Adjuvant radiotherapy versus early salvage radiotherapy plus short-term androgen deprivation therapy in men with localised prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy (GETUG-AFU 17): a randomised, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant radiotherapy reduces the risk of biochemical progression in prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy. We aimed to compare adjuvant versus early salvage radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy, combined with short-term hormonal therapy, in terms of oncological outcomes and tolerance. METHODS: GETUG-AFU 17 was a randomised, open-label, multicentre, phase 3 trial done at 46 French hospitals. Men aged at least 18 years who had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 1 or less, localised adenocarcinoma of the prostate treated with radical prostatectomy, who had pathologically-staged pT3a, pT3b, or pT4a (with bladder neck invasion), pNx (without pelvic lymph nodes dissection), or pN0 (with negative lymph nodes dissection) disease, and who had positive surgical margins were eligible for inclusion in the study. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either immediate adjuvant radiotherapy or delayed salvage radiotherapy at the time of biochemical relapse. Random assignment, by minimisation, was done using web-based software and stratified by Gleason score, pT stage, and centre. All patients received 6 months of triptorelin (intramuscular injection every 3 months). The primary endpoint was event-free survival. Efficacy and safety analyses were done on the intention-to-treat population. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00667069. FINDINGS: Between March 7, 2008, and June 23, 2016, 424 patients were enrolled. We planned to enrol 718 patients, with 359 in each study group. However, on May 20, 2016, the independent data monitoring committee recommended early termination of enrolment because of unexpectedly low event rates. At database lock on Dec 19, 2019, the overall median follow-up time from random assignment was 75 months (IQR 50-100), 74 months (47-100) in the adjuvant radiotherapy group and 78 months (52-101) in the salvage radiotherapy group. In the salvage radiotherapy group, 115 (54%) of 212 patients initiated study treatment after biochemical relapse. 205 (97%) of 212 patients started treatment in the adjuvant group. 5-year event-free survival was 92% (95% CI 86-95) in the adjuvant radiotherapy group and 90% (85-94) in the salvage radiotherapy group (HR 0·81, 95% CI 0·48-1·36; log-rank p=0·42). Acute grade 3 or worse toxic effects occurred in six (3%) of 212 patients in the adjuvant radiotherapy group and in four (2%) of 212 patients in the salvage radiotherapy group. Late grade 2 or worse genitourinary toxicities were reported in 125 (59%) of 212 patients in the adjuvant radiotherapy group and 46 (22%) of 212 patients in the salvage radiotherapy group. Late genitourinary adverse events of grade 2 or worse were reported in 58 (27%) of 212 patients in the adjuvant radiotherapy group versus 14 (7%) of 212 patients in the salvage radiotherapy group (p<0·0001). Late erectile dysfunction was grade 2 or worse in 60 (28%) of 212 in the adjuvant radiotherapy group and 17 (8%) of 212 in the salvage radiotherapy group (p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: Although our analysis lacked statistical power, we found no benefit for event-free survival in patients assigned to adjuvant radiotherapy compared with patients assigned to salvage radiotherapy. Adjuvant radiotherapy increased the risk of genitourinary toxicity and erectile dysfunction. A policy of early salvage radiotherapy could spare men from overtreatment with radiotherapy and the associated adverse events. FUNDING: French Health Ministry and Ipsen.

Toxicity of locoregional radiotherapy in combination with bevacizumab in patients with non-metastatic breast cancer (TOLERAB): Final long-term evaluation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Few data are available concerning the safety of bevacizumab (B) in combination with locoregional radiation therapy (RT). The objective of this study was to evaluate the 5-year late toxicity of concurrent B and RT in non-metastatic breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicentre prospective study included non-metastatic breast cancer patients enrolled in phase 3 clinical trials evaluating B with concurrent RT versus RT alone. All patients received neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy and normofractionated breast or chest wall RT, with or without regional lymph node RT. B was administered at an equivalent dose of 5 mg/kg once a week for 1 year. The safety profile was evaluated 1, 3 and 5 years after completion of radiotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients were included between November 2007 and April 2010. Median follow-up was 60 months (12-73) and 5-year late toxicity data were available for 46 patients. The majority of tumours were triple-negative (68.8%), tumour size <2cm (41.3%) with negative nodal status (50.8%). Median total dose of B was 15,000mg and median duration was 11.2 months. No grade ≥3 toxicity was observed. Only 8 patients experienced grade 1-2 toxicities: n = 3 (6.5%) grade 1 lymphedema, n = 2 (4.3%) grade 1 pain, n = 1 (2.2%) grade 2 lymphedema, n = 1 (2.2%) grade 1 fibrosis. Five-year overall survival was 93.8%, disease-free survival was 89% and locoregional recurrence-free survival was 93.1%. CONCLUSION: Concurrent B and locoregional RT are associated with acceptable 5-year toxicity in patients with non-metastatic breast cancer. No grade ≥3 toxicity was observed.

Radiotherapy associated with concurrent bevacizumab in patients with non-metastatic breast cancer.

The purpose of this multicenter prospective and descriptive study was to determine late toxicities and outcomes among patients with non-metastatic breast cancer receiving concurrent bevacizumab (BV) and radiation therapy (RT) in the clinical trials. Early and late toxicities were assessed and evaluation was available for 63 patients (pts) at 12 months. Acute radiation dermatitis was observed in 48 (76%): grade 1 for 27, grade 2 for 17 and grade 3 for 4 pts. Grade 2 acute oesophagitis was observed in one patient (2%). Little toxicity was described 1 year after the completion of RT: 7 pts (12%): grade 1-2 pain, 3 (5%) presented grade 1 fibrosis, and 2 pts (4%) - telangiectasia. One patient (2%) experienced grade 1 dyspnoea. Five grade 1-2 lymphoedema occurred. Only one patient experienced a LEVF value less than 50% one year after the end of RT. In conclusion, the concurrent BV with locoregional RT provides acceptable toxicities.

Age and adverse drug reactions from psychopharmacological treatment: data from the AMSP drug surveillance programme in Switzerland.

QUESTION UNDER STUDY: The frequency of severe adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from psychotropic drugs was investigated in hospitalised psychiatric patients in relation to their age. Specifically, the incidence of ADRs in patients up to 60 years was compared to that of patients older than 60 years. METHODS: Prescription rates of psychotropic drugs and reports of severe ADRs were collected in psychiatric hospitals in Switzerland between 2001 and 2010. The data stem from the drug surveillance programme AMSP. RESULTS: A total of 699 patients exhibited severe ADRs: 517 out of 28,282 patients up to 60 years (1.8%); 182 out of 11,446 elderly patients (1.6%, ns). Logistic regression analyses showed a significantly negative relationship between the incidence of ADRs and patients' age in general and in particular for weight gain, extrapyramidal motor system (EPMS) symptoms, increased liver enzymes and galactorrhoea. A significantly negative relationship was observed for age and the dosages of olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, valproic acid and lamotrigine. When comparing age groups, frequency of ADRs was lower in general for antipsychotic drugs and anticonvulsants, in particular for valproic acid in the elderly. Weight gain was found to be lower in the elderly for antipsychotic drugs, in particular for olanzapine. For the group of mood-stabilising anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, lamotrigine and valproic acid) the elderly exhibited a lower incidence of reported allergic skin reactions. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that for psychiatric inpatients the incidence of common severe ADRs (e.g., weight gain or EPMS symptoms) arising from psychotropic medication decreases with the age of patients.

Multicenter study on the clinical effectiveness, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenetics of mirtazapine in depression.

Pharmacogenetic tests and therapeutic drug monitoring may considerably improve the pharmacotherapy of depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the efficacy of mirtazapine (MIR) and the steady-state plasma concentrations of its enantiomers and metabolites in moderately to severely depressed patients, taking their pharmacogenetic status into account. Inpatients and outpatients (n = 45; mean age, 51 years; range, 19-79 years) with major depressive episode received MIR for 8 weeks (30 mg/d on days 1-14 and 30-45 mg/d on days 15-56). Mirtazapine treatment resulted in a significant improvement in mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total score at the end of the study (P < 0.0001). There was no evidence for a significant plasma concentration-clinical effectiveness relationship regarding any pharmacokinetic parameter. The enantiomers of MIR and its hydroxylated (OH-MIR) and demethylated (DMIR) metabolites in plasma samples on days 14 and 56 were influenced by sex and age. Nonsmokers (n = 28) had higher mean MIR plasma levels than smokers (n = 17): S(+)-enantiomer of MIR, 9.4 (SD, 3.9) versus 6.2 (SD, 5.5) ng/mL (P = 0.005); R(-)-enantiomer of MIR, 24.4 (SD, 6.5) versus 18.5 (SD, 4.1) ng/mL (P = 0.003). Only in nonsmokers, plasma levels of S(+)-enantiomer of MIR and metabolites depended on the CYP2D6 genotype. Therefore, high CYP1A2 activity seen in smokers seems to mask the influence of the CYP2D6 genotype. In patients presenting the CYP2B6 *6/*6 genotype (n = 8), S-OH-MIR concentrations were higher those in the other patients (n = 37). Although it is not known if S-OH-MIR is associated with the therapeutic effect of MIR, the reduction of the Hamilton scores was significantly (P = 0.016) more pronounced in the CYP2B6 *6/*6-genotyped patients at the end of the study. The role of CYP2B6 in the metabolism and effectiveness of MIR should be further investigated.

Therapeutic drug monitoring for drugs used in the treatment of substance-related disorders: literature review using a therapeutic drug monitoring appropriateness rating scale.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of drugs for the treatment of substance-related disorders is moderate at best. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) could be an instrument to improve outcomes. Because TDM for most of those drugs is not established, the authors reviewed the literature and built a rating scale to detect the potential added value of TDM for these pharmacologic agents. METHODS: A literature search was performed for acamprosate, bupropion, buprenorphine, clomethiazole, disulfiram, methadone, naltrexone, and varenicline. The rating scale included 22 items and was divided in five categories: efficacy, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, patient characteristics, and cost-effectiveness. Three reference substances with established TDM were similarly assessed for comparison: clozapine, lithium, and nortriptyline. The three reference substances achieved scores of 15, 12, and 14 points, respectively. RESULTS: Drugs for treatment of substance-related disorders achieved 3 to 17 points, 17 for methadone, 11 for buprenorphine, 10 for disulfiram, also 10 for naltrexone for the indication opioid-dependence and 9 for the indication alcohol dependence as well as bupropion, 7 points for acamprosate, 6 points for clomethiazole, and 3 for varenicline. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that systematic evaluation of drug- and patient-related variables with the new rating scale can estimate the appropriateness of TDM. Because their rating revealed similar scores as the three reference drugs, it is proposed that TDM should be established for bupropion, buprenorphine, disulfiram or a metabolite, methadone, and naltrexone. An objective rating of drug- and patient-related characteristics could help laboratories focus their method development on the most likely drugs to require TDM along with a thorough drug use evaluation.

Psychiatric comorbidity and additional abuse of drugs in maintenance treatment with L- and D,L-methadone.

Sixty D,L- or L-methadone treated patients in maintenance therapy were interviewed for additional drug abuse and psychiatric comorbidity; 51.7% of the entire population had a comorbid Axis-I disorder, with a higher prevalence in females (P=0.05). Comorbid patients tended to have higher abuse of benzodiazepines, alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine, but not of heroin. They had received a significantly lower D,L- (P<0.05) and L-methadone dose than non-comorbid subjects. The duration of maintenance treatment showed an inverse relationship to frequency of additional heroin intake (P<0.01). Patients with additional heroin intake over the past 30 days had been treated with a significantly lower L-methadone dosage (P<0.05) than patients without. Axis-I comorbidity appears to be decreased when relatively higher dosages of D,L- (and L-methadone) are administered; comorbid individuals, however, were on significantly lower dosages. Finally, L-, but not D,L-methadone seems to be more effective in reducing additional heroin abuse.

Steady-state concentrations of mirtazapine, N-desmethylmirtazapine, 8-hydroxymirtazapine and their enantiomers in relation to cytochrome P450 2D6 genotype, age and smoking behaviour.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant drug available as a racemic mixture of S(+)- and R(-)-mirtazapine. These enantiomers have different pharmacological properties, and both contribute to the clinical and adverse effects of the drug. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 has been implicated in the metabolism of S(+)-mirtazapine. However, the effect of CYP2D6 on serum concentrations of the enantiomers of mirtazapine and its metabolites has not been assessed in patients on long-term treatment. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of the CYP2D6 genotype on enantiomeric steady-state trough serum concentrations of mirtazapine and its metabolites N-desmethylmirtazapine and 8-hydroxymirtazapine. The effects of sex, age and smoking behaviour were also assessed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 95 patients who had depression according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th Edition and were treated for 4 weeks with a daily dose of mirtazapine 30 mg. The serum concentrations of the enantiomers of mirtazapine and its metabolites were analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the subjects were genotyped for CYP2D6 alleles *3, *4, *5 and *6 and gene duplication. RESULTS: Three subjects (3%) were classified as ultrarapid metabolizers (UMs), 56 (59%) as homozygous extensive metabolizers (EMs), 30 (32%) as heterozygous EMs and 6 (6%) as poor metabolizers (PMs) of CYP2D6. The median trough serum concentrations of S(+)-mirtazapine were higher in PMs (59 nmol/L, p = 0.016) and in heterozygous EMs (39 nmol/L, p = 0.013) than in homozygous EMs (28 nmol/L). PMs and heterozygous EMs also had higher mirtazapine S(+)/R(-) ratios (0.4) than homozygous EMs (0.3, p = 0.015 and 0.004, respectively). The S(+)-N-desmethylmirtazapine concentration was higher in PMs (16 nmol/L) than in homozygous EMs (7 nmol/L, p = 0.043). There was an association between the CYP2D6 genotype and the ratio between S(+)-8-hydroxymirtazapine and S(+)-mirtazapine, with a significantly higher ratio in homozygous EMs than in heterozygous EMs (0.11 vs 0.05, p = 0.007). The influence of the CYP2D6 genotype on S(+)-mirtazapine, the mirtazapine S(+)/R(-) ratio and S(+)-N-desmethylmirtazapine remained significant after correction for the influence of sex, age and smoking. Smokers had significantly lower concentrations of S(+)-mirtazapine (23 vs 39 nmol/L, p = 0.026) and R(-)-N-desmethylmirtazapine (39 vs 51 nmol/L, p = 0.036) and a significantly lower mirtazapine S(+)/R(-) ratio (0.28 vs. 0.37, p = 0.014) than nonsmokers, and the effect of smoking remained significant after multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show the impact of the CYP2D6 genotype on steady-state serum concentrations of the enantiomers of mirtazapine and its metabolites. Our results also support the role of CYP1A2 in the metabolism of mirtazapine, with lower serum concentrations in smokers than in nonsmokers.

Concentrações plasmáticas de paroxetina em pacientes adultos e idosos com depressão / Paroxetine plasma concentrations in adult and elderly depressed patients

INTRODUÇÃO: O efeito do envelhecimento nas concentrações plasmáticas em estado de equilíbrio da paroxetina foi investigado em 136 pacientes com depressão, tratados com doses variando entre 10 e 120 mg/dia de paroxetina. MÉTODOS: Os pacientes foram separados em três grupos: com idade até 64 anos (idade média ± desvio padrão: 41,7±12,6 anos; n = 44), entre 65 e 79 anos (72,8±4,7 anos; n = 64), e com mais de 80 anos (82,8±3,3 anos; n = 28). As doses de paroxetina foram normalizadas para 20 mg/dia. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas em condições de estado de equilíbrio. Os níveis plasmáticos de paroxetina foram medidos por cromatografia gasosa - espectrometria de massa. As funções hepática e renal foram medidas por testes laboratoriais clínicos estandardizados. RESULTADOS: Uma grande variabilidade interindividual dos níveis plasmáticos de paroxetina (37 vezes) foi medida para uma mesma dose. A média dos níveis plasmáticos de paroxetina corrigida para uma dose diária de 20 mg foi 87 por cento maior no grupo com mais de 80 anos (56,4±64,1 ng/mL; p < 0,05) e 57 por cento maior no grupo com idades entre 65 e 79 anos (46,7±33,4 ng/mL; p < 0,001) quando comparada com a média dos pacientes com menos de 64 anos (29,9±11,9 ng/mL). A idade foi correlacionada significativamente com os níveis plasmáticos de paroxetina (r = 0,21, p < 0,05) CONCLUSÃO: A redução de doses da paroxetina em pacientes idosos parece justificada.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of aging on steady-state plasma concentrations of paroxetine was investigated in 136 depressive patients treated with paroxetine 10-120 mg/day. METHODS: The patients were divided into three groups: aged up to 64 years (mean age ± standard deviation: 41.7±12.6 years; n = 44), between 65 and 79 years (72.8±4.7 years; n = 64), and 80 years or older (82.8±3.3 years; n = 28). Paroxetine doses were normalized to 20 mg/day. Blood samples were collected under steady-state conditions. Paroxetine plasma levels were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Hepatic and renal functions were measured by standardized clinical laboratory tests. RESULTS: A large interindividual variability of paroxetine plasma levels (37-fold) was measured for a given dose. The mean plasma levels of paroxetine corrected for a 20 mg daily dose were 87 percent higher in the very elderly (≥ 80 years) patients (56.4±64.1 ng/mL; p < 0.05) and 57 percent higher in the elderly (65-79 years) patients (46.7±33.4 ng/mL; p < 0.001) when compared to the adult patients (< 64 years) (29.9±11.9ng/mL). Age correlated significantly with paroxetine plasma levels (r = 0.21, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Recommended dose reduction of paroxetine in elderly patients seems therefore justified.

Therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacogenetic tests as tools in pharmacovigilance.

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and pharmacogenetic tests play a major role in minimising adverse drug reactions and enhancing optimal therapeutic response. The response to medication varies greatly between individuals, according to genetic constitution, age, sex, co-morbidities, environmental factors including diet and lifestyle (e.g. smoking and alcohol intake), and drug-related factors such as pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions. Most adverse drug reactions are type A reactions, i.e. plasma-level dependent, and represent one of the major causes of hospitalisation, in some cases leading to death. However, they may be avoidable to some extent if pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic factors are taken into consideration. This article provides a review of the literature and describes how to apply and interpret TDM and certain pharmacogenetic tests and is illustrated by case reports. An algorithm on the use of TDM and pharmacogenetic tests to help characterise adverse drug reactions is also presented. Although, in the scientific community, differences in drug response are increasingly recognised, there is an urgent need to translate this knowledge into clinical recommendations. Databases on drug-drug interactions and the impact of pharmacogenetic polymorphisms and adverse drug reaction information systems will be helpful to guide clinicians in individualised treatment choices.

Prevalence of substance use in a Swiss psychiatric hospital: interview reports and urine screening.

BACKGROUND: Co-morbid substance misuse is common in psychiatric disorders, has potentially severe adverse consequences and may be frequently undetected. AIMS: To measure the prevalence of substance use among patients admitted to a Swiss psychiatric hospital and to examine the potential utility of routine urine drug screening in this setting. METHOD: 266 inpatients were included. 238 patients completed the interview and 240 underwent a urine drug screening. RESULTS: Lifetime prevalence of substance use among psychiatric patients was very high for alcohol (98%; 95% CI: 96-100), benzodiazepines (86%; 95% CI: 82-91) and cannabis (53%; 95% CI: 47-60), but also for "hard drugs" like cocaine (25% ; 95% CI: 19-30) or opiates (20%; 95% CI: 15-25). Regular current use of alcohol (32%; 95% CI: 26-38) or cannabis (17%; 95% CI: 12-22) was the most frequent. Substance use was associated with male sex, younger age, unmarried status and nicotine smoking. Urine screening confirms reports from patients on recent use, and remained positive for cannabis during hospitalisation, but not for cocaine nor for opiates. CONCLUSION: Substance use is frequent among psychiatric patients. Systematic interviewing of patients about their substance use remains essential, and is usually confirmed by urine screening. Urine screening can be useful to provide specific answers about recent use.

Increased clozapine plasma concentrations and side effects induced by smoking cessation in 2 CYP1A2 genotyped patients.

Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic, depends mainly on cytochrome P4501A2 (CYP1A2) for its metabolic clearance. CYP1A2 is inducible by smoking, and lower plasma concentrations of clozapine are measured in smokers than in nonsmokers. Case reports have been published on the effects of discontinuing smoking in patients receiving clozapine, which might lead to elevated plasma concentrations and severe side effects. We present 2 cases on the consequences of smoking cessation in patients receiving this drug. In the first patient, smoking cessation resulted, within 2 weeks, in severe sedation and fatigue, with an approximately 3-fold increase of plasma clozapine concentrations. In the second patient, a very high plasma concentration of clozapine (3004 ng/mL) was measured 6 days following a 16-day stay in a general hospital, during which smoking was prohibited. In the latter patient, the replacement of omeprazole, a strong CYP1A2 inducer, by pantoprazole, a weaker CYP1A2 inducer, could have contributed, in addition to smoking cessation, to the observed strong increase of plasma clozapine concentrations. Genotyping of the 2 patients revealed that they were carriers of the AA genotype for the -164C>A polymorphism (CYP1A2*1F) in intron 1 of CYP1A2 gene, which has previously been shown to confer a high inducibility of CYP1A2 by smoking. Thus, at the initiation of clozapine treatment, smoking patients should be informed that, if they decide to stop smoking, they are encouraged to do so but must inform their prescriber beforehand. Also, because of the increased use of no-smoking policies in many hospitals, studies examining the consequences of such policies on the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2, taking into account different CYP1A2 genotypes, are needed.

Nonresponse to clozapine and ultrarapid CYP1A2 activity: clinical data and analysis of CYP1A2 gene.

Clozapine (CLO), an atypical antipsychotic, depends mainly on cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) for its metabolic clearance. Four patients treated with CLO, who were smokers, were nonresponders and had low plasma levels while receiving usual doses. Their plasma levels to dose ratios of CLO (median; range, 0.34; 0.22 to 0.40 ng x day/mL x mg) were significantly lower than ratios calculated from another study with 29 patients (0.75; 0.22 to 2.83 ng x day/mL x mg; P < 0.01). These patients were confirmed as being CYP1A2 ultrarapid metabolizers by the caffeine phenotyping test (median systemic caffeine plasma clearance; range, 3.85; 3.33 to 4.17 mL/min/kg) when compared with previous studies (0.3 to 3.33 mL/min/kg). The sequencing of the entire CYP1A2 gene from genomic DNA of these patients suggests that the -164C > A mutation (CYP1A2*1F) in intron 1, which confers a high inducibility of CYP1A2 in smokers, is the most likely explanation for their ultrarapid CYP1A2 activity. A marked (2 patients) or a moderate (2 patients) improvement of the clinical state of the patients occurred after the increase of CLO blood levels above the therapeutic threshold by the increase of CLO doses to very high values (ie, up to 1400 mg/d) or by the introduction of fluvoxamine, a potent CYP1A2 inhibitor, at low dosage (50 to 100 mg/d). Due to the high frequency of smokers among patients with schizophrenia and to the high frequency of the -164C > A polymorphism, CYP1A2 genotyping could have important clinical implications for the treatment of patients with CLO.