Sample records for early chemotherapy response

  1. Ultrasonic RF time series for early assessment of the tumor response to chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Lin, Qingguang; Wang, Jianwei; Li, Qing; Lin, Chunyi; Guo, Zhixing; Zheng, Wei; Yan, Cuiju; Li, Anhua; Zhou, Jianhua

    2018-01-05

    Ultrasound radio-frequency (RF) time series have been shown to carry tissue typing information. To evaluate the potential of RF time series for early prediction of tumor response to chemotherapy, 50MCF-7 breast cancer-bearing nude mice were randomized to receive cisplatin and paclitaxel (treatment group; n = 26) or sterile saline (control group; n = 24). Sequential ultrasound imaging was performed on days 0, 3, 6, and 8 of treatment to simultaneously collect B-mode images and RF data. Six RF time series features, slope, intercept, S1, S2, S3 , and S4 , were extracted during RF data analysis and contrasted with microstructural tumor changes on histopathology. Chemotherapy administration reduced tumor growth relative to control on days 6 and 8. Compared with day 0, intercept, S1 , and S2 were increased while slope was decreased on days 3, 6, and 8 in the treatment group. Compared with the control group, intercept, S1, S2, S3 , and S4 were increased, and slope was decreased, on days 3, 6, and 8 in the treatment group. Tumor cell density decreased significantly in the latter on day 3. We conclude that ultrasonic RF time series analysis provides a simple way to noninvasively assess the early tumor response to chemotherapy.

  2. Correlation of Early Recurrence With In Vitro Adenosine Triphosphate Based Chemotherapy Response Assay in Pancreas Cancer With Postoperative Gemcitabine Chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Park, Joon Seong; Kim, Jae Keun; Yoon, Dong Sup

    2016-11-01

    Gemcitabine-based regimens represent the standard systemic first line treatment in patients after pancreatic resection. However, the clinical impact of gemcitabine varies significantly in individuals because of chemoresistance. An in vitro adenosine triphosphate based chemotherapy response assay (ATP-CRA) was designed to evaluate the sensitivity of cancer cells to various chemotherapeutic agents. This study investigated the correlation between in vitro gemcitabine sensitivity of tumor cells and early recurrence after curative resection. From January 2007 to December 2010, the ATP-CRA for gemcitabine was tested in 64 patients surgically treated for pancreas cancer at Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. We analyzed the relationship between chemosensitivity and early systemic recurrence in patients with pancreas cancer to predict disease-free survival (DFS) after curative resection in pancreas cancer. The mean cell death rate (CDR) was 20.0 (±14.5) and divided into two groups according to the mean values of the CDR. Lymphovascular invasion was more frequently shown in gemcitabine resistance group without statistical significance. In univariate and multivariate analysis, advanced tumor stage and gemcitabine sensitive group (CDR ≥ 20) were identified as independent prognostic factors for DFS. Gemcitabine sensitivity measured by ATP-CRA was well correlated with in vivo drug responsibility to predict early recurrence following gemcitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with pancreas cancer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  3. Rapid and early α-fetoprotein and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin responses to initial arterial infusion chemotherapy predict treatment outcomes of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    OYAMA, KENJI; KODA, MASAHIKO; SUGIHARA, TAKAAKI; KISHINA, MANABU; MIYOSHI, KENICHI; OKAMOTO, TOSHIAKI; HODOTSUKA, MASANORI; FUJISE, YUKI; MATONO, TOMOMITSU; TOKUNAGA, SHIHO; OKAMOTO, KINYA; HOSHO, KEIKO; OKANO, JUNICHI; MURAWAKI, YOSHIKAZU

    2015-01-01

    The aim of the present study was to predict the effects of transarterial infusion (TAI) chemotherapy based on early changes in α-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Seventy-four patients who underwent TAI with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin C and epirubicin for advanced HCC were enrolled. Antitumor responses were evaluated 6 months after TAI. Rapid and early responses were defined as the ratio of AFP or DCP after 1 week and 1 month compared to baseline. A total of 5, 10, 17 and 42 patients had complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) or progressive disease (PD), respectively. Early AFP response was significantly lower in the CR+PR compared to the SD+PD groups (P<0.01). The early DCP response was significantly lower in the CR+PR compared to the SD+PD. The sensitivity and specificity of rapid and early AFP responses in the CR+PR were 0.78 and 0.72, and 0.80 and 0.73, respectively, and those of rapid and early DCP responses were 0.67 and 0.65, and 0.77 and 0.71, respectively. The combination of AFP and DCP responses had higher specificity compared to AFP or DCP alone responses. Patients were divided into responder and non-responder groups to evaluate the prediction of survival outcome. Early responders of AFP, DCP and AFP+DCP, who were divided based on the cut-off values of CR+PR survived significantly longer than the non-responders (P<0.05). In conclusion, rapid or early responses of AFP and/or DCP levels 1 and 4 weeks after TAI chemotherapy helped to predict the treatment effects. PMID:26137283

  4. High Proliferation Predicts Pathological Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Early Breast Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Lluch, Ana; Ribelles, Nuria; Anton-Torres, Antonio; Sanchez-Rovira, Pedro; Albanell, Joan; Calvo, Lourdes; García-Asenjo, Jose Antonio Lopez; Palacios, Jose; Chacon, Jose Ignacio; Ruiz, Amparo; De la Haba-Rodriguez, Juan; Segui-Palmer, Miguel A.; Cirauqui, Beatriz; Margeli, Mireia; Plazaola, Arrate; Barnadas, Agusti; Casas, Maribel; Caballero, Rosalia; Carrasco, Eva; Rojo, Federico

    2016-01-01

    Background. In the neoadjuvant setting, changes in the proliferation marker Ki67 are associated with primary endocrine treatment efficacy, but its value as a predictor of response to chemotherapy is still controversial. Patients and Methods. We analyzed 262 patients with centralized basal Ki67 immunohistochemical evaluation derived from 4 GEICAM (Spanish Breast Cancer Group) clinical trials of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. The objective was to identify the optimal threshold for Ki67 using the receiver-operating characteristic curve method to maximize its predictive value for chemotherapy benefit. We also evaluated the predictive role of the defined Ki67 cutoffs for molecular subtypes defined by estrogen receptor (ER) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Results. A basal Ki67 cutpoint of 50% predicted pathological complete response (pCR). Patients with Ki67 >50% achieved a pCR rate of 40% (36 of 91) versus a pCR rate of 19% in patients with Ki67 ≤50% (33 of 171) (p = .0004). Ki67 predictive value was especially relevant in ER-HER2− and ER-HER2+ patients (pCR rates of 42% and 64%, respectively, in patients with Ki67 >50% versus 15% and 45%, respectively, in patients with Ki67 ≤50%; p = .0337 and .3238, respectively). Both multivariate analyses confirmed the independent predictive value of the Ki67 cutpoint of 50%. Conclusion. Basal Ki67 proliferation index >50% should be considered an independent predictive factor for pCR reached after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, suggesting that cell proliferation is a phenomenon closely related to chemosensitivity. These findings could help to identify a group of patients with a potentially favorable long-term prognosis. Implications for Practice: The use of basal Ki67 status as a predictive factor of chemotherapy benefit could facilitate the identification of a patient subpopulation with high probability of achieving pathological complete response when treated with primary chemotherapy, and thus

  5. Glutathione-s-transferase-pi expression in early breast cancer: association with outcome and response to chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Arun, Banu K; Granville, Laura A; Yin, Guosheng; Middleton, Lavinia P; Dawood, Shaheenah; Kau, Shu-Wan; Kamal, Arif; Hsu, Limin; Hortobagyi, Gabriel N; Sahin, Aysegul A

    2010-06-01

    Glutathione-S-transferase-pi (GST-pi) is a detoxification enzyme expressed in breast cancer; however its involvement in chemotherapy sensitivity and prognosis is not well understood. We evaluated the expression of GSTpi and its predictive role of chemotherapy response. Breast tumor samples from 166 patients at stage I/II of the disease were immunostained for GST-pi, and the expression was 96 %. There was a trend toward improved disease-free survival with high GST-pi expression (p =.09). There was a statistically non-significant association between high GST-pi expression and improved outcome with adjuvant chemotherapy (p =.055). Further studies should evaluate the role of GST-pi expression in relation to response to different chemotherapies.

  6. Drug-induced death signaling strategy rapidly predicts cancer response to chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Montero, Joan; Sarosiek, Kristopher A; DeAngelo, Joseph D; Maertens, Ophélia; Ryan, Jeremy; Ercan, Dalia; Piao, Huiying; Horowitz, Neil S; Berkowitz, Ross S; Matulonis, Ursula; Jänne, Pasi A; Amrein, Philip C; Cichowski, Karen; Drapkin, Ronny; Letai, Anthony

    2015-02-26

    There is a lack of effective predictive biomarkers to precisely assign optimal therapy to cancer patients. While most efforts are directed at inferring drug response phenotype based on genotype, there is very focused and useful phenotypic information to be gained from directly perturbing the patient's living cancer cell with the drug(s) in question. To satisfy this unmet need, we developed the Dynamic BH3 Profiling technique to measure early changes in net pro-apoptotic signaling at the mitochondrion ("priming") induced by chemotherapeutic agents in cancer cells, not requiring prolonged ex vivo culture. We find in cell line and clinical experiments that early drug-induced death signaling measured by Dynamic BH3 Profiling predicts chemotherapy response across many cancer types and many agents, including combinations of chemotherapies. We propose that Dynamic BH3 Profiling can be used as a broadly applicable predictive biomarker to predict cytotoxic response of cancers to chemotherapeutics in vivo. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Excellent response to chemotherapy post immunotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Dwary, Ashish D.; Master, Samip; Patel, Abhishek; Cole, Constance; Mansour, Richard; Mills, Glenn; Koshy, Nebu; Peddi, Prakash; Burton, Gary; Hammoud, Dalia; Beedupalli, Kavitha

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Immunotherapy in the form of immune checkpoint inhibitors has changed the landscape of cancer treatment. Newer monoclonal antibodies are coming up and are being tested in various cancers during different stages of treatment. With the increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the management of various types of cancers, the question is raised as to what next can be offered to a patient who has progressed on this newer treatment. Does Sequence matter? There have been reports of improved responses to chemotherapy after immunotherapy in the form of vaccines. Here we present a case series of 6 patients who progressed on immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors after initial modality of treatment (chemotherapy/radiation), subsequently received chemotherapy with excellent response. Methods We have a cohort of six patients who had disease progression on second line Immunotherapy for solid or hematological malignancies and had ECOG < 2. All these patients received third line salvage chemotherapy. Three patients had metastatic head and neck cancer, 2 had non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and one had T -cell rich B- cell lymphoma. Prior review and approval were obtained from our institutional review board. Results All patients had an excellent response to chemotherapy in third line setting, after immune checkpoint inhibitors and most of them achieved a complete response. Conclusion Targeting cancer with chemotherapy after failure of immunotherapy is a valid option and can lead to better response rates and PFS which may lead to OS. This effect may be secondary to immunotherapy removing the inhibition exerted by tumor cells or other immune cells initially followed by cytotoxic chemotherapy mediated killing of tumor cells. PMID:29207685

  8. Role of MRI in osteosarcoma for evaluation and prediction of chemotherapy response: correlation with histological necrosis.

    PubMed

    Bajpai, Jyoti; Gamnagatti, Shivanand; Kumar, Rakesh; Sreenivas, Vishnubhatla; Sharma, Mehar Chand; Khan, Shah Alam; Rastogi, Shishir; Malhotra, Arun; Safaya, Rajni; Bakhshi, Sameer

    2011-04-01

    Histological necrosis, the current standard for response evaluation in osteosarcoma, is attainable after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. To establish the role of surrogate markers of response prediction and evaluation using MRI in the early phases of the disease. Thirty-one treatment-naïve osteosarcoma patients received three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery during 2006-2008. All patients underwent baseline and post-chemotherapy conventional, diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Taking histological response (good response ≥90% necrosis) as the reference standard, various parameters of MRI were compared to it. A tumor was considered ellipsoidal; volume, average tumor plane and its relative value (average tumor plane relative/body surface area) was calculated using the standard formula for ellipse. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to assess best threshold and predictability. After deriving thresholds for each parameter in univariable analysis, multivariable analysis was carried out. Both pre-and post-chemotherapy absolute and relative-size parameters correlated well with necrosis. Apparent diffusion coefficient did not correlate with necrosis; however, on adjusting for volume, significant correlation was found. Thus, we could derive a new parameter: diffusion per unit volume. In osteosarcoma, chemotherapy response can be predicted and evaluated by conventional and diffusion-weighted MRI early in the disease course and it correlates well with necrosis. Further, newly derived parameter diffusion per unit volume appears to be a sensitive substitute for response evaluation in osteosarcoma.

  9. Update on adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Rampurwala, Murtuza M; Rocque, Gabrielle B; Burkard, Mark E

    2014-01-01

    Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. Although most women are diagnosed with early breast cancer, a substantial number recur due to persistent micro-metastatic disease. Systemic adjuvant chemotherapy improves outcomes and has advanced from first-generation regimens to modern dose-dense combinations. Although chemotherapy is the cornerstone of adjuvant therapy, new biomarkers are identifying patients who can forego such treatment. Neo-adjuvant therapy is a promising platform for drug development, but investigators should recognize the limitations of surrogate endpoints and clinical trials. Previous decades have focused on discovering, developing, and intensifying adjuvant chemotherapy. Future efforts should focus on customizing therapy and reducing chemotherapy for patients unlikely to benefit. In some cases, it may be possible to replace chemotherapy with treatments directed at specific genetic or molecular breast cancer subtypes. Yet, we anticipate that chemotherapy will remain a critical component of adjuvant therapy for years to come.

  10. Clinical Practice of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Early-Stage Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.

    PubMed

    Frielink, Lindy M J; Pijlman, Brenda M; Ezendam, Nicole P M; Pijnenborg, Johanna M A

    2016-01-01

    Adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy improves survival in women with early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Yet, there is a wide variety in clinical practice. All patients diagnosed with FIGO I and IIa EOC (2006-2010) in the south of the Netherlands were analyzed. The percentage of patients that received adjuvant chemotherapy was determined as well as the comprehensiveness of staging and outcome. Forty percent (54/135) of the patients with early-stage EOC received adjuvant chemotherapy. Treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with FIGO stage, clear-cell histology and nonoptimal staging. Optimal staging was achieved in 50%, and nonoptimal staging was associated with advanced age, comorbidity and treatment in a non-referral hospital. Overall, there was no difference in outcome between patients with and without adjuvant chemotherapy. Yet, in grade 3 tumors, adjuvant chemotherapy seems beneficial. Selective treatment of patients with early-stage EOC might reduce adjuvant chemotherapy without compromising outcome. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  11. Adenosine triphosphate-based chemotherapy response assay-guided chemotherapy in unresectable colorectal liver metastasis

    PubMed Central

    Hur, H; Kim, N K; Kim, H G; Min, B S; Lee, K Y; Shin, S J; Cheon, J H; Choi, S H

    2012-01-01

    Background: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of adenosine triphosphate-based chemotherapy response assay (ATP-CRA)-guided neoadjuvant chemotherapy for increasing resectability in patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastasis. Patients and methods: Patients were randomised into two groups: Group A was treated by conventional chemotherapy regimen and Group B was treated by chemotherapy regimen according to the ATP-CRA. Three chemotherapeutic agents (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan) were tested by ATP-CRA and more sensitive agents were selected. Either FOLFOX or FOLFIRI was administered. Between Group A and B, treatment response and resectability were compared. Results: Between November 2008 and October 2010, a total 63 patients were randomised to Group A (N=32) or Group B (N=31). FOLFOX was more preferred in Group A than in Group B (26 out of 32 (81.3%) vs 20 out of 31 (64.5%)). Group B showed better treatment response than Group A (48.4% vs 21.9%, P=0.027). The resectability of hepatic lesion was higher in Group B (35.5% vs 12.5%, P=0.032). Mean duration from chemotherapy onset to the time of liver resection was 11 cycles (range 4–12) in Group A and 8 cycles (range 8–16) in Group B. Conclusion: This study showed that tailored-chemotherapy based on ATP-CRA could improve the treatment response and resectability in initially unresectable colorectal liver metastasis. PMID:22068817

  12. Global gene expression analysis of early response to chemotherapy treatment in ovarian cancer spheroids.

    PubMed

    L'Espérance, Sylvain; Bachvarova, Magdalena; Tetu, Bernard; Mes-Masson, Anne-Marie; Bachvarov, Dimcho

    2008-02-26

    Chemotherapy (CT) resistance in ovarian cancer (OC) is broad and encompasses diverse unrelated drugs, suggesting more than one mechanism of resistance. To better understand the molecular mechanisms controlling the immediate response of OC cells to CT exposure, we have performed gene expression profiling in spheroid cultures derived from six OC cell lines (OVCAR3, SKOV3, TOV-112, TOV-21, OV-90 and TOV-155), following treatment with 10,0 microM cisplatin, 2,5 microM paclitaxel or 5,0 microM topotecan for 72 hours. Exposure of OC spheroids to these CT drugs resulted in differential expression of genes associated with cell growth and proliferation, cellular assembly and organization, cell death, cell cycle control and cell signaling. Genes, functionally involved in DNA repair, DNA replication and cell cycle arrest were mostly overexpressed, while genes implicated in metabolism (especially lipid metabolism), signal transduction, immune and inflammatory response, transport, transcription regulation and protein biosynthesis, were commonly suppressed following all treatments. Cisplatin and topotecan treatments triggered similar alterations in gene and pathway expression patterns, while paclitaxel action was mainly associated with induction of genes and pathways linked to cellular assembly and organization (including numerous tubulin genes), cell death and protein synthesis. The microarray data were further confirmed by pathway and network analyses. Most alterations in gene expression were directly related to mechanisms of the cytotoxics actions in OC spheroids. However, the induction of genes linked to mechanisms of DNA replication and repair in cisplatin- and topotecan-treated OC spheroids could be associated with immediate adaptive response to treatment. Similarly, overexpression of different tubulin genes upon exposure to paclitaxel could represent an early compensatory effect to this drug action. Finally, multicellular growth conditions that are known to alter gene

  13. Response monitoring of breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy using quantitative ultrasound, texture, and molecular features

    PubMed Central

    Gangeh, Mehrdad; Tadayyon, Hadi; Sadeghi-Naini, Ali; Gandhi, Sonal; Wright, Frances C.; Slodkowska, Elzbieta; Curpen, Belinda; Tran, William; Czarnota, Gregory J.

    2018-01-01

    Background Pathological response of breast cancer to chemotherapy is a prognostic indicator for long-term disease free and overall survival. Responses of locally advanced breast cancer in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) settings are often variable, and the prediction of response is imperfect. The purpose of this study was to detect primary tumor responses early after the start of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using quantitative ultrasound (QUS), textural analysis and molecular features in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Methods The study included ninety six patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Breast tumors were scanned with a clinical ultrasound system prior to chemotherapy treatment, during the first, fourth and eighth week of treatment, and prior to surgery. Quantitative ultrasound parameters and scatterer-based features were calculated from ultrasound radio frequency (RF) data within tumor regions of interest. Additionally, texture features were extracted from QUS parametric maps. Prior to therapy, all patients underwent a core needle biopsy and histological subtypes and biomarker ER, PR, and HER2 status were determined. Patients were classified into three treatment response groups based on combination of clinical and pathological analyses: complete responders (CR), partial responders (PR), and non-responders (NR). Response classifications from QUS parameters, receptors status and pathological were compared. Discriminant analysis was performed on extracted parameters using a support vector machine classifier to categorize subjects into CR, PR, and NR groups at all scan times. Results Of the 96 patients, the number of CR, PR and NR patients were 21, 52, and 23, respectively. The best prediction of treatment response was achieved with the combination mean QUS values, texture and molecular features with accuracies of 78%, 86% and 83% at weeks 1, 4, and 8, after treatment respectively. Mean QUS parameters or clinical receptors status alone

  14. Simultaneous detection of circulating immunological parameters and tumor biomarkers in early stage breast cancer patients during adjuvant chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Rovati, B; Mariucci, S; Delfanti, S; Grasso, D; Tinelli, C; Torre, C; De Amici, M; Pedrazzoli, P

    2016-06-01

    Chemotherapy-induced immune suppression has mainly been studied in patients with advanced cancer, but the influence of chemotherapy on the immune system in early stage cancer patients has so far not been studied systematically. The aim of the present study was to monitor the immune system during anthracycline- and taxane-based adjuvant chemotherapy in early stage breast cancer patients, to assess the impact of circulating tumor cells on selected immune parameters and to reveal putative angiogenic effects of circulating endothelial cells. Peripheral blood samples from 20 early stage breast cancer patients were analyzed using a flow cytometric multi-color of antibodies to enumerate lymphocyte and dendritic cell subsets, as well as endothelial and tumor cells. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of various serological factors. During chemotherapy, all immunological parameters and angiogenesis surrogate biomarkers showed significant decreases. The numbers of circulating tumor cells showed significant inverse correlations with the numbers of T helper cells, a lymphocyte subset directly related to effective anti-tumor responses. Reduced T helper cell numbers may contribute to systemic immunosuppression and, as such, the activation of dormant tumor cells. From our results we conclude that adjuvant chemotherapy suppresses immune function in early stage breast cancer patients. In addition, we conclude that the presence of circulating tumor cells, defined as pan-cytokeratin(+), CD326(+), CD45(-) cells, may serve as an important indicator of a patient's immune status. Further investigations are needed to firmly define circulating tumor cells as a predictor for the success of breast cancer adjuvant chemotherapy.

  15. Using Flow Characteristics in Three-Dimensional Power Doppler Ultrasound Imaging to Predict Complete Responses in Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Shia, Wei-Chung; Huang, Yu-Len; Wu, Hwa-Koon; Chen, Dar-Ren

    2017-05-01

    Strategies are needed for the identification of a poor response to treatment and determination of appropriate chemotherapy strategies for patients in the early stages of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. We hypothesize that power Doppler ultrasound imaging can provide useful information on predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The solid directional flow of vessels in breast tumors was used as a marker of pathologic complete responses (pCR) in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Thirty-one breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and had tumors of 2 to 5 cm were recruited. Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound with high-definition flow imaging technology was used to acquire the indices of tumor blood flow/volume, and the chemotherapy response prediction was established, followed by support vector machine classification. The accuracy of pCR prediction before the first chemotherapy treatment was 83.87% (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.6957). After the second chemotherapy treatment, the accuracy of was 87.9% (AUC = 0.756). Trend analysis showed that good and poor responders exhibited different trends in vascular flow during chemotherapy. This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility of using the vascular flow in breast tumors to predict chemotherapeutic efficacy. © 2017 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

  16. Adjuvant (post-surgery) chemotherapy for early stage epithelial ovarian cancer

    PubMed Central

    Winter-Roach, Brett A; Kitchener, Henry C; Lawrie, Theresa A

    2014-01-01

    Background Epithelial ovarian cancer is diagnosed in 4500 women in the UK each year of whom 1700 will ultimately die of their disease.Of all cases 10% to 15% are diagnosed early when there is still a good possibility of cure. The treatment of early stage disease involves surgery to remove disease often followed by chemotherapy. The largest clinical trials of this adjuvant therapy show an overall survival (OS) advantage with adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy but the precise role of this treatment in subgroups of women with differing prognoses needs to be defined. Objectives To systematically review the evidence for adjuvant chemotherapy in early stage epithelial ovarian cancer to determine firstly whether there is a survival advantage of this treatment over the policy of observation following surgery with chemotherapy reserved for treatment of disease recurrence, and secondly to determine if clinical subgroups of differing prognosis based on histological sub-type, or completeness of surgical staging, have more or less to gain from chemotherapy following initial surgery. Search methods We performed an electronic search using the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2011, Issue 3), MEDLINE (1948 to Aug week 5, 2011) and EMBASE (1980 to week 36, 2011). We developed the search strategy using free-text and medical subject headings (MESH). Selection criteria We selected randomised clinical trials that met the inclusion criteria set out based on the populations, interventions, comparisons and outcome measures. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Disagreements were resolved by discussion with a third review author. We performed random-effects meta-analyses and subgroup analyses. Main results Five randomised controlled trials (RCTs), enrolling 1277 women, with a median follow-up of 46 to 121 months, met the inclusion criteria. Four

  17. Febrile neutropaenia and chemotherapy discontinuation in women aged 70 years or older receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Adjogatse, D; Thanopoulou, E; Okines, A; Thillai, K; Tasker, F; Johnston, S R D; Harper-Wynne, C; Torrisi, E; Ring, A

    2014-11-01

    Low rates of adjuvant chemotherapy use are frequently reported in older women with early breast cancer. One of the reasons for this may be the risk of febrile neutropaenia or the perception that older patients will probably not complete the chemotherapy course prescribed. There are no data regarding these adverse outcomes in routine clinical practice. We identified 128 patients aged 70 years or over who received neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer in seven UK cancer centres between 2006 and 2012. Data were collected regarding standard clinical and pathological variables and treatment toxicity and outcomes. Twenty-four patients (19%) had an episode of febrile neutropaenia. Overall, 27 patients (21%) did not complete their planned therapy. Chemotherapy discontinuation was more common in those patients with an episode of febrile neutropaenia (46% versus 16%, P = 0.004). Thirty patients (23%) were admitted with chemotherapy-related complications. There were no treatment-related deaths. The rates of febrile neutropaenia and treatment discontinuation are high in women aged 70 years or over receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Close attention should be paid to the choice or regimen and the use of supportive therapies in this patient population. Copyright © 2014 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Chemotherapy Response Assessment by FDG-PET-CT in Early-stage Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma: Moving Beyond the Five-Point Deauville Score

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

    Milgrom, Sarah A., E-mail: samilgrom@mdanderson.org; Dong, Wenli; Akhtari, Mani

    Purpose: In early-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) scans are performed routinely after chemotherapy, and the 5-point Deauville score is used to report the disease response. We hypothesized that other PET-CT parameters, considered in combination with Deauville score, would improve risk stratification. Methods and Materials: Patients treated for stage I to II Hodgkin lymphoma from 2003 to 2013, who were aged ≥18 years and had analyzable PET-CT scans performed before and after chemotherapy, were eligible. The soft tissue volume (STV), maximum standardized uptake value, metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis were recorded from the PET-CTmore » scans before and after chemotherapy. Reductions were defined as 1 − (final PET-CT value)/(corresponding initial PET-CT value). The primary endpoint was freedom from progression (FFP). Results: For 202 patients treated with chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy, the 5-year FFP was 89% (95% confidence interval 85%-93%). All PET-CT parameters were strongly associated with the Deauville score (P<.001) and FFP (P<.0001) on univariate analysis. The Deauville score was highly predictive of FFP (C-index 0.89) but was less discriminating in the Deauville 1 to 4 subset (C-index 0.67). Therefore, we aimed to identify PET-CT parameters that would improve risk stratification for this subgroup (n=187). STV reduction was predictive of outcome (C-index 0.71) and was dichotomized with an optimal cutoff of 0.65 (65% reduction in STV). A model incorporating the Deauville score and STV reduction predicted FFP more accurately than either measurement alone in the Deauville 1 to 4 subset (C-index 0.83). The improvement in predictive accuracy of this composite measure compared with the Deauville score alone met statistical significance (P=.045). Conclusions: The relative reduction in tumor size is an independent predictor of outcome. Combined

  19. TAILORx finds no chemotherapy benefit for most early breast cancers

    Cancer.gov

    Findings from the TAILORx clinical trial show chemotherapy does not benefit most women with early breast cancer. The new data, released at the 2018 ASCO annual meeting, will help inform treatment decisions for many women with early-stage breast cancer.

  20. Adjuvant chemotherapy for resected early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Burdett, Sarah; Pignon, Jean Pierre; Tierney, Jayne; Tribodet, Helene; Stewart, Lesley; Le Pechoux, Cecile; Aupérin, Anne; Le Chevalier, Thierry; Stephens, Richard J; Arriagada, Rodrigo; Higgins, Julian P T; Johnson, David H; Van Meerbeeck, Jan; Parmar, Mahesh K B; Souhami, Robert L; Bergman, Bengt; Douillard, Jean-Yves; Dunant, Ariane; Endo, Chiaki; Girling, David; Kato, Harubumi; Keller, Steven M; Kimura, Hideki; Knuuttila, Aija; Kodama, Ken; Komaki, Ritsuko; Kris, Mark G; Lad, Thomas; Mineo, Tommaso; Piantadosi, Steven; Rosell, Rafael; Scagliotti, Giorgio; Seymour, Lesley K; Shepherd, Frances A; Sylvester, Richard; Tada, Hirohito; Tanaka, Fumihiro; Torri, Valter; Waller, David; Liang, Ying

    2015-03-02

    To evaluate the effects of administering chemotherapy following surgery, or following surgery plus radiotherapy (known as adjuvant chemotherapy) in patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC),we performed two systematic reviews and meta-analyses of all randomised controlled trials using individual participant data. Results were first published in The Lancet in 2010. To compare, in terms of overall survival, time to locoregional recurrence, time to distant recurrence and recurrence-free survival:A. Surgery versus surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapyB. Surgery plus radiotherapy versus surgery plus radiotherapy plus adjuvant chemotherapyin patients with histologically diagnosed early stage NSCLC.(2)To investigate whether or not predefined patient subgroups benefit more or less from cisplatin-based chemotherapy in terms of survival. We supplemented MEDLINE and CANCERLIT searches (1995 to December 2013) with information from trial registers, handsearching relevant meeting proceedings and by discussion with trialists and organisations. We included trials of a) surgery versus surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy; and b) surgery plus radiotherapy versus surgery plus radiotherapy plus adjuvant chemotherapy, provided that they randomised NSCLC patients using a method which precluded prior knowledge of treatment assignment. We carried out a quantitative meta-analysis using updated information from individual participants from all randomised trials. Data from all patients were sought from those responsible for the trial. We obtained updated individual participant data (IPD) on survival, and date of last follow-up, as well as details of treatment allocated, date of randomisation, age, sex, histological cell type, stage, and performance status. To avoid potential bias, we requested information for all randomised patients, including those excluded from the investigators' original analyses. We conducted all analyses on intention-to-treat on the endpoint of survival

  1. Survival of Mexican children with acute myeloid leukaemia who received early intensification chemotherapy and an autologous transplant.

    PubMed

    Jiménez-Hernández, Elva; Dueñas-González, María Teresa; Arellano-Galindo, José; Medrano-Ortíz-De-Zárate, María Elena; Bekker-Méndez, Vilma Carolina; Berges-García, Adolfina; Solís-Labastida, Karina; Sánchez-Jara, Berenice; Tiznado-García, Héctor Manuel; Jaimes-Reyes, Ethel Zulie; García-Jiménez, Xochiketzalli; Espinoza-Hernández, Laura; Núñez-Villegas, Nora Nancy; Franco-Ornelas, Sergio; Pérez-Casillas, Ruy Xavier; Villegas, Octavio Martínez; Palomares, Teresa Marin; Mejía-Aranguré, Juan Manuel

    2015-01-01

    In Mexico and other developing countries, few reports of the survival of children with acute leukaemia exist. Objective. We aimed at comparing the disease-free survival of children with acute myeloid leukaemia who, in addition to being treated with the Latin American protocol of chemotherapy and an autologous transplant, either underwent early intensified chemotherapy or did not undergo such treatment. This was a cohort study with a historical control group, forty patients, less than 16 years old. Group A (20 patients), diagnosed in the period 2005-2007, was treated with the Latin American protocol of chemotherapy with an autologous transplant plus early intensified chemotherapy: high doses of cytarabine and mitoxantrone. Group B (20 patients), diagnosed in the period 1999-2004, was treated as Group A, but without the early intensified chemotherapy. Relapse-free survival for Group A was 90% whereas that for Group B it was 60% (P = 0.041). Overall survival for Group A (18, 90%) was higher than that for Group B (60%). Complete remission continued for two years of follow-up. Relapse-free survival for paediatric patients treated with the Latin American protocol of chemotherapy with an autologous transplant plus early intensified chemotherapy was higher than that for those who did not receive early intensified chemotherapy.

  2. Effects of chemotherapy on immune responses in dogs with cancer.

    PubMed

    Walter, Claudia U; Biller, Barbara J; Lana, Susan E; Bachand, Annette M; Dow, Steven W

    2006-01-01

    Chemotherapy is assumed to be immunosuppressive; yet to the authors' knowledge, the effects of common chemotherapy protocols on adaptive immune responses in dogs with cancer have not been fully evaluated. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of 2 common chemotherapy protocols on T- and B-cell numbers and humoral immune responses to de novo vaccination in dogs with cancer. Twenty-one dogs with cancer (12 with lymphoma, 9 with osteosarcoma) were enrolled in a prospective study to assess effects of doxorubicin versus multi-drug chemotherapy on adaptive immunity. Numbers of circulating T and B cells were assessed by flow cytometry, and antibody responses to de novo vaccination were assessed before, during, and after chemotherapy. The T- and B-cell numbers before treatment also were compared with those of healthy, age-matched, control dogs. Prior to treatment, dogs with cancer had significantly fewer (P < .05) CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells than did healthy dogs. Doxorubicin treatment did not cause a significant decrease in T- or B-cell numbers, whereas treatment with combination chemotherapy caused a significant and persistent decrease in B-cell numbers. Antibody titers after vaccination were not significantly different between control and chemotherapy-treated dogs. These findings suggest that chemotherapy may have less impact on T-cell numbers and ability to mount antibody responses in dogs with cancer than was previously anticipated, though dogs with lymphoma or osteosarcoma appear to be relatively T-cell deficient before initiation of chemotherapy.

  3. Survival of Mexican Children with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Who Received Early Intensification Chemotherapy and an Autologous Transplant

    PubMed Central

    Jiménez-Hernández, Elva; Dueñas-González, María Teresa; Arellano-Galindo, José; Medrano-Ortíz-De-Zárate, María Elena; Bekker-Méndez, Vilma Carolina; Berges-García, Adolfina; Solís-Labastida, Karina; Sánchez-Jara, Berenice; Tiznado-García, Héctor Manuel; Jaimes-Reyes, Ethel Zulie; García-Jiménez, Xochiketzalli; Espinoza-Hernández, Laura; Núñez-Villegas, Nora Nancy; Franco-Ornelas, Sergio; Pérez-Casillas, Ruy Xavier; Martínez Villegas, Octavio; Palomares, Teresa Marin; Mejía-Aranguré, Juan Manuel

    2015-01-01

    Background. In Mexico and other developing countries, few reports of the survival of children with acute leukaemia exist. Objective. We aimed at comparing the disease-free survival of children with acute myeloid leukaemia who, in addition to being treated with the Latin American protocol of chemotherapy and an autologous transplant, either underwent early intensified chemotherapy or did not undergo such treatment. Procedure. This was a cohort study with a historical control group, forty patients, less than 16 years old. Group A (20 patients), diagnosed in the period 2005–2007, was treated with the Latin American protocol of chemotherapy with an autologous transplant plus early intensified chemotherapy: high doses of cytarabine and mitoxantrone. Group B (20 patients), diagnosed in the period 1999–2004, was treated as Group A, but without the early intensified chemotherapy. Results. Relapse-free survival for Group A was 90% whereas that for Group B it was 60% (P = 0.041). Overall survival for Group A (18, 90%) was higher than that for Group B (60%). Complete remission continued for two years of follow-up. Conclusions. Relapse-free survival for paediatric patients treated with the Latin American protocol of chemotherapy with an autologous transplant plus early intensified chemotherapy was higher than that for those who did not receive early intensified chemotherapy. PMID:25821830

  4. Emergency department presentations in early stage breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Tang, Monica; Horsley, Patrick; Lewis, Craig R

    2018-05-01

    (Neo)adjuvant chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer is associated with side-effects, resulting in increased emergency department (ED) presentations. Treatment-related toxicity can affect quality of life, compromise chemotherapy delivery and treatment outcomes, and increase healthcare use. We performed a retrospective study of ED presentations in patients receiving curative chemotherapy for early breast cancer to identify factors contributing to ED presentations. Of 102 patients, 39 (38%) presented to ED within 30 days of chemotherapy, resulting in 63 ED presentations in total. Most common reasons were non-neutropenic fever (17 presentations/27%), neutropenic fever (15/24%), pain (9/14%), drug reaction (6/10%) and infection (4/6%). Factors significantly associated with ED presentation were adjuvant chemotherapy timing compared to neoadjuvant timing (P = 0.031), prophylactic antibiotics (P = 0.045) and docetaxel-containing regimen (P = 0.018). © 2018 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

  5. Role of Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy in Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

    PubMed

    Gadgeel, Shirish M

    2017-01-01

    On the basis of several randomized trials and meta-analyses, adjuvant chemotherapy is the accepted standard of care for certain patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with stage II, IIIA, or large (≥ 4 cm) IB tumors are candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy. The survival improvement with adjuvant chemotherapy is approximately 5% at 5 years, though certain trials have suggested that it can be 8% to 10%. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy also has shown a survival advantage, though the volume of data with this approach is far less than that of adjuvant chemotherapy. The combination of cisplatin and vinorelbine is the most well-studied regimen, but current consensus is to use four cycles of any of the platinum-based chemotherapy regimens commonly used as front-line therapy for patients with advanced-stage NSCLC. Trials to define biomarkers that can predict benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy have not been successful, but results of other such trials are still awaited. On the basis of the benefit observed with targeted agents in patients with advanced-stage disease and driver genetic alterations in their tumors, ongoing trials are evaluating the utility of these targeted agents as adjuvant therapy. Similarly, clinical benefit observed with checkpoint inhibitors has prompted assessment of these drugs in patients with early-stage NSCLC. It is very likely, in the future, that factors other than the anatomy of the tumor will be used to select patients with early-stage NSCLC for systemic therapy and that the choice of systemic therapy will extend beyond platinum-based chemotherapy.

  6. Efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in early stage uterine leiomyosarcoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Bogani, Giorgio; Fucà, Giovanni; Maltese, Giuseppa; Ditto, Antonino; Martinelli, Fabio; Signorelli, Mauro; Chiappa, Valentina; Scaffa, Cono; Sabatucci, Ilaria; Lecce, Francesca; Raspagliesi, Francesco; Lorusso, Domenica

    2016-11-01

    We sought to review the current evidence in order to test the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in improving disease-free survival in patients affected by early stage uterine leiomyosarcoma. On July 2016, literature was searched in order to identify trials comparing different postoperative adjuvant strategies for patients diagnosed with early stage uterine leiomyosarcoma. Our analysis included 360 patients: 145 (40%), 53 (15%), and 155 (43%) had chemotherapy (with or without radiotherapy), radiotherapy, and observation, respectively. Seven (2%) patients who had radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy were excluded from further analysis in order to reduce risk of biases. Administration of chemotherapy (with or without radiotherapy) did not improve outcomes in comparison to observation (OR: 0.79 (95%CI: 0.48, 1.29)), or radiotherapy (OR: 0.90 (95%CI: 0.42, 1.94)). Loco-regional recurrence rate was similar comparing patients undergoing chemotherapy (with or without radiotherapy) with having observation alone (OR: 0.84 (95%CI: 0.44, 1.60)). Similarly, pooled results suggested that chemotherapy administration did not affect distant recurrence rate in comparison to no chemotherapy (OR: 0.80 (95%CI: 0.50, 1.28)), and observation alone (OR: 0.99 (95%CI: 0.60, 1.64)). However, patients undergoing chemotherapy (with or without radiotherapy) experienced a trend towards lower risk of developing distant recurrences (OR: 0.49 (95%CI: 0.24, 1.03)) and a higher risk of developing loco-regional recurrences (OR: 3.45 (95%CI: 1.02, 11.73)) than patients undergoing radiotherapy. In early stage uterine leiomyosarcoma, the role of adjuvant chemotherapy remains unclear. Owing to the high recurrence rate, even in the early stage of disease, further innovative therapeutic strategies have to be tested. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Improving efficacy of metastatic tumor segmentation to facilitate early prediction of ovarian cancer patients' response to chemotherapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Danala, Gopichandh; Wang, Yunzhi; Thai, Theresa; Gunderson, Camille C.; Moxley, Katherine M.; Moore, Kathleen; Mannel, Robert S.; Cheng, Samuel; Liu, Hong; Zheng, Bin; Qiu, Yuchen

    2017-02-01

    Accurate tumor segmentation is a critical step in the development of the computer-aided detection (CAD) based quantitative image analysis scheme for early stage prognostic evaluation of ovarian cancer patients. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the efficacy of several different methods to segment the metastatic tumors occurred in different organs of ovarian cancer patients. In this study, we developed a segmentation scheme consisting of eight different algorithms, which can be divided into three groups: 1) Region growth based methods; 2) Canny operator based methods; and 3) Partial differential equation (PDE) based methods. A number of 138 tumors acquired from 30 ovarian cancer patients were used to test the performance of these eight segmentation algorithms. The results demonstrate each of the tested tumors can be successfully segmented by at least one of the eight algorithms without the manual boundary correction. Furthermore, modified region growth, classical Canny detector, and fast marching, and threshold level set algorithms are suggested in the future development of the ovarian cancer related CAD schemes. This study may provide meaningful reference for developing novel quantitative image feature analysis scheme to more accurately predict the response of ovarian cancer patients to the chemotherapy at early stage.

  8. A deterministic and stochastic model for the system dynamics of tumor-immune responses to chemotherapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Xiangdong; Li, Qingze; Pan, Jianxin

    2018-06-01

    Modern medical studies show that chemotherapy can help most cancer patients, especially for those diagnosed early, to stabilize their disease conditions from months to years, which means the population of tumor cells remained nearly unchanged in quite a long time after fighting against immune system and drugs. In order to better understand the dynamics of tumor-immune responses under chemotherapy, deterministic and stochastic differential equation models are constructed to characterize the dynamical change of tumor cells and immune cells in this paper. The basic dynamical properties, such as boundedness, existence and stability of equilibrium points, are investigated in the deterministic model. Extended stochastic models include stochastic differential equations (SDEs) model and continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC) model, which accounts for the variability in cellular reproduction, growth and death, interspecific competitions, and immune response to chemotherapy. The CTMC model is harnessed to estimate the extinction probability of tumor cells. Numerical simulations are performed, which confirms the obtained theoretical results.

  9. Central pathology review with two-stage quality assurance for pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the ARTemis Trial.

    PubMed

    Thomas, Jeremy St John; Provenzano, Elena; Hiller, Louise; Dunn, Janet; Blenkinsop, Clare; Grybowicz, Louise; Vallier, Anne-Laure; Gounaris, Ioannis; Abraham, Jean; Hughes-Davies, Luke; McAdam, Karen; Chan, Stephen; Ahmad, Rizvana; Hickish, Tamas; Houston, Stephen; Rea, Daniel; Caldas, Carlos; Bartlett, John Ms; Cameron, David Allan; Hayward, Richard Laurence; Earl, Helena Margaret

    2017-08-01

    The ARTemis Trial tested standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy±bevacizumab in the treatment of HER2-negative early breast cancer. We compare data from central pathology review with report review and also the reporting behavior of the two central pathologists. Eight hundred women with HER2-negative early invasive breast cancer were recruited. Response to chemotherapy was assessed from local pathology reports for pathological complete response in breast and axillary lymph nodes. Sections from the original core biopsy and surgical excision were centrally reviewed by one of two trial pathologists blinded to the local pathology reports. Pathologists recorded response to chemotherapy descriptively and also calculated residual cancer burden. 10% of cases were double-reported to compare the central pathologists' reporting behavior. Full sample retrieval was obtained for 681 of the 781 patients (87%) who underwent surgery within the trial and were evaluable for pathological complete response. Four hundred and eighty-three (71%) were assessed by JSJT, and 198 (29%) were assessed by EP. Residual cancer burden calculations were possible in 587/681 (86%) of the centrally reviewed patients, as 94/681 (14%) had positive sentinel nodes removed before neoadjuvant chemotherapy invalidating residual cancer burden scoring. Good concordance was found between the two pathologists for residual cancer burden classes within the 65-patient quality assurance exercise (kappa 0.63 (95% CI: 0.57-0.69)). Similar results were obtained for the between-treatment arm comparison both from the report review and the central pathology review. For pathological complete response, report review was as good as central pathology review but for minimal residual disease, report review overestimated the extent of residual disease. In the ARTemis Trial central pathology review added little in the determination of pathological complete response but had a role in evaluating low levels of residual disease. Calculation

  10. Early detection of chemotherapy-refractory patients by monitoring textural alterations in diffuse optical spectroscopic images.

    PubMed

    Sadeghi-Naini, Ali; Vorauer, Eric; Chin, Lee; Falou, Omar; Tran, William T; Wright, Frances C; Gandhi, Sonal; Yaffe, Martin J; Czarnota, Gregory J

    2015-11-01

    Changes in textural characteristics of diffuse optical spectroscopic (DOS) functional images, accompanied by alterations in their mean values, are demonstrated here for the first time as early surrogates of ultimate treatment response in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). NAC, as a standard component of treatment for LABC patient, induces measurable heterogeneous changes in tumor metabolism which were evaluated using DOS-based metabolic maps. This study characterizes such inhomogeneous nature of response development, by determining alterations in textural properties of DOS images apparent at early stages of therapy, followed later by gross changes in mean values of these functional metabolic maps. Twelve LABC patients undergoing NAC were scanned before and at four times after treatment initiation, and tomographic DOS images were reconstructed at each time. Ultimate responses of patients were determined clinically and pathologically, based on a reduction in tumor size and assessment of residual tumor cellularity. The mean-value parameters and textural features were extracted from volumetric DOS images for several functional and metabolic parameters prior to the treatment initiation. Changes in these DOS-based biomarkers were also monitored over the course of treatment. The measured biomarkers were applied to differentiate patient responses noninvasively and compared to clinical and pathologic responses. Responding and nonresponding patients demonstrated different changes in DOS-based textural and mean-value parameters during chemotherapy. Whereas none of the biomarkers measured prior the start of therapy demonstrated a significant difference between the two patient populations, statistically significant differences were observed at week one after treatment initiation using the relative change in contrast/homogeneity of seven functional maps (0.001

  11. Species differences in tumour responses to cancer chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Lawrence, Jessica; Cameron, David; Argyle, David

    2015-01-01

    Despite advances in chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted drug development, cancer remains a disease of high morbidity and mortality. The treatment of human cancer patients with chemotherapy has become commonplace and accepted over the past 100 years. In recent years, and with a similar incidence of cancer to people, the use of cancer chemotherapy drugs in veterinary patients such as the dog has also become accepted clinical practice. The poor predictability of tumour responses to cancer chemotherapy drugs in rodent models means that the standard drug development pathway is costly, both in terms of money and time, leading to many drugs failing in Phase I and II clinical trials. This has led to the suggestion that naturally occurring cancers in pet dogs may offer an alternative model system to inform rational drug development in human oncology. In this review, we will explore the species variation in tumour responses to conventional chemotherapy and highlight our understanding of the differences in pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics between humans and dogs. Finally, we explore the potential hurdles that need to be overcome to gain the greatest value from comparative oncology studies. PMID:26056373

  12. Profound impairment of adaptive immune responses by alkylating chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Litterman, Adam J.; Zellmer, David M.; Grinnen, Karen L.; Hunt, Matthew A.; Dudek, Arkadiusz Z.; Salazar, Andres M.; Ohlfest, John R.

    2013-01-01

    Cancer vaccines have overall had a record of failure as an adjuvant therapy for malignancies that are treated with alkylating chemotherapy, and the contribution of standard treatment to that failure remains unclear. Vaccines aim to harness the proliferative potential of the immune system by expanding a small number of tumor-specific lymphocytes into a large number of anti-tumor effectors. Clinical trials are often conducted after treatment with alkylating chemotherapy, given either as standard therapy or for immunomodulatory effect. There is mounting evidence for synergy between chemotherapy and adoptive immunotherapy or vaccination against self-antigens; however, the impact of chemotherapy on lymphocytes primed against tumor neo-antigens remains poorly defined. We report here that clinically relevant dosages of standard alkylating chemotherapies such as temozolomide and cyclophosphamide significantly inhibit the proliferative abilities of lymphocytes in mice. This proliferative impairment was long lasting and led to quantitative and qualitative defects in B and T cell responses to neo-antigen vaccines. High affinity responder lymphocytes receiving the strongest proliferative signals from vaccines experienced the greatest DNA damage responses, skewing the response toward lower affinity responders with inferior functional characteristics. Together these defects lead to inferior efficacy and overall survival in murine tumor models treated by neo-antigen vaccines. These results suggest that clinical protocols for cancer vaccines should be designed to avoid exposing responder lymphocytes to alkylating chemotherapy. PMID:23686484

  13. Role of chemotherapy and targeted therapy in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Nagasaka, Misako; Gadgeel, Shirish M

    2018-01-01

    Adjuvant platinum based chemotherapy is accepted as standard of care in stage II and III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and is often considered in patients with stage IB disease who have tumors ≥ 4 cm. The survival advantage is modest with approximately 5% at 5 years. Areas covered: This review article presents relevant data regarding chemotherapy use in the perioperative setting for early stage NSCLC. A literature search was performed utilizing PubMed as well as clinical trial.gov. Randomized phase III studies in this setting including adjuvant and neoadjuvant use of chemotherapy as well as ongoing trials on targeted therapy and immunotherapy are also discussed. Expert commentary: With increasing utilization of screening computed tomography scans, it is possible that the percentage of early stage NSCLC patients will increase in the coming years. Benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy in early stage NSCLC patients remain modest. There is a need to better define patients most likely to derive survival benefit from adjuvant therapy and spare patients who do not need adjuvant chemotherapy due to the toxicity of such therapy. Trials for adjuvant targeted therapy, including adjuvant EGFR-TKI trials and trials of immunotherapy drugs are ongoing and will define the role of these agents as adjuvant therapy.

  14. Prolonged response without prolonged chemotherapy: a lesson from PCV chemotherapy in low-grade gliomas

    PubMed Central

    Peyre, Matthieu; Cartalat-Carel, Stéphanie; Meyronet, David; Ricard, Damien; Jouvet, Anne; Pallud, Johan; Mokhtari, Karima; Guyotat, Jacques; Jouanneau, Emmanuel; Sunyach, Marie-Pierre; Frappaz, Didier; Honnorat, Jérôme; Ducray, François

    2010-01-01

    Previous studies with temozolomide suggest that a prolonged duration of chemotherapy is important for treating low-grade gliomas (LGGs). PCV (procarbazine, CCNU, vincristine) chemotherapy has demonstrated efficacy in treating LGGs, but this therapy cannot be used for a prolonged period because of the cumulative toxicity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of first-line PCV chemotherapy on LGGs growth kinetics. The mean tumor diameter (MTD) of 21 LGGs was measured on serial magnetic resonance images before (n=13), during, and after PCV onset (n=21). During PCV treatment, a decrease in the MTD was observed in all patients. After PCV discontinuation, an ongoing decrease in MTD was observed in 20 of the 21 patients. Median duration of the MTD decrease was 3.4 years (range, 0.8–7.7) after PCV onset and 2.7 years (range, 0–7) after the end of PCV treatment with 60% of LGGs, demonstrating an ongoing and prolonged (>2 years) response despite chemotherapy no longer being administered. According to McDonald's criteria, the rates of partial and minor responses were 5% and 38% at the end of PCV but 38% and 42% at the time of maximal MTD decrease, which occurred after a median period of 3.4 years after PCV onset. These results challenge the idea that a prolonged duration of chemotherapy is necessary for treating LGGs and raise the issue of understanding the mechanisms involved in the persistent tumor volume decrease once chemotherapy is terminated. PMID:20488959

  15. Early detection of chemotherapy-refractory patients by monitoring textural alterations in diffuse optical spectroscopic images

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

    Sadeghi-Naini, Ali; Falou, Omar; Czarnota, Gregory J., E-mail: Gregory.Czarnota@sunnybrook.ca

    2015-11-15

    Purpose: Changes in textural characteristics of diffuse optical spectroscopic (DOS) functional images, accompanied by alterations in their mean values, are demonstrated here for the first time as early surrogates of ultimate treatment response in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). NAC, as a standard component of treatment for LABC patient, induces measurable heterogeneous changes in tumor metabolism which were evaluated using DOS-based metabolic maps. This study characterizes such inhomogeneous nature of response development, by determining alterations in textural properties of DOS images apparent at early stages of therapy, followed later by gross changes in mean valuesmore » of these functional metabolic maps. Methods: Twelve LABC patients undergoing NAC were scanned before and at four times after treatment initiation, and tomographic DOS images were reconstructed at each time. Ultimate responses of patients were determined clinically and pathologically, based on a reduction in tumor size and assessment of residual tumor cellularity. The mean-value parameters and textural features were extracted from volumetric DOS images for several functional and metabolic parameters prior to the treatment initiation. Changes in these DOS-based biomarkers were also monitored over the course of treatment. The measured biomarkers were applied to differentiate patient responses noninvasively and compared to clinical and pathologic responses. Results: Responding and nonresponding patients demonstrated different changes in DOS-based textural and mean-value parameters during chemotherapy. Whereas none of the biomarkers measured prior the start of therapy demonstrated a significant difference between the two patient populations, statistically significant differences were observed at week one after treatment initiation using the relative change in contrast/homogeneity of seven functional maps (0.001 < p < 0.049), and mean value of

  16. Early versus late distant metastasis and adjuvant chemotherapy alone versus both radiotherapy and chemotherapy in molecular apocrine breast cancer

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Xiaozhen; Yang, Yang; Feng, Xiaolong; Shen, Honghong; Liu, Jian; Liu, Xia; Niu, Yun

    2016-01-01

    As a new subtype of breast cancer, molecular apocrine breast cancer (MABC) is estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) negative expression, but androgen receptor (AR) positive expression. The prognostic significance and clinical biological behavior of MABC have remained unclear up to now. This study aimed to analysis the distant metastasis behavior and response to adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy of MABC subgroup. The report showed that there were significant differences between early and late distant metastasizing tumors with respect to Ki67, epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions by a retrospective analysis consisting of 410 invasive breast cancer patients, which included 205 MABC and 205 nonMABC cases. MABC subgroup metastasized earlier than nonMABC subgroup, and MABC showed a tendency for a higher metastasis rate in lung, liver and brain, but lower in bone. HER2-positive or VEGF-positive tumors were more inclined to develop bone metastasis within MABC subgroup. The survival rate was superior for patients undergone both adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy than those undergone chemotherapy alone in nonMABC subgroup, but there was no significant difference in MABC subgroup. Our data suggested that MABC subgroup seemed to develop distant metastasis earlier than nonMABC subgroup, and patients with MABC indicated poor prognosis. This study might also provide a foundation for helping patients receive reasonable treatments according to molecular subtype. PMID:27340922

  17. Early versus late distant metastasis and adjuvant chemotherapy alone versus both radiotherapy and chemotherapy in molecular apocrine breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xiaozhen; Yang, Yang; Feng, Xiaolong; Shen, Honghong; Liu, Jian; Liu, Xia; Niu, Yun

    2016-08-02

    As a new subtype of breast cancer, molecular apocrine breast cancer (MABC) is estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) negative expression, but androgen receptor (AR) positive expression. The prognostic significance and clinical biological behavior of MABC have remained unclear up to now. This study aimed to analysis the distant metastasis behavior and response to adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy of MABC subgroup. The report showed that there were significant differences between early and late distant metastasizing tumors with respect to Ki67, epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions by a retrospective analysis consisting of 410 invasive breast cancer patients, which included 205 MABC and 205 nonMABC cases. MABC subgroup metastasized earlier than nonMABC subgroup, and MABC showed a tendency for a higher metastasis rate in lung, liver and brain, but lower in bone. HER2-positive or VEGF-positive tumors were more inclined to develop bone metastasis within MABC subgroup. The survival rate was superior for patients undergone both adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy than those undergone chemotherapy alone in nonMABC subgroup, but there was no significant difference in MABC subgroup. Our data suggested that MABC subgroup seemed to develop distant metastasis earlier than nonMABC subgroup, and patients with MABC indicated poor prognosis. This study might also provide a foundation for helping patients receive reasonable treatments according to molecular subtype.

  18. In Vitro Adenosine Triphosphate-Based Chemotherapy Response Assay as a Predictor of Clinical Response to Fluorouracil-Based Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Stage II Colorectal Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Kwon, Hye Youn; Kim, Im-kyung; Kang, Jeonghyun; Sohn, Seung-Kook; Lee, Kang Young

    2016-01-01

    Purpose We evaluated the usefulness of the in vitro adenosine triphosphate-based chemotherapy response assay (ATP-CRA) for prediction of clinical response to fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods Tumor specimens of 86 patients with pathologically confirmed stage II colorectal adenocarcinoma were tested for chemosensitivity to fluorouracil. Chemosensitivity was determined by cell death rate (CDR) of drug-exposed cells, calculated by comparing the intracellular ATP level with that of untreated controls. Results Among the 86 enrolled patients who underwent radical surgery followed by fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy, recurrence was found in 11 patients (12.7%). The CDR ≥ 20% group was associated with better disease-free survival than the CDR < 20% group (89.4% vs. 70.1%, p=0.027). Multivariate analysis showed that CDR < 20% and T4 stage were poor prognostic factors for disease-free survival after fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion In stage II colorectal cancer, the in vitro ATP-CRA may be useful in identifying patients likely to benefit from fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy. PMID:26511802

  19. Changes in gene expression associated with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Hannemann, Juliane; Oosterkamp, Hendrika M; Bosch, Cathy A J; Velds, Arno; Wessels, Lodewyk F A; Loo, Claudette; Rutgers, Emiel J; Rodenhuis, Sjoerd; van de Vijver, Marc J

    2005-05-20

    At present, clinically useful markers predicting response of primary breast carcinomas to either doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide (AC) or doxorubicin-docetaxel (AD) are lacking. We investigated whether gene expression profiles of the primary tumor could be used to predict treatment response to either of those chemotherapy regimens. Within a single-institution, randomized, phase II trial, patients with locally advanced breast cancer received six courses of either AC (n = 24) or AD (n = 24) neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Gene expression profiles were generated from core-needle biopsies obtained before treatment and correlated with the response of the primary tumor to the chemotherapy administered. Additionally, pretreatment gene expression profiles were compared with those in tumors remaining after chemotherapy. Ten (20%) of 48 patients showed a (near) pathologic complete remission of the primary tumor after treatment. No gene expression pattern correlating with response could be identified for all patients or for the AC or AD groups separately. The comparison of the pretreatment biopsy and the tumor excised after chemotherapy revealed differences in gene expression in tumors that showed a partial remission but not in tumors that did not respond to chemotherapy. No gene expression profile predicting the response of primary breast carcinomas to AC- or AD-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy could be detected in this interim analysis. More subtle differences in gene expression are likely to be present but can only be reliably identified by studying a larger group of patients. Response of a breast tumor to neoadjuvant chemotherapy results in alterations in gene expression.

  20. Pathological response of locally advanced rectal cancer to preoperative chemotherapy without pelvic irradiation.

    PubMed

    Bensignor, T; Brouquet, A; Dariane, C; Thirot-Bidault, A; Lazure, T; Julié, C; Nordlinger, B; Penna, C; Benoist, S

    2015-06-01

    Pathological response to chemotherapy without pelvic irradiation is not well defined in rectal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the objective pathological response to preoperative chemotherapy without pelvic irradiation in middle or low locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Between 2008 and 2013, 22 patients with middle or low LARC (T3/4 and/or N+ and circumferential resection margin < 2 mm) and synchronous metastatic disease or a contraindication to pelvic irradiation underwent rectal resection after preoperative chemotherapy. The pathological response of rectal tumour was analysed according to the Rödel tumour regression grading (TRG) system. Predictive factors of objective pathological response (TRG 2-4) were analysed. All patients underwent rectal surgery after a median of six cycles of preoperative chemotherapy. Of these, 20 (91%) had sphincter saving surgery and an R0 resection. Twelve (55%) patients had an objective pathological response (TRG 2-4), including one complete response. Poor response (TRG 0-1) to chemotherapy was noted in 10 (45%) patients. In univariate analyses, none of the factors examined was found to be predictive of an objective pathological response to chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 37.2 months, none of the 22 patients experienced local recurrence. Of the 19 patients with Stage IV rectal cancer, 15 (79%) had liver surgery with curative intent. Preoperative chemotherapy without pelvic irradiation is associated with objective pathological response and adequate local control in selected patients with LARC. Further prospective controlled studies will address the question of whether it can be used as a valuable alternative to radiochemotherapy in LARC. Colorectal Disease © 2014 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

  1. Weight gain after adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early breast cancer in Istanbul Turkey.

    PubMed

    Basaran, Gul; Turhal, Nazım Serdar; Cabuk, Devrim; Yurt, Nevin; Yurtseven, Gul; Gumus, Mahmut; Teomete, Mehmet; Dane, Faysal; Yumuk, Perran Fulden

    2011-06-01

    Weight gain is a well-known and unwanted complication of adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. We observed that the female Turkish cancer patients frequently gain weight with adjuvant treatment of breast cancer and planned to examine the magnitude of this problem in early breast cancer patients treated at our hospital. A total of 176 early breast cancer patients who received their adjuvant systemic therapy in Marmara University Hospital between 2003 and 2007 are included in the study. We recorded their weight before and after chemotherapy and also a year after chemotherapy to find out whether the change with weight is transitory. We have also recorded demographic information, including the educational level, menopausal status, the type of chemotherapy or hormonal treatment administered stage of disease, marital status, occupation and the underlying diseases to analyze the relationship between change in weight and these parameters. Median age of patients was 53 and 72% of patients were postmenopausal. Educational level was equally distributed for primary education (27%), high school (40%), and university (33%). The majority of the patients (76%) was married, had two children (69%) and was housewife (60%). Family history of any cancer was high (32%). Most of the patients had stage II cancer (56%), received anthracyclines+/- taxane based chemotherapy (98%) and had no underlying disease (68%). The majority also did not smoke (73%) or drink alcohol (93%). A total of 67% and 72% patients gained weight upon completion and one year after completion of chemotherapy. Mean weight before the chemotherapy, upon completion of chemotherapy and one year after completion of chemotherapy were 68.9 kg, 70.6 kg (P = 0.000) and 71.9 kg (P = 0.000) respectively. Mean body mass index was 27.1 at baseline, 27.8 upon completion of chemotherapy (P = 0.000) and 28.3 one year after completion of chemotherapy (P = 0.000). Age, menopausal status, multiparity and presence of comorbid diseases

  2. Prospective evaluation of [11C]Choline PET/CT in therapy response assessment of standardized docetaxel first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced castration refractory prostate cancer.

    PubMed

    Schwarzenböck, Sarah M; Eiber, Matthias; Kundt, Günther; Retz, Margitta; Sakretz, Monique; Kurth, Jens; Treiber, Uwe; Nawroth, Roman; Rummeny, Ernst J; Gschwend, Jürgen E; Schwaiger, Markus; Thalgott, Mark; Krause, Bernd J

    2016-11-01

    The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the value of [ 11 C] Choline PET/CT in monitoring early and late response to a standardized first-line docetaxel chemotherapy in castration refractory prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. Thirty-two patients were referred for [ 11 C] Choline PET/CT before the start of docetaxel chemotherapy, after one and ten chemotherapy cycles (or - in case of discontinuation - after the last administered cycle) for therapy response assessment. [ 11 C] Choline uptake (SUV max , SUV mean ), CT derived Houndsfield units (HU max , HU mean ), and volume of bone, lung, and nodal metastases and local recurrence were measured semi-automatically at these timepoints. Change in SUV max , SUV mean , HU max , HU mean, and volume was assessed between PET 2 and 1 (early response assessment, ERA) and PET 3 and 1 (late response assessment, LRA) on a patient and lesion basis. Results of PET/CT were compared to clinically used RECIST 1.1 and clinical criteria based therapy response assessment including PSA for defining progressive disease (PD) and non-progressive disease (nPD), respectively. Relationships between changes of SUV max and SUV mean (early and late) and changes of PSA early and PSA late were evaluated. Prognostic value of initial SUV max and SUV mean was assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. In the patient-based ERA and LRA there were no statistically significant differences in change of choline uptake, HU, and volume between PD and nPD applying RECIST or clinical response criteria. In the lesion-based ERA, decrease in choline uptake of bone metastases was even higher in PD (applying RECIST criteria), whereas in LRA the decrease was higher in nPD (applying clinical criteria). There were only significant correlations between change in choline uptake and PSA in ERA in PD, in LRA no significant correlations were discovered. Initial SUV max and SUV mean were statistically significantly higher in nPD (applying clinical

  3. Selection of Optimal Adjuvant Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Early Breast Cancer: ASCO Clinical Practice Guideline Focused Update.

    PubMed

    Denduluri, Neelima; Chavez-MacGregor, Mariana; Telli, Melinda L; Eisen, Andrea; Graff, Stephanie L; Hassett, Michael J; Holloway, Jamie N; Hurria, Arti; King, Tari A; Lyman, Gary H; Partridge, Ann H; Somerfield, Mark R; Trudeau, Maureen E; Wolff, Antonio C; Giordano, Sharon H

    2018-05-22

    Purpose To update key recommendations of the ASCO guideline adaptation of the Cancer Care Ontario guideline on the selection of optimal adjuvant chemotherapy regimens for early breast cancer and adjuvant targeted therapy for breast cancer. Methods An Expert Panel conducted targeted systematic literature reviews guided by a signals approach to identify new, potentially practice-changing data that might translate to revised practice recommendations. Results The Expert Panel reviewed phase III trials that evaluated adjuvant capecitabine after completion of standard preoperative anthracycline- and taxane-based combination chemotherapy by patients with early-stage breast cancer HER2-negative breast cancer with residual invasive disease at surgery; the addition of 1 year of adjuvant pertuzumab to combination chemotherapy and trastuzumab for patients with early-stage, HER2-positive breast cancer; and the use of neratinib as extended adjuvant therapy for patients after combination chemotherapy and trastuzumab-based adjuvant therapy with early-stage, HER2-positive breast cancer. Recommendations Patients with early-stage HER2-negative breast cancer with pathologic, invasive residual disease at surgery following standard anthracycline- and taxane-based preoperative therapy may be offered up to six to eight cycles of adjuvant capecitabine. Clinicians may add 1 year of adjuvant pertuzumab to trastuzumab-based combination chemotherapy in patients with high-risk, early-stage, HER2-positive breast cancer. Clinicians may use extended adjuvant therapy with neratinib to follow trastuzumab in patients with early-stage, HER2-positive breast cancer. Neratinib causes substantial diarrhea, and diarrhea prophylaxis must be used. Additional information can be found at www.asco.org/breast-cancer-guidelines .

  4. Radiotherapy dose–response analysis for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with a complete response to chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Objective To examine the efficacy of different radiation doses after achievement of a complete response to chemotherapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods Patients with stage I-IV DLBCL treated from 1995–2009 at Duke Cancer Institute who achieved a complete response to chemotherapy were reviewed. In-field control, event-free survival, and overall survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Dose response was evaluated by grouping treated sites by delivered radiation dose. Results 105 patients were treated with RT to 214 disease sites. Chemotherapy (median 6 cycles) was R-CHOP (65%), CHOP (26%), R-CNOP (2%), or other (7%). Post-chemotherapy imaging was PET/CT (88%), gallium with CT (1%), or CT only (11%). The median RT dose was 30 Gy (range, 12–40 Gy). The median radiation dose was higher for patients with stage I-II disease compared with patients with stage III-IV disease (30 versus 24.5 Gy, p < 0.001). Five-year in-field control, event-free survival, and overall survival for all patients was 94% (95% CI: 89-99%), 84% (95% CI: 77-92%), and 91% (95% CI: 85-97%), respectively. Six patients developed an in-field recurrence at 10 sites, without a clear dose response. In-field failure was higher at sites ≥ 10 cm (14% versus 4%, p = 0.06). Conclusion In-field control was excellent with a combined modality approach when a complete response was achieved after chemotherapy without a clear radiation dose response. PMID:22720801

  5. Parental consanguineous marriages and clinical response to chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer patients.

    PubMed

    Saadat, Mostafa; Khalili, Maryam; Omidvari, Shahpour; Ansari-Lari, Maryam

    2011-03-28

    The main aim of the present study was investigating the association between parental consanguinity and clinical response to chemotherapy in females affected with locally advanced breast cancer. A consecutive series of 92 patients were prospectively included in this study. Clinical assessment of treatment was accomplished by comparing initial tumor size with preoperative tumor size using revised RECIST guideline (version 1.1). Clinical response defined as complete response, partial response and no response. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to evaluate the association of parental marriages (first cousin vs unrelated marriages) and clinical response to chemotherapy (complete and partial response vs no response). Number of courses of chemotherapy was considered as time, in the analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that offspring of unrelated marriages had poorer response to chemotherapy (log rank statistic=5.10, df=1, P=0.023). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Effect of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue triptorelin on the occurrence of chemotherapy-induced early menopause in premenopausal women with breast cancer: a randomized trial.

    PubMed

    Del Mastro, Lucia; Boni, Luca; Michelotti, Andrea; Gamucci, Teresa; Olmeo, Nina; Gori, Stefania; Giordano, Monica; Garrone, Ornella; Pronzato, Paolo; Bighin, Claudia; Levaggi, Alessia; Giraudi, Sara; Cresti, Nicola; Magnolfi, Emanuela; Scotto, Tiziana; Vecchio, Carlo; Venturini, Marco

    2011-07-20

    Premenopausal patients with breast cancer are at high risk of premature ovarian failure induced by systemic treatments, but no standard strategies for preventing this adverse effect are yet available. To determine the effect of the temporary ovarian suppression obtained by administering the gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue triptorelin during chemotherapy on the incidence of early menopause in young patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The PROMISE-GIM6 (Prevention of Menopause Induced by Chemotherapy: A Study in Early Breast Cancer Patients-Gruppo Italiano Mammella 6) study, a parallel, randomized, open-label, phase 3 superiority trial, was conducted at 16 sites in Italy and enrolled 281 patients between October 2003 and January 2008. The patients were premenopausal women with stage I through III breast cancer who were candidates for adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Assuming a 60% rate of early menopause in the group treated with chemotherapy alone, it was estimated that 280 patients had to be enrolled to detect a 20% absolute reduction in early menopause in the group treated with chemotherapy plus triptorelin. The intention-to-treat analysis was performed by including all randomized patients and using imputed values for missing data. Before beginning chemotherapy, patients were randomly allocated to receive chemotherapy alone or combined with triptorelin. Triptorelin was administered intramuscularly at a dose of 3.75 mg at least 1 week before the start of chemotherapy and then every 4 weeks for the duration of chemotherapy. Incidence of early menopause (defined as no resumption of menstrual activity and postmenopausal levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol 1 year after the last cycle of chemotherapy). The clinical and tumor characteristics of the 133 patients randomized to chemotherapy alone and the 148 patients randomized to chemotherapy plus triptorelin were similar. Twelve months after the last

  7. Blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for prediction of breast cancer chemotherapy response: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Lan; Weatherall, Paul T; McColl, Roderick W; Tripathy, Debu; Mason, Ralph P

    2013-05-01

    To determine whether a simple noninvasive method of assessing tumor oxygenation is feasible in the clinical setting and can provide useful, potentially predictive information. Tumor microcirculation and oxygenation play critical roles in tumor growth and responsiveness to cytotoxic treatment and may provide prognostic indicators for cancer therapy. Deoxyhemoglobin is paramagnetic and can serve as an endogenous contrast agent causing signal loss in echo planar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (blood oxygenation level-dependent [BOLD]-MRI). We used BOLD-MRI to provide early evaluation of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. MRI was performed on 11 patients with biopsy-proven malignancy. MRI exams were scheduled before, during, and after chemotherapy. The BOLD study applied a 6-minute oxygen breathing challenge. Seven patients successfully completed the exams. Before chemotherapy, BOLD contrast enhancement was observed in all tumors, but the patients, who ultimately had complete pathological response, exhibited a significantly higher BOLD response to oxygen breathing. We have successfully implemented an oxygen-breathing challenge BOLD contrast technique as part of the standard breast MRI exam in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. The preliminary observation that a large BOLD response correlated with better treatment response suggests a predictive capability for BOLD MRI. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  8. A novel rat model for chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

    PubMed

    Wikramanayake, T C; Amini, S; Simon, J; Mauro, L M; Elgart, G; Schachner, L A; Jimenez, J J

    2012-04-01

    More than half of all people diagnosed with cancer receive chemotherapy, and approximately 65% of these develop chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA), a side-effect that can have considerable negative psychological repercussions. Currently, there are very few animal models available to study the mechanism and prevention of CIA. To develop a clinically relevant adult rat model for CIA. We first tested whether neonatal pigmented Long-Evans (LE) rats developed alopecia in response to the chemotherapeutic agents etoposide and cyclophosphamide. We then determined whether the rats developed CIA as adults. In the latter experiment, rat dorsal hair was clipped during the early telogen stage to synchronize the hair cycle, and starting 15 days later, the rats were treated with etoposide for 3 days. Neonatal LE pups developed CIA in response to etoposide and cyclophosphamide, similar to other murine models for CIA. Clipping of the hair shaft during early telogen resulted in synchronized anagen induction and subsequent alopecia after etoposide treatment in the clipped areas only. Hair follicles in the clipped areas had the typical chemotherapy-induced follicular dystrophy (dystrophic catagen). When the hair in the pigmented alopecic areas regrew, it had normal pigmentation. A novel, pigmented adult rat model has been established for CIA. By hair-shaft clipping during early telogen, synchronized anagen entry was induced, which resulted in alopecia in response to chemotherapy. This is the first clinically relevant adult rat model for CIA, and will be a useful tool to test agents for the prevention and treatment of CIA. © The Author(s). CED © 2012 British Association of Dermatologists.

  9. The potential usefulness of the Response Index in positron emission tomography assessing the therapeutic effect of pre-operative chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Nomura, Masatoshi; Takahashi, Hidekazu; Haraguchi, Naotsugu; Nishimura, Junichi; Hata, Taishi; Matsuda, Chu; Ikenaga, Masakazu; Yamamoto, Hirofumi; Murata, Kohei; Doki, Yuichiro; Mori, Masaki; Mizushima, Tsunekazu

    2017-12-01

    Pre-operative chemotherapy is an option for patients with local advanced rectal cancer, but the response rate to pre-operative chemotherapy with oxaliplatin is still low. If the therapeutic effect of pre-operative chemotherapy could be assessed, we may be able to convert to surgery early. The purpose of the present study was to validate the correlation between the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max ) in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) of the primary tumor and the therapeutic effect of pre-operative chemotherapy in advanced colorectal cancer. Retrospective cohort study from January 2011 to October 2015. We examined 28 patients with pathologically confirmed sigmoid or rectal cancer that underwent pre-operative chemotherapy and surgery. The correlation between Response Index (RI), calculated as (SUV max after chemotherapy)/(SUV max before chemotherapy), and the therapeutic effect on the primary tumor in advanced colorectal cancer. The degree of differentiation (p = 0.04), SUV max in the primary tumor after chemotherapy (p = 0.02), and RI (p = 0.008) were significant predictors of the therapeutic effect in univariate analysis. The areas under the ROC curve constructed with RI and therapeutic effect was 0.77. The optimal cut-off values for the RI in the responder group was < 0.32. RI calculated as (SUV max after chemotherapy)/(SUV max before chemotherapy) in the primary tumor significantly correlated with the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy on advanced colorectal cancer. Thus, RI is potentially useful for predicting the therapeutic effect in advanced colorectal cancer.

  10. Subcutaneous testosterone-letrozole therapy before and concurrent with neoadjuvant breast chemotherapy: clinical response and therapeutic implications.

    PubMed

    Glaser, Rebecca L; York, Anne E; Dimitrakakis, Constantine

    2017-07-01

    Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers respond favorably to subcutaneous testosterone combined with an aromatase inhibitor. However, the effect of testosterone combined with an aromatase inhibitor on tumor response to chemotherapy was unknown. This study investigated the effect of testosterone-letrozole implants on breast cancer tumor response before and during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A 51-year-old woman on testosterone replacement therapy was diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive invasive breast cancer. Six weeks before starting neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the patient was treated with subcutaneous testosterone-letrozole implants and instructed to follow a low-glycemic diet. Clinical status was followed. Tumor response to "testosterone-letrozole" and subsequently, "testosterone-letrozole with chemotherapy" was monitored using serial ultrasounds and calculating tumor volume. Response to therapy was determined by change in tumor volume. Cost of therapy was evaluated. There was a 43% reduction in tumor volume 41 days after the insertion of testosterone-letrozole implants, before starting chemotherapy. After the initiation of concurrent chemotherapy, the tumor responded at an increased rate, resulting in a complete pathologic response. Chemotherapy was tolerated. Blood counts and weight remained stable. There were no neurologic or cardiac complications from the chemotherapy. Cost of therapy is reported. Subcutaneous testosterone-letrozole was an effective treatment for this patient's breast cancer and did not interfere with chemotherapy. This novel combination implant has the potential to prevent side effects from chemotherapy, improve quality of life, and warrants further investigation.

  11. The Glasgow Prognostic Score Predicts Response to Chemotherapy in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer.

    PubMed

    Wang, Dexing; Duan, Li; Tu, Zhiquan; Yan, Fei; Zhang, Cuicui; Li, Xu; Cao, Yuzhu; Wen, Hongsheng

    2016-01-01

    Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in women worldwide. The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), a cumulative prognostic score based on C-reactive protein and albumin, indicates the presence of a systemic inflammatory response. The GPS has been adopted as a powerful prognostic tool for patients with various types of malignant tumors, including breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the value of the GPS in predicting the response and toxicity in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Patients with metastatic breast cancers in a progressive stage for consideration of chemotherapy were eligible. The clinical characteristics and demographics were recorded. The GPS was calculated before the onset of chemotherapy. Data on the response to chemotherapy and progression-free survival (PFS) were also collected. Objective tumor responses were evaluated according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Toxicities were graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTC) version 3.0 throughout therapy. In total, 106 breast cancer patients were recruited. The GPS was associated with the response rate (p = 0.05), the clinical benefit rate (p = 0.03), and PFS (p = 0.005). The GPS was the only independent predictor of PFS (p = 0.005). The GPS was significantly associated with neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and mucositis (p = 0.05-0.001). Our data demonstrate that GPS assessment is associated with poor clinical outcomes and severe chemotherapy-related toxicities in patients with metastatic breast cancer who have undergone chemotherapy, without any specific indication regarding the type of chemotherapy applied. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  12. Changes in Water Mobility Measured by Diffusion MRI Predict Response of Metastatic Breast Cancer to Chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Theilmann, Rebecca J; Borders, Rebecca; Trouard, Theodore P; Xia, Guowei; Outwater, Eric; Ranger-Moore, James; Gillies, Robert J; Stopeck, Alison

    2004-01-01

    Abstract A goal of oncology is the individualization of patient care to optimize therapeutic responses and minimize toxicities. Achieving this will require noninvasive, quantifiable, and early markers of tumor response. Preclinical data from xenografted tumors using a variety of antitumor therapies have shown that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-measured mobility of tissue water (apparent diffusion coefficient of water, or ADCw) is a biomarker presaging cell death in the tumor. This communication tests the hypothesis that changes in water mobility will quantitatively presage tumor responses in patients with metastatic liver lesions from breast cancer. A total of 13 patients with metastatic breast cancer and 60measurable liver lesionsweremonitored by diffusion MRI after initiation of new courses of chemotherapy. MR images were obtained prior to, and at 4, 11, and 39 days following the initiation of therapy for determination of volumes and ADCw values. The data indicate that diffusion MRI can predict response by 4 or 11 days after commencement of therapy, depending on the analytic method. The highest concordance was observed in tumor lesions that were less than 8 cm3 in volume at presentation. These results suggest that diffusion MRI can be useful to predict the response of liver metastases to effective chemotherapy. PMID:15720810

  13. Analysis of in-field control and late toxicity for adults with early-stage Hodgkin's disease treated with chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.

    PubMed

    Chronowski, Gregory M; Wilder, Richard B; Tucker, Susan L; Ha, Chul S; Younes, Anas; Fayad, Luis; Rodriguez, Maria A; Hagemeister, Fredrick B; Barista, Ibrahim; Cabanillas, Fernando; Cox, James D

    2003-01-01

    We analyzed in-field (IF) control in adults with early-stage Hodgkin's disease who received chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (RT) in terms of the (1) chemotherapeutic regimen used and number of cycles delivered, (2) response to chemotherapy, and (3) initial tumor size. Cardiac toxicity and second malignancies, particularly the incidence of solid tumors in terms of the RT field size treated, were also examined. From 1980 to 1995, 286 patients ranging in age from 16 to 88 years (median: 28 years) with Ann Arbor clinical Stage I or II Hodgkin's disease underwent chemotherapy followed 3 to 4 weeks later by RT. There were 516 nodal sites measuring 0.5 to 19.0 cm at the start of chemotherapy, including 134 cases of bulky mediastinal disease. NOVP, MOPP, ABVD, CVPP/ABDIC, and other chemotherapeutic regimens were given to 161, 67, 19, 18, and 21 patients, respectively. Patients received 1-8 (median: 3) cycles of induction chemotherapy. All 533 gross nodal and extranodal sites of disease were included in the RT fields. The median prescribed RT dose for gross disease was 40.0 Gy given in 20 daily 2.0-Gy fractions. There was little variation in the RT dose. Eighty-five patients were treated with involved-field or regional RT (to one side of the diaphragm), and 201 patients were treated with extended-field RT (to both sides of the diaphragm), based on the protocol on which they were enrolled. Follow-up of surviving patients ranged from 1.3 to 19.9 years (median: 7.4 years). Based on a review of simulation films, there were 16 IF, 8 marginal, and 15 out-of-field recurrences. The chemotherapeutic regimen used and the number of cycles of chemotherapy delivered did not significantly affect IF control. IF control also did not significantly depend on the response to induction chemotherapy. In cases where there was a confirmed or unconfirmed complete response as opposed to a partial response or stable disease in response to induction chemotherapy for bulky nodal disease, the 5

  14. Induction of a pathological complete response by four courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer: early results of the randomized phase II COMPASS trial.

    PubMed

    Yoshikawa, Takaki; Tanabe, Kazuaki; Nishikawa, Kazuhiro; Ito, Yuichi; Matsui, Takanori; Kimura, Yutaka; Hirabayashi, Naoki; Mikata, Shoki; Iwahashi, Makoto; Fukushima, Ryoji; Takiguchi, Nobuhiro; Miyashiro, Isao; Morita, Satoshi; Miyashita, Yumi; Tsuburaya, Aakira; Sakamoto, Junichi

    2014-01-01

    The prognosis for stage 3 gastric cancer is not satisfactory, even with S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy. A randomized phase II trial was conducted to compare two and four courses of neoadjuvant S-1/cisplatin (SC) and paclitaxel/cisplatin (PC) using a two-by-two factorial design for locally advanced gastric cancer. The primary endpoint was overall survival. We clarified the impact of these regimens on the secondary endpoints, including the clinical and pathological responses, chemotherapy-related toxicities, and surgical results. Patients received S-1 (80 mg/m(2) for 21 days with 1 week's rest)/cisplatin (60 mg/m(2) at day 8) or paclitaxel/cisplatin (80 and 25 mg/m(2), respectively, on days 1, 8, and 15 with 1 week's rest) as neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Eighty-three patients were assigned to arm A (two courses of SC, n = 21), arm B (four courses of SC, n = 20), arm C (two courses of PC, n = 21), and arm D (four courses of PC, n = 21). Pathological response rate was 43 % in arm A, 40 % in arm B, 29 % in arm C, and 38 % in arm D. Pathological complete response was only observed in arms B (10 %) and D (10 %). Most bone marrow toxicities, nausea, vomiting, alopecia, and fatigue were slightly higher but acceptable in arms B and D. Grade 3/4 surgical morbidities were not commonly observed in all four arms. Pathological complete response could be induced by four courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy without a marked increase of toxicities, regardless of a SC or PC regimen.

  15. Goserelin with chemotherapy to preserve ovarian function in pre-menopausal women with early breast cancer: menstruation and pregnancy outcomes.

    PubMed

    Wong, M; O'Neill, S; Walsh, G; Smith, I E

    2013-01-01

    Premature ovarian failure and infertility following chemotherapy in early breast cancer (EBC) are major concerns for young women. The role of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists with chemotherapy in EBC in reducing the incidence of chemotherapy-induced early menopause remains uncertain, and long-term data on the recovery of fertility are sparse. We report an audit of our experience with the GnRH agonist, goserelin (Zoladex®), used with chemotherapy to preserve ovarian function and maintain fertility. Pre-menopausal women were given goserelin subcutaneously every 28 days during chemotherapy, starting 0-14 days before treatment. The main clinical end point was recovery of menstruation after chemotherapy. The other end points were rate of successful conception and median time to recovery of menses. About 84% of 125 women recovered menstruation with the median time to recovery of 6 months (1-43 months), including 76% of 71 patients aged over 35. Of the 42 patients who attempted pregnancy, 71% (n=30) managed to achieve pregnancies. At the time of analysis, there were 42 pregnancies and 30 healthy deliveries. The GnRH agonist, goserelin, given with chemotherapy for EBC is associated with a low risk of long-term chemotherapy-induced amenorrhoea and a high chance of pregnancy. Further randomised trials are needed.

  16. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy response influences outcomes in non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine liver metastases.

    PubMed

    Lucchese, A M; Kalil, A N; Ruiz, A; Karam, V; Ciacio, O; Pittau, G; Castaing, D; Cherqui, D; Sa Cunha, A; Vibert, E; Adam, R

    2018-06-12

    Indications for surgical resection of non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine (NCNNE) liver metastases are unclear. This study analysed the influence of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the presence of extrahepatic disease (EHD) on outcomes. Patients who underwent hepatic resection for NCNNE liver metastases and who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy at a single centre between 1982 and 2016 were analysed retrospectively. Patients were classified as having no EHD, controlled EHD or non-controlled EHD. Hepatic resection was performed in 199 patients (81·2 per cent) after partial or complete response to chemotherapy or disease stabilization, and 46 patients (18·8 per cent) after tumour progression. Patients with progressive disease after chemotherapy had worse overall survival than those without (23 versus 50·4 per cent at 5 years; P = 0·004). Median survival was 63·6 (range 31·1-94·8) months for patients without EHD, 34·8 (19·2-49·2) months for those with controlled EHD and 7·2 (1·2-13·2) months for patients with non-controlled EHD (P = 0·004). In multivariable analysis, EHD (P = 0·004), response to chemotherapy (P = 0·004) and resection margins (P = 0·002) were all independent predictors of overall survival, regardless of primary tumour site. The prognosis of patients with NCNNE liver metastases is influenced by preoperative chemotherapy and resectability. © 2018 BJS Society Ltd Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  17. TP53 status and response to chemotherapy in breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Bertheau, Philippe; Espié, Marc; Turpin, Elisabeth; Lehmann, Jacqueline; Plassa, Louis-François; Varna, Mariana; Janin, Anne; de Thé, Hugues

    2008-01-01

    Despite its central role in the control of apoptosis, senescence and cell cycle arrest, the tumor suppressor protein p53 remains an enigma for its possible role in predicting response to chemotherapy in cancer patients. Many studies remained inconclusive, others showed a better response for tumors with normal p53, and some recent studies showed adverse effects of normal p53 for response to treatment. p53 is not only a powerful pro-apoptotic factor in response to drug-induced DNA damages but also a potential inducer of cell cycle arrest, protecting tumor cells from further cytotoxic damages. Our review describes the classical as well as the more recent concepts. In order to draw definite conclusions, future works should use more reliable methods to assess the TP53 status and should address more homogeneous tumor subpopulations treated with homogeneous chemotherapy regimens. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  18. Economic evaluation of genomic test-directed chemotherapy for early-stage lymph node-positive breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Hall, Peter S; McCabe, Christopher; Stein, Robert C; Cameron, David

    2012-01-04

    Multi-parameter genomic tests identify patients with early-stage breast cancer who are likely to derive little benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. These tests can potentially spare patients the morbidity from unnecessary chemotherapy and reduce costs. However, the costs of the test must be balanced against the health benefits and cost savings produced. This economic evaluation compared genomic test-directed chemotherapy using the Oncotype DX 21-gene assay with chemotherapy for all eligible patients with lymph node-positive, estrogen receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer. We performed a cost-utility analysis using a state transition model to calculate expected costs and benefits over the lifetime of a cohort of women with estrogen receptor-positive lymph node-positive breast cancer from a UK perspective. Recurrence rates for Oncotype DX-selected risk groups were derived from parametric survival models fitted to data from the Southwest Oncology Group 8814 trial. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, expressed as the cost (in 2011 GBP) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Confidence in the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was expressed as a probability of cost-effectiveness and was calculated using Monte Carlo simulation. Model parameters were varied deterministically and probabilistically in sensitivity analysis. Value of information analysis was used to rank priorities for further research. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for Oncotype DX-directed chemotherapy using a recurrence score cutoff of 18 was £5529 (US $8852) per QALY. The probability that test-directed chemotherapy is cost-effective was 0.61 at a willingness-to-pay threshold of £30 000 per QALY. Results were sensitive to the recurrence rate, long-term anthracycline-related cardiac toxicity, quality of life, test cost, and the time horizon. The highest priority for further research identified by value of information analysis is the recurrence rate in test

  19. Do the conventional clinicopathologic parameters predict for response and survival in head and neck cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

    PubMed

    Fonseca, E; Cruz, J J; Dueñas, A; Gómez, A; Sánchez, P; Martín, G; Nieto, A; Soria, P; Muñoz, A; Gómez, J L; Pardal, J L

    1996-01-01

    Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for head and neck carcinoma is still an important treatment modality. The prognostic value of patient and tumor parameters has been extensively evaluated in several trials, yielding mixed results. We report the prognostic factors emerging from a group of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. From April 1986 to June 1992, 149 consecutive patients received cisplatin-5-fluorouracil-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. After four courses of chemotherapy, patients underwent local-regional treatment with surgery, radiation or both. A variety of patient and tumor characteristics were evaluated as predictors for response to chemotherapy and survival. The complete response, partial response and no response rates to NAC were 52%, 33% and 15%, respectively. No parameters predicted response to chemotherapy. At a maximum follow-up of 87 months, overall survival was 39% and disease-free survival was 49%. Variables shown to be predictors of survival in univariate analyses were age, performance status, histology, site, T, N, stage, and response to chemotherapy. Using the Cox regression analysis, only complete response to induction chemotherapy (P = 0.0006), performance status (P = 0.03), stage (P = 0.01), age (P = 0.03) and primary tumor site (P = 0.04) emerged as independent prognostic factors for survival. Complete response to chemotherapy was confirmed as the strongest prognostic factor influencing survival. However, conventional clinicopathologic factors did not predict response, hence, potential prognostic biologic and molecular factors for response must be sought. At present, much effort must be made for the improvement of the complete response rate, which seems to be a requisite to prolong survival.

  20. A prospective phase II trial of response adapted whole brain radiotherapy after high dose methotrexate based chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma-analysis of acute toxicity profile and early clinical outcome.

    PubMed

    Adhikari, Narayan; Biswas, Ahitagni; Gogia, Ajay; Sahoo, Ranjit Kumar; Garg, Ajay; Nehra, Ashima; Sharma, Mehar Chand; Bhasker, Suman; Singh, Manmohan; Sreenivas, Vishnubhatla; Chawla, Rohan; Joshi, Garima; Kumar, Lalit; Chander, Subhash

    2018-04-09

    The treatment of primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) comprises high dose methotrexate (HDMTX) based chemotherapy followed by whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), the major drawback of which is long term neurotoxicity. We intended to assess the feasibility of response adapted WBRT in PCNSL in the Indian setting. We screened 32 patients and enrolled 22 eligible patients with PCNSL from 2015 to 2017 in a prospective phase II trial. The patients underwent five 2-weekly cycles of induction chemotherapy with rituximab, methotrexate, vincristine, procarbazine. Patients with complete response(CR) to induction chemotherapy were given reduced dose WBRT 23.4 Gy/13 fractions/2.5 weeks while those with partial response (PR), stable or progressive disease (SD or PD) were given standard dose WBRT 45 Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks. Thereafter two cycles of consolidation chemotherapy with cytarabine were given. The primary endpoints of the study were assessment of response rate (RR) and progression free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints of the study were assessment of overall survival (OS), toxicity profile of treatment and serial changes in quality of life and neuropsychological parameters. Out of 19 patients who completed HDMTX based chemotherapy, 10 (52.63%) patients achieved CR, 8 (42.11%) patients had PR and 1 patient had PD. After a median follow-up period of 11.25 months, the estimated median OS was 19 months. The actuarial rates of PFS and OS were respectively 94.1 and 68.2% at 1 year and 50.2 and 48.5% at 2 years. Three patients in reduced dose WBRT arm had recurrence and two of them died of progressive disease, whereas there was no recurrence or disease related death in standard dose WBRT arm. On univariate analysis of PFS, age ≤ 50 years and use of standard dose WBRT (45 Gy) led to significantly improved outcome (p value 0.03 and 0.02 respectively). In patients with PCNSL, reduced dose WBRT after CR to HDMTX based chemotherapy may lead to suboptimal clinical outcome due

  1. Complex changes in the apoptotic and cell differentiation programs during initiation of the hair follicle response to chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Sharova, Tatyana Y; Poterlowicz, Krzysztof; Botchkareva, Natalia V; Kondratiev, Nikita A; Aziz, Ahmar; Spiegel, Jeffrey H; Botchkarev, Vladimir A; Sharov, Andrey A

    2014-12-01

    Chemotherapy has severe side effects in normal rapidly proliferating organs, such as hair follicles, and causes massive apoptosis in hair matrix keratinocytes followed by hair loss. To define the molecular signature of hair follicle response to chemotherapy, human scalp hair follicles cultured ex vivo were treated with doxorubicin (DXR), and global microarray analysis was performed 3 hours after treatment. Microarray data revealed changes in expression of 504 genes in DXR-treated hair follicles versus controls. Among these genes, upregulations of several tumor necrosis factor family of apoptotic receptors (FAS, TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) receptors 1/2), as well as of a large number of keratin-associated protein genes, were seen after DXR treatment. Hair follicle apoptosis induced by DXR was significantly inhibited by either TRAIL-neutralizing antibody or caspase-8 inhibitor, thus suggesting a previously unreported role for TRAIL receptor signaling in mediating DXR-induced hair loss. These data demonstrate that the early phase of the hair follicle response to DXR includes upregulation of apoptosis-associated markers, as well as substantial reorganization of the terminal differentiation programs in hair follicle keratinocytes. These data provide an important platform for further studies toward the design of effective approaches for the management of chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

  2. Complex changes in the apoptotic and cell differentiation programs during initiation of the hair follicle response to chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Sharova, Tatyana Y.; Poterlowicz, Krzysztof; Botchkareva, Natalia V.; Kondratiev, Nikita A.; Aziz, Ahmar; Spiegel, Jeffrey H.; Botchkarev, Vladimir A.; Sharov, Andrey A.

    2014-01-01

    Chemotherapy has severe side-effects for normal rapidly proliferating organs, such as hair follicle, and causes massive apoptosis in hair matrix keratinocytes followed by hair loss. To define the molecular signature of hair follicle response to chemotherapy, human scalp hair follicles cultured ex vivo were treated with doxorubicin and global microarray analysis was performed 3 hours after treatment. Microarray data revealed changes in expression of 504 genes in doxorubicin-treated hair follicles versus the controls. Among these genes, upregulations of several tumor necrosis factor family of apoptotic receptors (FAS, TRAIL receptors 1/2), as well as of a large number of the keratin-associated protein genes were seen after doxorubicin treatment. Hair follicle apoptosis induced by doxorubicin was significantly inhibited by either TRAIL neutralizing antibody or caspase 8 inhibitor, thus suggesting a novel role for TRAIL receptor signaling in mediating doxorubicin-induced hair loss. These data demonstrate that the early phase of the hair follicle response to doxorubicin includes upregulation of apoptosis-associated markers, as well as substantial re-organization of the terminal differentiation programs in hair follicle keratinocytes. These data provide an important platform for further studies towards the design of novel approaches for management of chemotherapy-induced hair loss. PMID:24999588

  3. Association between adjuvant chemotherapy and risk of acute kidney injury in elderly women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Li, Shuling; Liu, Jiannong; Virnig, Beth A; Collins, Allan J

    2017-02-01

    We studied elderly Medicare enrollees newly diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer to examine the association between adjuvant chemotherapy and acute kidney injury (AKI). Using the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database, we conducted a retrospective cohort study including women diagnosed with stages I-III breast cancer at ages 66-89 years between 1992 and 2007. We performed one-to-one matching on time-dependent propensity score on the day of adjuvant chemotherapy initiation within 6 months after the first cancer-directed surgery based on the estimated probability of chemotherapy initiation at each day for each patient, using a Cox proportional hazards model. We estimated the cumulative incidence of AKI using Kaplan-Meier methods. We used Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the association between chemotherapy and the risk of AKI, and compared the risk among major chemotherapy types. The study included 28,048 women. The 6-month cumulative incidence of AKI was 0.80% for chemotherapy-treated patients, compared with 0.30% for untreated patients (P < 0.001). Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a nearly threefold increased risk of AKI [hazard ratio (HR) 2.73; 95% CI 1.8-4.1]. Compared with anthracycline-based chemotherapy, the HRs (95% CIs) were 1.66 (0.94-2.91), 0.88 (0.53-1.47), and 1.15 (0.57-2.32) for taxane-based, CMF, and other chemotherapy, respectively. Our findings showed that adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with increased risk of AKI in elderly women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The risk seemed to vary by regimen type, but the differences were not statistically significant.

  4. Recent Trends in Chemotherapy Use and Oncologists' Treatment Recommendations for Early-Stage Breast Cancer.

    PubMed

    Kurian, Allison W; Bondarenko, Irina; Jagsi, Reshma; Friese, Christopher R; McLeod, M Chandler; Hawley, Sarah T; Hamilton, Ann S; Ward, Kevin C; Hofer, Timothy P; Katz, Steven J

    2018-05-01

    There is growing concern about overtreatment of breast cancer as outcomes have improved over time. However, little is known about how chemotherapy use and oncologists' recommendations have changed in recent years. We surveyed 5080 women (70% response rate) diagnosed with breast cancer between 2013 and 2015 and accrued through two Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries (Georgia and Los Angeles) about chemotherapy receipt and their oncologists' chemotherapy recommendations. We surveyed 504 attending oncologists (60.3% response rate ) about chemotherapy recommendations in node-negative and node-positive case scenarios. We conducted descriptive statistics of chemotherapy use and patients' report of oncologists' recommendations and used a generalized linear mixed model of chemotherapy use according to time and clinical factors. All statistical tests were two-sided. The analytic sample was 2926 patients with stage I-II, estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer. From 2013 to 2015, keeping other factors constant, chemotherapy use was estimated to decline from 34.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 30.8% to 38.3%) to 21.3% (95% CI = 19.0% to 23.7%, P < .001). Estimated decline in chemotherapy use was from 26.6% (95% CI = 23.0% to 30.7%) to 14.1% (95% CI = 12.0% to 16.3%) for node-negative/micrometastasis patients and from 81.1% (95% CI = 76.6% to 85.0%) to 64.2% (95% CI = 58.6% to 69.6%) for node-positive patients. Use of the 21-gene recurrence score (RS) did not change among node-negative/micrometastasis patients, and increasing RS use in node-positive patients accounted for one-third of the chemotherapy decline. Patients' report of oncologists' recommendations for chemotherapy declined from 44.9% (95% CI = 40.2% to 49.7%) to 31.6% (95% CI = 25.9% to 37.9%), controlling for other factors. Oncologists were much more likely to order RS if patient preferences were discordant with

  5. The influence of gene expression profiling on decisional conflict in decision making for early-stage breast cancer chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    MacDonald, Karen V; Bombard, Yvonne; Deal, Ken; Trudeau, Maureen; Leighl, Natasha; Marshall, Deborah A

    2016-07-01

    Women with early-stage breast cancer, of whom only 15% will experience a recurrence, are often conflicted or uncertain about taking chemotherapy. Gene expression profiling (GEP) of tumours informs risk prediction, potentially affecting treatment decisions. We examined whether receiving a GEP test score reduces decisional conflict in chemotherapy treatment decision making. A general population sample of 200 women completed the decisional conflict scale (DCS) at baseline (no GEP test score scenario) and after (scenario with GEP test score added) completing a discrete choice experiment survey for early-stage breast cancer chemotherapy. We scaled the 16-item DCS total scores and subscores from 0 to 100 and calculated means, standard deviations and change in scores, with significance (p < 0.05) based on matched pairs t-tests. We identified five respondent subgroups based on preferred treatment option; almost 40% did not change their chemotherapy decision after receiving GEP testing information. Total score and all subscores (uncertainty, informed, values clarity, support, and effective decision) decreased significantly in the respondent subgroup who were unsure about taking chemotherapy initially but changed to no chemotherapy (n =33). In the subgroup of respondents (n = 25) who chose chemotherapy initially but changed to unsure, effective decision subscore increased significantly. In the overall sample, changes in total and all subscores were non-significant. GEP testing adds value for women initially unsure about chemotherapy treatment with a decrease in decisional conflict. However, for women who are confident about their treatment decisions, GEP testing may not add value. Decisions to request GEP testing should be personalised based on patient preferences. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Utility of the PET-CT in the evaluation of early response to treatment in the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Preliminary results.

    PubMed

    Cortés Romera, M; Gámez Cenzano, C; Caresia Aróztegui, A P; Martín-Comín, J; González-Barca, E; Ricart Brulles, Y; Palacios Abufón, A; Robles Barba, J; Rodríguez-Bel, L; Rossi Seoane, S; Fernández de Sevilla, A

    2012-01-01

    To assess the role of FDG-PET/CT performed after the first cycles of chemotherapy in the prediction of response to treatment in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Twenty patients (mean age: 48 years) were included, 16 initial staging and 4 relapse. All patients underwent PET/CT at 3 times: 1) Baseline, 2) After 1-3 cycles of chemotherapy (early response assessment), and 3) End of treatment (evaluation of final response). Early PET/CT findings were correlated to the end-treatment PET/CT and follow-up. The evaluation of the response was established according to the decrease in uptake of the lesions (SUVmax). In the early assessment, a good response indicator (GRI) was obtained when the lesion disappeared or had more than 50% reduction in SUVmax. At the end of the treatment, a complete metabolic response (CMR) was determined in negative PET scans. Follow-up was superior to 19 months and final outcome was established as progression/relapse or no evidence of disease (NED). At the early treatment evaluation, 16/16 patients of initial staging (100%) and 2/4 of relapse (50%) achieved GRI. At the end of treatment evaluation, 14/16 patients of initial staging with GRI achieved CMR and 1/16 PMR: 14 were alive with NED in the follow-up while 1 relapsed. In the second group, 2/2 patients with GRI achieved CMR (100%): 1 continued with NED in the follow-up and another relapsed. FDG-PET/CT after the first cycles of chemotherapy is useful to monitor treatment due to its high negative predictive value (87.5%), using it to modify treatment early in the non-responders. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. y SEMNIM. All rights reserved.

  7. [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.

  8. High-b-value diffusion-weighted MR imaging for pretreatment prediction and early monitoring of tumor response to therapy in mice.

    PubMed

    Roth, Yiftach; Tichler, Thomas; Kostenich, Genady; Ruiz-Cabello, Jesus; Maier, Stephan E; Cohen, Jack S; Orenstein, Arie; Mardor, Yael

    2004-09-01

    To evaluate the use of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with standard and high b values for pretreatment prediction and early detection of tumor response to various antineoplastic therapies in an animal model. Mice bearing C26 colon carcinoma tumors were treated with doxorubicin (n = 25) and with aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (n = 23). Fourteen mice served as controls. Conventional T2-weighted fast spin-echo and diffusion-weighted MR images were acquired once before therapy and at 6, 24, and 48 hours after treatment. Pretreatment and early (1-2 days) posttreatment water diffusion parameters were calculated and compared with later changes in tumor volumes measured on conventional MR images by using the Pearson correlation test. In chemotherapy-treated tumors, a significant correlation (P <.002, r = 0.6) was observed between diffusion parameters that reflected tumor viability, measured prior to treatment, and changes in tumor volumes after therapy. This correlation implies that tumors with high pretreatment viability will respond better to chemotherapy than more necrotic tumors. In tumors treated with photodynamic therapy, no such correlation was found. Changes observed in water diffusion 1-2 days after treatment significantly correlated with later tumor growth rate for both therapies (P <.002, r = 0.54 for photodynamic therapy; P <.0003, r = 0.61 for chemotherapy). High-b-value diffusion-weighted MR imaging has potential use for the early detection of response to therapy and for predicting treatment outcome prior to initiation of chemotherapy. Copyright RSNA, 2004

  9. Referral, Receipt, and Completion of Chemotherapy in Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer Older Than 65 Years and at High Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence

    PubMed Central

    Buist, Diana S.M.; Chubak, Jessica; Prout, Marianne; Yood, Marianne Ulcickas; Bosco, Jaclyn L.F.; Thwin, Soe Soe; Gold, Heather Taffet; Owusu, Cynthia; Field, Terry S.; Quinn, Virginia P.; Wei, Feifei; Silliman, Rebecca A.

    2009-01-01

    Purpose Some women with early-stage breast cancer are at higher risk of recurrence and can benefit from chemotherapy. We describe patterns of referral, receipt, and completion of chemotherapy among older women at high risk of recurrence. Patients and Methods A total of 2,124 women age 65 years or older who were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer between 1990 and 1994 and 1996 to 1999 were included; 1,090 of these were at high risk of recurrence. We reviewed medical records to categorize chemotherapy outcomes as follows: did not discuss or were not referred to a medical oncologist (n = 133); discussed and/or referred to a medical oncologist but received no chemotherapy (n = 742); received an incomplete chemotherapy course (n = 29), or received a completed chemotherapy course (n = 186). Results Overall, 19.7% of high-risk women received any chemotherapy, and 86.5% of these women completed their chemotherapy courses. Just greater than 10% of high-risk women did not have a discussion about chemotherapy as part of breast cancer treatment documented in the medical record; these women also received fewer diagnostic assessments of their initial tumors. Conclusion Individuals who receive chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer are a select subgroup of patients at high risk of recurrence. This study identifies characteristics of women who were referred for and who received chemotherapy, and this study plays an important role in understanding generalizability of studies that examine chemotherapy treatment effectiveness. Outcomes after breast cancer could continue to be improved with increased receipt of chemotherapy among older women at high risk of breast cancer recurrence. PMID:19687341

  10. GENOMIC PREDICTOR OF RESPONSE AND SURVIVAL FOLLOWING TAXANE-ANTHRACYCLINE CHEMOTHERAPY FOR INVASIVE BREAST CANCER

    PubMed Central

    Hatzis, Christos; Pusztai, Lajos; Valero, Vicente; Booser, Daniel J.; Esserman, Laura; Lluch, Ana; Vidaurre, Tatiana; Holmes, Frankie; Souchon, Eduardo; Martin, Miguel; Cotrina, José; Gomez, Henry; Hubbard, Rebekah; Chacón, J. Ignacio; Ferrer-Lozano, Jaime; Dyer, Richard; Buxton, Meredith; Gong, Yun; Wu, Yun; Ibrahim, Nuhad; Andreopoulou, Eleni; Ueno, Naoto T.; Hunt, Kelly; Yang, Wei; Nazario, Arlene; DeMichele, Angela; O’Shaughnessy, Joyce; Hortobagyi, Gabriel N.; Symmans, W. Fraser

    2017-01-01

    CONTEXT Accurate prediction of who will (or won’t) have high probability of survival benefit from standard treatments is fundamental for individualized cancer treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE To develop a predictor of response and survival from chemotherapy for newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer. DESIGN Development of different predictive signatures for resistance and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (stratified according to estrogen receptor (ER) status) from gene expression microarrays of newly diagnosed breast cancer (310 patients). Then prediction of breast cancer treatment-sensitivity using the combination of signatures for: 1) sensitivity to endocrine therapy, 2) chemo-resistance, and 3) chemo-sensitivity. Independent validation (198 patients) and comparison with other reported genomic predictors of chemotherapy response. SETTING Prospective multicenter study to develop and test genomic predictors for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. PATIENTS Newly diagnosed HER2-negative breast cancer treated with chemotherapy containing sequential taxane and anthracycline-based regimens then endocrine therapy (if hormone receptor-positive). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Distant relapse-free survival (DRFS) if predicted treatment-sensitive and absolute risk reduction (ARR, difference in DRFS of the two predicted groups) at median follow-up (3 years), and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Patients in the independent validation cohort (99% clinical Stage II–III) who were predicted to be treatment-sensitive (28% of total) had DRFS of 92% (CI 85–100) and survival benefit compared to others (absolute risk reduction (ARR) 18%; CI 6–28). Predictions were accurate if breast cancer was ER-positive (30% predicted sensitive, DRFS 97%, CI 91–100; ARR 11%, CI 0.1–21) or ER-negative (26% predicted sensitive, DRFS 83%, CI 68–100; ARR 26%, CI 4–28), and were significant in multivariate analysis after adjusting for relevant clinical-pathologic characteristics. Other

  11. Adjuvant Bidirectional Chemotherapy Using an Intraperitoneal Port

    PubMed Central

    Sugarbaker, Paul H.; Bijelic, Lana

    2012-01-01

    Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been established as treatment options for patients with peritoneal metastases or peritoneal mesothelioma. However, this novel treatment strategy remains associated with a large percentage of local-regional treatment failures. These treatment failures are attributed to the inadequacy of HIPEC to maintain a surgical complete response. Management strategies to supplement CRS and HIPEC are indicated. A simplified approach to the intraoperative placement of an intraperitoneal port for adjuvant bidirectional chemotherapy (ABC) was devised. Four different chemotherapy treatment plans were utilized depending upon the primary site of the malignancy. Thirty-one consecutive patients with an intraoperative placement of the intraperitoneal port were available for study. The incidence of adverse events that caused an early discontinuation of the bidirectional chemotherapy occurred in 75% of the 8 patients who had an incomplete cytoreduction and in 0% of patients who had a complete cytoreduction. All of the patients who had complete cytoreduction completed at least 5 of the scheduled 6 bidirectional chemotherapy treatments. Adjuvant bidirectional chemotherapy is possible following a major cytoreductive surgical procedure using a simplified method of intraoperative intraperitoneal port placement. PMID:22888340

  12. Responses to romidepsin in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and prior treatment with systemic chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Duvic, Madeleine; Bates, Susan E; Piekarz, Richard; Eisch, Robin; Kim, Youn H; Lerner, Adam; Robak, Tadeusz; Samtsov, Alexey; Becker, Jürgen C; McCulloch, William; Waksman, Joel; Whittaker, Sean

    2018-04-01

    Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas that typically present in the skin but can progress to systemic involvement. The optimal treatment for patients who relapse from or are refractory to systemic chemotherapy remains unclear. Romidepsin is a potent, class-I selective histone deacetylase inhibitor approved for the treatment of patients with CTCL who have had ≥1 prior systemic therapy. Here, we present a subanalysis of two phase-2 trials (NCT00106431, NCT00007345) of romidepsin in patients with CTCL who had prior treatment with systemic chemotherapy. Patients with prior chemotherapy were able to achieve durable responses to romidepsin, and response rates were similar to those in patients who were chemotherapy naïve. Overall, no new safety signals emerged in patients who had received prior chemotherapy. The data presented here suggest that romidepsin is safe and effective in patients with CTCL who received prior systemic chemotherapy.

  13. Diffusion-weighted MRI monitoring of pancreatic cancer response to radiofrequency heat-enhanced intratumor chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Tong; Zhang, Feng; Meng, Yanfeng; Wang, Han; Le, Thomas; Wei, Baojie; Lee, Donghoon; Willis, Patrick; Shen, Baozhong; Yang, Xiaoming

    2013-12-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using diffusion-weighted MRI to monitor the early response of pancreatic cancers to radiofrequency heat (RFH)-enhanced chemotherapy. Human pancreatic carcinoma cells (PANC-1) in different groups and 24 mice with pancreatic cancer xenografts in four groups were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as a control, RFH at 42 °C, gemcitabine and gemcitabine plus RFH at 42 °C. One day before and 1, 7 and 14 days after treatment, diffusion-weighted MRI and T2 -weighted imaging were applied to monitor the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of tumors and tumor growth. MRI findings were correlated with the results of tumor apoptosis analysis. In the in vitro experiments, the quantitative viability assay showed lower relative cell viabilities for treatment with gemcitabine plus RFH at 42 °C relative to treatment with RFH only and gemcitabine only (37 ± 5% versus 65 ± 4% and 58 ± 8%, respectively, p < 0.05). In the in vivo experiments, the combination therapy resulted in smaller relative tumor volumes than RFH only and chemotherapy only (0.82 ± 0.17 versus 2.23 ± 0.90 and 1.64 ± 0.44, respectively, p = 0.003). In vivo, 14-T MRI demonstrated a remarkable decrease in ADCs at day 1 and increased ADCs at days 7 and 14 in the combination therapy group. The apoptosis index in the combination therapy group was significantly higher than those in the chemotherapy-only, RFH-only and PBS treatment groups (37 ± 6% versus 20 ± 5%, 8 ± 2% and 3 ± 1%, respectively, p < 0.05). This study confirms that it is feasible to use MRI to monitor RFH-enhanced chemotherapy in pancreatic cancers, which may present new options for the efficient treatment of pancreatic malignancies using MRI/RFH-integrated local chemotherapy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  14. Optimal morphologic response to preoperative chemotherapy: an alternate outcome end point before resection of hepatic colorectal metastases.

    PubMed

    Shindoh, Junichi; Loyer, Evelyne M; Kopetz, Scott; Boonsirikamchai, Piyaporn; Maru, Dipen M; Chun, Yun Shin; Zimmitti, Giuseppe; Curley, Steven A; Charnsangavej, Chusilp; Aloia, Thomas A; Vauthey, Jean-Nicolas

    2012-12-20

    The purposes of this study were to confirm the prognostic value of an optimal morphologic response to preoperative chemotherapy in patients undergoing chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab before resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) and to identify predictors of the optimal morphologic response. The study included 209 patients who underwent resection of CLM after preoperative chemotherapy with oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based regimens with or without bevacizumab. Radiologic responses were classified as optimal or suboptimal according to the morphologic response criteria. Overall survival (OS) was determined, and prognostic factors associated with an optimal response were identified in multivariate analysis. An optimal morphologic response was observed in 47% of patients treated with bevacizumab and 12% of patients treated without bevacizumab (P < .001). The 3- and 5-year OS rates were higher in the optimal response group (82% and 74%, respectively) compared with the suboptimal response group (60% and 45%, respectively; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, suboptimal morphologic response was an independent predictor of worse OS (hazard ratio, 2.09; P = .007). Receipt of bevacizumab (odds ratio, 6.71; P < .001) and largest metastasis before chemotherapy of ≤ 3 cm (odds ratio, 2.12; P = .025) were significantly associated with optimal morphologic response. The morphologic response showed no specific correlation with conventional size-based RECIST criteria, and it was superior to RECIST in predicting major pathologic response. Independent of preoperative chemotherapy regimen, optimal morphologic response is sufficiently correlated with OS to be considered a surrogate therapeutic end point for patients with CLM.

  15. Optimal Morphologic Response to Preoperative Chemotherapy: An Alternate Outcome End Point Before Resection of Hepatic Colorectal Metastases

    PubMed Central

    Shindoh, Junichi; Loyer, Evelyne M.; Kopetz, Scott; Boonsirikamchai, Piyaporn; Maru, Dipen M.; Chun, Yun Shin; Zimmitti, Giuseppe; Curley, Steven A.; Charnsangavej, Chusilp; Aloia, Thomas A.; Vauthey, Jean-Nicolas

    2012-01-01

    Purpose The purposes of this study were to confirm the prognostic value of an optimal morphologic response to preoperative chemotherapy in patients undergoing chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab before resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) and to identify predictors of the optimal morphologic response. Patients and Methods The study included 209 patients who underwent resection of CLM after preoperative chemotherapy with oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based regimens with or without bevacizumab. Radiologic responses were classified as optimal or suboptimal according to the morphologic response criteria. Overall survival (OS) was determined, and prognostic factors associated with an optimal response were identified in multivariate analysis. Results An optimal morphologic response was observed in 47% of patients treated with bevacizumab and 12% of patients treated without bevacizumab (P < .001). The 3- and 5-year OS rates were higher in the optimal response group (82% and 74%, respectively) compared with the suboptimal response group (60% and 45%, respectively; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, suboptimal morphologic response was an independent predictor of worse OS (hazard ratio, 2.09; P = .007). Receipt of bevacizumab (odds ratio, 6.71; P < .001) and largest metastasis before chemotherapy of ≤ 3 cm (odds ratio, 2.12; P = .025) were significantly associated with optimal morphologic response. The morphologic response showed no specific correlation with conventional size-based RECIST criteria, and it was superior to RECIST in predicting major pathologic response. Conclusion Independent of preoperative chemotherapy regimen, optimal morphologic response is sufficiently correlated with OS to be considered a surrogate therapeutic end point for patients with CLM. PMID:23150701

  16. Tumor response evaluation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma: a prospective, multi-center cohort study

    PubMed Central

    De Martini, Paolo; Ceresoli, Marco; Mari, Giulio M.; Costanzi, Andrea; Maggioni, Dario; Pugliese, Raffaele; Ferrari, Giovanni

    2017-01-01

    Background To verify the prognostic value of the pathologic and radiological tumor response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods A total of 67 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (clinical ≥ T2 or nodal disease and without evidence of distant metastases) underwent perioperative chemotherapy (ECF or ECX regimen) from December 2009 through June 2015 in two surgical units. Histopathological and radiological response to chemotherapy were evaluated by using tumor regression grade (TRG) (Becker’s criteria) and volume change assessed by CT. Results Fifty-one (86%) patients completed all chemotherapy scheduled cycles successfully and surgery was curative (R0) in 64 (97%) subjects. The histopathological analysis showed 19 (29%) specimens with TRG1 (less than 10% of vital tumor left) and 25 (37%) patients had partial or complete response (CR) assessed by CT scan. Median disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 25.70 months (range, 14.52–36.80 months) and 36.60 months (range, 24.3–52.9 months), respectively. The median follow up was 27 months (range, 5.00–68.00 months). Radiological response and TRG were found to be a prognostic factor for OS and DFS, while tumor histology was not significantly related to survival. Conclusions Both radiological response and TRG have been shown as promising survival markers in patients treated with perioperative chemotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer. Other predictive markers of response to chemotherapy are strongly required. PMID:29299362

  17. 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy used to evaluate tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer: A quantitative analysis

    PubMed Central

    KOGA, KATIA HIROMOTO; MORIGUCHI, SONIA MARTA; NETO, JORGE NAHÁS; PERES, STELA VERZINHASSE; SILVA, EDUARDO TINÓIS DA; SARRI, ALMIR JOSÉ; MICHELIN, ODAIR CARLITO; MARQUES, MARIANGELA ESTHER ALENCAR; GRIVA, BEATRIZ LOTUFO

    2010-01-01

    To evaluate the tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 99mTc-sestamibi breast scintigraphy was proposed as a quantitative method. Fifty-five patients with ductal carcinoma were studied. They underwent breast scintigraphy before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, along with clinical assessment and surgical specimen analysis. The regions of interest on the lesion and contralateral breast were identified, and the pixel counts were used to evaluate lesion uptake in relation to background radiation. The ratio of these counts before to after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was assessed. The decrease in uptake rate due to chemotherapy characterized the scintigraphy tumor response. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the mean scintigraphic tumor response and histological type. Dunn’s multiple comparison test was used to detect differences between histological types. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare means between quantitative and qualitative variables: scintigraphic tumor response vs. clinical response and uptake before chemotherapy vs. scintigraphic tumor response. The Spearman’s test was used to correlate the quantitative variables of clinical reduction in tumor size and scintigraphic tumor response. All of the variables compared presented significant differences. The change in 99mTc-sestamibi uptake noted on breast scintigraphy, before to after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, may be used as an effective method for evaluating the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, since this quantification reflects the biological behavior of the tumor towards the chemotherapy regimen. Furthermore, additional analysis on the uptake rate before chemotherapy may accurately predict treatment response. PMID:22966312

  18. Microarray profile of the humoral immune response to influenza vaccination in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Wumkes, M L; van der Velden, A M T; de Bruin, E; Meerveld-Eggink, A; Koopmans, M P G; Rimmelzwaan, G F; Rijkers, G T; Biesma, D H

    2017-03-01

    Patients treated with chemotherapy have an impaired response to influenza virus vaccination compared to healthy controls. Little is known about the broadness of the antibody response in these patients. Breast cancer patients on FEC (5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy regimens were vaccinated with influenza virus vaccine. Sera were obtained before and three weeks after vaccination. In addition to the determination of virus-specific antibody titres by hemagglutination inhibition assay, the broadness of the response was assessed by the use of a protein microarray and baseline titres were compared with an age-matched reference group. We included 38 breast cancer patients and found a wide variety in serum antibody response after vaccination. Patients with a history of influenza vaccination had higher pre-vaccination titres, which were comparable to the reference group. Increasing number of cycles of chemotherapy did not have a negative effect on influenza array antibody levels, nor on the HI antibody response. Overall there was a broad serum antibody response to the influenza virus vaccine in patients treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  19. Immune reactivity does not predict chemotherapy response, organ preservation, or survival in advanced laryngeal cancer.

    PubMed

    Wolf, Gregory T; Bradford, Carol R; Urba, Susan; Smith, Allison; Eisbruch, Avraham; Chepeha, Douglas B; Teknos, Theodoros N; Worden, Frank; Dawson, Laura; Terrell, Jeffrey E; Hogikyan, Norman D

    2002-08-01

    To determine whether pretreatment lymphocyte subpopulations correlate with tumor response to induction chemotherapy as part of an organ preservation treatment approach in patients with advanced laryngeal cancer. A prospective clinical trial in patients with advanced laryngeal cancer was undertaken to determine whether the frequency of late salvage laryngectomy and overall survival could be improved using one cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to select patients for organ preservation. Pretreatment peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations for CD3, CD4, CD8, NK, and B cells were correlated with tumor response to induction chemotherapy, larynx preservation, and survival, to determine whether immune parameters could be useful in patient selection. The study setting was a tertiary referral academic health center. Studied were 53 patients with stage III (42%) or IV (57%) larynx cancer. Most patients had supraglottic cancers (73%) and positive clinical nodes (51%). Sixty-eight percent had greater than 50% tumor response after one cycle of induction chemotherapy and then received concurrent chemoradiation and two cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. Lymphocyte subpopulations were measured in 39 patients. Mean follow-up was 23.3 months (range, 5-61 mo). A total of 18 (34%) patients underwent laryngectomy. Only 4 cases were late salvage resections (13-35 mo after treatment). Fourteen cases were planned surgery after initial chemotherapy. Of the lymphocyte subpopulations measured, CD8 levels were significantly lower in stage IV patients and tended to be lower in patients with successful organ preservation. However, no significant differences in lymphocyte subpopulations were found among responders and nonresponders to chemotherapy. Overall survival was 88%. One cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy was effective in selecting patients for organ preservation. The regimen of definitive concurrent and adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with an unexpectedly high 2-year survival rate

  20. Quantitative imaging features of pretreatment CT predict volumetric response to chemotherapy in patients with colorectal liver metastases.

    PubMed

    Creasy, John M; Midya, Abhishek; Chakraborty, Jayasree; Adams, Lauryn B; Gomes, Camilla; Gonen, Mithat; Seastedt, Kenneth P; Sutton, Elizabeth J; Cercek, Andrea; Kemeny, Nancy E; Shia, Jinru; Balachandran, Vinod P; Kingham, T Peter; Allen, Peter J; DeMatteo, Ronald P; Jarnagin, William R; D'Angelica, Michael I; Do, Richard K G; Simpson, Amber L

    2018-06-19

    This study investigates whether quantitative image analysis of pretreatment CT scans can predict volumetric response to chemotherapy for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Patients treated with chemotherapy for CRLM (hepatic artery infusion (HAI) combined with systemic or systemic alone) were included in the study. Patients were imaged at baseline and approximately 8 weeks after treatment. Response was measured as the percentage change in tumour volume from baseline. Quantitative imaging features were derived from the index hepatic tumour on pretreatment CT, and features statistically significant on univariate analysis were included in a linear regression model to predict volumetric response. The regression model was constructed from 70% of data, while 30% were reserved for testing. Test data were input into the trained model. Model performance was evaluated with mean absolute prediction error (MAPE) and R 2 . Clinicopatholologic factors were assessed for correlation with response. 157 patients were included, split into training (n = 110) and validation (n = 47) sets. MAPE from the multivariate linear regression model was 16.5% (R 2 = 0.774) and 21.5% in the training and validation sets, respectively. Stratified by HAI utilisation, MAPE in the validation set was 19.6% for HAI and 25.1% for systemic chemotherapy alone. Clinical factors associated with differences in median tumour response were treatment strategy, systemic chemotherapy regimen, age and KRAS mutation status (p < 0.05). Quantitative imaging features extracted from pretreatment CT are promising predictors of volumetric response to chemotherapy in patients with CRLM. Pretreatment predictors of response have the potential to better select patients for specific therapies. • Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are downsized with chemotherapy but predicting the patients that will respond to chemotherapy is currently not possible. • Heterogeneity and enhancement patterns of CRLM can be

  1. Prognostic significance of an early decline in serum alpha-fetoprotein during chemotherapy for ovarian yolk sac tumors.

    PubMed

    de la Motte Rouge, Thibault; Pautier, Patricia; Genestie, Catherine; Rey, Annie; Gouy, Sébastien; Leary, Alexandra; Haie-Meder, Christine; Kerbrat, Pierre; Culine, Stéphane; Fizazi, Karim; Lhommé, Catherine

    2016-09-01

    The ovarian yolk sac tumor (OYST) is a very rare malignancy arising in young women. Our objective was to determine whether an early decline in serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) during chemotherapy has a prognostic impact. This retrospective study is based on prospectively recorded OYST cases at Gustave Roussy (Cancer Treatment Center). Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The serum AFP decline was calculated with the formula previously developed and validated in male patients with poor prognosis non-seminomatous germ cell tumors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the log-rank test and logistic regression, respectively. Data on AFP were available to calculate an early AFP decline in 57 patients. All patients had undergone surgery followed by chemotherapy. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates were 86% (95% CI: 74%-93%) and 84% (95% CI: 73%-91%), respectively. The disease stage, presence of ascites at presentation, use of the BEP regimen, serum AFP half-life and an early AFP decline were significantly predictive factors for OS and EFS in the univariate analysis. The OS rate was 100% and 49% (95% CI: 26%-72%) in patients with a favorable AFP decline and in those with an unfavorable decline, respectively (p<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, only the presence of ascites at diagnosis (RR=7.3, p=0.03) and an unfavorable early AFP decline (RR=16.9, p<0.01) were significant negative predictive factors for OS. An early AFP decline during chemotherapy is an independent prognostic factor in patients with OYSTs. No conflict of interest. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  2. Cost-effectiveness of the 21-gene assay for guiding adjuvant chemotherapy decisions in early breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Paulden, Mike; Franek, Jacob; Pham, Ba'; Bedard, Philippe L; Trudeau, Maureen; Krahn, Murray

    2013-01-01

    Adjuvant chemotherapy decisions in early breast cancer are complex. The 21-gene assay can potentially aid such decisions, but costs US $4175 per patient. Adjuvant! Online is a freely available decision aid. We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using the 21-gene assay in conjunction with Adjuvant! Online, and of providing adjuvant chemotherapy conditional upon risk classification. A probabilistic Markov decision model simulated risk classification, treatment, and the natural history of breast cancer in a hypothetical cohort of 50-year-old women with lymph node-negative, estrogen receptor- and/or progesterone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu-negative early breast cancer. Cost-effectiveness was considered from an Ontario public-payer perspective by deriving the lifetime incremental cost (2012 Canadian dollars) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) for each strategy, and the probability each strategy is cost-effective, assuming a willingness-to-pay of $50,000 per QALY. The 21-gene assay has an incremental cost per QALY in patients at low, intermediate, or high Adjuvant Online! risk of $22,440 (probability cost-effective 78.46%), $2,526 (99.40%), or $1,111 (99.82%), respectively. In patients at low (high) 21-gene assay risk, adjuvant chemotherapy increases (reduces) costs and worsens (improves) health outcomes. For patients at intermediate 21-gene assay risk and low, intermediate, or high Adjuvant! Online risk, chemotherapy has an incremental cost per QALY of $44,088 (50.59%), $1,776 (77.65%), or $1,778 (82.31%), respectively. The 21-gene assay appears cost-effective, regardless of Adjuvant! Online risk. Adjuvant chemotherapy appears cost-effective for patients at intermediate or high 21-gene assay risk, although this finding is uncertain in patients at intermediate 21-gene assay and low Adjuvant! Online risk. Copyright © 2013 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights

  3. Mutational Landscape of cfDNA Identifies Distinct Molecular Features Associated With Therapeutic Response to First-Line Platinum-Based Doublet Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced NSCLC

    PubMed Central

    Jiang, Tao; Li, Xuefei; Wang, Jianfei; Su, Chunxia; Han, Wenbo; Zhao, Chao; Wu, Fengying; Gao, Guanghui; Li, Wei; Chen, Xiaoxia; Li, Jiayu; Zhou, Fei; Zhao, Jing; Cai, Weijing; Zhang, Henghui; Du, Bo; Zhang, Jun; Ren, Shengxiang; Zhou, Caicun; Yu, Hui; Hirsch, Fred R.

    2017-01-01

    Rationale To investigate whether the mutational landscape of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) could predict and dynamically monitor the response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Eligible patients were included and blood samples were collected from a phase III trial. Both cfDNA fragments and fragmented genomic DNA were extracted for enrichment in a 1.15M size panel covering exon regions of 1,086 genes. Molecular mutational burden (MMB) was calculated to investigate the relationship between molecular features of cfDNA and response to chemotherapy. Results In total, 52 eligible cases were enrolled and their blood samples were prospectively collected at baseline, every cycle of chemotherapy and time of disease progression. At baseline, alterations of 17 genes were found. Patients with partial response (PR) had significantly lower baseline MMB of these genes than those patients with either stable disease (SD) (P = 0.0006) or progression disease (PD) (P = 0.0074). Further analysis revealed that the mutational landscape of cfDNA from pretreatment blood samples were distinctly different among patients with PR vs. SD/PD. For patients with baseline TP53 mutation, those with PR experienced a significant reduction in MMB whereas patients with SD or PD experienced an increase after two, three or four cycles of chemotherapy. Furthermore, patients with low MMB had superior response rate and significantly longer progression-free survival than those with high MMB. Conclusion This study indicated that the mutational landscape of cfDNA has potential clinical value to predict the therapeutic response to first-line platinum-based doublet chemotherapy in NSCLC patients. At the single gene level, dynamic change of molecular mutational burden of TP53 is valuable to monitor efficacy (and, therefore, might aid in early recognition of resistance and relapse) in patients harboring this mutation at baseline. PMID

  4. Circulating immune complexes as markers of response to chemotherapy in malignant teratomas and gestational trophoblastic tumours.

    PubMed Central

    Begent, R. H.; Chester, K. A.; Walker, L. C.; Tucker, D. F.

    1982-01-01

    Concentrations of circulating immune complexes (CIC) were measured serially during chemotherapy of 22 patients with gestational trophoblastic tumours (GTT) and 11 patients with malignant teratoma (MT) by the polyethylene glycol precipitation and CIq solid-phase assays. Results were correlated with tumour response as measured by serum concentrations of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and alpha-foetoprotein (AFP). CIC concentrations correlated with disease status in the early stages of treatment in 4/22 patients with GTT and 5/11 with MT. CIC assays were less sensitive than hCG and AFP as a monitor of disease, and also less specific, in that 8 patients with GTT and 5 with MT developed raised CIC concentrations during chemotherapy in spite of sustained complete remission. Measurements of CIC concentrations by present methods are neither sufficiently sensitive nor specific to be of clinical value as a tumour marker in GTT and MT, and this casts doubt on their potential value in other malignancies. Attention should be directed to identification of the components of CIC, some of which may be more cancer-specific. PMID:6174138

  5. Creating a Biomarker Panel for Early Detection of Chemotherapy Related Cardiac Dysfunction in Breast Cancer Patients.

    PubMed

    Srikanthan, Krithika; Klug, Rebecca; Tirona, Maria; Thompson, Ellen; Visweshwar, Haresh; Puri, Nitin; Shapiro, Joseph; Sodhi, Komal

    2017-03-01

    Cardiotoxicity is an important issue for breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline-trastuzumab therapy in the adjuvant setting. Studies show that 3-36% of patients receiving anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab experience chemotherapy related cardiac dysfunction (CRCD) and approximately 17% of patients must stop chemotherapy due to the consequences of CRCD. There is currently no standardized, clinically verified way to detect CRCD early, but common practices include serial echocardiography and troponin measurements, which can be timely, costly, and not always available in areas where health care resources are scarce. Furthermore, detection of CRCD, before there is any echocardiographic evidence of dysfunction or clinical symptoms present, would allow maximal benefit of chemotherapy and minimize cardiac complications. Creating a panel of serum biomarkers would allow for more specificity and sensitivity in the early detection of CRCD, which would be easy to implement and cost effective in places with limited health care. Based on a review of the literature, we propose creating a biomarker panel consisting of topoisomerase 2β, serum troponin T/I, myeloperoxidase, NT-proBNP, miR-208b, miR-34a, and miR-150 in breast cancer patients receiving anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab to detect CRCD before any signs of overt cardiotoxicity are apparent.

  6. Impact of Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Long-Term Employment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer Survivors

    PubMed Central

    Jagsi, Reshma; Hawley, Sarah T.; Abrahamse, Paul; Li, Yun; Janz, Nancy K.; Griggs, Jennifer J.; Bradley, Cathy; Graff, John J.; Hamilton, Ann S.; Katz, Steven J.

    2014-01-01

    Background Many women with early-stage breast cancer are working at the time of diagnosis and survive without recurrence. The short-term impact of chemotherapy receipt on employment has been demonstrated, but the long-term impact merits further research. Methods We conducted a longitudinal multicenter cohort study of women diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer in 2005–2007, as reported to the population-based Los Angeles and Detroit SEER registries. Of 3133 individuals sent surveys, 2290 (73%) completed a baseline survey soon after diagnosis and 1536 (68%) completed a four-year follow-up questionnaire. Results Of the 1026 patients aged <65 at diagnosis whose breast cancer did not recur and who responded to both surveys, 746 (76%) worked for pay before diagnosis. Of these, 236 (30%) were no longer working at follow-up. Women who received chemotherapy as part of initial treatment were less likely to work at follow-up (38% vs. 27%, p=0.003). Chemotherapy receipt at the time of diagnosis (OR 1.4, p=0.04) was independently associated with unemployment during survivorship in a multivariable model. Many women who were not employed in the survivorship period wanted to work: 50% reported that it was important for them to work and 31% were actively seeking work. Conclusions Unemployment among breast cancer survivors four years after diagnosis is often undesired and appears related to the receipt of chemotherapy during initial treatment. These findings should be considered when patients decide whether to receive adjuvant chemotherapy, particularly when expected benefit is low. PMID:24777606

  7. [Primary safety analysis of trastuzumab after adjuvant chemotherapy in 30 Chinese Her2-positive early breast cancer patients].

    PubMed

    Zhou, Ning-Ning; Teng, Xiao-Yu; Liu, Dong-Geng; Xu, Ran; Guan, Zhong-Zhen

    2008-12-01

    It has been proved that trastuzumab has clinical activity in early and advanced breast cancer with Her2-overexpression. This study was to analyze the safety of trastuzumab after adjuvant chemotherapy in 30 Chinese Her2-positive early breast cancer patients. Trastuzumab was administrated after adjuvant chemotherapy every 21 days. The initial dose was 8 mg/kg, and the subsequent dose was 6 mg/kg, for four to 35 cycles (medium 18 cycles). The side effects of these patients, especially cardiotoxicity, were analyzed. Thirty patients with Her2-positive early breast cancer were entered into the study. The average treatment period was one year (range nine weeks to two years). Two patients had shivering and fever during the first infusion with trastuzumab. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) level dropped in 18 cases after treatment with trastuzumab, half of which decreased more then 10%û however, no cardiac failure was observed. The post-surgical treatment of trastuzumab in Chinese patients with Her2-positive early breast cancer shows a satisfactory safety profile. However, the potential cardiotoxicity of trastuzumab should be carefully monitored during therapy.

  8. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes predict response to chemotherapy in patients with advance non-small cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Liu, Hui; Zhang, Tiantuo; Ye, Jin; Li, Hongtao; Huang, Jing; Li, Xiaodong; Wu, Benquan; Huang, Xubing; Hou, Jinghui

    2012-10-01

    Accumulating preclinical evidence suggests that anticancer immune responses contribute to the success of chemotherapy. The predictive significance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) for response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic and predictive value of TIL subtypes in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. In total, 159 patients with stage III and IV NSCLC were retrospectively enrolled. The prevalence of CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+) and Foxp3(+) TILs was assessed by immunohistochemistry in tumor tissue obtained before chemotherapy. The density of TILs subgroups was treated as dichotomous variables using the median values as cutoff. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences in overall survival between groups were determined using the Log-rank test. Prognostic effects of TIL subsets density were evaluated by Cox regression analysis. The presence of CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), and FOXP3(+) TILs was not correlated with any clinicopathological features. Neither the prevalence of TILs nor combined analysis displayed obvious prognostic performances for overall survival in Cox regression model. Instead, higher FOXP3(+)/CD8(+) ratio in tumor sites was an independent factor for poor response to platinum-based chemotherapy in overall cohort. These findings suggest that immunological CD8(+) and FOXP3(+)Tregs cell infiltrate within tumor environment is predictive of response to platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC patients. The understanding of the clinical relevance of the microenvironmental immunological milieu might provide an important clue for the design of novel strategies in cancer immunotherapy.

  9. Chemotherapy causes cancer! A case report of therapy related acute myeloid leukaemia in early stage breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Aidan, J Cole; Priddee, Nicole R; McAleer, James J

    2013-05-01

    Use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the adjuvant setting has improved survival for many patients with malignancy. Unfortunately multimodality treatment can come at a price, in particular therapy-related malignancies. This has importance in that patients must be made aware of this potential detriment from therapy and doctors must consider this diagnosis in those patients who are cancer survivors and presenting with health problems. We present a case report and brief overview of the literature regarding chemotherapy-induced acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) following therapy for early stage breast cancer.

  10. Cytotoxic chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma in the era of targeted therapy.

    PubMed

    Diamond, E; Molina, A M; Carbonaro, M; Akhtar, N H; Giannakakou, P; Tagawa, S T; Nanus, D M

    2015-12-01

    Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a heterogeneous disease with regards to histology, progression, and response to treatment. Cytotoxic chemotherapy has been extensively studied in metastatic RCC (mRCC). Responses in most studies are modest and the mechanisms of resistance remain poorly understood. Targeted therapies have significantly improved outcomes in mRCC; however, most patients eventually relapse and die of their disease. Early clinical data suggest that combinations of chemotherapy and targeted agents are clinically active and are well tolerated. We reviewed the available literature for published clinical trials incorporating traditional chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of mRCC. These papers were identified through a Medline search and were included if they employed at least one chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of mRCC. The literature was also reviewed for information regarding mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance. The data regarding the use of cytotoxic chemotherapy in mRCC consist of small, non-randomized phase I and II studies. The major response proportions with single agent chemotherapies are low but combination regimens either with other cytotoxic agents, cytokines, or targeted agents have demonstrated moderate activity. Disparate trial designs and lack of head to head clinical trials make it difficult to compare the efficacy of chemotherapy with that of immunotherapy or targeted agents. Chemotherapy is particularly useful in patients with collecting duct histology and predominantly sarcomatoid differentiation. Chemotherapy resistance may be mediated by overexpression of p-glycoprotein efflux pumps and the dysregulation of the microtubule-hypoxia inducible factor signaling axis. The role of cytotoxic chemotherapy in the treatment for clear cell RCC remains poorly defined. Cytotoxic chemotherapy is considered a standard of care in patients with mRCC with predominantly sarcomatoid differentiation and collecting duct RCC variants (Motzer et al

  11. Metronomic chemotherapy in platinum-insensitive failures and/or early failures postmultimodality management in oral cancers

    PubMed Central

    Patil, Vijay M.; Noronha, Vanita; Joshi, Amit; Pinninti, Rakesh; Dhumal, Sachin; Bhattacharjee, Atanu; Prabhash, Kumar

    2015-01-01

    Purpose: Oral cancer patients with platinum-resistant disease and or early failures have limited treatment options. This analysis was planned to study the efficacy of metronomic chemotherapy in this group of patients. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of oral cancer patients who had squamous cell carcinoma and had an early failure and/or platinum-insensitive failure. Early failure was defined as a failure either within 1-month of adjuvant radiotherapy or within 6 months of chemoradiation (CTRT). A sample size of 100 patients was selected for this study. If ≥39 of 100 patients would have survived at 6 months with metronomic chemotherapy, then additional studies would be warranted. Results: The ECOG PS was 0-1 in 92 patients and 2 in 8 patients. The subsite of primary was buccal mucosa in 38 patients (38%), anterior two-third tongue (oral tongue) in 51 patients (51%), and alveolus in 11 patients (11%). The median estimated overall survival was 110 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85-134 days). The proportion of patients surviving at 6 months was 26.4% (95% CI: 17.9-35.6). Conclusion: Metronomic combination of methotrexate and celecoxib failed to meet its prespecified efficacy limit and should not be used in these patients as routine. PMID:26855524

  12. Predictive test for chemotherapy response in resectable gastric cancer: a multi-cohort, retrospective analysis.

    PubMed

    Cheong, Jae-Ho; Yang, Han-Kwang; Kim, Hyunki; Kim, Woo Ho; Kim, Young-Woo; Kook, Myeong-Cherl; Park, Young-Kyu; Kim, Hyung-Ho; Lee, Hye Seung; Lee, Kyung Hee; Gu, Mi Jin; Kim, Ha Yan; Lee, Jinae; Choi, Seung Ho; Hong, Soonwon; Kim, Jong Won; Choi, Yoon Young; Hyung, Woo Jin; Jang, Eunji; Kim, Hyeseon; Huh, Yong-Min; Noh, Sung Hoon

    2018-05-01

    Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery improves survival of patients with stage II-III, resectable gastric cancer. However, the overall survival benefit observed after adjuvant chemotherapy is moderate, suggesting that not all patients with resectable gastric cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy benefit from it. We aimed to develop and validate a predictive test for adjuvant chemotherapy response in patients with resectable, stage II-III gastric cancer. In this multi-cohort, retrospective study, we developed through a multi-step strategy a predictive test consisting of two rule-based classifier algorithms with predictive value for adjuvant chemotherapy response and prognosis. Exploratory bioinformatics analyses identified biologically relevant candidate genes in gastric cancer transcriptome datasets. In the discovery analysis, a four-gene, real-time RT-PCR assay was developed and analytically validated in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour tissues from an internal cohort of 307 patients with stage II-III gastric cancer treated at the Yonsei Cancer Center with D2 gastrectomy plus adjuvant fluorouracil-based chemotherapy (n=193) or surgery alone (n=114). The same internal cohort was used to evaluate the prognostic and chemotherapy response predictive value of the single patient classifier genes using associations with 5-year overall survival. The results were validated with a subset (n=625) of FFPE tumour samples from an independent cohort of patients treated in the CLASSIC trial (NCT00411229), who received D2 gastrectomy plus capecitabine and oxaliplatin chemotherapy (n=323) or surgery alone (n=302). The primary endpoint was 5-year overall survival. We identified four classifier genes related to relevant gastric cancer features (GZMB, WARS, SFRP4, and CDX1) that formed the single patient classifier assay. In the validation cohort, the prognostic single patient classifier (based on the expression of GZMB, WARS, and SFRP4) identified 79 (13%) of 625

  13. Very Early PSA Response to Abiraterone in mCRPC Patients: A Novel Prognostic Factor Predicting Overall Survival.

    PubMed

    Facchini, Gaetano; Caffo, Orazio; Ortega, Cinzia; D'Aniello, Carmine; Di Napoli, Marilena; Cecere, Sabrina C; Della Pepa, Chiara; Crispo, Anna; Maines, Francesca; Ruatta, Fiorella; Iovane, Gelsomina; Pisconti, Salvatore; Montella, Maurizio; Berretta, Massimiliano; Pignata, Sandro; Cavaliere, Carla

    2016-01-01

    Abiraterone Acetate (AA) is approved for the treatment of mCRPC after failure of androgen deprivation therapy in whom chemotherapy is not yet clinically indicated and for treatment of mCRPC progressed during or after docetaxel-based chemotherapy regimen. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of early PSA decline for detection of therapy success or failure in mCRPC patients treated with AA in post chemotherapy setting. We retrospectively evaluated 87 patients with mCRPC treated with AA. Serum PSA levels were evaluated after 15, 90 days and then monthly. The PSA flare phenomenon was evaluated, according to a confirmation value at least 1 week apart. The primary endpoint was to demonstrate that an early PSA decline correlates with a longer progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoind was to demonstrate a correlation between better outcome and demographic and clinical patient characteristics. We have collected data of 87 patients between Sep 2011 and Sep 2014. Early PSA response (≥50% from baseline at 15 days) was found in 56% evaluated patients and confirmed in 29 patients after 90 days. The median PFS was 5.5 months (4.6-6.5) and the median OS was 17.1 months (8.8-25.2). In early responders patients (PSA RR ≥ 50% at 15 days), we found a significant statistical advantage in terms of PFS at 1 year, HR 0.28, 95%CI 0.12-0.65, p = 0.003, and OS, HR 0.21 95% CI 0.06-0.72, p = 0.01. The results in PFS at 1 years and OS reached statistical significance also in the evaluation at 90 days. A significant proportion (78.6%) of patients achieved a rapid response in terms of PSA decline. Early PSA RR (≥50% at 15 days after start of AA) can provide clinically meaningful information and can be considered a surrogate of longer PFS and OS.

  14. Multilocus amplicon sequencing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cystic fibrosis airways isolates collected prior to and after early antipseudomonal chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Fischer, Sebastian; Greipel, Leonie; Klockgether, Jens; Dorda, Marie; Wiehlmann, Lutz; Cramer, Nina; Tümmler, Burkhard

    2017-05-01

    Early antimicrobial chemotherapy can prevent or at least delay chronic cystic fibrosis (CF) airways infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. During a 10-year study period P. aeruginosa was detected for the first time in 54 CF patients regularly seen at the CF centre Hannover. Amplicon sequencing of 34 loci of the P. aeruginosa core genome was performed in baseline and post-treatment isolates of the 15 CF patients who had remained P. aeruginosa - positive after the first round of antipseudomonal chemotherapy. Deep sequencing uncovered coexisting alternative nucleotides at in total 33 of 55,284 examined genome positions including six non-synonymous polymorphisms in the lasR gene, a key regulator of quorum sensing. After early treatment 42 of 50 novel nucleotide substitutions had emerged in exopolysaccharide biosynthesis, efflux pump and porin genes. Early treatment selects pathoadaptive mutations in P. aeruginosa that are typical for chronic infections of CF lungs. Copyright © 2016 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a new prognosis tool for the curative management of peritoneal colorectal carcinomatosis.

    PubMed

    Passot, Guillaume; You, Benoît; Boschetti, Gilles; Fontaine, Juliette; Isaac, Sylvie; Decullier, Evelyne; Maurice, Christele; Vaudoyer, Delphine; Gilly, François-Noël; Cotte, Eddy; Glehen, Olivier

    2014-08-01

    The primary objective of this study was to determine the incidence rate of pathological complete responses (pCRs) following neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of colorectal origin. The secondary objective was to evaluate whether pathological response assessments predict survival of patients treated with curative intent by complete cytoreductive surgery (CRS). A retrospective review was performed of 115 patients who underwent preoperative irinotecan- or oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, followed by 124 procedures of complete CRS alone or combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The pathological response was defined as the mean percentage of cancer cells remaining within all specimens. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of survival and pathological response outcome. Twelve procedures (9.7 %) resulted in pCRs, defined as no residual cancer cells in all specimens, 25 (20.2 %) resulted in major responses (1 to 49 % residual cancer cells), and 87 (70.1 %) resulted in minor or no responses (>50 % residual cancer cells). The cumulative 5-year survival rates were 75 and 57 % for patients with pCR and major responses, respectively. Using multivariate analysis, pathological response was the only independent predictor of survival (P = 0.01; major response: hazard ratio [HR] = 4.91; minor response: HR = 13.46). No significant predictor of pathological response was identified. Pathological complete response can be achieved with preoperative systemic chemotherapy for patients with PC of colorectal origin. The degree of pathological response can be assessed and represented as a new outcome for prognosis following treatment with curative intent.

  16. Time-of-Day Dictates Transcriptional Inflammatory Responses to Cytotoxic Chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Borniger, Jeremy C.; Walker II, William H.; Gaudier-Diaz, Monica M.; Stegman, Curtis J.; Zhang, Ning; Hollyfield, Jennifer L.; Nelson, Randy J.; DeVries, A. Courtney

    2017-01-01

    Many cytotoxic chemotherapeutics elicit a proinflammatory response which is often associated with chemotherapy-induced behavioral alterations. The immune system is under circadian influence; time-of-day may alter inflammatory responses to chemotherapeutics. We tested this hypothesis by administering cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin (Cyclo/Dox), a common treatment for breast cancer, to female BALB/c mice near the beginning of the light or dark phase. Mice were injected intravenously with Cyclo/Dox or the vehicle two hours after lights on (zeitgeber time (ZT2), or two hours after lights off (ZT14). Tissue was collected 1, 3, 9, and 24 hours later. Mice injected with Cyclo/Dox at ZT2 lost more body mass than mice injected at ZT14. Cyclo/Dox injected at ZT2 increased the expression of several pro-inflammatory genes within the spleen; this was not evident among mice treated at ZT14. Transcription of enzymes within the liver responsible for converting Cyclo/Dox into their toxic metabolites increased among mice injected at ZT2; furthermore, transcription of these enzymes correlated with splenic pro-inflammatory gene expression when treatment occurred at ZT2 but not ZT14. The pattern was reversed in the brain; pro-inflammatory gene expression increased among mice injected at ZT14. These data suggest that inflammatory responses to chemotherapy depend on time-of-day and are tissue specific. PMID:28117419

  17. Glutathione responsive micelles incorporated with semiconducting polymer dots and doxorubicin for cancer photothermal-chemotherapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cai, Zhixiong; Zhang, Da; Lin, Xinyi; Chen, Yunzhu; Wu, Ming; Wei, Zuwu; Zhang, Zhenxi; Liu, Xiaolong; Yao, Cuiping

    2017-10-01

    Nanoplatform integrated with photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy has been recognized a promising agent for enhancing cancer therapeutic outcomes, but still suffer from less controllability for optimizing their synergistic effects. We fabricated glutathione (GSH) responsive micelles incorporated with semiconducting polymer dots and doxorubicin (referred as SPDOX NPs) for combining PTT with chemotherapy to enhance cancer therapeutic efficiency. These micelles, with excellent water dispersibility, comprises of three distinct functional components: (1) the monomethoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-S-S-hexadecyl (mPEG-S-S-C16), which forms the micelles, can render hydrophobic substances water-soluble and improve the colloidal stability; (2) disulfide linkages can be cleaved in a reductive environment for tumor specific drug release due to the high GSH concentrations of tumor micro-environment; (3) PCPDTBT dots and anti-cancer drug DOX that are loaded inside the hydrophobic core of the micelle can be applied to simultaneously perform PTT and chemotherapy to achieve significantly enhanced tumor killing efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, our studies demonstrated that our SPDOX NPs with simultaneous photothermal-chemotherapy functions could be a promising platform for a tumor specific responsive drug delivery system.

  18. How close are we to customizing chemotherapy in early non-small cell lung cancer?

    PubMed Central

    Ioannidis, Georgios; Georgoulias, Vassilis; Souglakos, John

    2011-01-01

    Although surgery is the only potentially curative treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 5-year survival rates range from 77% for stage IA tumors to 23% in stage IIIA disease. Adjuvant chemotherapy has recently been established as a standard of care for resected stage II-III NSCLC, on the basis of large-scale clinical trials employing third-generation platinum-based regimens. As the overall absolute 5-year survival benefit from this approach does not exceed 5% and potential long-term complications are an issue of concern, the aim of customized adjuvant systemic treatment is to optimize the toxicity/benefit ratio, so that low-risk individuals are spared from unnecessary intervention, while avoiding undertreatment of high-risk patients, including those with stage I disease. Therefore, the application of reliable prognostic and predictive biomarkers would enable to identify appropriate patients for the most effective treatment. This is an overview of the data available on the most promising clinicopathological and molecular biomarkers that could affect adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy decisions for operable NSCLC in routine practice. Among the numerous candidate molecular biomarkers, only few gene-expression profiling signatures provide clinically relevant information warranting further validation. On the other hand, real-time quantitative polymerase-chain reaction strategy involving relatively small number of genes offers a practical alternative, with high cross-platform performance. Although data extrapolation from the metastatic setting should be cautious, the concept of personalized, pharmacogenomics-guided chemotherapy for early NSCLC seems feasible, and is currently being evaluated in randomized phase 2 and 3 trials. The mRNA and/or protein expression levels of excision repair cross-complementation group 1, ribonucleotide reductase M1 and breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 are among the most potential biomarkers for early disease

  19. In situ immune response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer predicts survival.

    PubMed

    Ladoire, Sylvain; Mignot, Grégoire; Dabakuyo, Sandrine; Arnould, Laurent; Apetoh, Lionel; Rébé, Cedric; Coudert, Bruno; Martin, Francois; Bizollon, Marie Hélène; Vanoli, André; Coutant, Charles; Fumoleau, Pierre; Bonnetain, Franck; Ghiringhelli, François

    2011-07-01

    Accumulating preclinical evidence suggests that anticancer immune responses contribute to the success of chemotherapy. However, the predictive value of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer remains unknown. We hypothesized that the nature of the immune infiltrate following neoadjuvant chemotherapy would predict patient survival. In a series of 111 consecutive HER2- and a series of 51 non-HER2-overexpressing breast cancer patients treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we studied by immunohistochemistry tumour infiltration by FOXP3 and CD8 T lymphocytes before and after chemotherapy. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox modelling were used to assess relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). A predictive scoring system using American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) pathological staging and immunological markers was created. Association of high CD8 and low FOXP3 cell infiltrates after chemotherapy was significantly associated with improved RFS (p = 0.02) and OS (p = 0.002), and outperformed classical predictive factors in multivariate analysis. A combined score associating CD8/FOXP3 ratio and pathological AJCC staging isolated a subgroup of patients with a long-term overall survival of 100%. Importantly, this score also identified patients with a favourable prognosis in an independent cohort of HER2-negative breast cancer patients. These results suggest that immunological CD8 and FOXP3 cell infiltrate after treatment is an independent predictive factor of survival in breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and provides new insights into the role of the immune milieu and cancer. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  20. Change in chemotherapy during concurrent radiation followed by surgery after a suboptimal positron emission tomography response to induction chemotherapy improves outcomes for locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma.

    PubMed

    Ku, Geoffrey Y; Kriplani, Anuja; Janjigian, Yelena Y; Kelsen, David P; Rusch, Valerie W; Bains, Manjit; Chou, Joanne; Capanu, Marinela; Wu, Abraham J; Goodman, Karyn A; Ilson, David H

    2016-07-01

    A positron emission tomography (PET) scan after induction chemotherapy before preoperative chemoradiation and surgery for esophageal adenocarcinoma predicts outcomes. Some patients with progression on PET after induction chemotherapy had long-term overall survival (OS) when they were changed to alternative chemotherapy during radiation. This study retrospectively reviewed esophageal adenocarcinoma patients who received induction chemotherapy and chemoradiation before planned surgery; all had undergone a PET scan before and after induction chemotherapy. There were 201 patients, and 113 (56%) were PET responders (≥35% decrease in the maximum standardized uptake value of the tumor). All PET responders received the same chemotherapy during radiation, whereas 38 of the 88 PET nonresponders (43%) changed chemotherapy. Among the 152 patients who underwent surgery, the pathologic complete response rate was 15% for PET responders and 3% for PET nonresponders who did not change chemotherapy (P = .046). The median progression-free survival (PFS; 18.9 vs 10.0 months, P < 0.01) and OS (37 vs 25.3 months, P = .02) were significantly better for PET responders versus PET nonresponders who did not change chemotherapy. The median PFS for PET nonresponders who changed chemotherapy was 17.9 months, and it was superior to the median PFS for PET nonresponders who did not change chemotherapy (P = .01). For PET nonresponders, the 5-year OS rates were 37% for those who changed chemotherapy and 25% for those who did not change chemotherapy (P = .18). A PET scan after induction chemotherapy predicts outcomes for locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma patients who undergo chemoradiation and surgery. The median PFS is improved, and trends toward improved OS appear possible in PET nonresponders who change chemotherapy during radiation. The fully accrued Cancer and Leukemia Group B 80803 study (NCT01333033) is evaluating this strategy. Cancer 2016;122:2083-90. © 2016 American Cancer

  1. Effectiveness of evaluating tumor vascularization using 3D power Doppler ultrasound with high-definition flow technology in the prediction of the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for T2 breast cancer: a preliminary report

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shia, Wei-Chung; Chen, Dar-Ren; Huang, Yu-Len; Wu, Hwa-Koon; Kuo, Shou-Jen

    2015-10-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of advanced ultrasound (US) imaging of vascular flow and morphological features in the prediction of a pathologic complete response (pCR) and a partial response (PR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for T2 breast cancer. Twenty-nine consecutive patients with T2 breast cancer treated with six courses of anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled. Three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler US with high-definition flow (HDF) technology was used to investigate the blood flow in and morphological features of the tumors. Six vascularity quantization features, three morphological features, and two vascular direction features were selected and extracted from the US images. A support vector machine was used to evaluate the changes in vascularity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and pCR and PR were predicted on the basis of these changes. The most accurate prediction of pCR was achieved after the first chemotherapy cycle, with an accuracy of 93.1% and a specificity of 85.5%, while that of a PR was achieved after the second cycle, with an accuracy of 79.31% and a specificity of 72.22%. Vascularity data can be useful to predict the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Determination of changes in vascularity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy using 3D power Doppler US with HDF can generate accurate predictions of the patient response, facilitating early decision-making.

  2. Machine learning for predicting the response of breast cancer to neoadjuvant chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Mani, Subramani; Chen, Yukun; Li, Xia; Arlinghaus, Lori; Chakravarthy, A Bapsi; Abramson, Vandana; Bhave, Sandeep R; Levy, Mia A; Xu, Hua; Yankeelov, Thomas E

    2013-01-01

    Objective To employ machine learning methods to predict the eventual therapeutic response of breast cancer patients after a single cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Materials and methods Quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI data were acquired on 28 patients before and after one cycle of NAC. A total of 118 semiquantitative and quantitative parameters were derived from these data and combined with 11 clinical variables. We used Bayesian logistic regression in combination with feature selection using a machine learning framework for predictive model building. Results The best predictive models using feature selection obtained an area under the curve of 0.86 and an accuracy of 0.86, with a sensitivity of 0.88 and a specificity of 0.82. Discussion With the numerous options for NAC available, development of a method to predict response early in the course of therapy is needed. Unfortunately, by the time most patients are found not to be responding, their disease may no longer be surgically resectable, and this situation could be avoided by the development of techniques to assess response earlier in the treatment regimen. The method outlined here is one possible solution to this important clinical problem. Conclusions Predictive modeling approaches based on machine learning using readily available clinical and quantitative MRI data show promise in distinguishing breast cancer responders from non-responders after the first cycle of NAC. PMID:23616206

  3. Delayed response to maintenance therapy after first-line chemotherapy in metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a case report.

    PubMed

    Marciano, Roberta; Servetto, Alberto; Bianco, Cataldo; Bianco, Roberto

    2017-09-26

    Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is an aggressive tumor originating in the epithelium of the bile duct, often associated with distant dissemination. The prognosis is poor and treatment is challenging due to low response rate to standard chemotherapy and lack of targeted therapies. Here we report the case of a 74-year-old white woman affected by intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with metastatic involvement of spleen, lung, peritoneum, and intra-abdominal lymph nodes. As first-line chemotherapy, she was given cisplatin-gemcitabine chemotherapy. The treatment was well tolerated with the exception of grade 1 constipation and a single episode of grade 4 thrombocytopenia occurring after the fourth course. After the first three courses of chemotherapy a computed tomography scan evaluation demonstrated no change; her CA19-9 levels were slightly decreased. However, after the sixth course of chemotherapy a computed tomography scan revealed a dimensional enlargement of the lung metastases; her CA19-9 levels increased. She was then treated with gemcitabine alone. After 2 months of gemcitabine monotherapy a significant regression of lung and spleen metastases, as well a CA19-9 level reduction, occurred. Eight months after the start of gemcitabine monotherapy no signs of progression were reported. Treatment of metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with gemcitabine as maintenance therapy after first-line chemotherapy could be continued until clear evidence of disease progression since delayed responses are possible.

  4. Assessment of the Radiation-Equivalent of Chemotherapy Contributions in 1-Phase Radio-chemotherapy Treatment of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

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

    Plataniotis, George A., E-mail: george.plataniotis@nhs.net; Dale, Roger G.

    2014-03-15

    Purpose: To estimate the radiation equivalent of the chemotherapy contribution to observed complete response rates in published results of 1-phase radio-chemotherapy of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Methods and Materials: A standard logistic dose–response curve was fitted to data from radiation therapy-alone trials and then used as the platform from which to quantify the chemotherapy contribution in 1-phase radio-chemotherapy trials. Two possible mechanisms of chemotherapy effect were assumed (1) a fixed radiation-independent contribution to local control; or (2) a fixed degree of chemotherapy-induced radiosensitization. A combination of both mechanisms was also considered. Results: The respective best-fit values of the independent chemotherapy-induced completemore » response (CCR) and radiosensitization (s) coefficients were 0.40 (95% confidence interval −0.07 to 0.87) and 1.30 (95% confidence interval 0.86-1.70). Independent chemotherapy effect was slightly favored by the analysis, and the derived CCR value was consistent with reports of pathologic complete response rates seen in neoadjuvant chemotherapy-alone treatments of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The radiation equivalent of the CCR was 36.3 Gy. Conclusion: Although the data points in the analyzed radio-chemotherapy studies are widely dispersed (largely on account of the diverse range of chemotherapy schedules used), it is nonetheless possible to fit plausible-looking response curves. The methodology used here is based on a standard technique for analyzing dose-response in radiation therapy-alone studies and is capable of application to other mixed-modality treatment combinations involving radiation therapy.« less

  5. In vivo metabolic imaging of mouse tumor models in response to chemotherapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lukina, Maria M.; Dudenkova, Varvara; Shumilova, Anastasia V.; Snopova, Ludmila B.; Zagaynova, Elena V.; Shirmanova, Marina V.

    2017-02-01

    The aim of the study was to estimate energy metabolism in human cervical cancer cells HeLa Kyoto after chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo using two-photon fluorescence lifetime microscopy (FLIM). Cellular metabolism was examined by monitoring of the fluorescence intensities and lifetimes of metabolic cofactors NAD(P)H and FAD. Cancer metabolism was analyzed in dynamics after treatment with cisplatin. Two-photon fluorescence and second harmonic generation microscopies as well as standard histopathology with hematoxylin and eosin were used to characterize cancer tissue structure. We showed an increase of the optical redox ratio FAD/NAD(P)H in cancer cells in vitro and decrease of the relative contribution of free NAD(P)H (ɑ1) in vitro and in vivo, which presumably indicate a shift to more oxidative metabolism after chemotherapy. These data demonstrate the possibility to detect response of cancer cells to chemotherapy using optical metabolic imaging.

  6. Ophthalmic Vascular Events after Primary Unilateral Intra-arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma in Early and Recent Eras.

    PubMed

    Dalvin, Lauren A; Ancona-Lezama, David; Lucio-Alvarez, J Antonio; Masoomian, Babak; Jabbour, Pascal; Shields, Carol L

    2018-06-16

    To assess risk factors for ophthalmic vascular events after intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma. Retrospective cohort study. Patients who received unilateral IAC as primary treatment for retinoblastoma from January 1, 2009, to November 30, 2017, at a single center. Records were reviewed for patient demographics, tumor features, IAC parameters, and treatment-related vascular events in the early IAC era (2009-2011) compared with the recent era (2012-2017) using the t test and Fisher exact test. Change in event rates over time was assessed using Poisson regression analysis, with Spearman's rho used to test correlation. Rate of IAC-induced ophthalmic vascular events. There were 243 chemotherapy infusions in 76 eyes of 76 patients, divided into early (22 eyes, 57 infusions) and recent (54 eyes, 186 infusions) eras. Intra-arterial chemotherapy consisted of melphalan (243 infusions), topotecan (124 infusions), and carboplatin (9 infusions). A comparison (early vs. recent era) revealed fewer mean number of infusions (2.6 vs. 3.4, P = 0.02) with similar mean patient age and presenting tumor features. Event rates decreased over time (P < 0.01), with fewer ophthalmic vascular events (early era vs. recent era) in the recent era (59% vs. 9% per eye, 23% vs. 3% per infusion, P < 0.01), including peripheral retinal nonperfusion (5% vs. 2% per eye, P = 0.50), vitreous hemorrhage (9% vs. 2%, P = 0.20), subretinal hemorrhage (0% vs. 2%, P = 0.99), branch retinal vein occlusion (5% vs. 0%, P = 0.29), choroidal ischemia (14% vs. 4%, P = 0.14), and ophthalmic artery spasm/occlusion (27% vs. 0%, P < 0.01). Events did not correlate to patient age (P = 0.75), tumor diameter (P = 0.32), tumor thickness (P = 0.59), or cumulative dosage of melphalan (P = 0.13) or topotecan (P = 0.59). There were no IAC-induced vascular events in 72 infusions of 21 consecutively treated eyes in 2016 to 2017. Ophthalmic vascular events after IAC have decreased from the early era

  7. Assessment of early response biomarkers in relation to long‐term survival in patients with HER2‐negative breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus bevacizumab: Results from the Phase II PROMIX trial

    PubMed Central

    Kimbung, Siker; Markholm, Ida; Bjöhle, Judith; Lekberg, Tobias; von Wachenfeldt, Anna; Azavedo, Edward; Saracco, Ariel; Hellström, Mats; Veerla, Srinivas; Paquet, Eric; Bendahl, Pär‐Ola; Fernö, Mårten; Bergh, Jonas; Loman, Niklas

    2017-01-01

    Pathologic complete response (pCR) is a predictor for favorable outcome after neoadjuvant treatment in early breast cancer. Modulation of gene expression may also provide early readouts of biological activity and prognosis, offering the possibility for timely response‐guided treatment adjustment. The role of early transcriptional changes in predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus bevacizumab was investigated. One‐hundred‐and‐fifty patients with large, operable and locally advanced HER2‐negative breast cancer received epirubicin and docetaxel, with the addition of bevacizumab. Patients underwent tumor biopsies at baseline, after Cycle 2 and at the time of surgery. The primary end point, pCR, and its relation with the secondary endpoints event‐free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS) and gene expression profiles, are reported. The pCR rate was 13% (95% CI 8.6–20.2), with significantly more pCRs among triple‐negative [28% (95% CI 14.8–45.4)] than among hormone receptor positive (HR+) tumors [9% (95% CI 4.6–16.3); (OR = 3.9 [CI = 1.5–10.3])]. pCR rates were not associated with EFS or OS. PAM50 subtypes significantly changed after Cycle 2 (p = 0.03) and an index of absolute changes in PAM50 correlations between these time‐points was associated with EFS [HR = 0.62 (CI = 0.3–1.1)]. In univariable analyses, signatures for angiogenesis, proliferation, estrogen receptor signaling, invasion and metastasis, and immune response, measured after Cycle 2, were associated with pCR in HR+ tumors. Evaluation of changes in molecular subtypes and other signatures early in the course of neoadjuvant treatment may be predictive of pCR and EFS. These factors may help guide further treatment and should be considered when designing neoadjuvant trials. PMID:28940389

  8. A Reactive 1O2 - Responsive Combined Treatment System of Photodynamic and Chemotherapy for Cancer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xiaojun; Meng, Guoqing; Zhang, Song; Liu, Xinli

    2016-07-01

    The development of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive drug delivery and drug release has gradually attracted much attention in recent years as a promising therapeutic strategy. Singlet oxygen (1O2) as the major ROS species is widely used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. In the present study, we introduce a combined treatment using ROS-sensitive thioketal (TK) linkage as a linker between upconversion nanoparticles (UNs)-based PDT and doxorubicin (DOX)-based chemotherapy. UNs can not only play a role in PDT, but can also be used as a nanocarrier for drug delivery of DOX. Moreover, the products of 1O2 during PDT are able to cleave TK linker inducing the release of DOX which can further achieve the goal of chemotherapy. By using this 1O2-responsive nanocarrier delivery system, DOX can easily reach the tumor site and be accumulated in the nuclei to effectively kill the cancer cells, and therefore decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy on the body. Thus, PDT also has the function of controlling drug release in this combination treatment strategy. Compared with monotherapy, the combination of PDT with chemotherapy also possesses excellent drug loading capability and anticancer efficiency.

  9. Duodenal Bulb Adenocarcinoma Benefitted from Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Case Report.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Geng-Yuan; Mao, Jie; Zhao, Bin; Long, Bo; Zhan, Hao; Zhang, Jun-Qiang; Zhou, Hui-Nian; Guo, Ling-Yun; Jiao, Zuo-Yi

    2017-01-01

    Duodenal bulb adenocarcinoma is an extremely rare malignancy in the alimentary tract which has a low incidence rate and nonspecific symptoms. It is difficult to diagnose early, and the misdiagnosis rate is high. CT, MRI, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and other advanced imaging modalities should be combined to make a comprehensive evaluation. The diagnostic confirmation of this tumor type mainly depends on the pathological examination. The combination of surgery with other treatment modalities is effective. A review of reports on duodenal bulb adenocarcinoma with chemotherapy revealed 6 cases since 1990. However, there are few reports on neoadjuvant chemotherapy for the disease. In this report, preoperative S-1 in combination with oxaliplatin neoadjuvant chemotherapy achieved a complete pathological response in the treatment of duodenal bulb adenocarcinoma. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy shows a better clinical efficacy in the treatment of duodenal bulb adenocarcinoma, but its value needs to be further verified. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  10. Potential of MR histogram analyses for prediction of response to chemotherapy in patients with colorectal hepatic metastases.

    PubMed

    Liang, He-Yue; Huang, Ya-Qin; Yang, Zhao-Xia; Ying-Ding; Zeng, Meng-Su; Rao, Sheng-Xiang

    2016-07-01

    To determine if magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) histogram analyses can help predict response to chemotherapy in patients with colorectal hepatic metastases by using response evaluation criteria in solid tumours (RECIST1.1) as the reference standard. Standard MRI including diffusion-weighted imaging (b=0, 500 s/mm(2)) was performed before chemotherapy in 53 patients with colorectal hepatic metastases. Histograms were performed for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, arterial, and portal venous phase images; thereafter, mean, percentiles (1st, 10th, 50th, 90th, 99th), skewness, kurtosis, and variance were generated. Quantitative histogram parameters were compared between responders (partial and complete response, n=15) and non-responders (progressive and stable disease, n=38). Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analyses were further analyzed for the significant parameters. The mean, 1st percentile, 10th percentile, 50th percentile, 90th percentile, 99th percentile of the ADC maps were significantly lower in responding group than that in non-responding group (p=0.000-0.002) with area under the ROC curve (AUCs) of 0.76-0.82. The histogram parameters of arterial and portal venous phase showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between the two groups. Histogram-derived parameters for ADC maps seem to be a promising tool for predicting response to chemotherapy in patients with colorectal hepatic metastases. • ADC histogram analyses can potentially predict chemotherapy response in colorectal liver metastases. • Lower histogram-derived parameters (mean, percentiles) for ADC tend to have good response. • MR enhancement histogram analyses are not reliable to predict response.

  11. Advantage of FMISO-PET over FDG-PET for predicting histological response to preoperative chemotherapy in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Sato, Jun; Kitagawa, Yoshimasa; Yamazaki, Yutaka; Hata, Hironobu; Asaka, Takuya; Miyakoshi, Masaaki; Okamoto, Shozo; Shiga, Tohru; Shindoh, Masanobu; Kuge, Yuji; Tamaki, Nagara

    2014-11-01

    Hypoxia, a prognostic factor in many types of cancer, can be detected by (18)F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) positron emission tomography (PET). It is unclear whether hypoxia reflects the response to chemotherapy in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The correlations of FMISO-PET and FDG-PET with histological response to preoperative chemotherapy were therefore assessed in patients with OSCC. This study enrolled 22 patients with OSCC undergoing preoperative chemotherapy. The T-stages were T2 in 6 patients, T3 in 3, and T4a in 13, and the N-stages were N0 in 14 patients, N1 in 3, and N2 in 5. Each patient was evaluated by both FMISO-PET and FDG-PET before surgery, and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of FDG- and FMISO-PET and tumor-muscle ratio (TMR) of FMISO-PET were measured. The threshold for the hypoxic volume based on TMR was set at 1.25. The histological response to preoperative chemotherapy was evaluated using operative materials. FMISO-PET and FDG-PET detected uptake by primary OSCCs in 15 (68%) and 21 (95%) patients, respectively, and median SUVmaxs of FMISO- and FDG-PET in the primary site were 2.0 (range, 1.3-3.5) and 16.0 (range, 1.0-32.2), respectively. The median of FMISO TMR was 1.5 (range, 0.99-2.96). There were five cases whose FMISO TMR was less than 1.25. Histological evaluation showed good response to preoperative chemotherapy in 7 patients (32%) and poor response in 15 (68%). Good response was significantly more prevalent in patients with negative than positive FMISO uptake (P < 0.001) and without the hypoxic area evaluated by FMISO-PET TMR (P = 0.04), whereas FDG uptake was not significantly correlated with response to chemotherapy response. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that FMISO uptake was an independent significant predictor of response to preoperative chemotherapy (P = 0.03, odds ratio = 0.06, 95% confidence interval = 0.004-0.759). An advantage of FMISO-PET over FDG-PET for

  12. Association Between Adjuvant Chemotherapy and Overall Survival in Patients With Rectal Cancer and Pathological Complete Response After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Resection.

    PubMed

    Dossa, Fahima; Acuna, Sergio A; Rickles, Aaron S; Berho, Mariana; Wexner, Steven D; Quereshy, Fayez A; Baxter, Nancy N; Chadi, Sami A

    2018-04-19

    Although American guidelines recommend use of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, individuals who achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy are less likely to receive adjuvant treatment than incomplete responders. The association and resection of adjuvant chemotherapy with survival in patients with pCR is unclear. To determine whether patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who achieve pCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy and resection benefit from the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy. This retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study identified patients with locally advanced rectal cancer from the National Cancer Database from 2006 through 2012. We selected patients with nonmetastatic invasive rectal cancer who achieved pCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy and resection. We matched patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy to patients who did not receive adjuvant treatment in a 1:1 ratio. We separately matched subgroups of patients with node-positive disease before treatment and node-negative disease before treatment to investigate for effect modification by pretreatment nodal status. We compared overall survival between groups using Kaplan-Meier survival methods and Cox proportional hazards models. We identified 2455 patients (mean age, 59.5 years; 59.8% men) with rectal cancer with pCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy and resection. We matched 667 patients with pCR who received adjuvant chemotherapy and at least 8 weeks of follow-up after surgery to patients with pCR who did not receive adjuvant treatment. Over a median follow-up of 3.1 years (interquartile range, 1.94-4.40 years), patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy demonstrated better overall survival than those who did not receive adjuvant treatment (hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.28-0.70). When stratified by pretreatment nodal status, only those patients with pretreatment node

  13. RAS mutations predict radiologic and pathologic response in patients treated with chemotherapy before resection of colorectal liver metastases.

    PubMed

    Zimmitti, Giuseppe; Shindoh, Junichi; Mise, Yoshihiro; Kopetz, Scott; Loyer, Evelyne M; Andreou, Andreas; Cooper, Amanda B; Kaur, Harmeet; Aloia, Thomas A; Maru, Dipen M; Vauthey, Jean-Nicolas

    2015-03-01

    RAS mutations have been reported to be a potential prognostic factor in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM). However, the impact of RAS mutations on response to chemotherapy remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between RAS mutations and response to preoperative chemotherapy and their impact on survival in patients undergoing curative resection of CLM. RAS mutational status was assessed and its relation to morphologic response and pathologic response was investigated in 184 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Predictors of survival were assessed. The prognostic impact of RAS mutational status was then analyzed using two different multivariate models, including either radiologic morphologic response (model 1) or pathologic response (model 2). Optimal morphologic response and major pathologic response were more common in patients with wild-type RAS (32.9 and 58.9%, respectively) than in patients with RAS mutations (10.5 and 36.8%; P = 0.006 and 0.015, respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed that wild-type RAS was a strong predictor of optimal morphologic response [odds ratio (OR), 4.38; 95% CI 1.45-13.15] and major pathologic response (OR, 2.61; 95% CI 1.17-5.80). RAS mutations were independently correlated with both overall survival and recurrence free-survival (hazard ratios, 3.57 and 2.30, respectively, in model 1, and 3.19 and 2.09, respectively, in model 2). Subanalysis revealed that RAS mutational status clearly stratified survival in patients with inadequate response to preoperative chemotherapy. RAS mutational status can be used to complement the current prognostic indicators for patients undergoing curative resection of CLM after preoperative modern chemotherapy.

  14. Dysphagia is not a Valuable Indicator of Tumor Response after Preoperative Chemotherapy for R0 Resected Patients with Adenocarcinoma of the Gastroesophageal Junction.

    PubMed

    Strandby, R B; Svendsen, L B; Bæksgaard, L; Egeland, C; Achiam, M P

    2016-06-01

    Monitoring treatment response to preoperative chemotherapy is of utmost importance to avoid treatment toxicity, especially in non-responding patients. Currently, no reliable methods exist for tumor response assessment after preoperative chemotherapy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate dysphagia as a predictor of tumor response after preoperative chemotherapy and as a predictor of recurrence and survival. Patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, treated between 2010 and 2012, were retrospectively reviewed. Dysphagia scores (Mellow-Pinkas) were obtained before and after three cycles of perioperative chemotherapy together with clinicopathological patient characteristics. A clinical response was defined as improvement of dysphagia by at least 1 score from the baseline. The tumor response was defined as down staging of T-stage from initial computer tomography (CT) scan (cT-stage) to pathologic staging of surgical specimen (pT-stage). Patients were followed until death or censored on June 27th, 2014. Of the 110 included patients, 59.1% had improvement of dysphagia after three cycles of perioperative chemotherapy, and 31.8% had a chemotherapy-induced tumor response after radical resection of tumor. Improvement of dysphagia was not correlated with the tumor response in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.23). Moreover, the presence of dysphagia was not correlated with recurrence (p = 0.92) or survival (p = 0.94) in the multivariate analysis. In our study, improvement of dysphagia was not valid for tumor response evaluation after preoperative chemotherapy and was not correlated with the tumor response. The presence of dysphagia does not seem to be a predictor of recurrence or survival. © The Finnish Surgical Society 2015.

  15. Circulating Tumor Cells and Response to Chemotherapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer: SWOG S0500

    PubMed Central

    Smerage, Jeffrey B.; Barlow, William E.; Hortobagyi, Gabriel N.; Winer, Eric P.; Leyland-Jones, Brian; Srkalovic, Gordan; Tejwani, Sheela; Schott, Anne F.; O'Rourke, Mark A.; Lew, Danika L.; Doyle, Gerald V.; Gralow, Julie R.; Livingston, Robert B.; Hayes, Daniel F.

    2014-01-01

    Purpose Increased circulating tumor cells (CTCs; five or more CTCs per 7.5 mL of whole blood) are associated with poor prognosis in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). A randomized trial of patients with persistent increase in CTCs tested whether changing chemotherapy after one cycle of first-line chemotherapy would improve the primary outcome of overall survival (OS). Patients and Methods Patients with MBC who did not have increased CTCs at baseline remained on initial therapy until progression (arm A). Patients with initially increased CTCs that decreased after 21 days of therapy remained on initial therapy (arm B). Patients with persistently increased CTCs after 21 days of therapy were randomly assigned to continue initial therapy (arm C1) or change to an alternative chemotherapy (arm C2). Results Of 595 eligible and evaluable patients, 276 (46%) did not have increased CTCs (arm A). Of those with initially increased CTCs, 31 (10%) were not retested, 165 were assigned to arm B, and 123 were randomly assigned to arm C1 or C2. No difference in median OS was observed between arm C1 and C2 (10.7 and 12.5 months, respectively; P = .98). CTCs were strongly prognostic. Median OS for arms A, B, and C (C1 and C2 combined) were 35 months, 23 months, and 13 months, respectively (P < .001). Conclusion This study confirms the prognostic significance of CTCs in patients with MBC receiving first-line chemotherapy. For patients with persistently increased CTCs after 21 days of first-line chemotherapy, early switching to an alternate cytotoxic therapy was not effective in prolonging OS. For this population, there is a need for more effective treatment than standard chemotherapy. PMID:24888818

  16. Quantitative ultrasound assessment of breast tumor response to chemotherapy using a multi-parameter approach

    PubMed Central

    Tadayyon, Hadi; Sannachi, Lakshmanan; Gangeh, Mehrdad; Sadeghi-Naini, Ali; Tran, William; Trudeau, Maureen E.; Pritchard, Kathleen; Ghandi, Sonal; Verma, Sunil; Czarnota, Gregory J.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose This study demonstrated the ability of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters in providing an early prediction of tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Methods Using a 6-MHz array transducer, ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) data were collected from 58 LABC patients prior to NAC treatment and at weeks 1, 4, and 8 of their treatment, and prior to surgery. QUS parameters including midband fit (MBF), spectral slope (SS), spectral intercept (SI), spacing among scatterers (SAS), attenuation coefficient estimate (ACE), average scatterer diameter (ASD), and average acoustic concentration (AAC) were determined from the tumor region of interest. Ultrasound data were compared with the ultimate clinical and pathological response of the patient's tumor to treatment and patient recurrence-free survival. Results Multi-parameter discriminant analysis using the κ-nearest-neighbor classifier demonstrated that the best response classification could be achieved using the combination of MBF, SS, and SAS, with an accuracy of 60 ± 10% at week 1, 77 ± 8% at week 4 and 75 ± 6% at week 8. Furthermore, when the QUS measurements at each time (week) were combined with pre-treatment (week 0) QUS values, the classification accuracies improved (70 ± 9% at week 1, 80 ± 5% at week 4, and 81 ± 6% at week 8). Finally, the multi-parameter QUS model demonstrated a significant difference in survival rates of responding and non-responding patients at weeks 1 and 4 (p=0.035, and 0.027, respectively). Conclusion This study demonstrated for the first time, using new parameters tested on relatively large patient cohort and leave-one-out classifier evaluation, that a hybrid QUS biomarker including MBF, SS, and SAS could, with relatively high sensitivity and specificity, detect the response of LABC tumors to NAC as early as after 4 weeks of therapy. The findings of this study also suggested that incorporating pre-treatment QUS

  17. Quantitative ultrasound assessment of breast tumor response to chemotherapy using a multi-parameter approach.

    PubMed

    Tadayyon, Hadi; Sannachi, Lakshmanan; Gangeh, Mehrdad; Sadeghi-Naini, Ali; Tran, William; Trudeau, Maureen E; Pritchard, Kathleen; Ghandi, Sonal; Verma, Sunil; Czarnota, Gregory J

    2016-07-19

    This study demonstrated the ability of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters in providing an early prediction of tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Using a 6-MHz array transducer, ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) data were collected from 58 LABC patients prior to NAC treatment and at weeks 1, 4, and 8 of their treatment, and prior to surgery. QUS parameters including midband fit (MBF), spectral slope (SS), spectral intercept (SI), spacing among scatterers (SAS), attenuation coefficient estimate (ACE), average scatterer diameter (ASD), and average acoustic concentration (AAC) were determined from the tumor region of interest. Ultrasound data were compared with the ultimate clinical and pathological response of the patient's tumor to treatment and patient recurrence-free survival. Multi-parameter discriminant analysis using the κ-nearest-neighbor classifier demonstrated that the best response classification could be achieved using the combination of MBF, SS, and SAS, with an accuracy of 60 ± 10% at week 1, 77 ± 8% at week 4 and 75 ± 6% at week 8. Furthermore, when the QUS measurements at each time (week) were combined with pre-treatment (week 0) QUS values, the classification accuracies improved (70 ± 9% at week 1, 80 ± 5% at week 4, and 81 ± 6% at week 8). Finally, the multi-parameter QUS model demonstrated a significant difference in survival rates of responding and non-responding patients at weeks 1 and 4 (p=0.035, and 0.027, respectively). This study demonstrated for the first time, using new parameters tested on relatively large patient cohort and leave-one-out classifier evaluation, that a hybrid QUS biomarker including MBF, SS, and SAS could, with relatively high sensitivity and specificity, detect the response of LABC tumors to NAC as early as after 4 weeks of therapy. The findings of this study also suggested that incorporating pre-treatment QUS parameters of a tumor improved the

  18. Platelet release of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer

    PubMed Central

    2009-01-01

    Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) following breast cancer chemotherapy is common. Chemotherapy-induced alterations in markers of haemostasis occur during chemotherapy. In this study we investigated the changes in serum and plasma VEGF, together with platelet release of VEGF and related these to the development of VTE at 3 months. Methods Serum and plasma VEGF, together with platelet release of VEGF were measured prior to chemotherapy and at 24 hours; four-, eight days and three months following commencement of chemotherapy in early and advanced breast cancer patients and in age and sex matched controls. Duplex ultrasound imaging was performed after one month or if symptomatic. Results Of 123 patients 9.8% developed VTE within three months. Serum and plasma VEGF were increased in advanced breast cancer as was platelet release of VEGF. Prior to chemotherapy a 100 μg/ml increase in serum VEGF was associated with a 40% increased risk of VTE, while a 10 μg/ml increase in plasma VEGF was associated with a 20% increased risk of VTE. Serum VEGF showed a different response to chemotherapy in those who developed VTE. Conclusion A group of patients at risk of VTE could be identified, allowing targeted thrombopropylaxis. Whether or not the response in VEGF during chemotherapy has any angiogenic significance remains to be elucidated. PMID:20016693

  19. Do we have biomarkers to predict response to neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy in bladder cancer?

    PubMed Central

    Wezel, Felix; Vallo, Stefan

    2017-01-01

    Radical cystectomy (RC) is the standard of care treatment of localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer (BC). However, about 50% of patients develop metastases within 2 years after cystectomy. Neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy before cystectomy improves the overall survival (OS) in patients with muscle-invasive BC. Pathological response to neoadjuvant treatment is a strong predictor of better disease-specific survival. Nevertheless, some patients do not benefit from chemotherapy. The identification of reliable biomarkers enabling clinicians to identify patients who might benefit from chemotherapy is a very important clinical task. An identification tool could lead to individualized therapy, optimizing response rates. In addition, unnecessary treatment with chemotherapy which potentially leads to a loss of quality of life and which might also might cause a delay of cystectomy in a neoadjuvant setting could be avoided. The present review aims to summarize and discuss the current literature on biomarkers for the prediction of response to systemic therapy in muscle-invasive BC. Tremendous efforts in genetic and molecular characterization have led to the identification of predictive candidate biomarkers in urothelial carcinoma (UC), although prospective validation is pending. Ongoing clinical trials examining the benefit of individual therapies in UC of the bladder (UCB) by molecular patient selection hold promise to shed light on this question. PMID:29354494

  20. Evaluation of chemotherapy response in patients with advanced head and neck cancer using [F-18]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.

    PubMed

    Lowe, V J; Dunphy, F R; Varvares, M; Kim, H; Wittry, M; Dunphy, C H; Dunleavy, T; McDonough, E; Minster, J; Fletcher, J W; Boyd, J H

    1997-12-01

    [F-18]Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) can measure the metabolic activity of tissues; FDG-PET may be able to predict response to chemotherapy by identifying changes in tumor metabolism. Measurement of response to treatment may help improve survival in the management of advanced head and neck cancer. We evaluated this particular use of FDG-PET in patients participating in a neoadjuvant organ-preservation protocol using taxol and carboplatin and compared pathologic response after chemotherapy with changes in tumor metabolism measured by FDG-PET. Serial FDG-PET studies (n = 56) were performed in patients (n = 28) with stage III/IV head and neck cancer participating in a neoadjuvant organ-preservation protocol. The FDG-PET studies were performed before and after chemotherapy. All patients had tissue biopsies before and after chemotherapy. Patients were classified as pathologic complete response (PCR) or residual disease (RD) based on tissue biopsies. Visual analysis of PET scans was performed to identify patients with complete response by PET, and these findings were compared with pathology results. Metabolic changes were also evaluated using standardized uptake ratios (SUR) of FDG. The sensitivity and specificity of PET for residual cancer after therapy was 90% (19/21) and 83% (5/6), respectively. Two patients had initially negative biopsies and positive PET studies for persistent disease. Pathology review and rebiospy led to confirmation of the PET results in these cases, giving a sensitivity of 90% for initial tissue biopsy. In this preliminary analysis, FDG-PET was accurate in classifying response to chemotherapy in most patients. Fluorodeoxyglucose-PET may identify residual viable tumor when it is otherwise undetectable.

  1. Combination chemotherapy of carboplatin and paclitaxel for advanced/metastatic salivary gland carcinoma patients: differences in responses by different pathological diagnoses.

    PubMed

    Nakano, Kenji; Sato, Yukiko; Sasaki, Tohru; Shimbashi, Wataru; Fukushima, Hirofumi; Yonekawa, Hiroyuki; Mitani, Hiroki; Kawabata, Kazuyoshi; Takahashi, Shunji

    2016-09-01

    A standard chemotherapy for recurrent/metastatic salivary gland cancers has not been established. Combination chemotherapy of carboplatin and paclitaxel should be evaluated as a treatment option. This study retrospectively reviewed salivary gland cancer patients who received combination chemotherapy of carboplatin and paclitaxel. The differences in objective responses and in the prognoses according to the different pathological diagnoses were evaluated. A total of 38 patients were enrolled in the study; of them, 18 had salivary duct carcinomas (SDCs), nine had adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs), and 11 had other pathological diagnoses. Objective responses were observed in 15 (39%) patients. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.5 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was 26.5 months. ACC patients had relatively low response rates (9%), but there were no significant differences in PFS or OS compared to other sub-types. The treatment was well tolerated, with few adverse events. Salivary gland cancer patients showed a moderate clinical response to the combination chemotherapy of carboplatin and paclitaxel. The objective response rates differed according to the pathological diagnoses, but there were no significant differences in prognoses.

  2. Febrile Neutropenia Rates According to Body Mass Index and Dose Capping in Women Receiving Chemotherapy for Early Breast Cancer.

    PubMed

    Lote, H; Sharp, A; Redana, S; Papadimitraki, E; Capelan, M; Ring, A

    2016-09-01

    Studies suggest worse outcomes in obese women with breast cancer than in non-obese women. One potential reason may be that oncologists 'dose cap' adjuvant chemotherapy in obese patients in order to avoid excessive toxicity. Reductions from standard dosing may compromise survival outcomes in the curative setting. Here we describe the body mass index (BMI) distribution of patients in a non-trial population, the frequency with which oncologists dose cap and its effect on febrile neutropenia chemotherapy toxicity. In this non-randomised study, electronic patient records retrospectively identified patients with early breast cancer who initiated neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy at the Royal Marsden Hospital between 1 January and 31 December 2013. Baseline data included age, BMI, performance status, tumour characteristics, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and comorbidities. Chemotherapy doses, rates of dose capping across BMI groups and rates of febrile neutropenia were reported. In total, 325 patients were eligible: 79 (24.5%) were obese (BMI ≥ 30), 109 (33.5%) were overweight (BMI ≥25 - <30) and 137 (42%) were normal bodyweight (BMI < 25). Sixteen patients (20.5%) in the obese group received dose-capped chemotherapy. Overall, 62 patients (19%) had an episode of febrile neutropenia. Obese patients receiving uncapped chemotherapy did not experience a significant difference in febrile neutropenia rates when compared with overweight or normal bodyweight groups (P = 0.5798). The febrile neutropenia rate in obese patients receiving capped chemotherapy was 6.5%, compared with 24% in obese patients receiving uncapped chemotherapy (P = 0.1216). In a non-trial population of obese patients, dose capping is frequently used. Obese patients receiving uncapped chemotherapy do not experience increased febrile neutropenia rates when compared with uncapped overweight or normal bodyweight patients. Furthermore, dose capping was associated with a trend towards lower

  3. Computer-aided global breast MR image feature analysis for prediction of tumor response to chemotherapy: performance assessment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aghaei, Faranak; Tan, Maxine; Hollingsworth, Alan B.; Zheng, Bin; Cheng, Samuel

    2016-03-01

    Dynamic contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) has been used increasingly in breast cancer diagnosis and assessment of cancer treatment efficacy. In this study, we applied a computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme to automatically segment breast regions depicting on MR images and used the kinetic image features computed from the global breast MR images acquired before neoadjuvant chemotherapy to build a new quantitative model to predict response of the breast cancer patients to the chemotherapy. To assess performance and robustness of this new prediction model, an image dataset involving breast MR images acquired from 151 cancer patients before undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy was retrospectively assembled and used. Among them, 63 patients had "complete response" (CR) to chemotherapy in which the enhanced contrast levels inside the tumor volume (pre-treatment) was reduced to the level as the normal enhanced background parenchymal tissues (post-treatment), while 88 patients had "partially response" (PR) in which the high contrast enhancement remain in the tumor regions after treatment. We performed the studies to analyze the correlation among the 22 global kinetic image features and then select a set of 4 optimal features. Applying an artificial neural network trained with the fusion of these 4 kinetic image features, the prediction model yielded an area under ROC curve (AUC) of 0.83+/-0.04. This study demonstrated that by avoiding tumor segmentation, which is often difficult and unreliable, fusion of kinetic image features computed from global breast MR images without tumor segmentation can also generate a useful clinical marker in predicting efficacy of chemotherapy.

  4. RAS mutations predict radiologic and pathologic response in patients treated with chemotherapy prior to resection of colorectal liver metastases

    PubMed Central

    Mise, Yoshihiro; Kopetz, Scott; Loyer, Evelyne M.; Andreou, Andreas; Cooper, Amanda B.; Kaur, Harmeet; Aloia, Thomas A.; Maru, Dipen M.; Vauthey, Jean-Nicolas

    2014-01-01

    Purpose RAS mutations have been reported to be a potential prognostic factor in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM). However, the impact of RAS mutations on response to chemotherapy remains unclear. We sought to determine the association between RAS mutations and response to preoperative chemotherapy and their impact on survival in patients undergoing curative resection of CLM. Methods RAS mutational status was assessed and its relation to morphologic response and pathologic response was investigated in 184 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Predictors of survival were assessed. The prognostic impact of RAS mutational status was then analyzed using two different multivariate models including either radiologic morphologic response (model 1) or pathologic response (model 2). Results Optimal morphologic response and major pathologic response were more common in patients with wild-type RAS (32.9% and 58.9%, respectively) than in patients with RAS mutations (10.5% and 36.8%; P =.006 and .015, respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed that wild-type RAS was a strong predictor of optimal morphologic response (odds ratio [OR], 4.38; 95% CI, 1.45-13.2) and major pathologic response (OR,2.79; 95% CI, 1.29-6.04). RAS mutations were independently correlated with both overall survival and recurrence free-survival (hazard ratios, 3.25 and 2.02, respectively, in model 1, and 3.19 and 2.23, respectively, in model 2). Subanalysis revealed that RAS mutational status clearly stratified prognosis in patients with inadequate response to preoperative chemotherapy. Conclusion RAS mutational status can be used to complement the current prognostic indicators for patients undergoing curative resection of CLM after preoperative modern chemotherapy. PMID:25227306

  5. Early tumour response as a survival predictor in previously- treated patients receiving triplet hepatic artery infusion and intravenous cetuximab for unresectable liver metastases from wild-type KRAS colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Bouchahda, Mohamed; Boige, Valérie; Smith, Denis; Karaboué, Abdoulaye; Ducreux, Michel; Hebbar, Mohamed; Lepère, Céline; Focan, Christian; Guimbaud, Rosine; Innominato, Pasquale; Awad, Sameh; Carvalho, Carlos; Tumolo, Salvatore; Truant, Stephanie; De Baere, Thierry; Castaing, Denis; Rougier, Philippe; Morère, Jean-François; Taieb, Julien; Adam, René; Lévi, Francis

    2016-11-01

    Early tumour shrinkage has been associated with improved survival in patients receiving cetuximab-based systemic chemotherapy for liver metastases from colorectal cancer (LM-CRC). We tested this hypothesis for previously treated LM-CRC patients receiving cetuximab (500 mg/m 2 ) and triplet hepatic artery infusion (HAI) within European trial OPTILIV. Irinotecan (180 mg/m 2 ), 5-fluorouracil (2800 mg/m 2 ) and oxaliplatin (85 mg/m 2 ) were given as chronomodulated or conventional delivery. Patients were retrospectively categorised as early responders (complete or partial RECIST response after three courses) or non-early responders (late or no response). Prognostic factors were determined using multivariate logistic or Cox regression models. Response was assessed in 57 of 64 registered patients (89%), who had previously received one to three prior systemic chemotherapy protocols. An early response occurred at 6 weeks in 16 patients (28%; 9 men, 7 women), aged 33-76 years, with a median of 12 liver metastases (LMs) (2-50), involving five segments (1-8). Ten patients had a late response, and 31 patients had no response. Grade 3-4 fatigue selectively occurred in the non-early responders (0% versus 26%; p = 0.024). Early tumour response was jointly predicted by chronomodulation-odds ratio (OR): 6.0 (1.2-29.8; p = 0.029)-and LM diameter ≤57 mm-OR: 5.3 (1.1-25.0; p = 0.033). Early tumour response predicted for both R0-R1 liver resection-OR: 11.8 (1.4-100.2; p = 0.024) and overall survival-hazard ratio: 0.39 (0.17-0.88; p = 0.023) in multivariate analyses. Early tumour response on triplet HAI and systemic cetuximab predicted for complete macroscopic liver resection and prolonged survival for LM-CRC patients within a multicenter conversion-to-resection medicosurgical strategy. Confirmation is warranted for early response on HAI to guide decision making. Protocol numbers: EUDRACT 2007-004632-24 NCT00852228. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Chemotherapy-induced bystander effect in response to several chloroethylnitrosoureas: an origin independent of DNA damage?

    PubMed

    Merle, Patrick; Morvan, Daniel; Caillaud, Denis; Demidem, Aicha

    2008-01-01

    Chloroethylnitrosourea (CENU) chemotherapy is used for the treatment of melanoma tumors. The main mechanism of action of this anticancer agent is via DNA damage. We recently showed in murine experiments using a parental double B16 melanoma tumor model that, after treatment of primary tumors with cystemustine (CENU agent), untreated secondary tumors exhibited growth inhibition and metabolism disorders. The response of secondary untreated tumor was called the chemotherapy-induced bystander effect. To see whether chemotherapy-induced bystander effects were induced with other members of the CENU family, we compared three CENU(s) used in melanoma treatment: cystemustine, carmustine and fotemustine. Our results demonstrate that fotemustine, like cystemustine, but not carmustine induced a protective effect against secondary untreated tumors including alterations in phospholipid derivative and glutathione which are the metabolic signature of the bystander effect. From these data we may conclude that DNA damage to the primary tumor is not sufficient to explain chemotherapy-induced bystander effects.

  7. Pharmacogenomics of platinum-based chemotherapy response in NSCLC: a genotyping study and a pooled analysis

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Juan; Wang, Zhan; Zou, Ting; Cui, Jiajia; Yin, Jiye; Zheng, Wei; Jiang, Wuzhong; Zhou, Honghao; Liu, Zhaoqian

    2016-01-01

    Published data showed inconsistent results about associations of extensively studied polymorphisms with platinum-based chemotherapy response. Our study aimed to provide reliable conclusions of these associations by detecting genotypes of the SNPs in a larger sample size and summarizing a comprehensive pooled analysis. 13 SNPs in 8 genes were genotyped in 1024 NSCLC patients by SequenomMassARRAY. 39 published studies and our study were included in meta-analysis. Patients with GA or GG genotypes of XRCC1 G1196 had better response than AA genotype carriers (Genotyping study: OR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.53-0.96, P = 0.028; Meta-analysis: OR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.62-0.89, P = 0.001). Patients carrying CT or TT genotypes of XRCC1 C580T could be more sensitive to platinum-based chemotherapy compared to patients with CC genotype (OR = 0.54, 95%CI: 0.37-0.80, P = 0.002). CC genotype of XRCC3 C18067T carriers showed more resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy when compared to those with CT or TT genotypes (OR = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.52-0.91, P = 0.009). Our study indicated that XRCC1 G1196A/C580T and XRCC3 C18067T should be paid attention for personalized platinum-based chemotherapy in NSCLC patients. PMID:27248474

  8. Filgrastim use in patients receiving chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer-a survey of physicians and patients.

    PubMed

    Hilton, John; Vandermeer, Lisa; Sienkiewicz, Marta; Mazzarello, Sasha; Hutton, Brian; Stober, Carol; Fergusson, Dean; Blanchette, Phillip; Joy, Anil A; Brianne Bota, A; Clemons, Mark

    2018-07-01

    Despite its widespread use as primary febrile neutropenia (FN) prophylaxis during chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer, the optimal duration of daily filgrastim is unknown. Using the minimum effective duration may improve patient comfort and acceptability while reducing costs. Yet, suboptimal dosing may also negatively impact patient care. A survey was performed to obtain information regarding current practices for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) use. Canadian oncologists involved in the treatment of breast cancer patients, as well as patients who had received neo/adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer, were surveyed. Standardized surveys were designed to collect information on perceived reasons for G-CSF use and current practices. The surveys were completed by 38/50 (76%) physicians and 95/97 (98%) patients. For physicians, there was variability in the choice of chemotherapy regimens that required G-CSF support, the dose of filgrastim prescribed and the number of days prescribed. The majority of physicians reported using 5 (31.6%), 7 (47.4%), or 10 (13.2%) days of therapy. Nearly half of the patients (46.3%) recalled having experienced at least one of the chemotherapy-related complications including chemotherapy delays, dose reductions, and FN. While on filgrastim, 66.3% of patients reported myalgia and bone pain. Both physicians and patients expressed interest in participating in clinical trials designed to optimize the duration of filgrastim administration. Significant variability in practice exists with respect to filgrastim administration. Definitive studies are therefore required to standardize and improve care, as this has the potential to impact treatment outcomes, patient quality of life, and cost savings.

  9. The Impact of Combined Radiation and Chemotherapy on Outcome in Uterine Clear Cell Carcinoma Compared with Chemotherapy Alone.

    PubMed

    Mahdi, H; Moulton, L; Nutter, B; Cherian, S; Rose, P

    2016-12-01

    To investigate the impact of pelvic radiation on survival in patients with uterine clear cell carcinoma (UCC) who received adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with stage I-IV UCC who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) programm 2000-2009. Patients were divided into those who received only chemotherapy and those who received both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models were used for analysis. Of the 317 patients included, 195 (62%) were in the chemotherapy only group and 122 (38%) were in the chemotherapy and radiation therapy group. Pelvic radiation was associated with significant improvement in overall survival (median 88 versus 25 months, 5 year survival: 58% versus 33%, P<0.001) in the chemotherapy and radiation therapy group compared with the chemotherapy only group for the entire cohort. On subset analysis, chemotherapy and radiation therapy was associated with improved overall survival in late stage disease (III-IV) (5 year 54% versus 22%, P<0.001) compared with the chemotherapy only group, whereas in stage I-II UCC, there was no difference in overall survival between the chemotherapy and radiotherapy group and the chemotherapy only group (5 year 65% versus 67%, P=0.69). In multivariable analysis, pelvic radiation was associated with improved survival in patients with late stage disease (hazard ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.35-0.94, P=0.03) but not for early stage disease (hazard ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.33-2.0, P=0.65). Other significant predictors were advanced stage, positive cytology and extensive lymphadenectomy. Radiation was associated with significant improvement in survival in advanced stage UCC, but not in early stage UCC. These data support the beneficial role of radiation therapy in UCC, especially in patients with advanced stage disease. Copyright © 2016 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier

  10. Functional Cardiac Recovery and Hematologic Response to Chemotherapy in Patients With Light-Chain Amyloidosis (from the Stanford University Amyloidosis Registry).

    PubMed

    Tuzovic, Mirela; Kobayashi, Yukari; Wheeler, Matthew; Barrett, Christopher; Liedtke, Michaela; Lafayette, Richard; Schrier, Stanley; Haddad, Francois; Witteles, Ronald

    2017-10-15

    Cardiac involvement is common in patients with light-chain (AL) amyloidosis and portends a poor prognosis, although little is known about the changes in cardiac mechanics after chemotherapy. We sought to explore the relation between amyloidosis staging and baseline cardiac mechanics and to investigate short-term changes in cardiac mechanics after chemotherapy. We identified 41 consecutive patients from the Stanford Amyloid Center who had echocardiograms and free light-chain values before and after chemotherapy, along with 40 age- and gender-matched controls. Echocardiographic assessment included left ventricular global longitudinal strain, E/e' ratio, and left atrial (LA) stiffness. Hematologic response to chemotherapy was defined as ≥50% reduction in the difference between the involved and the uninvolved free light chain (dFLC). The mean age was 66.9 ± 8.4 years and 66% were men. Before chemotherapy, global longitudinal strain, E/e' ratio, and LA stiffness were impaired in patients with amyloidosis compared with controls, and the severity of impairment worsened with advanced staging. After chemotherapy, hematologic response was observed in 30 (73%) patients. There was a significant association between the change in dFLC and cardiac function (E/e' ratio: r = -0.43, p = 0.01; LA stiffness: r = -0.35, p = 0.05). There was no significant improvement in cardiac mechanics in patients without a hematologic response to chemotherapy. In conclusion, amyloidosis stage correlated with noninvasive measurements of cardiac mechanics, and improvement in dFLC correlated with cardiac improvement on short-term follow-up echocardiography. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Liver resection for colorectal metastases after chemotherapy: impact of chemotherapy-related liver injuries, pathological tumor response, and micrometastases on long-term survival.

    PubMed

    Viganò, Luca; Capussotti, Lorenzo; De Rosa, Giovanni; De Saussure, Wassila Oulhaci; Mentha, Gilles; Rubbia-Brandt, Laura

    2013-11-01

    We analyzed the impact of chemotherapy-related liver injuries (CALI), pathological tumor regression grade (TRG), and micrometastases on long-term prognosis in patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal metastases after preoperative chemotherapy. CALI worsen the short-term outcomes of liver resection, but their impact on long-term prognosis is unknown. Recently, a prognostic role of TRG has been suggested. Micrometastases (microscopic vascular or biliary invasion) are reduced by preoperative chemotherapy, but their impact on survival is unclear. Patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal metastases between 1998 and 2011 and treated with oxaliplatin and/or irinotecan-based preoperative chemotherapy were eligible for the study. Patients with operative mortality or incomplete resection (R2) were excluded. All specimens were reviewed to assess CALI, TRG, and micrometastases. A total of 323 patients were included. Grade 2-3 sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) was present in 124 patients (38.4%), grade 2-3 steatosis in 73 (22.6%), and steatohepatitis in 30 (9.3%). Among all patients, 22.9% had TRG 1-2 (major response), whereas 55.7% had TRG 4-5 (no response). Microvascular invasion was detected in 37.8% of patients and microscopic biliary infiltration in 5.6%.The higher the SOS grade the lower the pathological response: TRG 1-2 occurred in 16.9% of patients with grade 2-3 SOS versus 26.6% of patients with grade 0-1 SOS (P = 0.032).After a median follow-up of 36.9 months, 5-year survival was 38.6%. CALI did not negatively impact survival. Multivariate analysis showed that grade 2-3 steatosis was associated with better survival than grade 0-1 steatosis (5-year survival rate of 52.5% vs 35.2%, P = 0.002). TRG better than the percentage of viable cells stratified patient prognosis: 5-year survival rate of 60.4% in TRG 1-2, 40.2% in TRG 3, and 29.8% in TRG 4-5 (P = 0.0001). Microscopic vascular and biliary invasion negatively impacted outcome (5-year survival

  12. Comparison of first-line chemotherapy including escalated BEACOPP versus chemotherapy including ABVD for people with early unfavourable or advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma.

    PubMed

    Skoetz, Nicole; Will, Andrea; Monsef, Ina; Brillant, Corinne; Engert, Andreas; von Tresckow, Bastian

    2017-05-25

    There are two different international standards for the treatment of early unfavourable and advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL): chemotherapy with escalated BEACOPP (bleomycin/etoposide/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide/vincristine/procarbazine/prednisone) regimen and chemotherapy with ABVD (doxorubicin/bleomycin/vinblastine/dacarbazine) regimen. To determine the advantages and disadvantages of chemotherapy including escalated BEACOPP compared to chemotherapy including ABVD in the treatment of early unfavourable or advanced stage HL as first-line treatment. We searched for randomised controlled trials in MEDLINE, CENTRAL and conference proceedings (January 1985 to July 2013 and for the update to March 2017) and Embase (1985 to November 2008). Moreover we searched trial registries (March 2017; www.controlled-trials.com, www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search, clinicaltrials.gov, www.eortc.be, www.ghsg.org, www.ctc.usyd.edu.au, www.trialscentral.org/index.html) SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials examining chemotherapy including at least two cycles of escalated BEACOPP regimens compared with chemotherapy including at least four cycles of ABVD regimens as first-line treatment for patients with early unfavourable stage or advanced stage HL. The effect measures we used were hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and freedom from first progression.We used risk ratios (RRs) relative risks to analyse harms: treatment-related mortality, secondary malignancies (including myeloid dysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)), infertility and adverse events.Quality of life was not reported in any trial, therefore not analysed. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed quality of trials. We screened 1796 records and identified five eligible trials in total i.e. one trial could be added on the previous review. These trials included only adults (16 to 65 years of age). We

  13. Pre-treatment with oral hydroxyurea prior to intensive chemotherapy improves early survival of patients with high hyperleukocytosis in acute myeloid leukemia.

    PubMed

    Mamez, Anne-Claire; Raffoux, Emmanuel; Chevret, Sylvie; Lemiale, Virginie; Boissel, Nicolas; Canet, Emmanuel; Schlemmer, Benoît; Dombret, Hervé; Azoulay, Elie; Lengliné, Etienne

    2016-10-01

    Acute myeloid leukemia with high white blood cell count (WBC) is a medical emergency. A reduction of tumor burden with hydroxyurea may prevent life-threatening complications induced by straight chemotherapy. To evaluate this strategy, we reviewed medical charts of adult patients admitted to our institution from 1997 to 2011 with non-promyelocytic AML and WBC over 50 G/L. One hundred and sixty patients were included with a median WBC of 120 G/L (range 50-450), 107 patients received hydroxyurea prior to chemotherapy, and 53 received emergency induction chemotherapy (CT). Hospital mortality was lower for patients treated with hydroxyurea (34% versus 19%, p = 0.047) even after adjusting for age (p < 0.01) and initial WBC count (p = 0.02). No evidence of any difference between treatment groups in terms of WBC decline kinetics and disease free survival (p = 0.87) was found. Oral hydroxyurea prior to chemotherapy seems a safe and efficient strategy to reduce early death of hyperleukocytic AML patients.

  14. Rationale for combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Dalgleish, Angus G

    2015-01-01

    Immunotherapy has usually been considered as an alternative to more traditional modalities. Moreover, it has previously been felt that chemotherapy is inherently immunosuppressive and not suitable for combining with immunotherapy. In this review, the concept of combining different modalities that result in cell death, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with immunotherapy is explored. Tumors actively cause immune suppression which can be reversed by their removal but when this is not possible, enhancing the immune response with nonspecific immune stimulation can enhance the response to other modalities, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Additionally, several chemotherapy agents at low doses selectively inhibit regulatory and suppressor cells.

  15. Partial response after intensive chemotherapy for adrenal cortical carcinoma in a child.

    PubMed

    Aricò, M; Bossi, G; Livieri, C; Raiteri, E; Severi, F

    1992-01-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) in childhood is a rare tumor with high fatality rate. Available reports provide event free survival rates ranging between 10 to 50%. Optimal treatment has not yet been established; surgery plays a major role, and the value of adjuvant chemotherapy needs to be evaluated further, especially in children who develop recurrent disease and those with metastases at diagnosis. Optimal therapy of ACC has not been established. Surgery has been curative after complete tumor resection. Children with inoperable, recurrent and metastatic ACC have been treated with O,P'DDD, with response rates ranging from 10 to 60% in different series [7,11-20]. Radiotherapy [21] and other anti-cancer drugs have been used [4-22] but their efficacy has not been established. Combination chemotherapy containing oncovin, cisPlatinum, epipodophyllotoxin and cyclophosphamide (OPEC) produced regression of metastatic ACC in a 5-year-old male [23]. We report one girl with relapsed disseminated ACC who showed good, even if temporary, control of the disease, with disappearance of lung, liver and spleen metastases, and marked reduction of the adrenal mass, following combined chemotherapy according to the "eight-drugs-in-one-day" protocol.

  16. Using the 21-gene assay to guide adjuvant chemotherapy decision-making in early-stage breast cancer: a cost-effectiveness evaluation in the German setting.

    PubMed

    Blohmer, J U; Rezai, M; Kümmel, S; Kühn, T; Warm, M; Friedrichs, K; Benkow, A; Valentine, W J; Eiermann, W

    2013-01-01

    The 21-gene assay (Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Test (Genomic Health Inc., Redwood City, CA)) is a well validated test that predicts the likelihood of adjuvant chemotherapy benefit and the 10-year risk of distant recurrence in patients with ER+, HER2- early-stage breast cancer. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using the assay to inform adjuvant chemotherapy decisions in Germany. A Markov model was developed to make long-term projections of distant recurrence, survival, quality-adjusted life expectancy, and direct costs for patients with ER+, HER2-, node-negative, or up to 3 node-positive early-stage breast cancer. Scenarios using conventional diagnostic procedures or the 21-gene assay to inform treatment recommendations for adjuvant chemotherapy were modeled based on a prospective, multi-center trial in 366 patients. Transition probabilities and risk adjustment were based on published landmark trials. Costs (2011 Euros (€)) were estimated from a sick fund perspective based on resource use in patients receiving chemotherapy. Future costs and clinical benefits were discounted at 3% annually. The 21-gene assay was projected to increase mean life expectancy by 0.06 years and quality-adjusted life expectancy by 0.06 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared with current clinical practice over a 30-year time horizon. Clinical benefits were driven by optimized allocation of adjuvant chemotherapy. Costs from a healthcare payer perspective were lower with the 21-gene assay by ∼€561 vs standard of care. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that there was an 87% probability that the 21-gene assay would be dominant (cost and life saving) to standard of care. Country-specific data on the risk of distant recurrence and quality-of-life were not available. Guiding decision-making on adjuvant chemotherapy using the 21-gene assay was projected to improve survival, quality-adjusted life expectancy, and be cost saving vs the current

  17. Emmprin Expression Predicts Response and Survival following Cisplatin Containing Chemotherapy for Bladder Cancer: A Validation Study.

    PubMed

    Hemdan, Tammer; Malmström, Per-Uno; Jahnson, Staffan; Segersten, Ulrika

    2015-12-01

    Neoadjuvant chemotherapy before cystectomy is recommended. To our knowledge the subset of patients likely to benefit has not been identified. We validate emmprin and survivin as markers of chemotherapy response. Tumor specimens were obtained before therapy from a total of 250 patients with T1-T4 bladder cancer enrolled in 2 randomized trials comparing neoadjuvant chemotherapy before cystectomy with a surgery only arm. Protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Expression was categorized according to predefined cutoffs reported in the literature. Data were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox models. Patients in the chemotherapy cohort with negative emmprin expression had significantly higher down staging overall survival than those with positive expression (71% vs 38%, p<0.001). The values for cancer specific survival were 76% and 56%, respectively (p<0.027). In the cystectomy only cohort emmprin expression was not associated with overall survival (46% vs 35%, p=0.23) or cancer specific survival (55% vs 51%, p=0.64). Emmprin negative patients had an absolute risk reduction of 25% in overall survival (95% CI 11-40) and a number needed to treat of 4 (95% CI 2.5-9.3). Survivin expression was not useful as a biomarker in this study. Limitations were the retrospective design and heterogeneity coupled with the time difference between the trials. Patients with emmprin negative tumors have a better response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy before cystectomy than those with positive expression. Copyright © 2015 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. The complex evaluation of tumor oxygen state and vasculature during preoperative chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pavlov, M. V.; Subochev, P. V.; Kalganova, T. I.; Golubyatnikov, G. Yu.; Plekhanov, V. I.; Ilyinskaya, O. E.; Orlova, A. G.; Shakhova, N. M.; Maslennikova, A. V.

    2017-02-01

    Effective breast cancer treatment requires the assessment of metabolic changes of tumor tissue during chemo- and hormonotherapy for prediction tumor response. Evaluation of the dynamics of tumor oxygen state (by diffuse optical spectroscopy imaging) and tumor vasculature (by ultrasound investigation in power Doppler mode) was performed before treatment beginning and before the second cycle of chemotherapy in 16 patients who received preoperative chemotherapy. Changes of these indicators were compared then with tumor pathologic response. Breast tumors demonstrated different dynamics of tumor oxygenation depending on the changes of tumor tissue. The increase of the tumor oxygenation after the first cycle of chemotherapy was observed in five of six patients with grade 4 and 5 of pathologic tumor response. Decrease of the oxygenation level was revealed in one patient with the 4th degree of tumor response. Variable changes of the oxygenation level were mentioned in the patients with moderate (the 3d degree) tumor response. Tumor oxygenation decreased or was unchanged in case of 1 or 2 degree of tumor response in five of six cases. The study of the tumor blood vessels didn't reveal any correlation between vasculature changes and tumor response under the performed treatment. The trend of tumor oxygenation in early time after treatment beginning might be a predictive criterion of tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy.

  19. Prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer: a radiomic study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Guolin; Fan, Ming; Zhang, Juan; Zheng, Bin; Li, Lihua

    2017-03-01

    Breast cancer is one of the most malignancies among women in worldwide. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NACT) has gained interest and is increasingly used in treatment of breast cancer in recent years. Therefore, it is necessary to find a reliable non-invasive assessment and prediction method which can evaluate and predict the response of NACT. Recent studies have highlighted the use of MRI for predicting response to NACT. In addition, molecular subtype could also effectively identify patients who are likely have better prognosis in breast cancer. In this study, a radiomic analysis were performed, by extracting features from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine subtypes. A dataset with fifty-seven breast cancer patients were included, all of them received preoperative MRI examination. Among them, 47 patients had complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) and 10 had stable disease (SD) to chemotherapy based on the RECIST criterion. A total of 216 imaging features including statistical characteristics, morphology, texture and dynamic enhancement were extracted from DCE-MRI. In multivariate analysis, the proposed imaging predictors achieved an AUC of 0.923 (P = 0.0002) in leave-one-out crossvalidation. The performance of the classifier increased to 0.960, 0.950 and 0.936 when status of HER2, Luminal A and Luminal B subtypes were added into the statistic model, respectively. The results of this study demonstrated that IHC determined molecular status combined with radiomic features from DCE-MRI could be used as clinical marker that is associated with response to NACT.

  20. Treatment of Early-Stage Unfavorable Hodgkin Lymphoma: Efficacy and Toxicity of 4 Versus 6 Cycles of ABVD Chemotherapy With Radiation

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

    Gunther, Jillian R.; Fanale, Michelle A.; Reddy, Jay P.

    Purpose: The German Hodgkin Study Group HD11 trial validated 4 cycles of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) chemotherapy followed by involved field radiation therapy (IFRT) for early unfavorable Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients. However, practitioners often recommend 6 cycles followed by RT, especially for bulky disease. We compared patient outcomes after treatment with 4 or 6 cycles of ABVD followed by RT (IFRT and involved site RT [ISRT]). Methods and Materials: We identified 128 patients treated for early unfavorable HL (GHSG criteria) between 2000 and 2013. Clinical outcomes (overall survival [OS] and freedom from relapse [FFR]) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Toxicitiesmore » were evaluated. Results: The median follow-up time was 5.0 years. Patients received 4 (70 patients, 55%) or 6 (58 patients, 45%) cycles of chemotherapy. Bulky disease was present in 22 patients (31%; 0 stage IA, 3 stage IB, 19 stage IIA) of the 4-cycle group and 42 patients (72%; 5 stage IA, 3 stage IB, 34 stage IIA) of the 6-cycle group. For patients receiving 4 and 6 cycles, the 6-year OS was 100% and 97% (P=.35), respectively, and the 6 year FFR was 100% and 98% (P=.28), respectively. More patients received 6 cycles if they were treated before 2010 (HD11 report) (P=.01) and if they had bulky disease (P<.01). Sixty-eight percent of patients received ISRT. The 6-year FFR was 99% and 100% for patients receiving ISRT and IFRT, respectively (P=.58). More patients experienced bleomycin pulmonary toxicity in the 6-cycle group (20% vs 31%, P=.16). For patients with bulky disease, the 4-year FFR was similar with receipt of 4 (100%) or 6 (98%) cycles (P=.48) and IFRT (100%) or ISRT (98%) (P=.52). There were no deaths among patients with bulky disease. Conclusions: Patients with early unfavorable HL have excellent outcomes with 4 cycles of ABVD chemotherapy followed by ISRT. Six cycles of chemotherapy does not appear superior for disease control, even for bulky

  1. Treatment of Early-Stage Unfavorable Hodgkin Lymphoma: Efficacy and Toxicity of 4 Versus 6 Cycles of ABVD Chemotherapy With Radiation.

    PubMed

    Gunther, Jillian R; Fanale, Michelle A; Reddy, Jay P; Akhtari, Mani; Smith, Grace L; Pinnix, Chelsea C; Milgrom, Sarah A; Yehia, Zeinab Abou; Allen, Pamela K; Osborne, Eleanor M; Mawlawi, Osama; Dabaja, Bouthaina S

    2016-09-01

    The German Hodgkin Study Group HD11 trial validated 4 cycles of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) chemotherapy followed by involved field radiation therapy (IFRT) for early unfavorable Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients. However, practitioners often recommend 6 cycles followed by RT, especially for bulky disease. We compared patient outcomes after treatment with 4 or 6 cycles of ABVD followed by RT (IFRT and involved site RT [ISRT]). We identified 128 patients treated for early unfavorable HL (GHSG criteria) between 2000 and 2013. Clinical outcomes (overall survival [OS] and freedom from relapse [FFR]) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Toxicities were evaluated. The median follow-up time was 5.0 years. Patients received 4 (70 patients, 55%) or 6 (58 patients, 45%) cycles of chemotherapy. Bulky disease was present in 22 patients (31%; 0 stage IA, 3 stage IB, 19 stage IIA) of the 4-cycle group and 42 patients (72%; 5 stage IA, 3 stage IB, 34 stage IIA) of the 6-cycle group. For patients receiving 4 and 6 cycles, the 6-year OS was 100% and 97% (P=.35), respectively, and the 6 year FFR was 100% and 98% (P=.28), respectively. More patients received 6 cycles if they were treated before 2010 (HD11 report) (P=.01) and if they had bulky disease (P<.01). Sixty-eight percent of patients received ISRT. The 6-year FFR was 99% and 100% for patients receiving ISRT and IFRT, respectively (P=.58). More patients experienced bleomycin pulmonary toxicity in the 6-cycle group (20% vs 31%, P=.16). For patients with bulky disease, the 4-year FFR was similar with receipt of 4 (100%) or 6 (98%) cycles (P=.48) and IFRT (100%) or ISRT (98%) (P=.52). There were no deaths among patients with bulky disease. Patients with early unfavorable HL have excellent outcomes with 4 cycles of ABVD chemotherapy followed by ISRT. Six cycles of chemotherapy does not appear superior for disease control, even for bulky disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Impact of Dose Reductions, Delays Between Chemotherapy Cycles, and/or Shorter Courses of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Stage II and III Colorectal Cancer Patients: a Single-Center Retrospective Study.

    PubMed

    Sgouros, Joseph; Aravantinos, Gerasimos; Kouvatseas, George; Rapti, Anna; Stamoulis, George; Bisvikis, Anastasios; Res, Helen; Samantas, Epameinondas

    2015-12-01

    Most stage II or III colorectal cancer patients are receiving nowadays a 4 to 6-month course of adjuvant chemotherapy. However, delays between cycles, reductions in the doses of chemotherapy drugs, or even permanent omissions of chemotherapy cycles might take place due to side effects or patient's preference. We examined the impact of these treatment modifications on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). We retrospectively collected data from colorectal cancer patients who had received adjuvant chemotherapy in our Department. Patients were categorized in five groups based on whether they had or not delays between chemotherapy cycles, dose reductions, and permanent omissions of chemotherapy cycles. Three-year RFS and OS of the five different groups were compared using the log-rank test and the Sidak approach. Five hundred and eight patients received treatment. Twenty seven percent of the patients had the full course of chemotherapy; the others had delays, dose reductions, or early termination of the treatment. No statistically significant differences were observed in 3-year RFS and OS between the five groups. A trend for worse RFS was noticed with early termination of treatment. A similar trend was also noticed for OS but only for stage II patients. In colorectal cancer patients, receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, delays between chemotherapy cycles, dose reductions of chemotherapy drugs, or even early termination of the treatment course do not seem to have a negative impact in 3-year RFS and OS; however, due to the trend of worse RFS in patients receiving shorter courses of chemotherapy, further studies are needed.

  3. Sequential measurements of serum matrix metalloproteinase 9 to monitor chemotherapy responses in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Qiao, Xiaojuan; Zhai, Xiaoran; Wang, Jinghui; Zhao, Xiaoting; Yang, Xinjie; Lv, Jialin; Ma, Li; Zhang, Lina; Wang, Yue; Zhang, Shucai; Yue, Wentao

    2016-01-01

    Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis, including lung cancer. However, whether variations in serum MMP-9 levels can serve as a biomarker for monitoring chemotherapy curative effect remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the association between variations in serum MMP-9 levels and chemotherapy curative effect in patients with lung cancer. A total of 82 patients with advanced lung cancer were included. All newly diagnosed patients were treated with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy. Serial measurements of serum MMP-9 levels were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In this manner, we chose four time points to examine the association, including before chemotherapy, and 3 weeks after the beginning of the first, second, and fourth cycles of chemotherapy. Compared with the serum level of MMP-9 before progressive disease, patients with progressive disease had elevated serum levels of MMP-9. Compared with the previous time point of collecting specimens, the serum levels of MMP-9 in the patients with a complete response/partial response/stable disease decreased or were maintained stable. The differences of variation in serum MMP-9 levels in patients with different chemotherapy curative effects were all statistically significant after one cycle, two cycles, and four cycles (after one cycle: P<0.001; after two cycles: P<0.001; after four cycles: P=0.01). However, patients with small-cell lung cancer did not exhibit similar test results. The variation in serum MMP-9 levels in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer during chemotherapy was closely related to chemotherapy curative effect and could be useful to monitor chemotherapy curative effect for a small portion of patients.

  4. Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) Administration for Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia.

    PubMed

    Yalçin, Ş; Güler, N; Kansu, E; Ertenli, I; Güllü, I; Barişta, I; Çelik, I; Kars, A; Tekuzman, G; Baltali, E; Firat, D

    1996-01-01

    This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of G-CSF (Granulocyte colony stimulating factor) administration to 37 patients with neutropenia following intensive combination chemotherapy. The patients were divided into two subgroups including solid tumors given ifosfamide and etoposide combination chemotherapy (IMET subgroup) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients treated with mitoxantrone and cytarabine. Control group consisted of 31 acute myeloid leukemia patients. G-CSF was started on the first day of absolute neutropenia until the absolute neutrophil count was above 1000/mm(3) for two consecutive days. G-CSF was found to be effective for early recovery of neutrophil count. Expected response was achieved within 14 days in 91.5% of the courses with a median of fifth day of G-CSF treatment. In conclusion, this study showed the efficacy of G-CSF in early recovery of neutrophil count without any reduction in the incidence of febrile episodes and documented rates of bacterial and fungal infections in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

  5. An aggressive primary orbital natural killer/T-cell lymphoma case: poor response to chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Marchino, Tizana; Ibáñez, Núria; Prieto, Sebastián; Novelli, Silvana; Szafranska, Justyna; Mozos, Anna; Graell, Xavier; Buil, José A

    2014-01-01

    Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) and its presentation with extranodal orbital involvement as a single lesion are extremely rare. The aim of this article was to describe the presentation, diagnosis, and systemic treatment of a primary orbital NKTCL. A 67-year-old Caucasian woman presented with left exophthalmos, pain, periorbital swelling, and limited extrinsic ocular motility. Orbital cellulitis was suspected, but finally orbital biopsy was performed due to no response to initial antibiotic and anti-inflammatory standard treatment. The pathologic diagnosis was NKTCL. Systemic evaluations were negative. CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) chemotherapy was initiated, but after 2 cycles of treatment, tumoral progression was observed. SMILE (dexamethasone, methotrexate, ifosfamide, L-asparaginase, etoposide) rescue chemotherapy was then administered. Lymphoma progression was inevitable. She died 10 months later. Although more nasal NKTCL cases have been described, the nonnasal primary orbital NKTCL is an uncommon neoplasm with high mortality rate, despite the recent use of more potent chemotherapy regimens.

  6. The impact of EpCAM expression on response to chemotherapy and clinical outcomes in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

    PubMed

    Tayama, Shingo; Motohara, Takeshi; Narantuya, Dashdemberel; Li, Chenyan; Fujimoto, Koichi; Sakaguchi, Isao; Tashiro, Hironori; Saya, Hideyuki; Nagano, Osamu; Katabuchi, Hidetaka

    2017-07-04

    Epithelial ovarian cancer is a highly lethal malignancy; moreover, overcoming chemoresistance is the major challenging in treating ovarian cancer patients. The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis considers CSCs to be the main culprits in driving tumor initiation, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapy. Although growing evidence suggest that CSCs are responsible for chemoresistance, the contribution of CSC marker EpCAM to resistance to chemotherapy remains unresolved.Here we have demonstrated that ovarian cancers containing high levels of EpCAM have a significantly much lower probability of achieving overall responsive rates after first-line chemotherapy. In addition, multivariate analysis revealed that EpCAM expression is an independent risk factor for chemoresistance, indicating that EpCAM expression is a predictive biomarker of chemotherapeutic response. Consistent with these clinical observations, in vitro assays, we found that the subpopulation of EpCAM-positive ovarian cancer cells shows a significantly higher viability compared with EpCAM-negative cells in response to cisplatin treatment by preventing chemotherapy-induced apoptosis, which is regulated by EpCAM-Bcl-2 axis. Furthermore, in an in vivo mouse model, platinum agents preferentially eliminated EpCAM-negative cells in comparison with EpCAM-positive cells, suggesting that the remaining subpopulation of EpCAM-positive cells contributes to tumor recurrence after chemotherapy. Finally, we also found that an increased expression of EpCAM is associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients.Our findings highlight the clinical significance of EpCAM in the resistance to chemotherapy and provide a rationale for EpCAM-targeted therapy to improve chemoresistance. Targeting EpCAM should be a promising approach to effectively extirpate the CSCs as the putative root of ovarian cancer.

  7. Chemotherapy of colorectal liver metastases induces a rapid rise in intermediate blood monocytes which predicts treatment response

    PubMed Central

    Schauer, Dominic; Starlinger, Patrick; Alidzanovic, Lejla; Zajc, Philipp; Maier, Thomas; Feldman, Alexandra; Padickakudy, Robin; Buchberger, Elisabeth; Elleder, Vanessa; Spittler, Andreas; Stift, Judith; Pop, Lorand; Gruenberger, Birgit; Gruenberger, Thomas; Brostjan, Christine

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT We have previously reported that intermediate monocytes (CD14++/CD16+) were increased in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, while the subset of pro-angiogenic TIE2-expressing monocytes (TEMs) was not significantly elevated. This study was designed to evaluate changes in frequency and function of intermediate monocytes and TEMs during chemotherapy and anti-angiogenic cancer treatment and their relation to treatment response. Monocyte populations were determined by flow cytometry in 60 metastasized CRC (mCRC) patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab. Blood samples were taken before treatment, after two therapy cycles, at the end of neoadjuvant therapy and immediately before surgical resection of liver metastases. Neoadjuvant treatment resulted in a significant increase in circulating intermediate monocytes which was most pronounced after two cycles and positively predicted tumor response (AUC = 0.875, p = 0.005). With a cut-off value set to 1% intermediate monocytes of leukocytes, this parameter showed a predictive sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 88%. Anti-angiogenic therapy with bevacizumab had no impact on monocyte populations including TEMs. In 15 patients and six healthy controls, the gene expression profile and the migratory behavior of monocyte subsets was evaluated. The profile of intermediate monocytes suggested functions in antigen presentation, inflammatory cytokine production, chemotaxis and was remarkably stable during chemotherapy. Intermediate monocytes showed a preferential migratory response to tumor-derived signals in vitro and correlated with the level of CD14+/CD16+ monocytic infiltrates in the resected tumor tissue. In conclusion, the rapid rise of intermediate monocytes during chemotherapy may offer a simple marker for response prediction and a timely change in regimen. PMID:27471631

  8. Adjuvant chemotherapy for early female breast cancer: a systematic review of the evidence for the 2014 Cancer Care Ontario systemic therapy guideline

    PubMed Central

    Gandhi, S.; Fletcher, G.G.; Eisen, A.; Mates, M.; Freedman, O.C.; Dent, S.F.; Trudeau, M.E.

    2015-01-01

    Background The Program in Evidence-Based Care (pebc) of Cancer Care Ontario recently created an evidence-based consensus guideline on the systemic treatment of early breast cancer. The evidence for the guideline was compiled using a systematic review to answer the question “What is the optimal systemic therapy for patients with early-stage, operable breast cancer, when patient and disease factors are considered?” The question was addressed in three parts: cytotoxic chemotherapy, endocrine treatment, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (her2)–directed therapy. Methods For the systematic review, the medline and embase databases were searched for the period January 2008 to May 2014. The Standards and Guidelines Evidence directory of cancer guidelines and the Web sites of major oncology guideline organizations were also searched. The basic search terms were “breast cancer” and “systemic therapy” (chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted agents, ovarian suppression), and results were limited to randomized controlled trials (rcts), guidelines, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Results Several hundred documents that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved. The Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group meta-analyses encompassed many of the rcts found. Several additional studies that met the inclusion criteria were retained, as were other guidelines and systematic reviews. Chemotherapy was reviewed mainly in three classes: anti-metabolite–based regimens (for example, cyclophosphamide–methotrexate–5-fluorouracil), anthracyclines, and taxane-based regimens. In general, single-agent chemotherapy is not recommended for the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer in any patient population. Anthracycline–taxane-based polychemotherapy regimens are, overall, considered superior to earlier-generation regimens and have the most significant impact on patient survival outcomes. Regimens with varying anthracycline and taxane doses and

  9. Complete pathological response (ypT0N0M0) after preoperative chemotherapy alone for stage IV rectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Naiken, Surennaidoo P; Toso, Christian; Rubbia-Brandt, Laura; Thomopoulos, Theodoros; Roth, Arnaud; Mentha, Gilles; Morel, Philippe; Gervaz, Pascal

    2014-01-17

    Complete pathological response occurs in 10-20% of patients with rectal cancer who are treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy prior to pelvic surgery. The possibility that complete pathological response of rectal cancer can also occur with neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (without radiation) is an intriguing hypothesis. A 66-year old man presented an adenocarcinoma of the rectum with nine liver metastases (T3N1M1). He was included in a reverse treatment, aiming at first downsizing the liver metastases by chemotherapy, and subsequently performing the liver surgery prior to the rectum resection. The neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisted in a combination of oxaliplatin, 5-FU, irinotecan, leucovorin and bevacizumab (OCFL-B). After a right portal embolization, an extended right liver lobectomy was performed. On the final histopathological analysis, all lesions were fibrotic, devoid of any viable cancer cells. One month after liver surgery, the rectoscopic examination showed a near-total response of the primary rectal adenocarcinoma, which convinced the colorectal surgeon to perform the low anterior resection without preoperative radiation therapy. Macroscopically, a fibrous scar was observed at the level of the previously documented tumour, and the histological examination of the surgical specimen did not reveal any malignant cells in the rectal wall as well as in the mesorectum. All 15 resected lymph nodes were free of tumour, and the final tumour stage was ypT0N0M0. Clinical outcome was excellent, and the patient is currently alive 5 years after the first surgery without evidence of recurrence. The presented patient with stage IV rectal cancer and liver metastases was in a unique situation linked to its inclusion in a reversed treatment and the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone. The observed achievement of a complete pathological response after chemotherapy should promote the design of prospective randomized studies to evaluate the benefits of chemotherapy

  10. Relationship between race and clinical characteristics, extent of disease, and response to chemotherapy in patients with low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

    PubMed

    Maestá, Izildinha; Berkowitz, Ross S; Goldstein, Donald P; Bernstein, Marilyn R; Ramírez, Luz Angela C; Horowitz, Neil S

    2015-07-01

    To evaluate the potential effects of race on clinical characteristics, extent of disease, and response to chemotherapy in women with postmolar low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). This non-concurrent cohort study was undertaken including patients with FIGO-defined postmolar low-risk GTN treated with comparable doses and schedules of chemotherapy at the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center (NETDC) between 1973 and 2012. Racial groups investigated included whites, African American and Asians. Information on patient characteristics and response to chemotherapy (need for second line chemotherapy, reason for changing to an alternative chemotherapy, number of cycles/regimens, need for combination chemotherapy, and time to hCG remission) was obtained. Of 316 women, 274 (86.7%) were white, 19 (6%) African American, and 23 (7.3%) Asian. African Americans were significantly younger than white and Asian women (p=0.008). Disease presentation, and extent of disease, including antecedent molar histology, median time to persistence, median hCG level at persistence, rate of D&C at persistence, presence of metastatic disease, and FIGO stage and risk score were similar among races. Need for second line chemotherapy (p=0.023), and median number of regimens (p=0.035) were greater in Asian women than in other races. Low-risk GTN was more aggressive in Asian women, who were significantly more likely to need second line chemotherapy and a higher number of chemotherapy regimens to achieve complete remission than women of African American and Asian descent. Further studies involving racial differences related to clinical, biological and environmental characteristics are needed. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  11. Early Recurrence After Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastases: What Optimal Definition and What Predictive Factors?

    PubMed Central

    Imai, Katsunori; Allard, Marc-Antoine; Benitez, Carlos Castro; Vibert, Eric; Sa Cunha, Antonio; Cherqui, Daniel; Castaing, Denis; Bismuth, Henri; Baba, Hideo

    2016-01-01

    . Five factors, including age, number of preoperative chemotherapy lines, response to last-line chemotherapy, number of tumors, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 concentrations, were identified as predictors of early recurrence. Salvage surgery for recurrence significantly improved survival, even in patients with early recurrence. For better selection of patients who could truly benefit from surgery and should also receive strong postoperative chemotherapy, the accurate preoperative prediction of early recurrence is crucial. PMID:27125753

  12. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy of Ovarian Cancer Results in Three Patterns of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Response with Distinct Implications for Immunotherapy.

    PubMed

    Lo, Charlotte S; Sanii, Sanaz; Kroeger, David R; Milne, Katy; Talhouk, Aline; Chiu, Derek S; Rahimi, Kurosh; Shaw, Patricia A; Clarke, Blaise A; Nelson, Brad H

    2017-02-15

    Purpose: Some forms of chemotherapy can enhance antitumor immunity through immunogenic cell death, resulting in increased T-cell activation and tumor infiltration. Such effects could potentially sensitize tumors to immunotherapies, including checkpoint blockade. We investigated whether platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy for ovarian cancer induces immunologic changes consistent with this possibility. Experimental Design: Matched pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy tumor samples from 26 high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) patients were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for a large panel of immune cells and associated factors. The prognostic significance of post-chemotherapy TIL patterns was assessed in an expanded cohort ( n = 90). Results: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with increased densities of CD3 + , CD8 + , CD8 + TIA-1 + , PD-1 + and CD20 + TIL. Other immune subsets and factors were unchanged, including CD79a + CD138 + plasma cells, CD68 + macrophages, and MHC class I on tumor cells. Immunosuppressive cell types were also unchanged, including FoxP3 + PD-1 + cells (putative regulatory T cells), IDO-1 + cells, and PD-L1 + cells (both macrophages and tumor cells). Hierarchical clustering revealed three response patterns: (i) TIL high tumors showed increases in multiple immune markers after chemotherapy; (ii) TIL low tumors underwent similar increases, achieving patterns indistinguishable from the first group; and (iii) TIL negative cases generally remained negative. Despite the dramatic increases seen in the first two patterns, post-chemotherapy TIL showed limited prognostic significance. Conclusions: Chemotherapy augments pre-existing TIL responses but fails to relieve major immune-suppressive mechanisms or confer significant prognostic benefit. Our findings provide rationale for multipronged approaches to immunotherapy tailored to the baseline features of the tumor microenvironment. Clin Cancer Res; 23(4); 925-34. ©2016 AACR . ©2016

  13. Chemotherapy in metastatic retinoblastoma.

    PubMed

    Kingston, J E; Hungerford, J L; Plowman, P N

    1987-03-01

    Eleven children with metastatic retinoblastoma diagnosed during the period 1970-1984 were treated with chemotherapy. Short-term complete responses were observed in three children treated with a four-drug combination which included cisplatinum, and in one child treated with vincristine and cyclophosphamide. The median duration of survival of the 11 children receiving chemotherapy was nine months, whilst the median survival of 13 children with metastatic retinoblastoma who were not given chemotherapy was only 2.3 months (p = 0.06). This suggests that retinoblastoma is a chemosensitive tumour and therefore adjuvant chemotherapy may have a role in children with retinoblastoma who at diagnosis are thought to be at high risk of developing metastatic disease.

  14. Efficacy of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor in monitoring first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

    PubMed Central

    2009-01-01

    Background Along with the development of new cancer therapeutics, more effective tools for the estimation of response to therapy and prediction of disease progression are required for the better management of inoperable cancer patients. Methods We studied 134 newly diagnosed and primarily untreated advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients and 100 controls. Forty two patients received platinum-based chemotherapy. Plasma VEGF levels were quantified in all samples at baseline and also before second and third chemotherapy cycle in 42 patients and correlated with response to therapy as assessed by computed tomography after the third chemotherapy cycle. Results We observed that, patients who went into remission had significantly lower baseline VEGF levels before second and third cycles of chemotherapy when compared with patients with no change and progression. Plasma VEGF levels showed a greater decrease from cycle 1 to 2 and from cycle 1 to 3 in patients who showed remission in comparison to those with no change or progression. Plasma VEGF levels before the second cycle detected poor response to therapy with a sensitivity and specificity of 76.9% and 75.0%, respectively (area under the ROC curve = 0.724). Early prediction of disease progression was achieved with a sensitivity and specificity of 71.4% for plasma VEGF before cycle 2 (area under the ROC curve = 0.805). The kinetics of VEGF form cycle 1 to 2 and cycle 1 to 3 also gave significant information for predicting disease progression as well as insufficient therapy response. Conclusion Monitoring of plasma VEGF levels during the course of first-line chemotherapy could identify patients who are likely to have insufficient response to therapy and disease progression at an early stage. This may help in individualizing treatment and could lead to better management of the advanced stage lung cancer. PMID:19958548

  15. LINC00857 expression predicts and mediates the response to platinum-based chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

    PubMed

    Dudek, Aleksandra M; van Kampen, Jasmijn G M; Witjes, J Alfred; Kiemeney, Lambertus A L M; Verhaegh, Gerald W

    2018-06-01

    Approximately 20% of patients with bladder cancer are diagnosed with muscle-invasive disease (MIBC). The treatment involves radical cystectomy, but almost 50% of patients with MIBC eventually relapse and develop metastasis. The use of platinum-based chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting or for metastatic patients has been shown to improve the overall survival in a subset of patients. Unfortunately, no biomarkers are available to select patients with MIBC who will benefit from chemotherapy or to monitor the efficacy of the treatment. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were shown to regulate a variety of processes involved in the development and progression of cancer, including bladder cancer. Moreover, several lncRNAs have been shown to play a role in chemotherapy resistance. Here, we analyzed lncRNA expression associated with response to platinum-based chemotherapy in metastatic MIBC using data from the MiTranscriptome lncRNA expression database. Expression of the lncRNA, LINC00857, was found to be upregulated in tumors from patients that did not respond to platinum-based chemotherapy. Moreover, high expression of LINC00857 is correlated with shorter recurrence-free and overall survival of patients with MIBC. Knockdown of LINC00857 significantly decreased cell viability of bladder cancer cell lines through the induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, LINC00857 knockdown sensitized UM-UC-3 and T24 bladder cancer cells to cisplatin, via the negative regulation of the LMAN1 gene. Our data indicate that LINC00857 plays an important role in the regulation of response to platinum-based chemotherapy. LINC00857 potentially could serve as a novel prognostic and predictive biomarker and might be a therapeutic target to overcome cisplatin resistance in patients with MIBC. © 2018 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  16. Pathological complete response following neoadjuvant radiotherapy and intraperitoneal perfusion chemotherapy for recurrent colon carcinoma: A case report and literature review

    PubMed Central

    BIAN, XINYU; LIU, BAORUI; YANG, YANG

    2016-01-01

    The present study reports the case of a 28-year-old male who was diagnosed with sigmoid colon carcinoma and exhibited local recurrence following radical surgery and 6 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. The primary surgery consisted of a partial sigmoidectomy and bladder repair. At 8 months post-chemotherapy, the patient was referred to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital (Nanjing, China) due to local recurrence at the anastomotic site, which was confirmed by colonoscopy and total abdominal computed tomography. Synchronous intensity modulation radiation therapy and intraperitoneal (IP) perfusion chemotherapy with irinotecan (100 mg/m2) was administered. Following treatment, the object efficacy evaluation revealed a complete response and a second resection of the remaining sigmoid colon was performed. The post-operative results showed a pathological complete response. This case indicated that a combination of therapies, including radiotherapy, IP perfusion chemotherapy and surgery, may be beneficial and effective in patients with recurrent colon cancer. PMID:27073546

  17. Clonal Evolution of Chemotherapy-resistant Urothelial Carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Faltas, Bishoy M.; Prandi, Davide; Tagawa, Scott T.; Molina, Ana M.; Nanus, David M.; Sternberg, Cora; Rosenberg, Jonathan; Mosquera, Juan Miguel; Robinson, Brian; Elemento, Olivier; Sboner, Andrea; Beltran, Himisha; Demichelis, Francesca; Rubin, Mark A.

    2017-01-01

    Chemotherapy-resistant urothelial carcinoma (UC) has no uniformly curative therapy. Understanding how selective pressure from chemotherapy directs UC’s evolution and shapes its clonal architecture is a central biological question with clinical implications. To address this question, we performed whole-exome sequencing and clonality analysis of 72 UCs including 16 matched sets of primary and advanced tumors prospectively collected before and after chemotherapy. Our analysis provided several insights: (i) chemotherapy-treated UC is characterized by intra-patient mutational heterogeneity and the majority of mutations are not shared, (ii) both branching evolution and metastatic spread are very early events in the natural history of UC; (iii) chemotherapy-treated UC is enriched with clonal mutations involving L1-cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) and integrin signaling pathways; (iv) APOBEC induced-mutagenesis is clonally-enriched in chemotherapy-treated UC and continues to shape UC’s evolution throughout its lifetime. PMID:27749842

  18. [Axillary pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer with axillary involvement].

    PubMed

    Jiménez-Ballvé, A; Serrano-Palacio, A; García-Sáenz, J A; Ortega Candil, A; Salsidua-Arroyo, O; Román-Santamaría, J M; Pelayo Alarcón, A; Fuentes Ferrer, M E; Carreras-Delgado, J L

    2015-01-01

    To compare axillary involvement (N+) at initial staging in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) with axillary lymphadenectomy histologic results after neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment (NeoChemo). Retrospective study between November 2011 and September 2013 of LABC cases treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on docetaxel (associated with trastuzumab in HER2 positive cases and carboplatin/adriamycin in HER2 negative cases). Those clinically or radiologically suspected cases of axillary involvement were histologically confirmed. When there was no suspicion of axillary involvement, sentinel lymph node radioguided biopsy (SLNRB) was performed using intradermal injection of (99m)Tc-nanocolloid albumin prior to neoadjuvant treatment. Axillary lymphadenectomy after NeoChemo was undertaken in all cases with positive axilla. Final pathologic response was classified as complete (pCR) when there was no evidence of tumoral disease and as non-pathologic complete response (no pCR) in the opposite case. A total of 346 patients treated with docetaxel were reviewed, identifying 105 LABC. Axillary involvement at initial staging was detected in 70 (67%) before starting NeoChemo. From these 70, 73% (n=51) were N+ (fine needle biopsy and/or biopsy) and the remaining 19 (27%) were occult N+ detected by SLNRB. Axillary lymphadenectomy detected pCR in 56% (39/70), increasing up to 84% pCR when initial N+ status was reached using SNLB. On the other hand, when N+ was detected using fine needle biopsy/lymph biopsy, pCR was only 45%. More than 50% of women affected by locally advanced breast cancer with tumoral axillary involvement at initial diagnosis present free metastatic axilla after therapeutic neoadjuvant chemotherapy effect. This increases up to almost 90% in case of occult metastatic axilla detected with sentinel node biopsy prior starting neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and SEMNIM. All rights reserved.

  19. p53 in breast cancer subtypes and new insights into response to chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Bertheau, Philippe; Lehmann-Che, Jacqueline; Varna, Mariana; Dumay, Anne; Poirot, Brigitte; Porcher, Raphaël; Turpin, Elisabeth; Plassa, Louis-François; de Roquancourt, Anne; Bourstyn, Edwige; de Cremoux, Patricia; Janin, Anne; Giacchetti, Sylvie; Espié, Marc; de Thé, Hugues

    2013-08-01

    Despite an obvious central role of p53 in the hallmarks of cancer, TP53 status is not yet used for the management of breast cancer. Recent findings may lead to reconsider the role of p53 in breast cancer. TP53 mutations are the most frequent genetic alterations in breast cancer, observed in 30% of breast carcinomas. Their distribution is highly linked to molecular tumor subtypes found in 26% of luminal tumors (17% of luminal A, 41% of luminal B), in 50% of HER2 amplified tumors, in 69% of molecular apocrine breast carcinomas and in 88% of basal-like carcinomas. The type of mutation is linked to the tumor subtype with higher frequency of base-pair substitutions in luminal tumors, whereas molecular apocrine and basal-like tumors present much higher frequency of complex mutations (deletions/insertions). The timing of TP53 mutation also depends on the tumor subtype, being the first important event in luminal tumors but occurring after PTEN loss in basal-like tumors. Regarding response to cytotoxic chemotherapy, the situation is far from the p53-dependent apoptosis paradigm with subsequent clinical response. We reported that TP53 mutated non inflammatory locally advanced breast carcinomas had a high rate of complete pathological response to dose-dense doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide chemotherapy, while TP53 wild-type (WT) tumors never achieved complete response. Using human breast cancer xenograft models, we suggested that this could be due to the induction of senescence in TP53 WT tumor cells. A recent work confirmed these findings in MMTV-Wnt1 mammary tumors, showing that growth arrest and senescent phenotype, not apoptosis, were induced in TP53 WT tumors following doxorubicin treatment, while lack of arrest in mutant tumors resulted in aberrant mitoses, cell death and a superior clinical response. Furthermore, in ER positive (ER(+)) breast tumors, it has been recently reported that ER represses the p53-mediated apoptotic response induced by DNA damage. Taken together

  20. Predicting response to primary chemotherapy: gene expression profiling of paraffin-embedded core biopsy tissue.

    PubMed

    Mina, Lida; Soule, Sharon E; Badve, Sunil; Baehner, Fredrick L; Baker, Joffre; Cronin, Maureen; Watson, Drew; Liu, Mei-Lan; Sledge, George W; Shak, Steve; Miller, Kathy D

    2007-06-01

    Primary chemotherapy provides an ideal opportunity to correlate gene expression with response to treatment. We used paraffin-embedded core biopsies from a completed phase II trial to identify genes that correlate with response to primary chemotherapy. Patients with newly diagnosed stage II or III breast cancer were treated with sequential doxorubicin 75 mg/M2 q2 wks x 3 and docetaxel 40 mg/M2 weekly x 6; treatment order was randomly assigned. Pretreatment core biopsy samples were interrogated for genes that might correlate with pathologic complete response (pCR). In addition to the individual genes, the correlation of the Oncotype DX Recurrence Score with pCR was examined. Of 70 patients enrolled in the parent trial, core biopsies samples with sufficient RNA for gene analyses were available from 45 patients; 9 (20%) had inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Six (14%) patients achieved a pCR. Twenty-two of the 274 candidate genes assessed correlated with pCR (p < 0.05). Genes correlating with pCR could be grouped into three large clusters: angiogenesis-related genes, proliferation related genes, and invasion-related genes. Expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-related genes and Recurrence Score did not correlate with pCR. In an exploratory analysis we compared gene expression in IBC to non-inflammatory breast cancer; twenty-four (9%) of the genes were differentially expressed (p < 0.05), 5 were upregulated and 19 were downregulated in IBC. Gene expression analysis on core biopsy samples is feasible and identifies candidate genes that correlate with pCR to primary chemotherapy. Gene expression in IBC differs significantly from noninflammatory breast cancer.

  1. MRI evaluation of residual breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: influence of patient, tumor and chemotherapy characteristics on the correlation with pathological response.

    PubMed

    Diguisto, Caroline; Ouldamer, Lobna; Arbion, Flavie; Vildé, Anne; Body, Gilles

    2015-01-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the residual tumor measured on magnetic resonance imaging and pathological results and to assess whether this correlation varies according to patient, tumor or chemotherapy characteristics. The study population included women treated for breast cancer with indication of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in our tertiary breast cancer Unit between January 2008 and December 2011. Factors related to patients, tumor and chemotherapy were studied. Pearson's correlation coefficient between the size of the tumor on MRI and pathological response was calculated for the entire population. It was also calculated according to patient, tumor and chemotherapy characteristics. During the study period, 107 consecutive women were included. The size of residual tumor on the MRI significantly correlated with the size on pathological result with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.52 (p<0.001). The correlation was stronger for women aged 50 years and older (r=0.64, p<0.001) and for post-menopausal women (r=0.61, p<0.001). The correlation was stronger for those with triple-negative tumors (r=0.69, p=0.002) but weaker for those with tumors with a ductal carcinoma in situ component (r =0.18, p=0.42). The size of breast cancer obtained by MRI is significantly correlated to the pathological size of the tumor. This correlation was stronger among women aged 50 years and more, among post-menopausal women, and among women who had triple-negative tumors. Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

  2. MYC Amplification as a Predictive Factor of Complete Pathologic Response to Docetaxel-based Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer.

    PubMed

    Pereira, Cynthia Brito Lins; Leal, Mariana Ferreira; Abdelhay, Eliana Saul Furquim Werneck; Demachki, Sâmia; Assumpção, Paulo Pimentel; de Souza, Mirian Carvalho; Moreira-Nunes, Caroline Aquino; Tanaka, Adriana Michiko da Silva; Smith, Marília Cardoso; Burbano, Rommel Rodríguez

    2017-06-01

    Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a standard treatment for stage II and III breast cancer. The identification of biomarkers that may help in the prediction of response to neoadjuvant therapies is necessary for a more precise definition of the best drug or drug combination to induce a better response. We assessed the role of Ki67, hormone receptors expression, HER2, MYC genes and their protein status, and KRAS codon 12 mutations as predictor factors of pathologic response to anthracycline-cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by taxane docetaxel (T) neoadjuvant chemotherapy (AC+T regimen) in 51 patients with invasive ductal breast cancer. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 82.4% of patients showed pathologic partial response, with only 9.8% showing pathologic complete response. In multivariate analysis, MYC immunoreactivity and high MYC gain defined as MYC/nucleus ≥ 5 were significant predictor factors for pathologic partial response. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the ratio of 2.5 MYC/CEP8 (sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 89.1%) or 7 MYC/nuclei copies (sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 73.9%) as the best cutoff in predicting a pathologic complete response was identified. Thus, MYC may have a role in chemosensitivity to AC and/or docetaxel drugs. Additionally, MYC amplification may be a predictor factor of pathologic response to the AC+T regimen in patients with breast cancer. Moreover, patients with an increased number of MYC copies showed pathologic complete response to this neoadjuvant treatment more frequently. The analysis of MYC amplification may help in the identification of patients that may have a better response to AC+T treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Consolidative proton therapy after chemotherapy for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.

    PubMed

    Hoppe, B S; Hill-Kayser, C E; Tseng, Y D; Flampouri, S; Elmongy, H M; Cahlon, O; Mendenhall, N P; Maity, A; McGee, L A; Plastaras, J P

    2017-09-01

    We investigated early outcomes for patients receiving chemotherapy followed by consolidative proton therapy (PT) for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). From June 2008 through August 2015, 138 patients with HL enrolled on either IRB-approved outcomes tracking protocols or registry studies received consolidative PT. Patients were excluded due to relapsed or refractory disease. Involved-site radiotherapy field designs were used for all patients. Pediatric patients received a median dose of 21 Gy(RBE) [range 15-36 Gy(RBE)]; adult patients received a median dose of 30.6 Gy(RBE) [range, 20-45 Gy(RBE)]. Patients receiving PT were young (median age, 20 years; range 6-57). Overall, 42% were pediatric (≤18 years) and 93% were under the age of 40 years. Thirty-eight percent of patients were male and 62% female. Stage distribution included 73% with I/II and 27% with III/IV disease. Patients predominantly had mediastinal involvement (96%) and bulky disease (57%), whereas 37% had B symptoms. The median follow-up was 32 months (range, 5-92 months). The 3-year relapse-free survival rate was 92% for all patients; it was 96% for adults and 87% for pediatric patients (P = 0.18). When evaluated by positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan response at the end of chemotherapy, patients with a partial response had worse 3-year progression-free survival compared with other patients (78% versus 94%; P = 0.0034). No grade 3 radiation-related toxicities have occurred to date. Consolidative PT following standard chemotherapy in HL is primarily used in young patients with mediastinal and bulky disease. Early relapse-free survival rates are similar to those reported with photon radiation treatment, and no early grade 3 toxicities have been observed. Continued follow-up to assess late effects is critical. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology.

  4. Patients with pathological stage N2 rectal cancer treated with early adjuvant chemotherapy have a lower treatment failure rate.

    PubMed

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

    2017-03-09

    In this era of oxaliplatin-based adjuvant therapy, the optimal sequence in which chemoradiotherapy should be administered for pathological stage N2 rectal cancer is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate this sequence. In the primary adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (A-CRT) group (n = 71), postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy was administered before adjuvant chemotherapy. In the primary adjuvant chemotherapy (A-CT) group (n = 43), postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy was administered during or after adjuvant chemotherapy. Postoperative radiotherapy comprised 45-50.4 Gy in 25-28 fractions. Concurrent chemotherapy comprised two cycles of oral capecitabine (1,600 mg/m 2 ) on days 1-14 and 22-35. Patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy with four or more cycles of XELOX (oxaliplatin plus capecitabine) or eight or more cycles of FOLFOX (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) were included. Between June 2005 and December 2013, data for 114 qualified rectal cancer patients were analyzed. The percentages of patients in whom treatment failed in the A-CRT and A-CT groups were 33.8% and 16.3%, respectively (p = 0.042). More patients had distant metastases in the A-CRT group than in the A-CT group (32.4% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.028). Multivariate analysis indicated that the sequence in which chemoradiotherapy was administered (A-CT vs. A-CRT) was an independent prognostic factor for both estimated disease-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) 0.345, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.137-0.868, p = 0.024] and estimated distant metastasis-free survival (HR 0.366, 95% CI 0.143-0.938, p = 0.036). In pathological stage N2 rectal cancer patients, administering adjuvant chemotherapy before chemoradiotherapy led to a lower rate of treatment failure, especially with respect to distant metastasis. Adjuvant chemotherapy prescribed as early as possible might benefit this cohort of patients in this era of oxaliplatin-based adjuvant therapy.

  5. Clonal evolution of chemotherapy-resistant urothelial carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Faltas, Bishoy M; Prandi, Davide; Tagawa, Scott T; Molina, Ana M; Nanus, David M; Sternberg, Cora; Rosenberg, Jonathan; Mosquera, Juan Miguel; Robinson, Brian; Elemento, Olivier; Sboner, Andrea; Beltran, Himisha; Demichelis, Francesca; Rubin, Mark A

    2016-12-01

    Chemotherapy-resistant urothelial carcinoma has no uniformly curative therapy. Understanding how selective pressure from chemotherapy directs the evolution of urothelial carcinoma and shapes its clonal architecture is a central biological question with clinical implications. To address this question, we performed whole-exome sequencing and clonality analysis of 72 urothelial carcinoma samples, including 16 matched sets of primary and advanced tumors prospectively collected before and after chemotherapy. Our analysis provided several insights: (i) chemotherapy-treated urothelial carcinoma is characterized by intra-patient mutational heterogeneity, and the majority of mutations are not shared; (ii) both branching evolution and metastatic spread are very early events in the natural history of urothelial carcinoma; (iii) chemotherapy-treated urothelial carcinoma is enriched with clonal mutations involving L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) and integrin signaling pathways; and (iv) APOBEC-induced mutagenesis is clonally enriched in chemotherapy-treated urothelial carcinoma and continues to shape the evolution of urothelial carcinoma throughout its lifetime.

  6. A priori Prediction of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response and Survival in Breast Cancer Patients using Quantitative Ultrasound

    PubMed Central

    Tadayyon, Hadi; Sannachi, Lakshmanan; Gangeh, Mehrdad J.; Kim, Christina; Ghandi, Sonal; Trudeau, Maureen; Pritchard, Kathleen; Tran, William T.; Slodkowska, Elzbieta; Sadeghi-Naini, Ali; Czarnota, Gregory J.

    2017-01-01

    Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) can probe tissue structure and analyze tumour characteristics. Using a 6-MHz ultrasound system, radiofrequency data were acquired from 56 locally advanced breast cancer patients prior to their neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and QUS texture features were computed from regions of interest in tumour cores and their margins as potential predictive and prognostic indicators. Breast tumour molecular features were also collected and used for analysis. A multiparametric QUS model was constructed, which demonstrated a response prediction accuracy of 88% and ability to predict patient 5-year survival rates (p = 0.01). QUS features demonstrated superior performance in comparison to molecular markers and the combination of QUS and molecular markers did not improve response prediction. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that non-invasive QUS features in the core and margin of breast tumours can indicate breast cancer response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and predict five-year recurrence-free survival. PMID:28401902

  7. A priori Prediction of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response and Survival in Breast Cancer Patients using Quantitative Ultrasound.

    PubMed

    Tadayyon, Hadi; Sannachi, Lakshmanan; Gangeh, Mehrdad J; Kim, Christina; Ghandi, Sonal; Trudeau, Maureen; Pritchard, Kathleen; Tran, William T; Slodkowska, Elzbieta; Sadeghi-Naini, Ali; Czarnota, Gregory J

    2017-04-12

    Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) can probe tissue structure and analyze tumour characteristics. Using a 6-MHz ultrasound system, radiofrequency data were acquired from 56 locally advanced breast cancer patients prior to their neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and QUS texture features were computed from regions of interest in tumour cores and their margins as potential predictive and prognostic indicators. Breast tumour molecular features were also collected and used for analysis. A multiparametric QUS model was constructed, which demonstrated a response prediction accuracy of 88% and ability to predict patient 5-year survival rates (p = 0.01). QUS features demonstrated superior performance in comparison to molecular markers and the combination of QUS and molecular markers did not improve response prediction. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that non-invasive QUS features in the core and margin of breast tumours can indicate breast cancer response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and predict five-year recurrence-free survival.

  8. Impact of Oncotype DX breast Recurrence Score testing on adjuvant chemotherapy use in early breast cancer: Real world experience in Greater Manchester, UK.

    PubMed

    Loncaster, J; Armstrong, A; Howell, S; Wilson, G; Welch, R; Chittalia, A; Valentine, W J; Bundred, N J

    2017-05-01

    The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended the Oncotype DX ® Breast Recurrence Score ® (RS) assay as an option for informing adjuvant chemotherapy decisions in node-negative, oestrogen receptor (ER)+, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative early breast cancer assessed to be at intermediate risk of recurrence based on clinicopathological factors. We evaluated the impact of RS testing on adjuvant chemotherapy decision-making in routine clinical practice in a UK Cancer Network. RS testing was performed in 201 females with newly diagnosed, ER+, HER2-negative, invasive breast cancer who underwent breast surgery with curative intent, were calculated to have a >3% overall survival benefit at 10 years from adjuvant chemotherapy based on PREDICT, and were considered for adjuvant chemotherapy. The impact of RS testing on adjuvant treatment decisions/associated cost was assessed. In all patients, the multi-disciplinary team recommended chemotherapy but the RS result allowed 127/201 patients (63.2%) to avoid unnecessary adjuvant chemotherapy. Amongst ER+, HER2-negative, node-negative patients (eligible for Oncotype DX testing in UK guidelines), 60.3% were spared chemotherapy. In node-positive patients, the assay reduced the use of chemotherapy by 69.2%. The use of RS testing to guide treatment in these 201 patients was associated with significant cost saving (when considering the cost of RS testing for all patients plus chemotherapy and its associated cost for 74 patients). Incorporating RS testing into routine clinical practice for selected node-negative and node-positive breast cancer patients significantly reduces the use of chemotherapy (p < 0.001) with its associated morbidity and costs. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  9. Fractal and Gray Level Cooccurrence Matrix Computational Analysis of Primary Osteosarcoma Magnetic Resonance Images Predicts the Chemotherapy Response.

    PubMed

    Djuričić, Goran J; Radulovic, Marko; Sopta, Jelena P; Nikitović, Marina; Milošević, Nebojša T

    2017-01-01

    The prediction of induction chemotherapy response at the time of diagnosis may improve outcomes in osteosarcoma by allowing for personalized tailoring of therapy. The aim of this study was thus to investigate the predictive potential of the so far unexploited computational analysis of osteosarcoma magnetic resonance (MR) images. Fractal and gray level cooccurrence matrix (GLCM) algorithms were employed in retrospective analysis of MR images of primary osteosarcoma localized in distal femur prior to the OsteoSa induction chemotherapy. The predicted and actual chemotherapy response outcomes were then compared by means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and accuracy calculation. Dbin, Λ, and SCN were the standard fractal and GLCM features which significantly associated with the chemotherapy outcome, but only in one of the analyzed planes. Our newly developed normalized fractal dimension, called the space-filling ratio (SFR) exerted an independent and much better predictive value with the prediction significance accomplished in two of the three imaging planes, with accuracy of 82% and area under the ROC curve of 0.20 (95% confidence interval 0-0.41). In conclusion, SFR as the newly designed fractal coefficient provided superior predictive performance in comparison to standard image analysis features, presumably by compensating for the tumor size variation in MR images.

  10. Is neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to radio-chemotherapy beneficial in T4 anal carcinoma?

    PubMed

    Moureau-Zabotto, L; Viret, F; Giovaninni, M; Lelong, B; Bories, E; Delpero, J R; Pesenti, C; Caillol, F; de Chaisemartin, C; Minsat, M; Monges, G; Sarran, A; Resbeut, M

    2011-07-01

    This study retrospectively describes the outcome of a series of 38 patients (pts) with T4 anal carcinoma exclusively treated by radio and chemotherapy. From 1992 to 2007, 38 pts with UST4-N0-2-M0 anal carcinoma were treated with exclusive radiotherapy and chemotherapy. All patients received external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) (median dose 45 Gy) with a concomitant chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil-cisplatin). Eleven patients received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil-cisplatin). After 2-8 weeks, a 15-20 Gy boost was delivered either with EBRT (20 pts) or interstitial (192)Ir brachytherapy (18 pts). Mean follow-up was 66 months. After chemoradiation therapy (CRT), 13 pts (34%) had a complete response, 23 pts (60%) a response >50% (2 pts were not evaluated). The 5-year-disease-free survival was 79.2 ± 6.5%, and the 5-year overall survival was 83.9 ± 6%. Eight patients developed tumor progression (mean delay 8.8 months), six of them requiring a salvage surgery with definitive colostomy for local relapse. Late severe complication requiring colostomy was observed in 2 pts. The 5-year-colostomy-free survival was 78 ± 6.9%. Patients who received primary chemotherapy had a statistically significant better 5-year colostomy-free survival (100% vs. 38 ± 16.4%, P = 0.0006). T4 anal carcinoma can be treated with a curative intent using a sphincter-sparing approach of CRT, and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered prior to radiotherapy. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  11. RNA disruption is associated with response to multiple classes of chemotherapy drugs in tumor cell lines.

    PubMed

    Narendrula, Rashmi; Mispel-Beyer, Kyle; Guo, Baoqing; Parissenti, Amadeo M; Pritzker, Laura B; Pritzker, Ken; Masilamani, Twinkle; Wang, Xiaohui; Lannér, Carita

    2016-02-24

    Cellular stressors and apoptosis-inducing agents have been shown to induce ribosomal RNA (rRNA) degradation in eukaryotic cells. Recently, RNA degradation in vivo was observed in patients with locally advanced breast cancer, where mid-treatment tumor RNA degradation was associated with complete tumor destruction and enhanced patient survival. However, it is not clear how widespread chemotherapy induced "RNA disruption" is, the extent to which it is associated with drug response or what the underlying mechanisms are. Ovarian (A2780, CaOV3) and breast (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, BT474, SKBR3) cancer cell lines were treated with several cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs and total RNA was isolated. RNA was also prepared from docetaxel resistant A2780DXL and carboplatin resistant A2780CBN cells following drug exposure. Disruption of RNA was analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Northern blotting was performed using probes complementary to the 28S and 18S rRNA to determine the origins of degradation bands. Apoptosis activation was assessed by flow cytometric monitoring of annexin-V and propidium iodide (PI) binding to cells and by measuring caspase-3 activation. The link between apoptosis and RNA degradation (disruption) was investigated using a caspase-3 inhibitor. All chemotherapy drugs tested were capable of inducing similar RNA disruption patterns. Docetaxel treatment of the resistant A2780DXL cells and carboplatin treatment of the A2780CBN cells did not result in RNA disruption. Northern blotting indicated that two RNA disruption bands were derived from the 3'-end of the 28S rRNA. Annexin-V and PI staining of docetaxel treated cells, along with assessment of caspase-3 activation, showed concurrent initiation of apoptosis and RNA disruption, while inhibition of caspase-3 activity significantly reduced RNA disruption. Supporting the in vivo evidence, our results demonstrate that RNA disruption is induced by multiple chemotherapy agents in cell lines from different tissues and is

  12. [Early detection of the cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy drug through two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography combined with high-sensitive cardiac troponin T].

    PubMed

    Wang, W; Kang, Y; Shu, X H; Shen, X D; He, B

    2017-11-23

    Objective: To investigate the clinical value of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography(2D-STE) combined with high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) in early detection of the cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy drug. Methods: Seventy-five non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients who received the CHOP regimen were recruited in this study. Conventional echocardiography and 2D-STE were performed on these patients before chemotherapy, the second day after the third course of chemotherapy (during chemotherapy) and the second day after the last course of chemotherapy (after chemotherapy). The parameters included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (LS), global circumferential strain (CS) and global radial strain (RS). The serum hs-cTNT levels were tested simultaneously. Results: Three cycles of CHOP were completed in 30 patients and 6-8 cycles of CHOP were completed in 45 patients. The LVEF of 75 patients before, during and after chemotherapy was (63.8±2.6)%, (63.8±2.8)% and (64.0±3.3)%, respectively, without significant difference ( P =0.91). However, the LS of 75 patients before, during and after chemotherapy was (-18.5±1.7)%, (-16.5±1.9)% and (-16.0±1.6)%, respectively. The CS was (-20.9±2.9)%, (-19.3±3.5)% and (-19.2±3.2)%, respectively. The RS was (39.2±6.4)%, (35.3±5.2)% and (35.0±6.2)%, respectively. The hs-cTnT was (0.001 0±0.002 0)ng/ml, (0.006 3±0.008 9)ng/ml and (0.007 3±0.003 8)ng/ml, respectively. The LS, CS and RS were significantly decreased while hs-cTnT was significantly increased during chemotherapy when compared to those before chemotherapy (all of P <0.01). Alternatively, the LS, CS, RS and hs-cTnT after chemotherapy were marginally different from those during chemotherapy (all of P >0.05). Moreover, T(LS-SD), T(CS-SD) and T(RS-SD) showed no significant difference before, during and after chemotherapy (all of P >0.05). The reduction of LS was positively associated with the enhancement of hs

  13. Personalized treatment of women with early breast cancer: a risk-group specific cost-effectiveness analysis of adjuvant chemotherapy accounting for companion prognostic tests OncotypeDX and Adjuvant!Online.

    PubMed

    Jahn, Beate; Rochau, Ursula; Kurzthaler, Christina; Hubalek, Michael; Miksad, Rebecca; Sroczynski, Gaby; Paulden, Mike; Bundo, Marvin; Stenehjem, David; Brixner, Diana; Krahn, Murray; Siebert, Uwe

    2017-10-16

    Due to high survival rates and the relatively small benefit of adjuvant therapy, the application of personalized medicine (PM) through risk stratification is particularly beneficial in early breast cancer (BC) to avoid unnecessary harms from treatment. The new 21-gene assay (OncotypeDX, ODX) is a promising prognostic score for risk stratification that can be applied in conjunction with Adjuvant!Online (AO) to guide personalized chemotherapy decisions for early BC patients. Our goal was to evaluate risk-group specific cost effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy for women with early stage BC in Austria based on AO and ODX risk stratification. A previously validated discrete event simulation model was applied to a hypothetical cohort of 50-year-old women over a lifetime horizon. We simulated twelve risk groups derived from the joint application of ODX and AO and included respective additional costs. The primary outcomes of interest were life-years gained, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), costs and incremental cost-effectiveness (ICER). The robustness of results and decisions derived were tested in sensitivity analyses. A cross-country comparison of results was performed. Chemotherapy is dominated (i.e., less effective and more costly) for patients with 1) low ODX risk independent of AO classification; and 2) low AO risk and intermediate ODX risk. For patients with an intermediate or high AO risk and an intermediate or high ODX risk, the ICER is below 15,000 EUR/QALY (potentially cost effective depending on the willingness-to-pay). Applying the AO risk classification alone would miss risk groups where chemotherapy is dominated and thus should not be considered. These results are sensitive to changes in the probabilities of distant recurrence but not to changes in the costs of chemotherapy or the ODX test. Based on our modeling study, chemotherapy is effective and cost effective for Austrian patients with an intermediate or high AO risk and an intermediate or high

  14. Concurrent and sequential initiation of ovarian function suppression with chemotherapy in premenopausal women with endocrine-responsive early breast cancer: an exploratory analysis of TEXT and SOFT.

    PubMed

    Regan, M M; Walley, B A; Francis, P A; Fleming, G F; Láng, I; Gómez, H L; Colleoni, M; Tondini, C; Pinotti, G; Salim, M; Spazzapan, S; Parmar, V; Ruhstaller, T; Abdi, E A; Gelber, R D; Coates, A S; Goldhirsch, A; Pagani, O

    2017-09-01

    Recent breast cancer treatment guidelines recommend that higher-risk premenopausal patients should receive ovarian function suppression (OFS) as part of adjuvant endocrine therapy. If chemotherapy is also given, it is uncertain whether to select concurrent or sequential OFS initiation. We analyzed 1872 patients enrolled in the randomized phase III TEXT and SOFT trials who received adjuvant chemotherapy for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer and upon randomization to an OFS-containing adjuvant endocrine therapy, initiated gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-agonist triptorelin. Breast cancer-free interval (BCFI) was compared between patients who received OFS concurrently with chemotherapy in TEXT (n = 1242) versus sequentially post-chemotherapy in SOFT (n = 630). Because timing of trial enrollment relative to adjuvant chemotherapy differed, we implemented landmark analysis re-defining BCFI beginning 1 year after final dose of chemotherapy (median, 15.5 and 8.1 months from enrollment to landmark in TEXT and SOFT, respectively). As a non-randomized treatment comparison, we implemented comparative-effectiveness propensity score methodology with weighted Cox modeling. Distributions of several clinico-pathologic characteristics differed between groups. Patients who were premenopausal post-chemotherapy in SOFT were younger on average. The median duration of adjuvant chemotherapy was 18 weeks in both groups. There were 231 (12%) BC events after post-landmark median follow-up of about 5 years. Concurrent use of triptorelin with chemotherapy was not associated with a significant difference in post-landmark BCFI compared with sequential triptorelin post-chemotherapy, either in the overall population (HR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.72-1.72; P = 0.72; 4-year BCFI 89% in both groups), or in the subgroup of 692 women <40 years at diagnosis (HR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.69-1.84) who are less likely to develop chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea. Based on

  15. Randomized trial of adjuvant ovarian suppression in 926 premenopausal patients with early breast cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Arriagada, R; Lê, M G; Spielmann, M; Mauriac, L; Bonneterre, J; Namer, M; Delozier, T; Hill, C; Tursz, T

    2005-03-01

    The aim of this multicenter trial was to evaluate the role of ovarian suppression in patients with early breast cancer previously treated with local surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Nine hundred and twenty-six premenopausal patients with completely resected breast cancer and either axillary node involvement or histological grade 2 or 3 tumors were randomized after surgery to adjuvant chemotherapy alone (control arm) or adjuvant chemotherapy plus ovarian suppression (ovarian suppression arm). Ovarian suppression was obtained by either radiation-induced ovarian ablation or triptorelin for 3 years. The analyses were performed with Cox models stratified by center. Median follow-up was 9.5 years. Mean age was 43 years. Ninety per cent of patients had histologically proven positive axillary nodes, 63% positive hormonal receptors and 77% had received an anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimen. Ovarian suppression was by radiation-induced ovarian ablation (45% of patients) or with triptorelin (48%). At the time of randomization, all patients had regular menses or their follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol levels indicated a premenopausal status. The 10-year disease-free survival rates were 49% [95% confidence interval (CI) 44% to 54%] in both arms (P = 0.51). The 10-year overall survival rates were 66% (95% CI 61% to 70%) for the ovarian suppression arm and 68% (95% CI 63% to 73%) for the control arm (P = 0.19). There were no variations in the treatment effect according to age, hormonal receptor status or ovarian suppression modality. However, in patients <40 years of age and with estrogen receptor-positive tumors, ovarian suppression significantly decreased the risk of recurrence (P = 0.01). The results of this trial, after at least 10 years of follow-up, do not favor the use of ovarian suppression after adjuvant chemotherapy. The potential beneficial effect in younger women with hormono-dependent tumors should be further assessed.

  16. Patient and tumor characteristics associated with breast cancer recurrence after complete pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Ju, Na Rae; Jeffe, Donna B; Keune, Jason; Aft, Rebecca

    2013-01-01

    Breast cancer patients whose tumors achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy have a prognosis which is better than that predicted for the stage of their disease. However, within this subgroup of patients, recurrences have been observed. We sought to examine factors associated with recurrence in a population of breast cancer patients who achieved a pCR with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients with unilateral breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2010 at one comprehensive cancer center. A pCR was defined as no residual invasive cancer in the breast in the surgical specimen following neoadjuvant therapy. Recurrence was defined as visceral or bony reappearance of cancer after completion of all therapy. Of 818 patients who completed neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 144 (17.6 %) had pCR; six with bilateral breast cancer were excluded from further analysis. The mean time to follow-up was 47.2 months. Among the 138 patients with unilateral breast cancer, there were 14 recurrences (10.1 %). Using a binary multiple logistic regression model, examining types of chemotherapy and surgery, race, lymph node assessment, and lymph node status, breast cancer side, triple-negative status, and radiation receipt, only African-American patients (OR: 5.827, 95 % CI: 1.280-26.525; p = 0.023) were more likely to develop distant recurrence. The mean time to recurrence was 31.9 months. In our study, race was the only independent predictor of recurrence after achieving pCR with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The reasons for this observation require further study.

  17. Evaluation of chemotherapy response in ovarian cancer treatment using quantitative CT image biomarkers: a preliminary study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qiu, Yuchen; Tan, Maxine; McMeekin, Scott; Thai, Theresa; Moore, Kathleen; Ding, Kai; Liu, Hong; Zheng, Bin

    2015-03-01

    The purpose of this study is to identify and apply quantitative image biomarkers for early prediction of the tumor response to the chemotherapy among the ovarian cancer patients participated in the clinical trials of testing new drugs. In the experiment, we retrospectively selected 30 cases from the patients who participated in Phase I clinical trials of new drug or drug agents for ovarian cancer treatment. Each case is composed of two sets of CT images acquired pre- and post-treatment (4-6 weeks after starting treatment). A computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme was developed to extract and analyze the quantitative image features of the metastatic tumors previously tracked by the radiologists using the standard Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) guideline. The CAD scheme first segmented 3-D tumor volumes from the background using a hybrid tumor segmentation scheme. Then, for each segmented tumor, CAD computed three quantitative image features including the change of tumor volume, tumor CT number (density) and density variance. The feature changes were calculated between the matched tumors tracked on the CT images acquired pre- and post-treatments. Finally, CAD predicted patient's 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) using a decision-tree based classifier. The performance of the CAD scheme was compared with the RECIST category. The result shows that the CAD scheme achieved a prediction accuracy of 76.7% (23/30 cases) with a Kappa coefficient of 0.493, which is significantly higher than the performance of RECIST prediction with a prediction accuracy and Kappa coefficient of 60% (17/30) and 0.062, respectively. This study demonstrated the feasibility of analyzing quantitative image features to improve the early predicting accuracy of the tumor response to the new testing drugs or therapeutic methods for the ovarian cancer patients.

  18. 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.

  19. Cost-Utility of a Prognostic Test Guiding Adjuvant Chemotherapy Decisions in Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

    PubMed

    Stenehjem, David D; Bellows, Brandon K; Yager, Kraig M; Jones, Joshua; Kaldate, Rajesh; Siebert, Uwe; Brixner, Diana I

    2016-02-01

    A prognostic test was developed to guide adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) decisions in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) adenocarcinomas. The objective of this study was to compare the cost-utility of the prognostic test to the current standard of care (SoC) in patients with early-stage NSCLC. Lifetime costs (2014 U.S. dollars) and effectiveness (quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs]) of ACT treatment decisions were examined using a Markov microsimulation model from a U.S. third-party payer perspective. Cancer stage distribution and probability of receiving ACT with the SoC were based on data from an academic cancer center. The probability of receiving ACT with the prognostic test was estimated from a physician survey. Risk classification was based on the 5-year predicted NSCLC-related mortality. Treatment benefit with ACT was based on the prognostic score. Discounting at a 3% annual rate was applied to costs and QALYs. Deterministic one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses examined parameter uncertainty. Lifetime costs and effectiveness were $137,403 and 5.45 QALYs with the prognostic test and $127,359 and 5.17 QALYs with the SoC. The resulting incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the prognostic test versus the SoC was $35,867/QALY gained. One-way sensitivity analyses indicated the model was most sensitive to the utility of patients without recurrence after ACT and the ACT treatment benefit. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated the prognostic test was cost-effective in 65.5% of simulations at a willingness to pay of $50,000/QALY. The study suggests using a prognostic test to guide ACT decisions in early-stage NSCLC is potentially cost-effective compared with using the SoC based on globally accepted willingness-to-pay thresholds. Providing prognostic information to decision makers may help some patients with high-risk early stage non-small cell lung cancer receive appropriate adjuvant chemotherapy while avoiding the associated toxicities and

  20. Early caregiving and physiological stress responses.

    PubMed

    Luecken, Linda J; Lemery, Kathryn S

    2004-05-01

    Inadequate early caregiving has been associated with risks of stress-related psychological and physical illness over the life span. Dysregulated physiological stress responses may represent a mechanism linking early caregiving to health outcomes. This paper reviews evidence linking early caregiving to physiological responses that can increase vulnerability to stress-related illness. A number of high-risk family characteristics, including high conflict, divorce, abuse, and parental psychopathology, are considered in the development of stress vulnerability. Three theoretical pathways linking caregiving to physiological stress responses are outlined: genetic, psychosocial, and cognitive-affective. Exciting preliminary evidence suggests that early caregiving can impact long-term physiological stress responses. Directions for future research in this area are suggested.

  1. Serrated colorectal cancer: Molecular classification, prognosis, and response to chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Murcia, Oscar; Juárez, Miriam; Hernández-Illán, Eva; Egoavil, Cecilia; Giner-Calabuig, Mar; Rodríguez-Soler, María; Jover, Rodrigo

    2016-01-01

    Molecular advances support the existence of an alternative pathway of colorectal carcinogenesis that is based on the hypermethylation of specific DNA regions that silences tumor suppressor genes. This alternative pathway has been called the serrated pathway due to the serrated appearance of tumors in histological analysis. New classifications for colorectal cancer (CRC) were proposed recently based on genetic profiles that show four types of molecular alterations: BRAF gene mutations, KRAS gene mutations, microsatellite instability, and hypermethylation of CpG islands. This review summarizes what is known about the serrated pathway of CRC, including CRC molecular and clinical features, prognosis, and response to chemotherapy. PMID:27053844

  2. Inhaled chemotherapy in lung cancer: future concept of nanomedicine

    PubMed Central

    Zarogoulidis, Paul; Chatzaki, Ekaterini; Porpodis, Konstantinos; Domvri, Kalliopi; Hohenforst-Schmidt, Wolfgang; Goldberg, Eugene P; Karamanos, Nikos; Zarogoulidis, Konstantinos

    2012-01-01

    Regional chemotherapy was first used for lung cancer 30 years ago. Since then, new methods of drug delivery and pharmaceuticals have been investigated in vitro, and in animals and humans. An extensive review of drug delivery systems, pharmaceuticals, patient monitoring, methods of enhancing inhaled drug deposition, safety and efficacy, and also additional applications of inhaled chemotherapy and its advantages and disadvantages are presented. Regional chemotherapy to the lung parenchyma for lung cancer is feasible and efficient. Safety depends on the chemotherapy agent delivered to the lungs and is dose-dependent and time-dependent. Further evaluation is needed to provide data regarding early lung cancer stages, and whether regional chemotherapy can be used as neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment. Finally, inhaled chemotherapy could one day be administered at home with fewer systemic adverse effects. PMID:22619512

  3. Impact of an early education multimedia intervention in managing nutrition-related chemotherapy side effects: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Thompson, Julie; Silliman, Kathryn; Clifford, Dawn E

    2013-12-01

    The purpose of the educational intervention was to measure changes in knowledge, perceived benefit of nutrition, and perceived self efficacy in handling side effects of chemotherapy before and after viewing a 15 minute DVD among patients with cancer. A convenience sample of 14 (4 male, 10 female, 61 ± 9 years) patients with cancer, early to chemotherapy, participated in the study. Participants completed a survey with demographic, knowledge items, and perceived health belief and self efficacy statements; viewed the DVD; and were then sent home with a one page handout. Two weeks after the nutrition education intervention, a second survey was completed including an item about tips used. Change was measured using paired t-test and wilcoxon signed rank tests. The mean score on the four knowledge items significantly increased (p < 0.05). No significant differences were noted in statements intended to evaluate changes in perceived health beliefs. However, perceived knowledge and skills related to managing side effects increased (p < 0.05). All participants responded that the DVD was informative and most (n = 11, 79%) responded that it was useful. The majority reported (n = 10, 71%) a tip they used from the DVD. This short multimedia nutrition education intervention was found primarily to increase knowledge and could form a useful component of counseling services for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

  4. Radiotherapy is essential after complete response to asparaginase-containing chemotherapy in early-stage extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma: A multicenter study from the China Lymphoma Collaborative Group (CLCG).

    PubMed

    Deng, Xiu-Wen; Wu, Jun-Xin; Wu, Tao; Zhu, Su-Yu; Shi, Mei; Su, Hang; Wang, Ying; He, Xia; Xu, Li-Ming; Yuan, Zhi-Yong; Zhang, Li-Ling; Wu, Gang; Qu, Bao-Lin; Qian, Li-Ting; Hou, Xiao-Rong; Zhang, Fu-Quan; Zhang, Yu-Jing; Zhu, Yuan; Cao, Jian-Zhong; Lan, Sheng-Min; Dong, Mei; Qi, Shu-Nan; Yang, Yong; Li, Ye-Xiong

    2018-05-05

    This study aimed to clarify the benefit of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with early-stage extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) who achieve a complete response (CR) after asparaginase-containing chemotherapy (CT). Of 240 patients achieved a CR after asparaginase-containing CT, 202 patients received additional RT (CT + RT), and 38 patients did not (CT alone). Compared to CT alone, CT + RT significantly improved overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and locoregional control (LRC). The 5-year OS, DFS and LRC rates were 84.9%, 76.2% and 84.9% for CT + RT, compared to 58.9% (P = 0.006), 43.6% (P = 0.001) and 62.1% (P = 0.026) for CT alone. The 5-year cumulative disease recurrence rate was 18.8% for CT + RT compared to 46.9% (P = 0.003) for CT alone. High-dose RT (≥50 Gy) significantly decreased the risk of locoregional recurrence. The 5-year cumulative locoregional failure rate was 35.5% for patients receiving <50 Gy compared to 8.8% for patients receiving ≥50 Gy (P = 0.028). For patients with early-stage NKTCL who achieve a CR after asparaginase-containing CT, omission of RT results in frequent locoregional recurrence and a poor prognosis; RT is essential to improve locoregional control and survival. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Novel fluorescence molecular imaging of chemotherapy-induced intestinal apoptosis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Levin, Galit; Shirvan, Anat; Grimberg, Hagit; Reshef, Ayelet; Yogev-Falach, Merav; Cohen, Avi; Ziv, Ilan

    2009-09-01

    Chemotherapy-induced enteropathy (CIE) is one of the most serious complications of anticancer therapy, and tools for its early detection and monitoring are highly needed. We report on a novel fluorescence method for detection of CIE, based on molecular imaging of the related apoptotic process. The method comprises systemic intravenous administration of the ApoSense fluorescent biomarker (N,N'-didansyl-L-cystine DDC) in vivo and subsequent fluorescence imaging of the intestinal mucosa. In the reported proof-of-concept studies, mice were treated with either taxol+cyclophosphamide or doxil. DDC was administered in vivo at various time points after drug administration, and tracer uptake by ileum tissue was subsequently evaluated by ex vivo fluorescent microscopy. Chemotherapy caused marked and selective uptake of DDC in ileal epithelial cells, in correlation with other hallmarks of apoptosis (i.e., DNA fragmentation and Annexin-V binding). Induction of DDC uptake occurred early after chemotherapy, and its temporal profile was parallel to that of the apoptotic process, as assessed histologically. DDC may therefore serve as a useful tool for detection of CIE. Future potential integration of this method with fluorescent endoscopic techniques, or development of radio-labeled derivatives of DDC for emission tomography, may advance early diagnosis and monitoring of this severe adverse effect of chemotherapy.

  6. Preliminary individualized chemotherapy for malignant astrocytomas based on O6-methylguanine-deoxyribonucleic acid methyltransferase methylation analysis.

    PubMed

    Watanabe, Takao; Katayama, Yoichi; Ogino, Akiyoshi; Ohta, Takashi; Yoshino, Atsuo; Fukushima, Takao

    2006-08-01

    O(6)-methylguanine-deoxyribonucleic acid methyltransferase gene (MGMT) methylation is apparently correlated with responsiveness to nitrosourea chemotherapy, suggesting this alkylating agent should be effective against MGMT-methylated tumors. MGMT appears not to be linked to platinum resistance, so platinum chemotherapy should be used for MGMT-unmethylated tumors. This study was a preliminary trial of individualized chemotherapy based on MGMT methylation status in a total of 20 patients with newly diagnosed malignant astrocytomas (9 anaplastic astrocytomas and 11 glioblastomas multiforme). The procarbazine, 1-(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl)methyl-3-2(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosourea, and vincristine (PAV) regimen was administered to seven patients with MGMT-methylated tumors, and the carboplatin and etoposide (CE) regimen was administered to 13 patients with MGMT-unmethylated tumors. Objective response to the PAV therapy was noted in all three patients with measurable residual tumor (2 complete responses and 1 partial response). Five of the seven patients continued to be disease-free after initiation of the PAV therapy. Objective response to the CE therapy was seen in only one of seven patients with measurable residual tumor (1 partial response). Three of the 13 patients were free from progression, whereas the remaining 10 patients showed early progression. The PAV regimen is effective against MGMT-methylated malignant astrocytomas, but the CE regimen is not useful at the given dose and schedule in MGMT-unmethylated tumors.

  7. Effect of Pathologic Tumor Response and Nodal Status on Survival in the Medical Research Council Adjuvant Gastric Infusional Chemotherapy Trial

    PubMed Central

    Smyth, Elizabeth C.; Fassan, Matteo; Cunningham, David; Allum, William H.; Okines, Alicia F.C.; Lampis, Andrea; Hahne, Jens C.; Rugge, Massimo; Peckitt, Clare; Nankivell, Matthew; Langley, Ruth; Ghidini, Michele; Braconi, Chiara; Wotherspoon, Andrew; Grabsch, Heike I.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose The Medical Research Council Adjuvant Gastric Infusional Chemotherapy (MAGIC) trial established perioperative epirubicin, cisplatin, and fluorouracil chemotherapy as a standard of care for patients with resectable esophagogastric cancer. However, identification of patients at risk for relapse remains challenging. We evaluated whether pathologic response and lymph node status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are prognostic in patients treated in the MAGIC trial. Materials and Methods Pathologic regression was assessed in resection specimens by two independent pathologists using the Mandard tumor regression grading system (TRG). Differences in overall survival (OS) according to TRG were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards method established the relationships among TRG, clinical-pathologic variables, and OS. Results Three hundred thirty resection specimens were analyzed. In chemotherapy-treated patients with a TRG of 1 or 2, median OS was not reached, whereas for patients with a TRG of 3, 4, or 5, median OS was 20.47 months. On univariate analysis, high TRG and lymph node metastases were negatively related to survival (Mandard TRG 3, 4, or 5: hazard ratio [HR], 1.94; 95% CI, 1.11 to 3.39; P = .0209; lymph node metastases: HR, 3.63; 95% CI, 1.88 to 7.0; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, only lymph node status was independently predictive of OS (HR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.70 to 6.63; P < .001). Conclusion Lymph node metastases and not pathologic response to chemotherapy was the only independent predictor of survival after chemotherapy plus resection in the MAGIC trial. Prospective evaluation of whether omitting postoperative chemotherapy and/or switching to a noncross-resistant regimen in patients with lymph node-positive disease whose tumor did not respond to preoperative epirubicin, cisplatin, and fluorouracil may be appropriate. PMID:27298411

  8. Prognostic impact of early nutritional support in patients affected by locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma undergoing chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Trestini, Ilaria; Carbognin, Luisa; Sperduti, Isabella; Bonaiuto, Clelia; Auriemma, Alessandra; Melisi, Davide; Salvatore, Lisa; Bria, Emilio; Tortora, Giampaolo

    2018-05-01

    The aim of this analysis was to determine the risk of malnutrition and the prognostic value of nutritional intervention in patients affected by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) undergoing chemotherapy. Clinical-pathological and nutritional data were correlated with overall survival (OS) using a Cox model. Nutritional status was determined by Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), body mass index, weight loss in the past 6 months, presence of nutrition-related symptoms, and current energy intake. Nutritional intervention included appropriate individual dietary counseling. Data from 109 patients were gathered (median age 63 years). The majority of patients (64.2%) presented a MUST value of ≥ 2, corresponding to a high risk of malnutrition. At multivariate analysis for OS in locally advanced and metastatic PDAC patients, the time between the diagnosis and the nutritional intervention (HR 2.22, p = 0.017), the performance status (HR 1.38, p = 0.075), the surgery of the primary (HR 5.89, p = 0.005), and the response to the first line (HR 5.9, p = 0.03) were independent significant predictors of outcome. Furthermore, a weight gain > 2% from the baseline weight was correlated with the time between the diagnosis and the nutritional intervention (p = 0.021): in patients receiving a nutritional support within 3 months from diagnosis, a 2% weight gain was associated with a 2-year OS benefit (50.3% vs. 33.0%, p = 0.04). This analysis suggests that the early nutritional support may contribute to influence the prognosis of patients affected by advanced PDAC undergoing chemotherapy.

  9. Ewing's sarcoma: only patients with 100% of necrosis after chemotherapy should be classified as having a good response.

    PubMed

    Albergo, J I; Gaston, C L; Laitinen, M; Darbyshire, A; Jeys, L M; Sumathi, V; Parry, M; Peake, D; Carter, S R; Tillman, R; Abudu, A T; Grimer, R J

    2016-08-01

    The purpose of this study was to review a large cohort of patients and further assess the correlation between the histological response to chemotherapy in patients with Ewing's sarcoma with the overall (OS) and event-free survival (EFS). All patients treated for Ewing's sarcoma between 1980 and 2012 were reviewed. Of these, 293 patients without metastases at the time of diagnosis and treated with chemotherapy and surgery were included. Patients were grouped according to the percentage of necrosis after chemotherapy: Group I: 0% to 50%, Group II: 51% to 99% and Group III: 100%. The mean age at diagnosis was 16 years (1 to 62) and the mean follow-up was 9.1 years (six months to 32.6 years). The OS and EFS for the series were 75% and 65% at five years. There were significant differences in survival between the groups of necrosis: 0% to 50% (OS: 49% and EFS: 45% at five years, respectively) compared with 51% to 99% (OS: 72% and EFS: 59% at five years, respectively) and 100% (OS: 94% and EFS: 81% at five years, respectively) (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in survival between patients treated between 1980 and 1989 compared with those treated between 1990 and 1999, and those treated between 2000 and 2012 (p = 0.55). Only patients with 100% necrosis after chemotherapy should be classified as having a good response to chemotherapy because they have significantly better rates of survival compared with those with any viable tumour in the surgical specimen. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1138-44. ©2016 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.

  10. Predicting chemotherapy response to paclitaxel with 18F-Fluoropaclitaxel and PET.

    PubMed

    Hsueh, Wei-Ann; Kesner, Amanda L; Gangloff, Anne; Pegram, Mark D; Beryt, Malgorzata; Czernin, Johannes; Phelps, Michael E; Silverman, Daniel H S

    2006-12-01

    Paclitaxel is used as a chemotherapy drug for the treatment of various malignancies, including breast, ovarian, and lung cancers. To evaluate the potential of a noninvasive prognostic tool for specifically predicting the resistance of tumors to paclitaxel therapy, we examined the tumoral uptake of (18)F-fluoropaclitaxel ((18)F-FPAC) in mice bearing human breast cancer xenografts by using small-animal-dedicated PET and compared (18)F-FPAC uptake with the tumor response to paclitaxel treatment. PET data were acquired after tail vein injection of approximately 9 MBq of (18)F-FPAC in anesthetized nude mice bearing breast cancer xenografts. Tracer uptake in reconstructed images was quantified by region-of-interest analyses and compared with the tumor response, as measured by changes in tumor volume, after treatment with paclitaxel. Mice with tumors that progressed demonstrated lower tumoral uptake of (18)F-FPAC than mice with tumors that did not progress or that regressed (r = 0.55, P < 0.02; n = 19), indicating that low (18)F-FPAC uptake was a significant predictor of chemoresistance. Conversely, high (18)F-FPAC uptake predicted tumor regression. This relationship was found for mice bearing xenografts from cell lines selected to be either sensitive or intrinsically resistant to paclitaxel in vitro. PET data acquired with (18)F-FPAC suggest that this tracer holds promise for the noninvasive quantification of its distribution in vivo in a straightforward manner. In combination with approaches for examining other aspects of resistance, such quantification could prove useful in helping to predict subsequent resistance to paclitaxel chemotherapy of breast cancer.

  11. [Long term results of exclusive chemotherapy for glottic squamous cell carcinoma complete clinical responders after induction chemotherapy].

    PubMed

    Vachin, F; Hans, S; Atlan, D; Brasnu, D; Menard, M; Laccourreye, O

    2004-06-01

    To evaluate the long-term results of exclusive chemotherapy for T1-T3N0M0 glottic squamous cell carcinoma complete clinical responders after induction chemotherapy. Between 1985 and 2000, 69 patients with glottic squamous cell carcinoma complete clinical responders after induction chemotherapy were managed with exclusive chemotherapy at our department. Chemotherapy associated platinum and fluorouracil. This retrospective analysis evaluated actuarial survival, treatment morbidity, oncologic events and laryngeal preservation. Various independent factors were tested for potential correlation with survival and local recurrence. The 5-year Kaplan-Meier actuarial survival, local control, lymph node control estimate were 83,6%, 64,8%, 98,6% respectively. Chemotherapy never resulted in death. The 10-year actuarial metachronous second primary tumors estimate was 32%. The overall laryngeal preservation rate was 98,6%. Altogether our data and the review of the literature suggest that in patients achieving a complete clinical response after and induction based chemotherapy regimen, the completion of an exclusive chemotherapy regimen appears to be a valid alternative to the conventional use of radiotherapy or chemo-radiation protocols.

  12. Evaluation of a 30-gene paclitaxel, fluorouracil, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy response predictor in a multicenter randomized trial in breast cancer

    PubMed Central

    Tabchy, Adel; Valero, Vicente; Vidaurre, Tatiana; Lluch, Ana; Gomez, Henry; Martin, Miguel; Qi, Yuan; Barajas-Figueroa, Luis Javier; Souchon, Eduardo; Coutant, Charles; Doimi, Franco D; Ibrahim, Nuhad K; Gong, Yun; Hortobagyi, Gabriel N; Hess, Kenneth R; Symmans, W Fraser; Pusztai, Lajos

    2010-01-01

    Purpose We examined in a prospective, randomized, international clinical trial the performance of a previously defined 30-gene predictor (DLDA-30) of pathologic complete response (pCR) to preoperative weekly paclitaxel and fluorouracil, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide (T/FAC) chemotherapy, and assessed if DLDA-30 also predicts increased sensitivity to FAC-only chemotherapy. We compared the pCR rates after T/FAC versus FAC×6 preoperative chemotherapy. We also performed an exploratory analysis to identify novel candidate genes that differentially predict response in the two treatment arms. Experimental Design 273 patients were randomly assigned to receive either weekly paclitaxel × 12 followed by FAC × 4 (T/FAC, n=138), or FAC × 6 (n=135) neoadjuvant chemotherapy. All patients underwent a pretreatment FNA biopsy of the tumor for gene expression profiling and treatment response prediction. Results The pCR rates were 19% and 9% in the T/FAC and FAC arms, respectively (p<0.05). In the T/FAC arm, the positive predictive value (PPV) of the genomic predictor was 38% (95%CI:21–56%), the negative predictive value (NPV) 88% (CI:77–95%) and the AUC 0.711. In the FAC arm, the PPV was 9% (CI:1–29%) and the AUC 0.584. This suggests that the genomic predictor may have regimen-specificity. Its performance was similar to a clinical variable-based predictor nomogram. Conclusions Gene expression profiling for prospective response prediction was feasible in this international trial. The 30-gene predictor can identify patients with greater than average sensitivity to T/FAC chemotherapy. However, it captured molecular equivalents of clinical phenotype. Next generation predictive markers will need to be developed separately for different molecular subsets of breast cancers. PMID:20829329

  13. How do women trade-off benefits and risks in chemotherapy treatment decisions based on gene expression profiling for early-stage breast cancer? A discrete choice experiment.

    PubMed

    Marshall, Deborah A; Deal, Ken; Bombard, Yvonne; Leighl, Natasha; MacDonald, Karen V; Trudeau, Maureen

    2016-06-02

    Gene expression profiling (GEP) of tumours informs baseline risk prediction, potentially affecting adjuvant chemotherapy decisions for women with early-stage breast cancer. Since only 15% will experience a recurrence, concerns have been raised about potential harms from overtreatment and high GEP costs in publicly funded healthcare systems. We aimed to estimate preferences and personal utility of GEP testing information and benefit-risk trade-offs in chemotherapy treatment decisions. Based on literature review and findings from our qualitative research (focus groups, interviews with patients with breast cancer and medical oncologists), we developed a discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey and administered it via an internet panel. The DCE included 12 choice tasks with 5 attributes and 3 alternatives considering orthogonality, D-efficiency and level balance. The DCE survey was administered to 1004 Canadian women from the general population. Preferences were analysed using conditional logit and hierarchical Bayes and evaluated for goodness of fit. We conducted simulation analyses for alternative scenarios. GEP test score indicating likely benefit from chemotherapy was the most important attribute. Doctor's clinical estimate of the risk of cancer returning, trust in your cancer doctor and side effects of chemotherapy (temporary and permanent) were relatively less important but showed significant differences among levels. In the scenario analyses, 78% were likely to choose chemotherapy in a high-risk scenario, 55% in a moderate-risk scenario and 33% in a low-risk scenario, with the other attributes held constant. A high GEP score was more important in influencing the choice of chemotherapy for those at intermediate clinical risk. GEP testing information influences chemotherapy treatment decisions in early-stage breast cancer and varies depending on clinical risk. Clinicians should be aware of these differences and tailor the use of GEP testing accordingly. Published

  14. NEOCENT: a randomised feasibility and translational study comparing neoadjuvant endocrine therapy with chemotherapy in ER-rich postmenopausal primary breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Palmieri, C; Cleator, S; Kilburn, L S; Kim, S B; Ahn, S-H; Beresford, M; Gong, G; Mansi, J; Mallon, E; Reed, S; Mousa, K; Fallowfield, L; Cheang, M; Morden, J; Page, K; Guttery, D S; Rghebi, B; Primrose, L; Shaw, J A; Thompson, A M; Bliss, J M; Coombes, R C

    2014-12-01

    Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy is an alternative to chemotherapy for women with oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive early breast cancer (BC). We aimed to assess feasibility of recruiting patients to a study comparing chemotherapy versus endocrine therapy in postmenopausal women with ER-rich primary BC, and response as well as translational endpoints were assessed. Patients requiring neoadjuvant therapy were randomised to chemotherapy: 6 × 3-weekly cycles FE₁₀₀C or endocrine therapy: letrozole 2.5 mg, daily for 18-23 weeks. Primary endpoints were recruitment feasibility and tissue collection. Secondary endpoints included clinical, radiological and pathological response rates, quality of life and translational endpoints. 63/80 patients approached were eligible, of those 44 (70, 95% CI 57-81) were randomised. 12 (54.5, 95% CI 32.2-75.6) chemotherapy patients showed radiological objective response compared with 13 (59.1, 95% CI 36.4-79.3) letrozole patients. Compared with baseline, mean Ki-67 levels fell in both groups at days 2-4 and at surgery [fold change: 0.24 (95% CI 0.12-0.51) and 0.24; (95% CI 0.15-0.37), respectively]. Plasma total cfDNA levels rose from baseline to week 8 [fold change: chemotherapy 2.10 (95% CI 1.47-3.00), letrozole 1.47(95% CI 0.98-2.20)], and were maintained at surgery in the chemotherapy group [chemotherapy 2.63; 95% CI 1.56-4.41), letrozole 0.95 (95% CI 0.71-1.26)]. An increase in plasma let-7a miRNA was seen at surgery for patients with objective radiological response to chemotherapy. Recruitment and tissue collection endpoints were met; however, a larger trial was deemed unfeasible due to slow accrual. Both regimens were equally efficacious. Dynamic changes were seen in Ki-67 and circulating biomarkers in both groups with increases in cfDNA and let-7a miRNA persisting until surgery for chemotherapy patients.

  15. A prospective randomized study of prophylactic teicoplanin to prevent early Hickman catheter-related sepsis in patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for haematological malignancies.

    PubMed

    Lim, S H; Smith, M P; Machin, S J; Goldstone, A H

    1993-01-01

    In all, 88 patients with haematological malignancies requiring Hickman catheters for intensive chemotherapy were randomized to receive either one single bolus intravenous injection of teicoplanin, 400 mg, or no teicoplanin immediately before insertion of a double-lumen Hickman catheter. Lower incidences of catheter-related Gram-positive sepsis were recorded in patients receiving prophylactic teicoplanin; exit site infection, tunnel infection and catheter-related Gram-positive septicaemia were all reduced. The benefit of prophylactic teicoplanin was observed particularly among patients who were already neutropenic at the time of catheterization. All Gram-positive organisms isolated from infected skin sites or from blood cultures taken from Hickman catheters were susceptible to teicoplanin. No adverse reaction was reported in any of the patients receiving prophylaxis. Prophylactic teicoplanin, therefore, may be used routinely for patients requiring insertion of Hickman catheters for intensive chemotherapy, to reduce the early incidence of catheter-related sepsis, particularly during the period of neutropenia following chemotherapy.

  16. A prospective randomized study of prophylactic teicoplanin to prevent early Hickman catheter-related sepsis in patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for haematological malignancies.

    PubMed

    Lim, S H; Smith, M P; Salooja, N; Machin, S J; Goldstone, A H

    1991-07-01

    Eighty-eight patients with haematological malignancies requiring Hickman catheters for intensive chemotherapy were randomized to receive either one single bolus intravenous injection of teicoplanin or no teicoplanin immediately before insertion of a double lumen Hickman catheter. There were lower incidences of catheter-related Gram-positive sepsis in patients receiving prophylactic teicoplanin. There were less exit site infections, tunnel infections and catheter-related Gram-positive septicaemia. The benefit of prophylactic teicoplanin was observed especially among patients who were already neutropenic at the time of catheterization. All Gram-positive organisms isolated from the infected skin sites or from blood cultures taken from the Hickman catheters were sensitive to teicoplanin. No adverse reaction was reported in any of the patients in the prophylactic group. Prophylactic teicoplanin therefore may be used routinely for patients requiring insertion of Hickman catheters for intensive chemotherapy to reduce the early incidence of catheter-related sepsis, especially during the associated period of neutropenia following chemotherapy.

  17. Chemotherapy for neuroendocrine tumors: the Beatson Oncology Centre experience.

    PubMed

    Hatton, M Q; Reed, N S

    1997-01-01

    The role of chemotherapy in malignant neuroendocrine tumours is difficult to assess because of their rarity and variation in biological behaviour. We present a retrospective review of chemotherapy given to 18 patients with metastatic and one with locally advanced neuroendocrine tumours. There were eight poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumours, six thyroid medullary carcinomas, two phaeochromocytomas, two pancreatic islet cell tumours and one undifferentiated neuroblastoma. Four patients were given 3-weekly dacarbazine, vincristine and cyclophosphamide (DOC) chemotherapy. In eight patients, this regimen was modified by substituting the dacarbazine and cisplatin and etoposide (OPEC). A further six patients were treated with dacarbazine reintroduced into the 3-weekly regimen (DOPEC). The remaining patient received cisplatin and etoposide. There were two complete responses (both with OPEC) and eight partial responses (two with DOC, three with OPEC and three with DOPEC). Five patients had stable disease and four progressed. Four received further chemotherapy on relapse, producing one complete and one partial response. The median response duration to initial chemotherapy was 10 months (range 3-34). The median survival was 12 months (range 1-42). The main toxicity was haematological, with grade 3-4 neutropenia in 12 patients; eight suffered episodes of sepsis. One death was treatment related. Other toxicity was mild although three patients discontinued vincristine with grade 2 neurotoxicity. The response rate and side effects of these three regimens appear comparable. We conclude that, although these patient numbers are small, combination chemotherapy produces an encouraging response rate (53%; 95% CI 30-75) in malignant neuroendocrine tumours, with acceptable toxicity.

  18. Computational pathology of pre-treatment biopsies identifies lymphocyte density as a predictor of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Ali, H Raza; Dariush, Aliakbar; Provenzano, Elena; Bardwell, Helen; Abraham, Jean E; Iddawela, Mahesh; Vallier, Anne-Laure; Hiller, Louise; Dunn, Janet A; Bowden, Sarah J; Hickish, Tamas; McAdam, Karen; Houston, Stephen; Irwin, Mike J; Pharoah, Paul D P; Brenton, James D; Walton, Nicholas A; Earl, Helena M; Caldas, Carlos

    2016-02-16

    There is a need to improve prediction of response to chemotherapy in breast cancer in order to improve clinical management and this may be achieved by harnessing computational metrics of tissue pathology. We investigated the association between quantitative image metrics derived from computational analysis of digital pathology slides and response to chemotherapy in women with breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We digitised tissue sections of both diagnostic and surgical samples of breast tumours from 768 patients enrolled in the Neo-tAnGo randomized controlled trial. We subjected digital images to systematic analysis optimised for detection of single cells. Machine-learning methods were used to classify cells as cancer, stromal or lymphocyte and we computed estimates of absolute numbers, relative fractions and cell densities using these data. Pathological complete response (pCR), a histological indicator of chemotherapy response, was the primary endpoint. Fifteen image metrics were tested for their association with pCR using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Median lymphocyte density proved most strongly associated with pCR on univariate analysis (OR 4.46, 95 % CI 2.34-8.50, p < 0.0001; observations = 614) and on multivariate analysis (OR 2.42, 95 % CI 1.08-5.40, p = 0.03; observations = 406) after adjustment for clinical factors. Further exploratory analyses revealed that in approximately one quarter of cases there was an increase in lymphocyte density in the tumour removed at surgery compared to diagnostic biopsies. A reduction in lymphocyte density at surgery was strongly associated with pCR (OR 0.28, 95 % CI 0.17-0.47, p < 0.0001; observations = 553). A data-driven analysis of computational pathology reveals lymphocyte density as an independent predictor of pCR. Paradoxically an increase in lymphocyte density, following exposure to chemotherapy, is associated with a lack of pCR. Computational pathology can provide objective

  19. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for primary adenocarcinomas of the urinary bladder: a single-site experience.

    PubMed

    Yu, Bin; Zhou, Jin; Cai, Hongzhou; Xu, Ting; Xu, Zicheng; Zou, Qing; Gu, Min

    2015-01-28

    Adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder is a rare malignancy. Radical surgery is suggested as the best available treatment for early-stage disease, but there is currently no consensus on standard chemotherapy regimen for advanced stage. We assessed the feasibility and effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) plus S-1 for patients with locally advanced primary adenocarcinomas of the urinary bladder. Six patients with locally advanced urachal or non-urachal (n = 3, each) primary adenocarcinoma of the bladder were treated from October 2010 to October 2013 at a single center. All the patients were treated with 3 cycles (21d, each) of GC plus S-1 (gemcitabine, 1000 mg/m2, days 1 and 8; cisplatin, 70 mg/m2, day 2; and S-1, 50 mg bid, day 1-14). After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, patients with urachal cancer were treated with en bloc radical cystectomy and umbilectomy; the remaining 3 patients were treated with cystectomy. All patients successfully completed the neoadjuvant chemotherapy without serious side effects. Two patients were assessed as complete response, 2 as partial response, 1 as stable disease and 1 as progressive disease. Despite the limitations of a small study population, the GC plus S-1 regimen for locally advanced primary adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder was effective, and facilitated the success of surgery to a certain extent. Short follow-up time was also a limitation of our study. More studies are needed to evaluate the results.

  20. Early response to therapy and survival in multiple myeloma.

    PubMed

    Schaar, C G; Kluin-Nelemans, J C; le Cessie, S; Franck, P F H; te Marvelde, M C; Wijermans, P W

    2004-04-01

    Whether the response to chemotherapy is a prognosticator in multiple myeloma (MM) is still not known. Therefore, the relationship between survival and the rate of monoclonal protein (M-protein) decrement during the first cycles of therapy was prospectively assessed in 262 patients with newly diagnosed MM that were included in a phase III trial (HOVON-16). M-proteins were collected monthly during melphalan-prednisone therapy (MP: melphalan 0.25 mg/kg, prednisone 1.0 mg/kg orally for 5 d every 4 weeks). Patients with light chain disease (n = 18), immunoglobulin M (IgM)-MM (n = 1) and no immunotyping (n = 1) were excluded. Of the 242 patients studied, 75% had IgG M-protein and 25% IgA; MM stages: I: 1%, II: 35% and III: 64%. The median M-protein decrease after the first cycle of MP was 21% for IgG and 27% for IgA, and declined to < 5% after four cycles. An obvious survival advantage was seen for patients who had an M-protein decrease of at least 30% after the first MP cycle, which became significant when an M-protein decrease of 40% or more was reached. As established prognostic parameters (Salmon & Durie stage, serum creatinine, and haemoglobin) also remained prognostically significant, we concluded that early response to MP predicts for survival in MM.

  1. The value of detection of S100A8 and ASAH1 in predicting the chemotherapy response for breast cancer patients.

    PubMed

    Li, Yu-Hong; Liu, Hai-Ting; Xu, Jing; Xing, Ai-Yan; Zhang, Jie; Wang, Ya-Wen; Yin, Gang; Gao, Peng

    2018-04-01

    Chemotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of breast cancer. However, chemoresistance remains the main obstacle for effective treatment, leading to poor prognosis. This study aims to investigate the value of detection of S100A8 and ASAH1 in predicting the chemotherapy response. Miller and Payne grades were used to assess the chemotherapy response in breast cancers. The expression of S100A8 and ASAH1, as well as ER, PR, HER2 and Ki-67 were assessed by immunohistochemical staining in 120 cases of non-special type invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC-NOS). S100A8 expression was higher in chemosensitive breast cancers than chemoresistant ones. Moreover, S100A8 expression was significantly correlated with the molecular subtypes and histological grade, but not with patients' age, tumor size and lymph nodes status. However, there was no significant difference in ASAH1 expression between chemoresistant and chemosensitive group. We also found that higher ASAH1 expression was correlated with positive lymph nodes status, but not with age, tumor size, molecular subtypes and histological grade. S100A8 was valuable in predicting chemotherapy response in breast cancers. The expression of ASAH1 was associated significantly with lymph nodes metastasis, indicating that ASAH1 may serve as a biomarker to predict patients' lymph nodes status in breast cancers. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Dosimetric and Clinical Outcomes With Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy After Chemotherapy for Patients With Early-Stage Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma of Waldeyer Ring

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

    Xu, Yong-Gang; Qi, Shu-Nan; Wang, Shu-Lian

    Purpose: To assess the dosimetric benefit, prognosis, and toxicity of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for early-stage, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of Waldeyer ring (WR-DLBCL). Methods and Materials: Sixty-one patients with early-stage WR-DLBCL who received chemotherapy followed by IMRT were retrospectively reviewed. Dosimetric parameters for the target volume and critical normal structures were evaluated, and survival was calculated. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the effect of the mean dose (D{sub mean}) to the parotid glands on xerostomia. Results: The median conformity index and homogeneity index of the planning target volume (PTV) were 0.83 and 0.90, respectively, demonstrating verymore » good coverage of the target volume. The mean dose to the parotid glands was 24.9 Gy. The 5-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and locoregional control (LRC) were 94.7%, 93.1%, and 98.3%, respectively. Early and late toxicities were mild, and no patient experienced late grade ≥3 toxicities. The D{sub mean} to the parotid glands had a linear correlation with late grade ≥2 xerostomia. Conclusions: IMRT after chemotherapy can provide excellent dose conformity and achieve favorable survival and LRC with mild toxicities in patients with early-stage WR-DLBCL. Dose constraints for the parotid glands should be limited to <24 Gy for early-stage WR-DLBCL.« less

  3. Chemotherapy Change Improves Pancreatic Cancer Outcomes

    Cancer.gov

    For people with early-stage pancreatic cancer, results from two clinical trials suggest that altering the type and timing of chemotherapy improves survival. The findings will likely change the standard of care, as this Cancer Currents post explains.

  4. Use of hepatobiliary phase images in Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI of breast cancer hepatic metastasis to predict response to chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hyun Ji; Lee, Chang Hee; Kim, Jeong Woo; Park, Yang Shin; Lee, Jongmee; Kim, Kyeong Ah

    To determine the prognostic value of Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI findings of liver metastasis from breast cancer. 29 metastatic lesions from 12 breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated hepatobiliary phase of the lesions and classified them as a "target" or "non-target" appearance. The relationship of appearance or SI ratio with tumor response was analyzed. A non-target appearance was more frequent in disease control group than in non-control group [14/18 (77.8%) vs. 4/18 (22.2%)], and it was associated with a better response [p=0.048]. HBP analysis may be useful to predict the response to chemotherapy and survival. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Response to apatinib in chemotherapy-failed advanced spindle cell breast carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Na; Liu, Congmin; Hou, Helei; Zhang, Chuantao; Liu, Dong; Wang, Guanqun; Liu, Kewei; Zhu, Jingjuan; Lv, Hongying; Li, Tianjun; Zhang, Xiaochun

    2016-11-01

    Spindle cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare subtype of metaplastic carcinoma, and no effective chemotherapy special for metaplastic carcinoma exists until now. As spindle cell carcinomas of the breast are typically "Triple Negative", endocrine therapy and molecular therapy targeted to Her2 might not be favorable, resulting in poor prognosis. Apatinib is currently being tested in patients with breast or lung cancers. Here we report a successful case using Apatinib to treat spindle cell carcinoma of breast.A 52- year- old woman presented with a gradually enlarged lump in left breast, which was revealed to be a triple-negative spindle cell carcinoma, underwent a modified radical mastectomy. After the first line chemotherapy with Cyclophosphamide and Epirubicin, multiple metastases in bilateral lung and left anterior thoracic wall appeared. After disease progressed with therapy of Bevacizumab combined with Albumin-bound Paclitaxel and Cisplatin, we treated the patient with Apatinib according to her VEGFR expression, which showed nearly complete response and controllable and tolerated side effects. Next-generation sequencing analysis of the tumor specimen and real time ctDNA was performed to observe the mutated gene numbers matched with therapeutic effect. The present case can help to provide a new and effective therapy strategy to treat advanced spindle cell carcinoma.

  6. Response to apatinib in chemotherapy-failed advanced spindle cell breast carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Na; Liu, Congmin; Hou, Helei; Zhang, Chuantao; Liu, Dong; Wang, Guanqun; Liu, Kewei; Zhu, Jingjuan; Lv, Hongying; Li, Tianjun; Zhang, Xiaochun

    2016-01-01

    Spindle cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare subtype of metaplastic carcinoma, and no effective chemotherapy special for metaplastic carcinoma exists until now. As spindle cell carcinomas of the breast are typically “Triple Negative”, endocrine therapy and molecular therapy targeted to Her2 might not be favorable, resulting in poor prognosis. Apatinib is currently being tested in patients with breast or lung cancers. Here we report a successful case using Apatinib to treat spindle cell carcinoma of breast. A 52- year- old woman presented with a gradually enlarged lump in left breast, which was revealed to be a triple-negative spindle cell carcinoma, underwent a modified radical mastectomy. After the first line chemotherapy with Cyclophosphamide and Epirubicin, multiple metastases in bilateral lung and left anterior thoracic wall appeared. After disease progressed with therapy of Bevacizumab combined with Albumin-bound Paclitaxel and Cisplatin, we treated the patient with Apatinib according to her VEGFR expression, which showed nearly complete response and controllable and tolerated side effects. Next-generation sequencing analysis of the tumor specimen and real time ctDNA was performed to observe the mutated gene numbers matched with therapeutic effect. The present case can help to provide a new and effective therapy strategy to treat advanced spindle cell carcinoma. PMID:27738308

  7. Rb Loss and KRAS Mutation Are Predictors of the Response to Platinum-Based Chemotherapy in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasm with Grade 3: A Japanese Multicenter Pancreatic NEN-G3 Study.

    PubMed

    Hijioka, Susumu; Hosoda, Waki; Matsuo, Keitaro; Ueno, Makoto; Furukawa, Masayuki; Yoshitomi, Hideyuki; Kobayashi, Noritoshi; Ikeda, Masafumi; Ito, Tetsuhide; Nakamori, Shoji; Ishii, Hiroshi; Kodama, Yuzo; Morizane, Chigusa; Okusaka, Takuji; Yanagimoto, Hiroaki; Notohara, Kenji; Taguchi, Hiroki; Kitano, Masayuki; Yane, Kei; Maguchi, Hiroyuki; Tsuchiya, Yoshiaki; Komoto, Izumi; Tanaka, Hiroki; Tsuji, Akihito; Hashigo, Syunpei; Kawaguchi, Yoshiaki; Mine, Tetsuya; Kanno, Atsushi; Murohisa, Go; Miyabe, Katsuyuki; Takagi, Tadayuki; Matayoshi, Nobutaka; Yoshida, Tsukasa; Hara, Kazuo; Imamura, Masayuki; Furuse, Junji; Yatabe, Yasushi; Mizuno, Nobumasa

    2017-08-15

    Purpose: Patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm grade-3 (PanNEN-G3) show variable responses to platinum-based chemotherapy. Recent studies indicated that PanNEN-G3 includes well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor with G3 (NET-G3). Here, we examined the clinicopathologic and molecular features of PanNEN-G3 and assessed the responsiveness to chemotherapy and survival. Experimental Design: A total of 100 patients with PanNEN-G3 were collected from 31 institutions, and after central review characteristics of each histologic subtype [NET-G3 vs. pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC-G3)] were analyzed, including clinical, radiological, and molecular features. Factors that correlate with response to chemotherapy and survival were assessed. Results: Seventy patients analyzed included 21 NETs-G3 (30%) and 49 NECs-G3 (70%). NET-G3 showed lower Ki67-labeling index (LI; median 28.5%), no abnormal Rb expression (0%), and no mutated KRAS (0%), whereas NEC-G3 showed higher Ki67-LI (median 80.0%), Rb loss (54.5%), and KRAS mutations (48.7%). Chemotherapy response rate (RR), platinum-based chemotherapy RR, and prognosis differed significantly between NET-G3 and NEC-G3. Chemotherapeutic outcomes were worse in NET-G3 ( P < 0.001). When we stratified PanNEN-G3 with Rb and KRAS , PanNENs-G3 with Rb loss and those with mutated KRAS showed significantly higher RRs to platinum-based chemotherapy than those without (Rb loss, 80% vs. normal Rb, 24%, P = 0.006; mutated KRAS , 77% versus wild type, 23%, P = 0.023). Rb was a predictive marker of response to platinum-based chemotherapy even in NEC-G3 ( P = 0.035). Conclusions: NET-G3 and NEC-G3 showed distinct clinicopathologic characteristics. Notably, NET-G3 does not respond to platinum-based chemotherapy. Rb and KRAS are promising predictors of response to platinum-based chemotherapy for PanNEN-G3, and Rb for NEC-G3. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4625-32. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

  8. Validity of response assessment criteria in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer (JCOG0507-A).

    PubMed

    Kurokawa, Yukinori; Shibata, Taro; Sasako, Mitsuru; Sano, Takeshi; Tsuburaya, Akira; Iwasaki, Yoshiaki; Fukuda, Haruhiko

    2014-01-01

    Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may improve outcomes in gastric cancer. Tumor responses can be evaluated with RECIST, Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma (JCGC), and histological criteria. These approaches have not yet been compared. We analyzed two phase II trials of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using S-1 plus cisplatin. JCOG0210 included patients with linitis plastica and large ulcero-invasive tumors, whereas JCOG0405 comprised those with para-aortic or bulky lymph node metastases. Radiologic evaluations were conducted using RECIST in JCOG0405 and JCGC criteria in JCOG0210, because the latter included many patients without measurable lesions. A histological responder was defined as a patient in whom one third or more of the tumor was affected. The hazard ratios (HR) for death between responders and non-responders and response rate differences between short- and long-term survivors were estimated. In JCOG0210 (n = 49), HR was 0.54 in JCGC responders (P = 0.059) and 0.40 in histological responders (P = 0.005). The difference in response rates between short- and long-term survivors using histological criteria (34 %, P = 0.023) was greater than that using JCGC criteria (24 %, P = 0.15). In JCOG0405 (n = 51), HR was 0.67 in RECIST responders (P = 0.35) and 0.39 in histological responders (P = 0.030). In short- and long-term survivors, respectively, RECIST response rates were 62  and 67 % (P = 0.77), whereas histological response rates were 33  and 63 % (P = 0.048). Histological criteria showed higher response assessment validity than RECIST or JCGC criteria and yielded the best surrogate endpoint for overall survival.

  9. Predictive effects of bilirubin on response of colorectal cancer to irinotecan-based chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Yu, Qian-Qian; Qiu, Hong; Zhang, Ming-Sheng; Hu, Guang-Yuan; Liu, Bo; Huang, Liu; Liao, Xin; Li, Qian-Xia; Li, Zhi-Huan; Yuan, Xiang-Lin

    2016-04-28

    To examine the predictive effects of baseline serum bilirubin levels and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1*28 polymorphism on response of colorectal cancer to irinotecan-based chemotherapy. The present study was based on a prospective multicenter longitudinal trial of Chinese metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy (NCT01282658). Baseline serum bilirubin levels, including total bilirubin (TBil) and unconjugated bilirubin (UBil), were measured, and genotyping of UGT1A1*28 polymorphism was performed. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine cutoff values of TBil and UBil. The TBil values were categorized into > 13.0 or ≤ 13.0 groups; the UBil values were categorized into > 4.1 or ≤ 4.1 groups. Combining the cutoff values of TBil and UBil, which was recorded as CoBil, patients were classified into three groups. The classifier's performance of UGT1A1*28 and CoBil for predicting treatment response was evaluated by ROC analysis. Associations between response and CoBil or UGT1A1*28 polymorphism were estimated using simple and multiple logistic regression models. Among the 120 mCRC patients, the serum bilirubin level was significantly different between the UGT1A1*28 wild-type and mutant genotypes. Patients with the mutant genotype had an increased likelihood of a higher TBil (P = 0.018) and a higher UBil (P = 0.014) level compared with the wild-type genotype. Patients were stratified into three groups based on CoBil. Group 1 was patients with TBil > 13.0 and UBil > 4.1; Group 2 was patients with TBil ≤ 13.0 and UBil > 4.1; and Group 3 was patients with TBil ≤ 13.0 and UBil ≤ 4.1. Patients in Group 3 had more than a 10-fold higher likelihood of having a response in the simple (OR = 11.250; 95%CI: 2.286-55.367; P = 0.003) and multiple (OR = 16.001; 95%CI: 2.802 -91.371; P = 0.002) analyses compared with the Group 1 individuals. Patients carrying the UGT1A1*28 (TA)7 allele were 4

  10. Altered neural activation during prepotent response inhibition in breast cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy: an fMRI study.

    PubMed

    Kam, Julia W Y; Boyd, Lara A; Hsu, Chun L; Liu-Ambrose, Teresa; Handy, Todd C; Lim, Howard J; Hayden, Sherri; Campbell, Kristin L

    2016-09-01

    While impairments in executive functions have been reported in breast cancer survivors (BCS) who have undergone adjuvant chemotherapy, only a limited number of functional neuroimaging studies have associated alterations in cerebral activity with executive functions deficits in BCS. Using fMRI, the current study assessed the neural basis underlying a specific facet of executive function, namely prepotent response inhibition. 12 BCS who self-reported cognitive problems up to 3 years following cancer treatment and 12 female healthy comparisons (HC) performed the Stroop task. We compared their neural activation between the incongruent and neutral experimental conditions. Relative to the HC group, BCS showed lower blood-oxygen level dependent signal in several frontal regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex, a region critical for response inhibition. Our data indicates reduced neural activation in BCS during a prepotent response inhibition task, providing support for the prevailing notion of neural alterations observed in BCS treated with chemotherapy.

  11. Base excision repair imbalance in colorectal cancer has prognostic value and modulates response to chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Leguisamo, Natalia M.; Gloria, Helena C.; Kalil, Antonio N.; Martins, Talita V.; Azambuja, Daniel B.

    2017-01-01

    Colorectal cancer (CRC) is prevalent worldwide, and treatment often involves surgery and genotoxic chemotherapy. DNA repair mechanisms, such as base excision repair (BER) and mismatch repair (MMR), may not only influence tumour characteristics and prognosis but also dictate chemotherapy response. Defective MMR contributes to chemoresistance in colorectal cancer. Moreover, BER affects cellular survival by repairing genotoxic base damage in a process that itself can disrupt metabolism. In this study, we characterized BER and MMR gene expression in colorectal tumours and the association between this repair profile with patients’ clinical and pathological features. In addition, we exploited the possible mechanisms underlying the association between altered DNA repair, metabolism and response to chemotherapy. Seventy pairs of sporadic colorectal tumour samples and adjacent non-tumour mucosal specimens were assessed for BER and MMR gene and protein expression and their association with pathological and clinical features. MMR-deficient colon cancer cells (HCT116) transiently overexpressing MPG or XRCC1 were treated with 5-FU or TMZ and evaluated for viability and metabolic intermediate levels. Increase in BER gene and protein expression is associated with more aggressive tumour features and poor pathological outcomes in CRC. However, tumours with reduced MMR gene expression also displayed low MPG, OGG1 and PARP1 expression. Imbalancing BER by overexpression of MPG, but not XRCC1, sensitises MMR-deficient colon cancer cells to 5-FU and TMZ and leads to ATP depletion and lactate accumulation. MPG overexpression alters DNA repair and metabolism and is a potential strategy to overcome 5-FU chemotherapeutic resistance in MMR-deficient CRC. PMID:28903334

  12. Prognostic significance of pathological response of primary tumor and metastatic axillary lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced breast carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Machiavelli, M R; Romero, A O; Pérez, J E; Lacava, J A; Domínguez, M E; Rodríguez, R; Barbieri, M R; Romero Acuña, L A; Romero Acuña, J M; Langhi, M J; Amato, S; Ortiz, E H; Vallejo, C T; Leone, B A

    1998-01-01

    The prognostic significance of pathological response of primary tumor and metastatic axillary lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was assessed in patients with noninflammatory locally advanced breast carcinoma. Between January 1989 and April 1995, 148 consecutive patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma participated in the study. Of these, 140 fully evaluable patients (67, stage IIIA; 73, stage IIIB) were treated with three courses of 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC), followed by modified radical mastectomy when technically feasible or definitive radiation therapy. The median age was 53 years (range, 26 to 75 years); 55% of patients were postmenopausal. Objective response was recorded in 99 of 140 patients (71%; 95% confidence interval, 63% to 79%). Complete response occurred in 11 patients (8%), and partial response occurred in 88 patients (63%). No change was recorded in 37 patients (26%), and progressive disease occurred in 4 patients (3%). One hundred and thirty-six patients underwent the planned surgery. Maximal pathological response of the primary tumor (in situ carcinoma or minimal microscopic residual tumor) was observed in 24 (18%); 112 patients (82%) presented minimal pathological response of the primary tumor (gross residual tumor). The number of metastatic axillary nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was as follows: N0, 39 patients (29%); N1-N3, 35 patients (26%); > N3, 62 patients (45%). Considering the initial TNM status, 75% of the patients had decreases in tumor compartment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Also, 31% and 23% of patients with clinical N1 and N2, respectively, showed uninvolved axillary lymph nodes. A significant correlation was noted between pathological response of primary tumor and the number of metastatic axillary lymph nodes. Median disease-free survival was 34 months, whereas median overall survival was 66 months. Pathological responses of both primary tumor and metastatic axillary lymph nodes

  13. Early Clinical Outcome With Concurrent Chemotherapy and Extended-Field, Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Cervical Cancer

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

    Beriwal, Sushil; Gan, Gregory N.; Heron, Dwight E.

    2007-05-01

    Purpose: To assess the early clinical outcomes with concurrent cisplatin and extended-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (EF-IMRT) for carcinoma of the cervix. Methods and Materials: Thirty-six patients with Stage IB2-IVA cervical cancer treated with EF-IMRT were evaluated. The pelvic lymph nodes were involved in 19 patients, and of these 19 patients, 10 also had para-aortic nodal disease. The treatment volume included the cervix, uterus, parametria, presacral space, upper vagina, and pelvic, common iliac, and para-aortic nodes to the superior border of L1. Patients were assessed for acute toxicities according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0.more » All late toxicities were scored with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group late toxicity score. Results: All patients completed the prescribed course of EF-IMRT. All but 2 patients received brachytherapy. Median length of treatment was 53 days. The median follow-up was 18 months. Acute Grade {>=}3 gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and myelotoxicity were seen in 1, 1, and 10 patients, respectively. Thirty-four patients had complete response to treatment. Of these 34 patients, 11 developed recurrences. The first site of recurrence was in-field in 2 patients (pelvis in 1, pelvis and para-aortic in 1) and distant in 9 patients. The 2-year actuarial locoregional control, disease-free survival, overall survival, and Grade {>=}3 toxicity rates for the entire cohort were 80%, 51%, 65%, and 10%, respectively. Conclusion: Extended-field IMRT with concurrent chemotherapy was tolerated well, with acceptable acute and early late toxicities. The locoregional control rate was good, with distant metastases being the predominant mode of failure. We are continuing to accrue a larger number of patients and longer follow-up data to further extend our initial observations with this approach.« less

  14. Monitoring early response to taxane therapy in advanced breast cancer with circulating tumor cells and [(18)F] 3´-deoxy-3´-fluorothymidine PET: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Contractor, Kaiyumars; Aboagye, Eric O; Jacob, Jimmy; Challapalli, Amarnath; Coombes, R Charles; Stebbing, Justin

    2012-04-01

    Early markers of response to chemotherapy, measured by blood markers and imaging, may ultimately lead to tailored therapies that avoid cumulative toxicity. We performed a small pilot study to compare early changes in levels of circulatory tumor cells (CTCs) with changes in tumor proliferation, using metabolic imaging with [(18)F] 3´-deoxy-3´-fluorothymidine PET (FLT-PET) in women with advanced breast cancer, before and during docetaxel therapy. In those individuals in whom we could detect CTCs, a decrease in CTC count correlated with a decrease in FLT-PET signal, within 2 weeks. Combined, these two technologies are likely to provide a powerful, albeit expensive, tool to assess immediate responses to therapy.

  15. Aberrant DNA Damage Response Pathways May Predict the Outcome of Platinum Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Stefanou, Dimitra T.; Bamias, Aristotelis; Episkopou, Hara; Kyrtopoulos, Soterios A.; Likka, Maria; Kalampokas, Theodore; Photiou, Stylianos; Gavalas, Nikos; Sfikakis, Petros P.; Dimopoulos, Meletios A.; Souliotis, Vassilis L.

    2015-01-01

    Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. Despite the advances in the treatment of OC with combinatorial regimens, including surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, patients generally exhibit poor prognosis due to high chemotherapy resistance. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that DNA damage response (DDR) pathways are involved in resistance of OC patients to platinum chemotherapy. Selected DDR signals were evaluated in two human ovarian carcinoma cell lines, one sensitive (A2780) and one resistant (A2780/C30) to platinum treatment as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from OC patients, sensitive (n = 7) or resistant (n = 4) to subsequent chemotherapy. PBMCs from healthy volunteers (n = 9) were studied in parallel. DNA damage was evaluated by immunofluorescence γH2AX staining and comet assay. Higher levels of intrinsic DNA damage were found in A2780 than in A2780/C30 cells. Moreover, the intrinsic DNA damage levels were significantly higher in OC patients relative to healthy volunteers, as well as in platinum-sensitive patients relative to platinum-resistant ones (all P<0.05). Following carboplatin treatment, A2780 cells showed lower DNA repair efficiency than A2780/C30 cells. Also, following carboplatin treatment of PBMCs ex vivo, the DNA repair efficiency was significantly higher in healthy volunteers than in platinum-resistant patients and lowest in platinum-sensitive ones (t1/2 for loss of γH2AX foci: 2.7±0.5h, 8.8±1.9h and 15.4±3.2h, respectively; using comet assay, t1/2 of platinum-induced damage repair: 4.8±1.4h, 12.9±1.9h and 21.4±2.6h, respectively; all P<0.03). Additionally, the carboplatin-induced apoptosis rate was higher in A2780 than in A2780/C30 cells. In PBMCs, apoptosis rates were inversely correlated with DNA repair efficiencies of these cells, being significantly higher in platinum-sensitive than in platinum-resistant patients and lowest in healthy volunteers (all P<0.05). We conclude that

  16. Early results of a randomized two-by-two factorial phase II trial comparing neoadjuvant chemotherapy with two and four courses of cisplatin/S-1 and docetaxel/cisplatin/S-1 as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer.

    PubMed

    Aoyama, T; Nishikawa, K; Fujitani, K; Tanabe, K; Ito, S; Matsui, T; Miki, A; Nemoto, H; Sakamaki, K; Fukunaga, T; Kimura, Y; Hirabayashi, N; Yoshikawa, T

    2017-08-01

    Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a promising method of improving the survival of resectable gastric cancer. Cisplatin/S-1 (CS) and docetaxel/cisplatin/S-1 (DCS) are both effective against metastatic gastric cancer. This report clarified the impact of these regimens on early endpoints, including the pathological responses, chemotherapy-related toxicities, and surgical results. Patients with M0 and either T4 or T3 in case of junctional cancer or scirrhous type received two or four courses of cisplatin (60 mg/m2 at day 8)/S-1 (80 mg/m2 for 21 days with 1 week rest) or docetaxel (40 mg/m2 at day 1)/cisplatin (60 mg/m2 at day 1)/S-1 (80 mg/m2 for 14 days with 2 weeks rest) as NAC. Patients then underwent D2 gastrectomy and adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy for 1 year. The primary endpoint was the 3-year overall survival. Between October 2011 and September 2014, 132 patients were assigned to receive CS (n = 66; 33 in 2 courses and 33 in 4 courses) or DCS (n = 66; 33 in 2 courses and 33 in 4 courses). The respective major grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicities (CS/DCS) were leukocytopenia (14.1%/26.2%), neutropenia (29.7%/47.7%), anemia (14.1%/12.3%), and platelet reduction (3.1%/1.5%). The rate of pathological response, defined as a complete response or < 10% residual cancer remaining, was 19.4% in the CS group and 15.4% in the DCS group, and 15.6% in the two-course group and 19.0% in the 4-course group. The R0 resection rate was 72.7% in the CS group and 81.8% in the DCS group and 80.3% in the two-course group and the 74.2% in the four-course group. No treatment-related deaths were observed. Our results do not support three-drug therapy with a taxane over two-drug therapy, or any further treatment beyond two cycles as an attractive candidate for the test arm of NAC. © The Author 2017. 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.

  17. Prevalence of Circulating Tumor Cells After Adjuvant Chemotherapy With or Without Anthracyclines in Patients With HER2-negative, Hormone Receptor-positive Early Breast Cancer.

    PubMed

    Schramm, Amelie; Schochter, Fabienne; Friedl, Thomas W P; de Gregorio, Nikolaus; Andergassen, Ulrich; Alunni-Fabbroni, Marianna; Trapp, Elisabeth; Jaeger, Bernadette; Heinrich, Georg; Camara, Oumar; Decker, Thomas; Ober, Angelika; Mahner, Sven; Fehm, Tanja N; Pantel, Klaus; Fasching, Peter A; Schneeweiss, Andreas; Janni, Wolfgang; Rack, Brigitte K

    2017-07-01

    Use of anthracycline-based chemotherapy in patients with early breast cancer (EBC) has been well-established but is often associated with cardiotoxicity. Based on data suggesting a limited benefit of anthracyclines in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative patients, the Simultaneous Study of Docetaxel Based Anthracycline Free Adjuvant Treatment Evaluation, as well as Life Style Intervention Strategies (SUCCESS) C study randomized patients to either anthracycline-containing or anthracycline-free chemotherapy. Given the proven prognostic value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in EBC, we compared the prevalence of CTCs after chemotherapy between both treatment arms for a preliminary efficacy assessment. The SUCCESS C trial (NCT00847444) is an open-label, phase III study randomizing 3547 patients with HER2-negative EBC to either 3 cycles of epirubicin, 5-fluorouracil, and cyclophosphamide followed by 3 cycles of docetaxel (FEC-DOC) or 6 cycles of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide (DOC-C). CTC status was prospectively evaluated in hormone receptor-positive patients at the time of last chemotherapy cycle using the US Food and Drug Administration-approved CellSearch System (Janssen Diagnostics). Data on CTC status were available for 1766 patients. Overall, CTCs were found in 221 (12.5%) patients. Univariate analyses revealed that presence of CTCs at time of last chemotherapy cycle was not significantly associated with tumor or patient characteristics (all P > .1). There was no significant difference with respect to presence of CTCs between patients randomized to FEC-DOC or DOC-C (11.5% vs. 13.6%; P = .18). The comparable prevalence of CTCs at the time of last chemotherapy cycle may indicate that anthracycline-free chemotherapy is equally effective to anthracycline-containing chemotherapy in HER2-negative, hormone receptor-positive EBC. However, efficacy data from the final survival analysis of SUCCESS C have to be awaited to confirm these preliminary

  18. A Simple Method to Optimize the Effectiveness of Chemotherapy: Modulation of Glucose Intake During Chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Icard, Philippe; Teboul, Bernard; El Baze, Philip

    2017-11-01

    Cancer cells consume high amounts of glucose to produce ATP and molecules entering biosynthesis. Numerous experimental studies have demonstrated that glucose deprivation and/or glycolysis inhibition arrest cancer cell growth and may increase the efficiency of cytotoxic drugs. In contrast, increasing glycolysis in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) activates these cells that destroy cancer cells. We propose to increase the efficiency of chemotherapy by modulating glucose intake during the course of chemotherapy. Glucose and caloric intake should be drastically reduced the day before and during chemotherapy administration to deprive cancer cells of ATP and molecules required to repair cytotoxic lesions. Few hours after chemotherapy, glucose and caloric intake should be drastically increased for few days to promote the activation of TILs that reinforce the destruction of cancer cells. This strategy could improve the results of chemotherapy by first enhancing cytotoxic stress against tumor cells and then promoting activation of the anti-cancer immune response. The modulation of glucose intake during chemotherapy should be tested clinically. The proposed scheme is simple, surely easier to follow than a strict chronic diet, and should avoid weight loss. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

  19. Combined modality treatment improves tumor control and overall survival in patients with early stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma: a systematic review

    PubMed Central

    Herbst, Christine; Rehan, Fareed A.; Brillant, Corinne; Bohlius, Julia; Skoetz, Nicole; Schulz, Holger; Monsef, Ina; Specht, Lena; Engert, Andreas

    2010-01-01

    Combined modality treatment (CMT) of chemotherapy followed by localized radiotherapy is standard treatment for patients with early stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma. However, the role of radiotherapy has been questioned recently and some clinical study groups advocate chemotherapy only for this indication. We thus performed a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing chemotherapy alone with CMT in patients with early stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma with respect to response rate, tumor control and overall survival (OS). We searched Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library as well as conference proceedings from January 1980 to February 2009 for randomized controlled trials comparing chemotherapy alone versus the same chemotherapy regimen plus radiotherapy. Progression free survival and similar outcomes were analyzed together as tumor control. Effect measures used were hazard ratios for OS and tumor control as well as relative risks for complete response (CR). Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan5. Five randomized controlled trials involving 1,245 patients were included. The hazard ratio (HR) was 0.41 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25 to 0.66) for tumor control and 0.40 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.59) for OS for patients receiving CMT compared to chemotherapy alone. CR rates were similar between treatment groups. In sensitivity analyses another 6 trials were included that did not fulfill the inclusion criteria of our protocol but were considered relevant to the topic. These trials underlined the results of the main analysis. In conclusion, adding radiotherapy to chemotherapy improves tumor control and OS in patients with early stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma. PMID:19951972

  20. A randomised study of tailored toxicity-based dosage of fluorouracil-epirubicin-cyclophosphamide chemotherapy for early breast cancer (SBG 2000-1).

    PubMed

    Lindman, H; Andersson, M; Ahlgren, J; Balslev, E; Sverrisdottir, A; Holmberg, S B; Bengtsson, N O; Jacobsen, E H; Jensen, A B; Hansen, J; Tuxen, M K; Malmberg, L; Villman, K; Anderson, H; Ejlertsen, B; Bergh, J; Blomqvist, C

    2018-05-01

    Retrospective studies have demonstrated a worse outcome in breast cancer patients not developing leukopenia during adjuvant chemotherapy. The SBG 2000-1 is the first randomised trial designed to compare individually dosed chemotherapy without G-CSF support based on grade of toxicity to standard-dosed chemotherapy based on body surface area (BSA). Patients with early breast cancer were included and received the first cycle of standard FEC (fluorouracil 600 mg/m 2 , epirubicin 60 mg/m 2 , cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m 2 ). Patients with nadir leukopenia grade 0-2 after first cycle were randomised between either 6 additional courses of tailored FEC with increased doses (E 75-90 mg/m 2 , C 900-1200 mg/m 2 ) or fixed treatment with 6 standard FEC. Patients with grade 3-4 leukopenia were registered and treated with 6 standard FEC. Primary end-point was distant disease-free survival (DDFS). The study enrolled 1535 patients, of which 1052 patients were randomised to tailored FEC (N = 524) or standard FEC (N = 528), whereas 401 patients with leukopenia grade 3-4 continued standard FEC and formed the registered cohort. Dose escalation did not statistically significantly improve 10-year DDFS (79% and 77%, HR 0.87, CI 0.67-1.14, P = 0.32) or OS (82% and 78%, respectively, HR 0.89, CI 0.57-1.16, P = 0.38). Corresponding estimates for the registered group of patients were DDFS 79% and OS 82%, respectively. The SBG 2000-1 study failed to show a statistically significant improvement of escalated and tailored-dosed chemotherapy compared with standard BSA-based chemotherapy in patients with low haematological toxicity, although all efficacy parameters showed a numerical advantage for tailored treatment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Assessment of apoptosis in oesophageal carcinoma preoperatively treated by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

    PubMed

    Moreira, L F; Naomoto, Y; Hamada, M; Kamikawa, Y; Orita, K

    1995-01-01

    Apoptosis, programmed cell death, was immunohistochemically determined in 55 samples of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma using the BM1 Mab. Sections from patients not treated (group 1, n = 12) or preoperatively treated by chemotherapy (group 2, n = 11), radiation (group 3, n = 13) or both (group 4, n = 8), and 11 additional cases of high-grade dysplasia or early cancer were examined. Most of the apoptotic cells were BM1-positive and checked by TUNEL proved to be nick end positive. They accounted for 7 (11%), 19 (29%), 21 (32%) and 26 (38%) cells per field in those 4 groups respectively. Chemotherapy and/or radiation significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells as compared to controls (p = 0.029 and p = 0.029, respectively). To assess the implications of the oncogene expression in the apoptotic pathway, additional section stained with bcl2 and p53 were negative for bcl2 and were positive for p53 in 16 samples (37%). Overall, positive cases for p53 mutation showed a significantly decreased incidence of apoptotic cells (p = 0.03). These results suggest that in situ assessment of apoptotic response better correlates to the apoptosis induced by radiation than that by chemotherapy, that abnormalities of the p53 protein decrease the apoptotic response in oesophageal carcinoma, and that immunohistochemical analysis of p53 protein helps to determine the sensitivity to these anticancer agents.

  2. [Chemotherapy in epithelial ovarian cancer].

    PubMed

    Tazi, Y; Pautier, P; Leary, A; Lhomme, C

    2013-10-01

    Chemotherapy is fundamental in the management of epithelial ovarian carcinomas both for early and advanced stages (rarely surgical treatment alone) and in almost every step of the disease. The reference schema combines carboplatin and paclitaxel intravenously. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy also proved its efficacy after complete surgery for advanced disease and should be reserved to trained teams due to its technical constraints and toxicity issues. Modalities of treatment in relapsed and progressive disease depend mainly on the free interval between this diagnosis and the last dose of platinum. Bevacizumab has proven its effectiveness in prolonging progression-free survival in 1st line setting in association with chemotherapy followed by maintenance and in case of relapse or progression both fore platinum sensitive or resistant disease. Finally, a better understanding of ovarian cancer biology will allow us to consider new molecular-targeted agents guided by the specific characteristics of each patient and each tumor. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  3. Conditioned Emotional Distress in Women Receiving Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jacobsen, Paul B.; And Others

    1995-01-01

    Investigated whether women undergoing outpatient chemotherapy for breast cancer can develop classically conditioned emotional distress. Patients' responses to a distinctive stimulus were assessed in a location not associated with chemotherapy administration. Results supported hypothesis that pairing a distinctive stimulus with chemotherapy would…

  4. Autologous or reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for chemotherapy-sensitive mantle-cell lymphoma: analysis of transplantation timing and modality.

    PubMed

    Fenske, Timothy S; Zhang, Mei-Jie; Carreras, Jeanette; Ayala, Ernesto; Burns, Linda J; Cashen, Amanda; Costa, Luciano J; Freytes, César O; Gale, Robert P; Hamadani, Mehdi; Holmberg, Leona A; Inwards, David J; Lazarus, Hillard M; Maziarz, Richard T; Munker, Reinhold; Perales, Miguel-Angel; Rizzieri, David A; Schouten, Harry C; Smith, Sonali M; Waller, Edmund K; Wirk, Baldeep M; Laport, Ginna G; Maloney, David G; Montoto, Silvia; Hari, Parameswaran N

    2014-02-01

    To examine the outcomes of patients with chemotherapy-sensitive mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) following a first hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HCT), comparing outcomes with autologous (auto) versus reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic (RIC allo) HCT and with transplantation applied at different times in the disease course. In all, 519 patients who received transplantations between 1996 and 2007 and were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research were analyzed. The early transplantation cohort was defined as those patients in first partial or complete remission with no more than two lines of chemotherapy. The late transplantation cohort was defined as all the remaining patients. Auto-HCT and RIC allo-HCT resulted in similar overall survival from transplantation for both the early (at 5 years: 61% auto-HCT v 62% RIC allo-HCT; P = .951) and late cohorts (at 5 years: 44% auto-HCT v 31% RIC allo-HCT; P = .202). In both early and late transplantation cohorts, progression/relapse was lower and nonrelapse mortality was higher in the allo-HCT group. Overall survival and progression-free survival were highest in patients who underwent auto-HCT in first complete response. Multivariate analysis of survival from diagnosis identified a survival benefit favoring early HCT for both auto-HCT and RIC allo-HCT. For patients with chemotherapy-sensitive MCL, the optimal timing for HCT is early in the disease course. Outcomes are particularly favorable for patients undergoing auto-HCT in first complete remission. For those unable to achieve complete remission after two lines of chemotherapy or those with relapsed disease, either auto-HCT or RIC allo-HCT may be effective, although the chance for long-term remission and survival is lower.

  5. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism: association with risk for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and response during the initial phase of chemotherapy in greek patients.

    PubMed

    Chatzidakis, Konstantinos; Goulas, Antonis; Athanassiadou-Piperopoulou, Fani; Fidani, Liana; Koliouskas, Dimitrios; Mirtsou, Vassiliki

    2006-08-01

    As of late, a number of studies have focused on the association of the gene for methyletetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) with risk for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and in adults, as well as with response to chemotherapy. The degree of this association may vary according to the ethnic background and geographic localization of the population under study, or the phase of treatment when response to chemotherapy is concerned. We have analyzed the MTHFR C677T polymorphism in 52 patients and 88 control individuals, all ethnic Greek residents of northern Greece, and examined the association of this polymorphism with (a) susceptibility to childhood ALL and (b) the distribution of average plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, white blood cell counts (WBC), and hemoglobin levels (Hb) during the induction and consolidation phases of treatment. We were able to detect a statistically significant protective effect, with respect to ALL, associated with carriage of the MTHFR 677T allele [OR = 0.387 (95% CI = 0.193-0.776)]. In addition, we observed a general tendency towards lower values in all three parameters studied, associated with the MTHFR 677CC genotype, which was more evident in the transition from the induction to the consolidation phase, indicating that MTHFR genotyping may be of prognostic value in the early phase of treatment for childhood ALL, in our population.

  6. Individual response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy assessed with optical mammography in patients with breast cancer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anderson, Pamela G.; Krishnamurthy, Nishanth; Kalli, Sirishma; Sassaroli, Angelo; Makim, Shital S.; Graham, Roger A.; Fantini, Sergio

    2017-02-01

    We report an optical mammography study on eight patients with breast cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Of these eight patients, six were responders (tumor size decreased by more than 50%) and two were nonresponders (tumor size decreased by less than 50%). The goals of this study are (1) to characterize the temporal evolution of the hemoglobin concentration ([HbT]) and saturation (SO2) in breast tissue during the course of treatment in responders and non-responders, and (2) to define a quantitative index that is capable of identifying responders and nonresponders during treatment. We found that both [HbT] and SO2 decreased by a greater amount in responders than in non-responders during therapy. This result applied to both cancerous and healthy breast, but the discrimination of responders and non-responders was more significant with SO2 measurements in the cancerous breast. A cumulative response index defined in terms of SO2 measurements in the cancerous breast achieved a 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the identification of responders and non-responders at therapy midpoint. These results confirm the potential of optical mammography in assessing response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy during treatment, thus offering the opportunity to consider alternative options to ineffective treatment regimens.

  7. Management of chemotherapy-associated febrile neutropenia.

    PubMed

    Cameron, D

    2009-09-01

    The development of febrile neutropenia during a course of chemotherapy is not only a life-threatening complication, it can also lead to a decision to reduce chemotherapy intensity in subsequent treatment cycles, thus putting patient outcomes at risk. Although there are strategies available for the primary prevention of febrile neutropenia, these are not widely used in the UK management of breast cancer. It is, therefore, paramount to have a well thought out and rigorously implemented care protocol for febrile neutropenia, involving patients, family/carers and health-care professionals in both primary and secondary care, to ensure early detection and effective management.

  8. Efficacy of doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for non-resectable canine subcutaneous haemangiosarcoma.

    PubMed

    Wiley, J L; Rook, K A; Clifford, C A; Gregor, T P; Sorenmo, K U

    2010-09-01

    Eighteen dogs with measurable subcutaneous haemangiosarcoma (SQHSA) were treated with doxorubicin-based chemotherapy. Response assessment was evaluated and compared using World Health Organization (WHO), Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) and tumour volume criteria. The overall response rate for all dogs was 38.8% using WHO criteria, 38.8% using RECIST criteria and 44% using tumour volume criteria. One dog had a complete response. The median response duration for all dogs was 53 days (range 13-190 days). Four dogs had complete surgical excision after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The median progression-free interval for dogs with complete surgical excision after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was significantly longer than those not having surgical excision (207 days versus 83 days, respectively) (P = 0.003). No significant difference in metastasis-free interval or survival time was found between the groups. Doxorubicin-based chemotherapy appears to be effective for non-resectable canine SQHSA, although the response duration is relatively short.

  9. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy evaluation by MRI volumetry in rectal cancer followed by chemoradiation and total mesorectal excision: Initial experience.

    PubMed

    Nougaret, Stephanie; Fujii, Shinya; Addley, Helen C; Bibeau, Frederic; Pandey, Himanshu; Mikhael, Hisham; Reinhold, Caroline; Azria, David; Rouanet, Philippe; Gallix, Benoit

    2013-09-01

    To evaluate rectal cancer volumetry in predicting initial neoadjuvant chemotherapy response. Sixteen consecutive patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CX) before chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and surgery were enrolled in this retrospective study. Tumor volume was evaluated at the first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), after CX and after CRT. Tumor volume regression (TVR) and downstaging were compared with histological results according to Tumor Regression Grade (TRG) to assess CX and CRT response, respectively. The mean tumor volume was 132 cm(3) ± 166 before and 56 cm(3) ± 71 after CX. TVR after CX was significantly different between patients with poor histologic response (TRG1/2) and those with good histologic response (TRG3/4) (P = 0.001). An optimal cutoff of TVR >68% (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-0.98, P = 0.0001) to predict good histology response after CX was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve. According to previous data and this study, we defined 70% as the best cutoff values according to sensitivity (86%), specificity (100%) of TVR for predicting good histology response. In contradistinction, MRI downstaging was associated with TRG only after CRT (P = 0.04). Our pilot study showed that MRI volumetry can predict early histological response after CX and before CRT. MRI volumetry could help the clinician to distinguish early responders in order to aid appropriate individually tailored therapies. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., a Wiley company.

  10. Toll-like receptors in the pathogenesis of chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity.

    PubMed

    Cario, Elke

    2016-06-01

    Intestinal mucositis represents a common complication and dose-limiting toxicity of cancer chemotherapy. So far chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis remains poorly treatable resulting in significant morbidity and reduced quality of life in cancer patients. This review discusses recent insights into the pathophysiology of chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis. Novel mechanisms linking gut microbiota, host innate immunity and anticancer drug metabolism are highlighted. Gut microbiota may affect xenobiotic metabolism by direct and indirect mechanisms, critically modulating gut toxicity of chemotherapy drugs. Composition and metabolic function of the gut microbiome as well as innate immune responses of the intestinal mucosa are severely altered during chemotherapy. Commensal-mediated innate immune signaling via Toll-like receptors (TLRs) ambiguously shapes chemotherapy-induced genotoxic damage in the gastrointestinal tract. TLR2 may accelerate host detoxification by activating the multidrug transporter ATP-binding cassette 1 (ABCB1)/MDR1 P-glycoprotein to efflux harmful drugs, thus controlling the severity of cancer therapy-induced mucosal damage in the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, selective chemotherapy drugs may drive LPS hyperresponsiveness via TLR4, which exacerbates mucosal injury through aberrant cytokine storms. Broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment does not seem to represent a valid therapeutic option, as drastic reduction in global gut microbiota may enhance risk of gastrointestinal toxicity and reduce efficacy of some chemotherapy drugs, at least in murine models. Several variables (environment, metabolism, dysbiosis, infections and/or genetics) influence the outcome of mucosal TLR signaling during cancer treatment. Differences in innate immune responses also reflect chemotherapy drug-specific effects. Future studies must investigate in more detail whether manipulating the delicate balance between gut microbiota and host immune responses by

  11. Combined doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy for nonresectable feline fibrosarcoma.

    PubMed

    Barber, L G; Sørenmo, K U; Cronin, K L; Shofer, F S

    2000-01-01

    A retrospective evaluation was performed on 12 cats with nonresectable, histopathologically confirmed fibrosarcomas that were treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy. All of the tumors were located in sites potentially used for vaccination. Six cats had a greater than 50% decrease in gross tumor burden. However, the responses were not durable, with a median response duration of 125 days. All cats developed progressive disease. When animals that received other treatments after doxorubicin-based chemotherapy were eliminated from the analysis, median survival time was significantly longer for cats that responded to chemotherapy compared with the median survival time for nonresponders (242 and 83 days, respectively). These findings may serve as a basis for further evaluating the role of chemotherapy in the treatment of vaccine-associated sarcomas.

  12. Recent Advances in Chemotherapy and Surgery for Colorectal Liver Metastases.

    PubMed

    Passot, Guillaume; Soubrane, Olivier; Giuliante, Felice; Zimmitti, Giuseppe; Goéré, Diane; Yamashita, Suguru; Vauthey, Jean-Nicolas

    2016-11-01

    The liver is the most common site of metastases for colorectal cancer, and combined resection with systemic chemotherapy is the most effective strategy for survival. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive summary on four hot topics related to chemotherapy and surgery for colorectal liver metastases (CLM), namely: (1) chemotherapy-related liver injuries: prediction and impact, (2) surgery for initially unresectable CLM, (3) the emerging role of RAS mutations, and (4) the role of hepatic arterial infusion of chemotherapy (HAIC). (1) The use of chemotherapy before liver resection for CLM leads to drug-specific hepatic toxicity, which negatively impacts posthepatectomy outcomes. (2) Curative liver resection of initially unresectable CLM following conversion chemotherapy should be attempted whenever possible, provided that a safe future liver remnant volume is achieved. (3) For CLM, RAS mutation status is needed to guide the use of targeted chemotherapy with anti-epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) agents, and is a major prognostic factor that may contribute to optimize surgical strategy. (4) HAIC agents increase the rate of objective response and the rate of complete pathological response.

  13. Magnetic resonance imaging in breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy: radiologic-pathologic correlation of the response and disease-free survival depending on molecular subtype.

    PubMed

    Cruz Ciria, S; Jiménez Aragón, F; García Mur, C; Esteban Cuesta, H; Gros Bañeres, B

    2014-01-01

    To evaluate the radiologic and pathologic responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and their correlation in the molecular subtypes of breast cancer and to analyze their impact in disease-free survival. We included 205 patients with breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We evaluated the radiologic response by comparing MRI images acquired before and after chemotherapy. The pathologic response was classified on the Miller and Payne scale. For each subtype (HER2+, TN, luminal A, luminal B HER2-, and luminal B HER2+), we used the χ(2) test, Student's t-test, ANOVA, and Kendall's Tau-b to evaluate the radiologic response and the pathologic response, the radiologic-pathologic correlation, and the disease-free survival. The subtypes HER2+ (62.1%) and TN (45.2%) had higher rates of complete radiologic response. The pathologic response was 65.5% in the HER2+ subtype, 38.1% in the TN subtype, 2.6% in the luminal A subtype, 8.2% in the luminal B HER2- subtype, and 31% in the luminal B HER2+ subtype. The rate of radiologic-pathologic correlation was significant in all subtypes, higher in TN and HER2 (Tau-b coefficients 0.805 and 0.717, respectively). Disease-free survival was higher in HER2+ (91.9±3.3 months) and lower in TN (69.5±6.3 months), with significant differences between the cases with poor and good radiologic responses (P=.040). Survival was greater in cases with good radiologic response, except in cases with luminal A subtype. MRI can be a useful tool that provides information about the evolution of breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which varies with the immunohistochemical subtype. Copyright © 2012 SERAM. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  14. Immunological tumor status may predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and outcome after radical cystectomy in bladder cancer.

    PubMed

    Tervahartiala, Minna; Taimen, Pekka; Mirtti, Tuomas; Koskinen, Ilmari; Ecke, Thorsten; Jalkanen, Sirpa; Boström, Peter J

    2017-10-04

    Bladder cancer (BC) is the ninth most common cancer worldwide. Radical cystectomy (RC) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is recommended for muscle-invasive BC. The challenge of the neoadjuvant approach relates to challenges in selection of patients to chemotherapy that are likely to respond to the treatment. To date, there are no validated molecular markers or baseline clinical characteristics to identify these patients. Different inflammatory markers, including tumor associated macrophages with their plastic pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic functions, have extensively been under interests as potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers in different cancer types. In this immunohistochemical study we evaluated the predictive roles of three immunological markers, CD68, MAC387, and CLEVER-1, in response to NAC and outcome of BC. 41% of the patients had a complete response (pT0N0) to NAC. Basic clinicopathological variables did not predict response to NAC. In contrast, MAC387 + cells and CLEVER-1 + macrophages associated with poor NAC response, while CLEVER-1 + vessels associated with more favourable response to NAC. Higher counts of CLEVER-1 + macrophages associated with poorer overall survival and CD68 + macrophages seem to have an independent prognostic value in BC patients treated with NAC. Our findings point out that CD68, MAC387, and CLEVER-1 may be useful prognostic and predictive markers in BC.

  15. Decreased background parenchymal enhancement of the contralateral breast after two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with tumor response in HER2-positive breast cancer.

    PubMed

    You, Chao; Gu, Yajia; Peng, Wen; Li, Jianwei; Shen, Xuxia; Liu, Guangyu; Peng, Weijun

    2018-07-01

    Background Several recent studies have focused on the association between background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) and tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), but early prediction of tumor response based on BPE has yet not been investigated. Purpose To retrospectively investigate whether changes in the BPE of the contralateral breast following NAC could help predict tumor response in early stage HER2-positive breast cancer. Material and Methods Data from 71 patients who were diagnosed with unilateral HER2 positive breast cancer and then underwent NAC with trastuzumab before surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Two experienced radiologists independently categorized the patients' levels of BPE of the contralateral breast into four categories (1 = minimal, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate, 4 = marked) at baseline and after the second cycle of NAC. After undergoing surgery, 34 patients achieved pathologic complete response (pCR) and 37 patients had residual disease (non-pCR). The association between BPE and histopathologic tumor response was analyzed. Result The level of BPE was higher in premenopausal than post-menopausal women both at baseline and after the second cycle of NAC ( P < 0.005). A significant reduction in BPE ( P < 0.001) was observed after the second NAC cycle; however, a more obvious decrease in BPE was identified in premenopausal relative to post-menopausal women ( P = 0.041). No significant association was identified between pCR and baseline BPE ( P = 0.287). However, after the second NAC cycle, decreased BPE was significantly associated with pCR ( P = 0.003). Conclusion For HER2-positive patients, changes in BPE may serve as an additional imaging biomarker of treatment response at an early stage.

  16. Pilot study of nelarabine in combination with intensive chemotherapy in high-risk T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a report from the Children's Oncology Group.

    PubMed

    Dunsmore, Kimberly P; Devidas, Meenakshi; Linda, Stephen B; Borowitz, Michael J; Winick, Naomi; Hunger, Stephen P; Carroll, William L; Camitta, Bruce M

    2012-08-01

    Children's Oncology Group study AALL00P2 was designed to assess the feasibility and safety of adding nelarabine to a BFM 86-based chemotherapy regimen in children with newly diagnosed T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). In stage one of the study, eight patients with a slow early response (SER) by prednisone poor response (PPR; ≥ 1,000 peripheral blood blasts on day 8 of prednisone prephase) received chemotherapy plus six courses of nelarabine 400 mg/m(2) once per day; four patients with SER by high minimal residual disease (MRD; ≥ 1% at day 36 of induction) received chemotherapy plus five courses of nelarabine; 16 patients with a rapid early response (RER) received chemotherapy without nelarabine. In stage two, all patients received six 5-day courses of nelarabine at 650 mg/m(2) once per day (10 SER patients [one by MRD, nine by PPR]) or 400 mg/m(2) once per day (38 RER patients; 12 SER patients [three by MRD, nine by PPR]). The only significant difference in toxicities was decreased neutropenic infections in patients treated with nelarabine (42% with v 81% without nelarabine). Five-year event-free survival (EFS) rates were 73% for 11 stage one SER patients and 67% for 22 stage two SER patients treated with nelarabine versus 69% for 16 stage one RER patients treated without nelarabine and 74% for 38 stage two RER patients treated with nelarabine. Five-year EFS for all patients receiving nelarabine (n = 70) was 73% versus 69% for those treated without nelarabine (n = 16). Addition of nelarabine to a BFM 86-based chemotherapy regimen was well tolerated and produced encouraging results in pediatric patients with T-ALL, particularly those with a SER, who have historically fared poorly.

  17. Pilot Study of Nelarabine in Combination With Intensive Chemotherapy in High-Risk T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group

    PubMed Central

    Dunsmore, Kimberly P.; Devidas, Meenakshi; Linda, Stephen B.; Borowitz, Michael J.; Winick, Naomi; Hunger, Stephen P.; Carroll, William L.; Camitta, Bruce M.

    2012-01-01

    Purpose Children's Oncology Group study AALL00P2 was designed to assess the feasibility and safety of adding nelarabine to a BFM 86–based chemotherapy regimen in children with newly diagnosed T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Patients and Methods In stage one of the study, eight patients with a slow early response (SER) by prednisone poor response (PPR; ≥ 1,000 peripheral blood blasts on day 8 of prednisone prephase) received chemotherapy plus six courses of nelarabine 400 mg/m2 once per day; four patients with SER by high minimal residual disease (MRD; ≥ 1% at day 36 of induction) received chemotherapy plus five courses of nelarabine; 16 patients with a rapid early response (RER) received chemotherapy without nelarabine. In stage two, all patients received six 5-day courses of nelarabine at 650 mg/m2 once per day (10 SER patients [one by MRD, nine by PPR]) or 400 mg/m2 once per day (38 RER patients; 12 SER patients [three by MRD, nine by PPR]). Results The only significant difference in toxicities was decreased neutropenic infections in patients treated with nelarabine (42% with v 81% without nelarabine). Five-year event-free survival (EFS) rates were 73% for 11 stage one SER patients and 67% for 22 stage two SER patients treated with nelarabine versus 69% for 16 stage one RER patients treated without nelarabine and 74% for 38 stage two RER patients treated with nelarabine. Five-year EFS for all patients receiving nelarabine (n = 70) was 73% versus 69% for those treated without nelarabine (n = 16). Conclusion Addition of nelarabine to a BFM 86–based chemotherapy regimen was well tolerated and produced encouraging results in pediatric patients with T-ALL, particularly those with a SER, who have historically fared poorly. PMID:22734022

  18. Correlation of MSH3 polymorphisms with response and survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Xu, X-L; Yao, Y-L; Xu, W-Z; Feng, J-G; Mao, W-M

    2015-04-15

    Mismatch repair (MMR) genes, as well as the nucleotide excision repair genes, play an important role in removing cisplatin-DNA adducts, and the mutation of MMR genes in tumors can lead to a decreased response to platinum-based therapies. We examined MutS homolog 3 (MSH3), a mismatch repair gene, and whether polymorphisms of MSH3 were associated with response and survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NCSLC) patients who were treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. The peripheral blood of 180 advanced NCSLC patients who were treated with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy was collected to determine the patients' genotypes of MSH3. The three genotypes of the MSH3 polymorphisms rs26279, rs1650697 and rs1105524 were investigated. A statistically significant association was observed between the polymorphism rs26279 (Ala1054Thr) and sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy (P = 0.014). A significant correlation was found between rs1105524 and progression-free survival (PFS), with the G/A and A/A genotypes (median survival time: 14.27 months; 95%CI = 9.80-18.75) suffering shorter survival than patients with the G/G genotype (median survival time: 26.37 months; 95%CI = 15.03-37.71) (P = 0.04). Our results showed that single nucleotide polymorphisms in MSH3 had an impact on the chemotherapy response and prognosis of advanced NCSLC patients who were treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.

  19. Influenza vaccination in adult patients with solid tumours treated with chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Vollaard, Albert; Schreuder, Imke; Slok-Raijmakers, Lizzy; Opstelten, Wim; Rimmelzwaan, Guus; Gelderblom, Hans

    2017-05-01

    Patients with solid tumours receiving chemotherapy are at risk for influenza complications. Yearly influenza vaccination is recommended to patients treated with chemotherapy. However, adherence to vaccination is low, most likely due to lack of data on efficacy, optimal timing and safety of vaccination. There is scarce evidence for the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in adult patients with solid tumours and chemotherapy on reduction of pneumonia, decreased mortality and fewer interruptions of oncological treatment. A review of 20 non-randomised serological studies in adult patients with different cancer types and chemotherapy provides insight in general trends of response to vaccination. Overall, the magnitude of the antibody response after influenza vaccination (i.e. seroconversion) can be lower than in healthy controls, but the majority of patients with solid tumours is able to mount a timely, protective immunological response (i.e. seroprotection) regardless of chemotherapy schedule, similar to healthy controls. Small sample sizes, patient heterogeneity and lack of comparable study designs limit more specific recommendations related to cancer type and optimal timing of vaccination. The inactivated influenza vaccine is safe to administer to immunosuppressed patients; side-effects are similar to those in healthy individuals. Although vaccination before start of chemotherapy is preferred to ensure optimal protection in adults with solid tumours, also vaccination during chemotherapy can reduce influenza-related complications considering the overall trends in serological response. Given the increased morbidity and mortality of influenza, influenza vaccination should be advocated as an inexpensive and safe preventive measure in patients with solid tumours receiving chemotherapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer.

    PubMed

    Wang, Shu-Lian; Liao, Zhongxing; Liu, Helen; Ajani, Jaffer; Swisher, Stephen; Cox, James D; Komaki, Ritsuko

    2006-09-14

    To evaluate the dosimetry, efficacy and toxicity of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer. A retrospective study was performed on 7 patients who were definitively treated with IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy. Patients who did not receive IMRT radiation and concurrent chemotherapy were not included in this analysis. IMRT plans were evaluated to assess the tumor coverage and normal tissue avoidance. Treatment response was evaluated and toxicities were assessed. Five- to nine-beam IMRT were used to deliver a total dose of 59.4-66 Gy (median: 64.8 Gy) to the primary tumor with 6-MV photons. The minimum dose received by the planning tumor volume (PTV) of the gross tumor volume boost was 91.2%-98.2% of the prescription dose (standard deviation [SD]: 3.7%-5.7%). The minimum dose received by the PTV of the clinical tumor volume was 93.8%-104.8% (SD: 4.3%-11.1%) of the prescribed dose. With a median follow-up of 15 mo (range: 3-21 mo), all 6 evaluable patients achieved complete response. Of them, 2 developed local recurrences and 2 had distant metastases, 3 survived with no evidence of disease. After treatment, 2 patients developed esophageal stricture requiring frequent dilation and 1 patient developed tracheal-esophageal fistula. Concurrent IMRT and chemotherapy resulted in an excellent early response in patients with locally advanced cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer. However, local and distant recurrence and toxicity remain to be a problem. Innovative approaches are needed to improve the outcome.

  1. A central review of histopathology reports after breast cancer neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the neo-tango trial

    PubMed Central

    Provenzano, E; Vallier, A-L; Champ, R; Walland, K; Bowden, S; Grier, A; Fenwick, N; Abraham, J; Iddawela, M; Caldas, C; Hiller, L; Dunn, J; Earl, H M

    2013-01-01

    Background: Neo-tAnGo, a National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) multicentre randomised neoadjuvant chemotherapy trial in early breast cancer, enroled 831 patients in the United Kingdom. We report a central review of post-chemotherapy histopathology reports on the surgical specimens, to assess the presence and degree of response. Methods: A central independent two-reader review (EP and HME) of histopathology reports from post-treatment surgical specimens was performed. The quality and completeness of pathology reporting across all centres was assessed. The reviews included pathological response to chemotherapy (pathological complete response (pCR); minimal residual disease (MRD); and lesser degrees of response), laterality, the number of axillary metastases and axillary nodes, and the type of surgery. A consensus was reached after discussion. Results: In all, 825 surgical reports from 816 patients were available for review. Out of 4125 data items there were 347 discrepant results (8.4% of classifications), which involved 281 patients. These involved grading of breast response (169 but only 9 involving pCR vs MRD); laterality (6); presence of axillary metastasis (35); lymph node counts (108); and type of axillary surgery (29). Excluding cases with pCR, only 45% of reports included any comment regarding response in the breast and 30% in the axillary lymph nodes. Conclusion: We found considerable variability in the completeness of reporting of surgical specimens within this national neoadjuvant breast cancer trial. This highlights the need for consensus guidelines among trial groups on histopathology reporting, and the participation of histopathologists throughout the development and analysis of neoadjuvant trials. PMID:23299526

  2. Evaluation of Response to Preoperative Chemotherapy Versus Surgery Alone in Gastroesophageal Cancer: Tumor Resectability, Pathologic Results and Post-Operative Complications.

    PubMed

    Kashefi Marandi, Aref; Shojaiefard, Abolfazl; Soroush, Ahmadreza; Ghorbani Abdegah, Ali; Jafari, Mehdi; Khodadost, Mahmoud; Mahmoudzade, Hossein

    2016-01-01

    Gastroesophageal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Despite significant developments in management, 5-year survival in the developing world is less than 20 percent. Due to restricted research about the impact of preoperative chemotherapy (POC) on tumor resection, pathological response and postoperative complications in Iran, we designed and implemented ‎the present retrospective cross- sectional study on 156 patients with gastroesophageal cancer (GEc) between 2013 and 2015 at Shariati Hospital of Tehran. Two groups were included, the first group had previously received preoperative chemotherapy and the second group had only undergone surgery. All patients were followed for at least one year after the operation in terms of tumor recurrence, relapse free survival and one-year survival. The two groups were eventually compared regarding tumor resection, pathological response, postoperative complications, recurrence rate and survival. The mean age was 66.5± 7.3 years and 78 percent were male. The tumor resectability, pathological response and postoperative complications in the group which received POC were 93.5%, 21.8% and 12.8%, respectively, and in the surgery alone group figures for tumor resection and postoperative complications were 76% and 29.5%, respectively. Also based on our study the 5-year survival in the POC group was better (79.5% vs. 66.5%). Using standard neoadjuvant regimens (preoperative chemotherapy/ chemoradiotherapy) beforesurgery could increase tumor resectability, pathological response, and improve the general status of the patients. Therefore using POC may be recommended over surgery alone.

  3. Extraordinary response of metastatic pancreatic cancer to apatinib after failed chemotherapy: A case report and literature review.

    PubMed

    Li, Cheng-Ming; Liu, Zhi-Chao; Bao, You-Ting; Sun, Xin-Dong; Wang, Lin-Lin

    2017-11-07

    Chemotherapy has limited efficacy in the treatment of advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC), and has serious side effects. The development of novel effective agents, especially targeted therapy, is essential for patients with PC. We present a 58-year-old Chinese woman initially diagnosed with locally advanced PC. As the disease progressed to Stage IV, the patient was unable to tolerate chemotherapy after the fourth-line treatment. She was then treated with apatinib, a novel and highly selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 and achieved a progression-free-survival of 7 mo. All drug-related side effects were well controlled with medication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of PC which responded to apatinib. Considering this remarkable response, apatinib may be a promising agent in the treatment of PC. We also reviewed the literature on chemotherapy and targeted therapy, especially the anti-angiogenesis therapy for patients with PC, and investigated the effect of apatinib in other solid tumors as well.

  4. Autologous or Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Chemotherapy-Sensitive Mantle-Cell Lymphoma: Analysis of Transplantation Timing and Modality

    PubMed Central

    Fenske, Timothy S.; Zhang, Mei-Jie; Carreras, Jeanette; Ayala, Ernesto; Burns, Linda J.; Cashen, Amanda; Costa, Luciano J.; Freytes, César O.; Gale, Robert P.; Hamadani, Mehdi; Holmberg, Leona A.; Inwards, David J.; Lazarus, Hillard M.; Maziarz, Richard T.; Munker, Reinhold; Perales, Miguel-Angel; Rizzieri, David A.; Schouten, Harry C.; Smith, Sonali M.; Waller, Edmund K.; Wirk, Baldeep M.; Laport, Ginna G.; Maloney, David G.; Montoto, Silvia; Hari, Parameswaran N.

    2014-01-01

    Purpose To examine the outcomes of patients with chemotherapy-sensitive mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) following a first hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HCT), comparing outcomes with autologous (auto) versus reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic (RIC allo) HCT and with transplantation applied at different times in the disease course. Patients and Methods In all, 519 patients who received transplantations between 1996 and 2007 and were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research were analyzed. The early transplantation cohort was defined as those patients in first partial or complete remission with no more than two lines of chemotherapy. The late transplantation cohort was defined as all the remaining patients. Results Auto-HCT and RIC allo-HCT resulted in similar overall survival from transplantation for both the early (at 5 years: 61% auto-HCT v 62% RIC allo-HCT; P = .951) and late cohorts (at 5 years: 44% auto-HCT v 31% RIC allo-HCT; P = .202). In both early and late transplantation cohorts, progression/relapse was lower and nonrelapse mortality was higher in the allo-HCT group. Overall survival and progression-free survival were highest in patients who underwent auto-HCT in first complete response. Multivariate analysis of survival from diagnosis identified a survival benefit favoring early HCT for both auto-HCT and RIC allo-HCT. Conclusion For patients with chemotherapy-sensitive MCL, the optimal timing for HCT is early in the disease course. Outcomes are particularly favorable for patients undergoing auto-HCT in first complete remission. For those unable to achieve complete remission after two lines of chemotherapy or those with relapsed disease, either auto-HCT or RIC allo-HCT may be effective, although the chance for long-term remission and survival is lower. PMID:24344210

  5. Predictive Factor Analysis of Response-Adapted Radiation Therapy for Chemotherapy-Sensitive Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma: Analysis of the Children's Oncology Group AHOD 0031 Trial

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

    Charpentier, Anne-Marie; Friedman, Debra L.; Wolden, Suzanne

    Purpose: To evaluate whether clinical risk factors could further distinguish children with intermediate-risk Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) with rapid early and complete anatomic response (RER/CR) who benefit significantly from involved-field RT (IFRT) from those who do not, and thereby aid refinement of treatment selection. Methods and Materials: Children with intermediate-risk HL treated on the Children's Oncology Group AHOD 0031 trial who achieved RER/CR with 4 cycles of chemotherapy, and who were randomized to 21-Gy IFRT or no additional therapy (n=716) were the subject of this study. Recursive partitioning analysis was used to identify factors associated with clinically and statistically significant improvement inmore » event-free survival (EFS) after randomization to IFRT. Bootstrap sampling was used to evaluate the robustness of the findings. Result: Although most RER/CR patients did not benefit significantly from IFRT, those with a combination of anemia and bulky limited-stage disease (n=190) had significantly better 4-year EFS with the addition of IFRT (89.3% vs 77.9% without IFRT; P=.019); this benefit was consistently reproduced in bootstrap analyses and after adjusting for other prognostic factors. Conclusion: Although most patients achieving RER/CR had favorable outcomes with 4 cycles of chemotherapy alone, those children with initial bulky stage I/II disease and anemia had significantly better EFS with the addition of IFRT as part of combined-modality therapy. Further work evaluating the interaction of clinical and biologic factors and imaging response is needed to further optimize and refine treatment selection.« less

  6. Measuring decision quality: psychometric evaluation of a new instrument for breast cancer chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Lee, Clara N; Wetschler, Matthew H; Chang, Yuchiao; Belkora, Jeffrey K; Moy, Beverly; Partridge, Ann; Sepucha, Karen R

    2014-08-20

    Women diagnosed with early stage (I or II) breast cancer face a highly challenging decision - whether or not to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy. We developed a decision quality instrument for chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer and sought to evaluate its performance. Cross-sectional, mailed survey of recent breast cancer survivors, providers, and healthy controls and a retest survey of survivors. The decision quality instrument includes questions on knowledge and personal goals. It results in a knowledge score and concordance score, which reflects the percentage of patients who received treatments that match their goals. Hypotheses related to acceptability, feasibility, validity, and reliability of the survey instrument were examined. Responses were received from 352 patients, 89 providers and 35 healthy controls. The decision quality instrument was feasible to implement with few missing data. The knowledge scores had good retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) =0.75). Knowledge scores discriminated between providers and patients (mean difference 31.1%, 95% CI 26.9, 35.3) and between patients and healthy controls (mean difference 11.2, 95% CI 5.4, 17.1). Most providers reported that the knowledge items covered essential content. Two of the five goal items had a ceiling effect, and one goal had low content validity. The goal items had moderate retest reliability (ICC's 0.57 to 0.78). In the multivariable model of treatment, none of the patient goals was associated with receipt of chemotherapy. Age and hormone receptor status were the only variables independently associated with chemotherapy. Most patients (77.6%) had treatment concordant with that predicted by the model. Patients who had concordant treatment had similar levels of confidence and regret as those who did not. The Decision Quality Instrument is a reliable and valid measure of patient knowledge about chemotherapy, but its ability to measure concordance with patient goals is

  7. Recent Advances in Chemotherapy and Surgery for Colorectal Liver Metastases

    PubMed Central

    Passot, Guillaume; Soubrane, Olivier; Giuliante, Felice; Zimmitti, Giuseppe; Goéré, Diane; Yamashita, Suguru; Vauthey, Jean-Nicolas

    2016-01-01

    Background The liver is the most common site of metastases for colorectal cancer, and combined resection with systemic chemotherapy is the most effective strategy for survival. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive summary on four hot topics related to chemotherapy and surgery for colorectal liver metastases (CLM), namely: (1) chemotherapy-related liver injuries: prediction and impact, (2) surgery for initially unresectable CLM, (3) the emerging role of RAS mutations, and (4) the role of hepatic arterial infusion of chemotherapy (HAIC). Summary and Key Messages (1) The use of chemotherapy before liver resection for CLM leads to drug-specific hepatic toxicity, which negatively impacts posthepatectomy outcomes. (2) Curative liver resection of initially unresectable CLM following conversion chemotherapy should be attempted whenever possible, provided that a safe future liver remnant volume is achieved. (3) For CLM, RAS mutation status is needed to guide the use of targeted chemotherapy with anti-epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) agents, and is a major prognostic factor that may contribute to optimize surgical strategy. (4) HAIC agents increase the rate of objective response and the rate of complete pathological response. PMID:27995091

  8. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography as an objective substitute for CT morphologic response criteria in patients undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases.

    PubMed

    Nishioka, Yujiro; Yoshioka, Ryuji; Gonoi, Wataru; Sugawara, Toshitaka; Yoshida, Shuntaro; Hashimoto, Masaji; Shindoh, Junichi

    2018-05-01

    The computed tomography (CT) morphologic response of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) after chemotherapy is reportedly correlated with pathologic response and survival outcomes of patients undergoing surgery. However, they are rather subjective criteria and not evaluable without adequate quality of contrast-enhanced CT images. This study sought the potential use of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) as an objective substitute for predicting pathological viability of CLM after chemotherapy. Predictive ability of tumor viability of ≤10% was compared between FDG-PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT in 34 patients who underwent curative surgical resection for CLM after chemotherapy. The CT morphology and response were defined according to the reported criteria (Chun YS, JAMA 2009). The mean standard uptake value (SUV-mean) in CLM was significantly lower in patients with group 1 and group 2 CT morphology (median, 2.53 and 3.00, respectively) than in group 3 (median, 3.32). The tumor SUV-mean showed moderate correlation with the tumor pathologic viability (r = 0.660, P < 0.0001). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that both the tumor SUV-mean (area under the curve [AUC], 0.916; the cut-off value, 3.00) and the CT morphology (AUC, 0.882) have excellent predictive power for ≤10% of tumor viability, while degree of tumor shrinkage showed lower predictive power (AUC, 0.692). FDG-PET shows significant correlation with pathologic viability of CLM after chemotherapy and may offer additional objective information for estimating tumor viability when the CT morphologic response is not evaluable.

  9. Diagnostic validity of CT gastrography versus gastroscopy for primary lesions in gastric cancer: evaluating the response to chemotherapy, a retrospective analysis.

    PubMed

    Takahashi, Sho; Hirayama, Michiaki; Kuroiwa, Ganji; Kawano, Yutaka; Takada, Kohichi; Sato, Tsutomu; Miyanishi, Koji; Sato, Yasushi; Takimoto, Rishu; Kobune, Masayoshi; Kato, Junji

    2013-10-01

    This retrospective study was carried out to compare computed tomographic (CT) gastrography and conventional optical gastroscopy (GS) in order to evaluate the effectiveness of chemotherapy in primary gastric lesions. Patients with unresectable advanced and unresected early gastric cancer who had primary lesions and had received chemotherapy were enrolled. For primary lesions, CT gastrography and endoscopic assessment were done after chemotherapy, based on the Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma (JCGC) criteria, 13th edition, and the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). For metastatic solid lesions including lymph nodes, CT assessment was done based on the RECIST criteria. Data from 23 patients were analyzed. With median follow-up of 9.4 months (range 2-23 months), 58 examinations were assessed by GS and CT gastrography. Setting optical endoscopic results as the gold standard, the accuracy of CT gastrography for primary gastric lesions was 77.6 % (45 of 58) (weighted κ = 0.72; P < 0.01) according to the JCGC 13th edition criteria and 90.0 % (52 of 58) (weighted κ = 0.75; P < 0.01) according to the RECIST. When all results were divided into two groups [the non-progressive disease (non-PD) group and PD group], accuracy was 93.1 % (52 of 58) (κ = 0.81; P < 0.01), sensitivity was 100 %, and specificity was 75.0 % (12 of 16). In addition, the predictability of PD was 100 % (12 of 12). The four cases of failure in specification were the following: a case of gastric remnant cancer, a case with insufficient distension of the stomach, a healed case with stenosis and scarring, and a case in which the wrong position had been selected for the examination. The average period until PD was 9.9 months (range 5-18 months), and the concordance period between GS and CT gastrography was 7.2 months in both non-PD and PD cases. There was good concordance between the evaluations of GS and CT gastrography. CT gastrography exhibited favorable results in accuracy

  10. Chemotherapy alters the increased numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor and regulatory T cells in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

    PubMed

    Salem, Mohamed Labib; El-Shanshory, Mohamed R; Abdou, Said H; Attia, Mohamed S; Sobhy, Shymaa M; Zidan, Mona F; Zidan, Abdel-Aziz A

    2018-04-01

    Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer diagnosed in children. The precise mechanism behind the relapse in this disease is not clearly known. One possible mechanism could be the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and T regulatory cells (T regs ) which we and others have reported to mediate suppression of anti-tumor immune responses. In this study, we aimed to analyze the numbers of these cells in a population of B-ALL pediatric patients. Peripheral blood samples withdrawn from B-ALL pediatric patients (n = 45 before, during and after the induction phase of chemotherapy. Using multi parametric flow cytometric analysis. MDSCs were identified as Lin - HLA-DR - CD33 + CD11b + ; and T reg cells were defined as CD4 + CD25 + CD127 -/low . Early diagnosed B-ALL patients showed significant increases in the numbers of MDSCs and T regs as compared to healthy volunteers. During induction of chemotherapy, however, the patients showed higher and lower numbers of MDSCs and T reg cells, respectively as compared to early diagnosed patients (i.e., before chemotherapy). After induction of chemotherapy, the numbers of MDSCs and T reg cells showed higher increases and decreases, respectively as compared to the numbers in patients during chemotherapy. Our results indicate that B-ALL patients harbor high numbers of both MDSCs and T regs cells. This pilot study opens a new avenue to investigate the mechanism mediating the emergence of these cells on larger number of B-ALL patients at different treatment stages.

  11. Prediction of clinical response to drugs in ovarian cancer using the chemotherapy resistance test (CTR-test).

    PubMed

    Kischkel, Frank Christian; Meyer, Carina; Eich, Julia; Nassir, Mani; Mentze, Monika; Braicu, Ioana; Kopp-Schneider, Annette; Sehouli, Jalid

    2017-10-27

    In order to validate if the test result of the Chemotherapy Resistance Test (CTR-Test) is able to predict the resistances or sensitivities of tumors in ovarian cancer patients to drugs, the CTR-Test result and the corresponding clinical response of individual patients were correlated retrospectively. Results were compared to previous recorded correlations. The CTR-Test was performed on tumor samples from 52 ovarian cancer patients for specific chemotherapeutic drugs. Patients were treated with monotherapies or drug combinations. Resistances were classified as extreme (ER), medium (MR) or slight (SR) resistance in the CTR-Test. Combination treatment resistances were transformed by a scoring system into these classifications. Accurate sensitivity prediction was accomplished in 79% of the cases and accurate prediction of resistance in 100% of the cases in the total data set. The data set of single agent treatment and drug combination treatment were analyzed individually. Single agent treatment lead to an accurate sensitivity in 44% of the cases and the drug combination to 95% accuracy. The detection of resistances was in both cases to 100% correct. ROC curve analysis indicates that the CTR-Test result correlates with the clinical response, at least for the combination chemotherapy. Those values are similar or better than the values from a publication from 1990. Chemotherapy resistance testing in vitro via the CTR-Test is able to accurately detect resistances in ovarian cancer patients. These numbers confirm and even exceed results published in 1990. Better sensitivity detection might be caused by a higher percentage of drug combinations tested in 2012 compared to 1990. Our study confirms the functionality of the CTR-Test to plan an efficient chemotherapeutic treatment for ovarian cancer patients.

  12. [Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on nutritional status of locally advanced gastric cancer].

    PubMed

    Deng, Guopeng; Qu, Jianjun; Zhai, Shengyong; Shi, Yiran; Wang, Xinbo

    2018-03-25

    To study the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on nutritional status in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer. Cases inclusion criteria: (1)18-65 years old; (2) Gastric cancer confirmed by gastroscopic biopsy; (3) Preoperative TNM stage III( according to the AJCC stage 2000 standard; (4) Kamosfsky functional status score> 60 points; (5)Receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy voluntarily and signing the informed consent form. Case exclusion criteria: (1)Having contraindications of chemotherapy and surgery; (2) Suffering from heart, liver and kidney and other underlying diseases; (3) Concurrent with malignant diseases, wasting disease or other digestive diseases. According to the above criteria, clinical data of 73 patients of stage III( gastric cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy at Weifang People's Hospital from May 2015 to March 2017 were prospectively collected. The cohort study was adopted. After removing 3 patients who did not complete the chemotherapy, a total of 70 patients who completed the chemotherapy were included in the study. All the patients received SOX chemotherapy without nutritional support during chemotherapy. Changes of body composition and nutritional indicators were analyzed before and after chemotherapy, and according to the tumor regression after chemotherapy, patients were divided into response group (complete or sub-total tumor regression) and non-response group (tumor part, with or without a small amount of retreat) for stratified analysis. Of 70 gastric cancer patients, 40 were male and 30 were female with a age of (53.8±6.4) (28 to 64) years. There were 26 cases (37.1%) of stage III(a, 35 cases (50.0%) of stage III(b and 9 cases (12.9%) of stage III(c. There were 41 cases in response group and 29 cases in non-response group. Three patients (4.3%) were complete remission (CR) and 38 patients (54.3%) were partial remission (PR) in response group, while 23 cases (32.9%) were stable disease (SD) and 6 cases (8.6%) were progressive

  13. Is adjuvant chemotherapy of benefit for postmenopausal women who receive endocrine treatment for highly endocrine-responsive, node-positive breast cancer? International Breast Cancer Study Group Trials VII and 12-93.

    PubMed

    Pagani, Olivia; Gelber, Shari; Simoncini, Edda; Castiglione-Gertsch, Monica; Price, Karen N; Gelber, Richard D; Holmberg, Stig B; Crivellari, Diana; Collins, John; Lindtner, Jurij; Thürlimann, Beat; Fey, Martin F; Murray, Elizabeth; Forbes, John F; Coates, Alan S; Goldhirsch, Aron

    2009-08-01

    To compare the efficacy of chemoendocrine treatment with that of endocrine treatment (ET) alone for postmenopausal women with highly endocrine responsive breast cancer. In the International Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG) Trials VII and 12-93, postmenopausal women with node-positive, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive or ER-negative, operable breast cancer were randomized to receive either chemotherapy or endocrine therapy or combined chemoendocrine treatment. Results were analyzed overall in the cohort of 893 patients with endocrine-responsive disease, and according to prospectively defined categories of ER, age and nodal status. STEPP analyses assessed chemotherapy effect. The median follow-up was 13 years. Adding chemotherapy reduced the relative risk of a disease-free survival event by 19% (P = 0.02) compared with ET alone. STEPP analyses showed little effect of chemotherapy for tumors with high levels of ER expression (P = 0.07), or for the cohort with one positive node (P = 0.03). Chemotherapy significantly improves disease-free survival for postmenopausal women with endocrine-responsive breast cancer, but the magnitude of the effect is substantially attenuated if ER levels are high.

  14. RNA-based determination of ESR1 and HER2 expression and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Denkert, C; Loibl, S; Kronenwett, R; Budczies, J; von Törne, C; Nekljudova, V; Darb-Esfahani, S; Solbach, C; Sinn, B V; Petry, C; Müller, B M; Hilfrich, J; Altmann, G; Staebler, A; Roth, C; Ataseven, B; Kirchner, T; Dietel, M; Untch, M; von Minckwitz, G

    2013-03-01

    Hormone and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptors are the most important breast cancer biomarkers, and additional objective and quantitative test methods such as messenger RNA (mRNA)-based quantitative analysis are urgently needed. In this study, we investigated the clinical validity of RT-PCR-based evaluation of estrogen receptor (ESR1) and HER2 mRNA expression. A total of 1050 core biopsies from two retrospective (GeparTrio, GeparQuattro) and one prospective (PREDICT) neoadjuvant studies were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR for ESR1 and HER2. ESR1 mRNA was significantly predictive for reduced response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in univariate and multivariate analysis in all three cohorts. The complete pathologically documented response (pathological complete response, pCR) rate for ESR1+/HER2- tumors was 7.3%, 8.0% and 8.6%; for ESR1-/HER2- tumors it was 34.4%, 33.7% and 37.3% in GeparTrio, GeparQuattro and PREDICT, respectively (P < 0.001 in each cohort). In the Kaplan-Meier analysis in GeparTrio patients with ESR1+/HER2- tumors had the best prognosis, compared with ESR1-/HER2- and ESR1-/HER2+ tumors [disease-free survival (DFS): P < 0.0005, overall survival (OS): P < 0.0005]. Our results suggest that mRNA levels of ESR1 and HER2 predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and are significantly associated with long-term outcome. As an additional option to standard immunohistochemistry and gene-array-based analysis, quantitative RT-PCR analysis might be useful for determination of the receptor status in breast cancer.

  15. Comparative Analysis of Resource Utilization and Safety of Outpatient Management Following Intensive AML Induction/Salvage Chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Vaughn, Jennifer E.; Othus, Megan; Powell, Morgan A.; Gardner, Kelda M.; Rizzuto, Donelle L.; Hendrie, Paul C.; Becker, Pamela S.; Pottinger, Paul S.; Estey, Elihu H.; Walter, Roland B.

    2016-01-01

    Importance Adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) typically remain hospitalized after induction or salvage chemotherapy until blood count recovery, with resulting prolonged inpatient stays being a primary driver of healthcare cost. Pilot studies suggest that outpatient management following chemotherapy might be safe and could reduce cost for these patients. Objective To compare safety, resource utilization, infections and cost between adults discharged early following AML induction or salvage chemotherapy and inpatient controls. Design Non-randomized phase 2 study. Setting Single center study conducted at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, WA. Participants Over a 43-month period (January 1, 2011 – July 31, 2014), 178 adults receiving intensive AML chemotherapy were enrolled. After completion of chemotherapy, 107 met pre-designated medical and logistical criteria for early discharge (ED), while 29 met medical criteria only and served as inpatient controls. Interventions for Clinical Trials ED patients were discharged from the hospital at the completion of chemotherapy, and supportive care was provided in the outpatient setting until count recovery (median 21 days, range 2–45 days). Controls received inpatient supportive care (median 16 days, range 3–42 days). Main Outcome Measures 1) differences in early mortality 2) differences in resource utilization (ICU days, transfusions/study-day and IV antibiotics/study-day) 3) numbers of infections and 3) total and inpatient charges/study-day between early discharge patients and controls. Results Four patients discharged early (4%) but no controls died within 30 days of enrollment (p=0.58). Nine patients discharged early (8%) but no controls required intensive care unit-level care (p=0.20). No differences were noted in the average daily number of red blood cell (p=0.55) or platelet (p=0.31) transfusions. Patients discharged early did have more positive blood cultures (p=0.04) but required fewer

  16. Time trends in utilization of G-CSF prophylaxis and risk of febrile neutropenia in a Medicare population receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Goyal, Ravi K; Tzivelekis, Spiros; Rothman, Kenneth J; Candrilli, Sean D; Kaye, James A

    2018-02-01

    The purpose of this study is to assess temporal trends in the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) prophylaxis and risk of febrile neutropenia (FN) among older women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. Women aged ≥ 66 years with diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer who initiated selected adjuvant chemotherapy regimens were identified using the SEER-Medicare data from 2002 to 2012. Adjusted, calendar-year-specific proportions were estimated for use of G-CSF primary prophylaxis (PP) and secondary prophylaxis and FN risk in the first and the second/subsequent cycles during the first course of chemotherapy, using logistic regression models. calendar-year-specific mean probabilities were estimated with covariates set to modal values. Among 11,107 eligible patients (mean age 71.7 years), 74% received G-CSF in the first course of chemotherapy. Of all patients, 5819 (52%) received G-CSF PP, and among those not receiving G-CSF PP, only 5% received G-CSF secondary prophylaxis. The adjusted proportion using G-CSF PP increased from 6% in 2002 to 71% in 2012. During the same period, the adjusted risk of FN in the first cycle increased from 2% to 3%; the adjusted risk increased from 1.5% to 2.9% among those receiving G-CSF PP and from 2.3% to 3.5% among those not receiving G-CSF PP. The use of G-CSF PP increased substantially during the study period. Although channeling of higher-risk patients to treatment with G-CSF PP is expected, the adjusted risk of FN among patients treated with G-CSF PP tended to be lower than among those not receiving G-CSF PP.

  17. Proteasome inhibitor bortezomib enhances the effect of standard chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Taromi, Sanaz; Lewens, Florentine; Arsenic, Ruza; Sedding, Dagmar; Sänger, Jörg; Kunze, Almut; Möbs, Markus; Benecke, Joana; Freitag, Helma; Christen, Friederike; Kaemmerer, Daniel; Lupp, Amelie; Heilmann, Mareike; Lammert, Hedwig; Schneider, Claus-Peter; Richter, Karen; Hummel, Michael; Siegmund, Britta; Burger, Meike; Briest, Franziska; Grabowski, Patricia

    2017-11-14

    Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive cancer showing a very poor prognosis because of metastasis formation at an early stage and acquisition of chemoresistance. One key driver of chemoresistance is the transcription factor Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) that regulates cell cycle proliferation, maintenance of genomic stability, DNA damage response, and cell differentiation in numerous tumor entities. In this study we investigated the role of FOXM1 in SCLC progression and analyzed the effect of FOXM1 inhibition using two proteasome inhibitors, bortezomib and siomycin A. FOXM1 was strongly expressed in patient-derived SCLC samples (n=123) and its nuclear localization was associated with the proliferation marker Ki-67. Both proteasome inhibitors successfully inhibited FOXM1 expression leading to a significantly reduced proliferation and a decreased mitotic rate along with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. These effects were further enhanced by addition of bortezomib to standard chemotherapy. Treatment of mice bearing chemoresistant SCLC xenografts with bortezomib reduced the mean bioluminescence signal of tumors by 54%. Similarly, treatment with cisplatin as a standard chemotherapy reduced the mean bioluminescence signal of tumors by 58%. However, in combination with standard chemotherapy bortezomib further reduced the mean bioluminescence signal by 93% (p=0.0258). In conclusion, we demonstrate the effect of bortezomib in inhibiting FOXM1 expression and thus in sensitizing resistant SCLC cells to standard chemotherapy. Thus, addition of bortezomib to standard chemotherapy might potently improve SCLC therapy, particularly in an extensive cancer stage.

  18. [Early mobilization. Competencies, responsibilities, milestones].

    PubMed

    Nydahl, P; Dewes, M; Dubb, R; Filipovic, S; Hermes, C; Jüttner, F; Kaltwasser, A; Klarmann, S; Klas, K; Mende, H; Rothaug, O; Schuchhardt, D

    2016-03-01

    Early mobilization is an evident, interprofessional concept to improve the outcome of intensive care patients. It reduces psychocognitive deficits and delirium and attenuates a general deconditioning, including atrophy of the respiratory pump and skeletal muscles. In this regard the interdisciplinary approach of early mobilization, taking into account different levels of mobilization, appears to be beneficial. The purpose of this study was to explore opinions on collaboration and tasks between different professional groups. During the 25th Bremen Conference on Intensive Medicine and Nursing on 20 February 2015, a questionnaire survey was carried out among the 120 participants of the German Early Mobilization Network meeting. In all, 102 questionnaires were analyzed. Most participants reported on the interdisciplinarity of the approach, but none of the tasks and responsibilities concerning early mobilization can be assigned to a single professional group. The practical implementation of mobilizing orally intubated patients may require two registered nurses as well as a physical therapist. Implementation in daily practice seems to be heterogeneous. There is no consensus regarding collaboration, competencies, and responsibilities with respect to early mobilization of intensive care patients. The approach to date has been characterized by a lack of interprofessional communication, which may lead to an inefficient use of the broad and varied base of knowledge and experienceof the different professions.

  19. Optimal chemotherapy treatment for women with recurrent ovarian cancer

    PubMed Central

    Fung-Kee-Fung, M.; Oliver, T.; Elit, L.; Oza, A.; Hirte, H.W.; Bryson, P.

    2007-01-01

    Question What is the optimal chemotherapy treatment for women with recurrent ovarian cancer who have previously received platinum-based chemotherapy? Perspectives Currently, standard primary therapy for advanced disease involves a combination of maximal cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy with carboplatin plus paclitaxel or with carboplatin alone. Despite initial high response rates, a large proportion of patients relapse, resulting in a therapeutic challenge. Because these patients are not curable, the goal of therapy becomes improvement in both quality and length of life. The search has therefore been to find active agents for women with recurrent disease following platinum-based chemotherapy. Outcomes Outcomes of interest included any combination of tumour response rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, adverse events, and quality of life. Methodology The medline, embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for primary articles and practice guidelines. The resulting evidence informed the development of clinical practice recommendations. The systematic review and recommendations were approved by the Report Approval Panel of the Program in Evidence-Based Care, and by the Gynecology Cancer Disease Site Group (dsg). The practice guideline was externally reviewed by a sample of practitioners from Ontario, Canada. Results Thirteen randomized trials compared various chemotherapy regimens for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. In five of the thirteen trials in which 100% of patients were considered sensitive to platinum-containing chemotherapy, further platinum-based combination chemotherapy significantly improved response rates (two trials), progression-free survival (four trials), and overall survival (three trials) when compared with single-agent chemotherapy involving carboplatin or paclitaxel. Only two of these randomized trials compared the same chemotherapy regimens: carboplatin alone versus the combination of

  20. Toxicities, safeties and clinical response of dacarbazine-based chemotherapy on neuroendocrine tumors in Taiwan population.

    PubMed

    Chiu, Hwa-Yen; Lin, Liang-Yu; Chou, Wen-Chi; Fang, Wen-Liang; Shyr, Yi-Ming; Yeh, Yi-Chen; Mu-Hsin Chang, Peter; Chen, Ming-Han; Hung, Yi-Ping; Chao, Yee; Chien, Sheng-Hsuan; Chen, Ming-Huang

    2018-05-01

    Currently, the role of dacarbazine (DTIC) based chemotherapy in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in Asia is unclear. Here, we report the outcomes of dacarbazine (DTIC)-based chemotherapy in Taiwan population. DTIC alone (250 mg/m 2 /day), or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, 500 mg/m 2 /day) and DTIC (200 mg/m 2 /day) with or without epirubicin (200 mg/m 2 /day), for 3 days, every 3-4 weeks. Subgroups were analyzed by grading, and by Ki-67 index. 48 patients were reviewed in this study, including 3 had grade 1 tumors, 23 had grade 2, while 22 were grade 3. In grade 3 NEC patients, the tumor Ki-67 index of 21-55% were noted in 8 patients, and >55% in 14 patients. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.1 months, and overall survival (OS) was 31.6 months. The PFS (in months) were 12.5 and 1.8 for patients with NETs and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), respectively (p < 0.001). The OS were not reached and 5.9 months for patients with NETs and NECs, respectively (p = 0.001). Patients with NECs were divided into two groups, according to their Ki-67 index. In patients with a tumor Ki-67 index of 21-55%, PFS was 4.1 months, and OS was not reached; in those with a tumor Ki-67 index of >55%, they were 1.5 and 1.8 months, respectively (p < 0.001 and p = 0.013). NETs, and grade 3 NECs, with Ki-67 indices of 20-55% had good responses to DTIC-based chemotherapy, with acceptable side effects. Ki-67 index could predict prognosis for grade 3 NEC patients, and guide further chemotherapy choices. Copyright © 2017 the Chinese Medical Association. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. All rights reserved.

  1. Multicenter Validation Study of Pathologic Response and Tumor Thickness at the Tumor–Normal Liver Interface as Independent Predictors of Disease-Free Survival after Preoperative Chemotherapy and Surgery for Colorectal Liver Metastases

    PubMed Central

    Brouquet, Antoine; Zimmitti, Giuseppe; Kopetz, Scott; Stift, Judith; Julié, Catherine; Lemaistre, Anne-Isabelle; Agarwal, Atin; Patel, Viren; Benoist, Stephane; Nordlinger, Bernard; Gandini, Alessandro; Rivoire, Michel; Stremitzer, Stefan; Gruenberger, Thomas; Vauthey, Jean-Nicolas; Maru, Dipen M.

    2014-01-01

    Purpose To validate pathologic markers of response to preoperative chemotherapy as predictors of disease-free survival (DFS) after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Patients and Methods One hundred seventy one patients who underwent resection of CLM after preoperative chemotherapy at 4 centers were studied. Pathologic response defined as proportion of tumor cells remaining (categorized complete (0%), major (<50%) or minor (≥50%)) and tumor thickness at tumor–normal liver interface (TNI) (categorized <0.5 mm, 0.5 mm-<5 mm and ≥5 mm)—were assessed by a central pathology reviewer and local pathologists. Results Pathologic response was complete in 8%, major in 49% and minor in 43%. Tumor thickness at the TNI was <0.5 mm in 21%, 0.5 mm-<5 mm in 56% and ≥5 mm in 23%.In multivariate analyses, using either pathologic response or tumor thickness at TNI, pathologic response (P=.002,.009), tumor thickness at TNI (P=0.015, <.001), duration of preoperative chemotherapy(P=.028,.043), number of CLM (P=.038,.037) and margin (P=.011,.016) were associated with DFS. In a multivariate analysis using both parameters, tumor thickness at TNI (P=.004,.015), duration of preoperative chemotherapy(P=.025), number of nodules(P=.027) and margin(P=.014) were associated with DFS. Tumor size by pathology examination was the predictor of pathologic response. Predictors of tumor thickness at the TNI were tumor size and chemotherapy regimen. There was near perfect agreement for pathologic response (κ=.82) and substantial agreement (κ=.76) for tumor thickness between central reviewer and local pathologists. Conclusion Pathologic response and tumor thickness at the TNI are valid predictors of DFS after preoperative chemotherapy and surgery for CLM. PMID:23868456

  2. Multicenter validation study of pathologic response and tumor thickness at the tumor-normal liver interface as independent predictors of disease-free survival after preoperative chemotherapy and surgery for colorectal liver metastases.

    PubMed

    Brouquet, Antoine; Zimmitti, Giuseppe; Kopetz, Scott; Stift, Judith; Julié, Catherine; Lemaistre, Anne-Isabelle; Agarwal, Atin; Patel, Viren; Benoist, Stephane; Nordlinger, Bernard; Gandini, Alessandro; Rivoire, Michel; Stremitzer, Stefan; Gruenberger, Thomas; Vauthey, Jean-Nicolas; Maru, Dipen M

    2013-08-01

    To validate pathologic markers of response to preoperative chemotherapy as predictors of disease-free survival (DFS) after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM). One hundred seventy-one patients who underwent resection of CLM after preoperative chemotherapy at 4 centers were studied. Pathologic response-defined as the proportion of tumor cells remaining (complete, 0%; major, <50%; minor, ≥50%) and tumor thickness at the tumor-normal liver interface (TNI) (<0.5 mm, 0.5 to <5 mm, ≥5 mm)-was assessed by a central pathology reviewer and local pathologists. Pathologic response was complete in 8% of patients, major in 49% of patients, and minor in 43% of patients. Tumor thickness at the TNI was <0.5 mm in 21% of patients, 0.5 to <5 mm in 56% of patients, and ≥5 mm in 23% of patients. On multivariate analyses, using either pathologic response or tumor thickness at TNI, pathologic response (P = .002, .009), tumor thickness at TNI (P = 0.015, <.001), duration of preoperative chemotherapy (P = .028, .043), number of CLM (P = .038, . 037), and margin (P = .011, .016) were associated with DFS. In a multivariate analysis using both parameters, tumor thickness at TNI (P = .004, .015), duration of preoperative chemotherapy (P = .025), number of nodules (P = .027), and margin (P = .014) were associated with DFS. Tumor size by pathology examination was the predictor of pathologic response. Predictors of tumor thickness at the TNI were tumor size and chemotherapy regimen. There was near perfect agreement for pathologic response (κ = .82) and substantial agreement (κ = .76) for tumor thickness between the central reviewer and local pathologists. Pathologic response and tumor thickness at the TNI are valid predictors of DFS after preoperative chemotherapy and surgery for CLM. Copyright © 2013 American Cancer Society.

  3. MRI Predictive Factors for Tumor Response in Rectal Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy - Implications for Induction Chemotherapy?

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

    Yu, Stanley K.T.; Tait, Diana; Chau, Ian

    2013-11-01

    Purpose: Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics at baseline and following chemoradiation therapy (CRT) most strongly associated with histopathologic response were investigated and survival outcomes evaluated in accordance with imaging and pathological response. Methods and Materials: Responders were defined as mrT3c/d-4 downstaged to ypT0-2 on pathology or low at risk mrT2 downstaged to ypT1 or T0. Multivariate logistic regression of baseline and posttreatment MRI: T, N, extramural venous invasion (EMVI), circumferential resection margin, craniocaudal length <5 cm, and MRI tumor height ≤5 cm were used to identify independent predictor(s) for response. An association between induction chemotherapy and EMVI statusmore » was analyzed. Survival outcomes for pathologic and MRI responders and nonresponders were analyzed. Results: Two hundred eighty-one patients were eligible; 114 (41%) patients were pathology responders. Baseline MRI negative EMVI (odds ratio 2.94, P=.007), tumor height ≤5 cm (OR 1.96, P=.02), and mrEMVI status change (positive to negative) following CRT (OR 3.09, P<.001) were the only predictors for response. There was a strong association detected between induction chemotherapy and ymrEMVI status change after CRT (OR 9.0, P<.003). ymrT0-2 gave a positive predictive value of 80% and OR of 9.1 for ypT0-2. ymrN stage accuracy of ypN stage was 75%. Three-year disease-free survival for pathology and MRI responders were similar at 80% and 79% and significantly better than poor responders. Conclusions: Tumor height and mrEMVI status are more important than baseline size and stage of the tumor as predictors of response to CRT. Both MRI- and pathologic-defined responders have significantly improved survival. “Good response” to CRT in locally advanced rectal cancer with ypT0-2 carries significantly better 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival. Use of induction chemotherapy for improving mrEMVI status and knowledge of

  4. Circulating tumor cells in patients with breast cancer: monitoring chemotherapy success.

    PubMed

    Ušiaková, Zuzana; Mikulová, Veronika; Pintérová, Daniela; Brychta, Milan; Valchář, Josef; Kubecová, Martina; Tesařová, Petra; Bobek, Vladimír; Kološtová, Katarína

    2014-01-01

    Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are an independent prognostic factor for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However, the role of CTCs in early breast cancer management is not yet clearly defined. The aim of this study was to assess the CTC-positivity rate in patients undergoing chemotherapy depending on breast cancer stage in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant setting. We evaluated the ability to confirm therapy response by CTC analysis. CTCs isolated from blood by means of immunomagnetic separation were further characterized by means of reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM), mucin 1 (MUC1) and v-erb-b2 avian erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2 (HER2) transcripts with the AdnaTest™. This prospective study included 179 patients; altogether 419 blood samples were evaluated. Patients with primary tumors were divided into neoadjuvant (n=38), and adjuvant (n=100) groups. Forty-one patients with MBC were evaluated under palliative treatment. CTC positivity was described in 35% of patients with early breast cancer without detected metastases before neoadjuvant chemotherapy; similarly, a 26% positivity rate was found in the adjuvant group. In patients with MBC, we detected CTCs in 43% of them. After completing the therapy, the CTC positivity rate decreased to 5% in the neoadjuvant group, to 13% in the adjuvant group and to 12% in the MBC group. CTC positivity after the therapy may classify a subgroup of patients at high risk of developing metastatic disease. This was even true when a patient was evaluated as being CTC-negative before chemotherapy. The multivariate analysis evaluating the correlation of CTC positivity with clinicopathological characteristics such as tumor size, nodal involvement, hormone receptor status, HER2 expression and number of metastatic sites revealed no statistically significant relationships. CTC status may have a significant impact on early BC management

  5. Relationship Between the DPD and TS mRNA Expression and the Response to S-1-Based Chemotherapy and Prognosis in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer.

    PubMed

    Shen, Xiao-Ming; Zhou, Chong; Lian, Lian; Li, Li-Qun; Li, Wei; Tao, Min

    2015-04-01

    The aim was to determine changes in dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and thymidylate synthase (TS) mRNAs in the blood of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients to see whether these enzymes affected the patients' response to S-1-based chemotherapy and prognosis. For this purpose, pretreatment DPD/TS mRNA expressions were determined in 40 AGC patients using RT-PCR. The patients were then administered with S-1-based regimen (S-1 + cisplatin) and toxicities were recorded. The relationship between the DPD/TS mRNA expressions and the chemotherapy response, drug resistance, and prognosis was analyzed. The data show that DPD mRNA expression correlated significantly with Lauren type while TS mRNA expression correlated with distant metastasis. Patients with higher DPD and/or TS mRNA expression(s) showed poor response, while those with low DPD mRNA expression showed better response to the chemotherapy. Pooled analysis showed that the patients with low DPD/TS mRNA expressions had better therapeutic response. The incidence of bone marrow suppression, diarrhea, and oral mucositis was high in patients with low DPD mRNA expression. Median overall survival (OS) in 40 patients was 13.5 months. It was 17 months for low and 10 months for high DPD (P = 0.044) and TS mRNA expression (P = 0.047). Pooled analysis showed that the patients with both low DPD/TS mRNA expressions had longer OS (P = 0.001). In conclusion, the detection of DPD and/or TS mRNA expression can be used to predict the response to S-1-based chemotherapy, drug resistance, and prognosis in AGC patients as well as to help guide the individualized treatment of gastric cancer.

  6. Study on predictive role of AR and EGFR family genes with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer in Indian women.

    PubMed

    Singh, L C; Chakraborty, Anurupa; Mishra, Ashwani K; Devi, Thoudam Regina; Sugandhi, Nidhi; Chintamani, Chintamani; Bhatnagar, Dinesh; Kapur, Sujala; Saxena, Sunita

    2012-06-01

    Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) remains a clinical challenge as the majority of patients with this diagnosis develop distant metastases despite appropriate therapy. We analyzed expression of steroid and growth hormone receptor genes as well as gene associated with metabolism of chemotherapeutic drugs in locally advanced breast cancer before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) to study whether there is a change in gene expression induced by chemotherapy and whether such changes are associated with tumor response or non-response. Fifty patients were included with locally advanced breast cancer treated with cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, 5-fluorouracil (CAF)-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery. Total RNA was extracted from 50 match samples of pre- and post-NACT tumor tissues. RNA expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor family genes including EGFR, ERBB2, ERBB3, androgen receptor (AR), and multidrug-resistance gene 1 (MDR1) were determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Responders show significantly high levels of pre-NACT AR gene expression (P = 0.016), which reduces following NACT (P = 0.008), and hence can serve as a useful tool for the prediction of the success of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in individual cancer patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma. Moreover, a significant post-therapeutic increase in the expression levels of EGFR and MDR1 gene in responders (P = 0.026 and P < 0.001) as well as in non-responders (P = 0.055, P = 0.001) suggests that expression of these genes changes during therapy but they do not have any impact on tumor response, whereas a post-therapeutic reduction was observed in AR in responders. This indicates an independent predictive role of AR with response to NACT.

  7. [Home chemotherapy].

    PubMed

    Ichihara, Toshiaki

    2010-12-01

    We report the case of a male gastric cancer patient who had undergone outpatient chemotherapy with TAXOTAL+TS-1 for adrenal and lung metastases.The disease was in progress.Next, we performed home chemotherapy with TAXOL.However, this chemotherapy also was not effective either.Therefore, the patient was started on Campto with the premedication including NaseaOD, GasterD and Decadron.The 17-course was performed in the period of 12 months.However, his condition did not improve.He experienced delirium and was hospitalized and the chemotherapy was discontinued.Later, his disease was advanced further and he died.Because of our close relationship with the general hospital, this patient had undergone home chemotherapy as long as 13 months, so that if a seamless cooperation was insured, chemotherapy could have been more safely and effectively performed at the patient's home.This study suggests that home chemotherapy is an important treatment modality.

  8. Clinical and economic outcomes associated with adjuvant chemotherapy in elderly patients with early stage operable breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Sail, Kavita R; Franzini, Luisa; Lairson, David R; Du, Xianglin L

    2012-01-01

    Breast cancer poses a huge medical burden to the U.S. health-care system, and chemotherapy is an important contributor to cancer costs. This article examines the differences between breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy and those who did not in costs and survival by age, treatment, and axillary node status. We studied a cohort of 23,110 node-positive and 31,572 node-negative women aged 65 years and older diagnosed with incident American Joint Committee on Cancer stage I, II, or IIIA breast cancer between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 2002, using Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare data. Total treatment costs and costs associated with the use of chemotherapy were estimated by using the phase-of-care approach. The phase-specific costs were combined to estimate total Medicare payments for cancer care from diagnosis to death. Cox proportional hazard ratio of mortality was used to determine the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy after adjusting for selected patient and tumor characteristics. We used propensity scores to minimize the bias associated with the receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy. Regression-adjusted difference in the average lifetime cost estimates for all node-positive patients receiving chemotherapy was approximately $2438 and was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than for patients not receiving chemotherapy. Mortality was significantly lower in node-positive and node-negative women aged 65 to 74 years receiving chemotherapy. Decision makers can use cost and effectiveness estimates from this study to assess the relative value of chemotherapy in different age groups. Copyright © 2012 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Iodine-131-MIBG imaging to monitor chemotherapy response in advanced neuroblastoma: comparison with laboratory analysis.

    PubMed

    Maurea, S; Lastoria, S; Caracò, C; Indolfi, P; Casale, F; di Tullio, M T; Salvatore, M

    1994-09-01

    The rationale of this study was the evaluation of response to chemotherapy in children with advanced neuroblastoma using currently available diagnostic modalities. Iodine-131-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging and 24-hr urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) measurement were evaluated in 14 patients (7 males, 7 females, age range: 2-68 mo) with advanced neuroblastoma both pre- and postchemotherapy (5.6 +/- 2.8 mo) as well as serum ferritin (FER) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels in 9 and 8 patients, respectively. MIBG images were qualitatively compared in each patient. Prechemotherapy, a total of 39 abnormal foci of MIBG uptake was detected. Postchemotherapy, 15 of these showed unchanged MIBG uptake, 7 had decreased uptake and 17 showed no uptake. In addition, four new abnormal foci of uptake were found. Postchemotherapy, a significant reduction of abnormal MIBG uptake (p < 0.01) was observed using a lesion-by-lesion analysis. When biochemical and MIBG postchemotherapy changes were compared, a significant relationship was found only between MIBG and VMA results (r = 0.84, p < 0.01). In postchemotherapy follow-up of children with advanced neuroblastoma, laboratory evaluation using VMA, FER and NSE measurements reflect only the global functional status of the disease, and are not helpful in defining the response of individual tumor lesions to treatment. Conversely, qualitative analysis using MIBG imaging may allow lesion-by-lesion evaluation of the heterogeneity of neuroblastoma response to chemotherapy. In this setting, changes in MIBG uptake are mirrored by the changes in catecholamine production, as measured by VMA levels.

  10. Pretreatment 14-3-3 epsilon level is predictive for advanced extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma therapeutic response to asparaginase-based chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Yajuan; Zhou, Zhiyuan; Li, Zhaoming; Lu, Lisha; Li, Ling; Li, Xin; Wang, Xinhua; Zhang, Mingzhi

    2017-03-01

    The aim of the present study was to identify the potential relevant biomarkers to predict the therapeutic response of advanced extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma(ENKTL) treated with asparaginase-based treatment. Proteomic technology is used to identify differentially expressed proteins between chemotherapy-resistant and chemotherapy-sensitive patients. Then enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is used to validate the predictive value of selective biomarkers. A total of 61 upregulated and 22 downregulated proteins are identified in chemotherapy-resistant patients compared with chemotherapy-sensitive patients. Furthermore, they validated that pretreatment high level 14-3-3 epsilon(ε)(≥61.95 ng/mL, 84.0 and 95.2% for sensitivity and specificity, respectively) is associated with poor 2-year overall survival (OS) (5.3 vs 68.8%, p<0.0001) and PFS (4.5 vs 76.9%, p<0.0001). In multivariate survival analysis, pretreatment high level 14-3-3 epsilon significantly is correlated with both inferior OS (p = 0.033) and PFS (p = 0.005). These findings indicate that pretreatment high level 14-3-3 epsilon is an independent predictor of chemotherapy-resistance and poor prognosis for patients with advanced ENKTL in the era of asparaginase. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Impaired B cell immunity in acute myeloid leukemia patients after chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Goswami, Meghali; Prince, Gabrielle; Biancotto, Angelique; Moir, Susan; Kardava, Lela; Santich, Brian H; Cheung, Foo; Kotliarov, Yuri; Chen, Jinguo; Shi, Rongye; Zhou, Huizhi; Golding, Hana; Manischewitz, Jody; King, Lisa; Kunz, Lauren M; Noonan, Kimberly; Borrello, Ivan M; Smith, B Douglas; Hourigan, Christopher S

    2017-07-10

    Changes in adaptive immune cells after chemotherapy in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may have implications for the success of immunotherapy. This study was designed to determine the functional capacity of the immune system in adult patients with AML who have completed chemotherapy and are potential candidates for immunotherapy. We used the response to seasonal influenza vaccination as a surrogate for the robustness of the immune system in 10 AML patients in a complete remission post-chemotherapy and performed genetic, phenotypic, and functional characterization of adaptive immune cell subsets. Only 2 patients generated protective titers in response to vaccination, and a majority of patients had abnormal frequencies of transitional and memory B-cells. B-cell receptor sequencing showed a B-cell repertoire with little evidence of somatic hypermutation in most patients. Conversely, frequencies of T-cell populations were similar to those seen in healthy controls, and cytotoxic T-cells demonstrated antigen-specific activity after vaccination. Effector T-cells had increased PD-1 expression in AML patients least removed from chemotherapy. Our results suggest that while some aspects of cellular immunity recover quickly, humoral immunity is incompletely reconstituted in the year following intensive cytotoxic chemotherapy for AML. The observed B-cell abnormalities may explain the poor response to vaccination often seen in AML patients after chemotherapy. Furthermore, the uncoupled recovery of B-cell and T-cell immunity and increased PD-1 expression shortly after chemotherapy might have implications for the success of several modalities of immunotherapy.

  12. FPA-FTIR Microspectroscopy for Monitoring Chemotherapy Efficacy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zawlik, Izabela; Kaznowska, Ewa; Cebulski, Jozef; Kolodziej, Magdalena; Depciuch, Joanna; Vongsvivut, Jitraporn; Cholewa, Marian

    2016-11-01

    Triple-negative breast cancer is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Approximately 70% of triple-negative breast cancer patients fail to achieve a pathologic complete response (pCR) after chemotherapy due to the lack of targeted therapies for this subtype. We report here the development of a focal-plane-array Fourier transform infrared (FPA-FTIR) microspectroscopic technique combined with principal component analysis (PCA) for monitoring chemotherapy effects in triple-negative breast cancer patients. The PCA results obtained using the FPA-FTIR spectral data collected from the same patients before and after the chemotherapy revealed discriminatory features that were consistent with the pathologic and clinical responses to chemotherapy, indicating the potential of the technique as a monitoring tool for observing chemotherapy efficacy.

  13. Morphological response contributes to patient selection for rescue liver resection in chemotherapy patients with initially un-resectable colorectal liver metastasis.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Koichi; Muto, Yuta; Ichida, Kosuke; Fukui, Taro; Takayama, Yuji; Kakizawa, Nao; Kato, Takaharu; Hasegawa, Fumi; Watanabe, Fumiaki; Kaneda, Yuji; Kikukawa, Rina; Saito, Masaaki; Tsujinaka, Shingo; Futsuhara, Kazushige; Takata, Osamu; Noda, Hiroshi; Miyakura, Yasuyuki; Kiyozaki, Hirokazu; Konishi, Fumio; Rikiyama, Toshiki

    2017-08-01

    Morphological response is considered an improved surrogate to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) model with regard to predicting the prognosis for patients with colorectal liver metastases. However, its use as a decision-making tool for surgical intervention has not been examined. The present study assessed the morphological response in 50 patients who underwent chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab for initially un-resectable colorectal liver metastases. Changes in tumor morphology between heterogeneous with uncertain borders and homogeneous with clear borders were defined as an optimal response (OR). Patients were also assessed as having an incomplete response (IR), and an absence of marked changes was assessed as no response (NR). No significant difference was observed in progression-free survival (PFS) between complete response/partial response (CR/PR) and stable disease/progressive disease (SD/PD), according to RECIST. By contrast, PFS for OR/IR patients was significantly improved compared with that for NR patients (13.2 vs. 8.7 months; P=0.0426). Exclusion of PD enhanced the difference in PFS between OR/IR and NR patients (15.1 vs. 9.3 months; P<0.0001), whereas no difference was observed between CR/PR and SD. The rate of OR and IR in patients treated with bevacizumab was 47.4% (9/19), but only 19.4% (6/31) for patients that were not administered bevacizumab. Comparison of the survival curves between OR/IR and NR patients revealed similar survival rates at 6 months after chemotherapy, but the groups exhibited different survival rates subsequent to this period of time. Patients showing OR/IR within 6 months appeared to be oncologically stable and could be considered as candidates for surgical intervention, including rescue liver resection. Comparing the pathological and morphological features of the tumor with representative optimal response, living tumor cells were revealed to be distributed within the area of vascular reconstruction

  14. Aurora kinase B inhibition reduces the proliferation of metastatic melanoma cells and enhances the response to chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Porcelli, Letizia; Guida, Gabriella; Quatrale, Anna E; Cocco, Tiziana; Sidella, Letizia; Maida, Immacolata; Iacobazzi, Rosa M; Ferretta, Anna; Stolfa, Diana A; Strippoli, Sabino; Guida, Stefania; Tommasi, Stefania; Guida, Michele; Azzariti, Amalia

    2015-01-27

    The poor response to chemotherapy and the brief response to vemurafenib in metastatic melanoma patients, make the identification of new therapeutic approaches an urgent need. Interestingly the increased expression and activity of the Aurora kinase B during melanoma progression suggests it as a promising therapeutic target. The efficacy of the Aurora B kinase inhibitor barasertib-HQPA was evaluated in BRAF mutated cells, sensitive and made resistant to vemurafenib after chronic exposure to the drug, and in BRAF wild type cells. The drug effectiveness has been evaluated as cell growth inhibition, cell cycle progression and cell migration. In addition, cellular effectors of drug resistance and response were investigated. The characterization of the effectors responsible for the resistance to vemurafenib evidenced the increased expression of MITF or the activation of Erk1/2 and p-38 kinases in the newly established cell lines with a phenotype resistant to vemurafenib. The sensitivity of cells to barasertib-HQPA was irrespective of BRAF mutational status. Barasertib-HQPA induced the mitotic catastrophe, ultimately causing apoptosis and necrosis of cells, inhibited cell migration and strongly affected the glycolytic metabolism of cells inducing the release of lactate. In association i) with vemurafenib the gain in effectiveness was found only in BRAF(V600K) cells while ii) with nab-paclitaxel, the combination was more effective than each drug alone in all cells. These findings suggest barasertib as a new therapeutic agent and as enhancer of chemotherapy in metastatic melanoma treatment.

  15. Early FDG PET response assessment of preoperative radiochemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer: correlation with long-term outcome.

    PubMed

    Avallone, Antonio; Aloj, Luigi; Caracò, Corradina; Delrio, Paolo; Pecori, Biagio; Tatangelo, Fabiana; Scott, Nigel; Casaretti, Rossana; Di Gennaro, Francesca; Montano, Massimo; Silvestro, Lucrezia; Budillon, Alfredo; Lastoria, Secondo

    2012-12-01

    The aim of the present study is to prospectively evaluate the prognostic value of previously defined [(18)F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) criteria of early metabolic response in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) after long-term follow-up. Forty-two patients with poor prognosis LARC underwent three biweekly courses of chemotherapy with oxaliplatin, raltitrexed and 5-fluorouracil modulated by levofolinic acid during pelvic radiotherapy. FDG PET studies were performed before and 12 days after the beginning of the chemoradiotherapy (CRT) treatment. Total mesorectal excision (TME) was carried out 8 weeks after completion of CRT. A previously identified cutoff value of ≥52 % reduction of the baseline mean FDG standardized uptake value (SUV(mean)) was applied to differentiate metabolic responders from non-responders and correlated to tumour regression grade (TRG) and survival. Twenty-two metabolic responders showed complete (TRG1) or subtotal tumour regression (TRG2) and demonstrated a statistically significantly higher 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) compared with the 20 non-responders (86 vs 55 %, p = .014) who showed TRG3 and TRG4 pathologic responses. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that early ∆SUV(mean) was the only pre-surgical parameter correlated to the likelihood of recurrence (p = .05). This study is the first prospective long-term evaluation demonstrating that FDG PET is not only an early predictor of pathologic response but is also a valuable prognostic tool. Our results indicate the potential of FDG PET for optimizing multidisciplinary management of patients with LARC.

  16. Immunohistochemical expression of CD-10, BCL-6 and MUM-1 antibodies and immediate clinical response in patients of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas after six cycles of chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Hassan, Usman; Ishtiaq, Sheeba; Hussain, Mudassar

    2014-10-01

    To determine the expression of CD-10, BCL-6 and MUM-1 in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and its association with immediate clinical response after six cycles of CHOP chemotherapy. Analytical study. Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi in collaboration with Nuclear medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI), Islamabad from September 2010 to September 2011. CD-10, BCL-6 and MUM-1 antibodies were applied on cases diagnosed as DLBCL. Immediate clinical response was noted after 6 cycles of chemotherapy with the help of oncologist and divided into complete response, partial response, stable disease and relapse/ progression. Patient's age, results of expression of CD-10, BCL-6 and MUM-1 and results of immediate clinical response to chemotherapy were noted. Regarding analysis of prognostic markers (CD-10, BCL-6 and MUM-1), chi-square test was used for immediate clinical response to chemotherapy in DLBCL. CD-10 was positive in 40% cases, BCL-6 in 58.7% cases and MUM-1 was positive in 46.7% cases. About 41.3% of patients showed complete response, 10.6% partial response, 17.3% stable disease and 30.8% showed relapse/progression. CD-10 expression in DLBCL was associated with better immediate clinical response (p=0.011) whereas MUM-1 expression in DLBCL was associated with poor immediate clinical response (p<0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant association of BCL-6 with immediate clinical response (p=0.22). DLBCL shows expression of CD-10, BCL-6 and MUM-1 in nearly fifty percent of the cases. CD-10 is associated with good whereas MUM is associated with poor response. However, there was no association of BCL-6 with immediate clinical response.

  17. Microvascular fractal dimension predicts prognosis and response to chemotherapy in glioblastoma: an automatic image analysis study.

    PubMed

    Chen, Cong; He, Zhi-Cheng; Shi, Yu; Zhou, Wenchao; Zhang, Xia; Xiao, Hua-Liang; Wu, Hai-Bo; Yao, Xiao-Hong; Luo, Wan-Chun; Cui, You-Hong; Bao, Shideng; Kung, Hsiang-Fu; Bian, Xiu-Wu; Ping, Yi-Fang

    2018-05-15

    The microvascular profile has been included in the WHO glioma grading criteria. Nevertheless, microvessels in gliomas of the same WHO grade, e.g., WHO IV glioblastoma (GBM), exhibit heterogeneous and polymorphic morphology, whose possible clinical significance remains to be determined. In this study, we employed a fractal geometry-derived parameter, microvascular fractal dimension (mvFD), to quantify microvessel complexity and developed a home-made macro in Image J software to automatically determine mvFD from the microvessel-stained immunohistochemical images of GBM. We found that mvFD effectively quantified the morphological complexity of GBM microvasculature. Furthermore, high mvFD favored the survival of GBM patients as an independent prognostic indicator and predicted a better response to chemotherapy of GBM patients. When investigating the underlying relations between mvFD and tumor growth by deploying Ki67/mvFD as an index for microvasculature-normalized tumor proliferation, we discovered an inverse correlation between mvFD and Ki67/mvFD. Furthermore, mvFD inversely correlated with the expressions of a glycolytic marker, LDHA, which indicated poor prognosis of GBM patients. Conclusively, we developed an automatic approach for mvFD measurement, and demonstrated that mvFD could predict the prognosis and response to chemotherapy of GBM patients.

  18. Implementing oral chemotherapy services in community pharmacies: a qualitative study of chemotherapy nurses' and pharmacists' views.

    PubMed

    Butt, Farida; Ream, Emma

    2016-05-01

    Changes in health-care provision have led to cancer patients being offered oral chemotherapy in the community. Three levels of oral chemotherapy services have been proposed (levels 1, 2 and 3) with community pharmacies playing differing roles within them. This study aims to explore health-care professionals' views on oral chemotherapy services being delivered by community pharmacies and to gain insights into the barriers, facilitators and training/knowledge needs of community pharmacists with respect to providing them. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of three chemotherapy nurses, five oncology pharmacists and five community pharmacists. Data were analysed thematically using Framework Analysis. Findings for level 1 and 2 services included uncertainty on community pharmacists' professional responsibilities, the expertise of GPs in prescribing oral chemotherapy and the training and competency of community pharmacists. The lack of patient information, care and support provision was emphasised for all the models. Although level 1 was achievable in current practice, level 2 was considered the safest option, while level 3 was ideal but risky option. For all levels, training and education for community pharmacists and inter-professional issues were facilitators to oral chemotherapy services. The service environment, dispensing process-related constraints (access to blood test results and protocols) were significant barriers for levels 2 and 3. Advanced communication skills, patient education and counselling were identified as key areas for education and training for community pharmacists. The study suggests there are significant concerns and challenges associated with community pharmacies implementing any of the proposed levels of oral chemotherapy services. Educational and training opportunities for community pharmacists and the careful development of safe infrastructures will be essential in the future planning and

  19. Patterns of response and relapse in primary CNS lymphomas after first-line chemotherapy: imaging analysis of the ANOCEF-GOELAMS prospective randomized trial

    PubMed Central

    Tabouret, Emeline; Houillier, Caroline; Martin-Duverneuil, Nadine; Blonski, Marie; Soussain, Carole; Ghesquières, Herve; Houot, Roch; Larrieu, Delphine; Soubeyran, Pierre; Gressin, Remy; Gyan, Emmanuel; Chinot, Olivier; Taillandier, Luc; Choquet, Sylvain; Alentorn, Agusti; Leclercq, Delphine; Omuro, Antonio; Tanguy, Marie-Laure

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Background. Our aim was to review MRI characteristics of patients with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) enrolled in a randomized phase II trial and to evaluate their potential prognostic value and patterns of relapse, including T2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI abnormalities. Methods. Neuroimaging findings in 85 patients with PCNSL enrolled in a prospective trial were reviewed blinded to outcomes. MRI characteristics and responses according to International PCNSL Collaborative Group (IPCG) criteria were correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results. Multivariate analysis showed that objective response at 2 months (P < .001) and at end of treatment (P = .015) were predictors of prolonged OS. Infratentorial location (P = .008) and large (>11.4 cm3) enhancing tumor volume (P = .006) were associated with poor OS and PFS, respectively. Ratio of change in product of largest diameters at early MRI evaluation but not timing of complete response achievement (early vs delayed) was prognostic for OS. Sixty-nine patients relapsed. Relapse in the brain (n = 52) involved an initial enhancing site, a different site, or both in 46%, 40%, and 14% of patients, respectively. At baseline, non-enhancing T2-FLAIR hypersignal lesions distant from the enhancing tumor site were detected in 18 patients. These lesions markedly decreased (>50%) in 16 patients after chemotherapy, supporting their neoplastic nature. Of these patients, 10/18 relapsed, half (n = 5) in the initially non-enhancing T2-FLAIR lesions. Conclusions. Baseline tumor size and infratentorial localization are of prognostic value in PCNSL. Our findings provide evidence that non-enhancing FLAIR abnormalities may add to overall tumor burden, suggesting that response criteria should be refined to incorporate evaluation of T2-weighted/FLAIR sequences. PMID:27994065

  20. Paradox of Prescribing Late Chemotherapy: Oncologists Explain.

    PubMed

    Bluhm, Minnie; Connell, Cathleen M; De Vries, Raymond G; Janz, Nancy K; Bickel, Kathleen E; Silveira, Maria J

    2016-12-01

    The value of chemotherapy for patients with cancer in the last weeks of life warrants examination. Late chemotherapy may not improve survival or quality of life but typically precludes hospice enrollment and may result in additional symptoms, increased use of other aggressive treatments, and worsening quality of life. Few studies have explored oncologists' rationales for administering chemotherapy near death. This study examines the self-reported factors that influence oncologists' decisions about late chemotherapy. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 17 oncologists through a semistructured interview guide. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using conventional content analysis, a qualitative method that allows the detection and analysis of patterns in the data. Clinical factors take priority in determining late chemotherapy decisions when clear treatment choices exist. When clinical factors are ambiguous, emotion becomes a highly salient influence. Oncologists view late chemotherapy to be patient driven and use it to palliate emotional distress and maintain patient hope even when physical benefit is unexpected. Oncologists experience unique and difficult challenges when caring for dying patients, including emotionally draining communication, overwhelming responsibility for life/death, limitations of oncology to heal, and prognostic uncertainty. These challenges are also eased by offering late chemotherapy. The findings reveal a nuanced understanding of why oncologists find it difficult to refuse chemotherapy treatment for patients near death. Optimal end-of-life treatment decisions require supportive interventions and system change, both of which must take into account the challenges oncologists face.

  1. Targeting acid sphingomyelinase with anti-angiogenic chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Jacobi, Jeanna; García-Barros, Mónica; Rao, Shyam; Rotolo, Jimmy A; Thompson, Chris; Mizrachi, Aviram; Feldman, Regina; Manova, Katia; Bielawska, Alicja; Bielawska, Jacek; Fuks, Zvi; Kolesnick, Richard; Haimovitz-Friedman, Adriana

    2017-01-01

    Despite great promise, combining anti-angiogenic and conventional anti-cancer drugs has produced limited therapeutic benefit in clinical trials, presumably because mechanisms of anti-angiogenic tissue response remain only partially understood. Here we define a new paradigm, in which anti-angiogenic drugs can be used to chemosensitize tumors by targeting the endothelial acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) signal transduction pathway. We demonstrate that paclitaxel and etoposide, but not cisplatin, confer ASMase-mediated endothelial injury within minutes. This rapid reaction is required for human HCT-116 colon cancer xenograft complete response and growth delay. Whereas VEGF inhibits ASMase, anti-VEGFR2 antibodies de-repress ASMase, enhancing endothelial apoptosis and drug-induced tumor response in asmase +/+ , but not in asmase -/- , hosts. Such chemosensitization occurs only if the anti-angiogenic drug is delivered 1-2h before chemotherapy, but at no other time prior to or post chemotherapy. Our studies suggest that precisely-timed administration of anti-angiogenic drugs in combination with ASMase-targeting anti-cancer drugs is likely to optimize anti-tumor effects of systemic chemotherapy. This strategy warrants evaluation in future clinical trials. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Therapy of primary CNS lymphoma with methotrexate-based chemotherapy and deferred radiotherapy: preliminary results.

    PubMed

    Cher, L; Glass, J; Harsh, G R; Hochberg, F H

    1996-06-01

    Disease-free survival in primary CNS lymphoma has improved with the advent of methotrexate-based pre-irradiation chemotherapy. Prolonged response durations have been noted in six of eight patients refusing radiation therapy in two of our prior series. We have treated an additional 11 patients with methotrexate-based chemotherapy without subsequent planned irradiation. Some received maintenance chemotherapy. Most have had durable responses with little or no toxicity. Prolonged responses can be maintained without radiation therapy, thus avoiding potential long-term radiation toxicity.

  3. Chemotherapy Resistance Mechanisms in Advanced Skin Cancer.

    PubMed

    Kalal, Bhuvanesh Sukhlal; Upadhya, Dinesh; Pai, Vinitha Ramanath

    2017-03-03

    Melanoma is a most dangerous and deadly type of skin cancer, and considered intrinsically resistant to both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It has become a major public health concern as the incidence of melanoma has been rising steadily over recent decades with a 5-year survival remaining less than 5%. Detection of the disease in early stage may be curable, but late stage metastatic disease that has spread to other organs has an extremely poor prognosis with a median survival of less than 10 months. Since metastatic melanoma is unresponsive to therapy that is currently available, research is now focused on different treatment strategies such as combinations of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The molecular basis of resistance to chemotherapy seen in melanoma is multifactorial; defective drug transport system, altered apoptotic pathway, deregulation of apoptosis and/or changes in enzymatic systems that mediate cellular metabolic machinery. Understanding of alterations in molecular processes involved in drug resistance may help in developing new therapeutic approaches to treatment of malignant melanoma.

  4. Proteasome inhibitor bortezomib enhances the effect of standard chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer

    PubMed Central

    Taromi, Sanaz; Lewens, Florentine; Arsenic, Ruza; Sedding, Dagmar; Sänger, Jörg; Kunze, Almut; Möbs, Markus; Benecke, Joana; Freitag, Helma; Christen, Friederike; Kaemmerer, Daniel; Lupp, Amelie; Heilmann, Mareike; Lammert, Hedwig; Schneider, Claus-Peter; Richter, Karen; Hummel, Michael; Siegmund, Britta; Burger, Meike; Briest, Franziska; Grabowski, Patricia

    2017-01-01

    Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive cancer showing a very poor prognosis because of metastasis formation at an early stage and acquisition of chemoresistance. One key driver of chemoresistance is the transcription factor Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) that regulates cell cycle proliferation, maintenance of genomic stability, DNA damage response, and cell differentiation in numerous tumor entities. In this study we investigated the role of FOXM1 in SCLC progression and analyzed the effect of FOXM1 inhibition using two proteasome inhibitors, bortezomib and siomycin A. FOXM1 was strongly expressed in patient-derived SCLC samples (n=123) and its nuclear localization was associated with the proliferation marker Ki-67. Both proteasome inhibitors successfully inhibited FOXM1 expression leading to a significantly reduced proliferation and a decreased mitotic rate along with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. These effects were further enhanced by addition of bortezomib to standard chemotherapy. Treatment of mice bearing chemoresistant SCLC xenografts with bortezomib reduced the mean bioluminescence signal of tumors by 54%. Similarly, treatment with cisplatin as a standard chemotherapy reduced the mean bioluminescence signal of tumors by 58%. However, in combination with standard chemotherapy bortezomib further reduced the mean bioluminescence signal by 93% (p=0.0258). In conclusion, we demonstrate the effect of bortezomib in inhibiting FOXM1 expression and thus in sensitizing resistant SCLC cells to standard chemotherapy. Thus, addition of bortezomib to standard chemotherapy might potently improve SCLC therapy, particularly in an extensive cancer stage. PMID:29228593

  5. Sequential docetaxel as adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer (TACT): an open-label, phase III, randomised controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Ellis, Paul; Barrett-Lee, Peter; Johnson, Lindsay; Cameron, David; Wardley, Andrew; O'Reilly, Susan; Verrill, Mark; Smith, Ian; Yarnold, John; Coleman, Robert; Earl, Helena; Canney, Peter; Twelves, Chris; Poole, Christopher; Bloomfield, David; Hopwood, Penelope; Johnston, Stephen; Dowsett, Mitchell; Bartlett, John M S; Ellis, Ian; Peckitt, Clare; Hall, Emma; Bliss, Judith M

    2009-05-16

    Incorporation of a taxane as adjuvant treatment for early breast cancer offers potential for further improvement of anthracycline-based treatment. The UK TACT study (CRUK01/001) investigated whether sequential docetaxel after anthracycline chemotherapy would improve patient outcome compared with standard chemotherapy of similar duration. In this multicentre, open-label, phase III, randomised controlled trial, 4162 women (aged >18 years) with node-positive or high-risk node-negative operable early breast cancer were randomly assigned by computer-generated permuted block randomisation to receive FEC (fluorouracil 600 mg/m(2), epirubicin 60 mg/m(2), cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m(2) at 3-weekly intervals) for four cycles followed by docetaxel (100 mg/m(2) at 3-weekly intervals) for four cycles (n=2073) or control (n=2089). For the control regimen, centres chose either FEC for eight cycles (n=1265) or epirubicin (100 mg/m(2) at 3-weekly intervals) for four cycles followed by CMF (cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m(2), methotrexate 40 mg/m(2), and fluorouracil 600 mg/m(2) at 4-weekly intervals) for four cycles (n=824). The primary endpoint was disease-free survival. Analysis was by intention to treat (ITT). This study is registered as an International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial, number ISRCTN79718493. All randomised patients were included in the ITT population. With a median follow-up of 62 months, disease-free survival events were seen in 517 of 2073 patients in the experimental group compared with 539 of 2089 controls (hazard ratio [HR] 0.95, 95% CI 0.85-1.08; p=0.44). 75.6% (95% CI 73.7-77.5) of patients in the experimental group and 74.3% (72.3-76.2) of controls were alive and disease-free at 5 years. The proportion of patients who reported any acute grade 3 or 4 adverse event was significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.0001); the most frequent events were neutropenia (937 events vs 797 events), leucopenia (507 vs 362), and

  6. Association between CHEK2 H371Y mutation and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yin; Xu, Ye; Ouyang, Tao; Li, Jinfeng; Wang, Tianfeng; Fan, Zhaoqing; Fan, Tie; Lin, Benyao; Xie, Yuntao

    2015-03-28

    Our previous study suggested that the recurrent CHEK2 H371Y mutation is a novel pathogenic mutation that confers an increased risk of breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether breast cancer patients with CHEK2 H371Y mutation were more likely to respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We screened a cohort of 2334 Chinese women with operable primary breast cancer who received a neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen for CHEK2 H371Y germline mutations. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was defined as the absence of tumor cells in the breast after the completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Thirty-nine patients (1.7%) with CHEK2 H371Y germline mutation were identified in this cohort of 2334 patients. CHEK2 H371Y mutation carriers had a significantly higher pCR rate than non-carriers (33.3% versus 19.5%, P = 0.031) in the entire study population, and CHEK2 H371Y mutation-positive status remained an independent favorable predictor of pCR in a multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34- 6.78, P = 0.008). CHEK2 H371Y carriers had a slightly worse distant recurrence-free survival than non-carriers (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] =1.24, 95% CI: 0.59-2.63). CHEK2 H371Y mutation carriers are more likely to respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy than are non-carriers.

  7. Prognostic value of tumor suppressors in osteosarcoma before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Robl, Bernhard; Pauli, Chantal; Botter, Sander Martijn; Bode-Lesniewska, Beata; Fuchs, Bruno

    2015-05-09

    Primary bone cancers are among the deadliest cancer types in adolescents, with osteosarcomas being the most prevalent form. Osteosarcomas are commonly treated with multi-drug neoadjuvant chemotherapy and therapy success as well as patient survival is affected by the presence of tumor suppressors. In order to assess the prognostic value of tumor-suppressive biomarkers, primary osteosarcoma tissues were analyzed prior to and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We constructed a tissue microarray from high grade osteosarcoma samples, consisting of 48 chemotherapy naïve biopsies (BXs) and 47 tumor resections (RXs) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We performed immunohistochemical stainings of P53, P16, maspin, PTEN, BMI1 and Ki67, characterized the subcellular localization and related staining outcome with chemotherapy response and overall survival. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze chemotherapy response and Kaplan-Meier-analysis as well as the Cox proportional hazards model was applied for analysis of patient survival. No significant associations between biomarker expression in BXs and patient survival or chemotherapy response were detected. In univariate analysis, positive immunohistochemistry of P53 (P = 0.008) and P16 (P16; P = 0.033) in RXs was significantly associated with poor survival prognosis. In addition, presence of P16 in RXs was associated with poor survival in multivariate regression analysis (P = 0.003; HR = 0.067) while absence of P16 was associated with good chemotherapy response (P = 0.004; OR = 74.076). Presence of PTEN on tumor RXs was significantly associated with an improved survival prognosis (P = 0.022). Positive immunohistochemistry (IHC) of P16 and P53 in RXs was indicative for poor overall patient survival whereas positive IHC of PTEN was prognostic for good overall patient survival. In addition, we found that P16 might be a marker of osteosarcoma chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, our study supports the use of tumor RXs to

  8. Abiraterone acetate for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer progressing after chemotherapy: final analysis of a multicentre, open-label, early-access protocol trial.

    PubMed

    Sternberg, Cora N; Castellano, Daniel; Daugaard, Gedske; Géczi, Lajos; Hotte, Sebastien J; Mainwaring, Paul N; Saad, Fred; Souza, Ciro; Tay, Miah H; Garrido, José M Tello; Galli, Luca; Londhe, Anil; De Porre, Peter; Goon, Betty; Lee, Emma; McGowan, Tracy; Naini, Vahid; Todd, Mary B; Molina, Arturo; George, Daniel J

    2014-10-01

    In the final analysis of the phase 3 COU-AA-301 study, abiraterone acetate plus prednisone significantly prolonged overall survival compared with prednisone alone in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer progressing after chemotherapy. Here, we present the final analysis of an early-access protocol trial that was initiated after completion of COU-AA-301 to enable worldwide preapproval access to abiraterone acetate in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer progressing after chemotherapy. We did a multicentre, open-label, early-access protocol trial in 23 countries. We enrolled patients who had metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer progressing after taxane chemotherapy. Participants received oral doses of abiraterone acetate (1000 mg daily) and prednisone (5 mg twice a day) in 28-day cycles until disease progression, development of sustained side-effects, or abiraterone acetate becoming available in the respective country. The primary outcome was the number of adverse events arising during study treatment and within 30 days of discontinuation. Efficacy measures (time to prostate-specific antigen [PSA] progression and time to clinical progression) were gathered to guide treatment decisions. We included in our analysis all patients who received at least one dose of abiraterone acetate. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01217697. Between Nov 17, 2010, and Sept 30, 2013, 2314 patients were enrolled into the early-access protocol trial. Median follow-up was 5·7 months (IQR 3·5-10·6). 952 (41%) patients had a grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse event, and grade 3 or 4 serious adverse events were recorded in 585 (25%) people. The most common grade 3 and 4 adverse events were hepatotoxicity (188 [8%]), hypertension (99 [4%]), cardiac disorders (52 [2%]), osteoporosis (31 [1%]), hypokalaemia (28 [1%]), and fluid retention or oedema (23 [1%]). 172 (7%) patients discontinued the study

  9. Adjuvant chemotherapy in 780 patients with early breast cancer: 10-year data from Saudi Arabia.

    PubMed

    Ibrahim, Ezzeldin M; Ezzat, Adnan A; Rahal, Mohammed M; Raja, Madras M; Ajarim, Dahish S

    2005-01-01

    By and large, data about adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer in the Middle East are lacking. Retrospective analysis of prospectively captured data from a main referral center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) may shed some light on the clinicopathological features and survival of patients offered adjuvant chemotherapy in a similar population in that part of the world. Data on patients with invasive breast cancer (Stages I to IIIA) seen between 1992 and the end of 2001 and who received adjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed. A total of 780 patients were considered eligible and constitute the basis of this report. The median age +/- SD of the 780 patients was 42 +/- 9.6 yr. The majority of patients were younger than 50 yr (78%) and premenopausal (83%). Ten percent, 69%, and 21% of patients had Stage I, II, and IIIA, respectively. Patients expressed relatively high prevalence of adverse clinicopathological characteristics. Most patients (523 patients, 67%) received anthracyclines-containing adjuvant chemotherapy, 610 patients (78%) received adjuvant radiotherapy, and 296 (38%) received adjuvant tamoxifen. At a median follow-up of 42 mo (95% CI, 38.1-62.8 mo), the median overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were not reached; however, the 5-yr actuarial survival was estimated as 74% and 59%, respectively. Cox proportional regression hazard model identified positive axillary nodal status, and positive vascular invasion are the only variables that influenced OS adversely. The model also distinguished the same variables plus negative estrogen receptor status as covariates with negative effect on DFS. In conclusion, this series of 780 predominantly young patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy highlighted the disease patterns and survival outcome in the KSA. The current series is significant being one of the few reports about adjuvant chemotherapy experience in a developing country and certainly the first from that part of the world.

  10. [Association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms and haplotype with toxicity response of high dose methotrexate chemotherapy].

    PubMed

    Liao, Qing-Chuan; Li, Xiao-Lei; Liu, Si-Ting; Zhang, Yong; Li, Tian-Yuan; Qiu, Jin-Chun

    2012-07-01

    To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and its haplotypes of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene with high dose methotrexate (HDMTX)-induced toxicity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). HDMTX-treated children with ALL (1.2 to 14-years old) were selected from inpatient and followed for a retrospective study. The toxicity response of HDMTX chemotherapy was evaluated using WHO common toxicity criteria. Sixty-one patients with therapy-related toxicity and 36 patients without therapy-related toxicity were genotyped for 2 SNP (677C > T and 1298A > C) of the MTHFR gene by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Frequency of haplotypes and linkage disequilibrium of MTHFR gene were analyzed by SHEsis program. The distribution of MTHFR gene 677C > T polymorphism did not appeare different between groups with or without toxicity response (χ(2) = 4.609, P = 0.100), but the 1298A > C polymorphism was significantly different (χ(2) = 10.192, P = 0.006). Individuals who carried C allele (AC + CC genotype) had a decreased risk of toxicity response compared to AA genotype (OR = 0.245, 95%CI: 0.099 - 0.607, P = 0.002). 677C > T and 1298A > C polymorphisms showed strong linkage disequilibrium (D' = 0.895). The CC haplotype was significantly associated with decreased risk of toxicity response (OR = 0.338, 95%CI: 0.155 - 0.738, P = 0.005), while the TA haplotype was significantly associated with the increased risk of toxicity response (OR = 1.907, 95%CI: 1.045 - 3.482, P = 0.035). MTHFR gene 1298C allele and CC haplotype might serve as protective factors while TA haplotype as a risk factor for the susceptibility to toxicity response of HDMTX chemotherapy in children with ALL.

  11. From conventionally fractionated radiation therapy to hyperfractionated radiation therapy alone and with concurrent chemotherapy in patients with early-stage nonsmall cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Jeremić, Branislav; Milicić, Biljana

    2008-02-15

    The authors' single-institution experience in patients with early-stage (I and II) nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were treated between 1980 and 1998 with either conventionally fractionated (CF) radiation therapy (RT), or hyperfractionated (HFX) RT, or HFX RT with concurrent paclitaxel/carboplatin (HFX RT-Pac/C) was reviewed. Seventy-eight patients received 60 grays (Gy) in 30 daily fractions (CF), 116 patients received 69.6 Gy (1.2 Gy twice daily), and 56 patients received 67.6 Gy (1.3 Gy twice daily) with concurrent, low-dose, daily C (25 mg/m2) and Pac (10 mg/m2). Biologically equivalent doses for the 3 groups were 72 Gy, 78 Gy, and 76 Gy, respectively, for acute effects (alpha/beta = 10 Gy) and 120 Gy, 111 Gy, and 111 Gy, respectively, for late effects (alpha/beta = 2 Gy). For all 250 patients, the overall median survival was 27 months, the cause-specific survival was 27 months, the local progression-free survival was 32 months, and distant metastasis-free survival was not achieved; and the respective 5-year survival rates were 27%, 32%, 45%, and 68%. CF achieved significantly inferior survival than either HFX RT alone or HFX RT-Pac/C (P = .0332 and P = .0013, respectively), and no difference was observed between the 2 HFX RT regimens (P = .1934). Only acute hematologic high-grade toxicity (grade >or=3) was more frequent with HFX RT-Pac/C than with either RT alone, whereas other toxicities were similar between the 3 treatment groups. HFX RT with or without concurrent chemotherapy may be better than CF in patients with early-stage NSCLC. The role of chemotherapy deserves further investigation, because the group that received chemotherapy in the current study had a higher incidence of acute high-grade hematologic toxicity. Cancer 2008. (c) 2008 American Cancer Society.

  12. Addition of zoledronic acid to neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not enhance tumor response in patients with HER2-negative stage II/III breast cancer: the NEOZOTAC trial (BOOG 2010-01).

    PubMed

    Charehbili, A; van de Ven, S; Smit, V T H B M; Meershoek-Klein Kranenbarg, E; Hamdy, N A T; Putter, H; Heijns, J B; van Warmerdam, L J C; Kessels, L; Dercksen, M; Pepels, M J; Maartense, E; van Laarhoven, H W M; Vriens, B; Wasser, M N; van Leeuwen-Stok, A E; Liefers, G J; van de Velde, C J H; Nortier, J W R; Kroep, J R

    2014-05-01

    The role of zoledronic acid (ZA) when added to the neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer (BC) in enhancing the clinical and pathological response of tumors is unclear. The effect of ZA on the antitumor effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy has not prospectively been studied before. NEOZOTAC is a national, multicenter, randomized study comparing the efficacy of TAC (docetaxel, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide i.v.) followed by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on day 2 with or without ZA 4 mg i.v. q 3 weeks inpatients withstage II/III, HER2-negative BC. We present data on the pathological complete response (pCR in breast and axilla), on clinical response using MRI, and toxicity. Post hoc subgroup analyses were undertaken to address the predictive value of menopausal status. Addition of ZA to chemotherapy did not improve pCR rates (13.2% for TAC+ZA versus 13.3% for TAC). Postmenopausal women (N = 96) had a numerical benefit from ZA treatment (pCR 14.0% for TAC+ZA versus 8.7% for TAC, P = 0.42). Clinical objective response did not differ between treatment arms (72.9% versus 73.7%). There was no difference in grade III/IV toxicity between treatment arms. Addition of ZA to neoadjuvant chemotherapy did not improve pathological or clinical response to chemotherapy. Further investigations are warranted in postmenopausal women with BC, since this subgroup might benefit from ZA treatment.

  13. [A case of tuberculous liver abscess developed during chemotherapy for tuberculous peritonitis as paradoxical response].

    PubMed

    Kim, Tae Kyung; Choi, Cheol Woong; Ha, Jong Kun; Jang, Hyung Ha; Park, Su Bum; Kim, Hyung Wook; Kang, Dae Hwan

    2013-07-01

    Tuberculous liver abscesses are rare. Paradoxical response in tuberculosis is common and occurred between 2 weeks and 12 weeks after anti-tuberculous medication. We report here a case of tuberculous liver abscess that developed in a paradoxical response during chemotherapy for tuberculous peritonitis in a 23-year-old male. He was hospitalized, complaining of ascites, epigastric pain. He was diagnosed tuberculous peritonitis by expiratory laparoscopic biopsy and took medication for tuberculosis. After 2 months, a hepatic lesion was detected with CT scan incidentally. Chronic granulomatous inflammation was seen in ultrasound-guided liver biopsy, and tuberculous liver abscess was diagnosed. It was considered as paradoxical response, rather than treatment failure or other else because clinical symptoms of peritoneal tuberculosis and CT scan improved. After continuing initial anti-tuberculous medication, he was successfully treated. Herein, we report a case of tuberculous liver abscess as paradoxical response while treating peritoneal tuberculosis without changing anti-tuberculous treatment regimen.

  14. Repeated cycles of 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy impaired anti-tumor functions of cytotoxic T cells in a CT26 tumor-bearing mouse model.

    PubMed

    Wu, Yanhong; Deng, Zhenling; Wang, Huiru; Ma, Wenbo; Zhou, Chunxia; Zhang, Shuren

    2016-09-20

    Recently, the immunostimulatory roles of chemotherapeutics have been increasingly revealed, although bone marrow suppression is still a common toxicity of chemotherapy. While the numbers and ratios of different immune subpopulations are analyzed after chemotherapy, changes to immune status after each cycle of treatment are less studied and remain unclear. To determine the tumor-specific immune status and functions after different cycles of chemotherapy, we treated CT26 tumor-bearing mice with one to four cycles of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Overall survival was not improved when more than one cycle of 5-FU was administered. Here we present data concerning the immune statuses after one and three cycles of chemotherapy. We analyzed the amount of spleen cells from mice treated with one and three cycles of 5-FU as well as assayed their proliferation and cytotoxicity against the CT26 tumor cell line. We found that the absolute numbers of CD8 T-cells and NK cells were not influenced significantly after either one or three cycles of chemotherapy. However, after three cycles of 5-FU, proliferated CD8 T-cells were decreased, and CT26-specific cytotoxicity and IFN-γ secretion of spleen cells were impaired in vitro. After one cycle of 5-FU, there was a greater percentage of tumor infiltrating CD8 T-cells. In addition, more proliferated CD8 T-cells, enhanced tumor-specific cytotoxicity as well as IFN-γ secretion of spleen cells against CT26 in vitro were observed. Given the increased expression of immunosuppressive factors, such as PD-L1 and TGF-β, we assessed the effect of early introduction of immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy. We found that mice treated with cytokine induced killer cells and PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies after one cycle of 5-FU had a better anti-tumor performance than those treated with chemotherapy or immunotherapy alone. These data suggest that a single cycle of 5-FU treatment promoted an anti-tumor immune response, whereas repeated chemotherapy

  15. Prognostic significance of the null genotype of glutathione S-transferase-T1 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: increased early death after chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Naoe, T; Tagawa, Y; Kiyoi, H; Kodera, Y; Miyawaki, S; Asou, N; Kuriyama, K; Kusumoto, S; Shimazaki, C; Saito, K; Akiyama, H; Motoji, T; Nishimura, M; Shinagawa, K; Ueda, R; Saito, H; Ohno, R

    2002-02-01

    We investigated the prognostic significance of genetic polymorphism in glutathione-S transferase mu 1 (GSTM1), glutathione-S transferase theta 1 (GSTT1), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), the products of which are associated with drug metabolism as well as with detoxication, in 193 patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) other than M3. Of the patients, 64.2% were either homozygous or heterozygous for GSTT1 (GSTT1(+)), while 35.8% showed homozygous deletions of GSTT1 (GSTT1(-)). The GSTT1(-) group had a worse prognosis than the GSTT1(+) group (P = 0.04), whereas other genotypes did not affect the outcome. Multivariate analysis revealed that GSTT1(-) was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (relative risk: 1.53; P = 0.026) but not for disease-free survival of 140 patients who achieved complete remission (CR). The rate of early death after the initiation of chemotherapy was higher in the GSTT1(-) group than the GSTT1(+) group (within 45 days after initial chemotherapy, P = 0.073; within 120 days, P = 0.028), whereas CR rates and relapse frequencies were similar. The null genotype of GSTT1 might be associated with increased toxicity after chemotherapy.

  16. Proteomics as a Guide for Personalized Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Early Breast Cancer.

    PubMed

    Lumachi, Franco; Chiara, Giordano B; Foltran, Luisa; Basso, Stefano M M

    2015-01-01

    Proteomics allows for better understanding of the function and regulation of cancer cells mediated by intra- and extracellular signaling networks. Integrating such information with clinicopathological characteristics of the tumor may lead to either detection of disease biomarkers useful to differentiate high-from low-risk patients, or to identification of new drug targets. Adjuvant chemotherapy is currently a personalized treatment strategy, especially for breast cancer (BC) patients, and the risk assessment of each patient influences its use because the benefit strictly correlates with the level of risk. Luminal A BCs are endocrine therapy (ET)-sensitive but exhibit low sensitivity to chemotherapy, while luminal B cancers, according to the Ki-67 proliferation rate may require for chemotherapy in addition to ET, and HER2-positive tumors derive benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy containing an anthracycline, a taxane and trastuzumab for one year. Triple-negative BCs have a high degree of genomic instability exhibiting a more aggressive clinical course with respect to other types of BC, and the anthracycline-taxane regimen constitutes the standard approach. Studies considering the use of targeted approaches (drugs), including poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, or EFGR and HER2 blockers, are still under evaluation. In the genomic era, promising new targeted-therapies are worthy of further investigation, and mTOR inhibitors have been used for patients with high-risk ER-positive and HER2-negative tumors. In the near future, genetic and molecular profiling of BC will help to better-categorize patients, determine the choice of chemotherapy in low-risk, or intensify the treatment in high-risk cancer patients, eventually revealing new targeted agents. Copyright© 2015, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

  17. A prospective cohort study of the effects of adjuvant breast cancer chemotherapy on taste function, food liking, appetite and associated nutritional outcomes.

    PubMed

    Boltong, Anna; Aranda, Sanchia; Keast, Russell; Wynne, Rochelle; Francis, Prudence A; Chirgwin, Jacqueline; Gough, Karla

    2014-01-01

    'Taste' changes are commonly reported during chemotherapy. It is unclear to what extent this relates to actual changes in taste function or to changes in appetite and food liking and how these changes affect dietary intake and nutritional status. This prospective, repeated measures cohort study recruited participants from three oncology clinics. Women (n = 52) prescribed adjuvant chemotherapy underwent standardised testing of taste perception, appetite and food liking at six time points to measure change from baseline. Associations between taste and hedonic changes and nutritional outcomes were examined. Taste function was significantly reduced early in chemotherapy cycles (p<0.05) but showed recovery by late in the cycle. Ability to correctly identify salty, sour and umami tastants was reduced. Liking of sweet food decreased early and mid-cycle (p<0.01) but not late cycle. Liking of savory food was not significantly affected. Appetite decreased early in the cycle (p<0.001). Reduced taste function was associated with lowest kilojoule intake (r = 0.31; p = 0.008) as was appetite loss with reduced kilojoule (r = 0.34; p = 0.002) and protein intake (r = 0.36; p = 0.001) early in the third chemotherapy cycle. Decreased appetite early in the third and final chemotherapy cycles was associated with a decline in BMI (p = <0.0005) over the study period. Resolution of taste function, food liking and appetite was observed 8 weeks after chemotherapy completion. There was no association between taste change and dry mouth, oral mucositis or nausea. The results reveal, for the first time, the cyclical yet transient effects of adjuvant chemotherapy on taste function and the link between taste and hedonic changes, dietary intake and nutritional outcomes. The results should be used to inform reliable pre-chemotherapy education.

  18. Alteration of topoisomerase II-alpha gene in human breast cancer: association with responsiveness to anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Press, Michael F; Sauter, Guido; Buyse, Marc; Bernstein, Leslie; Guzman, Roberta; Santiago, Angela; Villalobos, Ivonne E; Eiermann, Wolfgang; Pienkowski, Tadeusz; Martin, Miguel; Robert, Nicholas; Crown, John; Bee, Valerie; Taupin, Henry; Flom, Kerry J; Tabah-Fisch, Isabelle; Pauletti, Giovanni; Lindsay, Mary-Ann; Riva, Alessandro; Slamon, Dennis J

    2011-03-01

    Approximately 35% of HER2-amplified breast cancers have coamplification of the topoisomerase II-alpha (TOP2A) gene encoding an enzyme that is a major target of anthracyclines. This study was designed to evaluate whether TOP2A gene alterations may predict incremental responsiveness to anthracyclines in some breast cancers. A total of 4,943 breast cancers were analyzed for alterations in TOP2A and HER2. Primary tumor tissues from patients with metastatic breast cancer treated in a trial of chemotherapy plus/minus trastuzumab were studied for amplification/deletion of TOP2A and HER2 as a test set followed by evaluation of malignancies from two separate, large trials for changes in these same genes as a validation set. Association between these alterations and clinical outcomes was determined. Test set cases containing HER2 amplification treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) plus trastuzumab, demonstrated longer progression-free survival compared to those treated with AC alone (P = .0002). However, patients treated with AC alone whose tumors contain HER2/TOP2A coamplification experienced a similar improvement in survival (P = .004). Conversely, for patients treated with paclitaxel, HER2/TOP2A coamplification was not associated with improved outcomes. These observations were confirmed in a larger validation set, where HER2/TOP2A coamplification was again associated with longer survival when only anthracycline-containing chemotherapy was used for treatment compared with outcome in HER2-positive cancers lacking TOP2A coamplification. In a study involving nearly 5,000 breast malignancies, both test set and validation set demonstrate that TOP2A coamplification, not HER2 amplification, is the clinically useful predictive marker of an incremental response to anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Absence of HER2/TOP2A coamplification may indicate a more restricted efficacy advantage for breast cancers than previously thought.

  19. Possible influence of infrasound on glioma cell response to chemotherapy: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Yount, Garret; Taft, Ryan; West, Jeremy; Moore, Dan

    2004-04-01

    To assess the response of cultured human tumor cells to infrasound in combination with conventional anticancer agents using an infrasound-emitting apparatus marketed as a therapeutic device. Two pilot experiments measured proliferation of cultured brain tumor cells exposed to three treatment conditions: infrasound emission alone, infrasound in combination with the chemotherapy 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and infrasound in combination with ionizing radiation. Results from each experimental condition were compared to those from appropriate control conditions. A standard colony-forming efficiency assay was used to assess tumor cell proliferation. Tumor cell proliferation was not significantly altered by treatment with infrasound alone, nor did infrasound appear to influence cellular response to x-rays. There was a significant interaction between 5-FU and infrasound (P < 0.0001), however, evident in decreased colony formation. Further research is warranted to assess potential synergism between infrasound and 5-FU against tumor cell proliferation, and to investigate the possible therapeutic use of infrasound.

  20. Lauren subtypes of advanced gastric cancer influence survival and response to chemotherapy: real-world data from the AGAMENON National Cancer Registry.

    PubMed

    Jiménez Fonseca, Paula; Carmona-Bayonas, Alberto; Hernández, Raquel; Custodio, Ana; Cano, Juana Maria; Lacalle, Alejandra; Echavarria, Isabel; Macias, Ismael; Mangas, Monserrat; Visa, Laura; Buxo, Elvira; Álvarez Manceñido, Felipe; Viudez, Antonio; Pericay, Carles; Azkarate, Aitor; Ramchandani, Avinash; López, Carlos; Martinez de Castro, Eva; Fernández Montes, Ana; Longo, Federico; Sánchez Bayona, Rodrigo; Limón, Maria Luisa; Diaz-Serrano, Asun; Martin Carnicero, Alfonso; Arias, David; Cerdà, Paula; Rivera, Fernando; Vieitez, Jose Maria; Sánchez Cánovas, Manuel; Garrido, M; Gallego, J

    2017-09-05

    The choice of chemotherapy in HER2-negative gastric cancer is based on centre's preferences and adverse effects profile. No schedule is currently accepted as standard, nor are there any factors to predict response, other than HER2 status. We seek to evaluate whether Lauren type influences the efficacy of various chemotherapies and on patient overall survival (OS). We have conducted a multicenter study in 31 hospitals. The eligibility criteria include diagnosis of stomach or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, HER2 negativity, and chemotherapy containing 2-3 drugs. Cox proportional hazards regression adjusted for confounding factors, with tests of 'treatment-by-histology' interaction, was used to estimate treatment effect. Our registry contains 1303 tumours analysable for OS end points and 730 evaluable for overall response rate (ORR). A decrease in ORR was detected in the presence of a diffuse component: odds ratio 0.719 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.525-0.987), P=0.039. Anthracycline- or docetaxel-containing schedules increased ORR only in the intestinal type. The diffuse type displayed increased mortality with hazard ratio (HR) of 1.201 (95% CI, 1.054-1.368), P=0.0056. Patients receiving chemotherapy with docetaxel exhibited increased OS limited to the intestinal type: HR 0.65 (95% CI, 0.49-0.87), P=0.024, with no increment in OS for the subset having a diffuse component. With respect to progression-free survival (PFS), a significant interaction was seen in the effect of docetaxel-containing schedules, with better PFS limited to the intestinal type subgroup, in the comparison against any other schedule: HR 0.65 (95% CI, 0.50-0.85), P=0.015, and against anthracycline-based regimens: HR 0.64 (95% CI, 0.46-0.88), P=0.046. As a conclusion, in this registry, Lauren classification tumour subtypes predicted survival and responded differently to chemotherapy. Future clinical trials should stratify effect estimations based on histology.

  1. Chemotherapy and plasma adipokines level in patients with colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Słomian, Grzegorz; Świętochowska, Elżbieta; Nowak, Grzegorz; Pawlas, Krystyna; Żelazko, Aleksandra; Nowak, Przemysław

    2017-04-12

    Adipokines are molecules produced and secreted by adipose tissue and are linked to multiple malignancies. Adipokines can suppress or promote particular cell behaviors in different types of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of chemotherapy on select adipokines in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Blood samples were collected from 42 patients with pathologically documented advanced CRC, who required palliative chemotherapy. Leptin, adiponectin, resistin and visfatin levels were measured by ELISA before and 3 months after the administration of chemotherapy. Among the 42 patients evaluated, 18 achieved a partial response (PR), 16 achieved stable disease (SD) and 8 patients experienced disease progression (PD). We found that 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy regimens significantly increased plasma levels of leptin and adiponectin and decreased plasma levels of resistin and visfatin in PR and SD patients, whereas the plasma levels of these molecules were not affected in PD patients. Furthermore, the mean plasma levels of leptin were significantly lower, and the mean plasma levels of resistin and visfatin were significantly greater in patients with PD compared with PR and SD both before and after chemotherapy treatment. We conclude that palliative chemotherapy in CRC patients, in addition to providing clinical benefits, positively affects cytokine production and secretion in PR and SD patients. Specifically, we found that palliative chemotherapy increased plasma levels of the anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin and decreased the plasma levels of visfatin and resistin, molecules known to promote angiogenesis and cancer cell proliferation in PR and SD patients. Moreover, the baseline values of leptin, visfatin and resistin might serve as prognostic indicators of a poor response to chemotherapy.

  2. 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.

  3. Response to preoperative chemotherapy predicts survival in patients undergoing hepatectomy for liver metastases from gastric and esophageal cancer.

    PubMed

    Andreou, Andreas; Viganò, Luca; Zimmitti, Giuseppe; Seehofer, Daniel; Dreyer, Martin; Pascher, Andreas; Bahra, Marcus; Schoening, Wenzel; Schmitz, Volker; Thuss-Patience, Peter C; Denecke, Timm; Puhl, Gero; Vauthey, Jean-Nicolas; Neuhaus, Peter; Capussotti, Lorenzo; Pratschke, Johann; Schmidt, Sven-Christian

    2014-11-01

    The role of hepatectomy for patients with liver metastases from gastric and esophageal cancer (GELM) is not well defined. The present study examined the morbidity, mortality, and long-term survivals after liver resection for GELM. Clinicopathological data of patients who underwent hepatectomy for GELM between 1995 and 2012 at two European high-volume hepatobiliary centers were assessed, and predictors of overall survival (OS) were identified. In addition, the impact of preoperative chemotherapy for GELM on OS was evaluated. Forty-seven patients underwent hepatectomy for GELM. The primary tumor was located in the stomach, cardia, and distal esophagus in 27, 16, and 4 cases, respectively. Twenty patients received preoperative chemotherapy before hepatectomy. After a median follow-up time of 76 months, 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 70, 37, and 24%, respectively. Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 32 and 4%, respectively. Outcomes were comparable between the two centers. Preoperative chemotherapy for GELM (5-year OS: 45 vs 9%, P = .005) and the lack of posthepatectomy complications (5-year OS: 34 vs 0%, P < .0001) were significantly associated with improved OS in univariate and multivariate analyses. When stratifying OS by radiologic response of GELM to preoperative chemotherapy, patients with progressive disease despite preoperative treatment had significantly worse OS (5-year OS: 0 vs 70%, P = .045). For selected patients with GELM, liver resection is safe and should be regarded as a potentially curative approach. A multimodal treatment strategy including systemic therapy may provide better patient selection resulting in prolonged survival in patients with GELM undergoing hepatectomy.

  4. Gene expression profiles in paraffin-embedded core biopsy tissue predict response to chemotherapy in women with locally advanced breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Gianni, Luca; Zambetti, Milvia; Clark, Kim; Baker, Joffre; Cronin, Maureen; Wu, Jenny; Mariani, Gabriella; Rodriguez, Jaime; Carcangiu, Marialuisa; Watson, Drew; Valagussa, Pinuccia; Rouzier, Roman; Symmans, W Fraser; Ross, Jeffrey S; Hortobagyi, Gabriel N; Pusztai, Lajos; Shak, Steven

    2005-10-10

    We sought to identify gene expression markers that predict the likelihood of chemotherapy response. We also tested whether chemotherapy response is correlated with the 21-gene Recurrence Score assay that quantifies recurrence risk. Patients with locally advanced breast cancer received neoadjuvant paclitaxel and doxorubicin. RNA was extracted from the pretreatment formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded core biopsies. The expression of 384 genes was quantified using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and correlated with pathologic complete response (pCR). The performance of genes predicting for pCR was tested in patients from an independent neoadjuvant study where gene expression was obtained using DNA microarrays. Of 89 assessable patients (mean age, 49.9 years; mean tumor size, 6.4 cm), 11 (12%) had a pCR. Eighty-six genes correlated with pCR (unadjusted P < .05); pCR was more likely with higher expression of proliferation-related genes and immune-related genes, and with lower expression of estrogen receptor (ER) -related genes. In 82 independent patients treated with neoadjuvant paclitaxel and doxorubicin, DNA microarray data were available for 79 of the 86 genes. In univariate analysis, 24 genes correlated with pCR with P < .05 (false discovery, four genes) and 32 genes showed correlation with P < .1 (false discovery, eight genes). The Recurrence Score was positively associated with the likelihood of pCR (P = .005), suggesting that the patients who are at greatest recurrence risk are more likely to have chemotherapy benefit. Quantitative expression of ER-related genes, proliferation genes, and immune-related genes are strong predictors of pCR in women with locally advanced breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant anthracyclines and paclitaxel.

  5. Pilot study of bone mineral density in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Headley, J. A.; Theriault, R. L.; LeBlanc, A. D.; Vassilopoulou-Sellin, R.; Hortobagyi, G. N.

    1998-01-01

    The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) in breast cancer patients previously treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. Sixteen of 27 patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy became permanently amenorrheic as a result of chemotherapy. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Chemotherapy drugs and dosages along with a history of risk factors for reduced bone density including activity level, tobacco and/or alcohol use, metabolic bone disease, family history, and hormone exposure were identified. Results showed that women who became permanently amenorrheic as a result of chemotherapy had BMD 14% lower than women who maintained menses after chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-treated women who maintained ovarian function had normal BMD. This study suggests that women who have premature menopause as a result of chemotherapy for breast cancer are at increased risk of bone loss and may be at risk for early development of osteoporosis. Women who maintain menses do not appear to be at risk for accelerated trabecular bone loss.

  6. Efficacy of Pemetrexed-based Chemotherapy in Comparison to Non-Pemetrexed-based Chemotherapy in Advanced, ALK+ Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

    PubMed

    Jo, Jaemin; Kim, Se Hyun; Kim, Yu Jung; Lee, Juhyun; Kim, Miso; Keam, Bhumsuk; Kim, Tae Min; Kim, Dong Wan; Heo, Dae Seog; Chung, Jin Haeng; Jeon, Yoon Kyung; Lee, Jong Seok

    2018-03-01

    Previous retrospective studies suggest that anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutation-positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are sensitive to pemetrexed. To determine its efficacy, we retrospectively evaluated clinical outcomes of pemetrexed-based chemotherapy in patients with ALK+ NSCLC. We identified 126 patients with advanced, ALK+ NSCLC who received first-line cytotoxic chemotherapy. We compared response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) rates according to chemotherapy regimens. Furthermore, we evaluated intracranial time to tumor progression (TTP) and proportion of ALK+ cells as prognostic factors. Forty-eight patients received pemetrexed-based chemotherapy, while 78 received other regimens as first-line treatment. The pemetrexed-based chemotherapy group showed superior overall response (44.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001) and disease control (85.1% vs. 62.3%, p=0.008) rates. The pemetrexed-based chemotherapy group also exhibited longer PFS (6.6 months vs. 3.8 months, p<0.001); OS rates were not significantly different. The lack of exposure to second-generation ALK inhibitors and intracranial metastasis on initial diagnosis were independent negative prognostic factors of OS. Intracranial TTP was similar between the treatment groups (32.7 months vs. 35.7 months, p=0.733). Patients who harbored a greater number of ALK+ tumor cells (≥70%) showed prolonged OS on univariate analysis (not reached vs. 44.8 months, p=0.041), but not on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio: 0.19, 95% confidence interval: 0.03-1.42; p=0.106). Pemetrexed-based regimens may prolong PFS in patients with ALK+ NSCLC as a first-line treatment, but are not associated with prolonged OS. Exposure to second-generation ALK inhibitors may improve OS rates in patients with ALK+ NSCLC. © Copyright: Yonsei University College of Medicine 2018

  7. Evaluation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy effects on liver parenchyma in resected pediatric malignancies.

    PubMed

    Scuderi, Maria Grazia; Magro, Gaetano; Di Cataldo, Andrea; Pesce, Antonino; Scalora, Luisa; Vecchio, Giada Maria; Portale, Rosanna; Di Benedetto, Vincenzo; Puleo, Stefano

    2013-08-01

    Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases in adults is responsible for chemotherapy-associated liver injury (CALI), characterized by steatosis, steatohepatitis, and sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. These alterations cause delayed operation to reduce the risk of hemorrhage, portal hypertension, and hepatic failure. Children with hepatic malignancies usually receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively whether the CALI occurs in this pediatric population. This study evaluated patients referred since 1996 for hepatic malignancies who received hepatectomy after chemotherapy. Liver resection material was reviewed, in order to investigate the presence of morphological changes compatible with the CALI in the peritumoral hepatic tissue. Twelve patients were recruited. All patients satisfied the inclusion criteria except one who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Eleven children underwent surgery 1 month after the last chemotherapy cycle. All are alive disease-free. Histological examination of specimen revealed only mild changes such as diffuse swelling of hepatocytes and focal, mild portal inflammation. Severe hepatic changes such as steatosis, necrosis, or fibrosis were not identified. CALI-related morphological changes were not found in our patients. The absence of the CALI could be attributed to the younger age of patients (possible different response to stress) and/or to the different chemotherapy schedules compared to those in use for adults patients.

  8. Oxidative stress and neurobehavioral problems in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Stenzel, Stephanie L; Krull, Kevin R; Hockenberry, Marilyn; Jain, Neelam; Kaemingk, Kris; Miketova, Petra; Moore, Ida M

    2010-03-01

    Neurobehavioral problems after chemotherapy treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have been a recent focus of investigation. This study extended previous research that suggested oxidative stress as a potential mechanism for chemotherapy-induced central nervous system injury by examining early markers of oxidative stress in relation to subsequent neurobehavioral problems. Oxidized and unoxidized components of phosphatidylcholine (PC) were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid of 87 children with ALL at diagnosis, induction, and consolidation. Behavioral assessments were conducted postconsolidation and at the end of chemotherapy. Results revealed a significant association between physiologic reactivity (high vs. low PC changes from diagnosis) and behavioral outcomes (high vs. low pathology). Elevated oxidized PC fraction change was predictive of increased problems with aggression at the end of therapy as well as postconsolidation adaptability. Furthermore, symptoms of hyperactivity systematically changed over time in relation to both unoxidized PC and oxidized PC fraction reactivity. These findings suggest that symptoms of behavioral problems occur early in the course of chemotherapy and that increases in the cerebrospinal fluid PC markers of oxidative stress during induction and consolidation may help to predict certain future behavioral problems.

  9. Enhancement of Glioma Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy Response With Targeted Antibody Therapy Against Death Receptor 5

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

    Fiveash, John B.; Gillespie, G. Yancey; Oliver, Patsy G.

    2008-06-01

    Purpose: TRA-8 is an agonistic mouse monoclonal antibody that binds to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) death receptor 5, which induces apoptosis in cancer cells through a caspase-8-dependent mechanism. We investigated the ability of TRA-8 to augment the radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy response of human glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. Methods and Materials: The in vitro cytotoxicity of TRA-8 and temozolomide (Tmz) or RT was examined using adenosine triphosphate-dependent viability and clonogenic survival assays with five glioma cell lines. Death receptor 5 expression was determined by flow cytometry. In vivo studies included subcutaneous and intracranial xenograft modelsmore » testing various combination treatments, including RT, Tmz, and TRA-8. Results: TRA-8, combined with Tmz or RT, produced enhanced cytotoxicity against five glioma cell lines compared with the use of the individual agents alone. Death receptor 5 upregulation occurred in response to RT. Complete tumor regression in the subcutaneous experiments was the most common in animals that received combination therapy with TRA-8/Tmz/RT. TRA-8 enhanced tumor growth delay in combination with RT or Tmz. TRA-8 alone had limited activity against intracranial tumors. In contrast, the median survival of mice treated with TRA-8/Tmz/RT was significantly greater than the control or TRA-8-alone-treated mice. The median survival of the mice treated with TRA-8/Tmz/RT or chemoradiotherapy only was significantly greater than the control or TRA-8-treated mice. A trend toward improved survival was observed between TRA-8/Tmz/RT-treated and Tmz/RT-treated mice. Conclusions: These preliminary findings support the hypothesis that TRA-8 will augment the RT and chemotherapy response in gliomas. A humanized version of TRA-8 is being evaluated in a Phase II clinical trial.« less

  10. Ifosfamide, mesna and epirubicin as second-line chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Kiraz, S; Baltali, E; Güler, N; Barista, I; Benekli, M; Celik, I; Güllü, I H; Kars, A; Tekuzman, G; Firat, D

    1996-08-01

    The ifosfamide, mesna and epirubicin (IMEpi) combination is administered to 16 patients having advanced metastatic breast carcinoma as second-line chemotherapy. We observed complete response in 6%, partial response in 44% (total overall response rate of 50%), stable disease in 12% and progressive disease in the remaining 38% of the patients. The median remission duration in responders was calculated to be 9.6 months. IMEpi regimen had a tolerable toxicity profile including alopecia, nausea and vomiting, microscopic hematuria, leukopenia and neurotoxicity in which serious complications necessitating discontinuation of the chemotherapy were not encountered. It might be concluded that IMEpi chemotherapy combination is an effective alternative among schedules in the management of patients with stage IV breast carcinoma without serious side effects.

  11. Interim PET After Two ABVD Cycles in Early-Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma: Outcomes Following the Continuation of Chemotherapy Plus Radiotherapy

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

    Simontacchi, Gabriele; Filippi, Andrea Riccardo, E-mail: andreariccardo.filippi@unito.it; Ciammella, Patrizia

    Purpose: This multicenter retrospective study was designed to evaluate the prognostic role of interim fluorodeoxyglucose-labeled positron emission tomography (i-FDG-PET) in a cohort of patients affected with early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) treated initially with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy, and to assess the role of chemotherapy continuation plus radiation therapy for i-FDG-PET-positive patients. Methods and Materials: Data from 257 patients were retrieved from 4 hematology and radiation oncology departments. Inclusion criteria were stage I to IIAB HL, “intention-to-treat” AVBD plus radiation therapy, and FDG-PET at diagnosis and after the first 2 ABVD cycles. All i-FDG-PET scans underwentmore » blinded local review by using the Deauville 5-point scoring system; patients were stratified as negative or positive using 2 Deauville score cutoff values, ≥3 or ≥4. Results: Median follow-up time was 56 months (range: 9-163 months); 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) for the whole cohort were 97.5% and 98.3%, respectively. Five-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 95.6%. After i-FDG-PET revision, 43 of 257 patients (16.7%) had a positive i-FDG-PET (Deauville scores: 3-5). Five-year PFS rates for i-FDG-PET-negative and i-FDG-PET-positive patients were 98.1% and 83.7%, respectively, if using a Deauville score cutoff of 3, and 97.7% and 78.6%, respectively, if using a cutoff of 4 (P=.0001). Five-year OS for i-FDG-PET-negative and i-FDG-PET-positive patients was 98.5% and 93.0%, respectively, if using a cutoff of 3, and 98.6% and 89.3%, respectively, if using a cutoff of 4 (P=.029 and P=.002). At univariate regression analysis, i-FDG-PET positivity was associated with worse OS and PFS. At multivariate analysis, performed only for PFS, i-FDG-PET positivity confirmed its negative impact (P=.002). Conclusions: i-FDG-PET is prognostic for PFS and OS in early

  12. Nutritional support in patients with colorectal cancer during chemotherapy: does it work?

    PubMed

    Dobrila-Dintinjana, Renata; Trivanovic, Dragan; Zelić, Marko; Radić, Mladen; Dintinjana, Marijan; Petranović, Duška; Toni, Valković; Vukelic, Jelena; Matijasic, Nusa

    2013-05-01

    Early intervention with nutritional supplementation has been shown to halt malnutrition and may improve outcome in some patients with colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate whether dietary counseling, oral nutrition and megestrol acetate during chemotherapy affected nutritional status and survival in patients with advanced disease. Six hundred and twenty-eight patients with colorectal advanced disease were included in the study from January 2000 through December 2009 and divided into one of two groups. Group I consisted of 315 patients who were monitored prospectively and were given nutritional support. Group II included 313 patients without nutritional counseling and support. After the completion of chemotherapy all patients were evaluated (BMI, NST, Appetite Loss Scale and ECOG). After the completion of chemotherapy, there were lower proportions of patients in Group I with a BMI<20, NST>=5, loss of appetite and decreased weight gain. Nutritional counseling and supplemental feeding temporarily halted weight loss and improved appetite. This improvement may have implications for patient survival. Patients with early nutritional support lived 19.1 months while patients in the control group had a survival of 12.4 months (p=0.022). This study demonstrated that concurrent individualized dietary counseling and nutritional support are effective in improving nutritional status thereby lessening chemotherapy-induced morbidity.

  13. Chemotherapy Resistance Mechanisms in Advanced Skin Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Kalal, Bhuvanesh Sukhlal; Upadhya, Dinesh; Pai, Vinitha Ramanath

    2017-01-01

    Melanoma is a most dangerous and deadly type of skin cancer, and considered intrinsically resistant to both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It has become a major public health concern as the incidence of melanoma has been rising steadily over recent decades with a 5-year survival remaining less than 5%. Detection of the disease in early stage may be curable, but late stage metastatic disease that has spread to other organs has an extremely poor prognosis with a median survival of less than 10 months. Since metastatic melanoma is unresponsive to therapy that is currently available, research is now focused on different treatment strategies such as combinations of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The molecular basis of resistance to chemotherapy seen in melanoma is multifactorial; defective drug transport system, altered apoptotic pathway, deregulation of apoptosis and/or changes in enzymatic systems that mediate cellular metabolic machinery. Understanding of alterations in molecular processes involved in drug resistance may help in developing new therapeutic approaches to treatment of malignant melanoma. PMID:28382191

  14. Urgent chemotherapy in hematological patients in the ICU.

    PubMed

    Moors, Ine; Pène, Frédéric; Lengline, Étienne; Benoit, Dominique

    2015-12-01

    Over the past decades, survival of critically ill hematological patients has dramatically improved, and these patients are more frequently referred to the ICU for intensive treatment, including a rising need for administering anticancer-therapy in this setting. The scarce literature on this subject provides evidence for feasibility of administering chemotherapy in the ICU, with expected ICU survival of 60-70%, and one in three patients surviving at least 1 year after discharge. We summarize the recent evidence concerning outcome, dosing and indications of chemotherapy in the ICU, and provide practical guidelines for some special oncological situations. Anticancer-therapy in the ICU is feasible and no longer futile as long as it is initiated in a selected, well-informed patient population with reasonable prognostic expectations. Accurate recognition of organ failure and early referral to the ICU for both supportive care and timely administration of chemotherapy is recommended before the development of multisystem organ failure.

  15. Nanoparticle-Delivered Chemotherapy: Old Drugs in New Packages.

    PubMed

    Lee, Michael S; Dees, E Claire; Wang, Andrew Z

    2017-03-15

    Cytotoxic chemotherapies have a narrow therapeutic window, with high peaks and troughs of plasma concentration. Novel nanoparticle formulations of cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs can enhance pharmacokinetic characteristics and facilitate passive targeting of drugs to tumors via the enhanced permeability and retention effect, thus mitigating toxicity. Nanoparticle vehicles currently in clinical use or undergoing clinical investigation for anticancer therapies include liposomes, polymeric micelles, protein-drug nanoparticles, and dendrimers. Multiple nanoparticle formulations of existing cytotoxic chemotherapies are approved for use in several indications, with clinical data indeed showing optimization of pharmacokinetics and different toxicity profiles compared with their parent drugs. There are also many new nanoparticle drug formulations in development and undergoing early- and late-phase clinical trials, including several that utilize active targeting or triggered release based on environmental stimuli. Here, we review the rationale for nanoparticle formulations of existing or previously investigated cytotoxic drugs, describe currently approved nanoparticle formulations of drugs, and discuss some of the most promising clinical trials currently underway.

  16. Monitoring early response to chemoradiotherapy with 18F-FMISO dynamic PET in head and neck cancer.

    PubMed

    Grkovski, Milan; Lee, Nancy Y; Schöder, Heiko; Carlin, Sean D; Beattie, Bradley J; Riaz, Nadeem; Leeman, Jonathan E; O'Donoghue, Joseph A; Humm, John L

    2017-09-01

    There is growing recognition that biologic features of the tumor microenvironment affect the response to cancer therapies and the outcome of cancer patients. In head and neck cancer (HNC) one such feature is hypoxia. We investigated the utility of 18 F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) dynamic positron emission tomography (dPET) for monitoring the early microenvironmental response to chemoradiotherapy in HNC. Seventy-two HNC patients underwent FMISO dPET scans in a customized immobilization mask (0-30 min dynamic acquisition, followed by 10 min static acquisitions starting at ∼95 min and ∼160 min post-injection) at baseline and early into treatment where patients have already received one cycle of chemotherapy and anywhere from five to ten fractions of 2 Gy per fraction radiation therapy. Voxelwise pharmacokinetic modeling was conducted using an irreversible one-plasma two-tissue compartment model to calculate surrogate biomarkers of tumor hypoxia (k 3 and Tumor-to-Blood Ratio (TBR)), perfusion (K 1 ) and FMISO distribution volume (DV). Additionally, Tumor-to-Muscle Ratios (TMR) were derived by visual inspection by an experienced nuclear medicine physician, with TMR > 1.2 defining hypoxia. One hundred and thirty-five lesions in total were analyzed. TBR, k 3 and DV decreased on early response scans, while no significant change was observed for K 1 . The k 3 -TBR correlation decreased substantially from baseline scans (Pearson's r = 0.72 and 0.76 for mean intratumor and pooled voxelwise values, respectively) to early response scans (Pearson's r = 0.39 and 0.40, respectively). Both concordant and discordant examples of changes in intratumor k 3 and TBR were identified; the latter partially mediated by the change in DV. In 13 normoxic patients according to visual analysis (all having lesions with TMR = 1.2), subvolumes were identified where k 3 indicated the presence of hypoxia. Pharmacokinetic modeling of FMISO dynamic PET reveals a more detailed

  17. Metronomic chemotherapy in advanced oral cancers.

    PubMed

    Patil, Vijay; Noronha, Vanita; D'cruz, A K; Banavali, S D; Prabhash, Kumar

    2012-01-01

    To assess the feasibility of metronomic chemotherapy in the palliative care setting. To study the toxicity profile and efficacy of metronomic chemotherapy for palliation in oral cavity cancers. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Subjects receiving metronomic chemotherapy from August 2010 to January 2011 for palliation in oral cancers subjected to certain criteria were included. Metronomic chemotherapy offered was a combination of twice daily celecoxib 200 mg and weekly methotrexate 15 mg/m 2 .The chemotherapy was continued till disease progression, intolerable side effects or patients' desire to stop. The toxicity profile was reported in accordance with common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) version 4.02. The efficacy was noted in terms of symptom control, response rates, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). SPSS version 16 has been utilized. Descriptive analysis has been presented. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed for estimation of the PFS and OS. Eighteen patients with a median age of 50.5 years, 13 males and 5 females, participated in the study. Five patients had received no previous treatment while the rest had some form of previous treatment. ECOG performance status was 1 in 14 patients and 2 in 4 patients. Grade 3-4 mucositis was seen in one patient. Clinical benefit rate was 66.67%. The estimated median PFS and median OS were 5.2 months and not reached respectively. Use of metronomic chemotherapy seems promising and well tolerated in this setting. Large trials are warranted to confirm these results.

  18. Deformable image registration as a tool to improve survival prediction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer: results from the ACRIN 6657/I-SPY-1 trial

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jahani, Nariman; Cohen, Eric; Hsieh, Meng-Kang; Weinstein, Susan P.; Pantalone, Lauren; Davatzikos, Christos; Kontos, Despina

    2018-02-01

    We examined the ability of DCE-MRI longitudinal features to give early prediction of recurrence-free survival (RFS) in women undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer, in a retrospective analysis of 106 women from the ISPY 1 cohort. These features were based on the voxel-wise changes seen in registered images taken before treatment and after the first round of chemotherapy. We computed the transformation field using a robust deformable image registration technique to match breast images from these two visits. Using the deformation field, parametric response maps (PRM) — a voxel-based feature analysis of longitudinal changes in images between visits — was computed for maps of four kinetic features (signal enhancement ratio, peak enhancement, and wash-in/wash-out slopes). A two-level discrete wavelet transform was applied to these PRMs to extract heterogeneity information about tumor change between visits. To estimate survival, a Cox proportional hazard model was applied with the C statistic as the measure of success in predicting RFS. The best PRM feature (as determined by C statistic in univariable analysis) was determined for each of the four kinetic features. The baseline model, incorporating functional tumor volume, age, race, and hormone response status, had a C statistic of 0.70 in predicting RFS. The model augmented with the four PRM features had a C statistic of 0.76. Thus, our results suggest that adding information on the texture of voxel-level changes in tumor kinetic response between registered images of first and second visits could improve early RFS prediction in breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

  19. Single drug biomarker prediction for ER- breast cancer outcome from chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yong-Zi; Kim, Youngchul; Soliman, Hatem H; Ying, GuoGuang; Lee, Jae K

    2018-06-01

    ER-negative breast cancer includes most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer such as triple negative (TN) breast cancer. Excluded from hormonal and targeted therapies effectively used for other subtypes of breast cancer, standard chemotherapy is one of the primary treatment options for these patients. However, as ER- patients have shown highly heterogeneous responses to different chemotherapies, it has been difficult to select most beneficial chemotherapy treatments for them. In this study, we have simultaneously developed single drug biomarker models for four standard chemotherapy agents: paclitaxel (T), 5-fluorouracil (F), doxorubicin (A) and cyclophosphamide (C) to predict responses and survival of ER- breast cancer patients treated with combination chemotherapies. We then flexibly combined these individual drug biomarkers for predicting patient outcomes of two independent cohorts of ER- breast cancer patients who were treated with different drug combinations of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. These individual and combined drug biomarker models significantly predicted chemotherapy response for 197 ER- patients in the Hatzis cohort (AUC = 0.637, P  = 0.002) and 69 ER- patients in the Hess cohort (AUC = 0.635, P  = 0.056). The prediction was also significant for the TN subgroup of both cohorts (AUC = 0.60, 0.72, P  = 0.043, 0.009). In survival analysis, our predicted responder patients showed significantly improved survival with a >17 months longer median PFS than the predicted non-responder patients for both ER- and TN subgroups (log-rank test P -value = 0.018 and 0.044). This flexible prediction capability based on single drug biomarkers may allow us to even select new drug combinations most beneficial to individual patients with ER- breast cancer. © 2018 The authors.

  20. [Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea].

    PubMed

    Kobayashi, Kunihiko

    2003-06-01

    Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea is a well-documented side effect of many cancer treatments and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea negatively impacts patient quality of life and treatment outcome by requiring dose limitations or treatment interruption. The chemotherapeutic agent CPT-11 (irinotecan) has shown promising results as a single agent and in combination chemotherapy for the treatment of colorectal and small cell lung cancer. However, delayed onset diarrhea is considered to be its major dose-limiting toxicity. In some cases, it can be life threatening. To prevent CPT-11-induced delayed diarrhea, oral alkalization (OA) and control of defecation (CD) [Int J Cancer 92: 269-275, 2001] were developed based on fundamental studies [Int J Cancer 83: 491-496, 1999; Cancer Res 62: 179-187, 2002]. Oral administration of antibiotics [Cancer Res 56: 3752-3757, 1996; Clin Cancer Res 7: 1136-1141, 2001] or kampo medicine [Jpn J Cancer Res 86: 978-984, 1995; Jpn J Cancer Res 86: 985-989, 1995] to decrease beta-glucuronidase activity derived from bacteria in the large intestine was also reported to be successful in preventing delayed diarrhea. When CPT-11-induced delayed diarrhea occurs, the conventional treatment is loperamide [J Natl Cancer Inst 86: 446-449, 1994], and the early recognition and treatment of diarrhea with this opioid has reduced, although not entirely eliminated, patient morbidity. Other therapies are needed to treat patients with loperamide-refractory CPT-11 induced diarrhea, and the successful use of the somatostatin analogue octreotide has been reported [Support Care Cancer 9: 258-260, 2001; Ann Oncol 12: 227-229, 2001; Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol 21: 387a, 2002].

  1. Continuous Low-Dose Oral Cyclophosphamide and Methotrexate as Maintenance Therapy in Patients With Advanced Ovarian Carcinoma After Complete Clinical Response to Platinum and Paclitaxel Chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    El-Husseiny, Khalid; Motawei, Helmy; Ali, Mohamad Sayed

    2016-03-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of continuous, low dose of oral, metronomic chemotherapy as maintenance therapy in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma after complete clinical response to platinum and paclitaxel chemotherapy. In this nonrandomized study, patients older than 18 years, with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status less than 2, with advanced ovarian carcinoma after complete clinical response to platinum and paclitaxel chemotherapy were enrolled in 2 arms--arm A (maintenance arm), treated with continuous low-dose oral cyclophosphamide 50 mg and methotrexate 2.5 mg, and arm B (observation arm). Both arms were followed up for progression-free survival and toxicity. Thirty patients were accrued in each arm from January 2009 to December 2010 in Ain Shams University Hospitals, where they received the treatment and followed up for disease progression and toxicity. Patients had a median age of 53 years in maintenance arm and 52.5 years in the observational arm, respectively. Over 80% had papillary serous adenocarcinoma, and over 40% of them had a stage IV disease in both arms. After median follow-up of 27 months, patients achieved median progression-free survival of 18 months in maintenance arm (A) and 15.5 months in observational arm (B), respectively. Toxicity profile was excellent with no grade 3 or 4 toxicity reported. Current study may provide an evidence of efficacy and tolerability of continuous low-dose oral cyclophosphamide and methotrexate as a maintenance therapy in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma after complete clinical response to platinum and paclitaxel chemotherapy.

  2. Efficacy of abbreviated Stanford V chemotherapy and involved-field radiotherapy in early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma: mature results of the G4 trial.

    PubMed

    Advani, R H; Hoppe, R T; Baer, D; Mason, J; Warnke, R; Allen, J; Daadi, S; Rosenberg, S A; Horning, S J

    2013-04-01

    To assess the efficacy of an abbreviated Stanford V regimen in patients with early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). PATIENTS AND METHODS PATIENTS: with untreated nonbulky stage I-IIA supradiaphragmatic HL were eligible for the G4 study. Stanford V chemotherapy was administered for 8 weeks followed by radiation therapy (RT) 30 Gy to involved fields (IF). Freedom from progression (FFP), disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated. All 87 enrolled patients completed the abbreviated regimen. At a median follow-up of 10 years, FFP, DSS and OS are 94%, 99% and 94%, respectively. Therapy was well tolerated with no treatment-related deaths. Mature results of the abbreviated Stanford V regimen in nonbulky early-stage HL are excellent and comparable to the results from other contemporary therapies.

  3. Short course chemotherapy for tuberculous lymphadenitis in children.

    PubMed Central

    Jawahar, M S; Sivasubramanian, S; Vijayan, V K; Ramakrishnan, C V; Paramasivan, C N; Selvakumar, V; Paul, S; Tripathy, S P; Prabhakar, R

    1990-01-01

    OBJECTIVE--To assess the efficacy of a short course chemotherapy regimen for treating tuberculosis of the lymph nodes in children. DESIGN--Open, collaborative, outpatient clinical trial. SETTING--Outpatient department of the Tuberculosis Research Centre, paediatric surgery departments of the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children and the Government Stanley Hospital, Madras, South India. PATIENTS--Children aged 1-12 years with extensive, multiple site, superficial tuberculous lymphadenitis confirmed by biopsy (histopathology or culture). INTERVENTIONS--Patients were treated with a fully supervised intermittent chemotherapy regimen consisting of streptomycin, rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide three times a week for two months followed by streptomycin and isoniazid twice a week for four months on an outpatient basis. Surgery was limited to biopsy of nodes for diagnosis and assessment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Response to chemotherapy was assessed by regression of lymph nodes and healing of sinuses and abscesses during treatment and follow up. Compliance with treatment and frequency of adverse reactions were also estimated. RESULTS--197 Patients were admitted to the study and 168 into the analysis. The regimen was well tolerated and compliance was good with 101 (60%) patients receiving the prescribed chemotherapy within 15 days of the stipulated period of six months. Those whose chemotherapy extended beyond that period received the same total number of doses. Clinical response was favourable in most patients at the end of treatment. Sinuses and abscesses healed rapidly. Residual lymphadenopathy (exceeding 10 mm diameter) was present in 50 (30%) patients at the end of treatment; these nodes were biopsied. Fresh nodes, increase in size of nodes, and sinuses and abscesses occurred both during treatment and follow up. After 36 months of follow up after treatment only 5 (3%) patients required retreatment for tuberculosis. CONCLUSION

  4. Short course chemotherapy for tuberculous lymphadenitis in children.

    PubMed

    Jawahar, M S; Sivasubramanian, S; Vijayan, V K; Ramakrishnan, C V; Paramasivan, C N; Selvakumar, V; Paul, S; Tripathy, S P; Prabhakar, R

    To assess the efficacy of a short course chemotherapy regimen for treating tuberculosis of the lymph nodes in children. Open, collaborative, outpatient clinical trial. Outpatient department of the Tuberculosis Research Centre, paediatric surgery departments of the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children and the Government Stanley Hospital, Madras, South India. Children aged 1-12 years with extensive, multiple site, superficial tuberculous lymphadenitis confirmed by biopsy (histopathology or culture). Patients were treated with a fully supervised intermittent chemotherapy regimen consisting of streptomycin, rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide three times a week for two months followed by streptomycin and isoniazid twice a week for four months on an outpatient basis. Surgery was limited to biopsy of nodes for diagnosis and assessment. Response to chemotherapy was assessed by regression of lymph nodes and healing of sinuses and abscesses during treatment and follow up. Compliance with treatment and frequency of adverse reactions were also estimated. 197 Patients were admitted to the study and 168 into the analysis. The regimen was well tolerated and compliance was good with 101 (60%) patients receiving the prescribed chemotherapy within 15 days of the stipulated period of six months. Those whose chemotherapy extended beyond that period received the same total number of doses. Clinical response was favourable in most patients at the end of treatment. Sinuses and abscesses healed rapidly. Residual lymphadenopathy (exceeding 10 mm diameter) was present in 50 (30%) patients at the end of treatment; these nodes were biopsied. Fresh nodes, increase in size of nodes, and sinuses and abscesses occurred both during treatment and follow up. After 36 months of follow up after treatment only 5 (3%) patients required retreatment for tuberculosis. Tuberculous lymphadenitis in children can be successfully treated with a short course chemotherapy regimen of six months.

  5. Correlation of tumor p53 and PCNA with response and survival of glioblastoma in patients treated with an ECOG protocol of pre-irradiation chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Grunnet, M L; O'Neill, A; Gilbert, M; Hellman, R

    2000-01-01

    The ability to predict treatment responsiveness and survival of patients with glioblastoma multiforme, the most malignant and most common primary brain tumor, would be a valuable asset. Tumor and proliferation markers such as p53 and PCNA have been immunohistochemically defined and have been useful in other tumors in determining prognosis. Therefore, the authors studied the correlation of responsiveness to treatment, time to progression and survival with p53 and PCNA labeling indices in a pre-irradiation chemotherapy study of the glioblastoma multiforme. Immunohistopathology for labeling indices for p53 and PCNA using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from the glioblastomas of 23 patients entered into a phase II ECOG trial of pre-irradiation chemotherapy were defined using the streptavidin-peroxidase technique with AEC chromogen. The labeling indices were correlated with response to treatment time to progression and overall survival. Most patients received three cycles of BCNU for three days over three months and cisplatin monthly for three days over three months prior to external beam irradiation. There were no significant differences in treatment response, time to progression or overall survival in glioblastoma, patients with positive p53 labeling index (> 5%) versus a negative p53 labeling index (< or = 5%) or positive PCNA labeling (> 10%) versus a negative labeling index (< or = 10%) or any combination of P53 and PCNA labeling indices. Using this protocol of pre-irradiation chemotherapy, p53 and PCNA labeling indices in the glioblastoma multiforme did not predict treatment benefit.

  6. Dose density in adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Citron, Marc L

    2004-01-01

    Dose-dense chemotherapy increases the dose intensity of the regimen by delivering standard-dose chemotherapy with shorter intervals between the cycles. This article discusses the rationale for dose-dense therapy and reviews the results with dose-dense adjuvant regimens in recent clinical trials in breast cancer. The papers for this review covered evidence of a dose-response relation in cancer chemotherapy; the rationale for dose-intense (and specifically dose-dense) therapy; and clinical experience with dose-dense regimens in adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer, with particular attention to outcomes and toxicity. Evidence supports maintaining the dose intensity of adjuvant chemotherapy within the conventional dose range. Disease-free and overall survival with combination cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil are significantly improved when patients receive within 85% of the planned dose. Moderate and high dose cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil within the standard range results in greater disease-free and overall survival than the low dose regimen. The sequential addition of paclitaxel after concurrent doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide also significantly improves survival. Disease-free and overall survival with dose-dense sequential or concurrent doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel with filgrastim (rhG-CSF; NEUPOGEN) support are significantly greater than with conventional schedules (q21d). The delivered dose intensity of adjuvant chemotherapy within the standard dose range is an important predictor of the clinical outcome. Prospective trials of high-dose chemotherapy have shown no improvement over standard regimens, and toxicity was greater. Dose-dense adjuvant chemotherapy improves the clinical outcomes with doxorubicin-containing regimens. Filgrastim support enables the delivery of dose-dense chemotherapy and reduces the risk of neutropenia and its complications.

  7. Chemoprevention, chemotherapy, and chemoresistance in colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Marin, Jose J G; Sanchez de Medina, Fermin; Castaño, Beatriz; Bujanda, Luis; Romero, Marta R; Martinez-Augustin, Olga; Moral-Avila, Rosario Del; Briz, Oscar

    2012-05-01

    Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in industrialized countries. Chemoprevention is a promising approach, but studies demonstrating their usefulness in large populations are still needed. Among several compounds with chemopreventive ability, cyclooxygenase inhibitors have received particular attention. However, these agents are not without side effects, which must be weighed against their beneficial actions. Early diagnosis is critical in the management of CRC patients, because, in early stages, surgery is curative in >90% of cases. If diagnosis occurs at stages II and III, which is often the case, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy before surgery are, in a few cases, recommended. Because of the high risk of recurrence in advanced cancers, chemotherapy is maintained after tumor resection. Chemotherapy is also indicated when the patient has metastases and in advanced cancer located in the rectum. In the last decade, the use of anticancer drugs in monotherapy or in combined regimens has markedly increased the survival of patients with CRC at stages III and IV. Although the rate of success is higher than in other gastrointestinal tumors, adverse effects and development of chemoresistance are important limitations to pharmacological therapy. Genetic profiling regarding mechanisms of chemoresistance are needed to carry out individualized prediction of the lack of effectiveness of pharmacological regimens. This would minimize side effects and prevent the selection of aggressive, cross-resistant clones, as well as avoiding undesirable delays in the use of the most efficient therapeutic approaches to treat these patients.

  8. Chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea and the resumption of menstruation in premenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Koga, Chinami; Akiyoshi, Sayuri; Ishida, Mayumi; Nakamura, Yoshiaki; Ohno, Shinji; Tokunaga, Eriko

    2017-09-01

    For premenopausal women with breast cancer, information on the effects of chemotherapy and the risk of infertility is important. In this study, the effect of chemotherapy on the ovarian function in premenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer was investigated, with an age-stratified analysis of the appearance of amenorrhea and the resumption of menstruation after the use of chemotherapy with anthracyclines or taxanes. Premenopausal women diagnosed with operable Stage I-III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and underwent neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy with the standard regimen of anthracyclines and/or taxanes were included. The patients were classified into age groups in 5-year increments, and the rates of chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea (CIA), resumption of menstruation, and duration of CIA after chemotherapy were analyzed. The subjects consisted of 101 patients (median age 45 years). CIA occurred in 97 (96%) patients and 40 patients resumed menstruation. In all patients aged ≤39 years menstruation restarted, whereas in all patients aged ≥50 years, menstruation did not restart. For the patients who resumed menstruation, the younger the patients, the sooner menstruation tended to restart. The resumption of menstruation occurred within 1 year for younger patients aged around 30 years, but for those aged ≥35 years, 60% of cases took around 2-3 years for resumption. The incidence of CIA, the resumption of menstruation and duration of CIA after chemotherapy depend greatly on the patient's age.

  9. A network meta-analysis on the efficacy of sixteen targeted drugs in combination with chemotherapy for treatment of advanced/metastatic colorectal cancer

    PubMed Central

    Ba-Sang, Dan-Zeng; Long, Zi-Wen; Teng, Hao; Zhao, Xu-Peng; Qiu, Jian; Li, Ming-Shan

    2016-01-01

    Objective A network meta-analysis was conducted comparing the short-term efficacies of 16 targeted drugs in combination with chemotherapy for treatment of advanced/metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Results Twenty-seven RCTs were ultimately incorporated into this network meta-analysis. Compared with chemotherapy alone, bevacizumab + chemotherapy, panitumumab + chemotherapy and conatumumab + chemotherapy had higher PR rate. Bevacizumab + chemotherapy, cetuximab + chemotherapy, panitumumab + chemotherapy, trebananib + chemotherapy and conatumumab + chemotherapy had higher ORR rate in comparison to chemotherapy alone. Furthermore, bevacizumab + chemotherapy had higher DCR rate than chemotherapy alone. The results of our cluster analysis showed that chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab, cetuximab, panitumumab, conatumumab, ganitumab, or brivanib + cetuximab had better efficacies for the treatment of advanced/metastatic CRC in comparison to chemotherapy alone. Materials and Methods Electronic databases were comprehensively searched for potential and related randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Direct and indirect evidence were incorporated for evaluation of stable disease (SD), progressive disease (PD), complete response (CR), partial response (PR), disease control rate (DCR) and overall response ratio (ORR) by calculating odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Conclusions These results indicated that bevacizumab + chemotherapy, panitumumab + chemotherapy, conatumumab + chemotherapy and brivanib + cetuximab + chemotherapy may have better efficacies for the treatment of advanced/metastatic CRC. PMID:27806321

  10. Tumor RNA disruption predicts survival benefit from breast cancer chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Parissenti, Amadeo M; Guo, Baoqing; Pritzker, Laura B; Pritzker, Kenneth P H; Wang, Xiaohui; Zhu, Mu; Shepherd, Lois E; Trudeau, Maureen E

    2015-08-01

    In a prior substudy of the CAN-NCIC-MA.22 clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00066443), we observed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy reduced tumor RNA integrity in breast cancer patients, a phenomenon we term "RNA disruption." The purpose of the current study was to assess in the full patient cohort the relationship between mid-treatment tumor RNA disruption and both pCR post-treatment and, subsequently, disease-free survival (DFS) up to 108 months post-treatment. To meet these objectives, we developed the RNA disruption assay (RDA) to quantify RNA disruption and stratify it into 3 response zones of clinical importance. Zone 1 is a level of RNA disruption inadequate for pathologic complete response (pCR); Zone 2 is an intermediate level, while Zone 3 has high RNA disruption. The same RNA disruption cut points developed for pCR response were then utilized for DFS. Tumor RDA identified >fourfold more chemotherapy non-responders than did clinical response by calipers. pCR responders were clustered in RDA Zone 3, irrespective of tumor subtype. DFS was about 2-fold greater for patients with tumors in Zone 3 compared to Zone 1 patients. Kaplan-Meier survival curves corroborated these findings that high tumor RNA disruption was associated with increased DFS. DFS values for patients in zone 3 that did not achieve a pCR were similar to that of pCR recipients across tumor subtypes, including patients with hormone receptor positive tumors that seldom achieve a pCR. RDA appears superior to pCR as a chemotherapy response biomarker, supporting the prospect of its use in response-guided chemotherapy.

  11. Endostar combined with chemotherapy compared with chemotherapy alone in the treatment of nonsmall lung carcinoma: A meta-analysis based on Chinese patients.

    PubMed

    Wang, J; Gu, L J; Fu, C X; Cao, Z; Chen, Q Y

    2014-03-01

    Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated death world-wide. And the lung cancer is generally divided into small cell lung carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer. For advanced NSCLC, the chemotherapy and target therapy were the important treatment modality. This meta-analysis was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicity between endostar combined chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone in Chinese patients. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and CNKI databases to find the potential relevant articles reporting the endostar combined with chemotherapy regimen in the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer in Chinese patients. The tumor response and toxicity difference between the two groups were demonstrated by odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI). All the data was pooled by Stata 11.0 (http://www.stata.com; Stata Corporation, College Station, TX) software. We included 14 studies published in Chinese or English studies. The pooled results showed adding endostar in the chemotherapy regimen can significant increase the objective response rate (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.87-3.12, P = 0.00) and disease control rate (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.68-2.94, P = 0.00). For toxicities, the pooled data showed no statistical difference for grade III-IV granulocytopenia risk (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.74-1.44, P = 0.83). Nausea and vomiting (OR = 0.93 95% CI: 0.51-1.52, P = 0.78) and grade III-IV alopecia (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.76-1.29, P = 0.95). The funnel plot showed no statistical publications. Combined treatment with endostar can improve the response rate for NSCLC patients without increasing the risk of developing severe adverse event.

  12. Systems analysis of BCL2 protein family interactions establishes a model to predict responses to chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Lindner, Andreas U; Concannon, Caoimhín G; Boukes, Gerhardt J; Cannon, Mary D; Llambi, Fabien; Ryan, Deborah; Boland, Karen; Kehoe, Joan; McNamara, Deborah A; Murray, Frank; Kay, Elaine W; Hector, Suzanne; Green, Douglas R; Huber, Heinrich J; Prehn, Jochen H M

    2013-01-15

    Apoptotic desensitization is a hallmark of cancer cells, but present knowledge of molecular systems controlling apoptosis has yet to provide significant prognostic insights. Here, we report findings from a systems study of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis by BCL2 family proteins and clinical translation of its findings into a model with applications in colorectal cancer (CRC). By determining absolute protein quantifications in CRC cells and patient tumor samples, we found that BAK and BAX were expressed more highly than their antiapoptotic inhibitors. This counterintuitive finding suggested that sole inhibition of effector BAX and BAK could not be sufficient for systems stability in nonstressed cells. Assuming a model of direct effector activation by BH3-only proteins, we calculated that the amount of stress-induced BH3-only proteins required to activate mitochondrial apoptosis could predict individual death responses of CRC cells to 5-fluorouracil/oxaliplatin. Applying this model predictor to protein profiles in tumor and matched normal tissue samples from 26 patients with CRCs, we found that differences in protein quantities were sufficient to model the increased tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy compared with normal tissue. In addition, these differences were sufficient to differentiate clinical responders from nonresponders with high confidence. Applications of our model, termed DR_MOMP, were used to assess the impact of apoptosis-sensitizing drugs in lowering the necessary dose of state-of-the-art chemotherapy in individual patients. Together, our findings offer a ready clinical tool with the potential to tailor chemotherapy to individual patients.

  13. Differential clonal evolution in oesophageal cancers in response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Findlay, John M; Castro-Giner, Francesc; Makino, Seiko; Rayner, Emily; Kartsonaki, Christiana; Cross, William; Kovac, Michal; Ulahannan, Danny; Palles, Claire; Gillies, Richard S; MacGregor, Thomas P; Church, David; Maynard, Nicholas D; Buffa, Francesca; Cazier, Jean-Baptiste; Graham, Trevor A; Wang, Lai-Mun; Sharma, Ricky A; Middleton, Mark; Tomlinson, Ian

    2016-04-05

    How chemotherapy affects carcinoma genomes is largely unknown. Here we report whole-exome and deep sequencing of 30 paired oesophageal adenocarcinomas sampled before and after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Most, but not all, good responders pass through genetic bottlenecks, a feature associated with higher mutation burden pre-treatment. Some poor responders pass through bottlenecks, but re-grow by the time of surgical resection, suggesting a missed therapeutic opportunity. Cancers often show major changes in driver mutation presence or frequency after treatment, owing to outgrowth persistence or loss of sub-clones, copy number changes, polyclonality and/or spatial genetic heterogeneity. Post-therapy mutation spectrum shifts are also common, particularly C>A and TT>CT changes in good responders or bottleneckers. Post-treatment samples may also acquire mutations in known cancer driver genes (for example, SF3B1, TAF1 and CCND2) that are absent from the paired pre-treatment sample. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy can rapidly and profoundly affect the oesophageal adenocarcinoma genome. Monitoring molecular changes during treatment may be clinically useful.

  14. Apply radiomics approach for early stage prognostic evaluation of ovarian cancer patients: a preliminary study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Danala, Gopichandh; Wang, Yunzhi; Thai, Theresa; Gunderson, Camille; Moxley, Katherine; Moore, Kathleen; Mannel, Robert; Liu, Hong; Zheng, Bin; Qiu, Yuchen

    2017-03-01

    Predicting metastatic tumor response to chemotherapy at early stage is critically important for improving efficacy of clinical trials of testing new chemotherapy drugs. However, using current response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) guidelines only yields a limited accuracy to predict tumor response. In order to address this clinical challenge, we applied Radiomics approach to develop a new quantitative image analysis scheme, aiming to accurately assess the tumor response to new chemotherapy treatment, for the advanced ovarian cancer patients. During the experiment, a retrospective dataset containing 57 patients was assembled, each of which has two sets of CT images: pre-therapy and 4-6 week follow up CT images. A Radiomics based image analysis scheme was then applied on these images, which is composed of three steps. First, the tumors depicted on the CT images were segmented by a hybrid tumor segmentation scheme. Then, a total of 115 features were computed from the segmented tumors, which can be grouped as 1) volume based features; 2) density based features; and 3) wavelet features. Finally, an optimal feature cluster was selected based on the single feature performance and an equal-weighed fusion rule was applied to generate the final predicting score. The results demonstrated that the single feature achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.838+/-0.053. This investigation demonstrates that the Radiomic approach may have the potential in the development of high accuracy predicting model for early stage prognostic assessment of ovarian cancer patients.

  15. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in technically unresectable carcinoma of external auditory canal

    PubMed Central

    Joshi, Amit; Tandon, Nidhi; Noronha, Vanita; Dhumal, Sachin; Patil, Vijay; Arya, Supreeta; Juvekar, Shashikant; Agarwal, Jaiprakash; DCruz, Anil; Pai, Prathmesh; Prabhash, Kumar

    2015-01-01

    Background: Carcinoma of external auditory canal (EAC) is a very rare malignancy with surgical resection as the main modality of treatment. The outcomes with nonsurgical modalities are very dismal. We present a retrospective analysis of 4 patients evaluating the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in technically unresectable cancers. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 4 patients from our institute from 2010 to 2014 with carcinoma EAC who were deemed unfit for surgery due to extensive disease involving occipital bone with soft tissue infiltration (n = 2), temporal dura (n = 1), left temporal lobe, and extensive soft tissue involvement (n = 1). All these patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and 5 fluorouracil (n = 3) and paclitaxel and cisplatin (n = 1). Results: Response evaluation showed a partial response (PR) in 3 and stable disease (SD) in 1 patient by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. All 3 patients who received 3 drug chemotherapy had PR while 1 patient who received 2 drug chemotherapy had SD. Two of these patients underwent surgery, and other 2 underwent definitive chemoradiation. One of 3 patients who achieved PR underwent surgical resection; the other 2 remained unresectable in view of the persistent intradural extension and infratemporal fossa involvement. One patient who had SD could undergo surgery in view of clearance of infraatemporal fossa. Recent follow-up shows that 3 out of these 4 patients are alive. Conclusion: This indicates that there may be a role of induction chemotherapy in converting potentially unresectable tumors to resectable disease that could produce better outcomes in carcinoma EAC. PMID:26855526

  16. The interplay between the immune system and chemotherapy: emerging methods for optimizing therapy.

    PubMed

    Ghiringhelli, François; Apetoh, Lionel

    2014-01-01

    Preclinical studies have revealed an unexpected ability of the immune system to contribute to the success of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Anticancer therapies can trigger immune system activation by promoting the release of danger signals from dying tumor cells and/or the elimination of immunosuppressive cells. We have, however, recently discovered that some chemotherapies, such as 5-fluorouracil and gemcitabine, exert conflicting effects on anticancer immune responses. Although 5-fluorouracil and Gem selectively eliminated myeloid-derived suppressive cells in tumor-bearing rodents, these chemotherapies promoted the release of IL-1β and the development of pro-angiogenic IL-17-producing CD4 T cells. The ambivalent effects of chemotherapy on immune responses should thus be carefully considered to design effective combination therapies based on chemotherapy and immune modulators. Herein, we discuss how the initial findings underscoring the key role of the immune system in mediating the antitumor efficacy of anticancer agents could begin to translate into effective therapies in humans.

  17. Types of chemotherapy

    MedlinePlus

    ... or on cancer cells. How Doctors Choose Your Chemotherapy The type and dose of chemotherapy your doctor gives you ... drugs. Below are the seven main types of chemotherapy, the types of cancer they treat, and examples. The caution ...

  18. Metronomic palliative chemotherapy in maxillary sinus tumor

    PubMed Central

    Patil, Vijay M.; Noronh, Vanita; Joshi, Amit; Karpe, Ashay; Talreja, Vikas; Chandrasekharan, Arun; Dhumal, Sachin; Prabhash, Kumar

    2016-01-01

    Background: Metronomic chemotherapy consisting of methotrexate and celecoxib recently has shown promising results in multiple studies in head and neck cancers. However, these studies have not included patients with maxillary sinus primaries. Hence, the role of palliative metronomic chemotherapy in patients with maxillary sinus carcinoma that is not amenable to radical therapy is unknown. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of carcinoma maxillary sinus patients who received palliative metronomic chemotherapy between August 2011 and August 2014. The demographic details, symptomatology, previous treatment details, indication for palliative chemotherapy, response to therapy, and overall survival (OS) details were extracted. SPSS version 16 was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics have been performed. Survival analysis was done by Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Five patients had received metronomic chemotherapy. The median age was 60 years (range 37–64 years). The proportion of patients surviving at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months were 40%, 40%, and 20%, respectively. The estimated median OS was 126 days (95% confidence interval 0–299.9 days). The estimated median survival in patients with an event-free period after the last therapy of <6 months was 45 days, whereas it was 409 days in patients with an event-free period postlast therapy above 6 months (P = 0.063). Conclusion: Metronomic chemotherapy in carcinoma maxillary sinus holds promise. It has activity similar to that seen in head and neck cancers and needs to be evaluated further in a larger cohort of patients. PMID:27275447

  19. [History of cancer and chemotherapy before chemotherapy].

    PubMed

    Bonnichon, Philippe; Berger, J P; Bonni, N; Fontaine, M; Pion-Graff, J

    2014-01-01

    Chemotherapy stands today for cancer. In 1909, Paul Ehrlich (1854-1915) advocates the use of arsphenamine by infusion. So, he is considered as the father of chemotherapy. In fact, the first to have thought through chemotherapy was Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723). In 1676, ideas and experiments on animals had sufficiently progressed to allow Michel Ettmuller (1644-1683) to publish the first edition of his book and several others were printed until 1753. In this book, he describes the first intravenous treatment, it sets the first indications, dosages and different products which can be used. However this method has been forgotten until the late 19th century.

  20. Oncogenic RAS Enables DNA Damage- and p53-Dependent Differentiation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells in Response to Chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Meyer, Mona; Rübsamen, Daniela; Slany, Robert; Illmer, Thomas; Stabla, Kathleen; Roth, Petra; Stiewe, Thorsten

    2009-01-01

    Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal disease originating from myeloid progenitor cells with a heterogeneous genetic background. High-dose cytarabine is used as the standard consolidation chemotherapy. Oncogenic RAS mutations are frequently observed in AML, and are associated with beneficial response to cytarabine. Why AML-patients with oncogenic RAS benefit most from high-dose cytarabine post-remission therapy is not well understood. Here we used bone marrow cells expressing a conditional MLL-ENL-ER oncogene to investigate the interaction of oncogenic RAS and chemotherapeutic agents. We show that oncogenic RAS synergizes with cytotoxic agents such as cytarabine in activation of DNA damage checkpoints, resulting in a p53-dependent genetic program that reduces clonogenicity and increases myeloid differentiation. Our data can explain the beneficial effects observed for AML patients with oncogenic RAS treated with higher dosages of cytarabine and suggest that induction of p53-dependent differentiation, e.g. by interfering with Mdm2-mediated degradation, may be a rational approach to increase cure rate in response to chemotherapy. The data also support the notion that the therapeutic success of cytotoxic drugs may depend on their ability to promote the differentiation of tumor-initiating cells. PMID:19890398

  1. Aquaporin 1 expression is associated with response to adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II and III colorectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Imaizumi, Hideko; Ishibashi, Keiichiro; Takenoshita, Seiichi; Ishida, Hideyuki

    2018-05-01

    Aquaporin 1 (AQP1), which functions as a water transporter, is associated with cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis in numerous types of solid cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). The focus of the present study was to address the potential clinical use of AQP1 expression in CRC as a prognostic and predictive biomarker for disease recurrence and therapeutic outcomes. The current study investigated the expression of AQP1 in surgically resected specimens from 268 patients with stage 0-IV CRC. AQP1 expression was positive in 112 (41.8%) patients, and was significantly associated with left-sided tumors (P<0.01) and with aggressive tumor phenotypes, including depth of invasion (P=0.03), lymph node metastasis (P=0.03), lymphatic invasion (P<0.01) and venous invasion (P<0.01). However, AQP1 expression had no significant prognostic effect on disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with stage II and III CRC following curative surgery. In 84 stage II and III patients who were administered 5-fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy, positive AQP1 expression was associated with an increased DFS rate compared with that of AQP1-negative patients (P=0.05). Additionally, these results identified that receiving adjuvant chemotherapy was not beneficial to patients with AQP1-negative tumors. This suggests that the expression of AQP1 may be a candidate biomarker predictive of response to 5-fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy following surgery in patients with stage II and III CRC.

  2. A Novel 3 Dimensional Stromal-based Model for In Vitro Chemotherapy Sensitivity Testing of Leukemia Cells

    PubMed Central

    Aljitawi, Omar S.; Li, Dandan; Xiao, Yinghua; Zhang, Da; Ramachandran, Karthik; Stehno-Bittel, Lisa; Van Veldhuizen, Peter; Lin, Tara L.; Kambhampati, Suman; Garimella, Rama

    2014-01-01

    The disparate responses of leukemia cells to chemotherapy in vivo, compared to in vitro, is partly related to the interactions of leukemic cells and the 3 dimensional (3D) bone marrow stromal microenvironment. We investigated the effects of chemotherapy agents on leukemic cell lines co-cultured with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (hu-BM-MSC) in 3D. Comparison was made to leukemic cells treated in suspension, or grown on a hu-BM-MSC monolayer (2D conditions). We demonstrated that leukemic cells cultured in 3D were more resistant to drug-induced apoptosis compared to cells cultured in 2D or in suspension. We also demonstrated significant differences in leukemic cell response to chemotherapy using different leukemic cell lines cultured in 3D. We suggest that the differential responses to chemotherapy in 3D may be related to the expression of N-cadherin in the co-culture system. This unique model provides an opportunity to study leukemic cell responses to chemotherapy in 3D. PMID:23566162

  3. Effectiveness of gabapentin pharmacotherapy in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

    PubMed

    Magnowska, Magdalena; Iżycka, Natalia; Kapoła-Czyż, Joanna; Romała, Anna; Lorek, Jakub; Spaczyński, Marek; Nowak-Markwitz, Ewa

    2018-01-01

    Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common chemotherapy side effect, but its prevention and treatment remains a challenge. Neurotoxicity may lead to dose limitation or even treatment discontinuation, and therefore potentially affect the efficacy of anticancer treatment and long term outcomes. The practice to administer gabapentin for neuropathy may be applicable, but is limited by insufficient studies. The aim of our study was to assess the presence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in ovarian cancer patients treated with first-line paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy and evaluate the effectiveness of gabapentin in treatment of this condition. 61 ovarian cancer patients treated with first line chemotherapy were included in the study. The first phase of the study was to assess neurological condition of each patient by: neuropathy symptoms scale, McGill's scale, neurological deficit and quality of life, during the chemotherapy. In the second phase of the study we evaluated the response to gabapentin treatment in a group of patients who developed neuropathy. 78.7% of the patients developed chemotherapy related neuropathy. During the course of chemotherapy these patients experienced significant exacerbation of neuropathy symptoms (p < 0.0001), neuropathic pain (p < 0.0001), neurologic deficit (p < 0.0012) and worsening of quality of life (p < 0.0002). Patients who were qualified to undergo the gabapentin treatment observed improvement in symptoms (p < 0.027), pain (p < 0.027) and neurologic deficit (p < 0.019). Quality of life did not change significantly after gabapentin treatment (p < 0.128). Chemotherapy substantially deteriorates the neurologic condition of the patients and the quality of life. Paclitaxel and carboplatin treated patients may benefit from gabapentin therapy in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

  4. Chemotherapy induced toxicity is highly heritable in Drosophila melanogaster

    PubMed Central

    Kislukhin, Galina; Murphy, Maura L.; Jafari, Mahtab; Long, Anthony D.

    2012-01-01

    Objectives Identifying the genes responsible for chemotherapy toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster may allow for the identification of human orthologs that similarly mediate toxicity in humans. In order to develop Drosophila melanogaster as a model of dissecting chemotoxicity, we first need to develop standardized high throughput toxicity assays and prove that inter-individual variation in toxicity as measured by such assays is highly heritable. Methods We developed a method for the oral delivery of commonly used chemotherapy drugs to Drosophila. Post-treatment female fecundity displayed a dose dependent response to varying levels of the chemotherapy drug delivered. We fixed the dose for each drug at a level that resulted in a 50% reduction in fecundity and used a paternal half-sibling heritability design to calculate the heritability attributable to chemotherapy toxicity assayed via a decrease in female fecundity. Chemotherapy agents tested were carboplatin, floxuridine, gemcitabine hydrochloride, methotrexate, mitomycin C, and topotecan hydrochloride. Results We found that six currently widely prescribed chemotherapeutic agents lowered fecundity in D. melanogaster in both a dose dependent and highly heritable manner. The following heritability estimates were found: carboplatin – 0.72, floxuridine – 0.52, gemcitabine hydrochloride – 0.72, methotrexate – 0.99, mitomycin C – 0.64, and topotecan hydrochloride – 0.63. Conclusions The high heritability estimates observed in this study, irrespective of the particular class of drug examined, suggest that human toxicity may also have a sizable genetic component. PMID:22336958

  5. The Benefit of Chemotherapy in Esophageal Cancer Patients With Residual Disease After Trimodality Therapy.

    PubMed

    Kim, Grace J; Koshy, Matthew; Hanlon, Alexandra L; Horiba, M Naomi; Edelman, Martin J; Burrows, Whitney M; Battafarano, Richard J; Suntharalingam, Mohan

    2016-04-01

    The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the potential benefits of chemotherapy in esophageal cancer patients treated with chemoradiation followed by surgery. At our institution, 145 patients completed trimodality therapy from 1993 to 2009. Neoadjuvant treatment predominantly consisted of 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin with a concurrent median radiation dose of 50.4 Gy. Sixty-two patients received chemotherapy postoperatively. The majority (49/62) received 3 cycles of docetaxel. Within the entire cohort, a 5-year overall survival (OS) benefit was found in those who received postoperative chemotherapy, OS 37.1% versus 18.0% (P=0.024). The response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation was as follows: 33.8% had a pathologic complete response and 62.8% with residual disease. A 5-year OS and cause-specific survival (CSS) advantage were associated with postoperative chemotherapy among those with macroscopic residual disease after neoadjuvant therapy: OS 38.7% versus 13.9% (P=0.016), CSS 42.8% versus 18.8% (P=0.048). This benefit was not seen in those with a pathologic complete response or those with microscopic residual. A stepwise multivariate Cox regression model evaluating the partial response group revealed that postoperative chemotherapy and M stage were independent predictors of overall and CSS. This analysis revealed that patients with gross residual disease after trimodality therapy for esophageal cancer who received postoperative chemotherapy had an improved overall and CSS. These data suggest that patients with residual disease after trimodality therapy and a reasonable performance status may benefit from postoperative chemotherapy. Prospective trials are needed to confirm these results to define the role of postoperative treatment after trimodality therapy.

  6. MRI volumetry for prediction of tumour response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer

    PubMed Central

    Seierstad, T; Hole, K H; Grøholt, K K; Dueland, S; Ree, A H; Flatmark, K

    2015-01-01

    Objective: To investigate if MRI-assessed tumour volumetry correlates with histological tumour response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and subsequent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Methods: Data from 69 prospectively enrolled patients with LARC receiving NACT followed by CRT and radical surgery were analysed. Whole-tumour volumes were contoured in T2 weighted MR images obtained pre-treatment (VPRE), after NACT (VNACT) and after the full course of NACT followed by CRT (VCRT). VPRE, VNACT and tumour volume changes relative to VPRE, ΔVNACT and ΔVCRT were calculated and correlated to histological tumour regression grade (TRG). Results: 61% of good histological responders (TRG 1–2) to NACT followed by CRT were correctly predicted by combining VPRE < 10.5 cm3, ΔVNACT > −78.2% and VNACT < 3.3 cm3. The highest accuracy was found for VNACT, with 55.1% sensitivity given 100% specificity. The volume regression after completed NACT and CRT (VCRT) was not significantly different between good and poor responders (TRG 1–2 vs TRG 3–5). Conclusion: MRI-assessed small tumour volumes after NACT correlated with good histological tumour response (TRG 1–2) to the completed course of NACT and CRT. Furthermore, by combining tumour volume measurements before, during and after NACT, more good responders were identified. Advances in knowledge: MRI volumetry may be a tool for early identification of good and poor responders to NACT followed by CRT and surgery in LARC in order to aid more individualized, multimodal treatment. PMID:25899892

  7. Evaluation of reactive oxygen metabolites in patients with non-small cell lung cancer after chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Wakabayashi, Toru; Kawashima, Tatsuo; Matsuzawa, Yasuo

    2014-01-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) after chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its association with response to treatment. Fifty-eight untreated NSCLC patients and twenty-three healthy subjects were selected for the study. Patients received two courses of platinum-based chemotherapy and were evaluated for oxidative stress and treatment response. As a marker of reactive oxygen species, ROMs levels were measured using the d-ROMs test. ROMs level (mean ± standard deviation) before chemotherapy in NSCLC patients (416 ± 135 U.CARR) was significantly elevated (p = 0.016) compared to normal healthy subjects (320 ± 59 U.CARR). Patients who responded to chemotherapy showed significantly decreased (p = 0.014) ROMs levels after chemotherapy, whereas patients who had stable disease or progressive disease showed no change in ROMs level (p = 0.387). NSCLC patients had significantly elevated ROMs levels before chemotherapy compared with normal healthy subjects. Chemotherapy may suppress ROMs production in responders but not in non-responders. ROMs level may be a predictor of clinical outcome in patients receiving chemotherapy for NSCLC.

  8. Radiological response and survival in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients treated with three-drug induction chemotherapy followed by radical local treatment.

    PubMed

    Bonanno, Laura; Zago, Giulia; Marulli, Giuseppe; Del Bianco, Paola; Schiavon, Marco; Pasello, Giulia; Polo, Valentina; Canova, Fabio; Tonetto, Fabrizio; Loreggian, Lucio; Rea, Federico; Conte, PierFranco; Favaretto, Adolfo

    2016-01-01

    If concurrent chemoradiotherapy cannot be performed, induction chemotherapy followed by radical-intent surgical treatment is an acceptable option for non primarily resectable non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). No markers are available to predict which patients may benefit from local treatment after induction. This exploratory study aims to assess the feasibility and the activity of multimodality treatment, including triple-agent chemotherapy followed by radical surgery and/or radiotherapy in locally advanced NSCLCs. We retrospectively collected data from locally advanced NSCLCs treated with induction chemotherapy with carboplatin (area under the curve 6, d [day]1), paclitaxel (200 mg/m(2), d1), and gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m(2) d1, 8) for three to four courses, followed by radical surgery and/or radiotherapy. We analyzed radiological response and toxicity. Estimated progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were correlated to response, surgery, and clinical features. In all, 58 NSCLCs were included in the study: 40 staged as IIIA, 18 as IIIB (according to TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors-7th edition staging system). A total of 36 (62%) patients achieved partial response (PR), and six (10%) progressions were recorded. Grade 3-4 hematological toxicity was observed in 36 (62%) cases. After chemotherapy, 37 (64%) patients underwent surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy, and two patients received radical-intent radiotherapy. The median PFS and OS were 11 months and 23 months, respectively. Both PFS and OS were significantly correlated to objective response (P<0.0001) and surgery (P<0.0001 and P=0.002). Patients obtaining PR and receiving local treatment achieved a median PFS and OS of 35 and 48 months, respectively. Median PFS and OS of patients not achieving PR or not receiving local treatment were 5-7 and 11-15 months, respectively. The extension of surgery did not affect the outcome. The multimodality treatment was feasible, and triple

  9. Chemotherapy drug thioTEPA exacerbates stress-induced anhedonia and corticosteroid responses but not impairment of hippocampal cell proliferation in adult mice

    PubMed Central

    Wilson, Courtney L.; Weber, E. Todd

    2012-01-01

    Cancer patients often suffer long-lasting affective and cognitive impairments as a result of chemotherapy treatment. Previous work in our lab has shown deficits in learning and memory and hippocampal cell proliferation in mice lasting up to 20 weeks following acute administration of thioTEPA. In this study, the effects of thioTEPA in conjunction with effects of chronic stress on depression-related behavior were examined in C57BL/6J mice, 12 weeks following thioTEPA administration. Chemotherapy-treated mice showed a diminished sucralose preference compared to controls that was further exacerbated after 2 weeks of daily restraint stress. This intensifying effect was not observed in the Porsolt forced swim test. Moreover, stress-induced corticosteroid responses were exaggerated in thioTEPA-treated mice. Cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus was also impaired similarly by prior thioTEPA treatment and by daily restraint stress, with no additive effect. Results suggest that some depression-related impairments may be exacerbated by chemotherapy treatment through altered corticosteroid regulation. PMID:22981560

  10. SU-E-J-31: Biodynamic Imaging of Cancer Tissue and Response to Chemotherapy

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

    Nolte, D; Turek, J; Childress, M

    2014-06-01

    Purpose: To measure intracellular motions inside three-dimensional living cancer tissue samples to establish a novel set of biodynamic biomarkers that assess tissue proliferative activity and sensitivity or resistance to chemotherapy. Methods: Biodynamic imaging (BDI) uses digital holography with low-coherence low-intensity light illumination to construct 3D holograms from depths up to a millimeter deep inside cancer tissue models that include multicellular tumor spheroids and ex vivo cancer biopsies from canine non-Hodgkins lymphoma and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) mouse explants. Intracellular motions modulate the holographic intensity with frequencies related to the Doppler effect caused by the motions of a wide variety ofmore » intracellular components. These motions are affected by applied therapeutic agents, and BDI produces unique fingerprints of the action of specific drugs on the motions in specific cell types. In this study, chemotherapeutic agents (doxorubicin for canine lymphoma and oxoplatin for ovarian) are applied to the living tissue models and monitored over 10 hours by BDI. Results: Multicellular spheroids and patient biopsies are categorized as either sensitive or insensitive to applied therapeutics depending on the intracellular Doppler signatures of chemotherapy response. For both lymphoma and EOC there is strong specificity to the two types of sensitivities, with sensitive cell lines and biopsies exhibiting a global cessation of proliferation and strong suppression of metabolic activity, while insensitive cell lines and biopsies show moderate activation of Doppler frequencies associated with membrane processes and possible membrane trafficking. Conclusion: This work supports the hypothesis that biodynamic biomarkers from three-dimensional living tumor tissue, that includes tissue heterogeneity and measured within 24 hours of surgery, is predictive of near-term patient response to therapy. Future work will correlate biodynamic biomarkers

  11. How breast cancer chemotherapy increases the risk of leukemia: Thoughts about a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and leukemia after breast cancer chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Bin; Zhang, Xia; Li, Minghuan; Kong, Li; Deng, Xiaoqin; Yu, Jinming

    2016-01-01

    The latest studies suggest that prophylactic chemotherapy or adjuvant chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer may increase the leukemia risk in patients. For patients with a low risk for breast cancer recurrence, physicians who make the choice for adjuvant therapy should consider the risk of its long-term side effects. Is the occurrence of lymphatic system cancer and leukemia after breast cancer treatment associated with chemotherapy? Can these types of leukemia be classified as therapy-related leukaemias? We believe that there may be correlations between any diseases, butwe cannot rush to conclusions or dismiss a correlation because we understand little about the diseases themselves.In this paper, we present a case of secondary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and leukemia in patients after breast cancer chemotherapy, it is undeniable that this is a special event. For two distinct tumouroccurrences at different times, we cannot give a clear explanation because of thechanges in the genes that might link them together and we hope to attract the attention of other clinicians.

  12. Progression following neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy may not be a contraindication to a curative approach for colorectal carcinomatosis.

    PubMed

    Passot, Guillaume; Vaudoyer, Delphine; Cotte, Eddy; You, Benoit; Isaac, Sylvie; Noël Gilly, François; Mohamed, Faheez; Glehen, Olivier

    2012-07-01

    The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the influence of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy on patients with colorectal carcinomatosis before a curative procedure. Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal cancer may be treated with a curative intent by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The role of perioperative systemic chemotherapy for this particular metastatic disease remains unclear. One hundred twenty patients with PC from colorectal cancer were consecutively treated by 131 procedures combining CRS with HIPEC. The response to neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy was assessed on data from previous explorative surgery and/or radiological imaging. Ninety patients (75%) were treated with neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy in whom 32 (36%) were considered to have responded, 19 (21%) had stable disease, and 19 (21%) developed diseases progression. Response could not be evaluated in 20 patients (22%). On univariate analysis, the use of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy had a significant positive prognostic influence (P = 0.042). On multivariate analysis, the completeness of CRS and the use of adjuvant systemic chemotherapy were the only significant prognostic factors (P < 0.001 and P = 0.049, respectively). Response to neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy had no significant prognostic impact with median survival of 31.4 months in patients showing disease progression. In patients with PC from colorectal cancer without extraperitoneal metastases, failure of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy should not constitute an absolute contraindication to a curative procedure combining CRS and HIPEC.

  13. Alteration of Topoisomerase II–Alpha Gene in Human Breast Cancer: Association With Responsiveness to Anthracycline-Based Chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Press, Michael F.; Sauter, Guido; Buyse, Marc; Bernstein, Leslie; Guzman, Roberta; Santiago, Angela; Villalobos, Ivonne E.; Eiermann, Wolfgang; Pienkowski, Tadeusz; Martin, Miguel; Robert, Nicholas; Crown, John; Bee, Valerie; Taupin, Henry; Flom, Kerry J.; Tabah-Fisch, Isabelle; Pauletti, Giovanni; Lindsay, Mary-Ann; Riva, Alessandro; Slamon, Dennis J.

    2011-01-01

    Purpose Approximately 35% of HER2-amplified breast cancers have coamplification of the topoisomerase II-alpha (TOP2A) gene encoding an enzyme that is a major target of anthracyclines. This study was designed to evaluate whether TOP2A gene alterations may predict incremental responsiveness to anthracyclines in some breast cancers. Methods A total of 4,943 breast cancers were analyzed for alterations in TOP2A and HER2. Primary tumor tissues from patients with metastatic breast cancer treated in a trial of chemotherapy plus/minus trastuzumab were studied for amplification/deletion of TOP2A and HER2 as a test set followed by evaluation of malignancies from two separate, large trials for changes in these same genes as a validation set. Association between these alterations and clinical outcomes was determined. Results Test set cases containing HER2 amplification treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) plus trastuzumab, demonstrated longer progression-free survival compared to those treated with AC alone (P = .0002). However, patients treated with AC alone whose tumors contain HER2/TOP2A coamplification experienced a similar improvement in survival (P = .004). Conversely, for patients treated with paclitaxel, HER2/TOP2A coamplification was not associated with improved outcomes. These observations were confirmed in a larger validation set, where HER2/TOP2A coamplification was again associated with longer survival when only anthracycline-containing chemotherapy was used for treatment compared with outcome in HER2-positive cancers lacking TOP2A coamplification. Conclusion In a study involving nearly 5,000 breast malignancies, both test set and validation set demonstrate that TOP2A coamplification, not HER2 amplification, is the clinically useful predictive marker of an incremental response to anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Absence of HER2/TOP2A coamplification may indicate a more restricted efficacy advantage for breast cancers than previously thought. PMID

  14. Laser assisted immunotherapy (LIT) for chemotherapy-resistant neoplasms: recent case reports

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nordquist, Robert E.; Bahavar, Cody; Zhou, Feifan; Hode, Tomas; Chen, Wei R.; Li, Xiaosong; Naylor, Mark F.

    2014-02-01

    T-cell stimulators such as anti-CTLA-4 antibodies enhance immunologic responses to chemotherapy-resistant solid tumors, such as melanoma, advanced breast cancer, ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer. The efficacy of these new immunotherapy agents can in theory be enhanced substantially by therapies that stimulate new immunologic (T-cell) responses against the tumor. Laser immunotherapy (LIT) with imiquimod and InCVAX are techniques that produce useful responses in patients with advanced melanoma, the prototypical chemotherapy resistant solid tumor. The mechanism of action of these therapies is thought to be immunological, including the development of new T-cell responses. We have therefore been combining LIT using imiquimod and InCVAX treatment with the new T-cell stimulators (ipilimumab) in cases of stage IV melanoma. While still anecdotal, the use of novel combinations of immunologic therapies should provide much improved responses for chemotherapy-resistant solid tumors (such as melanoma) than was previously possible. Newer T-cell stimulating drugs such as the anti-PD-1 antibodies and anti-PD-L1 antibodies will make this general approach to treating chemoresistant advanced tumors even more effective in the future.

  15. Bevacizumab-Based Chemotherapy Combined with Regional Deep Capacitive Hyperthermia in Metastatic Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study.

    PubMed

    Ranieri, Girolamo; Ferrari, Cristina; Di Palo, Alessandra; Marech, Ilaria; Porcelli, Mariangela; Falagario, Gianmarco; Ritrovato, Fabiana; Ramunni, Luigi; Fanelli, Margherita; Rubini, Giuseppe; Gadaleta, Cosmo Damiano

    2017-07-06

    As an angiogenesis inhibitor, bevacizumab has been investigated in combination with different chemotherapeutic agents, achieving an established role for metastatic cancer treatment. However, potential synergic anti-angiogenic effects of hyperthermia have not tested to date in literature. The aim of our study was to analyze efficacy, safety, and survival of anti-angiogenic-based chemotherapy associated to regional deep capacitive hyperthermia (HT) in metastatic cancer patients. Twenty-three patients with metastatic colorectal ( n = 16), ovarian ( n = 5), and breast ( n = 2) cancer were treated with HT in addition to a standard bevacizumab-based chemotherapy regimen. Treatment response assessment was performed, according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors (mRECIST), at 80 days (timepoint-1) and at 160 days (timepoint-2) after therapy. Disease Response Rate (DRR), considered as the proportion of patients who had the best response rating (complete response (CR), partial response (PR), or stable disease (SD)), was assessed at timepoint-1 and timepoint-2. Chi-squared for linear trend test was performed to evaluated the association between response groups (R/NR) and the number of previous treatment (none, 1, 2, 3), number of chemotherapy cycles (<6, 6, 12, >12), number of hyperthermia sessions (<12, 12, 24, >24), and lines of chemotherapy (I, II). Survival curves were estimated by Kaplan-Meier method. DRR was 85.7% and 72.2% at timepoint-1 and timepoint-2, respectively. HT was well tolerated without additional adverse effects on chemotherapy-related toxicity. Chi-squared for linear trend test demonstrated that the percentage of responders grew in relation to the number of chemotherapy cycles ( p = 0.015) and to number of HT sessions ( p < 0.001) performed. Both overall survival (OS) and time to progression (TTP) were influenced by the number of chemotherapy cycles ( p < 0.001) and HT sessions ( p < 0.001) performed. Our preliminary data, that

  16. Drug resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer: P-glycoprotein and glutation S-transferase. Can they play an important role in detecting response to platinum-based chemotherapy as a first-line therapy.

    PubMed

    Simşek, T; Ozbilim, G; Gülkesen, H; Kaya, H; Sargin, F; Karaveli, S

    2001-01-01

    Drug resistance is important for the treatment of ovarian cancer. P-glycoprotein and glutation S-transferase as resistance markers play an important role in the effectivity of chemotherapeutical agents. The role of P-glycoprotein and glutation S-transferase in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer is not well understood. We investigated the relation between P-glycoprotein and glutation S-transferase level for response to platinum-based chemotherapy in epithelial ovarian cancer. We reviewed 30 cases diagnosed as epithelial ovarian cancer and treated with platinum-based chemotherapy in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine. The material was attained from initial parafin-embeded blocks stained for P-glycoprotein and glutation S-transferase. The cases that were diagnosed and treated before attending our clinic were not enrolled in the study. Mean age was 58.2 (25-70) and mean gravida 4.1 (0-10). Twenty-four patients (80%) were glutation S-transferase positive. Three cases (10%) out of 30 had positive reaction for P-glycoprotein. No difference was revealed regarding chemotherapy response rate among the cases showing glutation S-transferase positivity and P-glycoprotein negativity. Detection of glutation S-transferase and P-glycoprotein levels in epithelial ovarian cancer tissue is not important for response to platinum-based chemotherapy as a first line.

  17. Posterior Segment Toxicity Following Gemcitabine and Docetaxel Chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Valeshabad, Ali Kord; Mieler, William F.; Setlur, Vikram; Thomas, Merina; Shahidi, Mahnaz

    2015-01-01

    Purpose To report outer retinal disruption and uveal effusion following gemcitabine and docetaxel combination therapy. Case Report A 78-year-old woman presented with blurry vision following two cycles of gemcitabine and docetaxel combination chemotherapy for stage IV sarcoma. At presentation, visual acuity (VA) was finger counting and 20/25 in the right and left eyes, respectively. Slit lamp examination and B scan ultrasonography revealed severe uveal effusion in the right eye and choroidal folds in the left eye. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed disruption of photoreceptor inner segment ellipsoid band in the right eye. The patient was monitored weekly with ophthalmic examination and B scan ultrasonography, while continuing with gemcitabine monotherapy. At 8 weeks follow up, uveal effusion improved considerably and VA was 20/40 and 20/20 in the right and left eyes, respectively. Conclusions Uveal effusion and outer retinal disruption were reported following gemcitabine and docetaxel chemotherapy. Early detection and close ophthalmic monitoring may allow concurrent cancer treatment and prevention of possible chemotherapy-induced ocular side effects. PMID:25822016

  18. Optimal timing of influenza vaccination during 3-week cytotoxic chemotherapy cycles.

    PubMed

    Keam, Bhumsuk; Kim, Min-Kyung; Choi, Yunhee; Choi, Su-Jin; Choe, Pyoeng Gyun; Lee, Kyung-Hun; Kim, Tae Min; Kim, Tae-Yong; Oh, Do-Youn; Kim, Dong-Wan; Im, Seock-Ah; Kim, Nam-Joong; Heo, Dae Seog; Park, Wan Beom; Oh, Myoung-Don

    2017-03-01

    Cytopenia occurs frequently during cytotoxic chemotherapy. Little is known about the optimal timing of influenza vaccination for patients receiving chemotherapy. This study compared the immunogenicity of an influenza vaccine administered concurrently with chemotherapy (day 1) and within the cytopenic period (day 11) during 3-week cytotoxic chemotherapy cycles. Adult patients with solid cancer undergoing scheduled 3-week cytotoxic chemotherapy were randomly assigned to receive the 2014-2015 seasonal influenza vaccine on day 1 or 11 during the chemotherapy cycle. Patients were stratified by their age (<60 and ≥60 years) and previous influenza vaccination status. Antibody responses to influenza vaccine strains H1N1, H3N2, and B were measured before and 21 to 28 days after vaccination with a hemagglutination inhibition antibody assay. Ninety-seven patients were randomized into a day 1 group (n = 43) or a day 11 group (n = 54). Eighty-three patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 54 (± 11) years. Cancer types included breast (61%) and lung cancer (30%). Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the groups. Seroprotection rates after vaccination were also not significantly different for the day 1 and 11 groups (strain H1N1, 67% vs 75% [P = .403]; strain H3N2, 77% vs 80% [P = .772]; strain B, 21% vs 27% [P = .472]). Seroconversion rates and postvaccination geometric mean titers were also similar for the groups. Vaccine-related adverse events were more common in the day 11 group (13% vs. 32%; P = .040). The antibody responses to influenza vaccination on days 1 and 11 during a 3-week cytotoxic chemotherapy cycle were comparable. Influenza vaccination can be performed concurrently with cytotoxic chemotherapy or during the cytopenic period. Cancer 2017;123:841-48. © 2016 American Cancer Society. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

  19. WITHDRAWN: Chemoimmunotherapy versus chemotherapy for metastatic malignant melanoma.

    PubMed

    Sasse, Andre D; Sasse, Emma C; Clark, Luciana Go; Clark, Otavio Augusto Camara

    2018-02-06

    -analysis, with a total of 2625 participants. We found evidence of an increase of objective response rates in people treated with chemoimmunotherapy, in comparison with people treated with chemotherapy. Nevertheless, the impact of these increased response rates was not translated into a survival benefit. We found no difference in survival to support the addition of immunotherapy to chemotherapy in the systemic treatment of metastatic melanoma, with a hazard ratio of 0.89 (95% CI 0.72 to 1.11, P = 0.31). Additionally, we found increased hematological and non-hematological toxicities in people treated with chemoimmunotherapy. We failed to find any clear evidence that the addition of immunotherapy to chemotherapy increases survival of people with metastatic melanoma. Further use of combined immunotherapy and chemotherapy should only be done in the context of clinical trials.

  20. Trastuzumab after Chemotherapy Is Effective in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

    Cancer.gov

    Treatment with trastuzumab for 1 year following standard chemotherapy improved disease-free survival in women with HER2-positive early breast cancer, according to 4-year follow-up results of the Herceptin Adjuvant (HERA) trial reported February 25, 2011,

  1. Is this the end of cytotoxic chemotherapy in Merkel cell carcinoma?

    PubMed Central

    Rabinowits, Guilherme

    2017-01-01

    Although cytotoxic chemotherapy has been used often in the management of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), its benefit remains uncertain. Despite being considered a chemosensitive disease, the duration of response is generally short, and the survival benefit is unclear. With the recent FDA approval of the anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody avelumab for patients with advanced MCC and the limited and controversial data on chemotherapy, it is important to put in perspective whether conventional chemotherapy should remain an option for these patients. Here, we review the evidence and controversies around chemotherapy in MCC as well as two recent studies on immunotherapy that changed the treatment paradigm for this disease. PMID:29033592

  2. [The role of biochemical markers with special regard to troponin, CK-MB, NT-proBNP as early biomarkers of cardiotoxicity among women after chemotherapy due to breast cancer].

    PubMed

    Stachowiak, Paweł; Milchert-Leszczyńska, Marta; Falco, Michał; Polakowska, Małgorzata; Wojtarowicz, Andrzej; Kaliszczak, Robert; Safranow, Krzysztof; Kornacewicz-Jach, Zdzisława

    Cardiotoxicity of drugs in oncology is a growing problem which cardiologists and oncologists have to struggle with. So far, researchers have been looking for biochemical markers which could help to extract a group more prone to developing complications after chemotherapy. Authors’ reports are inconsistent in this topic. This study assesses the role of troponin I, CK-MB and NT-proBNP as early predictive markers for later cardiotoxicity among patients with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy. One hundred five patients with breast cancer, without either heart failure or more than moderate severity of valvular heart diseases were qualified to the study. NT-proBNP concentration significantly increased just after the first cycle of chemotherapy, either in a subgroup which developed cardiotoxicity or without this end point (p<0.001, p=0.004). CK-MB did not change significantly during observation. Troponin I did not change in any of the patients. During observation HDL-cholesterol concentration significantly decreased. A transient increase of the concentration of LDL-cholesterol had been noted, but later it decreased below baseline level. Troponin I has too low sensitivity to be used as a prognostic marker for further cardiotoxicity after chemotherapy. No prognostic values have been noted of NT-proBNP and CK-MB due to the lack of differences in both a subgroup with and without cardiotoxicity.

  3. Pharmacogenetics of toxicity of 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy in breast cancer patients

    PubMed Central

    Tecza, Karolina; Pamula-Pilat, Jolanta; Lanuszewska, Joanna; Butkiewicz, Dorota; Grzybowska, Ewa

    2018-01-01

    The differences in patients’ response to the same medication, toxicity included, are one of the major problems in breast cancer treatment. Chemotherapy toxicity makes a significant clinical problem due to decreased quality of life, prolongation of treatment and reinforcement of negative emotions associated with therapy. In this study we evaluated the genetic and clinical risk factors of FAC chemotherapy-related toxicities in the group of 324 breast cancer patients. Selected genes and their polymorphisms were involved in FAC drugs transport (ABCB1, ABCC2, ABCG2,SLC22A16), metabolism (ALDH3A1, CBR1, CYP1B1, CYP2C19, DPYD, GSTM1, GSTP1, GSTT1, MTHFR,TYMS), DNA damage recognition, repair and cell cycle control (ATM, ERCC1, ERCC2, TP53, XRCC1). The multifactorial risk models that combine genetic risk modifiers and clinical characteristics were constructed for 12 toxic symptoms. The majority of toxicities was dependent on the modifications in components of more than one pathway of FAC drugs, while the impact level of clinical factors was comparable to the genetic ones. For the carriers of multiple high risk factors the chance of developing given symptom was significantly elevated which proved the factor-dosage effect. We found the strongest associations between concurrent presence of clinical factors - overall and recurrent anemia, nephrotoxicity and early nausea and genetic polymorphisms in genes responsible for DNA repair, drugs metabolism and transport pathways. These results indicate the possibility of selection of the patients with expected high tolerance to FAC treatment and consequently with high chance of chemotherapy completion without the dose reduction, treatment delays and decline in the quality of life. PMID:29507678

  4. [Current guidelines for prevention and management of chemotherapy extravasation].

    PubMed

    Bahyrycz, Jan; Pityński, Kazimierz; Ludwin, Artur; Ludwin, Inga; Gawlik, Małgorzata

    2012-01-01

    Cytostatic drugs extravasation is the serious side effect of chemotherapy. It may lead to health-threatening complications as well as to impairment of cancer patients quality of life. Prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly reduce the consequences of extravasation. Training of medical staff and patients education have enormous importance on this point.

  5. Long-Term Remission of an Aggressive Sebaceous Carcinoma following Chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Orcurto, Angela; Gay, Béatrice E.; Sozzi, Wendy Jeanneret; Gilliet, Michel; Leyvraz, Serge

    2014-01-01

    Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is an uncommon neoplasm manifesting itself either in the eyelid or extraocularly in the head and neck area. Surgery is the standard of care. Irradiation is rarely proposed as monotherapy but is frequently administered as an adjuvant regimen following surgical resection. There is no known strategy concerning chemotherapeutic treatment in highly aggressive recurrent – or metastatic – forms of the disease. Our patient presented with an aggressive SC of the scalp recurring after multiple excisions and local radiotherapy. Chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin and docetaxel was then initiated; 4 cycles were administered, followed by capecitabine maintenance. Shortly after starting chemotherapy, dermal lesions had completely disappeared and radiological response could be seen. The patient experienced an extended period (>20 months) of complete remission. In this report, we show an excellent response of a highly aggressive SC after a combination of chemotherapy as for head and neck cancers. PMID:24748864

  6. Targeting chemotherapy-resistant leukemia by combining DNT cellular therapy with conventional chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Chen, Branson; Lee, Jong Bok; Kang, Hyeonjeong; Minden, Mark D; Zhang, Li

    2018-04-24

    While conventional chemotherapy is effective at eliminating the bulk of leukemic cells, chemotherapy resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a prevalent problem that hinders conventional therapies and contributes to disease relapse, and ultimately patient death. We have recently shown that allogeneic double negative T cells (DNTs) are able to target the majority of primary AML blasts in vitro and in patient-derived xenograft models. However, some primary AML blast samples are resistant to DNT cell therapy. Given the differences in the modes of action of DNTs and chemotherapy, we hypothesize that DNT therapy can be used in combination with conventional chemotherapy to further improve their anti-leukemic effects and to target chemotherapy-resistant disease. Drug titration assays and flow-based cytotoxicity assays using ex vivo expanded allogeneic DNTs were performed on multiple AML cell lines to identify therapy-resistance. Primary AML samples were also tested to validate our in vitro findings. Further, a xenograft model was employed to demonstrate the feasibility of combining conventional chemotherapy and adoptive DNT therapy to target therapy-resistant AML. Lastly, blocking assays with neutralizing antibodies were employed to determine the mechanism by which chemotherapy increases the susceptibility of AML to DNT-mediated cytotoxicity. Here, we demonstrate that KG1a, a stem-like AML cell line that is resistant to DNTs and chemotherapy, and chemotherapy-resistant primary AML samples both became more susceptible to DNT-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro following pre-treatment with daunorubicin. Moreover, chemotherapy treatment followed by adoptive DNT cell therapy significantly decreased bone marrow engraftment of KG1a in a xenograft model. Mechanistically, daunorubicin increased the expression of NKG2D and DNAM-1 ligands on KG1a; blocking of these pathways attenuated DNT-mediated cytotoxicity. Our results demonstrate the feasibility and benefit of using DNTs as

  7. Cancer Chemotherapy

    MedlinePlus

    ... controlled way. Cancer cells keep growing without control. Chemotherapy is drug therapy for cancer. It works by killing the cancer ... It depends on the type and amount of chemotherapy you get and how your body reacts. Some ...

  8. [Efficacy of chemotherapy after EGFR-TKIs resistance in 191 patients with Unknow EGFR gene mutation in advanced lung adenocarcinoma].

    PubMed

    He, Ping; Wang, Yan; Yang, Sheng; Yu, Shufei; Wang, Ziping; Li, Junling; Wang, Bin; Hao, Xuezhi; Wang, Hongyu; Hu, Xingsheng; Zhang, Xiangru; Shi, Yuankai

    2013-10-20

    Subsequent chemotherapy were needed in patients with advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma experiencing disease progression after epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) treatment. The study is to explore factors potentially influencing efficacy of subsequent chemotherapy. One hundred and ninety-one patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma, who were resistant from EGFR-TKIs and then received subsequent chemotherapy, were identified. Data of patient's characteristics, responses to chemotherapy and survival time were analyzed retrospectively. The overall response rate of the pemetrexed-based chemotherapy (9.3%) was higher than non-pemetrexed-based regimen (1.1%), P=0.011. Furthermore, the response in the second-line was more obvisous [objective response rate (ORR) 14.3% vs 3.7%, P=0.041]. The patients who achieved response of partial response (PR) showed longer progression-free survival (PFS) than those who achieved non-PR (PFS 10.1 months and 2.3 months, P=0.012). The patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy had longer PFS and OS than those with non-platinum-based chemotherapy, therefore platinum-based regimen was independent prognosis factors for PFS and OS (PFS: RR=0.634, 95%CI: 0.466-0.832, P=0.004; OS: RR=0.666, 95%CI: 0.460-0.960, P=0.030), especially the pateients who were aquired EGFR-TKIs resistance and who got drmatic progression from EGFR-TKIs treatment might got more benefits from platinum-based chemotherapy. However there was no significant difference in ORR, PFS or OS between patients with TKIs primary resistance and acquired resistance, or between dramtic progression and gradual/local progression. The patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma might get benefits from pemetrexed-based or platinum-based chemotherapy after they were EGFR-TKIs resistace.

  9. Evaluation of reactive oxygen metabolites in patients with non-small cell lung cancer after chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) after chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its association with response to treatment. Methods Fifty-eight untreated NSCLC patients and twenty-three healthy subjects were selected for the study. Patients received two courses of platinum-based chemotherapy and were evaluated for oxidative stress and treatment response. As a marker of reactive oxygen species, ROMs levels were measured using the d-ROMs test. Results ROMs level (mean ± standard deviation) before chemotherapy in NSCLC patients (416 ± 135 U.CARR) was significantly elevated (p = 0.016) compared to normal healthy subjects (320 ± 59 U.CARR). Patients who responded to chemotherapy showed significantly decreased (p = 0.014) ROMs levels after chemotherapy, whereas patients who had stable disease or progressive disease showed no change in ROMs level (p = 0.387). Conclusions NSCLC patients had significantly elevated ROMs levels before chemotherapy compared with normal healthy subjects. Chemotherapy may suppress ROMs production in responders but not in non-responders. ROMs level may be a predictor of clinical outcome in patients receiving chemotherapy for NSCLC. PMID:25180083

  10. Fatigue, pain, and functional status during outpatient chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Siefert, Mary Lou

    2010-03-01

    To examine the relationship of fatigue and pain with functional status and the pattern of the two symptoms' occurrence over time in individuals with cancer who were receiving outpatient chemotherapy. The aims were to describe the levels of fatigue and pain with functional status and the inter-relationships with each other and with demographic and clinical variables over time. Descriptive, correlational. Outpatient chemotherapy clinic in the New England region of the United States. Total available population of 70 consecutive adult patients with breast cancer (n = 9), colorectal cancer (n = 21), lung cancer (n = 21), or lymphoma (n = 19). Retrospective data were extracted from the medical records; descriptive, correlational, and mixed-modeling methods were used to describe the sample and to examine the relationships of the symptoms and functional status. Fatigue, pain, functional status, and demographic and clinical factors. Fatigue was the most frequently reported symptom; pain was rarely and almost exclusively reported by patients with lung cancer or lymphoma during their early treatments. Fatigue and functional status impairment were highly associated with each other and had similar relationships with the other variables. The patterns and relationships of fatigue and functional status reported by this fairly healthy sample provide useful information to help guide early assessments and nursing interventions for people receiving outpatient chemotherapy. The patterns and severity of symptoms and functional status impairment in people with colorectal cancer or lymphoma warrant further investigation. Targeted exercise interventions for specific outpatient populations should be developed and tested to address specific patterns of symptoms and functional status impairment in individuals with cancer.

  11. Chemotherapy-Induced Amenorrhea – An Update

    PubMed Central

    Liedtke, C.; Kiesel, L.

    2012-01-01

    Because of the heterogeneity in the definition of chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea (CIA) there are distinct differences in the literature with regard to its incidence as well as its dependence on various influencing factors. The occurrence of CIA varies greatly depending on the applied chemotherapy. The pathogenesis of CIA is especially based on a reduction of ovarian reserves. Various sonographic and biochemical factors can be used to exclude or confirm CIA. This is particularly important when an endocrine therapy with tamoxifen is not possible and the use of aromatase inhibitors is under consideration. CIA and especially the frequently thereby resulting early menopause can lead to pronounced restrictions in the quality of life of the affected patients, not least due to the resulting infertility. On the other hand, various studies have shown that CIA may have a positive prognostic significance. Thus, the identification of measures to prevent CIA (for example, through the use of GnRH analogues) is of particular importance. PMID:26640289

  12. Influence of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Polymorphism on the Risk of Lung Cancer and the Clinical Response to Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: An Updated Meta-Analysis

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Ning; Gong, Yi; He, Jian; Xia, Jingwen

    2013-01-01

    Purpose Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) has been implicated in lung cancer risk and response to platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the results are controversial. We performed meta-analysis to investigate the effect of MTHFR C677T polymorphism on lung cancer risk and response to platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC. Materials and Methods The databases of PubMed, Ovid, Wanfang and Chinese Biomedicine were searched for eligible studies. Nineteen studies on MTHFR C677T polymorphism and lung cancer risk and three articles on C677T polymorphism and response to platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC, were identified. Results The results indicated that the allelic contrast, homozygous contrast and recessive model of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism were associated significantly with increased lung cancer risk. In the subgroup analysis, the C677T polymorphism was significantly correlated with an increased risk of NSCLC, with the exception of the recessive model. The dominant model and the variant T allele showed a significant association with lung cancer susceptibility of ever smokers. Male TT homozygote carriers had a higher susceptibility, but the allelic contrast and homozygote model had a protective effect in females. No relationship was observed for SCLC in any comparison model. In addition, MTHFR 677TT homozygote carriers had a better response to platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC in the recessive model. Conclusion The MTHFR C677T polymorphism might be a genetic marker for lung cancer risk or response to platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC. However, our results require further verification. PMID:24142642

  13. Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on HER-2 expression in surgically treated gastric and oesophagogastric junction carcinoma: a multicentre Italian study.

    PubMed

    Chiari, Damiano; Orsenigo, Elena; Guarneri, Giovanni; Baiocchi, Gian Luca; Mazza, Elena; Albarello, Luca; Bissolati, Massimiliano; Molfino, Sarah; Staudacher, Carlo

    2017-03-01

    Predictors of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy are not available for gastric and oesophago-gastric junction carcinoma. HER-2 over-expression in breast cancer correlates with poor prognosis and high incidence of recurrence. First aim of this study was to evaluate if the HER-2 expression/amplification is predictive of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in terms of pathologic regression. Secondary aim was to evaluate if HER-2 expression varies after neoadjuvant treatment. Thirty-five patients with locally advanced gastric or oesophago-gastric junction carcinoma underwent preoperative chemotherapy and surgical resection at San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Spedali Civili of Brescia. HER-2 expression/amplification was evaluated on every biopsy at diagnosis time and on every surgical sample after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pathologic response to chemotherapy was evaluated according to TNM classification (ypT status and ypN status) and Mandard's tumour regression grade classification. In our series 10 patients (28.6%) showed a reduction in HER-2 overexpression and in 6 of them (17.1%) HER-2 expression completely disappeared. Only three of the six patients with HER-2 disappearance had a complete pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. There was a strong correlation between HER-2 negativity on biopsy and absence of lymph node metastasis in surgical samples after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, irrespective of nodal status before chemotherapy. A direct correlation between HER-2 reduction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and pathologic regression (primary tumour and lymph nodes) in surgical samples was found. HER-2 negativity may represent a predictor of pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastric and oesophago-gastric junction adenocarcinoma. Neoadjuvant treatment can reduce HER-2 overexpression.

  14. Use of sentinel lymph node biopsy to select patients for local–regional therapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Erdahl, Lillian M.; Boughey, Judy C.

    2014-01-01

    Use of sentinel lymph node biopsy for axillary staging of patients with breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been widely debated. Questions arise regarding the accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy in axillary staging for these patients and its use to determine further local–regional therapy, including surgery and radiation therapy. For patients who are clinically node-negative at presentation, sentinel lymph node biopsy enables accurate staging of the axilla after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and determination of which patients should go on to further axillary surgery and regional nodal radiation therapy. Importantly, performing axillary staging after completion of chemotherapy, rather than before chemotherapy, enables assessment of response to chemotherapy and the extent of residual disease. This information can assist the planning of adjuvant treatment. Recent data indicate that sentinel node biopsy can also be used to assess disease response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with clinical N1 disease at presentation. PMID:24683440

  15. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma response to chemotherapy enhanced with non-invasive radio frequency evaluated via an integrated experimental/computational approach.

    PubMed

    Ware, Matthew J; Curtis, Louis T; Wu, Min; Ho, Jason C; Corr, Stuart J; Curley, Steven A; Godin, Biana; Frieboes, Hermann B

    2017-06-13

    Although chemotherapy combined with radiofrequency exposure has shown promise in cancer treatment by coupling drug cytotoxicity with thermal ablation or thermally-induced cytotoxicity, limited access of the drug to tumor loci in hypo-vascularized lesions has hampered clinical application. We recently showed that high-intensity short-wave capacitively coupled radiofrequency (RF) electric-fields may reach inaccessible targets in vivo. This non-invasive RF combined with gemcitabine (Gem) chemotherapy enhanced drug uptake and effect in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), notorious for having poor response and limited therapeutic options, but without inducing thermal injury. We hypothesize that the enhanced cytotoxicity derives from RF-facilitated drug transport in the tumor microenvironment. We propose an integrated experimental/computational approach to evaluate chemotherapeutic response combined with RF-induced phenotypic changes in tissue with impaired transport. Results show that RF facilitates diffusive transport in 3D cell cultures representing hypo-vascularized lesions, enhancing drug uptake and effect. Computational modeling evaluates drug vascular extravasation and diffusive transport as key RF-modulated parameters, with transport being dominant. Assessment of hypothetical schedules following current clinical protocol for Stage-IV PDAC suggests that unresponsive lesions may be growth-restrained when exposed to Gem plus RF. Comparison of these projections to experiments in vivo indicates that synergy may result from RF-induced cell phenotypic changes enhancing drug transport and cytotoxicity, thus providing a potential baseline for clinically-focused evaluation.

  16. Gemcitabine-Based Chemotherapy in Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Multicenter Study of Efficacy and Predictive Factors.

    PubMed

    Henning, Judith E K; Deutschbein, Timo; Altieri, Barbara; Steinhauer, Sonja; Kircher, Stefan; Sbiera, Silviu; Wild, Vanessa; Schlötelburg, Wiebke; Kroiss, Matthias; Perotti, Paola; Rosenwald, Andreas; Berruti, Alfredo; Fassnacht, Martin; Ronchi, Cristina L

    2017-11-01

    Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is rare and confers an unfavorable prognosis in advanced stages. Other than combination chemotherapy with cisplatin, etoposide, doxorubicin, and mitotane, the second- and third-line regimens are not well-established. Gemcitabine (GEM)-based chemotherapy was suggested in a phase 2 clinical trial with 28 patients. In other solid tumors, human equilibrative nucleoside transporter type 1 (hENT1) and/or ribonucleotide reductase catalytic subunit M1 (RRM1) expression have been associated with resistance to GEM. To assess the efficacy of GEM-based chemotherapy in ACC in a real-world setting and the predictive role of molecular parameters. Retrospective multicenter study. Referral centers of university hospitals. A total of 145 patients with advanced ACC were treated with GEM-based chemotherapy (132 with concomitant capecitabine). Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor material was available for 70 patients for immunohistochemistry. The main outcome measures were progression-free survival (PFS) and an objective response to GEM-based chemotherapy. The secondary objective was the predictive role of hENT1 and RRM1. The median PFS for the patient population was 12 weeks (range, 1 to 94). A partial response or stable disease was achieved in 4.9% and 25.0% of cases, with a median duration of 26.8 weeks. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with adverse events of grade 3 or 4 occurring in 11.0% of cases. No substantial effect of hENT1 and/or RRM1 expression was observed in response to GEM-based chemotherapy. GEM-based chemotherapy is a well-tolerated, but modestly active, regimen against advanced ACC. No reliable molecular predictive factors could be identified. Owing to the scarce alternative therapeutic options, GEM-based chemotherapy remains an important option for salvage treatment for advanced ACC. Copyright © 2017 Endocrine Society

  17. Immunological Effects of Conventional Chemotherapy and Targeted Anticancer Agents.

    PubMed

    Galluzzi, Lorenzo; Buqué, Aitziber; Kepp, Oliver; Zitvogel, Laurence; Kroemer, Guido

    2015-12-14

    The tremendous clinical success of checkpoint blockers illustrates the potential of reestablishing latent immunosurveillance for cancer therapy. Although largely neglected in the clinical practice, accumulating evidence indicates that the efficacy of conventional and targeted anticancer agents does not only involve direct cytostatic/cytotoxic effects, but also relies on the (re)activation of tumor-targeting immune responses. Chemotherapy can promote such responses by increasing the immunogenicity of malignant cells, or by inhibiting immunosuppressive circuitries that are established by developing neoplasms. These immunological "side" effects of chemotherapy are desirable, and their in-depth comprehension will facilitate the design of novel combinatorial regimens with improved clinical efficacy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. RNA Disruption and Drug Response in Breast Cancer Primary Systemic Therapy.

    PubMed

    Pritzker, Kenneth; Pritzker, Laura; Generali, Daniele; Bottini, Alberto; Cappelletti, Maria Rosa; Guo, Baoqing; Parissenti, Amadeo; Trudeau, Maureen

    2015-05-01

    As there is now evidence that switching clinical nonresponders early in primary systemic therapy to alternate treatment regimens can enhance survival in some breast cancer patients, the need for a robust intermediate endpoint that can guide treatment response across all tumor subtypes is urgent. Recently, chemotherapy drugs have been shown to induce a decrease in RNA quality in tumor cells from breast cancer biopsies in some patients at midtherapy, and that this has been associated with subsequent achievement of pathological complete response (pCR). The decrease in RNA quality has been shown to be associated with RNA disruption; aberrant RNA bands visualized by RNA electrophoresis have been associated with subsequent tumor cell death. The objectives of these studies are to show that a new assay based on induction of RNA disruption in tumor cells by chemotherapy can stratify at midtherapy, pCR responders from non-pCR responders irrespective of clinical response and to present early evidence that clinically useful RNA disruption can be detected as early as 14 days after initiation of treatment. RNA disruption in tumor cells was quantified by analysis of the RNA electrophoresis banding pattern and expressed as an RNA disruption index (RDI). To develop the RNA disruption assay (RDA), RDI was correlated with clinical outcome (pCR) from the NCIC-CTG MA.22 breast cancer clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00066443). RDA Zones were established by stratifying patients using RDI values into Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3. Zone 3 included seven out of eight pCR responders, whereas Zone 1 contained no pCR responders. An intermediate zone (Zone 2) was established which contained one pCR. Subsequently, to determine early drug response, RNA disruption was examined by RDI after 14 days exposure to trastuzumab, zoledronic acid, or letrozole + cyclophosphamide ± sorafenib therapy. In MA.22, RDA stratified 23 of 85 patients in Zone 1 as pCR nonresponders, 24 patients in Zone 2, an

  19. Design of a rectal probe for diffuse optical spectroscopy imaging for chemotherapy and radiotherapy monitoring

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van de Giessen, Martijn; Santoro, Ylenia; Mirzaei Zarandi, Soroush; Pigazzi, Alessio; Cerussi, Albert E.; Tromberg, Bruce J.

    2014-03-01

    Diffuse optical spectroscopy imaging (DOSI) has shown great potential for the early detection of non-responding tumors during neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer, already one day after therapy starts. Patients with rectal cancer receive similar chemotherapy treatment. The rectum geometry and tissue properties of healthy and tumor tissue in the rectum and the requirement of surface contact impose constraints on the probe design. In this work we present the design of a DOSI probe with the aim of early chemotherapy/radiotherapy effectiveness detection in rectal tumors. We show using Monte Carlo simulations and phantom measurements that the colon tissue can be characterized reliably using a source-detector separation in the order of 10 mm. We present a design and rapid prototype of a probe for DOSI measurements that can be mounted on a standard laparoscope and that fits through a standard rectoscope. Using predominantly clinically approved components we aim at fast clinical translation.

  20. Model-based optimization of G-CSF treatment during cytotoxic chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Schirm, Sibylle; Engel, Christoph; Loibl, Sibylle; Loeffler, Markus; Scholz, Markus

    2018-02-01

    Although G-CSF is widely used to prevent or ameliorate leukopenia during cytotoxic chemotherapies, its optimal use is still under debate and depends on many therapy parameters such as dosing and timing of cytotoxic drugs and G-CSF, G-CSF pharmaceuticals used and individual risk factors of patients. We integrate available biological knowledge and clinical data regarding cell kinetics of bone marrow granulopoiesis, the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of G-CSF applications (filgrastim or pegfilgrastim) into a comprehensive model. The model explains leukocyte time courses of more than 70 therapy scenarios comprising 10 different cytotoxic drugs. It is applied to develop optimized G-CSF schedules for a variety of clinical scenarios. Clinical trial results showed validity of model predictions regarding alternative G-CSF schedules. We propose modifications of G-CSF treatment for the chemotherapies 'BEACOPP escalated' (Hodgkin's disease), 'ETC' (breast cancer), and risk-adapted schedules for 'CHOP-14' (aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in elderly patients). We conclude that we established a model of human granulopoiesis under chemotherapy which allows predictions of yet untested G-CSF schedules, comparisons between them, and optimization of filgrastim and pegfilgrastim treatment. As a general rule of thumb, G-CSF treatment should not be started too early and patients could profit from filgrastim treatment continued until the end of the chemotherapy cycle.

  1. Resource Utilization and Safety of Outpatient Management Following Intensive Induction or Salvage Chemotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Nonrandomized Clinical Comparative Analysis.

    PubMed

    Vaughn, Jennifer E; Othus, Megan; Powell, Morgan A; Gardner, Kelda M; Rizzuto, Donelle L; Hendrie, Paul C; Becker, Pamela S; Pottinger, Paul S; Estey, Elihu H; Walter, Roland B

    2015-11-01

    Adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) typically remain hospitalized after induction or salvage chemotherapy until blood cell count recovery, with resulting prolonged inpatient stays being a primary driver of health care costs. Pilot studies suggest that outpatient management following chemotherapy might be safe and could reduce costs for these patients. To compare safety, resource utilization, infections, and costs between adults discharged early following AML or MDS induction or salvage chemotherapy and inpatient controls. Nonrandomized, phase 2, single-center study conducted at the University of Washington Medical Center. Over a 43-month period (January 1, 2011, through July 31, 2014), 178 adults receiving intensive AML or MDS chemotherapy were enrolled. After completion of chemotherapy, 107 patients met predesignated medical and logistical criteria for early discharge, while 29 met medical criteria only and served as inpatient controls. Early-discharge patients were released from the hospital at the completion of chemotherapy, and supportive care was provided in the outpatient setting until blood cell count recovery (median, 21 days; range, 2-45 days). Controls received inpatient supportive care (median, 16 days; range, 3-42 days). We analyzed differences in early mortality, resource utilization including intensive care unit (ICU) days, transfusions per study day, and use of intravenous (IV) antibiotics per study day), numbers of infections, and total and inpatient charges per study day among early-discharge patients vs controls. Four of the 107 early-discharge patients and none of the 29 control patients died within 30 days of enrollment (P=.58). Nine early-discharge patients (8%) but no controls required ICU-level care (P=.20). No differences were noted in the median daily number of transfused red blood cell units (0.27 vs 0.29; P=.55) or number of transfused platelet units (0.26 vs 0.29; P=.31). Early-discharge patients

  2. Pre-irradiation chemotherapy for newly diagnosed high grade astrocytoma.

    PubMed

    Mathieu, N Tubiana; Genet, D; Labrousse, F; Bouillet, P; Denes, S Lavau; Martin, J; Labourey, J L; Venat, L; Clavere, P; Moreau, J J

    2004-01-01

    The purpose of this work was to determine the response rate and toxicity of a combination of Carmustine and Cisplatin administered before radiation in patients with newly diagnosed high grade astrocytoma. A good response rate has been published with this association in primary cerebral high grade tumor. This protocol was administered in a homogeneous population of 37 adult patients with measurable tumor on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT scan. After biopsy or subtotal resection, the patients received BCNU 40 mg/m2/d and CODP 40 mg/m2/d, for 3 days every 28 days for 3 cycles. Evaluation was performed before each cycle. Radiation therapy began 4 weeks after completing the chemotherapy or immediately if there was evidence of tumor progression on chemotherapy. Seven out of 37 (19%) demonstrated tumor regression with a median duration to progression of 11 months. Median survival was 6 months. Myelosuppression was the predominant but manageable toxicity. This work indicated that the first chemotherapy protocol gave poor results in a homogeneous group of patients, with bad prognosis.

  3. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy induces breast cancer metastasis through a TMEM-mediated mechanism

    PubMed Central

    Karagiannis, George S.; Pastoriza, Jessica M.; Wang, Yarong; Harney, Allison S.; Entenberg, David; Pignatelli, Jeanine; Sharma, Ved P.; Xue, Emily A.; Cheng, Esther; D’Alfonso, Timothy M.; Jones, Joan G.; Anampa, Jesus; Rohan, Thomas E.; Sparano, Joseph A.; Condeelis, John S.; Oktay, Maja H.

    2017-01-01

    Breast cancer cells disseminate through TIE2/MENACalc/MENAINV-dependent cancer cell intravasation sites, called tumor microenvironment of metastasis (TMEM), which are clinically validated as prognostic markers of metastasis in breast cancer patients. Using fixed tissue and intravital imaging of a PyMT murine model and patient-derived xenografts, we show that chemotherapy increases the density and activity of TMEM sites and Mena expression and promotes distant metastasis. Moreover, in the residual breast cancers of patients treated with neoadjuvant paclitaxel after doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide, TMEM score and its mechanistically connected MENAINV isoform expression pattern were both increased, suggesting that chemotherapy, despite decreasing tumor size, increases the risk of metastatic dissemination. Chemotherapy-induced TMEM activity and cancer cell dissemination were reversed by either administration of the TIE2 inhibitor rebastinib or knockdown of the MENA gene. Our results indicate that TMEM score increases and MENA isoform expression pattern changes with chemotherapy and can be used in predicting prometastatic changes in response to chemotherapy. Furthermore, inhibitors of TMEM function may improve clinical benefits of chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting or in metastatic disease. PMID:28679654

  4. Metabolic monitoring of advanced uterine cervical cancer neoadjuvant chemotherapy by using [F-18]-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography: preliminary results in three patients.

    PubMed

    Yoshida, Yoshio; Kurokawa, Tetsuji; Kawahara, Kazumi; Yagihara, Akira; Tsuchida, Tatsuro; Okazawa, Hidehiko; Fujibayashi, Yasuhisa; Yonekura, Yoshiharu; Kotsuji, Fumikazu

    2004-12-01

    The aim of this report is to describe the potential clinical utility of tracer [F-18]-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake, quantitated as a standardized uptake value (SUV) by positron emission tomography (PET), to evaluate treatment response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in advanced uterine cervical cancer. We briefly describe the clinical courses of three women with advanced cervical cancer who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) prior to radical hysterectomy and who were analyzed for correlation with the decrease in tumor volume by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in SUV by FDG-PET, and by histologic response. In these individuals, tumor volume and SUV were decreased by NAC. The decrease in SUV by FDG-PET was better correlated to histologic response for NAC than MRI was in advanced cervical cancer. Measurement of SUV by FDG-PET has clinical utility in evaluating treatment response for NAC in advanced cervical cancer. Although work in this field is still in the early stages, this report demonstrates that SUV by FDG-PET has the potential to become the new standard for monitoring the treatment response of NAC in cervical cancer. This monitoring approach must be proven in a larger number of patients for both primary and secondary lesions and should be further explored in another gynecologic cancer.

  5. The impact of common and rare EGFR mutations in response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Arrieta, Oscar; Cardona, Andrés Felipe; Corrales, Luis; Campos-Parra, Alma Delia; Sánchez-Reyes, Roberto; Amieva-Rivera, Eduardo; Rodríguez, July; Vargas, Carlos; Carranza, Hernán; Otero, Jorge; Karachaliou, Nikki; Astudillo, Horacio; Rosell, Rafael

    2015-02-01

    In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the association between common EGFR mutations (Del EX19/L858R) with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) has been well established. However, this has not been investigated for rare EGFR mutations or their impact on treatment response and outcome to EGFR TKIs (primary objective) and chemotherapy (secondary objective). In an observational prospective cohort, we analyzed 188 NSCLC patients from Mexico, Colombia and Costa Rica with EGFR mutations. As a first line of treatment, 66.5% received platinum-based chemotherapy. All patients received TKIs in first-line treatment or after progression to chemotherapy. The clinical-pathological characteristics as well as the f of common and rare EGFR mutations associated with treatment response were analyzed. Of all patients, 79.5% had common and 20.5% had rare EGFR mutations. Lepidic and acinar adenocarcinomas were associated with common EGFR mutations (p=0.010). Patients with common EGFR mutations had higher response rates to EGFR-TKIs than those who had rare EGFR mutations (63.8 vs 32.4%, p<0.001). Women had increased progression-free survival (PFS) to EGFR-TKIs than men (16.4 vs 9.5 months, p=0.02). The median PFS and overall survival (OS) were better in patients with common EGFR mutations (15.5 vs 3.9 months, p<0.001; and 37.3 vs 17.4 months, p<0.001) respectively. Our findings suggested that only patients with rare EGFR mutations could receive platinum-based chemotherapy as a first-line treatment, due to their low response rates and short PFS in response to EGFR-TKIs. Consequently, EGFR-TKIs could be reserved as a second- or third-line treatment. In patients with EGFR mutations, women have better PFS to EGFR-TKIs than men, and rare EGFR mutations are more frequent in high grade adenocarcinomas than in low grade tumors. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Efficacy and safety of platinum combination chemotherapy re-challenge for relapsed patients with non-small-cell lung cancer after postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy of cisplatin plus vinorelbine.

    PubMed

    Imai, Hisao; Shukuya, Takehito; Yoshino, Reiko; Muraki, Keiko; Mori, Keita; Ono, Akira; Akamatsu, Hiroaki; Taira, Tetsuhiko; Kenmotsu, Hirotsugu; Naito, Tateaki; Murakami, Haruyasu; Tomizawa, Yoshio; Takahashi, Toshiaki; Takahashi, Kazuhisa; Saito, Ryusei; Yamamoto, Nobuyuki

    2013-01-01

    There is no standard therapy for relapsed patients who have received postoperative platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy for resected non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated the efficacy and safety of platinum combination chemotherapy re-challenge for such patients. Medical records from 3 institutes from April 2005 to July 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent complete surgical resection were eligible if they received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin plus vinorelbine once and then re-challenge with platinum combination chemotherapy. Sixteen patients were enrolled in this study. After re-challenge with platinum combination chemotherapy, we observed an overall response rate of 31.2% (5/16) and a disease control rate of 81.2% (13/16). Median progression-free survival and overall survival from the start of the re-administration of platinum combination chemotherapy were 6.5 and 28.0 months, respectively. Frequently observed severe adverse events (≥grade 3) included neutropenia (31.2%), thrombocytopenia (31.2%), leukopenia (12.5%) and hyponatremia (12.5%). Frequently observed non-hematological toxicities (≥grade 2) were anorexia (37.5%) and nausea (37.5%). Re-challenge with platinum combination chemotherapy was effective and safe; therefore, this therapy should be considered as a treatment option for relapsed patients after postoperative cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy for resected NSCLC. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  7. Radiological response and survival in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients treated with three-drug induction chemotherapy followed by radical local treatment

    PubMed Central

    Bonanno, Laura; Zago, Giulia; Marulli, Giuseppe; Del Bianco, Paola; Schiavon, Marco; Pasello, Giulia; Polo, Valentina; Canova, Fabio; Tonetto, Fabrizio; Loreggian, Lucio; Rea, Federico; Conte, PierFranco; Favaretto, Adolfo

    2016-01-01

    Objectives If concurrent chemoradiotherapy cannot be performed, induction chemotherapy followed by radical-intent surgical treatment is an acceptable option for non primarily resectable non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). No markers are available to predict which patients may benefit from local treatment after induction. This exploratory study aims to assess the feasibility and the activity of multimodality treatment, including triple-agent chemotherapy followed by radical surgery and/or radiotherapy in locally advanced NSCLCs. Methods We retrospectively collected data from locally advanced NSCLCs treated with induction chemotherapy with carboplatin (area under the curve 6, d [day]1), paclitaxel (200 mg/m2, d1), and gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2 d1, 8) for three to four courses, followed by radical surgery and/or radiotherapy. We analyzed radiological response and toxicity. Estimated progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were correlated to response, surgery, and clinical features. Results In all, 58 NSCLCs were included in the study: 40 staged as IIIA, 18 as IIIB (according to TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors–7th edition staging system). A total of 36 (62%) patients achieved partial response (PR), and six (10%) progressions were recorded. Grade 3–4 hematological toxicity was observed in 36 (62%) cases. After chemotherapy, 37 (64%) patients underwent surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy, and two patients received radical-intent radiotherapy. The median PFS and OS were 11 months and 23 months, respectively. Both PFS and OS were significantly correlated to objective response (P<0.0001) and surgery (P<0.0001 and P=0.002). Patients obtaining PR and receiving local treatment achieved a median PFS and OS of 35 and 48 months, respectively. Median PFS and OS of patients not achieving PR or not receiving local treatment were 5–7 and 11–15 months, respectively. The extension of surgery did not affect the outcome. Conclusion The

  8. Ball-in-ball ZrO2 nanostructure for simultaneous CT imaging and highly efficient synergic microwave ablation and tri-stimuli-responsive chemotherapy of tumors.

    PubMed

    Long, Dan; Niu, Meng; Tan, Longfei; Fu, Changhui; Ren, Xiangling; Xu, Ke; Zhong, Hongshan; Wang, Jingzhuo; Li, Laifeng; Meng, Xianwei

    2017-06-29

    Combined thermo-chemotherapy displays outstanding synergically therapeutic efficiency when compared with standalone thermotherapy and chemotherapy. Herein, we developed a smart tri-stimuli-responsive drug delivery system involving X@BB-ZrO 2 NPs (X represents loaded IL, DOX, keratin and tetradecanol) based on novel ball-in-ball-structured ZrO 2 nanoparticles (BB-ZrO 2 NPs). The microwave energy conversion efficiency of BB-ZrO 2 NPs was 41.2% higher than that of traditional single-layer NPs due to the cooperative action of self-reflection and spatial confinement effect of the special two-layer hollow nanostructure. The tri-stimuli-responsive controlled release strategy indicate that integrated pH, redox and microwaves in single NPs based on keratin and tetradecanol could effectively enhance the specific controlled release of DOX. The release of DOX was only 8.1% in PBS with pH = 7.2 and GSH = 20 μM. However, the release could reach about 50% at the tumor site (pH = 5.5, GSH = 13 mM) under microwave ablation. The as-made X@BB-ZrO 2 NPs exhibited perfect synergic therapy effect of chemotherapy and microwave ablation both in subcutaneous tumors (H22 tumor-bearing mice) and deep tumors (liver transplantation VX2 tumor-bearing rabbit model). There was no recurrence and death in the X@BB-ZrO 2 + MW group during the therapy of subcutaneous tumors even on the 42 nd day. The growth rates in the deep tumor of the control, MW and X@BB-ZrO 2 + MW groups were 290.1%, 14.1% and -42% 6 days after ablation, respectively. Dual-source CT was used to monitor the metabolism behavior of the as-made BB-ZrO 2 NPs and traditional CT was utilized to monitor the tumor growth in rabbits. Frozen section examination and ICP results indicated the precise control of drug delivery and enhanced cytotoxicity by the tri-stimuli-responsive controlled release strategy. The ball-in-ball ZrO 2 NPs with high microwave energy conversion efficiency were first developed for synergic microwave ablation and

  9. Evaluation of tumor blood flow in musculoskeletal lesions: dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging and its possibility when monitoring the response to preoperative chemotherapy-work in progress.

    PubMed

    Kajihara, Makoto; Sugawara, Yoshifumi; Sakayama, Kenshi; Kikuchi, Keiichi; Mochizuki, Teruhito; Murase, Kenya

    2007-04-01

    The objective of this study was to calculate tumor blood flow (TBF) in musculoskeletal lesions and to evaluate the usefulness of this parameter in differentiating malignant from benign lesions and monitoring the treatment response to preoperative chemotherapy. Altogether, 33 patients with musculoskeletal lesions underwent a total of 50 dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, including 28 on 9 patients undergoing preoperative chemotherapy. TBF was calculated using deconvolution analysis. Steepest slope (SS) was determined from the time-intensity curve during the first pass of contrast medium. TBF ranged from 2.7 to 178.6 mL/100 mL/min in benign lesions and from 15.4 to 296.3 mL/100 mL/min in malignant lesions. SS ranged from 0.5%/s to 31.8%/s for benign lesions and from 3.1%/s to 64.8%/sec for malignant lesions. TBF and SS did not differ significantly between benign and malignant lesions. Among the nine patients who underwent preoperative chemotherapy, TBF after chemotherapy was lower in good responders (11.7, 11.0, 7.9 mL/100 mL/min) (n = 3, tumor necrosis > or =90%) than in poor responders (23.4-141.5 mL/100 mL/min) (n = 6, tumor necrosis <90%). TBF and SS cannot reliably differentiate malignant from benign lesions. However, they have potential utility in evaluating the preoperative treatment response in patients with malignant musculoskeletal tumors.

  10. [Buccal manifestations in patients submitted to chemotherapy].

    PubMed

    Hespanhol, Fernando Luiz; Tinoco, Eduardo Muniz Barretto; Teixeira, Henrique Guilherme de Castro; Falabella, Márcio Eduardo Vieira; Assis, Neuza Maria de Souza Picorelli

    2010-06-01

    Several changes in the oral cavity due to chemotherapy can be observed and can lead to important systemic complications, increasing the time of the patient in hospital and the costs of the treatment as well as affect the quality of life of the patients. The aim of this study was to assess the oral manifestation in patients treated with chemotherapy according to sex, age and tumor type. Data was collected in an oncology hospital in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais State, from patients' records that were submitted to oncologic treatment. It was possible to verify that mucositis, associated or not to other type of lesions, was the most common lesion in both sex of all ages (15.5%). Xerostomia and other lesions, such as Candida infection and aphthous lesions, were also present. It is possible to improve the quality of life of the patient during and after anti-neoplastic therapies through a protocol of odontological assistance that includes changes of the oral environment previous to chemotherapy such as profilaxis, caries removal, treatment of periodontal and periapical lesions, oral hygiene instructions, diet orientation and laser therapy. It is very important the insertion of the dentist in the oncologic medical team for the early diagnosis of the oral manifestation and follow-up during treatment time.

  11. Pathogenesis-based treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting--two new agents.

    PubMed

    Navari, Rudolph M

    2003-01-01

    Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is associated with a significant deterioration in quality of life. The emetogenicity of the chemotherapeutic agents, repeated chemotherapy cycles, and patient risk factors (female gender, younger age, alcohol consumption, history of motion sickness) are the major risk factors for CINV. The use of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists plus dexamethasone has significantly improved the control of acute CINV, but delayed nausea and vomiting remains a significant clinical problem. Although the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, dexamethasone, and metoclopramide have been used to prevent delayed CINV, only dexamethasone appears to have much efficacy with acceptable toxicity. Recent studies have introduced two new agents, palonosetron and aprepitant, for the prevention of both acute and delayed CINV. Palonosetron is a new 5-HT3 receptor antagonist with a longer half life and a higher binding affinity than older 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It improves the complete response rate (no emesis, no need for rescue) of acute and delayed CINV in patients receiving moderately emetogenic chemotherapy compared to the older 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. The other agent, aprepitant, is the first agent available in the new drug class of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists. When added to a standard regimen of a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and dexamethasone in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy, it improves the complete response rate of acute CINV. Aprepitant also improves the complete response of delayed CINV when compared to placebo and when used in combination with dexamethasone compared to dexamethasone alone. Acute and delayed nausea may also be improved by aprepitant when used in combination with a 5-HT3 and dexamethasone prechemotherapy or with daily dosing for 3-5 days following chemotherapy. Based on these studies, new guidelines for the prevention of CINV are proposed. Future studies may consider the use of

  12. Treatment of Acute Renal Failure Secondary to Multiple Myeloma with Chemotherapy and Extended High Cut-Off Hemodialysis

    PubMed Central

    Hutchison, Colin A.; Bradwell, Arthur R.; Cook, Mark; Basnayake, Kolitha; Basu, Supratik; Harding, Stephen; Hattersley, John; Evans, Neil D.; Chappel, Mike J.; Sampson, Paul; Foggensteiner, Lukas; Adu, Dwomoa; Cockwell, Paul

    2009-01-01

    Background and objectives: Extended hemodialysis using a high cut-off dialyzer (HCO-HD) removes large quantities of free light chains in patients with multiple myeloma. However, the clinical utility of this method is uncertain. This study assessed the combination of chemotherapy and HCO-HD on serum free light chain concentrations and renal recovery in patients with myeloma kidney (cast nephropathy) and dialysis-dependent acute renal failure. Design, setting, participants, & measurements: An open-label study of the relationship between free light chain levels and clinical outcomes in 19 patients treated with standard chemotherapy regimens and HCO-HD. Results: There were sustained early reductions in serum free light chain concentrations (median 85% [range 50 to 97]) in 13 patients. These 13 patients became dialysis independent at a median of 27 d (range 13 to 120). Six patients had chemotherapy interrupted because of early infections and did not achieve sustained early free light chain reductions; one of these patients recovered renal function (at 105 d) the remaining 5 patients did not recover renal function. Patients who recovered renal function had a significantly improved survival (P < 0.012). Conclusion: In dialysis-dependent acute renal failure secondary to myeloma kidney, patients who received uninterrupted chemotherapy and extended HCO-HD had sustained reductions in serum free light chain concentrations and recovered independent renal function. PMID:19339414

  13. Response rates and survival times for cats with lymphoma treated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison chemotherapy protocol: 38 cases (1996-2003).

    PubMed

    Milner, Rowan J; Peyton, Jamie; Cooke, Kirsten; Fox, Leslie E; Gallagher, Alexander; Gordon, Patti; Hester, Juli

    2005-10-01

    To determine response rates and survival times for cats with lymphoma treated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison chemotherapy protocol. Retrospective study. 38 cats with lymphoma. Medical records were reviewed, and information on age, sex, breed, FeLV and FIV infection status, anatomic form, clinical stage, and survival time was obtained. Immunophenotyping was not performed. Mean +/- SD age of the cats was 10.9 +/- 4.4 years. Overall median survival time was 210 days (interquartile range, 90 to 657 days), and overall duration of first remission was 156 days (interquartile range, 87 to 316 days). Age, sex, anatomic form, and clinical stage were not significantly associated with duration of first remission or survival time. Eighteen of the 38 (47%) cats had complete remission, 14 (37%) had partial remission, and 6 (16%) had no response. Duration of first remission was significantly longer for cats with complete remission (654 days) than for cats with partial remission (114 days). Median survival time for cats with complete remission (654 days) was significantly longer than median survival time for cats with partial remission (122 days) and for cats with no response (11 days). Results suggested that a high percentage of cats with lymphoma will respond to treatment with the University of Wisconsin-Madison chemotherapy protocol. Age, sex, anatomic form, and clinical stage were not significantly associated with duration of first response or survival time, but initial response to treatment was.

  14. Sulforaphane reduces molecular response to hypoxia in ovarian tumor cells independently of their resistance to chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Pastorek, Michal; Simko, Veronika; Takacova, Martina; Barathova, Monika; Bartosova, Maria; Hunakova, Luba; Sedlakova, Olga; Hudecova, Sona; Krizanova, Olga; Dequiedt, Franck; Pastorekova, Silvia; Sedlak, Jan

    2015-07-01

    One of the recently emerging anticancer strategies is the use of natural dietary compounds, such as sulforaphane, a cancer-chemopreventive isothiocyanate found in broccoli. Based on the growing evidence, sulforaphane acts through molecular mechanisms that interfere with multiple oncogenic pathways in diverse tumor cell types. Herein, we investigated the anticancer effects of bioavailable concentrations of sulforaphane in ovarian carcinoma cell line A2780 and its two derivatives, adriamycin-resistant A2780/ADR and cisplatin-resistant A2780/CP cell lines. Since tumor microenvironment is characterized by reduced oxygenation that induces aggressive tumor phenotype (such as increased invasiveness and resistance to chemotherapy), we evaluated the effects of sulforaphane in ovarian cancer cells exposed to hypoxia (2% O2). Using the cell-based reporter assay, we identified several oncogenic pathways modulated by sulforaphane in hypoxia by activating anticancer responses (p53, ARE, IRF-1, Pax-6 and XRE) and suppressing responses supporting tumor progression (AP-1 and HIF-1). We further showed that sulforaphane decreases the level of HIF-1α protein without affecting its transcription and stability. It can also diminish transcription and protein level of the HIF-1 target, CA IX, which protects tumor cells from hypoxia-induced pH imbalance and facilitates their migration/invasion. Accordingly, sulforaphane treatment leads to diminished pH regulation and reduced migration of ovarian carcinoma cells. These effects occur in all three ovarian cell lines suggesting that sulforaphane can overcome the chemoresistance of cancer cells. This offers a path potentially exploitable in sensitizing resistant cancer cells to therapy, and opens a window for the combined treatments of sulforaphane either with conventional chemotherapy, natural compounds, or with other small molecules.

  15. Radiologic Responses in Cynomolgus Macaques for Assessing Tuberculosis Chemotherapy Regimens

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Philana Ling; Coleman, Teresa; Carney, Jonathan P. J.; Lopresti, Brian J.; Tomko, Jaime; Fillmore, Dan; Dartois, Veronique; Scanga, Charles; Frye, L. James; Janssen, Christopher; Klein, Edwin; Barry, Clifton E.

    2013-01-01

    Trials to test new drugs currently in development against tuberculosis in humans are impractical. All animal models to prioritize new regimens are imperfect, but nonhuman primates (NHPs) infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis develop active tuberculosis (TB) disease with a full spectrum of lesion types seen in humans. Serial 2-deoxy-2-[18F]-fluoro-d-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) with computed tomography (CT) imaging was performed on cynomolgus macaques during infection and chemotherapy with individual agents or the four-drug combination therapy most widely used globally. The size and metabolic activity of lung granulomas varied among animals and even within a single animal during development of disease. Individual granulomas within untreated animals had highly local and independent outcomes, some progressing in size and FDG uptake, while others waned, illustrating the highly dynamic nature of active TB. At necropsy, even untreated animals were found to have a proportion of sterile lesions consistent with the dynamics of this infection. A more marked reduction in overall metabolic activity in the lungs (decreased FDG uptake) was associated with effective treatment. A reduction in the size of individual lesions correlated with a lower bacterial burden at necropsy. Isoniazid treatment was associated with a transient increase in metabolic activity in individual lesions, whereas a net reduction occurred in most lesions from rifampin-treated animals. Quadruple-drug therapy resulted in the highest decrease in FDG uptake. The findings of PET-CT imaging may provide an important early correlate of the efficacy of novel combinations of new drugs that can be directly translated to human clinical trials. PMID:23796926

  16. Lin28 Mediates Cancer Chemotherapy Resistance via Regulation of miRNA Signaling.

    PubMed

    Xu, Chaoyang; Xie, Shuduo; Song, Chunjiao; Huang, Liming; Jiang, Zhinong

    2014-06-01

    Chemotherapy resistance is one of the major obstacles limiting the success of cancer drug treatment. Among the mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy treatment, there are those closely related to P-Glycoprotein, multidrug resistance-related protein, glutathione S-transferase pi and topoisomerase-II. Lin28 is a highly conserved RNA-binding protein, it consists of a cold shock domain and retroviral-type (CCHC) zinc finger motifs. In previous preclinical and clinical studies, positive Lin28 expression in cancer cells was correlated with decreased sensitivity to chemotherapy. And Lin28 could mediate cancer chemotherapy resistance via regulation of miR107 and Let-7 MiRNA. This article reviews current knowledge on predictive value of Lin28 in response to chemotherapy. Better understanding of its role may facilitate patient's selection of therapeutic regimen and lead to optimal clinical outcome.

  17. Response to "Improving Patient Safety With Error Identification in Chemotherapy Orders by Verification Nurses"
.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Ling-Ling; Lv, Na; Zhou, Quan

    2016-12-01

    We read, with great interest, the study by Baldwin and Rodriguez (2016), which described the role of the verification nurse and details the verification process in identifying errors related to chemotherapy orders. We strongly agree with their findings that a verification nurse, collaborating closely with the prescribing physician, pharmacist, and treating nurse, can better identify errors and maintain safety during chemotherapy administration.

  18. Low Estrogen Receptor (ER)-Positive Breast Cancer and Neoadjuvant Systemic Chemotherapy: Is Response Similar to Typical ER-Positive or ER-Negative Disease?

    PubMed

    Landmann, Alessandra; Farrugia, Daniel J; Zhu, Li; Diego, Emilia J; Johnson, Ronald R; Soran, Atilla; Dabbs, David J; Clark, Beth Z; Puhalla, Shannon L; Jankowitz, Rachel C; Brufsky, Adam M; Ahrendt, Gretchen M; McAuliffe, Priscilla F; Bhargava, Rohit

    2018-05-08

    Pathologic complete response (pCR) rate after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was compared between 141 estrogen receptor (ER)-negative (43%), 41 low ER+ (13%), 47 moderate ER+ (14%), and 98 high ER+ (30%) tumors. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive cases, cases without semiquantitative ER score, and patients treated with neoadjuvant endocrine therapy alone were excluded. The pCR rate of low ER+ tumors was similar to the pCR rate of ER- tumors (37% and 26% for low ER and ER- respectively, P = .1722) but significantly different from the pCR rate of moderately ER+ (11%, P = .0049) and high ER+ tumors (4%, P < .0001). Patients with pCR had an excellent prognosis regardless of the ER status. In patients with residual disease (no pCR), the recurrence and death rate were higher in ER- and low ER+ cases compared with moderate and high ER+ cases. Low ER+ breast cancers are biologically similar to ER- tumors. Semiquantitative ER H-score is an important determinant of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

  19. Effect of MR Imaging Contrast Thresholds on Prediction of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Breast Cancer Subtypes: A Subgroup Analysis of the ACRIN 6657/I-SPY 1 TRIAL

    PubMed Central

    Li, Wen; Arasu, Vignesh; Newitt, David C.; Jones, Ella F.; Wilmes, Lisa; Gibbs, Jessica; Kornak, John; Joe, Bonnie N.; Esserman, Laura J.; Hylton, Nola M.

    2016-01-01

    Functional tumor volume (FTV) measurements by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging can predict treatment outcomes for women receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Here, we explore whether the contrast thresholds used to define FTV could be adjusted by breast cancer subtype to improve predictive performance. Absolute FTV and percent change in FTV (ΔFTV) at sequential time-points during treatment were calculated and investigated as predictors of pathologic complete response at surgery. Early percent enhancement threshold (PEt) and signal enhancement ratio threshold (SERt) were varied. The predictive performance of resulting FTV predictors was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. A total number of 116 patients were studied both as a full cohort and in the following groups defined by hormone receptor (HR) and HER2 receptor subtype: 45 HR+/HER2−, 39 HER2+, and 30 triple negatives. High AUCs were found at different ranges of PEt and SERt levels in different subtypes. Findings from this study suggest that the predictive performance to treatment response by MRI varies by contrast thresholds, and that pathologic complete response prediction may be improved through subtype-specific contrast enhancement thresholds. A validation study is underway with a larger patient population. PMID:28066808

  20. Predicting Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with PET Imaging Using Convolutional Neural Networks

    PubMed Central

    Ypsilantis, Petros-Pavlos; Siddique, Musib; Sohn, Hyon-Mok; Davies, Andrew; Cook, Gary; Goh, Vicky; Montana, Giovanni

    2015-01-01

    Imaging of cancer with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) has become a standard component of diagnosis and staging in oncology, and is becoming more important as a quantitative monitor of individual response to therapy. In this article we investigate the challenging problem of predicting a patient’s response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy from a single 18F-FDG PET scan taken prior to treatment. We take a “radiomics” approach whereby a large amount of quantitative features is automatically extracted from pretherapy PET images in order to build a comprehensive quantification of the tumor phenotype. While the dominant methodology relies on hand-crafted texture features, we explore the potential of automatically learning low- to high-level features directly from PET scans. We report on a study that compares the performance of two competing radiomics strategies: an approach based on state-of-the-art statistical classifiers using over 100 quantitative imaging descriptors, including texture features as well as standardized uptake values, and a convolutional neural network, 3S-CNN, trained directly from PET scans by taking sets of adjacent intra-tumor slices. Our experimental results, based on a sample of 107 patients with esophageal cancer, provide initial evidence that convolutional neural networks have the potential to extract PET imaging representations that are highly predictive of response to therapy. On this dataset, 3S-CNN achieves an average 80.7% sensitivity and 81.6% specificity in predicting non-responders, and outperforms other competing predictive models. PMID:26355298

  1. Novel biomarkers in primary breast core biopsies to predict poor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and appearance of metastases.

    PubMed

    Novell, Anna; Morales, Serafin; Valls, Joan; Panadés, Maria José; Salud, Antonieta; Iglesias, Edelmiro; Vilardell, Felip; Matias-Guiu, Xavier; Llombart-Cussac, Antonio

    2017-09-01

    Drug resistance has been one of the major obstacles limiting the success of cancer chemotherapy. In two thirds of breast cancer patients, large (>1cm) residual tumors are present after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). The residual tumor and involved nodes have been indicators of relapse and survival very important in breast cancer. The goal of this preliminary study was to assess the predictive significance of a panel of molecular biomarkers, related with the response to treatment or drug resistance to NCT, as determined on the diagnostic tumor. The expression of 22 proteins was examined using immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays (TMA) from 115 patients of stage II-III breast cancer, treated with NCT. Among studied proteins, there are some that are anti-apoptotic, pro-proliferative, cancer stem cell markers and the Vitamin D Receptor. Other proteins are involved in the identification of molecular subtype, cell cycle regulation or DNA repair. Next, a predictive signature of poor response was generated from independent markers of predictive value. Tumors that expressed four or five conditions (biomarkers of chemoresistance with a determinated cutoff) were associated with a 9-fold increase in the chances of these patients of having a poor response to NCT. Additionally, we also found a worse prognostic signature, generated from independent markers of prognostic value. Tumors which expressed two or three conditions of worst prognostic, were associated with a 6-fold reduction in Distant Disease Free Survival. In conclusion, finding biomarkers of chemoresitance (ypTNM II-III) and metastases can become a stepping stone for future studies that will need to be assessed in a bigger scale.

  2. Clinical response to chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer was not associated with several polymorphisms in detoxification enzymes and DNA repair genes.

    PubMed

    Saadat, Mostafa; Khalili, Maryam; Nasiri, Meysam; Rajaei, Mehrdad; Omidvari, Shahpour; Saadat, Iraj

    2012-03-02

    The main aim of the present study was to investigate the association between several genetic polymorphisms (in glutathione S-transferase members and DNA repair genes) and clinical response to chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer. A sequential series of 101 patients were prospectively included in this study. Clinical assessment of treatment was accomplished by comparing initial tumor size with preoperative tumor size using revised RECIST guideline (version 1.1). Clinical response was regarded as a response or no response. There was no difference between non-responders and responders for the prevalence of genotypes of the study polymorphisms. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Percutaneous fiber-optic sensor for the detection of chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in vivo

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    O'Kelly, James; Liao, Kuo-Chih; Clifton, William; Lu, Daning; Koeffler, Phillip; Loeb, Gerald

    2010-02-01

    Early imaging of tumor response to chemotherapy has the potential for significant clinical benefits. We are developing a family of fiber-optic sensors called SencilsTM (sensory cilia), which are disposable, minimally invasive, and can provide in vivo monitoring of various analytes for several weeks. The objective of this study was to develop and test our sensor to image the labeling of phosphatidylserine by apoptotic cells in response to chemotherapeutic drugs. FM1-43 was a better fluorescent marker for detecting phosphatidylserine expression than Annexin V-FITC; both the proportion of labeled cells (Annexin V, 15%; FM1-43, 58%) and the relative fluorescent increase (Annexin V-FITC, 1.5-fold; FM1-43, 4.5-fold) was greater when FM1-43 was used to detect apoptosis. Initial testing of the optical sensing technology using Taxol-treated MCF-7 cells demonstrated that injection of FM1-43 resulted in a rapid, transient increase in fluorescence that was greater in apoptotic cells compared to control cells (apoptotic cells, 4-fold increase; control cells, 2-fold increase). Using an established animal model, mice were injected with cyclophosphamide and hepatic apoptosis was assessed by imaging of PS expression. Both the amplitude of fluorescence increase and the time taken for the amplitude to decay to half of its peak were increased in livers from animals treated with cyclophosphamide. Our optical sensing technology can be used to detect the early apoptotic response of cells to chemotherapeutic drugs both in vitro and in vivo. This novel technology represents a unique option for the imaging of tumor responses in vivo, and provides an inexpensive, specific system for the detection of early-stage apoptosis.

  4. Sequential Use of Second-Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Treatment and Intensive Chemotherapy Induced Long-Term Complete Molecular Response in Imatinib-Resistant CML Patient Presenting as a Myeloid Blast Crisis

    PubMed Central

    Uchiyama, Tatsuki; Mizumoto, Chisaki; Takeoka, Tomoharu; Tomo, Kenjiro; Ohno, Tatsuharu

    2017-01-01

    Myeloid blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-MBC) is rarely seen at presentation and has a poor prognosis. There is no standard therapy for CML-MBC. It is often difficult to distinguish CML-MBC from acute myeloid leukemia expressing the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+ AML). We present a case in which CML-MBC was seen at the initial presentation in a 75-year-old male. He was treated with conventional AML-directed chemotherapy followed by imatinib mesylate monotherapy, which failed to induce response. However, he achieved long-term complete molecular response after combination therapy involving dasatinib, a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and conventional chemotherapy. PMID:29391957

  5. “Doing Our Part” (Taking Responsibility): A Grounded Theory of the Process of Adherence to Oral Chemotherapy in Children and Adolescents with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

    PubMed Central

    Landier, Wendy; Hughes, Cynthia B.; Calvillo, Evelyn R.; Anderson, Nancy L.R.; Briseño-Toomey, Deborah; Dominguez, Leticia; Martinez, Alex M.; Hanby, Cara; Bhatia, Smita

    2011-01-01

    Children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (A.L.L.) receive treatment that relies on daily self- or parent/caregiver-administered oral chemotherapy for approximately two years. Despite the fact that pediatric A.L.L. is uniformly fatal without adequate treatment, non-adherence to oral chemotherapy has been observed in up to one-third of patients. Little is known about the reasons for non-adherence in these patients. This study employed Straussian grounded theory methodology to develop and validate a model to explain the process of adherence to oral chemotherapy in children and adolescents with A.L.L. Thirty-eight semi-structured interviews (with 17 patients and 21 parents/caregivers) and four focused group discussions were conducted. Three stages were identified in the process of adherence: (1) Recognizing the Threat, (2) Taking Control, and (3) Managing for the Duration. Doing Our Part was identified as the core theme explaining the process of adherence, and involves the parent (or patient) taking responsibility for assuring that medications are taken as prescribed. Understanding the association between taking oral chemotherapy and control/cure of leukemia (Making the Connection) appeared to mediate adherence behaviors. PMID:21653911

  6. Prebiotics: A Potential Treatment Strategy for the Chemotherapy-damaged Gut?

    PubMed

    Wang, Hanru; Geier, Mark S; Howarth, Gordon S

    2016-01-01

    Mucositis, characterized by ulcerative lesions along the alimentary tract, is a common consequence of many chemotherapy regimens. Chemotherapy negatively disrupts the intestinal microbiota, resulting in increased numbers of potentially pathogenic bacteria, such as Clostridia and Enterobacteriaceae, and decreased numbers of "beneficial" bacteria, such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. Agents capable of restoring homeostasis in the bowel microbiota could, therefore, be applicable to mucositis. Prebiotics are indigestible compounds, commonly oligosaccharides, that seek to reverse chemotherapy-induced intestinal dysbiosis through selective colonization of the intestinal microbiota by probiotic bacteria. In addition, evidence is emerging that certain prebiotics contribute to nutrient digestibility and absorption, modulate intestinal barrier function through effects on mucin expression, and also modify mucosal immune responses, possibly via inflammasome-mediated processes. This review examines the known mechanisms of prebiotic action, and explores their potential for reducing the severity of chemotherapy-induced mucositis in the intestine.

  7. A randomized phase 3 study on the optimization of the combination of bevacizumab with FOLFOX/OXXEL in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer-OBELICS (Optimization of BEvacizumab scheduLIng within Chemotherapy Scheme).

    PubMed

    Avallone, Antonio; Piccirillo, Maria Carmela; Aloj, Luigi; Nasti, Guglielmo; Delrio, Paolo; Izzo, Francesco; Di Gennaro, Elena; Tatangelo, Fabiana; Granata, Vincenza; Cavalcanti, Ernesta; Maiolino, Piera; Bianco, Francesco; Aprea, Pasquale; De Bellis, Mario; Pecori, Biagio; Rosati, Gerardo; Carlomagno, Chiara; Bertolini, Alessandro; Gallo, Ciro; Romano, Carmela; Leone, Alessandra; Caracò, Corradina; de Lutio di Castelguidone, Elisabetta; Daniele, Gennaro; Catalano, Orlando; Botti, Gerardo; Petrillo, Antonella; Romano, Giovanni M; Iaffaioli, Vincenzo R; Lastoria, Secondo; Perrone, Francesco; Budillon, Alfredo

    2016-02-08

    Despite the improvements in diagnosis and treatment, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second cause of cancer deaths in both sexes. Therefore, research in this field remains of great interest. The approval of bevacizumab, a humanized anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody, in combination with a fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic CRC has changed the oncology practice in this disease. However, the efficacy of bevacizumab-based treatment, has thus far been rather modest. Efforts are ongoing to understand the better way to combine bevacizumab and chemotherapy, and to identify valid predictive biomarkers of benefit to avoid unnecessary and costly therapy to nonresponder patients. The BRANCH study in high-risk locally advanced rectal cancer patients showed that varying bevacizumab schedule may impact on the feasibility and efficacy of chemo-radiotherapy. OBELICS is a multicentre, open-label, randomised phase 3 trial comparing in mCRC patients two treatment arms (1:1): standard concomitant administration of bevacizumab with chemotherapy (mFOLFOX/OXXEL regimen) vs experimental sequential bevacizumab given 4 days before chemotherapy, as first or second treatment line. Primary end point is the objective response rate (ORR) measured according to RECIST criteria. A sample size of 230 patients was calculated allowing reliable assessment in all plausible first-second line case-mix conditions, with a 80% statistical power and 2-sided alpha error of 0.05. Secondary endpoints are progression free-survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), toxicity and quality of life. The evaluation of the potential predictive role of several circulating biomarkers (circulating endothelial cells and progenitors, VEGF and VEGF-R SNPs, cytokines, microRNAs, free circulating DNA) as well as the value of the early [(18)F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) response, are the objectives of the traslational project. Overall this

  8. Screening of biomarkers for prediction of response to and prognosis after chemotherapy for breast cancers.

    PubMed

    Bing, Feng; Zhao, Yu

    2016-01-01

    To screen the biomarkers having the ability to predict prognosis after chemotherapy for breast cancers. Three microarray data of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were collected from Gene Expression Omnibus database. After preprocessing, data in GSE41112 were analyzed using significance analysis of microarrays to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DEGs were further analyzed by Differentially Coexpressed Genes and Links to construct a function module, the prognosis efficacy of which was verified by the other two datasets (GSE22226 and GSE58644) using Kaplan-Meier plots. The involved genes in function module were subjected to a univariate Cox regression analysis to confirm whether the expression of each prognostic gene was associated with survival. A total of 511 DEGs between breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy or not were obtained, consisting of 421 upregulated and 90 downregulated genes. Using the Differentially Coexpressed Genes and Links package, 1,244 differentially coexpressed genes (DCGs) were identified, among which 36 DCGs were regulated by the transcription factor complex NFY (NFYA, NFYB, NFYC). These 39 genes constructed a gene module to classify the samples in GSE22226 and GSE58644 into three subtypes and these subtypes exhibited significantly different survival rates. Furthermore, several genes of the 39 DCGs were shown to be significantly associated with good (such as CDC20) and poor (such as ARID4A) prognoses following chemotherapy. Our present study provided a serial of biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of chemotherapy or targets for development of alternative treatment (ie, CDC20 and ARID4A) in breast cancer patients.

  9. The Prognostic Value of Plasma Epstein-Barr Viral DNA and Tumor Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Advanced-Stage Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

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

    Liu, Li-Ting; Tang, Lin-Quan; Chen, Qiu-Yan

    Purpose: To explore the prognostic value of the plasma load of Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) DNA and the tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in advanced-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Patients and Methods: In all, 185 consecutive patients with stage III to IVb NPC treated with NACT followed by concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) were prospectively enrolled. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints included locoregional relapse–free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis–free survival (DMFS). Results: EBV DNA was detected in 165 (89%) patients before treatment but was undetectable in 127 (69%) patients after NACT. Detectable EBV DNA levels aftermore » NACT were correlated with poor prognosis (3-year PFS 71.8% vs 85.2%, P=.008 and 3-year DMFS 82.5% vs 92.3%, P=.013). An unsatisfactory tumor response (stable disease or disease progression) after NACT was also correlated with poor clinical outcome (3-year PFS 71.1% vs 85.9%, P=.005 and 3-year LRFS 82.7% vs 93.5%, P=.012). Multivariate analysis showed that the EBV DNA level after NACT (hazard ratio [HR] 2.31, 95% CI 1.18-4.54, P=.015) and the tumor response to NACT (HR 2.84, 95% CI 1.42-5.67, P=.003) were both significant prognostic factors for PFS. Multivariate analysis also showed that EBV DNA after NACT was the only significant predictor of DMFS (HR 2.99, 95% CI 1.25-7.15, P=.014) and that tumor response to NACT was the only significant predictor of LRFS (HR 3.31, 95% CI 1.21-9.07, P=.020). Conclusion: Detectable EBV DNA levels and an unsatisfactory tumor response (stable disease or disease progression) after NACT serve as predictors of poor prognosis for patients with advanced-stage NPC. These findings will facilitate further risk stratification, early treatment modification, or both before CCRT.« less

  10. Anal sac tumours of the dog and their response to cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Emms, S G

    2005-06-01

    A retrospective study of anal sac tumours without pulmonary metastases, from the author's clinical records for the period July 1989 to July 2002, was conducted to establish the response to treatment with surgery and melphalan chemotherapy. Of 21 dogs with tumours of the anal sacs 19 had apocrine gland adenocarcinomas of anal sac origin, one had a benign papillary cystadenoma and another had a malignant melanoma. Two of the 19 dogs had bilateral anal sac adenocarcinomas. Ten of the 19 dogs with apocrine gland adenocarcinomas of anal sac origin had sublumbar lymphadenopathy. Five dogs were excluded by their owners from recommended treatment. Fourteen dogs with apocrine gland adenocarcinomas of anal sac origin were treated by surgical cytoreduction and chemotherapy with melphalan. Seven of the 14 dogs had regional lymph node metastases. Cytoreduction was by local excision of the anal sac in all 14 dogs and concurrent removal of the sublumbar retroperitoneal lymph nodes in the seven dogs with regional lymph node metastases. The median survival time of dogs with sublumbar nodal metastasis was 20 months and for dogs with tumour localised to the anal sac the median survival time was 29.3 months. There was no difference in median survival of those dogs with sublumbar metastases compared to those without. This study suggests there is a role for melphalan in the treatment of dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma when combined with cytoreductive surgery, with treatment survival times and the local recurrence rate of the primary tumour comparing favourably with previously published treatment regimes.

  11. Exploring patient experiences of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Beaver, Kinta; Williamson, Susan; Briggs, Jean

    2016-02-01

    Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended for 'inoperable' locally advanced and inflammatory breast cancers. For operable breast cancers, trials indicate no survival differences between chemotherapy given pre or post-surgery. Communicating evidence based information to patients is complex and studies examining patient experiences of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy are lacking. This study aims to explore the experiences of women who received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. A qualitative approach using in-depth interviews with 20 women who had completed neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis. The sample included a relatively young group of women, with caring responsibilities. Five main themes emerged: coping with the rapid transition from 'well' to 'ill', information needs and decision making, needing support and empathy, impact on family, and creating a new 'normal'. More support was needed towards the end of chemotherapy, when side effects were at their most toxic, and decisions about forthcoming surgery were being made. Some women were referred to psychological services, but usually when a crisis point had been reached. Information and support would have been beneficial at key time points. This information is vital in developing services and interventions to meet the complex needs of these patients and potentially prevent late referral to psychological services. Specialist oncology nurses are able to develop empathetic relationships with patients and have the experience, knowledge and skills to inform and support women experiencing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Targeting key time points and maintaining relationship throughout neo-adjuvant chemotherapy would be highly beneficial. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Aven-mediated checkpoint kinase control regulates proliferation and resistance to chemotherapy in conventional osteosarcoma.

    PubMed

    Baranski, Zuzanna; Booij, Tijmen H; Cleton-Jansen, Anne-Marie; Price, Leo S; van de Water, Bob; Bovée, Judith V M G; Hogendoorn, Pancras C W; Danen, Erik H J

    2015-07-01

    Conventional high-grade osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone sarcoma, with relatively high incidence in young people. In this study we found that expression of Aven correlates inversely with metastasis-free survival in osteosarcoma patients and is increased in metastases compared to primary tumours. Aven is an adaptor protein that has been implicated in anti-apoptotic signalling and serves as an oncoprotein in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. In osteosarcoma cells, silencing Aven triggered G2 cell-cycle arrest; Chk1 protein levels were attenuated and ATR-Chk1 DNA damage response signalling in response to chemotherapy was abolished in Aven-depleted osteosarcoma cells, while ATM, Chk2 and p53 activation remained intact. Osteosarcoma is notoriously difficult to treat with standard chemotherapy, and we examined whether pharmacological inhibition of the Aven-controlled ATR-Chk1 response could sensitize osteosarcoma cells to genotoxic compounds. Indeed, pharmacological inhibitors targeting Chk1/Chk2 or those selective for Chk1 synergized with standard chemotherapy in 2D cultures. Likewise, in 3D extracellular matrix-embedded cultures, Chk1 inhibition led to effective sensitization to chemotherapy. Together, these findings implicate Aven in ATR-Chk1 signalling and point towards Chk1 inhibition as a strategy to sensitize human osteosarcomas to chemotherapy. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  13. The incidence of anticipatory nausea and vomiting after repeat cycle chemotherapy: the effect of granisetron.

    PubMed Central

    Aapro, M. S.; Kirchner, V.; Terrey, J. P.

    1994-01-01

    Anticipatory nausea and vomiting (ANV) after repeated cycles of cytotoxic chemotherapy is thought to be a conditioned response to a conditioning stimulus. Good control of acute and delayed emesis may result in a lower incidence of ANV. We have analysed data from 574 chemotherapy patients who received granisetron as their antiemetic treatment during repeat cycle chemotherapy. Per treatment cycle, less than 10% of patients displayed symptoms of anticipatory nausea and 2% or less had symptoms of anticipatory vomiting. It is concluded that the use of granisetron as an antiemetic during the acute phase of chemotherapy may result in a lower incidence of ANV in patients undergoing repeat cycle chemotherapy. PMID:8180031

  14. Treatment of advanced refractory sarcomas with ifosfamide and etoposide combination chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Yalçin, S; Güllü, I; Barişta, I; Tekuzman, G; Ozişik, Y; Celik, I; Kars, A

    1998-01-01

    Chemotherapy options for resistant advanced-stage sarcomas are limited and in most cases disappointing. In a phase II study, we treated 26 consecutive patients with refractory advanced sarcoma with ifosfamide and etoposide combination chemotherapy. All patients had received prior doxorubicin- and/or cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapies. Seventeen patients were male and 9 were female. The patients' median age was 35 years (range: 19-67 years). A total of 24 patients were eligible for evaluation of responses. Seven patients had a complete response (CR) (29.1%), 3 had a partial response (PR) (12.5%), 3 had stable disease (SD) (12.5%), and 11 had progressive disease (PD) (45.9%). An overall 41.6% objective response was achieved. Median time to treatment failure was 13.3 months. A total of 108 cycles of therapy were evaluable for evaluation of toxicity. Myelosuppression, observed in 55.5% of the treatment courses, was the major dose-limiting toxicity. Nausea and vomiting, seen in 64% of the courses, were the most important nonhematological side effects. Alopecia was almost universal. Hemorrhagic cystitis was observed in only 1 patient. We have concluded that the combination of ifosfamide, mesna, and etoposide is effective in advanced refractory sarcomas, and has acceptable toxicity.

  15. Infused chemotherapy use in the elderly after patent expiration.

    PubMed

    Conti, Rena M; Rosenthal, Meredith B; Polite, Blase N; Bach, Peter B; Shih, Ya-Chen Tina

    2012-05-01

    The use of anticancer drugs (chemotherapies) is an important determinant of national spending trends. Recent policies have aimed to accelerate generic entry among chemotherapies to generate cost savings. We examined the effects of generic entry on the choice of chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) between 2006 and 2009 using autoregressive-moving average modeling with case control. A nationally representative sample of oncologists and patients with cancer (age ≥ 65 years) was employed to estimate the magnitude and significance of the impact of the generic entry of irinotecan in February 2008 on the number of administrations of irinotecan compared with oxaliplatin. The generic entry of irinotecan resulted in a 17% to 19% decrease (P < .001) in use among elderly patients with MCRC compared with oxaliplatin. The results were robust to multiple sensitivity checks. This study provides novel and robust estimates of the decline in use of a chemotherapy to treat a common cancer in the elderly after patent expiration. The results suggest estimates from a previous Office of the Inspector General report of the potential savings derived from the generic entry of irinotecan for public payers are an overestimate, likely confounded by oncologists' response to financial incentives, changes in scientific evidence, and promotional activities. As calls for improving the quality and cost efficiency of oncology increase, future empirical work is needed to examine the responsiveness of oncologists' treatment decision making to incentives among patients of all ages and insurance types.

  16. Infused chemotherapy use in the elderly after patent expiration.

    PubMed

    Conti, Rena M; Rosenthal, Meredith B; Polite, Blase N; Bach, Peter B; Shih, Ya-Chen Tina

    2012-05-01

    The use of anticancer drugs (chemotherapies) is an important determinant of national spending trends. Recent policies have aimed to accelerate generic entry among chemotherapies to generate cost savings. We examined the effects of generic entry on the choice of chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) between 2006 and 2009 using autoregressivemoving average modeling with case control. A nationally representative sample of oncologists and patients with cancer (aged ≥65 years) was employed to estimate the magnitude and significance of the impact of the generic entry of irinotecan in February 2008 on the number of administrations of irinotecan compared with oxaliplatin. The generic entry of irinotecan resulted in a 17% to 19% decrease (P <.001) in use among elderly patients with MCRC compared with oxaliplatin. The results were robust to multiple sensitivity checks. This study provides novel and robust estimates of the decline in use of a chemotherapy to treat a common cancer in the elderly after patent expiration. The results suggest estimates from a previous Office of the Inspector General report of the potential savings derived from the generic entry of irinotecan for public payers are an overestimate, likely confounded by oncologists' response to financial incentives, changes in scientific evidence, and promotional activities. As calls for improving the quality and cost efficiency of oncology increase, future empirical work is needed to examine the responsiveness of oncologists' treatment decision making to incentives among patients of all ages and insurance types.

  17. Microdose-Induced Drug–DNA Adducts as Biomarkers of Chemotherapy Resistance in Humans and Mice

    DOE PAGES

    Zimmermann, Maike; Wang, Si-Si; Zhang, Hongyong; ...

    2016-11-30

    Here, we report progress on predicting tumor response to platinum-based chemotherapy with a novel mass spectrometry approach. Fourteen bladder cancer patients were administered one diagnostic microdose each of [ 14C]carboplatin (1% of the therapeutic dose). Carboplatin–DNA adducts were quantified by accelerator mass spectrometry in blood and tumor samples collected within 24 hours, and compared with subsequent chemotherapy response. Patients with the highest adduct levels were responders, but not all responders had high adduct levels. Four patient-derived bladder cancer xenograft mouse models were used to test the possibility that another drug in the regimen could cause a response. The mice weremore » dosed with [ 14C]carboplatin or [ 14C]gemcitabine and the resulting drug–DNA adduct levels were compared with tumor response to chemotherapy. At least one of the drugs had to induce high drug–DNA adduct levels or create a synergistic increase in overall adducts to prompt a corresponding therapeutic response, demonstrating proof-of-principle for drug–DNA adducts as predictive biomarkers.« less

  18. Microdose-Induced Drug–DNA Adducts as Biomarkers of Chemotherapy Resistance in Humans and Mice

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

    Zimmermann, Maike; Wang, Si-Si; Zhang, Hongyong

    Here, we report progress on predicting tumor response to platinum-based chemotherapy with a novel mass spectrometry approach. Fourteen bladder cancer patients were administered one diagnostic microdose each of [ 14C]carboplatin (1% of the therapeutic dose). Carboplatin–DNA adducts were quantified by accelerator mass spectrometry in blood and tumor samples collected within 24 hours, and compared with subsequent chemotherapy response. Patients with the highest adduct levels were responders, but not all responders had high adduct levels. Four patient-derived bladder cancer xenograft mouse models were used to test the possibility that another drug in the regimen could cause a response. The mice weremore » dosed with [ 14C]carboplatin or [ 14C]gemcitabine and the resulting drug–DNA adduct levels were compared with tumor response to chemotherapy. At least one of the drugs had to induce high drug–DNA adduct levels or create a synergistic increase in overall adducts to prompt a corresponding therapeutic response, demonstrating proof-of-principle for drug–DNA adducts as predictive biomarkers.« less

  19. Microdose-Induced Drug-DNA Adducts as Biomarkers of Chemotherapy Resistance in Humans and Mice.

    PubMed

    Zimmermann, Maike; Wang, Si-Si; Zhang, Hongyong; Lin, Tzu-Yin; Malfatti, Michael; Haack, Kurt; Ognibene, Ted; Yang, Hongyuan; Airhart, Susan; Turteltaub, Kenneth W; Cimino, George D; Tepper, Clifford G; Drakaki, Alexandra; Chamie, Karim; de Vere White, Ralph; Pan, Chong-Xian; Henderson, Paul T

    2017-02-01

    We report progress on predicting tumor response to platinum-based chemotherapy with a novel mass spectrometry approach. Fourteen bladder cancer patients were administered one diagnostic microdose each of [ 14 C]carboplatin (1% of the therapeutic dose). Carboplatin-DNA adducts were quantified by accelerator mass spectrometry in blood and tumor samples collected within 24 hours, and compared with subsequent chemotherapy response. Patients with the highest adduct levels were responders, but not all responders had high adduct levels. Four patient-derived bladder cancer xenograft mouse models were used to test the possibility that another drug in the regimen could cause a response. The mice were dosed with [ 14 C]carboplatin or [ 14 C]gemcitabine and the resulting drug-DNA adduct levels were compared with tumor response to chemotherapy. At least one of the drugs had to induce high drug-DNA adduct levels or create a synergistic increase in overall adducts to prompt a corresponding therapeutic response, demonstrating proof-of-principle for drug-DNA adducts as predictive biomarkers. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(2); 376-87. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

  20. Microdose-induced Drug-DNA Adducts as Biomarkers of Chemotherapy Resistance in Humans and Mice

    PubMed Central

    Zimmermann, Maike; Wang, Si-Si; Zhang, Hongyong; Lin, Tzu-yin; Malfatti, Michael; Haack, Kurt; Ognibene, Ted; Yang, Hongyuan; Airhart, Susan; Turteltaub, Kenneth W.; Cimino, George D.; Tepper, Clifford G.; Drakaki, Alexandra; Chamie, Karim; de Vere White, Ralph; Pan, Chong-xian; Henderson, Paul T.

    2017-01-01

    We report progress on predicting tumor response to platinum-based chemotherapy with a novel mass spectrometry approach. Fourteen bladder cancer patients were administered one diagnostic microdose each of [14C]carboplatin (1% of the therapeutic dose). Carboplatin-DNA adducts were quantified by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) in blood and tumor samples collected within 24 hours, and compared to subsequent chemotherapy response. Patients with the highest adduct levels were responders, but not all responders had high adduct levels. Four patient-derived bladder cancer xenograft mouse models were used to test the possibility that another drug in the regimen could cause a response. The mice were dosed with [14C]carboplatin or [14C]gemcitabine and the resulting drug-DNA adduct levels were compared to tumor response to chemotherapy. At least one of the drugs had to induce high drug-DNA adduct levels or create a synergistic increase in overall adducts to prompt a corresponding therapeutic response, demonstrating proof-of-principle for drug-DNA adducts as predictive biomarkers. PMID:27903751

  1. Blood gene expression profiling of an early acetaminophen response.

    PubMed

    Bushel, P R; Fannin, R D; Gerrish, K; Watkins, P B; Paules, R S

    2017-06-01

    Acetaminophen can adversely affect the liver especially when overdosed. We used whole blood as a surrogate to identify genes as potential early indicators of an acetaminophen-induced response. In a clinical study, healthy human subjects were dosed daily with 4 g of either acetaminophen or placebo pills for 7 days and evaluated over the course of 14 days. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels for responders to acetaminophen increased between days 4 and 9 after dosing, and 12 genes were detected with expression profiles significantly altered within 24 h. The early responsive genes separated the subjects by class and dose period. In addition, the genes clustered patients who overdosed on acetaminophen apart from controls and also predicted the exposure classifications with 100% accuracy. The responsive genes serve as early indicators of an acetaminophen exposure, and their gene expression profiles can potentially be evaluated as molecular indicators for further consideration.

  2. Blood Gene Expression Profiling of an Early Acetaminophen Response

    PubMed Central

    Bushel, Pierre R.; Fannin, Rick D.; Gerrish, Kevin; Watkins, Paul B.; Paules, Richard S.

    2018-01-01

    Acetaminophen can adversely affect the liver especially when overdosed. We used whole blood as a surrogate to identify genes as potential early indicators of an acetaminophen-induced response. In a clinical study, healthy human subjects were dosed daily with 4g of either acetaminophen or placebo pills for 7 days and evaluated over the course of 14 days. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels for responders to acetaminophen increased between days 4 and 9 after dosing and 12 genes were detected with expression profiles significantly altered within 24 hrs. The early responsive genes separated the subjects by class and dose period. In addition, the genes clustered patients who overdosed on acetaminophen apart from controls and also predicted the exposure classifications with 100% accuracy. The responsive genes serve as early indicators of an acetaminophen exposure and their gene expression profiles can potentially be evaluated as molecular indicators for further consideration. PMID:26927286

  3. Integrin-Targeted Hybrid Fluorescence Molecular Tomography/X-ray Computed Tomography for Imaging Tumor Progression and Early Response in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

    PubMed

    Ma, Xiaopeng; Phi Van, Valerie; Kimm, Melanie A; Prakash, Jaya; Kessler, Horst; Kosanke, Katja; Feuchtinger, Annette; Aichler, Michaela; Gupta, Aayush; Rummeny, Ernst J; Eisenblätter, Michel; Siveke, Jens; Walch, Axel K; Braren, Rickmer; Ntziachristos, Vasilis; Wildgruber, Moritz

    2017-01-01

    Integrins play an important role in tumor progression, invasion and metastasis. Therefore we aimed to evaluate a preclinical imaging approach applying ανβ3 integrin targeted hybrid Fluorescence Molecular Tomography/X-ray Computed Tomography (FMT-XCT) for monitoring tumor progression as well as early therapy response in a syngeneic murine Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) model. Lewis Lung Carcinomas were grown orthotopically in C57BL/6 J mice and imaged in-vivo using a ανβ3 targeted near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) probe. ανβ3-targeted FMT-XCT was able to track tumor progression. Cilengitide was able to substantially block the binding of the NIRF probe and suppress the imaging signal. Additionally mice were treated with an established chemotherapy regimen of Cisplatin and Bevacizumab or with a novel MEK inhibitor (Refametinib) for 2 weeks. While μCT revealed only a moderate slowdown of tumor growth, ανβ3 dependent signal decreased significantly compared to non-treated mice already at one week post treatment. ανβ3 targeted imaging might therefore become a promising tool for assessment of early therapy response in the future. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Nottingham Clinico-Pathological Response Index (NPRI) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Neo-ACT) accurately predicts clinical outcome in locally advanced breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Abdel-Fatah, Tarek M; Ball, Graham; Lee, Andrew H S; Pinder, Sarah; MacMilan, R Douglas; Cornford, Eleanor; Moseley, Paul M; Silverman, Rafael; Price, James; Latham, Bruce; Palmer, David; Chan, Arlene; Ellis, Ian O; Chan, Stephen Y T

    2015-03-01

    There is a need to identify more sensitive clinicopathologic criteria to assess the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Neo-ACT) and guide subsequent adjuvant therapy. We performed a clinicopathologic assessment of 426 patients who had completed Neo-ACT for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) with a median follow-up of 70 months. Patients were divided into a training set treated with anthracycline combination chemotherapy (n = 172); an internal validation set treated with anthracycline and taxane (n = 129); and an external validation set treated with anthracycline with or without taxane (n = 125). A multivariate Cox regression model demonstrated the absence of fibrosis, presence of lymphovascular invasion, increasing number of lymph node metastases, and administration of hormone therapy were significantly associated with short breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and disease-free survival (DFS); Ps < 0.01, while reduction of tumor size was associated with DFS (P = 0.022). Nottingham Clinico-Pathological Response Indexes (NPRI) were calculated, and four prognostic groups (NPRI-PG) were identified. Patients in prognostic group 2 (NPRI-PG2) for BCSS (66 of 172; 38.4%) have the same prognosis as those who achieved pathologic complete response (pCR; NPRI-PG1; 15%). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated that the NPRI outperformed the currently used prognostic factors and adding the NPRI improved their performance as a predictor for both BCSS (area under the curve [AUC], 0.88) and DFS (AUC, 0.87). The NPRI predicts BCSS and DFS, with a higher sensitivity than pCR. The NPRI can also improve the sensitivity and specificity of clinicopathologic response as a study endpoint, for assessing response to Neo-ACT, and can serve as a valuable tool for the discovery of future predictive molecular markers. ©2014 American Association for Cancer Research.

  5. Gene expression profiling for guiding adjuvant chemotherapy decisions in women with early breast cancer: an evidence-based and economic analysis.

    PubMed

    2010-01-01

    In February 2010, the Medical Advisory Secretariat (MAS) began work on evidence-based reviews of published literature surrounding three pharmacogenomic tests. This project came about when Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) asked MAS to provide evidence-based analyses on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of three oncology pharmacogenomic tests currently in use in Ontario.Evidence-based analyses have been prepared for each of these technologies. These have been completed in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders, including a Provincial Expert Panel on Pharmacogenomics (PEPP). Within the PEPP, subgroup committees were developed for each disease area. For each technology, an economic analysis was also completed by the Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA) and is summarized within the reports.THE FOLLOWING REPORTS CAN BE PUBLICLY ACCESSED AT THE MAS WEBSITE AT: www.health.gov.on.ca/mas or at www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/mas/mas_about.htmlGENE EXPRESSION PROFILING FOR GUIDING ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY DECISIONS IN WOMEN WITH EARLY BREAST CANCER: An Evidence-Based and Economic AnalysisEpidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation (EGFR) Testing for Prediction of Response to EGFR-Targeting Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) Drugs in Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: An Evidence-Based and Ecopnomic AnalysisK-RAS testing in Treatment Decisions for Advanced Colorectal Cancer: an Evidence-Based and Economic Analysis To review and synthesize the available evidence regarding the laboratory performance, prognostic value, and predictive value of Oncotype-DX for the target population. CONDITION AND TARGET POPULATION The target population of this review is women with newly diagnosed early stage (stage I-IIIa) invasive breast cancer that is estrogen-receptor (ER) positive and/or progesterone-receptor (PR) positive. Much of this review, however, is relevant for women with early stage (I and II) invasive breast

  6. Frontline strategy for follicular lymphoma: are we ready to abandon chemotherapy?

    PubMed

    Fowler, Nathan

    2016-12-02

    Chemotherapy combinations have been the backbone of therapy for follicular lymphoma, and are associated with high initial response rates. Unfortunately, toxicity and secondary malignancies remain concerns, and most advanced-stage patients still relapse within 5 years, regardless of the regimen. Advances in the understanding of lymphoma biology have resulted in a new generation of noncytotoxic therapeutics with significant activity in follicular lymphoma. Recent studies exploring biological and targeted combinations in the frontline have shown promise, with response rates similar to chemotherapy. However, these regimens are also associated with significant cost as well as a unique toxicity profile. Large randomized studies are underway to compare noncytotoxic regimens with chemotherapy in the frontline, and several new combinations are being tested in the phase 2 setting. Ongoing work to identify predictive biomarkers and investment in mechanistic studies will ultimately lead to the personalization of therapy in the frontline setting for follicular lymphoma. © 2016 by The American Society of Hematology. All rights reserved.

  7. Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and its correlation with HPV status, EGFR, Her-2-neu, and GADD45 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Pandey, Manoj; Kannepali, Krishna Kiran; Dixit, Ruhi; Kumar, Mohan

    2018-01-31

    Head and neck cancers are the commonest cancer in Southeast Asia. Despite being a surface cancer, it is associated with significant morbidity as despite early detection by the patients they often report for treatment late and hence are associated with poor prognosis. The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in head and neck cancer is still under evaluation; there is a large subgroup of population that does not respond to chemotherapy, and hence, most studies have failed to show any survival benefit. This study evaluated the role of neoadjuvant therapy with docetaxel and carboplatin in patients with oral cancer and correlated the response to human papilloma virus, EGFR1, EGFR2, and GADD45 expression. A total of 24 locally advanced, non-metastatic oral cancer patients were included in the study. Tumor biopsies were taken prior to the start of neoadjuvant therapy for expression of EGFR, Her-2-Neu, and GADD45 by immunohistochemistry and for HPV by PCR. The response was evaluated using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria after three cycles of chemotherapy. Statistical analysis was performed using correlation and Kaplan-Meier analysis; the difference in survival was calculated with log rank test. A total of 21 male and 3 female with a mean age of 53.12 years were enrolled. Sixty-five percent of these received three cycles of chemotherapy. Five patients were positive for HPV 16 and none for HPV 18. Twenty-two of 24 patients showed GADD45 expression, 3 showed expression of Her-2-Neu while all 24 showed expression for EGFR1 protein. Two-year overall survival was 81%; GADD45 expressions were found to significantly affect the overall and disease-free survival, while any of the other protein expression studied and HPV status was not significant. The result of the present study shows significant downgrading of the oral cancers with neoadjuvant chemotherapy suggesting its utility in borderline operable cases. However, the response of chemotherapy does not

  8. A Decade of Experience in Developing Preclinical Models of Advanced- or Early-Stage Spontaneous Metastasis to Study Antiangiogenic Drugs, Metronomic Chemotherapy, and the Tumor Microenvironment.

    PubMed

    Kerbel, Robert S

    2015-01-01

    The clinical circumstance of treating spontaneous metastatic disease, after resection of primary tumors, whether advanced/overt or microscopic in nature, is seldom modeled in mice and may be a major factor in explaining the frequent discordance between preclinical and clinical therapeutic outcomes where the trend is "overprediction" of positive results in preclinical mouse model studies. To evaluate this hypothesis, a research program was initiated a decade ago to develop multiple models of metastasis in mice, using variants of human tumor cell lines selected in vivo for enhanced spontaneous metastatic aggressiveness after surgical resection of established orthotopic primary tumors. These models have included breast, renal, and colorectal carcinomas; ovarian cancer (but without prior surgery); and malignant melanoma. They have been used primarily for experimental therapeutic investigations involving various antiangiogenic drugs alone or with chemotherapy, especially "metronomic" low-dose chemotherapy. The various translational studies undertaken have revealed a number of clinically relevant findings. These include the following: (i) the potential of metronomic chemotherapy, especially when combined with a vascular endothelial growth factor pathway targeting drug to successfully treat advanced metastatic disease; (ii) the development of relapsed spontaneous brain metastases in mice with melanoma or breast cancer whose systemic metastatic disease is successfully controlled for a period with a given therapy; (iii) foreshadowing the failure of adjuvant antiangiogenic drug-based phase III trials; (iv) recapitulating the failure of oral antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors plus standard chemotherapy in contrast to the modest successes of antiangiogenic antibodies plus chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer; and (v) revealing "vessel co-option" and absence of angiogenesis as a determinant of intrinsic resistance or minimal responsiveness to antiangiogenic therapy

  9. Early response to psychological trauma--what GPs can do.

    PubMed

    Wade, Darryl; Howard, Alexandra; Fletcher, Susan; Cooper, John; Forbes, David

    2013-09-01

    There is a high prevalence of psychological trauma exposure among primary care patients. General practitioners are well placed to provide appropriate support for patients coping with trauma. This article outlines an evidence-based early response to psychological trauma. Psychological first aid is the preferred approach in providing early assistance to patients who have experienced a traumatic event. General practitioners can be guided by five empirically derived principles in their early response: promoting a sense of safety, calming, self efficacy, connectedness and hope. Structured psychological interventions, including psychological debriefing, are not routinely recommended in the first few weeks following trauma exposure. General practitioner self care is an important aspect of providing post-trauma patient care.

  10. Metronomic chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Mutsaers, Anthony J

    2009-08-01

    Chemotherapy drugs are usually administered at doses that are high enough to result in an obligatory break period to allow for the observation of potential side effects and institution of supportive care, if required. In recent years, efforts to administer chemotherapy on a more continuous basis, with a much shorter break period, or none at all, have received increased interest, and the practice has come to be known as metronomic chemotherapy. The basis for success with this currently investigational approach may be rooted in continuous drug exposure to susceptible cancer cells, inhibition of tumor blood vessel growth-a process known as tumor angiogenesis, and/or alterations in tumor immunology. Increased benefit also appears to occur when metronomic chemotherapy is used in combination with newer, targeted antiangiogenic agents, and therefore represents a promising approach to combination therapy, particularly as targeted oncology drugs make their way into veterinary oncology applications. There is still much to be learned in this field, especially with regard to optimization of the proper drugs, dose, schedule, and tumor applications. However, the low cost, ease of administration, and acceptable toxicity profiles potentially associated with this therapeutic strategy make metronomic chemotherapy protocols attractive and suitable to veterinary applications. Preliminary clinical trial results have now been reported in both human and veterinary medicine, including adjuvant treatment of canine splenic hemangiosarcoma and incompletely resected soft tissue sarcoma, and, further, more powerful studies are currently ongoing.

  11. Effects of neutropenia and histological responses in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Konishi, Hirotaka; Fujiwara, Hitoshi; Shiozaki, Atsushi; Hiramoto, Hidekazu; Kosuga, Toshiyuki; Komatsu, Shuhei; Ichikawa, Daisuke; Okamoto, Kazuma; Otsuji, Eigo

    2016-02-01

    Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by radical esophagectomy has been shown to prolong survival in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, neutropenia, one of the major adverse events due to NAC, influences the therapeutic course. The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between neutropenia and therapeutic response in ESCC with NAC. A total of 117 patients with clinical stage II/III ESCC who had undergone NAC followed by radical esophagectomy were retrospectively analyzed in terms of the relationship between neutropenia and clinicopathological features or outcomes. Neutropenia was the major adverse event observed in 56 % (66/117) and grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 29 % of patients. Grade 3/4 neutropenia correlated with a high histological response (Grade 1b-3) (p < 0.01). Correlative analysis identified grade 3/4 neutropenia and poor differentiation as independent predictors of a high histological response (odds ratio 5.13 and 3.25, p < 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively). Survival analysis showed that patients with a high histological response had significantly longer survival than those with a low histological response (Grade 0-1a) (p = 0.03), whereas no significant differences were found for survival according to the grade of neutropenia (p = 0.45). In a subgroup analysis according to histological response, grade 3/4 neutropenia correlated with worse survival in patients with a low histological response (p = 0.05). Severe neutropenia due to NAC correlates with a high histological response in ESCC. However, severe neutropenia may also result in a worse prognosis for patients with a low histological response.

  12. Improved Adherence Rates and Clinical Outcomes of an Integrated, Closed-Loop, Pharmacist-Led Oral Chemotherapy Management Program.

    PubMed

    Muluneh, Benyam; Schneider, Molly; Faso, Aimee; Amerine, Lindsey; Daniels, Rowell; Crisp, Brett; Valgus, John; Savage, Scott

    2018-06-01

    To address the growing use of oral anticancer therapy, an integrated, closed-loop, pharmacist-led oral chemotherapy management program was created within an academic medical center. An integrated, closed-loop, pharmacy-led oral chemotherapy management program was established. From September 2014 until June 2015, demographic information, rates of adherence, patient understanding of treatment, pharmacist interventions, patient and provider satisfaction, and molecular response rates in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) were collected. After full implementation, 107 patients were enrolled in our oral chemotherapy management program from September 2014 until June 2015. All patients were educated before starting oral chemotherapy, and using pre- and postassessment tests, comprehension of oral chemotherapy treatment increased from 43% to 95%. Patient-reported adherence was 86% and 94.7% for the GI/breast and malignant hematology patient populations, respectively, and these were validated with medication possession ratio, revealing adherence rates of 85% and 93.9% for the GI/breast and malignant hematology patient populations, respectively. A total of 350 encounters with a clinical pharmacist and 318 adverse effects were reported, which led to 235 interventions. This program led to a higher major molecular response rate (83%) in our CML population compared with published clinical trials (average major molecular response rates, 40% and 60% with 1- and 2-year follow-up, respectively). An innovative model was developed and resulted in improved patient knowledge regarding oral chemotherapy, improved adherence rates that exceeded nationally established thresholds, and superior major molecular response outcomes for patients with CML compared with published literature. As a result, this model has produced the gold standard in managing patients receiving oral chemotherapy.

  13. Stress Encountered by Significant Others of Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hart, Kay

    1987-01-01

    Attempts to identify and describe perceived stress and coping responses of family and nonfamily significant others of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Significant others were asked to identify stressful events related to treatment factors, relationship factors, and perception of the patient's condition. Coping responses were categorized in…

  14. Screening of biomarkers for prediction of response to and prognosis after chemotherapy for breast cancers

    PubMed Central

    Bing, Feng; Zhao, Yu

    2016-01-01

    Objective To screen the biomarkers having the ability to predict prognosis after chemotherapy for breast cancers. Methods Three microarray data of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were collected from Gene Expression Omnibus database. After preprocessing, data in GSE41112 were analyzed using significance analysis of microarrays to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DEGs were further analyzed by Differentially Coexpressed Genes and Links to construct a function module, the prognosis efficacy of which was verified by the other two datasets (GSE22226 and GSE58644) using Kaplan–Meier plots. The involved genes in function module were subjected to a univariate Cox regression analysis to confirm whether the expression of each prognostic gene was associated with survival. Results A total of 511 DEGs between breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy or not were obtained, consisting of 421 upregulated and 90 downregulated genes. Using the Differentially Coexpressed Genes and Links package, 1,244 differentially coexpressed genes (DCGs) were identified, among which 36 DCGs were regulated by the transcription factor complex NFY (NFYA, NFYB, NFYC). These 39 genes constructed a gene module to classify the samples in GSE22226 and GSE58644 into three subtypes and these subtypes exhibited significantly different survival rates. Furthermore, several genes of the 39 DCGs were shown to be significantly associated with good (such as CDC20) and poor (such as ARID4A) prognoses following chemotherapy. Conclusion Our present study provided a serial of biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of chemotherapy or targets for development of alternative treatment (ie, CDC20 and ARID4A) in breast cancer patients. PMID:27217777

  15. Spontaneous acalculous gallbladder perforation in a man secondary to chemotherapy and radiation: A rare case report.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jungang; Shen, Guoliang; Shi, Ying; Zhang, Chengwu; Hong, Defei; Jin, Li; Yang, Hongguo; Sun, Wei; Cai, Hanhui; Hu, Zhiming; Wu, Weiding

    2018-05-01

    Gallbladder perforation is a serious clinical condition and associated with high morbidity and mortality. A definitive diagnosis is contentious before surgery. We herein report a case of perforation of the gallbladder neck secondary to chemotherapy and radiation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient. Gallbladder perforation secondary to chemotherapy and radiation. To decrease the mortality associated with gallbladder perforation, Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and peritoneal lavage were performed followed for gallbladder perforation patient because of chemotherapy and radiation. The patient recovered fully without serious complication and discharged on the 10th postoperative day. A pathological examination of the resected gallbladder revealed cholecystitis in the thinning of the neck. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention of gallbladder perforation in relation to asopharyngeal carcinoma chemotherapy and radiation are of prime importance. The laparoscopic procedure is safe and feasible in the selected patients.

  16. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor genetic polymorphism (rs6265) is protective against chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment in patients with early-stage breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Ng, Terence; Teo, Shu Mei; Yeo, Hui Ling; Shwe, Maung; Gan, Yan Xiang; Cheung, Yin Ting; Foo, Koon Mian; Cham, Mooi Tai; Lee, Jung Ah; Tan, Yee Pin; Fan, Gilbert; Yong, Wei Sean; Preetha, Madhukumar; Loh, Wei-Jen Kiley; Koo, Si-Lin; Jain, Amit; Lee, Guek Eng; Wong, Mabel; Dent, Rebecca; Yap, Yoon Sim; Ng, Raymond; Khor, Chiea Chuen; Ho, Han Kiat; Chan, Alexandre

    2016-02-01

    Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin that regulates neuronal function and development, is implicated in several neurodegenerative conditions. Preliminary data suggest that a reduction of BDNF concentrations may lead to postchemotherapy cognitive impairment. We hypothesized that a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs6265) of the BDNF gene may predispose patients to cognitive impairment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of BDNF gene polymorphism on chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment. Overall, 145 patients receiving chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer (mean age: 50.8 ± 8.8 y; 82.1% Chinese) were recruited. Patients' cognitive functions were assessed longitudinally using the validated Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (v.3) and an objective computerized tool, Headminder. Genotyping was performed using Sanger sequencing. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and cognition after adjusting for ethnicity and clinically important covariates. Of the 145 patients, 54 (37%) reported cognitive impairment postchemotherapy. The Met/Met genotype was associated with statistically significant lower odds of developing cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR] = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08-0.92; P = .036). The Met carriers were less likely to experience impairment in the domains of verbal fluency (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.12-0.90; P = .031) and multitasking ability (OR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.15-0.91; P = .030) compared with the Val/Val homozygote. No associations were observed between Headminder and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. This is the first study to provide evidence that carriers of the BDNF Met allele are protected against chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment. Further studies are required to validate the findings. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology.

  17. Chemotherapy of nonelderly breast cancer patients by poverty-rate of area of residence in Connecticut.

    PubMed

    Polednak, Anthony P

    2004-02-01

    For 684 nonelderly Connecticut women diagnosed in 1999 with early-stage breast cancer, routinely reported information on chemotherapy in a population-based cancer registry was supplemented by questionnaires to their physicians. Receipt of or recommendation for chemotherapy was associated with younger age, larger tumor size and positive lymph-node status, but not with higher poverty-rate (upper quintile) of census tract of residence at diagnosis. Similar studies are needed in other geographical areas that differ in socioeconomic indicators.

  18. Metronomic chemotherapy prevents therapy-induced stromal activation and induction of tumor-initiating cells

    PubMed Central

    Chan, Tze-Sian; Pai, Vincent C.; Tan, Kok-Tong; Yen, Chia-Jui; Hsu, Shu-Ching; Chen, Wei-Yu; Shan, Yan-Shen; Lee, Michael T.; Chu, Jui-Mei

    2016-01-01

    Although traditional chemotherapy kills a fraction of tumor cells, it also activates the stroma and can promote the growth and survival of residual cancer cells to foster tumor recurrence and metastasis. Accordingly, overcoming the host response induced by chemotherapy could substantially improve therapeutic outcome and patient survival. In this study, resistance to treatment and metastasis has been attributed to expansion of stem-like tumor-initiating cells (TICs). Molecular analysis of the tumor stroma in neoadjuvant chemotherapy–treated human desmoplastic cancers and orthotopic tumor xenografts revealed that traditional maximum-tolerated dose chemotherapy, regardless of the agents used, induces persistent STAT-1 and NF-κB activity in carcinoma-associated fibroblasts. This induction results in the expression and secretion of ELR motif–positive (ELR+) chemokines, which signal through CXCR-2 on carcinoma cells to trigger their phenotypic conversion into TICs and promote their invasive behaviors, leading to paradoxical tumor aggression after therapy. In contrast, the same overall dose administered as a low-dose metronomic chemotherapy regimen largely prevented therapy-induced stromal ELR+ chemokine paracrine signaling, thus enhancing treatment response and extending survival of mice carrying desmoplastic cancers. These experiments illustrate the importance of stroma in cancer therapy and how its impact on treatment resistance could be tempered by altering the dosing schedule of systemic chemotherapy. PMID:27881732

  19. Body weight changes in patients undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer influence progression-free and overall survival.

    PubMed

    Mardas, Marcin; Stelmach-Mardas, Marta; Madry, Radosław

    2017-03-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate whether body weight changes in patients undergoing chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) influence progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). An analysis of 190 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer after first-line chemotherapy was conducted. Changes in body weight were assessed by comparing measurements at baseline to those of the third and sixth cycles of chemotherapy. PFS and OS were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox model. Significant reduction in body weight in advanced EOC was observed with no changes in early EOC. Significant differences in PFS were observed in advanced EOC patients that lost more than 5 % of their body weight (6 months), maintained weight (13 months), or gained more than 5 % of their body weight (15 months). Similarly, significant differences in OS were noted in advanced EOC at the following time points: 24.3, 42.4, and 66.2 months. No effect was reported for early EOC patients. The multivariate Cox analysis showed significant body weight changes from the first to the sixth chemotherapy cycle for PFS (HR = 0.97; 95 % CI 0.95-0.99) and OS (HR = 0.94; 95 % CI 0.91-0.97) as well as from the first to the third chemotherapy cycle for OS (HR = 0.93; 95 % CI 0.88-0.98). Body weight changes can be recognized as a prognostic factor for PFS and OS in advanced EOC patients undergoing chemotherapy. Weight loss is associated with poorer survival while weight gain improved outcomes.

  20. [Primary research of early oral feeding after total laryngectomy].

    PubMed

    Huang, N; Zhu, Y M; An, C M; Liu, Y; Xu, Z G; Liu, S Y; Zhang, Z M

    2018-06-07

    Objective: To explore whether early oral feeding after total laryngectomy is safe and effective by evaluating the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) and the hospital duration. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 52 patients underwent total laryngectomy, plus partial tongue base resection ( n =2), partial pharyngectomy ( n =1), or pedicle flap ( n =2) between January 2012 and October 2017. Patients who had a history of preoperative radiotherapy, chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, previous surgery for larynx or pharynx and who had severe complications were excluded. Early oral feeding started between 48 h and 72 h postoperatively, while delayed oral feeding started within postoperative day 8-10. The incidences of PCF in two groups were compared to evaluate whether PCF and early oral feeding was related. Multi-variables analysis was conducted to evaluate risk factors for PCF. Results: PCF rate was 19.2% among all patients, 11.1% in patients with early oral feeding and 23.5% in patients with delayed oral feeding. No significant statistically difference in PCF rate was found between two groups (χ(2)=0.506, P =0.477). Multi-variables analysis showed that oral feeding time (early or delayed) was not a independent risk factor of PCF (Two classification response variable Logistic regression, P =0.200, OR =0.242, 95% CI [0.028-2.118]). But low preoperative albumin level was observed as an independent risk factor for PCF ( P =0.039, OR =0.848, 95% CI [0.726-0.992]). A negative correlation was observed between preoperative albumin level and PCF. And also there was not a significant difference in hospital duration between patients with early oral feeding and delayed oral feeding( U =268, P =0.464). Conclusion: For patients total laryngectomy with no previous history of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, early oral feeding after surgery is safe and effective.

  1. Randomized Trial Comparing R-CHOP Versus High-Dose Sequential Chemotherapy in High-Risk Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas.

    PubMed

    Cortelazzo, Sergio; Tarella, Corrado; Gianni, Alessandro Massimo; Ladetto, Marco; Barbui, Anna Maria; Rossi, Andrea; Gritti, Giuseppe; Corradini, Paolo; Di Nicola, Massimo; Patti, Caterina; Mulé, Antonino; Zanni, Manuela; Zoli, Valerio; Billio, Atto; Piccin, Andrea; Negri, Giovanni; Castellino, Claudia; Di Raimondo, Francesco; Ferreri, Andrés J M; Benedetti, Fabio; La Nasa, Giorgio; Gini, Guido; Trentin, Livio; Frezzato, Maurizio; Flenghi, Leonardo; Falorio, Simona; Chilosi, Marco; Bruna, Riccardo; Tabanelli, Valentina; Pileri, Stefano; Masciulli, Arianna; Delaini, Federica; Boschini, Cristina; Rambaldi, Alessandro

    2016-11-20

    Purpose The benefit of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) as first-line treatment in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas is still a matter of debate. To address this point, we designed a randomized phase III trial to compare rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP)-14 (eight cycles) with rituximab plus high-dose sequential chemotherapy (R-HDS) with ASCT. Patients and Methods From June 2005 to June 2011, 246 high-risk patients with a high-intermediate (56%) or high (44%) International Prognostic Index score were randomly assigned to the R-CHOP or R-HDS arm, and 235 were analyzed by intent to treat. The primary efficacy end point of the study was 3-year event-free survival, and results were analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis. Results Clinical response (complete response, 78% v 76%; partial response, 5% v 9%) and failures (no response, 15% v 11%; and early treatment-related mortality, 2% v 3%) were similar after R-CHOP versus R-HDS, respectively. After a median follow-up of 5 years, the 3-year event-free survival was 62% versus 65% ( P = .83). At 3 years, compared with the R-CHOP arm, the R-HDS arm had better disease-free survival (79% v 91%, respectively; P = .034), but this subsequently vanished because of late-occurring treatment-related deaths. No difference was detected in terms of progression-free survival (65% v 75%, respectively; P = .12), or overall survival (74% v 77%, respectively; P = .64). Significantly higher hematologic toxicity ( P < .001) and more infectious complications ( P < .001) were observed in the R-HDS arm. Conclusion In this study, front-line intensive R-HDS chemotherapy with ASCT did not improve the outcome of high-risk patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.

  2. Tandem High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor

    PubMed Central

    Sung, Ki Woong; Lim, Do Hoon; Yi, Eun Sang; Choi, Young Bae; Lee, Ji Won; Yoo, Keon Hee; Koo, Hong Hoe; Kim, Ji Hye; Suh, Yeon-Lim; Joung, Yoo Sook; Shin, Hyung Jin

    2016-01-01

    Purpose We prospectively evaluated the effectiveness of tandem high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDCT/auto-SCT) in improving the survival of patients with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors while reducing the risks of late adverse effects from radiotherapy (RT). Materials and Methods For young children (< 3 years old), tandem HDCT/auto-SCT was administered after six cycles of induction chemotherapy. RT was deferred until after 3 years of age unless the tumor showed relapse or progression. For older patients (> 3 years old), RT including reduced-dose craniospinal RT (23.4 or 30.6 Gy) was administered either after two cycles of induction chemotherapy or after surgery, and tandem HDCT/auto-SCT was administered after six cycles of induction chemotherapy. Results A total of 13 patients (five young and eight older) were enrolled from November 2004 to June 2012. Eight patients, including all five young patients, had metastatic disease at diagnosis. Six patients (four young and two older) experienced progression before initiation of RT, and seven were able to proceed to HDCT/auto-SCT without progression during induction treatment. Three of six patients who experienced progression during induction treatment underwent HDCT/auto-SCT as salvage treatment. All five young patients died from disease progression. However, four of the eight older patients remain progression-freewith a median follow-up period of 64 months (range, 39 to 108 months). Treatment-related late toxicities were acceptable. Conclusion The required dose of craniospinal RT might be reduced in older patients if the intensity of chemotherapy is increased. However, early administration of RT should be considered to prevent early progression in young patients. PMID:27034140

  3. Adjuvant chemotherapy in elderly patients with primary breast cancer: are women ≥65 undertreated?

    PubMed

    Wallwiener, C W; Hartkopf, A D; Grabe, E; Wallwiener, M; Taran, F-A; Fehm, T; Brucker, S Y; Krämer, B

    2016-08-01

    To establish whether women over 65 years of age with newly diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) receive adjuvant chemotherapy less frequently than younger postmenopausal women and whether comorbidity influences this potential undertreatment. In a single-site, retrospective, comparative study, postmenopausal early stage BC patients treated between 01/2001 and 12/2005 at a major German university hospital were analyzed in two age Groups A and B (≥65 vs. <65 years) for initiation and completion of guideline-recommended adjuvant chemotherapy. Risk stratification was based on the 2005 St. Gallen Consensus Conference criteria. Comorbidity was parametrized using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Analysis included 634 patients, 380 in Group A and 254 in Group B. Mean age (range) was 73 (65-94) and 61 (55-64) years, respectively. The proportion of patients from Group A given ≥3 cycles of chemotherapy was significantly decreased as compared to Group B. 52 % of patients with CCI <3 but only 20 % with CCI ≥3 were recommended to undergo chemotherapy (p < 0.001). Median follow-up [95 % confidence interval (CI)] was 85 (82-88) months. DFS was significantly shorter in patients aged ≥65 years as compared to younger postmenopausal patients (HR, 0.598; 95 % CI, 0.358-0.963; p = 0.048). Despite being high-risk patients, older women with early stage BC were often not given guideline-recommended chemotherapy. Higher recurrence rates compared with younger postmenopausal women suggest that older patients are undertreated. Treatment needs to be adapted to general health and tumor biology rather than age. More trials in elderly BC patients are needed.

  4. An Observational Study to Examine Changes in Metabolic Syndrome Components in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant or Adjuvant Chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Dieli-Conwright, Christina M.; Wong, Louise; Waliany, Sarah; Bernstein, Leslie; Salehian, Behrouz; Mortimer, Joanne E.

    2016-01-01

    BACKGROUND We sought to determine the effect of chemotherapy on the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in premenopausal and postmenopausal women undergoing (neo) adjuvant therapy for early stage breast cancer. METHODS Eighty-six women with early stage (I-III) breast cancer who were free from clinically diagnosed MetS (defined as three out of five components of MetS) were prospectively tested for presence of the five components of MetS within one week before initiating and after completing (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy. The five components of MetS measured were waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Anthropometrics (body weight, percent body fat, fat mass), lipid profile (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), glucose metabolism (insulin, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance, glycated hemoglobin), and inflammation (C-reactive protein) were also examined before initiating and after completing treatment. RESULTS The study included 46 premenopausal and 40 postmenopausal women. All individual MetS components and overall MetS score were statistically significantly increased (p<0.01) after chemotherapy. Body weight, percent body fat, fat mass, lipids, glucose metabolism, and inflammation were also statistically significantly increased (p<0.01). CONCLUSION A 12–18 week course of chemotherapy statistically significantly increases MetS and related anthropometrics, biomarkers of glucose metabolism, and inflammation in early stage breast cancer patients with no pre-existing MetS. Lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise may be preventive approaches to employ during chemotherapy to reduce the onset of MetS in breast cancer patients. PMID:27219902

  5. High-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell support for solid tumors in adults.

    PubMed

    Pedrazzoli, Paolo; Rosti, Giovanni; Secondino, Simona; Carminati, Ornella; Demirer, Taner

    2007-10-01

    Supported by experimental evidence and convincing results of early phase II studies, since the 1980s high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous hematopoietic stem cell support (AHSCT) has been uncritically adopted by many oncologists as a potentially curative option for several solid tumors. As a result, the number (and size) of randomized trials comparing this approach with conventional chemotherapy initiated (and often abandoned before completion) in this setting was limited and the benefit of a greater escalation of dose of chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation in solid tumors remains, with the possible exception of breast carcinoma (BC) and germ cell tumors (GCT), largely unsettled. In this article, we review and comment on the data from studies to date of HDC for solid tumors in adults.

  6. mTOR target NDRG1 confers MGMT-dependent resistance to alkylating chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Weiler, Markus; Blaes, Jonas; Pusch, Stefan; Sahm, Felix; Czabanka, Marcus; Luger, Sebastian; Bunse, Lukas; Solecki, Gergely; Eichwald, Viktoria; Jugold, Manfred; Hodecker, Sibylle; Osswald, Matthias; Meisner, Christoph; Hielscher, Thomas; Rübmann, Petra; Pfenning, Philipp-Niklas; Ronellenfitsch, Michael; Kempf, Tore; Schnölzer, Martina; Abdollahi, Amir; Lang, Florian; Bendszus, Martin; von Deimling, Andreas; Winkler, Frank; Weller, Michael; Vajkoczy, Peter; Platten, Michael; Wick, Wolfgang

    2014-01-07

    A hypoxic microenvironment induces resistance to alkylating agents by activating targets in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. The molecular mechanisms involved in this mTOR-mediated hypoxia-induced chemoresistance, however, are unclear. Here we identify the mTOR target N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) as a key determinant of resistance toward alkylating chemotherapy, driven by hypoxia but also by therapeutic measures such as irradiation, corticosteroids, and chronic exposure to alkylating agents via distinct molecular routes involving hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha, p53, and the mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2)/serum glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 1 (SGK1) pathway. Resistance toward alkylating chemotherapy but not radiotherapy was dependent on NDRG1 expression and activity. In posttreatment tumor tissue of patients with malignant gliomas, NDRG1 was induced and predictive of poor response to alkylating chemotherapy. On a molecular level, NDRG1 bound and stabilized methyltransferases, chiefly O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), a key enzyme for resistance to alkylating agents in glioblastoma patients. In patients with glioblastoma, MGMT promoter methylation in tumor tissue was not more predictive for response to alkylating chemotherapy in patients who received concomitant corticosteroids.

  7. mTOR target NDRG1 confers MGMT-dependent resistance to alkylating chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Weiler, Markus; Blaes, Jonas; Pusch, Stefan; Sahm, Felix; Czabanka, Marcus; Luger, Sebastian; Bunse, Lukas; Solecki, Gergely; Eichwald, Viktoria; Jugold, Manfred; Hodecker, Sibylle; Osswald, Matthias; Meisner, Christoph; Hielscher, Thomas; Rübmann, Petra; Pfenning, Philipp-Niklas; Ronellenfitsch, Michael; Kempf, Tore; Schnölzer, Martina; Abdollahi, Amir; Lang, Florian; Bendszus, Martin; von Deimling, Andreas; Winkler, Frank; Weller, Michael; Vajkoczy, Peter; Platten, Michael; Wick, Wolfgang

    2014-01-01

    A hypoxic microenvironment induces resistance to alkylating agents by activating targets in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. The molecular mechanisms involved in this mTOR-mediated hypoxia-induced chemoresistance, however, are unclear. Here we identify the mTOR target N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) as a key determinant of resistance toward alkylating chemotherapy, driven by hypoxia but also by therapeutic measures such as irradiation, corticosteroids, and chronic exposure to alkylating agents via distinct molecular routes involving hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha, p53, and the mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2)/serum glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 1 (SGK1) pathway. Resistance toward alkylating chemotherapy but not radiotherapy was dependent on NDRG1 expression and activity. In posttreatment tumor tissue of patients with malignant gliomas, NDRG1 was induced and predictive of poor response to alkylating chemotherapy. On a molecular level, NDRG1 bound and stabilized methyltransferases, chiefly O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), a key enzyme for resistance to alkylating agents in glioblastoma patients. In patients with glioblastoma, MGMT promoter methylation in tumor tissue was not more predictive for response to alkylating chemotherapy in patients who received concomitant corticosteroids. PMID:24367102

  8. Are nurse-led chemotherapy clinics really nurse-led? An ethnographic study.

    PubMed

    Farrell, Carole; Walshe, Catherine; Molassiotis, Alex

    2017-04-01

    The number of patients requiring ambulatory chemotherapy is increasing year on year, creating problems with capacity in outpatient clinics and chemotherapy units. Although nurse-led chemotherapy clinics have been set up to address this, there is a lack of evaluation of their effectiveness. Despite a rapid expansion in the development of nursing roles and responsibilities in oncology, there is little understanding of the operational aspects of nurses' roles in nurse-led clinics. To explore nurses' roles within nurse-led chemotherapy clinics. A focused ethnographic study of nurses' roles in nurse-led chemotherapy clinics, including semi-structured interviews with nurses. Four chemotherapy units/cancer centres in the UK PARTICIPANTS: Purposive sampling was used to select four cancer centres/units in different geographical areas within the UK operating nurse-led chemotherapy clinics. Participants were 13 nurses working within nurse-led chemotherapy clinics at the chosen locations. Non-participant observation of nurse-led chemotherapy clinics, semi-structured interviews with nurse participants, review of clinic protocols and associated documentation. 61 nurse-patient consultations were observed with 13 nurses; of these 13, interviews were conducted with 11 nurses. Despite similarities in clinical skills training and prescribing, there were great disparities between clinics run by chemotherapy nurses and those run by advanced nurse practitioners. This included the number of patients seen within each clinic, operational aspects, nurses' autonomy, scope of practice and clinical decision-making abilities. The differences highlighted four different levels of nurse-led chemotherapy clinics, based on nurses' autonomy and scope of clinical practice. However, this was heavily influenced by medical consultants. Several nurses perceived they were undertaking holistic assessments, however they were using medical models/consultation styles, indicating medicalization of nurses' roles

  9. Clinical relevance of KRAS mutation detection in metastatic colorectal cancer treated by Cetuximab plus chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Di Fiore, F; Blanchard, F; Charbonnier, F; Le Pessot, F; Lamy, A; Galais, M P; Bastit, L; Killian, A; Sesboüé, R; Tuech, J J; Queuniet, A M; Paillot, B; Sabourin, J C; Michot, F; Michel, P; Frebourg, T

    2007-01-01

    The predictive value of KRAS mutation in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) patients treated with cetuximab plus chemotherapy has recently been suggested. In our study, 59 patients with a chemotherapy-refractory MCRC treated with cetuximab plus chemotherapy were included and clinical response was evaluated according to response evaluation criteria in solid tumours (RECIST). Tumours were screened for KRAS mutations using first direct sequencing, then two sensitive methods based on SNaPshot and PCR-ligase chain reaction (LCR) assays. Clinical response was evaluated according to gene mutations using the Fisher exact test. Times to progression (TTP) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared with log-rank test. A KRAS mutation was detected in 22 out of 59 tumours and, in six cases, was missed by sequencing analysis but detected using the SNaPshot and PCR-LCR assays. Remarkably, no KRAS mutation was found in the 12 patients with clinical response. KRAS mutation was associated with disease progression (P=0.0005) and TTP was significantly decreased in mutated KRAS patients (3 vs 5.5 months, P=0.015). Our study confirms that KRAS mutation is highly predictive of a non-response to cetuximab plus chemotherapy in MCRC and highlights the need to use sensitive molecular methods, such as SNaPshot or PCR-LCR assays, to ensure an efficient mutation detection. PMID:17375050

  10. Impact of involved field radiotherapy in partial response after doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for advanced aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

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

    Moser, Elizabeth C.; Kluin-Nelemans, Hanneke C.; Carde, Patrice

    2006-11-15

    Purpose: Whether salvage therapy in patients with advanced aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in partial remission (PR) should consist of radiotherapy or autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) is debatable. We evaluated the impact of radiotherapy on outcome in PR patients treated in four successive European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer trials for aggressive NHL. Patients and Methods: Records of 974 patients (1980-1999) were reviewed regarding initial response, final outcome, and type and timing of salvage treatment. After 8 cycles of doxorubicin-based chemotherapy, 227 NHL patients were in PR and treated: 114 received involved field radiotherapy, 16 ASCT, 93 second-line chemotherapy,more » and 4 were operated. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) after radiotherapy were estimated (Kaplan-Meier method) and compared with other treatments (log-rank). Impact on survival was evaluated by multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards model). Results: The median PFS in PR patients was 4.2 years and 48% remained progression-free at 5 years. Half of the PR patients converted to a complete remission. After conversion, survival was comparable to patients directly in complete remission. Radiotherapy resulted in better OS and PFS compared with other treatments, especially in patients with low to intermediate International Prognostic Index score, bulky disease, or nodal disease only. Correction by multivariate analysis for prognostic factors such as stage, bulky disease, and number of extranodal locations showed that radiotherapy was clearly the most significant factor affecting both OS and PFS. Conclusion: This retrospective analysis demonstrates that radiotherapy can be effective for patients in PR after fully dosed chemotherapy; assessment in a randomized trial (radiotherapy vs. ASCT) is justified.« less

  11. Health responsibility and workplace health promotion among women: early detection of cancer.

    PubMed

    Kushnir, T; Rabinowitz, S; Melamed, S; Weisberg, E; Ribak, J

    1995-01-01

    The importance of health responsibility as one aspect of a health-promoting lifestyle has been emphasized repeatedly. Yet there are only a few empirical studies of its role in preventive behavior. We examined the relationship between health responsibility and early-detection practices for breast and cervical cancer. A group of 253 women employees of a large industrial company participated in a cancer screening program subsidized by the employer. They completed questionnaires assessing health responsibility and reported early-detection practices: frequency of breast self-examination and physician breast examinations, frequency of Pap tests, and time lapsed since last Pap test and breast examinations. Health responsibility was a significant independent predictor of breast examination indicators but not of Pap tests. Education level was an important predictor for Pap tests, and age predicted most early-detection practices. The findings lend some support to the role of health responsibility in initiating breast examinations. Better prediction of early-detection practices could be achieved by adding cognitive and emotional components to the existing responsibility scale and by distinguishing between retrospective and prospective responsibility.

  12. Risk prediction and impaired tactile sensory perception among cancer patients during chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Cardoso, Ana Carolina Lima Ramos; Araújo, Diego Dias de; Chianca, Tânia Couto Machado

    2018-01-08

    to estimate the prevalence of impaired tactile sensory perception, identify risk factors, and establish a risk prediction model among adult patients receiving antineoplastic chemotherapy. historical cohort study based on information obtained from the medical files of 127 patients cared for in the cancer unit of a private hospital in a city in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistics, with survival and multivariate analysis by Cox regression. 57% of the 127 patients included in the study developed impaired tactile sensory perception. The independent variables that caused significant impact, together with time elapsed from the beginning of treatment up to the onset of the condition, were: bone, hepatic and regional lymph node metastases; alcoholism; palliative chemotherapy; and discomfort in lower limbs. impaired tactile sensory perception was common among adult patients during chemotherapy, indicating the need to implement interventions designed for early identification and treatment of this condition.

  13. Molecular basis of cellular response to cisplatin chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (Review).

    PubMed

    Wang, Gangduo; Reed, Eddie; Li, Qingdi Q

    2004-11-01

    Cisplatin is one of the most potent anticancer agents, displaying significant clinical activity against a variety of solid tumors. For more than two decades, the most effective systemic chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality among men and women in the western world, was cisplatin-based combination treatment. Unfortunately, the outcome of cisplatin therapy on NSCLC seems to have reached a plateau. Therefore, the biological mechanisms of cisplatin action need to be understood in order to overcome the treatment plateau on NSCLC. Moreover, the development of resistance is a hurdle in the use of this drug. The molecular mechanisms that underlie this chemoresistance are largely unknown. Possible mechanisms of acquired resistance to cisplatin include reduced intracellular accumulation of cisplatin, enhanced drug inactivation by metallothionine and glutathione, increased repair activity of DNA damage, and altered expression of oncogenes and regulatory proteins. In addition, it is generally accepted that cytotoxicity of cisplatin is mediated through induction of apoptosis and arrest of cell cycle resulting from its interaction with DNA, such as the formation of cisplatin-DNA adducts, which activates multiple signaling pathways, including those involving p53, Bcl-2 family, caspases, cyclins, CDKs, pRb, PKC, MAPK and PI3K/Akt. Increased expression of anti-apoptotic genes and mutations in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway may contribute to the inability of cells to detect DNA damage or to induce apoptosis. Towards an understanding of the molecular basis of the cellular response to cisplatin-based chemotherapy in NSCLC, in this review we provide some insights into the pathways involved in cisplatin damage from entering the cells to execution of apoptosis or survival of NSCLC cells. We believe that as more and more molecular mechanisms of response to cisplatin-based therapy are unraveled, this knowledge should

  14. Presence of early stage cancer does not impair the early protein metabolic response to major surgery

    PubMed Central

    Klimberg, V. Suzanne; Allasia, Arianna; Deutz, Nicolaas EP

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Background Combined bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction is a common major surgical procedure in women with breast cancer and in those with a family history of breast cancer. As this large surgical procedure induces muscle protein loss, a preserved anabolic response to nutrition is warranted for optimal recovery. It is unclear whether the presence of early stage cancer negatively affects the protein metabolic response to major surgery as this would mandate perioperative nutritional support. Methods In nine women with early stage (Stage II) breast malignancy and nine healthy women with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer undergoing the same large surgical procedure, we examined whether surgery influences the catabolic response to overnight fasting and the anabolic response to nutrition differently. Prior to and within 24 h after combined bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, whole body protein synthesis and breakdown rates were assessed after overnight fasting and after meal intake by stable isotope methodology to enable the calculation of net protein catabolism in the post‐absorptive state and net protein anabolic response to a meal. Results Major surgery resulted in an up‐regulation of post‐absorptive protein synthesis and breakdown rates (P < 0.001) and lower net protein catabolism (P < 0.05) and was associated with insulin resistance and increased systemic inflammation (P < 0.01). Net anabolic response to the meal was reduced after surgery (P < 0.05) but higher in cancer (P < 0.05) indicative of a more preserved meal efficiency. The significant relationship between net protein anabolism and the amount of amino acids available in the circulation (R 2 = 0.85, P < 0.001) was independent of the presence of non‐cachectic early stage breast cancer or surgery. Conclusions The presence of early stage breast cancer does not enhance the normal catabolic response to major surgery or further attenuates the

  15. Presence of early stage cancer does not impair the early protein metabolic response to major surgery.

    PubMed

    Engelen, Mariëlle P K J; Klimberg, V Suzanne; Allasia, Arianna; Deutz, Nicolaas Ep

    2017-06-01

    Combined bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction is a common major surgical procedure in women with breast cancer and in those with a family history of breast cancer. As this large surgical procedure induces muscle protein loss, a preserved anabolic response to nutrition is warranted for optimal recovery. It is unclear whether the presence of early stage cancer negatively affects the protein metabolic response to major surgery as this would mandate perioperative nutritional support. In nine women with early stage (Stage II) breast malignancy and nine healthy women with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer undergoing the same large surgical procedure, we examined whether surgery influences the catabolic response to overnight fasting and the anabolic response to nutrition differently. Prior to and within 24 h after combined bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, whole body protein synthesis and breakdown rates were assessed after overnight fasting and after meal intake by stable isotope methodology to enable the calculation of net protein catabolism in the post-absorptive state and net protein anabolic response to a meal. Major surgery resulted in an up-regulation of post-absorptive protein synthesis and breakdown rates (P < 0.001) and lower net protein catabolism (P < 0.05) and was associated with insulin resistance and increased systemic inflammation (P < 0.01). Net anabolic response to the meal was reduced after surgery (P < 0.05) but higher in cancer (P < 0.05) indicative of a more preserved meal efficiency. The significant relationship between net protein anabolism and the amount of amino acids available in the circulation (R 2  = 0.85, P < 0.001) was independent of the presence of non-cachectic early stage breast cancer or surgery. The presence of early stage breast cancer does not enhance the normal catabolic response to major surgery or further attenuates the anabolic response to meal intake within 24 h after

  16. Evidence-based guideline recommendations on treatment strategies for localized Ewing's sarcoma of bone following neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Werier, Joel; Yao, Xiaomei; Caudrelier, Jean-Michel; di Primio, Gina; Ghert, Michelle; Gupta, Abha A; Kandel, Rita; Verma, Shailendra

    2016-06-01

    (1) To provide recommendations regarding the choice of surgery, radiation therapy (RT), or the combination of surgery plus RT in patients with localized Ewing's sarcoma of bone following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. (2) To determine the appropriate surgical planning imaging (pre-chemotherapy magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] or post-chemotherapy MRI) to identify optimal resection margins in patients with localized Ewing's sarcoma who undergo surgery following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library (1999 to February 2015), main guideline websites, and relevant annual meeting abstracts (2012 to January 2015) were searched. Internal and external reviews were conducted. 1. Recommendation (1) - In patients with localized Ewing's sarcoma of bone following neoadjuvant chemotherapy: (a) Surgery alone or RT alone are two reasonable treatment options; the combination of surgery plus RT is not recommended as an initial treatment option. (b) The local treatment for an individual patient should be decided by a multidisciplinary tumour board together with the patient after consideration of the following: (1) patient characteristics (e.g., age, tumour location, tumour size, response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and existing comorbidities), (2) the potential benefit weighed against the potential complications from surgery and/or toxicities associated with RT, and (3) patient preferences. 2. Recommendation (2) - In patients with localized Ewing's sarcoma who will undergo surgery: (a) Both pre-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy MRI scans should be taken into consideration for surgical planning. In certain anatomic locations with good chemotherapy response, the post-chemotherapy MRI may be the appropriate imaging modality to plan surgical resection margins. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Intrathecal chemotherapy for refractory disseminated medulloblastoma.

    PubMed

    Yoshimura, Junichi; Nishiyama, Kenichi; Mori, Hiroshi; Takahashi, Hideaki; Fujii, Yukihiko

    2008-05-01

    To analyze the effect of intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy for disseminated medulloblastoma. Twenty-one patients received IT chemotherapy using the chemotherapeutic agents of methotrexate (MTX) and nitrosoureas (ACNU, MCNU) including nine patients for residual leptomeningeal lesions after initial surgery and radiation, and 12 for a recurrence with leptomeningeal dissemination. Of these 21 patients, 12 received a lumbar and/or ventricular bolus injection of the chemotherapeutic agents, one received the ventriculolumbar perfusion of the agents, and eight received both the perfusion and bolus injection. The doses ranged from 6-7 mg/m(2) of ACNU for perfusion and 3-3.5 mg/m(2) of ACNU, MCNU, or MTX for the bolus injection, and the cycles were administered from 3 to 12 times for perfusion and from 5 to 54 times for the bolus injection. The effects of chemotherapy were assessed by both radiological and cytological examinations, and the clinical symptoms were also assessed. Radiological and/or cytological responses were observed in 10 of 21 patients (47.6%), including seven cases demonstrating a complete remission. The 5-year overall survival rate and 5-year survival rate after dissemination were 61.5 and 46.4%, respectively. Five patients who received a lumbar bolus injection of nitrosoureas experienced paraplegia and double incontinence. One patient who received a ventricular injection of nitrosoureas experienced truncal ataxia. IT chemotherapy was found to be effective in some cases with refractory disseminated medulloblastoma and it seems to be an appropriate treatment choice for leptomeningeal recurrence. However, the frequent bolus injections of nitrosoureas should be avoided to prevent the side effects.

  18. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy induces breast cancer metastasis through a TMEM-mediated mechanism.

    PubMed

    Karagiannis, George S; Pastoriza, Jessica M; Wang, Yarong; Harney, Allison S; Entenberg, David; Pignatelli, Jeanine; Sharma, Ved P; Xue, Emily A; Cheng, Esther; D'Alfonso, Timothy M; Jones, Joan G; Anampa, Jesus; Rohan, Thomas E; Sparano, Joseph A; Condeelis, John S; Oktay, Maja H

    2017-07-05

    Breast cancer cells disseminate through TIE2/MENA Calc /MENA INV -dependent cancer cell intravasation sites, called tumor microenvironment of metastasis (TMEM), which are clinically validated as prognostic markers of metastasis in breast cancer patients. Using fixed tissue and intravital imaging of a PyMT murine model and patient-derived xenografts, we show that chemotherapy increases the density and activity of TMEM sites and Mena expression and promotes distant metastasis. Moreover, in the residual breast cancers of patients treated with neoadjuvant paclitaxel after doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide, TMEM score and its mechanistically connected MENA INV isoform expression pattern were both increased, suggesting that chemotherapy, despite decreasing tumor size, increases the risk of metastatic dissemination. Chemotherapy-induced TMEM activity and cancer cell dissemination were reversed by either administration of the TIE2 inhibitor rebastinib or knockdown of the MENA gene. Our results indicate that TMEM score increases and MENA isoform expression pattern changes with chemotherapy and can be used in predicting prometastatic changes in response to chemotherapy. Furthermore, inhibitors of TMEM function may improve clinical benefits of chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting or in metastatic disease. Copyright © 2017 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

  19. Upfront chemotherapy and subsequent resection for molecularly defined gliomas.

    PubMed

    Sasaki, Hikaru; Hirose, Yuichi; Yazaki, Takahito; Kitamura, Yohei; Katayama, Makoto; Kimura, Tokuhiro; Fujiwara, Hirokazu; Toda, Masahiro; Ohira, Takayuki; Yoshida, Kazunari

    2015-08-01

    Functional preservation is critical in glioma surgery, and the extent of resection influences survival outcome. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a promising option because of its potential to facilitate tumor shrinkage and maximum tumor resection. The object of this study was to assess the utility of the neoadjuvant strategy in a prospective series of gliomas with favorable molecular status. Twenty-six consecutive cases of diffuse gliomas of WHO grade II or III with either 1p19q codeletion or MGMT methylation were treated with upfront chemotherapy following maximal safe removal. In cases of incomplete initial surgery, second-look resection was intended after tumor volume decrease by chemotherapy. Among 22 evaluable cases, chemotherapy led to a median change in the sum of the product of perpendicular diameters of -35 %, and 14 out of the 22 cases (64 %) showed objective response. Second-look resection after tumor volume decrease was performed in 12 out of 19 cases of incomplete initial surgery (GTR/STR 9, removal of residual methionine PET uptake 3). The median progression-free survival among the 22 patients with grade II tumors was 57 months, with some cases showing durable progression-free survival after second-look resection. MIB-1 indices of the second-look resected tumors were lower than those of the initial tumors, and the methylation status of the MGMT gene was unchanged. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on molecular guidance often produces significant volume decrease of incompletely resected gliomas. Radical second-look resection is an optional advantage of upfront chemotherapy for chemosensitive gliomas compared with initial radiotherapy.

  20. Longitudinal optical monitoring of blood flow in breast tumors during neoadjuvant chemotherapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cochran, J. M.; Chung, S. H.; Leproux, A.; Baker, W. B.; Busch, D. R.; DeMichele, A. M.; Tchou, J.; Tromberg, B. J.; Yodh, A. G.

    2017-06-01

    We measure tissue blood flow markers in breast tumors during neoadjuvant chemotherapy and investigate their correlation to pathologic complete response in a pilot longitudinal patient study (n  =  4). Tumor blood flow is quantified optically by diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS), and tissue optical properties, blood oxygen saturation, and total hemoglobin concentration are derived from concurrent diffuse optical spectroscopic imaging (DOSI). The study represents the first longitudinal DCS measurement of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in humans over the entire course of treatment; it therefore offers a first correlation between DCS flow indices and pathologic complete response. The use of absolute optical properties measured by DOSI facilitates significant improvement of DCS blood flow calculation, which typically assumes optical properties based on literature values. Additionally, the combination of the DCS blood flow index and the tissue oxygen saturation from DOSI permits investigation of tissue oxygen metabolism. Pilot results from four patients suggest that lower blood flow in the lesion-bearing breast is correlated with pathologic complete response. Both absolute lesion blood flow and lesion flow relative to the contralateral breast exhibit potential for characterization of pathological response. This initial demonstration of the combined optical approach for chemotherapy monitoring provides incentive for more comprehensive studies in the future and can help power those investigations.

  1. Selective sentinel node biopsy after intratumour administration of radiotracer in breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in relation to the level of tumour response.

    PubMed

    Díaz-Expósito, R; Martí-Bonmatí, L; Burgués, O; Casáns-Tormo, I; Bermejo-de Las Heras, B; Julve-Parreño, A; Caballero-Garate, A

    Our objective was to analyse the accuracy of the sentinel node biopsy, taking into consideration the scintigraphy detection rate after the intratumoural administration of the radiopharmaceutical in patients with breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The study included 60 patients with a diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma, stage T1-T3, who received treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and were subsequently subjected to breast surgery and sentinel node biopsy after intra-tumour administration of the radiopharmaceutical. Scintigraphic detection of some sentinel node was achieved in 55/60 patients (91.6%). When those cases that received a second injection of the radiopharmaceutical, performed peri-areolarly due to a lack of tracer migration, were excluded, the detection rate dropped to 70% (42/60). When the detection of sentinel node, or its absence, was compared in those 42 patients, no differences were found with age, laterality-location of the lesion, size pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy, histological grade, or immunohistochemical profile. There were significant differences when comparing the groups according to the degree of pathological tumour response, both with the Miller-Payne system (non-detection 44.4%-detection 16.7%, p = 0.003) as well as the residual cancer burden (72.2%-28.6%, p<0.01). The scintigraphic detection of the sentinel node after intratumoural administration of the radiopharmaceutical in patients with breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy was below the optimal value, and sometimes a further, peri-areolar, injection was necessary, probably in relation to an alteration in the lymphatic drainage pathways. There was a significant inverse relationship between the detection of the sentinel node and level of pathological tumour response. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMNIM. All rights reserved.

  2. Methylated Glutathione S-transferase 1 (mGSTP1) is a potential plasma free DNA epigenetic marker of prognosis and response to chemotherapy in castrate-resistant prostate cancer.

    PubMed

    Mahon, K L; Qu, W; Devaney, J; Paul, C; Castillo, L; Wykes, R J; Chatfield, M D; Boyer, M J; Stockler, M R; Marx, G; Gurney, H; Mallesara, G; Molloy, P L; Horvath, L G; Clark, S J

    2014-10-28

    Glutathione S-transferase 1 (GSTP1) inactivation is associated with CpG island promoter hypermethylation in the majority of prostate cancers (PCs). This study assessed whether the level of circulating methylated GSTP1 (mGSTP1) in plasma DNA is associated with chemotherapy response and overall survival (OS). Plasma samples were collected prospectively from a Phase I exploratory cohort of 75 men with castrate-resistant PC (CRPC) and a Phase II independent validation cohort (n=51). mGSTP1 levels in free DNA were measured using a sensitive methylation-specific PCR assay. The Phase I cohort identified that detectable baseline mGSTP1 DNA was associated with poorer OS (HR, 4.2 95% CI 2.1-8.2; P<0.0001). A decrease in mGSTP1 DNA levels after cycle 1 was associated with a PSA response (P=0.008). In the Phase II cohort, baseline mGSTP1 DNA was a stronger predictor of OS than PSA change after 3 months (P=0.02). Undetectable plasma mGSTP1 after one cycle of chemotherapy was associated with PSA response (P=0.007). We identified plasma mGSTP1 DNA as a potential prognostic marker in men with CRPC as well as a potential surrogate therapeutic efficacy marker for chemotherapy and corroborated these findings in an independent Phase II cohort. Prospective Phase III assessment of mGSTP1 levels in plasma DNA is now warranted.

  3. Pathological response after neoadjuvant bevacizumab- or cetuximab-based chemotherapy in resected colorectal cancer liver metastases.

    PubMed

    Pietrantonio, Filippo; Mazzaferro, Vincenzo; Miceli, Rosalba; Cotsoglou, Christian; Melotti, Flavia; Fanetti, Giuseppe; Perrone, Federica; Biondani, Pamela; Muscarà, Cecilia; Di Bartolomeo, Maria; Coppa, Jorgelina; Maggi, Claudia; Milione, Massimo; Tamborini, Elena; de Braud, Filippo

    2015-07-01

    Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) prior to liver resection is advantageous for patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLM). Bevacizumab- or cetuximab-based NACT may affect patient outcome and curative resection rate, but comparative studies on differential tumour regression grade (TRG) associated with distinct antibodies-associated regimens are lacking. Ninety-three consecutive patients received NACT plus bevacizumab (n = 46) or cetuximab (n = 47) followed by CLM resection. Pathological response was determined in each resected metastasis as TRG rated from 1 (complete) to 5 (no response). Except for KRAS mutations prevailing in bevacizumab versus cetuximab (57 vs. 21 %, p = 0.001), patients characteristics were well balanced. Median follow-up was 31 months (IQR 17-48). Bevacizumab induced significantly better pathological response rates (TRG1-3: 78 vs. 34 %, p < 0.001) as well as complete responses (TRG1: 13 vs. 0 %, p = 0.012) with respect to cetuximab. Three-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were not significantly different in the two cohorts. At multivariable analysis, significant association with pathological response was found for number of resected metastases (p = 0.015) and bevacizumab allocation (p < 0.001), while KRAS mutation showed only a trend. Significant association with poorer PFS and OS was found for low grades of pathological response (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001, respectively), R2 resection or presence of extrahepatic disease (both p < 0.001) and presence of KRAS mutation (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001, respectively). Bevacizumab-based regimens, although influenced by the number of metastases and KRAS status, improve significantly pathological response if compared to cetuximab-based NACT. Possible differential impact among regimens on patient outcome has still to be elucidated.

  4. Adjuvant chemotherapy for osteosarcoma.

    PubMed

    Eilber, F R; Rosen, G

    1989-08-01

    present to minimally include high-dose methotrexate, Adriamycin, and cisplatin. It would also appear from several of these reports that not only is the adjuvant use of these chemotherapeutic agents indicated, but that the preoperative use of these agents has had significant advantages. The neoadjuvant chemotherapy begins the essential systemic chemotherapy at a very early stage, allows histologic assessment of treatment effect, permits altering drug regimens postoperative, and in many reported trials has allowed less than amputative surgery (limb salvage) to be performed. Finally, close follow-up of patients with osteosarcoma has therapeutic value.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

  5. Outcome of Resection and Chemotherapy versus Chemotherapy Alone for Retroperitoneal Recurrence of Testicular Cancer Involving the Inferior Vena Cava: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 22 Consecutive Patients.

    PubMed

    Illuminati, Giulio; Calio, Francesco G; Angelici, Alberto M; Pizzardi, Giulia; Pasqua, Rocco; Masci, Federica; Vietri, Francesco

    2016-07-01

    Optimal treatment strategy for retroperitoneal recurrence of testicular cancer involving the inferior vena cava (IVC) is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to validate the hypothesis that surgical resection, en-bloc with the involved segment of IVC and its subsequent reconstruction followed by chemotherapy, would yield better oncologic results than chemotherapy alone. Two consecutive series of patients with retroperitoneal recurrence of testicular cancer involving the IVC, treated with surgical resection plus chemotherapy (group A, n=14) or chemotherapy alone (group B, n=8) were retrospectively reviewed. The mean duration of follow-up was was 65 months (range=8-184). Operative mortality and morbidity in group A, response to chemotherapy in group B, disease-specific survival and quality adjusted life-years (QALY) for both groups, were primary end-points of the study. Postoperative mortality and morbidity (group A) were, respectively, nil and 14%. In group B, two patients (25%) fully responded to chemotherapy and remained free from disease progression. Disease-specific survival at 3 and 5 years was 81% and 54% in group A and 36% in group B both at 3 and 5 years, respectively (p=0.02). QALY was 3.92 in group A and 0.77 for both 3 and 5 years in group B, respectively, (p=0.031). En bloc resection of retroperitoneal recurrence of testicular tumors invading the IVC, followed by chemotherapy, allows a better survival rate compared to chemotherapy alone. Copyright© 2016 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

  6. Chemotherapy dosing in achondroplastic dwarfism: a case report and review of literature.

    PubMed

    Elsoueidi, R; Gresham, C; Michael, L; Chaney, D; Mourad, H

    2016-12-01

    CASE DESCRIPTION: A 74-year-old female with achondroplastic dwarfism was diagnosed with ER-, BR- and HER2- breast cancer. No guideline currently exists to direct chemotherapy dosing in this population. She received neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on body surface area utilizing actual height and weight with dose-dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel with the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Satisfactory clinical response and remission were achieved, and treatment proceeded without any significant toxicity or delays. In the absence of guideline recommendations, dosing chemotherapy based on actual height and weight in patients with achondroplastic dwarfism may be safe and appropriate. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  7. Safety and feasibility of adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 in Japanese breast cancer patients after primary systemic chemotherapy: a feasibility study.

    PubMed

    Shigekawa, Takashi; Osaki, Akihiko; Sekine, Hiroshi; Sato, Nobuaki; Kanbayashi, Chizuko; Sano, Hiroshi; Takeuchi, Hideki; Ueda, Shigeto; Nakamiya, Noriko; Sugitani, Ikuko; Sugiyama, Michiko; Shimada, Hiroko; Hirokawa, Eiko; Takahashi, Takao; Saeki, Toshiaki

    2015-04-10

    Advanced breast cancer patients have a higher risk of postoperative recurrence than early-stage breast cancer patients. Recurrence is believed to be caused by the increase in micrometases, which were not eradicated by preoperative or postoperative chemotherapy. Therefore, a new therapeutic strategy that can improve treatment efficacy is mandatory for advanced breast cancer. S-1 was shown to be effective and safe in Japanese metastatic breast cancer patients treated with previous chemotherapy, including anthracyclines. Thus, in this study, we evaluated S-1 as adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients after standard primary systemic chemotherapy. The treatment consisted of 18 courses (a 2-week administration and a 1-week withdrawal; one year) administered at 80-120 mg/body/day. In cases judged to require postoperative radiotherapy, it was concurrently initiated on Day 1 of the study. If the estrogen receptor and/or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 were positive, endocrine therapy and/or trastuzumab were permitted, concurrently. Of the 45 patients enrolled between September 2007 and September 2009 from 3 institutions, 43 patients were eligible. Thirty-two of the 43 (74.4%) patients received concurrent radiotherapy. Twenty-two of the 43 (51.2%) patients completed the scheduled courses of chemotherapy. The most common reasons for withdrawal of treatment were subjective symptoms, such as nausea, anorexia, or general fatigue during the first 9 courses of treatment in 9/43 (20.9%) patients, recurrence in 7/43 (16.3%) patients, and adverse events in 5/43 (11.6%) patients. The cumulative percentage of administration for 365 days was 66.4% (95% confidence interval: 50.8-79.1%). Although grade 3 neutropenia (9.3%), leukopenia (4.7%), and diarrhea (4.7%) were observed, they were manageable. No grade 4 adverse effects were observed. The percentage of Japanese breast cancer patients completing the 18-course treatment and the cumulative percentage of administration

  8. Imaging Analysis of Hepatoblastoma Resectability Across Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Murphy, Andrew J.; Ayers, Gregory D.; Hilmes, Melissa A.; Mukherjee, Kaushik; Wilson, Kevin J.; Allen, Wade M.; Fernandez-Pineda, Israel; Shinall, Myrick C.; Zhao, Zhiguo; Furman, Wayne L.; McCarville, Mary Beth; Davidoff, Andrew M.; Lovvorn, Harold N.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose Hepatoblastomas often require neoadjuvant chemotherapy to facilitate partial hepatectomy, which necessitates freedom of tumor borders from the confluence of hepatic veins (COHV), portal vein bifurcation (PVB), and retrohepatic inferior vena cava (IVC). This study aimed to clarify the effect of incremental neoadjuvant cycles on the AHEP0731 protocol criteria of hepatoblastoma resectability. Methods Hepatoblastoma responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed among patients (n=23) treated at two children’s hospitals between 1996 and 2010. Using digital imaging data, ellipsoid and point-based models were created to measure tumor volume regression and respective distances from tumor borders nearest to the COHV, PVB, and IVC. Results Hepatoblastoma volumes regressed with incremental neoadjuvant chemotherapy cycles (p<0.001). Although tumor borders regressed away from the COHV (p=0.008), on average only 1.1mm was gained. No change from tumor borders to the PVB was detected (p=0.102). Distances from tumor borders to the IVC remained stable at one hospital (p=0.612), but increased only 0.15mm every 10 days of therapy at the other (p=0.002). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy induced slightly more tumors to meet the threshold vascular margin of 1cm (baseline to completion): COHV, 11 (47.8%) to 17 (73.9%; p=0.058); PVB, 11 (47.8%) to 15 (65.2%; p=0.157); IVC, 4 (17.4%) to 10 (43.5%; p=0.034). No differences were detected in demographic or disease-specific characteristics between patients who did or did not achieve this 1cm margin after conclusion of chemotherapy. Conclusion Hepatoblastoma volumes regress significantly with increasing neoadjuvant chemotherapy cycles. However, tumors often remain anchored to the major hepatic vasculature, showing marginal improvement in resectability criteria. PMID:23845613

  9. Correlation between response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and survival in locally advanced breast cancer patients.

    PubMed

    Romero, A; García-Sáenz, J A; Fuentes-Ferrer, M; López Garcia-Asenjo, J A; Furió, V; Román, J M; Moreno, A; de la Hoya, M; Díaz-Rubio, E; Martín, M; Caldés, T

    2013-03-01

    Measurement of residual disease following neoadjuvant chemotherapy that accurately predicts long-term survival in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is an essential requirement for clinical trials development. Several methods to assess tumor response have been described. However, the agreement between methods and correlation with survival in independent cohorts has not been reported. We report survival and tumor response according to the measurement of residual breast cancer burden (RCB), the Miller and Payne classification and the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria, in 151 LABC patients. Kappa Cohen's coefficient (К) was used to test the agreement between methods. We assessed the correlation between the treatment outcome and overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) by calculating Harrell's C-statistic (c). The agreement between Miller and Payne classification and RCB classes was very high (К = 0.82). In contrast, we found a moderate-to-fair agreement between the Miller and Payne classification and RECIST criteria (К = 0.52) and RCB classes and RECIST criteria (К = 0.38). The adjusted C-statistic to predict OS for RCB index (0.77) and RCB classes (0.75) was superior to that of RECIST criteria (0.69) (P = 0.007 and P = 0.035, respectively). Also, RCB index (c = 0.71), RCB classes (c = 0.71) and Miller and Payne classification (c = 0.67) predicted better RFS than RECIST criteria (c = 0.61) (P = 0.005, P = 0.006 and P = 0.028, respectively). The pathological assessment of tumor response might provide stronger prognostic information in LABC patients.

  10. [High-dose chemotherapy as a strategy to overcome drug resistance in solid tumors].

    PubMed

    Selle, Frédéric; Gligorov, Joseph; Soares, Daniele G; Lotz, Jean-Pierre

    2016-10-01

    The concept of high-doses chemotherapy was developed in the 1980s based on in vitro scientific observations. Exposure of tumor cells to increasing concentrations of alkylating agents resulted in increased cell death in a strong dose-response manner. Moreover, the acquired resistance of tumor cells could be overcome by dose intensification. In clinic, dose intensification of alkylating agents resulted in increased therapeutic responses, however associated with significant hematological toxicity. Following the development of autologous stem cells transplantation harvesting from peripheral blood, the high-doses of chemotherapy, initially associated with marked toxic effects, could be more easily tolerated. As a result, the approach was evaluated in different types of solid tumors, including breast, ovarian and germ cell tumors, small cell lung carcinoma, soft tissue sarcomas and Ewing sarcoma. To date, high-doses chemotherapy with hematopoietic stem cells support is only used as a salvage therapy to treat poor prognosis germ cell tumors patients with chemo-sensitive disease. Regarding breast and ovarian cancer, high-doses chemotherapy should be considered only in the context of clinical trials. However, intensive therapy as an approach to overcome resistance to standard treatments is still relevant. Numerous efforts are still ongoing to identify novel therapeutic combinations and active treatments to improve patients' responses. Copyright © 2016 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  11. Early blindness and coma during intrathecal chemotherapy for meningeal carcinomatosis.

    PubMed

    Boogerd, W; Moffie, D; Smets, L A

    1990-02-01

    A 35-year-old woman was treated with intraventricular methotrexate (MTX) with a total dose of 70 mg followed by cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) with a total dose of 80 mg for meningeal metastasis of breast carcinoma. Radiation therapy was not given. Despite a response of the meningeal tumor the patient developed in the third week of MTX treatment a progressive visual loss and loss of consciousness which worsened during subsequent Ara-C treatment and led to death within 3 weeks. Postmortem examination revealed only minimal neoplastic infiltration of the meninges. Multiple foci of axonal degeneration and demyelination were found in the optic nerves and chiasm, the superficial layers of the brainstem, and spinal cord and to some extent in other cranial nerves and spinal nerve roots. The possible causes of this previously unreported early complication are discussed.

  12. Phase II Trial of Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Surgery for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Tongue in Young Adults

    PubMed Central

    Kies, Merrill S.; Boatright, Dowin H.; Li, Guojun; Blumenschein, George; El-Naggar, Adel K.; Lewin, Jan S.; Steinhaus, Ganene; Sturgis, Erich M.

    2013-01-01

    Background We conducted a phase II clinical trial of induction chemotherapy followed by surgery ± radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (SCCOT) in young adults. Methods From September 2001 to October 2004, 23 patients aged 18–49 years with clinical T2-3N0-2M0 SCCOT and no prior radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or neck dissection underwent induction chemotherapy (paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and carboplatin) followed by glossectomy and neck dissection ± radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Results On final surgical pathology, 9 (39%) patients had a complete/major (2 complete) histologic response at the primary tumor site; 8 (35%) had no response or progression. Similarly, 9 (39%) patients had a complete response in the neck or remained node negative; 6 (26%) had an increase in nodal category. No treatment-associated deaths occurred, and toxicity was modest. At a median follow-up from the end of treatment of 52 months (minimum, 23 months), 10 (43%) patients developed recurrence, and all 10 died of cancer. Crude recurrence/cancer death rates were associated with ≤ a partial response at the tongue (P = .029), poor histologic differentiation (P = .012), and multiple adverse features on final surgical pathology (P = .040). Conclusions Response rates and overall survival with this induction chemotherapy regimen were limited, but complete/major response at the tongue was associated with excellent prognosis. Additionally, improved patient selection and predictive tumor biomarkers will be needed for induction chemotherapy to be routinely incorporated into the treatment of oral tongue cancer in young adults. PMID:22009800

  13. Phase II trial of induction chemotherapy followed by surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue in young adults.

    PubMed

    Kies, Merrill S; Boatright, Dowin H; Li, Guojun; Blumenschein, George; El-Naggar, Adel K; Brandon Gunn, G; Lewin, Jan S; Steinhaus, Ganene D; Sturgis, Erich M

    2012-09-01

    We conducted a phase II clinical trial of induction chemotherapy followed by surgery ± radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (SCCOT) in young adults. From September 2001 to October 2004, 23 patients aged 18 to 49 years with clinical T2-3 N0-2 M0 SCCOT and no prior radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or neck dissection underwent induction chemotherapy (paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and carboplatin) followed by glossectomy and neck dissection ± radiotherapy and chemotherapy. On final surgical pathology, 9 patients (39%) had a complete/major (2 complete) histologic response at the primary tumor site; 8 patients (35%) had no response or progression. Similarly, 9 patients (39%) had a complete response in the neck or remained node negative; 6 patients (26%) had an increase in nodal category. No treatment-associated deaths occurred, and toxicity was modest. At a median follow-up from the end of treatment of 52 months (minimum, 23 months), 10 patients (43%) developed recurrence, and all 10 died of cancer. Crude recurrence/cancer death rates were associated with ≤ a partial response at the tongue (p = .029), poor histologic differentiation (p = .012), and multiple adverse features on final surgical pathology (p = .040). Response rates and overall survival with this induction chemotherapy regimen were limited, but complete/major response at the tongue was associated with excellent prognosis. Additionally, improved patient selection and predictive tumor biomarkers will be needed for induction chemotherapy to be routinely incorporated into the treatment of oral tongue cancer in young adults. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  14. Transient tissue priming via ROCK inhibition uncouples pancreatic cancer progression, sensitivity to chemotherapy, and metastasis.

    PubMed

    Vennin, Claire; Chin, Venessa T; Warren, Sean C; Lucas, Morghan C; Herrmann, David; Magenau, Astrid; Melenec, Pauline; Walters, Stacey N; Del Monte-Nieto, Gonzalo; Conway, James R W; Nobis, Max; Allam, Amr H; McCloy, Rachael A; Currey, Nicola; Pinese, Mark; Boulghourjian, Alice; Zaratzian, Anaiis; Adam, Arne A S; Heu, Celine; Nagrial, Adnan M; Chou, Angela; Steinmann, Angela; Drury, Alison; Froio, Danielle; Giry-Laterriere, Marc; Harris, Nathanial L E; Phan, Tri; Jain, Rohit; Weninger, Wolfgang; McGhee, Ewan J; Whan, Renee; Johns, Amber L; Samra, Jaswinder S; Chantrill, Lorraine; Gill, Anthony J; Kohonen-Corish, Maija; Harvey, Richard P; Biankin, Andrew V; Evans, T R Jeffry; Anderson, Kurt I; Grey, Shane T; Ormandy, Christopher J; Gallego-Ortega, David; Wang, Yingxiao; Samuel, Michael S; Sansom, Owen J; Burgess, Andrew; Cox, Thomas R; Morton, Jennifer P; Pajic, Marina; Timpson, Paul

    2017-04-05

    The emerging standard of care for patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer is a combination of cytotoxic drugs gemcitabine and Abraxane, but patient response remains moderate. Pancreatic cancer development and metastasis occur in complex settings, with reciprocal feedback from microenvironmental cues influencing both disease progression and drug response. Little is known about how sequential dual targeting of tumor tissue tension and vasculature before chemotherapy can affect tumor response. We used intravital imaging to assess how transient manipulation of the tumor tissue, or "priming," using the pharmaceutical Rho kinase inhibitor Fasudil affects response to chemotherapy. Intravital Förster resonance energy transfer imaging of a cyclin-dependent kinase 1 biosensor to monitor the efficacy of cytotoxic drugs revealed that priming improves pancreatic cancer response to gemcitabine/Abraxane at both primary and secondary sites. Transient priming also sensitized cells to shear stress and impaired colonization efficiency and fibrotic niche remodeling within the liver, three important features of cancer spread. Last, we demonstrate a graded response to priming in stratified patient-derived tumors, indicating that fine-tuned tissue manipulation before chemotherapy may offer opportunities in both primary and metastatic targeting of pancreatic cancer. Copyright © 2017, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

  15. Transient tissue priming via ROCK inhibition uncouples pancreatic cancer progression, sensitivity to chemotherapy, and metastasis

    PubMed Central

    Vennin, Claire; Chin, Venessa T.; Warren, Sean C.; Lucas, Morghan C.; Herrmann, David; Magenau, Astrid; Melenec, Pauline; Walters, Stacey N.; del Monte-Nieto, Gonzalo; Conway, James R. W.; Nobis, Max; Allam, Amr H.; McCloy, Rachael A.; Currey, Nicola; Pinese, Mark; Boulghourjian, Alice; Zaratzian, Anaiis; Adam, Arne A. S.; Heu, Celine; Nagrial, Adnan M.; Chou, Angela; Steinmann, Angela; Drury, Alison; Froio, Danielle; Giry-Laterriere, Marc; Harris, Nathanial L. E.; Phan, Tri; Jain, Rohit; Weninger, Wolfgang; McGhee, Ewan J.; Whan, Renee; Johns, Amber L; Samra, Jaswinder S.; Chantrill, Lorraine; Gill, Anthony J.; Kohonen-Corish, Maija; Harvey, Richard P.; Biankin, Andrew V.; Jeffry Evans, T. R.; Anderson, Kurt I.; Grey, Shane T.; Ormandy, Christopher J.; Gallego-Ortega, David; Wang, Yingxiao; Samuel, Michael S.; Sansom, Owen J.; Burgess, Andrew; Cox, Thomas R.; Morton, Jennifer P.; Pajic, Marina; Timpson, Paul

    2018-01-01

    The emerging standard of care for patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer is a combination of cytotoxic drugs gemcitabine and Abraxane, but patient response remains moderate. Pancreatic cancer development and metastasis occur in complex settings, with reciprocal feedback from microenvironmental cues influencing both disease progression and drug response. Little is known about how sequential dual targeting of tumor tissue tension and vasculature before chemotherapy can affect tumor response. We used intravital imaging to assess how transient manipulation of the tumor tissue, or “priming,” using the pharmaceutical Rho kinase inhibitor Fasudil affects response to chemotherapy. Intravital Förster resonance energy transfer imaging of a cyclin-dependent kinase 1 biosensor to monitor the efficacy of cytotoxic drugs revealed that priming improves pancreatic cancer response to gemcitabine/Abraxane at both primary and secondary sites. Transient priming also sensitized cells to shear stress and impaired colonization efficiency and fibrotic niche remodeling within the liver, three important features of cancer spread. Last, we demonstrate a graded response to priming in stratified patient-derived tumors, indicating that fine-tuned tissue manipulation before chemotherapy may offer opportunities in both primary and metastatic targeting of pancreatic cancer. PMID:28381539

  16. The Tumour Response to Induction Chemotherapy has Prognostic Value for Long-Term Survival Outcomes after Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Peng, Hao; Chen, Lei; Zhang, Yuan; Li, Wen-Fei; Mao, Yan-Ping; Liu, Xu; Zhang, Fan; Guo, Rui; Liu, Li-Zhi; Tian, Li; Lin, Ai-Hua; Sun, Ying; Ma, Jun

    2016-04-21

    The prognostic value of the tumour response to induction chemotherapy (IC) for long-term survival outcomes after intensity-modulated radiation therapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unknown. We retrospectively reviewed 1811 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed NPC treated using IMRT, and 399 eligible patients with pre- and post-induction chemotherapy magnetic resonance images were recruited. The clinicopathological features of patients with different tumour responses were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Prognostic value was assessed using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. After IC, 101/399 (25.3%) patients had a complete tumour response overall (CR), 262 (65.7%) had a partial response (PR) and 36 (9.0%) had stable disease (SD). The 4-year disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) rates for CR vs. PR vs. SD were 90.0% vs. 79.0% vs. 58.2% (CR vs. PR: P1 = 0.007; CR vs. SD: P2 < 0.001; PR vs. SD: P3 = 0.004), 95.7% vs. 88.7% vs. 70.2% (P1 = 0.017, P2 < 0.001, P3 = 0.005), 92.0% vs. 87.4% vs. 74.3% (P1 = 0.162, P2 = 0.005, P3 = 0.029) and 95.9% vs. 88.8% vs. 81.8% (P1 = 0.024, P2 = 0.006, P3 = 0.268), respectively. Multivariate analysis identified that the tumour response to IC was an independent prognostic factor for DFS, OS and LRRFS.

  17. DCE-MRI Parameters Have Potential to Predict Response of Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Patients to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Hyperthermia: A Pilot Study

    PubMed Central

    Craciunescu, Oana I.; Blackwell, Kimberly L.; Jones, Ellen L.; MacFall, James R.; Yu, Daohai; Vujaskovic, Zeljko; Wong, Terence Z.; Liotcheva, Vlayka; Rosen, Eric L.; Prosnitz, Leonard R.; Samulski, Thaddeus V.; Dewhirst, Mark W.

    2009-01-01

    Purpose To use a novel Morpho-Physiological Tumor Score (MPTS) generated from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to predict response to treatment. Materials and Methods A protocol was designed to acquire DCE-MRI images of 20 locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NA ChT) and hyperthermia (HT). Imaging was done over 30 minutes following bolus injection of Gd-based contrast agent. Parametric maps were generated by fitting the signal intensity to a double exponential curve and were used to derive a morphological characterization of the lesions. Enhancement-variance dynamics parameters, washin and washout parameters (WiP, WoP) were extracted. The morphological characterization and the WiP and WoP were combined into a MPTS with the intent of achieving better prognostic efficacy. The MPTS was correlated with response to NA therapy as determined by pathologic residual tumor and MRI imaging. Results The contrast agent in all tumors typically peaked in the first 1–4 minutes. The tumors WiP and WoP varied considerably. The MPTS was highly correlated with whether the patients had a pathologic response. This scoring system has a specificity of 78% and a sensitivity of 91% for predicting response to NA chemotherapy. The kappa was 0.69 with a 95% confidence interval of [0.38, 1.0] and a p-value of 0.002. Conclusions This pilot study shows that the MPTS derived using pre-treatment MRI images has the potential to predict response to NA ChT and HT in LABC patients. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the validity of these results. PMID:19657852

  18. Therapy operating characteristic curves: tools for precision chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Barrett, Harrison H.; Alberts, David S.; Woolfenden, James M.; Caucci, Luca; Hoppin, John W.

    2016-01-01

    Abstract. The therapy operating characteristic (TOC) curve, developed in the context of radiation therapy, is a plot of the probability of tumor control versus the probability of normal-tissue complications as the overall radiation dose level is varied, e.g., by varying the beam current in external-beam radiotherapy or the total injected activity in radionuclide therapy. This paper shows how TOC can be applied to chemotherapy with the administered drug dosage as the variable. The area under a TOC curve (AUTOC) can be used as a figure of merit for therapeutic efficacy, analogous to the area under an ROC curve (AUROC), which is a figure of merit for diagnostic efficacy. In radiation therapy, AUTOC can be computed for a single patient by using image data along with radiobiological models for tumor response and adverse side effects. The mathematical analogy between response of observers to images and the response of tumors to distributions of a chemotherapy drug is exploited to obtain linear discriminant functions from which AUTOC can be calculated. Methods for using mathematical models of drug delivery and tumor response with imaging data to estimate patient-specific parameters that are needed for calculation of AUTOC are outlined. The implications of this viewpoint for clinical trials are discussed. PMID:27175376

  19. Chemotherapy induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

    PubMed Central

    Goel, Sunny; Sharma, Abhishek; Garg, Aakash; Chandra, Abhinav; Shetty, Vijay

    2014-01-01

    Chemotherapy has been linked with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Most of the literature on chemotherapy associated Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is on the drug 5-fluorouracil. In this report, we describe the case of a 55-year-old Asian male who developed Takotsubo cardiomyopathy while receiving dual chemotherapy with cytarabine and daunorubicin for acute myeloid leukemia. To our knowledge, it is the first case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with daunorubicin and/or cytarabine. PMID:25325068

  20. Chemotherapy induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

    PubMed

    Goel, Sunny; Sharma, Abhishek; Garg, Aakash; Chandra, Abhinav; Shetty, Vijay

    2014-10-16

    Chemotherapy has been linked with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Most of the literature on chemotherapy associated Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is on the drug 5-fluorouracil. In this report, we describe the case of a 55-year-old Asian male who developed Takotsubo cardiomyopathy while receiving dual chemotherapy with cytarabine and daunorubicin for acute myeloid leukemia. To our knowledge, it is the first case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy associated with daunorubicin and/or cytarabine.

  1. Risk of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia with early discontinuation of pegfilgrastim prophylaxis in US clinical practice.

    PubMed

    Weycker, Derek; Li, Xiaoyan; Barron, Rich; Li, Yanli; Reiner, Maureen; Kartashov, Alex; Figueredo, Jacqueline; Tzivelekis, Spiros; Garcia, Jacob

    2016-06-01

    Accumulating evidence suggests that not all cancer chemotherapy patients who receive first-cycle pegfilgrastim prophylaxis continue to receive it in subsequent cycles and that these patients may be subsequently at higher risk of febrile neutropenia (FN). Additional evidence from US clinical practice is warranted. Data from two US private healthcare claims repositories were employed. The source population comprised adults who received "intermediate-risk" or "high-risk" chemotherapy regimens for solid cancers or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and first-cycle pegfilgrastim prophylaxis. From the source population, all patients who did not receive second-cycle pegfilgrastim prophylaxis ("comparison patients") were matched (1:1) to those who received it ("pegfilgrastim patients") based on cancer, regimen, and propensity score. Odds ratios (OR) for FN-broad and narrow definitions-during the second chemotherapy cycle were estimated for comparison patients versus pegfilgrastim patients using generalized estimating equations. A total of 2245 comparison patients (5.3 % of source population) were matched to pegfilgrastim patients; cohorts were well-balanced on baseline characteristics. Second-cycle FN incidence proportions for comparison and pegfilgrastim patients were 3.8 versus 2.2 % based on broad definition and 2.6 versus 0.8 % based on narrow definition; corresponding OR were 1.7 (95 % CI 1.2-2.5, p = 0.002) and 3.5 (95 % CI 2.0-6.0, p < 0.001). Results were similar within cancer/regimen-subgroups and were robust when using alternative methods for confounding adjustment. In this retrospective evaluation of cancer chemotherapy patients who received first-cycle pegfilgrastim prophylaxis in US clinical practice, a clinically relevant minority did not receive second-cycle prophylaxis. Second-cycle FN odds among this subset were significantly higher than they were among those who continued prophylaxis.

  2. Molecular Insights on Post-chemotherapy Retinoblastoma by Microarray Gene Expression Analysis

    PubMed Central

    Nalini, Venkatesan; Segu, Ramya; Deepa, Perinkulam Ravi; Khetan, Vikas; Vasudevan, Madavan; Krishnakumar, Subramanian

    2013-01-01

    Purpose Management of Retinoblastoma (RB), a pediatric ocular cancer is limited by drug-resistance and drug-dosage related side effects during chemotherapy. Molecular de-regulation in post-chemotherapy RB tumors was investigated. Materials and Methods cDNA microarray analysis of two post-chemotherapy and one pre-chemotherapy RB tumor tissues was performed, followed by Principle Component Analysis, Gene ontology, Pathway Enrichment analysis and Biological Analysis Network (BAN) modeling. The drug modulation role of two significantly up-regulated genes (p≤0.05) − Ect2 (Epithelial-cell-transforming-sequence-2), and PRAME (preferentially-expressed-Antigen-in-Melanoma) was assessed by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and cell viability assays. Results Differential up-regulation of 1672 genes and down-regulation of 2538 genes was observed in RB tissues (relative to normal adult retina), while 1419 genes were commonly de-regulated between pre-chemotherapy and post- chemotherapy RB. Twenty one key gene ontology categories, pathways, biomarkers and phenotype groups harboring 250 differentially expressed genes were dys-regulated (EZH2, NCoR1, MYBL2, RB1, STAMN1, SYK, JAK1/2, STAT1/2, PLK2/4, BIRC5, LAMN1, Ect2, PRAME and ABCC4). Differential molecular expressions of PRAME and Ect2 in RB tumors with and without chemotherapy were analyzed. There was neither up- regulation of MRP1, nor any significant shift in chemotherapeutic IC50, in PRAME over-expressed versus non-transfected RB cells. Conclusion Cell cycle regulatory genes were dys-regulated post-chemotherapy. Ect2 gene was expressed in response to chemotherapy-induced stress. PRAME does not contribute to drug resistance in RB, yet its nuclear localization and BAN information, points to its possible regulatory role in RB. PMID:24092970

  3. Early life socioeconomic position and immune response to persistent infections among elderly Latinos.

    PubMed

    Meier, Helen C S; Haan, Mary N; Mendes de Leon, Carlos F; Simanek, Amanda M; Dowd, Jennifer B; Aiello, Allison E

    2016-10-01

    Persistent infections, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), are common in the U.S. but their prevalence varies by socioeconomic status. It is unclear if early or later life socioeconomic position (SEP) is a more salient driver of disparities in immune control of these infections. Using data from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging, we examined whether early or later life SEP was the strongest predictor of immune control later in life by contrasting two life course models, the critical period model and the chain of risk model. Early life SEP was measured as a latent variable, derived from parental education and occupation, and food availability. Indicators for SEP in later life included education level and occupation. Individuals were categorized by immune response to each pathogen (seronegative, low, medium and high) with increasing immune response representing poorer immune control. Cumulative immune response was estimated using a latent profile analysis with higher total immune response representing poorer immune control. Structural equation models were used to examine direct, indirect and total effects of early life SEP on each infection and cumulative immune response, controlling for age and gender. The direct effect of early life SEP on immune response was not statistically significant for the infections or cumulative immune response. Higher early life SEP was associated with lower immune response for T. gondii, H. pylori and cumulative immune response through pathways mediated by later life SEP. For CMV, higher early life SEP was both directly associated and partially mediated by later life SEP. No association was found between SEP and HSV-1. Findings from this study support a chain of risk model, whereby early life SEP acts through later life SEP to affect immune response to persistent infections in older age. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights

  4. NOTCH1 and FBXW7 mutations have a favorable impact on early response to treatment, but not on outcome, in children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) treated on EORTC trials 58881 and 58951.

    PubMed

    Clappier, E; Collette, S; Grardel, N; Girard, S; Suarez, L; Brunie, G; Kaltenbach, S; Yakouben, K; Mazingue, F; Robert, A; Boutard, P; Plantaz, D; Rohrlich, P; van Vlierberghe, P; Preudhomme, C; Otten, J; Speleman, F; Dastugue, N; Suciu, S; Benoit, Y; Bertrand, Y; Cavé, H

    2010-12-01

    Risk-adjusted treatment stratification in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALLs) is currently based only on early response to chemotherapy. We investigated the prognostic implication of hyperactivation of NOTCH pathway resulting from mutations of NOTCH1 or FBXW7 in children with T-ALL enrolled in EORTC-CLG trials. Overall, 80 out of 134 (60%) patients were NOTCH+ (NOTCH1 and/or FBXW7 mutated). Although clinical presentations were not significantly associated with NOTCH status, NOTCH+ patients showed a better early response to chemotherapy as compared with NOTCH- patients, according to the rate of poor pre-phase 'responders' (25% versus 44%; P=0.02) and the incidence of high minimal residual disease (MRD) levels (11% (7/62) versus 32% (10/31); P=0.01) at completion of induction. However, the outcome of NOTCH+ patients was similar to that of NOTCH- patients, with a 5-year event-free survival (EFS) of 73% and 70% (P=0.82), and 5-year overall survival of 82% and 79% (P=0.62), respectively. In patients with high MRD levels, the 5-year EFS rate was 0% (NOTCH+) versus 42% (NOTCH-), whereas in those with low MRD levels, the outcome was similar: 76% (NOTCH+) versus 78% (NOTCH-). The incidence of isolated central nervous system (CNS) relapses was relatively high in NOTCH1+ patients (8.3%), which could be related to a higher propensity of NOTCH+ leukemic blasts to target the CNS.

  5. First-line crizotinib versus chemotherapy in ALK-positive lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Solomon, Benjamin J; Mok, Tony; Kim, Dong-Wan; Wu, Yi-Long; Nakagawa, Kazuhiko; Mekhail, Tarek; Felip, Enriqueta; Cappuzzo, Federico; Paolini, Jolanda; Usari, Tiziana; Iyer, Shrividya; Reisman, Arlene; Wilner, Keith D; Tursi, Jennifer; Blackhall, Fiona

    2014-12-04

    The efficacy of the ALK inhibitor crizotinib as compared with standard chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unknown. We conducted an open-label, phase 3 trial comparing crizotinib with chemotherapy in 343 patients with advanced ALK-positive nonsquamous NSCLC who had received no previous systemic treatment for advanced disease. Patients were randomly assigned to receive oral crizotinib at a dose of 250 mg twice daily or to receive intravenous chemotherapy (pemetrexed, 500 mg per square meter of body-surface area, plus either cisplatin, 75 mg per square meter, or carboplatin, target area under the curve of 5 to 6 mg per milliliter per minute) every 3 weeks for up to six cycles. Crossover to crizotinib treatment after disease progression was permitted for patients receiving chemotherapy. The primary end point was progression-free survival as assessed by independent radiologic review. Progression-free survival was significantly longer with crizotinib than with chemotherapy (median, 10.9 months vs. 7.0 months; hazard ratio for progression or death with crizotinib, 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35 to 0.60; P<0.001). Objective response rates were 74% and 45%, respectively (P<0.001). Median overall survival was not reached in either group (hazard ratio for death with crizotinib, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.54 to 1.26; P=0.36); the probability of 1-year survival was 84% with crizotinib and 79% with chemotherapy. The most common adverse events with crizotinib were vision disorders, diarrhea, nausea, and edema, and the most common events with chemotherapy were nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and decreased appetite. As compared with chemotherapy, crizotinib was associated with greater reduction in lung cancer symptoms and greater improvement in quality of life. Crizotinib was superior to standard first-line pemetrexed-plus-platinum chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated advanced ALK-positive NSCLC. (Funded by

  6. Invasive fungal infection following chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia-Experience from a developing country.

    PubMed

    Korula, Anu; Abraham, Aby; Abubacker, Fouzia N; Viswabandya, Auro; Lakshmi, Kavitha M; Abraham, O C; Rupali, Priscilla; Varghese, George M; Michael, Joy S; Srivastava, Alok; Mathews, Vikram; George, Biju

    2017-10-01

    The incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFI) is believed to be higher in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) undergoing chemotherapy in non-HEPA-filtered rooms. The aim of this study is to review the incidence of IFI in a large cohort of patients with AML treated at a single centre in India. Two hundred and twenty-two patients with AML treated with either induction chemotherapy or salvage chemotherapy between 2008 and 2013 were studied retrospectively. IFI was defined as per the revised EORTC-MSG criteria. Data on type of chemotherapy, prophylactic strategies, engraftment (ANC>500), the presence of IFI and survival were collected. IFI was diagnosed in 86 patients (38.7%) with proven IFI in 12 (5.4%). Use of posaconazole prophylaxis (P=.001) was the only factor associated with reduced incidence of IFI. Survival in patients with proven IFI was lower than those without proven IFI, but not statistically significant (59.4% vs 78.5%; P=.139). There is a high incidence of IFI during induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia in developing countries. Posaconazole prophylaxis was associated with a significantly lower incidence of IFI. Optimal yet cost-effective strategies for prevention and early diagnosis of IFI are required to improve survival in patients undergoing chemotherapy for AML. © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

  7. Defining the role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in early stage non-small cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Lampaki, Sofia; Lazaridis, George; Zarogoulidis, Konstantinos; Kioumis, Ioannis; Papaiwannou, Antonis; Tsirgogianni, Katerina; Karavergou, Anastasia; Tsiouda, Theodora; Karavasilis, Vasilis; Yarmus, Lonny; Darwiche, Kaid; Freitag, Lutz; Sakkas, Antonios; Kantzeli, Angeliki; Baka, Sofia; Hohenforst-Schmidt, Wolfgang; Zarogoulidis, Paul

    2015-01-01

    Historical, the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was as a united disease entity and the chemotherapy to the metastatic cancer had limited results. Recent studies for the metastatic non-small cell lung cancer led to the ascertainment that the NSCLC does not constitute exclusively a disease entity, but different neoplasms guided from different molecular paths, different biological behavior and at extension requires different confrontation. Thus the new direction for the therapeutic approach of NSCLC is henceforth the most individualized approach based on the activated molecular paths of tumor. Distinct subtypes of NSCLC are driven by a specific genetic alteration, like EGFR, ALK, ROS1 or BRAF mutations, and these genetic alterations are sensitized to the inhibition of specific oncogenic pathways. The benefit from the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with EGFR mutations it was confirmed by six randomized studies of phase III that investigated the role of gefitinib, erlotinib and afatinib. In these studies the response rates vary in the impressive percentages from 55% to 86% and were connected with a remarkable median progression free survival of approximately 8 to 13 months, and with better quality of life compared to that of chemotherapy. In early stages NSCLC is needed the individualization of systemic treatment in order to reduce toxicity that is observed in the classic chemotherapy and to impact outcome. The role of EGFR TKI's has been evaluated in the adjuvant chemotherapy in early stage resected NSCLC. The data from these studies suggest that adjuvant TKI therapy might not increase the overall survival, but delay the recurrences. Prospective trials restricted to EGFR or ALK driven NSCLC subsets potentially offering the opportunity for a definitive answer in early disease adjuvant setting (ALCHEMIST) or as induction treatment before stage III chemo-radiotherapy (RTOG 1210/Alliance 31101), are ongoing. Ongoing prospective trials may offer the

  8. Lepromatous leprosy treated with combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy (injection BCG): three case reports.

    PubMed

    Lakshmi, Chembolli; Srinivas, Chakravarthi Rangachari

    2014-01-01

    Lepromatous leprosy is associated with suppressed cell-mediated immunity (CMI). This results in failure of the body to mount an efficient immune response and may render chemotherapy ineffective. The lack of sufficient response may mimic drug resistance. Three case reports in which the immunity was stimulated by administering Injection BCG are presented. All three patients were initially anergic and showed no reaction at the Mantoux testing site, showing an inability to mount type IV hypersensitivity and characterized by live bacilli in smears. Following 1-4 doses of Injection BCG, all three showed dead bacilli in smears. The first case, a 61-year-old man with lepromatous leprosy who continued to show live bacilli in smears after prolonged chemotherapy, was administered a total of four BCG injections, following which he achieved clearance. The second, a 40-year-old man with borderline lepromatous leprosy and severe type 2 reactions, achieved bacterial clearance and control of severe reactions following a single injection. The third, a 67-year-old man with histoid leprosy, achieved effective bacterial killing with a single dose of Injection BCG. All three patients achieved good results when chemotherapy was combined with Injection BCG. Following Injection BCG, all three showed a reaction at the Mantoux testing site. Suppressed CMI may be responsible for the lack of response in recalcitrant cases of lepromatous leprosy. These case reports would lead to the trend in combination therapy (immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy) for such cases, and help lower the tendency for inappropriate diagnosis of drug-resistant leprosy. © 2013 The International Society of Dermatology.

  9. Forcing the vicious circle: sarcopenia increases toxicity, decreases response to chemotherapy and worsens with chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Bozzetti, F

    2017-09-01

    Sarcopenia has recently emerged as a new condition that, independently from malnutrition, may adversely affect the prognosis of cancer patients. Purpose of this narrative review is to define the prevalence of sarcopenia in different primaries, its role in leading to chemotherapy toxicity and decreased compliance with the oncological therapy and the effect of some drugs on the onset of sarcopenia. Finally, the review aims to describe the current approaches to restore the muscle mass through nutrition, exercise and anti-inflammatory agents or multimodal programmes with a special emphasis on the results of randomized controlled trials. The examination of the computed tomography scan at the level of the third lumbar vertebra-a common procedure for staging many tumours-has allowed the oncologist to evaluate the muscle mass and to collect many retrospective data on the prevalence of sarcopenia and its clinical consequences. Sarcopenia is a condition affecting a high percentage of patients with a range depending on type of primary tumour and stage of disease. It is noteworthy that patients may be sarcopenic even if their nutritional status is apparently maintained or they are obese. Sarcopenic patients exhibited higher chemotherapy toxicity and poorer compliance with oncological treatments. Furthermore, several antineoplastic drugs appeared to worsen the sarcopenic status. Therapeutic approaches are several and this review will focus on those validated by randomized controlled trials. They include the use of ω-3-enriched oral nutritional supplements and orexigenic agents, the administration of adequate high-protein regimens delivered enterally or parenterally, and programmes of physical exercise. Better results are expected combining different procedures in a multimodal approach. In conclusion, there are several premises to prevent/treat sarcopenia. The oncologist should coordinate this multimodal approach by selecting priorities and sequences of treatments and then

  10. Combination of Bleomycin and Cytosine Arabinoside Chemotherapy for Relapsed Canine Lymphoma.

    PubMed

    Batschinski, Karen; Dervisis, Nikolaos; Kitchell, Barbara; Newman, Rebecca; Erfourth, Todd

    A retrospective study was performed to evaluate response rate, time to progression, and toxicity of a bleomycin and cytosine arabinoside (Bleo/Cytarabine) combination protocol for dogs with relapsed lymphoma (LSA). Dogs diagnosed with LSA and previously treated with chemotherapy were included in the study. A total of 20 dogs met the inclusion criteria, and 19 were evaluable for response. Bleomycin was administered subcutaneously on days 1 and 8 and cytosine arabinoside was administered subcutaneously on days 1-5 of a 21-day cycle. The median number of chemotherapy drugs given prior to the administration of Bleo/Cytarabine was 8.5. A total of 23 cycles of Bleo/Cytarabine were administered. The overall response rate was 36.8% (7 of 19 dogs had a partial response). The median time to progression was 15 days. Three dogs developed grade 3 thrombocytopenia and one dog had a grade 4 neutropenia. Bleo/Cytarabine had minor activity when used as a rescue therapy for pretreated LSA patients.

  11. CCL2 is induced by chemotherapy and protects prostate cancer cells from docetaxel - induced cytotoxicity

    PubMed Central

    Qian, David Z.; Rademacher, Brooks L.S.; Pittsenbarger, Janet; Huang, Chung-Ying; Myrthue, Anne; Higano, Celestia S.; Garzotto, Mark; Nelson, Peter S.; Beer, Tomasz M.

    2010-01-01

    Background Metastatic prostate cancer is either inherently resistant to chemotherapy or rapidly acquires this phenotype after chemotherapy exposure. In this study, we identified a docetaxel-induced resistance mechanism centered on CCL2. Methods we compared the gene expression profiles in individual human prostate cancer specimens before and after exposure to chemotherapy collected from previously untreated patients who participated in a clinical trial of preoperative chemotherapy. Subsequently, we used the gain- and loss- of function approach in vitro to identify a potential mechanism underlying chemotherapy resistance. Results Among the molecular signatures associated with treatment, several genes that regulate the inflammatory response and chemokine activity were upregulated including a significant increase in transcripts encoding the CC chemokine CCL2. Docetaxel increased CCL2 expression in prostate cancer cell lines in vitro. CCL2 specific siRNA inhibited LNCaP and LAPC4 cell proliferation and enhanced the growth inhibitory effect of low-dose docetaxel. In contrast, overexpression of CCL2 or recombinant CCL2 protein stimulated prostate cancer cell proliferation and rescued cells from docetaxel-induced cytotoxicity. This protective effect of CCL2 was associated with activation of the ERK/MAP kinase and PI3K/AKT, inhibition of docetaxel-induced Bcl2 phosphorylation at serine 70, phosphorylation of Bad, and activation of caspase-3. The addition of a PI3K/AKT inhibitor Ly294002 reversed the CCL2 protection, and was additive to docetaxel induced toxicity. Conclusion These results support a mechanism of chemotherapy resistance mediated by cellular stress responses involving the induction of CCL2 expression, and suggest that inhibiting CCL2 activity could enhance therapeutic responses to taxane-based therapy. PMID:19866475

  12. Risk of treatment related death and febrile neutropaenia with taxane-based adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer in a middle income country outside a clinical trial setting.

    PubMed

    Phua, Chee Ee; Bustam, Anita Zarina; Yusof, Mastura Md; Saad, Marniza; Yip, Cheng-Har; Taib, Nor Aishah; Ng, Char Hong; Teh, Yew Ching

    2012-01-01

    The risk of treatment-related death (TRD) and febrile neutropaenia (FN) with adjuvant taxane- based chemotherapy for early breast cancer is unknown in Malaysia despite its widespread usage in recent years. This study aims to determine these rates in patients treated in University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). Patients who were treated with adjuvant taxane-based chemotherapy for early breast cancer stages I, II or III from 2007-2011 in UMMC were identified from our UMMC Breast Cancer Registry. The TRD and FN rates were then determined retrospectively from medical records. TRD was defined as death occurring during or within 30 days of completing chemotherapy as a consequence of the chemotherapy treatment. FN was defined as an oral temperature >38.5°C or two consecutive readings of >38.0°C for 2 hours and an absolute neutrophil count <0.5x109/L, or expected to fall below 0.5x109/L. A total of 622 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy during this period. Of these patients 209 (33.6%) received taxane-based chemotherapy. 4 taxane-based regimens were used namely the FEC-D, TC, TAC and AC-PCX regimens. The commonest regimen employed was the FEC-D regimen accounting for 79.9% of the patients. The FN rate was 10% and there was no TRD. Adjuvant taxane-based chemotherapy in UMMC for early breast cancer has a FN rate of 10%. Primary prophylactic G-CSF should be considered for patients with any additional risk factor for FN.

  13. Glutathione S-transferase Pi expression predicts response to adjuvant chemotherapy for stage C colon cancer: a matched historical control study.

    PubMed

    Jankova, Lucy; Robertson, Graham; Chan, Charles; Tan, King L; Kohonen-Corish, Maija; Fung, Caroline L-S; Clarke, Candice; Lin, Betty P C; Molloy, Mark; Chapuis, Pierre H; Bokey, Les; Dent, Owen F; Clarke, Stephen J

    2012-05-28

    This study examined the association between overall survival and Glutathione S-transferase Pi (GST Pi) expression and genetic polymorphism in stage C colon cancer patients after resection alone versus resection plus 5-fluourouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients were drawn from a hospital registry of colorectal cancer resections. Those receiving chemotherapy after it was introduced in 1992 were compared with an age and sex matched control group from the preceding period. GST Pi expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Overall survival was analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. From an initial 104 patients treated with chemotherapy and 104 matched controls, 26 were excluded because of non-informative immunohistochemistry, leaving 95 in the treated group and 87 controls. Survival did not differ significantly among patients with low GST Pi who did or did not receive chemotherapy and those with high GST Pi who received chemotherapy (lowest pair-wise p = 0.11) whereas patients with high GST Pi who did not receive chemotherapy experienced markedly poorer survival than any of the other three groups (all pair-wise p <0.01). This result was unaffected by GST Pi genotype. Stage C colon cancer patients with low GST Pi did not benefit from 5-fluourouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy whereas those with high GST Pi did.

  14. Usability and Acceptability of a Web-Based Program for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

    PubMed

    Tofthagen, Cindy; Kip, Kevin E; Passmore, Denise; Loy, Ian; Berry, Donna L

    2016-07-01

    Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy is a painful and debilitating adverse effect of certain chemotherapy drugs. There have not been any patient-centered, easily accessible Web-based interventions to assist with self-management of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. The aims of this study were to evaluate usability and acceptability and to estimate an effect size of a Web-based intervention for assessing and managing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Participants (N = 14) were instructed to complete the Creativity, Optimism, Planning, and Expert Information for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy program and provide verbal responses to the program. Participants completed the Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool and Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire. Iterative changes were made to the COPE-CIPN. Participants were asked to provide feedback on the revised COPE-CIPN, repeat the Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool, and evaluate acceptability using the Acceptability e-Scale. The COPE-CIPN demonstrated high usability (mean, 1.98 [SD, 1.12]) and acceptability (mean, 4.40 [SD, 0.52]). Comments indicated that the interface was easy to use, and the information was helpful. While neuropathy symptoms continued to increase in this group of patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy, there was a decrease in mean level of interference with activities from 53.71 to 39.29 over 3 to 4 months, which indicated a moderate effect (d = 0.39) size. The COPE-CIPN may be a useful intervention to support self-management of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

  15. High dose lansoprazole combined with metronomic chemotherapy: a phase I/II study in companion animals with spontaneously occurring tumors.

    PubMed

    Spugnini, Enrico P; Buglioni, Sabrina; Carocci, Francesca; Francesco, Menicagli; Vincenzi, Bruno; Fanciulli, Maurizio; Fais, Stefano

    2014-08-21

    The treatment of human cancer has been seriously hampered for decades by resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. A very efficient mechanism of tumor resistance to drugs is the proton pumps-mediated acidification of tumor microenvironment. Metronomic chemotherapy has shown efficacy in adjuvant fashion as well as in the treatment of pets with advanced disease. Moreover, we have shown in veterinary clinical settings that pre-treatment with proton-pumps inhibitors (PPI) increases tumor responsiveness to chemotherapeutics. In this study pet with spontaneously occurring cancer have been recruited to be treated by a combination of metronomic chemotherapy and high dose PPIs and their responses have been matched to those of a historical control of ten patients treated with metronomic chemotherapy alone. Single arm, non randomized phase II open study, with historical control group, evaluating safety and efficacy of the combination of metronomic chemotherapy and alkalization. Twenty-four companion animals (22 dogs and 2 cats) were treated adding to their metronomic chemotherapy protocol the pump inhibitor lansoprazole at high dose, and a water alkalizer. Their responses have been evaluated by clinical and instrumental evaluation and matched to those of the control group. The protocol was overall well tolerated, with only two dogs experiencing side effects due to gastric hypochlorhydria consisting with vomiting and or diarrhea. In terms of overall response, in the alkalized cohort, 18 out of 24 had partial or complete responses (75%), two patients had a stable disease and the remaining patients experienced no response or progressive disease. On the other hand, only one patient in the control group experienced a complete response (10%) and three other experienced short lived responses. Median time to terminal event was 34 weeks for the experimental group versus 2 weeks in the controls (p= 0.042). Patient alkalization has shown to be well tolerated and to increase tumor response

  16. Accumulation of prohibitin is a common cellular response to different stressing stimuli and protects melanoma cells from ER stress and chemotherapy-induced cell death

    PubMed Central

    Tortelli, Tharcisio Citrangulo; de Godoy, Lyris Martins Franco; de Souza, Gustavo Antonio; Bonatto, Diego; Otake, Andreia Hanada; de Freitas Saito, Renata; Rosa, Jose Cesar; Greene, Lewis Joel; Chammas, Roger

    2017-01-01

    Melanoma is responsible for most deaths among skin cancers and conventional and palliative care chemotherapy are limited due to the development of chemoresistance. We used proteomic analysis to identify cellular responses that lead to chemoresistance of human melanoma cell lines to cisplatin. A systems approach to the proteomic data indicated the participation of specific cellular processes such as oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial organization and homeostasis, as well as the unfolded protein response (UPR) to be required for the survival of cells treated with cisplatin. Prohibitin (PHB) was among the proteins consistently accumulated, interacting with the functional clusters associated with resistance to cisplatin. We showed PHB accumulated at different levels in melanoma cell lines under stressing stimuli, such as (i) treatment with temozolomide (TMZ), dacarbazine (DTIC) and cisplatin; (ii) serum deprivation; (iii) tunicamycin, an UPR inducer. Prohibitin accumulated in the mitochondria of melanoma cells after cisplatin and tunicamycin treatment and its de novo accumulation led to chemoresistance melanoma cell lines. In contrast, PHB knock-down sensitized melanoma cells to cisplatin and tunicamycin treatment. We conclude that PHB participates in the survival of cells exposed to different stress stimuli, and can therefore serve as a target for the sensitization of melanoma cells to chemotherapy. PMID:28562344

  17. Refusal of Recommended Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer: Risk Factors and Outcomes; a National Cancer Data Base Study.

    PubMed

    Wallace, Sumer K; Lin, Jeff F; Cliby, William A; Leiserowitz, Gary S; Tergas, Ana I; Bristow, Robert E

    2016-05-01

    To identify risk factors associated with refusal of recommended chemotherapy and its impact on patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We identified patients in the National Cancer Data Base diagnosed with EOC from January 1998 to December 2011. Patients who refused chemotherapy were identified and compared with those who received recommended, multiagent chemotherapy. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed using chi-square test with Bonferroni correction, binary logistic regression, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards modeling. The threshold for statistical significance was set at a P value of less than 0.05. From a cohort of 147,713 eligible patients, 2,707 refused chemotherapy. These patients were compared with 92,212 patients who received recommended multiagent chemotherapy. Older age, more medical comorbidities, not having insurance, and later year of diagnosis were directly and significantly associated with chemotherapy refusal when analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. In addition, lower-than-expected facility adherence to NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Ovarian Cancer, treatment at low-volume center, lower grade, and higher stage were all significantly and independently associated with chemotherapy refusal. Median overall survival of patients who received multiagent chemotherapy was significantly longer than that of those who refused chemotherapy (43 vs 4.8 months; P<.0005). After controlling for known patient, facility, and disease prognostic factors, chemotherapy refusal is significantly associated with increased risk of death. Refusal of recommended chemotherapy carries significant risk of early death from ovarian cancer. Our data demonstrate that the decision to refuse chemotherapy is multifactorial and, in addition to unalterable factors (eg, stage/grade, age), involves factors that can be changed, including facility type and payor. Efforts at addressing these discrepancies in

  18. Choroidal metastasis from early rectal cancer: Case report and literature review

    PubMed Central

    Tei, Mitsuyoshi; Wakasugi, Masaki; Akamatsu, Hiroki

    2014-01-01

    INTRODUCTION Choroidal metastasis from colorectal cancer is rare, and there have been no reported cases of such metastasis from early colorectal cancer. We report a case of choroidal metastasis from early rectal cancer. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 61 year-old-man experienced myodesopsia in the left eye 2 years and 6 months after primary rectal surgery for early cancer, and was diagnosed with left choroidal metastasis and multiple lung metastases. Radiotherapy was initiated for the left eye and systemic chemotherapy is initiated for the multiple lung metastases. The patient is living 2 years and 3 months after the diagnosis of choroidal metastasis without signs of recurrence in the left eye, and continues to receive systemic chemotherapy for multiple lung metastases. DISCUSSION Current literatures have few recommendations regarding the appropriate treatment of choroidal metastasis from colorectal cancer, but an aggressive multi-disciplinary approach may be effective in local regression. CONCLUSION This is the first report of choroidal metastasis from early rectal cancer. We consider it important to enforce systemic chemotherapy in addition to radiotherapy for choroidal metastasis from colorectal cancer. PMID:25460493

  19. Metronomic chemotherapy and nanocarrier platforms.

    PubMed

    Abu Lila, Amr S; Ishida, Tatsuhiro

    2017-08-01

    The therapeutic concept of administering chemotherapeutic agents continuously at lower doses, relative to the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) without drug-free breaks over extended periods -known as "metronomic chemotherapy"- is a promising approach for anti-angiogenic cancer therapy. In comparison with MTD chemotherapy regimens, metronomic chemotherapy has demonstrated reduced toxicity. However, as a monotherapy, metronomic chemotherapy has failed to provide convincing results in clinical trials. Therapeutic approaches including combining the anti-angiogenic "metronomic" therapy with conventional radio-/chemo-therapy and/or targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to tumor tissues via their encapsulation with nanocarrier-based platforms have proven to potentiate the overall therapeutic outcomes. In this review, therefore, we focused on the mutual contribution made by nanoscale drug delivery platforms to the therapeutic efficacy of metronomic-based chemotherapy. In addition, the influence that the dosing schedule has on the overall therapeutic efficacy of metronomic chemotherapy is discussed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Urgent Chemotherapy in Sepsis-Like Shock Related to Hematologic Malignancies.

    PubMed

    Cherruault, Marlène; Le Goff, Marielle; Tamburini, Jérôme; Pène, Frédéric

    2018-05-01

    Hematologic malignancies may result in multiple organ involvement including pulmonary and renal dysfunctions, and the less common acute circulatory failure. We herein addressed the outcome of patients with sepsis-like shock related to aggressive hematologic malignancies. A 10-year (2007-2016) monocenter retrospective study. A medical ICU in a tertiary care center. Patients with circulatory shock requiring vasopressors and who subsequently received chemotherapy. Shock was presumably related to the underlying malignancy after ruling out an ongoing or new-onset infectious process. The extent and time course of organ failures was assessed by a modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score devoid of the platelet component. None. Seventeen patients were included, including 13 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, two with hyperleukocytic acute myeloid leukemia, and two with "Human Herpes virus 8"-associated multicentric Castleman's disease. The following associated conditions prompted urgent administration of chemotherapy: tumor lysis syndrome (n = 10), hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (n = 3), compressive bulky tumor (n = 3), pulmonary involvement (n = 3), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (n = 1). Following the initiation of chemotherapy, a number of patients died rapidly from untractable multiple organ failure. In contrast, chemotherapy led to a fast and dramatic improvement in organ failures in early survivors, as shown by the decrease in the modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. However, the overall outcome was poor since only four and three patients could be discharged alive from the ICU and the hospital, and three and two patients remained alive at 6 months and 1 year. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome related to hematologic malignancies is associated with a dismal outcome. A chemotherapy trial may provide a fast prognostic assessment of the reversibility of organ failure.