Impact of cytogenetic abnormalities on treatment outcomes in patients with amyloid light-chain amyloidosis: subanalyses from the ANDROMEDA study.

BACKGROUND: Cytogenetic abnormalities are common in patients with amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis; some are associated with poorer outcomes. This post hoc analysis of ANDROMEDA evaluated the impact of certain cytogenetic abnormalities on outcomes in this patient population. METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis were randomised 1:1 to daratumumab, bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (D-VCd) or VCd. Outcomes were evaluated in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population and in patients with t(11;14), amp1q21, del13q14, and del17p13. RESULTS: Overall, 321 patients had cytogenetic testing (D-VCd, n = 155; VCd, n = 166); most common abnormalities were t(11;14) and amp1q21. At a median follow-up of 20.3 months, haematologic complete response rates were higher with D-VCd vs VCd across all cytogenetic subgroups and organ response rates were numerically higher with D-VCd vs VCd across most subgroups. Point estimates for hazard ratio of major organ deterioration-PFS and -EFS favoured D-VCd over VCd for all cytogenetic subgroups. Deep haematologic responses (involved minus uninvolved free light chains [FLC] <10 mg/L or involved FLC ≤20 mg/L) were seen in more patients with D-VCd than VCd in all ITT and t(11;14) cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the use of D-VCd as standard of care in patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis regardless of cytogenetic abnormalities.

Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Darunavir/Ritonavir in HIV-Infected Pregnant Women.

The dosage of darunavir/ritonavir is 800/100 mg once daily for treatment-naive patients or treatment-experienced patients with no prior darunavir resistance associated mutations, and 600/100 mg twice daily for treatment-experienced patients with one or more darunavir resistance associated mutations. Results from the five available pharmacokinetic studies show reductions in total darunavir plasma concentrations of between 20-50% during the third trimester of pregnancy. The unbound darunavir concentrations have been measured only in subsets of patients in two of the five pharmacokinetic studies. The unbound concentrations were 11% higher during pregnancy in one study of the 600/100 mg twice-daily dosage, and 13-38% lower during pregnancy for the 800/100 mg once-daily dosage. Ratios of darunavir concentration in cord blood compared to maternal plasma are in the range of 0.11-0.18, suggesting that darunavir does not have high trans-placental penetration. Despite the decrease in exposure, the darunavir/ritonavir 800/100 mg once-daily regimen in HIV-positive pregnant women in combination with background antiretroviral therapy has been effective in preventing mother-to-child transmission in the studies included in this review. Among the 137 infants born across the five studies, there was one case of mother-to-child transmission, which was in a mother taking the 600/100 mg twice-daily dose but who had documented poor adherence to treatment.

A phase I study of high-dose rosuvastatin with standard dose erlotinib in patients with advanced solid malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Synergistic cytotoxicity with high-dose statins and erlotinib has been demonstrated in preclinical models across a number of tumour types. In this phase I study, we evaluated the safety and potential anti-tumour activity of escalating doses of rosuvastatin in combination with the standard clinical dose of erlotinib in heavily pretreated patients with advanced solid tumours. METHODS: This was a single-center, phase I open-label study to determine the safety and recommended phase two dose (RPTD) of rosuvastatin in combination with 150 mg/day standard dose of erlotinib. Using a 3 + 3 study design and 28-day cycle, escalating doses of rosuvastatin from 1 to 8 mg/kg/day × 2 weeks (cycle 1) and 3 weeks (subsequent cycles) given concurrently with erlotinib were evaluated. In order to expand the experience and to gain additional safety and pharmacokinetic data, two expansions cohorts using concurrent or alternating weekly dosing regimens at the RPTD were also evaluated. RESULTS: All 24 patients enrolled were evaluable for toxicity, and 22 for response. The dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of reversible muscle toxicity was seen at the 2 mg/kg/day dose level. Maximal tolerated dose (MTD) was determined to be 1 mg/kg/day. Thirty-three percent of patients developed at least 1 ≥ grade 2 muscle toxicity (rhabdomyolysis: 1/24, myalgia: 7/24) resulting in one study-related death. Durable stable disease for more than 170 days was seen in 25 % of patients that received concurrent treatment and were evaluable for response (n = 16). Plasma erlotinib levels on study were unaffected by the addition of rosuvastatin. CONCLUSIONS: The observed disease stabilization rate of 25 % with combination therapy in this heavily pretreated population is encouraging, however, the high levels of muscle toxicities observed limited this combination strategy.

Reporting Guidelines for Clinical Pharmacokinetic Studies: The ClinPK Statement.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Transparent reporting of all research is essential for assessing the validity of any study. Reporting guidelines are available and endorsed for many types of research but are lacking for clinical pharmacokinetic studies. Such tools promote the consistent reporting of a minimal set of information for end users, and facilitate knowledge translation of research. The objective of this study was to create a guideline to assist in the transparent and complete reporting of clinical pharmacokinetic studies. METHODS: Preliminary content to be considered was identified from a systematic search of the literature and regulatory documents. Stakeholders were identified to participate in a modified Delphi exercise and a virtual meeting to generate consensus for items considered essential in the reporting of clinical pharmacokinetic studies. The proposed checklist was pilot tested on 100 recently published clinical pharmacokinetic studies. Overall and itemized compliance with the proposed guidance was determined for each study. RESULTS: Sixty-eight stakeholders from nine countries consented to participate. Four rounds of a modified Delphi survey and a series of small virtual meetings were required to generate consensus for a 24-item checklist considered to be essential to the reporting of clinical pharmacokinetic studies. When applied to the 100 most recently published clinical pharmacokinetic studies, 45 were determined to be compliant with at least 80 % of the checklist items. Explanatory text was prepared using examples of compliant reporting from these and other relevant studies. CONCLUSIONS: The reader's ability to judge the validity of pharmacokinetic research can be greatly compromised by the incomplete reporting of study information. Using consensus methods, we have developed a tool to guide transparent and accurate reporting of clinical pharmacokinetic studies. Endorsement and implementation of these guidelines by researchers, clinicians and journals would promote more consistent reporting of these studies and allow for better assessment of utility for clinical applications.

Effect of resveratrol on exercise capacity: a randomized placebo-controlled crossover pilot study.

To assess the effect on exercise capacity and tolerability of resveratrol, 13 healthy, sedentary adult volunteers were enrolled in a randomized crossover study comparing resveratrol and placebo over two 4-week periods, with a 2-week time between periods when subjects received no treatment. No significant changes in exercise duration or aerobic capacity (peak oxygen uptake) were observed. Gastrointestinal side effects were more common during resveratrol treatment (77% vs. 15%, p = 0.0048). A small reduction in fasting glucose and small but statistically significant increases in liver enzymes, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were observed, although mean results remained within normal limits. There was no change in complete blood count, inflammatory markers, renal function, or other measures of liver function.

Pharmacokinetics of raltegravir in the semen of HIV-infected men.

BACKGROUND: We sought to determine the pharmacokinetic disposition of raltegravir in the blood and seminal plasma of HIV-infected men. METHODS: We conducted a pharmacokinetic study using a staggered sampling approach. A total of 16 HIV-infected men receiving raltegravir-based therapy were recruited into the study. Each participant provided six blood plasma and six seminal plasma samples for quantification of drug concentrations in both compartments. Blood and semen samples were obtained within 1 h of each other and were collected prior to the morning dose and at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 h post-ingestion. Drug concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: A total of 96 semen samples and 96 blood samples were obtained from all participants during the study period. The median age and baseline CD4(+) T-cell count of the study participants were 48 years (IQR 42-53) and 450 cells/mm(3) (IQR 289-585). Virological suppression to <50 copies/ml had been maintained for a median of 21 months (IQR 7-35) at the time of study enrolment. The median seminal plasma-to-blood plasma ratios and AUC0-12 h seminal plasma-to-blood plasma ratios of raltegravir were 3.25 (IQR 1.46-5.37) and 2.26 (IQR 1.05-4.45), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Concentrations of raltegravir in seminal plasma are several fold higher than those attained in blood plasma and those required to inhibit viral replication in this compartment. Further research examining the therapeutic and prophylactic implications of these findings is warranted.

Micronutrient deficiency and treatment adherence in a randomized controlled trial of micronutrient supplementation in ART-naïve persons with HIV.

INTRODUCTION: The MAINTAIN study is an on-going RCT comparing high-dose micronutrient and anti-oxidant supplementation versus recommended daily allowance (RDA) vitamins in slowing HIV immune deficiency progression in ART-naïve people with HIV infection. OBJECTIVE: We planned analysis of the first 127 participants to determine the baseline prevalence of serum micronutrient deficiencies and correlates, as well as tolerance and adherence to study interventions. METHODS: Participants receive eight capsules twice daily of 1) high-dose or 2) RDA supplements for two years and are followed-up quarterly for measures of immune deficiency progression, safety and tolerability. Regression analysis was used to identify correlates of micronutrient levels at baseline. Adherence was measured by residual pill count, self-report using the General Treatment Scale (GTS) and short-term recall HIV Adherence Treatment Scale (HATS). RESULTS: Prior micronutrient supplementation (within 30 days) was 27% at screening and 10% of study population, and was not correlated with baseline micronutrient levels. Low levels were frequent for carotene (24%<1 nmol/L), vitamin D (24%<40 nmol/L) and serum folate (20%<15 nmol/L). The proportion with B12 deficiency (<133 pmol/L) was 2.4%. Lower baseline levels of B12 correlated lower baseline CD4 count (r = 0.21, p = 0.02) with a 21 pmol/L reduction in B12 per 100 cells/µL CD4. Vitamin D levels were higher in men (p<0.001). After a median follow-up of 1.63 years, there were 19 (15%) early withdrawals from the study treatment. Mean treatment adherence using pill count was 88%. Subjective adherence by the GTS was 81% and was moderately but significantly correlated with pill count (r = 0.29, p<0.001). Adherence based on short-term recall (HATS) was >80% in 75% of participants. CONCLUSION: Micronutrient levels in asymptomatic HIV+ persons are in keeping with population norms, but micronutrient deficiencies are frequent. Adherence levels are high, and will permit a valid evaluation of treatment effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00798772.

Role of P-glycoprotein in the distribution of the HIV protease inhibitor atazanavir in the brain and male genital tract.

The blood-testis barrier and blood-brain barrier are responsible for protecting the male genital tract and central nervous system from xenobiotic exposure. In HIV-infected patients, low concentrations of antiretroviral drugs in cerebrospinal fluid and seminal fluid have been reported. One mechanism that may contribute to reduced concentrations is the expression of ATP-binding cassette drug efflux transporters, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The objective of this study was to investigate in vivo the tissue distribution of the HIV protease inhibitor atazanavir in wild-type (WT) mice, P-gp/breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp)-knockout (Mdr1a-/-, Mdr1b-/-, and Abcg2-/- triple-knockout [TKO]) mice, and Cyp3a-/- (Cyp) mice. WT mice and Cyp mice were pretreated with a P-gp/Bcrp inhibitor, elacridar (5 mg/kg of body weight), and the HIV protease inhibitor and boosting agent ritonavir (2 mg/kg intravenously [i.v.]), respectively. Atazanavir (10 mg/kg) was administered i.v. Atazanavir concentrations in plasma (Cplasma), brain (Cbrain), and testes (Ctestes) were quantified at various times by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In TKO mice, we demonstrated a significant increase in atazanavir Cbrain/Cplasma (5.4-fold) and Ctestes/Cplasma (4.6-fold) ratios compared to those in WT mice (P<0.05). Elacridar-treated WT mice showed a significant increase in atazanavir Cbrain/Cplasma (12.3-fold) and Ctestes/Cplasma (13.5-fold) ratios compared to those in vehicle-treated WT mice. In Cyp mice pretreated with ritonavir, significant (P<0.05) increases in atazanavir Cbrain/Cplasma (1.8-fold) and Ctestes/Cplasma (9.5-fold) ratios compared to those in vehicle-treated WT mice were observed. These data suggest that drug efflux transporters, i.e., P-gp, are involved in limiting the ability of atazanavir to permeate the rodent brain and genital tract. Since these transporters are known to be expressed in humans, they could contribute to the low cerebrospinal and seminal fluid antiretroviral concentrations reported in the clinic.

Amiodarone and concurrent antiretroviral therapy: a case report and review of the literature.

Therapy for HIV often can make pharmacologic management of comorbidities challenging since many antiretroviral agents significantly modulate drug metabolism pathways. Amiodarone is commonly used to control cardiac arrhythmias; however, it is recognized as having a narrow therapeutic window with potential for significant drug toxicity. Amiodarone is metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2C8 and CYP1A1 to an active metabolite and therefore may be affected by comedications that modulate these isoenzymes. Since amiodarone is frequently associated with toxicity, the Heart Rhythm Society (formerly the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology) developed guidelines to minimize the potential for adverse events. However, recommendations for the management of situations where amiodarone must be given with a drug that significantly affects its metabolism are lacking. This paper will discuss our experience with a case of concurrent amiodarone and antiretroviral therapy, as well as provide a review of interactions that may lead to toxicity or potential treatment failure with amiodarone. Primary literature was identified through Medline (1946 to May 2013) and Embase (1980 to May 2013), using the following terms: amiodarone, antiretroviral, HIV, cytochrome P450 and drug interaction. Case reports, studies of xenobiotic interactions with amiodarone in healthy volunteers, and in vitro studies that investigated metabolic pathways of amiodarone were reviewed. Although clinical data was limited, several cases support the finding that potent inhibitors or inducers of cytochrome P450 may lead to amiodarone toxicity or lack of therapeutic effect, respectively. As well, several case reports, in vitro data and clinical investigations have associated some of the antiretrovirals with QT prolongation, which may result in additive cardiotoxicity in patients also receiving amiodarone. Therefore, to manage situations where amiodarone must be used with concurrent interacting antiretrovirals, we recommend a monitoring plan that follows the Heart Rhythm Society guidelines, however with the addition of serial therapeutic drug level monitoring and frequent electrocardiography to minimize potential toxicity and successfully manage both conditions.

Significant interaction between activated charcoal and antiretroviral therapy leading to subtherapeutic drug concentrations, virological breakthrough and development of resistance.

A 42-year-old, treatment-experienced woman, virologically suppressed on tenofovir/emtricitabine and boosted atazanavir, experienced virological breakthrough, drop in CD4(+) T-cell count and undetectable drug concentrations. Adherence to treatment was confirmed, but repeat testing yielded similar results. After 2 months, the patient stated that she had been taking activated charcoal to manage gastrointestinal symptoms associated with her combination antiretroviral therapy, but she had recently discontinued the charcoal. Atazanavir concentrations were therapeutic but the patient's viral load rebounded and genotype testing revealed new reverse transcriptase mutations. The patient was changed to zidovudine, lamivudine, and boosted darunavir and achieved viral suppression. At 1 year follow-up, her viral load remained <40 copies/ml. According to the drug interaction probability scale, our patient experienced a probable drug interaction between activated charcoal and atazanavir/ritonavir leading to virological breakthrough and development of resistance.

Factors affecting antiretroviral pharmacokinetics in HIV-infected women with virologic suppression on combination antiretroviral therapy: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Although some studies show higher antiretroviral concentrations in women compared to men, data are limited. We conducted a cross-sectional study of HIV-positive women to determine if protease inhibitor (PI) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) C(min) and Cmax values were significantly different than historical general population (predominantly male) averages and to evaluate correlates of higher concentrations. METHODS: HIV-positive women with virologic suppression (viral load < 50copies/mL) on their first antiretroviral regimen were enrolled. Timed blood samples for C(min) and Cmax were drawn weekly for 3 weeks. The ratio of each individual's median C(min) and Cmax to the published population mean values for their PI or NNRTI was calculated and assessed using Wilcoxon sign-rank. Intra- and inter-patient variability of antiretroviral drug levels was assessed using coefficient of variation and intra-class correlation. Linear regression was used to identify correlates of the square root-transformed C(min) and Cmax ratios. RESULTS: Data from 82 women were analyzed. Their median age was 41 years (IQR=36-48) and duration of antiretrovirals was 20 months (IQR=9-45). Median antiretroviral C(min) and Cmax ratios were 1.21 (IQR=0.72-1.89, p=0.003) (highest ratios for nevirapine and lopinavir) and 0.82 (IQR=0.59-1.14, p=0.004), respectively. Nevirapine and efavirenz showed the least and unboosted atazanavir showed the most intra- and inter-patient variability. Higher CD4+ count correlated with higher C(min). No significant correlates for Cmax were found. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to historical control data, C(min) in the women enrolled was significantly higher whereas Cmax was significantly lower. Antiretroviral C(min) ratios were highly variable within and between participants. There were no clinically relevant correlates of drug concentrations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00433979.

Correlates of efavirenz exposure in Chilean patients affected with human immunodeficiency virus reveals a novel association with a polymorphism in the constitutive androstane receptor.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of demographics and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6, 2A6, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 2B7, and the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) genes on efavirenz pharmacokinetics in a Chilean cohort affected with human immunodeficiency virus. METHODS: Timed plasma samples obtained throughout the dosing interval were analyzed for efavirenz concentrations with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. DNA from whole-blood samples was used for genetic analysis. Data were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney statistical test; furthermore, a Pearson or Spearman correlation was used. A multivariate analysis was then conducted using multiple linear regression by best subset analysis. RESULTS: Overall 219 patients were included, 208 patients had measurable efavirenz levels and available genetic samples. The overall median (interquartile range) of efavirenz concentration was 2.6 (2.1-3.7) mcg/mL. In multivariate regression analysis, CYP2B6 516G>T (P < 0.0001) and CAR rs2307424 C>T (P = 0.002) were significantly related to efavirenz plasma concentrations. CONCLUSION: This novel association between CAR rs2307424 and efavirenz plasma concentrations now requires validation in other cohorts.

A pilot, prospective, open-label simplification study to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of once-daily lopinavir-ritonavir monotherapy in HIV-HCV coinfected patients: the MONOCO study.

BACKGROUND: A safe, effective, easy-to-dose antiretroviral therapy that minimizes hepatic complication risk is essential in optimizing HIV-HCV treatment. Nucleoside-sparing boosted protease inhibitor monotherapy may achieve this goal. METHODS: A prospective, open-label pilot simplification study of once-daily lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) monotherapy in HIV-HCV coinfected patients was conducted in patients on HAART with undetectable HIV RNA for ≥6 months. The primary outcome was maintenance of HIV RNA<50 copies/mL through week 48. HIV RNA, immune measures, metabolic markers, and pharmacokinetics were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty participants received once-daily LPV/r monotherapy. Mean baseline age was 46.9 years and CD4 467 cells/L. By per protocol analysis, 71.4% (95% CI, 45.4-88.3) remained on once-daily LPV/r monotherapy with virologic suppression at week 48. Virologic breakthrough (HIV RNA>50 copies/mL on 2 consecutive measures) occurred in 7 patients (mean standard error [SE] time to breakthrough, 38.3 [4.8] weeks). Resuppression occurred with improved adherence in 2 participants and improved adherence plus addition of nucleosides in 2 others. LPV C min was <1 mg/L in 8 patients and was associated with virologic breakthrough in 2 cases but with no development of resistance. No clinically significant changes in CD4, lipids, or glucose were noted. Three participants developed transient≥5-fold liver enzyme elevations. None of 9 severe adverse events were LPV/r- or liver-related. Six discontinued participation for withdrawal of consent (n=1), poor adherence (n=3), or drug intolerance (n=2). CONCLUSIONS: Once-daily LPV/r monotherapy in HIV-HCV coinfected individuals offers a safe and effective approach to the management of the HIV infection, with a predictable pharmacokinetic profile.

Effect of raltegravir intensification on HIV proviral DNA in the blood and gut mucosa of men on long-term therapy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) dramatically reduces plasma HIV-1 viremia. However, despite completely suppressive HAART, it has been suggested that low-levels of viral replication may persist in the gut mucosa and elsewhere in individuals on long-term HAART. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating whether intensification of HAART in long-term virologically suppressed individuals with raltegravir is associated with a reduction in the level of proviral HIV-1 DNA in CD4(+) T cells in blood and the sigmoid colon (gut). METHODS: Long-term (>4 years) virologically suppressed HIV-infected individuals on standard HAART were randomized 1 : 1 in a double-blind fashion to receive raltegravir (400  mg twice/day) or placebo for 48 weeks. After week 48, all participants were treated with raltegravir to week 96. Blood and sigmoid biopsies were sampled and the frequency of CD4(+) T cells carrying HIV-1 proviral DNA was determined. RESULTS: Twenty-four study patients were recruited. At 48 weeks, no difference was apparent between participants receiving raltegravir or placebo in blood HIV-1 proviral levels (P = 0.62), CD4(+) T-cell counts (P = 0.25) and gut proviral loads (P = 0.74). Similarly, prolonged raltegravir intensification up to week 96 had no further effect on both blood and gut HIV-1 proviral loads and blood CD4(+) T-cell counts. CONCLUSION: In long-term virologically suppressed patients on standard HAART, intensification with raltegravir did not result in further decay of CD4(+) T cells carrying HIV-1 proviral DNA in either the blood or gut after 48 or 96 weeks of therapy, or in any increase in CD4(+) T-cell counts.

Design and methods of the MAINTAIN study: a randomized controlled clinical trial of micronutrient and antioxidant supplementation in untreated HIV infection.

Micronutrient deficiencies are common in HIV positive persons and are associated with a poorer prognosis, but the role of micronutrient supplementation in the medical management of HIV infection remains controversial, as some but not all studies show immunological and clinical benefit. Micronutrients supplementation could be a relatively low cost strategy to defer the initiation of expensive, potentially toxic and lifelong antiretroviral therapy. The MAINTAIN study is a Canadian multi-center randomized control double blind clinical trial to evaluate if micronutrient supplementation of HIV positive persons slows progression of immune deficiency and delays the need to start antiretroviral therapy and is safe, compared to standard multivitamins. Untreated asymptomatic HIV positive adults will receive a micronutrient and antioxidant preparation (n = 109) or an identical appearing recommended daily allowance multivitamin and mineral preparation (n = 109) for two years. Participants will be followed quarterly and monitored for time from baseline to CD4 T lymphocyte count <350 mm(3), or emergence of CDC-defined AIDS-defining illness, or the start of antiretroviral therapy. We will also compare safety and health related quality of life between groups. Primary analysis will compare the incidence of the composite primary outcome between study groups and will be by intention-to-treat. The study was originally expected to last three years, with accrual over one year and a minimum of two years follow up of the last enrolled participant. We discuss here the study design and methods, often used for evaluation of complementary and adjunctive treatments for health maintenance in HIV infection, which are common interventions.