2 /d and 80 mg/m 2 , respectively. To confirm RD, other 3 patients were enrolled, without DLT. Cumulative G3-4 toxicities were: neutropenia 50%, leucopenia 20%, hypoalbuminemia 10%, mucositis 10%, asthenia 20%. Limiting toxicity syndromes were 30%, 25% in young-elderly, all multiple site. Objective response rate intent-to-treat 60%, disease control rate 90%. After 15 months follow-up, progression-free and overall survival, 6 and 17 months, respectively. First line intensive FD/FOx regimen adding DXT/5-FU/OXP can be safely administered at recommended doses in advanced GC, with promising high activity and efficacy.

  13. Phase I Study of Oxaliplatin in Combination With Capecitabine and Radiotherapy as Postoperative Treatment for Stage II and III Rectal Cancer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jin Jing; Li Yexiong; Wang Jinwan

    Purpose: A Phase I study was conducted to determine the maximal tolerated dose and the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of oxaliplatin (OXA) combined with capecitabine and radiotherapy as adjuvant treatment in patients with operable rectal cancer. Patients and Methods: A total of 21 patients with Stage II or III rectal adenocarcinoma after curative surgery were treated with radiotherapy to a total dose of 50 Gy in 5 weeks. OXA was administered at a dosage of 40 (n = 6), 50 (n = 3),60 (n = 3), 70 (n = 3), or 80 mg/m{sup 2} (n = 6) once a week formore » 2 weeks (first cycle) followed by a second cycle after a 7-day break. Capecitabine at a fixed dose of 1,300 mg/m{sup 2}/d was administered orally at the same schedule as for OXA. DLT was defined as Grade 3 or 4 hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity. Results: Grade 1-3 leukopenia, diarrhea, and nausea/vomiting were the most common toxic side effects, and most were Grade 1-2. A DLT was first observed in 1 of 3 patients at 40 mg/m{sup 2} (Grade 3 diarrhea) but was not observed in the next 3 patients at the same level or in patients who received a dose level of 50-70 mg/m{sup 2}. At 80 mg/m{sup 2}, DLT occurred in 3 of 6 patients (1 Grade 4 leukopenia and 2 Grade 3 diarrhea). Conclusions: OXA combined with a fixed dose of capecitabine at 625 mg/m{sup 2} twice daily by mouth plus radiotherapy in the adjuvant setting was tolerable and clinically feasible. The maximal tolerated dose of OXA in this setting was 80 mg/m{sup 2}, comparable to the maximal tolerated dose of OXA in the neoadjuvant setting.« less

  14. Precision medicine in colorectal cancer: the molecular profile alters treatment strategies.

    PubMed

    Tran, Nguyen H; Cavalcante, Ludmila L; Lubner, Sam J; Mulkerin, Daniel L; LoConte, Noelle K; Clipson, Linda; Matkowskyj, Kristina A; Deming, Dustin A

    2015-09-01

    When considering treatment options for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), molecular profiling has become a pivotal component in guiding clinical decisions. FOLFOX and FOLFIRI (fluorouracuil, leucovorin plus oxaliplatin or ininotecan, respectively) are the standard base regimens used for the treatment of mCRC. Biologic agents, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted therapies, cetuximab and panitumumab and the vascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibody, bevacizumab, are safe and effective in the first-line setting. The most efficacious use of these agents in terms of timing and selection of the right patient population continues to be debated. Here we review multiple investigations into the effectiveness of treatment options as a function of the mutations present in colon cancers. Early studies have reported that KRAS mutations at exon 2 predict resistance to EGFR targeted therapies. More recently the data have expanded to include KRAS mutations at exons 3 and 4 and NRAS mutations at exons 2, 3 and 4 as well as other biomarkers including BRAF and PIK3CA, leading to the evolution of the treatment of mCRC to a more precision-based approach. As our understanding of relevant biomarkers increases, and data from both molecular profiling and treatment response become more readily available, treatment options will become more precise and their outcomes more effective.

  15. TNF-alpha antagonist induced lupus on three different agents.

    PubMed

    Mudduluru, Bindu Madhavi; Shah, Shalin; Shamah, Steven; Swaminath, Arun

    2017-03-01

    Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) antagonists are biologic agents used in the management of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative spondyloarthropathies and inflammatory bowel disease. These agents have been recently shown to cause a syndrome called anti-TNF induced lupus (ATIL), a rare condition which has similar clinical manifestations to idiopathic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Given that extra-intestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease include arthritis, it can be difficult to separate arthritis due to underlying disease from drug-induced arthritis. We present a case of a 28-year-old female with Crohn's disease, who developed disabling arthritis as a clinical manifestation of ATIL following treatment with three anti-TNF agents, namely infliximab, adalimumab and certolizumab.

  16. Contrast agents in dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

    PubMed Central

    Yan, Yuling; Sun, Xilin; Shen, Baozhong

    2017-01-01

    Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is a noninvasive method to assess angiogenesis, which is widely used in clinical applications including diagnosis, monitoring therapy response and prognosis estimation in cancer patients. Contrast agents play a crucial role in DCE-MRI and should be carefully selected in order to improve accuracy in DCE-MRI examination. Over the past decades, there was much progress in the development of optimal contrast agents in DCE-MRI. In this review, we describe the recent research advances in this field and discuss properties of contrast agents, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we discuss the research perspectives for improving this promising imaging method. PMID:28415647

  17. Agent oriented programming: An overview of the framework and summary of recent research

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shoham, Yoav

    1993-01-01

    This is a short overview of the agent-oriented programming (AOP) framework. AOP can be viewed as an specialization of object-oriented programming. The state of an agent consists of components called beliefs, choices, capabilities, commitments, and possibly others; for this reason the state of an agent is called its mental state. The mental state of agents is captured formally in an extension of standard epistemic logics: beside temporalizing the knowledge and belief operators, AOP introduces operators for commitment, choice and capability. Agents are controlled by agent programs, which include primitives for communicating with other agents. In the spirit of speech-act theory, each communication primitive is of a certain type: informing, requesting, offering, etc. This document describes these features in more detail and summarizes recent results and ongoing AOP-related work.

  18. Methyl methacrylate as a healing agent for self-healing cementitious materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Van Tittelboom, K.; Adesanya, K.; Dubruel, P.; Van Puyvelde, P.; De Belie, N.

    2011-12-01

    Different types of healing agents have already been tested on their efficiency for use in self-healing cementitious materials. Generally, commercial healing agents are used while their properties are adjusted for manual crack repair and not for autonomous crack healing. Consequently, the amount of regain in properties due to self-healing of cracks is limited. In this research, a methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based healing agent was developed specifically for use in self-healing cementitious materials. Various parameters were optimized including the viscosity, curing time, strength, etc. After the desired properties were obtained, the healing agent was encapsulated and screened for its self-healing efficiency. The decrease in water permeability due to autonomous crack healing using MMA as a healing agent was similar to the results obtained for manually healed cracks. First results seem promising: however, further research needs to be undertaken in order to obtain an optimal healing agent ready for use in practice.

  19. Agent Model Development for Assessing Climate-Induced Geopolitical Instability.

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Boslough, Mark B.; Backus, George A.

    2005-12-01

    We present the initial stages of development of new agent-based computational methods to generate and test hypotheses about linkages between environmental change and international instability. This report summarizes the first year's effort of an originally proposed three-year Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project. The preliminary work focused on a set of simple agent-based models and benefited from lessons learned in previous related projects and case studies of human response to climate change and environmental scarcity. Our approach was to define a qualitative model using extremely simple cellular agent models akin to Lovelock's Daisyworld and Schelling's segregation model. Such modelsmore » do not require significant computing resources, and users can modify behavior rules to gain insights. One of the difficulties in agent-based modeling is finding the right balance between model simplicity and real-world representation. Our approach was to keep agent behaviors as simple as possible during the development stage (described herein) and to ground them with a realistic geospatial Earth system model in subsequent years. This work is directed toward incorporating projected climate data--including various C02 scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Third Assessment Report--and ultimately toward coupling a useful agent-based model to a general circulation model.3« less

  20. Development and verification of an agent-based model of opinion leadership.

    PubMed

    Anderson, Christine A; Titler, Marita G

    2014-09-27

    The use of opinion leaders is a strategy used to speed the process of translating research into practice. Much is still unknown about opinion leader attributes and activities and the context in which they are most effective. Agent-based modeling is a methodological tool that enables demonstration of the interactive and dynamic effects of individuals and their behaviors on other individuals in the environment. The purpose of this study was to develop and test an agent-based model of opinion leadership. The details of the design and verification of the model are presented. The agent-based model was developed by using a software development platform to translate an underlying conceptual model of opinion leadership into a computer model. Individual agent attributes (for example, motives and credibility) and behaviors (seeking or providing an opinion) were specified as variables in the model in the context of a fictitious patient care unit. The verification process was designed to test whether or not the agent-based model was capable of reproducing the conditions of the preliminary conceptual model. The verification methods included iterative programmatic testing ('debugging') and exploratory analysis of simulated data obtained from execution of the model. The simulation tests included a parameter sweep, in which the model input variables were adjusted systematically followed by an individual time series experiment. Statistical analysis of model output for the 288 possible simulation scenarios in the parameter sweep revealed that the agent-based model was performing, consistent with the posited relationships in the underlying model. Nurse opinion leaders act on the strength of their beliefs and as a result, become an opinion resource for their uncertain colleagues, depending on their perceived credibility. Over time, some nurses consistently act as this type of resource and have the potential to emerge as opinion leaders in a context where uncertainty exists. The