An open-label, multicenter, phase II study of bevacizumab for the treatment of angiosarcoma and epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas.

BACKGROUND: To determine efficacy and safety of bevacizumab, a recombinant humanized antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced angiosarcoma and epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this single-arm phase II trial, 32 patients were enrolled and they received bevacizumab 15 mg/kg IV infusion in 21-day cycles. Patients had disease that was deemed not surgically resectable, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of ≤1, adequate organ function and had not received any radiation treatment in the last 28 days. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients evaluated for efficacy and toxic effect, four (two angiosarcoma and two epithelioid hemangioendothelioma; 17%) had a partial response. Fifteen patients (11 angiosarcoma and 4 epithelioid hemangioendothelioma; 50%) showed stable disease with a mean time to progression of 26 weeks. Bevacizumab was well tolerated with only one grade 4 adverse event. Expected known toxic effects of the drug were manageable. CONCLUSION: Bevacizumab is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for metastatic or locally advanced angiosarcoma and epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas. Further phase III studies of bevacizumab in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents and/or radiation treatment are warranted.

Phase II study of the HSP90-inhibitor BIIB021 in gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

BACKGROUND: HSP90 inhibition leads to proteosomal degradation of activated KIT and has in vitro activity against gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). BIIB021 is an oral non-ansamycin HSP90 inhibitor. We carried out a phase II study of BIIB021 in patients with GIST refractory to imatinib and sunitinib. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The primary end-point was metabolic partial response (mPR) as assessed by fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). The secondary end-points were pharmacokinetic assessments of BIIB021 and pharmacodynamic assessments of HSP70. Twenty-three patients were treated on two schedules: 12 pts received 600 mg twice a week (BIW) and 11 patients received 400 mg three times a week (TIW). All had prior imatinib and sunitinib but stopped>14 days before starting BIIB021. RESULTS: The median age was 59 years (33-88 years), 61% male, 44% Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 1 (ECOG1). The best response was PR by FDG-PET for five patients (3/12 at 600 mg BIW and 2/9 at 400 TIW) for an overall response rate of 22%. The response duration was 25-138 days. Adverse events (AEs) were mild to moderate. The mean Cmax was 1.5 µmol and the mean AUC was 2.9 µmol h. Cmax>1.5 µmol was associated with a decrease in standardized uptake value (SUVmax). HSP70 increased substantially following treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study met its primary end-point. BIIB021 leads to objective responses in refractory GIST patients. Pharmacodynamic studies confirmed HSP90 inhibition. Further evaluation of BIIB021 in GIST is warranted.

Bizarre big belly ball: intraabdominal abscess mimicking stauffer syndrome secondary to uterine leiomyosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Stauffer syndrome, a very rare paraneoplastic syndrome, refers to reversible intrahepatic cholestasis in the setting of an abdominal malignancy. CASE: A 60-year-old female with a past medical history of uterine leiomyosarcoma status post radical hysterectomy, presented three months later with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Laboratory evaluation revealed intrabdominal cholestasis and ultrasound of the abdomen showed an echogenic solid mass consistent with a metastatic leiomyosarcoma, and it was felt that her hyperbilirubinemia was due to Stauffer syndrome. However, three days later, blood culture grew gram negative bacilli, and CT scan of the abdomen revealed multiple mesenteric masses with air bubbles consistent with an abdominal abscess. The abscess was drained under CT-scan guidance and her cholestasis gradually came back to nearly normal. CONCLUSION: The case highlights the importance of considering infectious etiologies and Stauffer syndrome in the differential diagnosis of liver dysfunction in patients with intraabdominal malignancies.

p27(kip1) protein expression correlates with survival in myxoid and round-cell liposarcoma.

PURPOSE: The p27(kip1) protein (p27) is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that has been shown to be an independent prognostic factor in a variety of human neoplasms. Low expression of p27 tends to occur in more aggressive neoplasms. The role of p27 as an independent prognostic factor in the spectrum of myxoid and round-cell liposarcomas has not been examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven cases of myxoid and round-cell liposarcomas were examined. Clinicopathologic features and immunohistochemical expression of p27 and Ki-67 antigen were studied in all cases. Survival analysis was performed using the log-rank test and the Cox multivariate regression model. RESULTS: The male:female ratio was 1. 4:1, and the mean age at diagnosis was 45 years. The tumors were located in the lower extremities (94%) and retroperitoneum (6%). The median tumor size was 13.5 cm. The median follow-up was 6.3 years, and the overall 5- and 10-year survival rates were 76% and 67%, respectively. Low expression of p27 was identified in 34 cases (72%) and correlated with decreased metastasis-free (P =.026) and overall survival (P =.008). In a multivariate analysis, only round-cell differentiation and low expression of p27 independently predicted decreased metastasis-free and overall survival. CONCLUSION: p27 expression predicts the clinical behavior of myxoid and round-cell liposarcomas, even in neoplasms with few or no round-cell differentiation.

Mitomycin lung toxicity. Acute and chronic phases.

Pulmonary toxicity is a rare but well described side effect of mitomycin C (MMC). We describe 14 cases of MMC pulmonary toxicity that were detected in four clinical trials performed at The Mayo Clinic using MMC-containing regimens for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and by reviewing the charts of patients treated at The Mayo Clinic with MMC-containing regimens for NSCLC from 1976 to 1995. The median age was 61 (range 44-84) years, with an M:F ratio of 1:1. The median number of cycles of MMC to develop toxicity was four (range two to five) with a median cumulative dose of MMC of 29 mg/m2. MMC toxicity occurred despite pre-medication with corticosteroids in 11 patients. At diagnosis of MMC lung toxicity, the median diffusing lung capacity (DLCO) was 9 and PaO2 was 49 mm Hg. Of those having bronchoscopy, four patients had pulmonary histologic changes consistent with lung injury. Two patients had bronchioalveolar lavages that were nondiagnostic. All patients responded initially to corticosteroids, but approximately 40% had progressive pulmonary insufficiency despite high doses of corticosteroids. This chronic, progressive phase of MMC lung toxicity is a largely underestimated sequelae of MMC.

Phase III controlled evaluation of glutamine for decreasing stomatitis in patients receiving fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy.

Mucositis is a prominent dose-limiting toxicity associated with 5-FU-based chemotherapy. On the basis of preliminary data suggesting that the amino acid glutamine could alleviate this problem, the authors developed this trial. Patients scheduled to receive their first 5-FU-based chemotherapy regimen were selected for study. Following stratification, patients were randomized, in a double-blind manner, to receive oral glutamine or a placebo preparation in a prophylactic manner. Patients in both groups were given oral cryotherapy before chemotherapy and were evaluated for mucositis by standard physicians' evaluation and by a self-report instrument. Sixty-six patients were randomized to receive glutamine and 68 to receive the placebo preparation. There were no significant differences or substantial trends in the mucositis scores between the two study arms as measured by either the physicians or the patients. It was concluded that the dose and schedule of glutamine used in this clinical trial does not alleviate 5-FU-induced mucositis.

Phase I-II trial of ONYX-015 in combination with MAP chemotherapy in patients with advanced sarcomas.

ONYX-015 is a provisionally replication competent adenovirus with oncolytic activity in cells with malfunctioning p53. Sarcomas represent a rational target for this approach given the high frequency of p53 mutations (40-75%) and MDM-2 amplification (10-30%). We, therefore, undertook a phase I/II study of ONYX-015, days 1-5 every month administered intratumorally under radiographic guidance, in combination with MAP (mitomycin-C, doxorubicin, cisplatin) chemotherapy in patients with advanced sarcoma. Six patients were treated. Injected lesions included liver metastases in four patients and chest wall metastases in two patients. Sarcoma histologies were gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST, two patients), leiomyosarcoma (two patients), liposarcoma (one patient), and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (1 patient). Dose escalation was performed from 10(9) plaque forming units (PFU)/dose (total dose of 5 x 10(9) PFU/cycle) to 10(10) PFU/dose (total dose of 5 x 10(10) PFU/cycle) without dose-limiting toxicity being encountered. Immunohistochemistry of the metastatic lesions prior to treatment showed that five out of six patients were positive for p53, while two patients also had mdm-2 overexpression. Adenoviral replication was detected in two out of six patient biopsies on day 5 of the first cycle, by in situ hybridization (ISH). Both patients were treated at the highest dose level. ONYX-015 viral DNA was detected by quantitative PCR in the plasma of 5/6 patients on day 5 of the first cycle, and up to day 12 (7 days after the last viral dose) in one patient who had extended sampling for viral kinetics performed, suggesting viral replication in sarcoma tissue. One patient with p53 mutation and MDM-2 amplification achieved a partial response to treatment that lasted 11 months. In conclusion, intratumoral administration of ONYX-015 in combination with MAP chemotherapy is well tolerated with no significant toxicity due to ONYX-015 being encountered. Detection of viral DNA in post treatment tumor specimens by ISH and detection of the ONYX-015 genome in the peripheral blood by quantitative PCR, up to 7 days after the last viral dose provide evidence for adenoviral replication. There was evidence of antitumor activity in one out of six patients. Further investigation of this approach in patients with recurrent sarcomas is warranted.

Primary renal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. An unusual extranodal site.

BACKGROUND: Primary renal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is rare. Because the renal parenchyma does not have lymphatics, the existence of this entity has been questioned. The goal of this study was to determine the clinical presentation, pathologic features, and disease course of patients with primary renal NHL and review the pertinent literature on this unusual extranodal NHL. METHODS: All medical records from the Mayo Clinic from 1976 to 1992 with the diagnosis of renal NHL were retrospectively reviewed. One-hundred seventy-six cases were identified, five of which met the criteria for primary renal NHL. The clinical, pathologic, and radiographic features were reviewed in detail and are the basis of this report. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis of the five patients with primary renal NHL was 60 years (range, 52-63 years) with a male-to-female ratio of 2:3. All patients had flank pain as their initial presentation. Urinalysis was abnormal in only one patient. In three patients, the serum creatinine was elevated. Tumor histology was diffuse large cell in four cases; and small noncleaved non-Burkitt's in one. All five were B-cell immunophenotype. All patients received combination chemotherapy. Although the median survival for the group was only eight months, two remain in complete remission longer than 80 months from therapy. These two had total removal of macroscopic lymphoma and received combination chemotherapy and consolidation radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Primary renal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma does exist. Patients whose lymphomas were completely resected macroscopically and who received combination chemotherapy with consolidation radiation therapy had long disease free survival. Patients with bilateral renal involvement or no debulking of the renal lymphoma tended to have poorer survival.

Chronic natural killer cell lymphocytosis: a descriptive clinical study.

We review the clinical manifestations and long-term outlook of patients with chronic natural killer (NK) cell lymphocytosis. After reviewing more than 1,500 peripheral blood lymphoid flow cytometry reports and molecular genetics data from patients with suspected large granular lymphocyte (LGL) proliferation, we identified 10 patients (median age at diagnosis, 60 years; range, 35 to 76 years; male:female ratio, 3:2) with persistent (greater than 6 months) increase in phenotypically determined NK cells (CD3-CD16+). Southern blot analysis performed on 9 patients showed no clonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangements. Disease duration was measured from time of initial recognition of LGL or NK cell excess (greater than 40% of the lymphocyte fraction). Clinical data from these 10 patients were compared with those from 68 patients with T-cell LGL (T-LGL) leukemia. Currently, all patients are alive (median disease duration, 5 years; range, 0.8 to 8 years). Associated disease manifestations included pure red blood cell aplasia, recurrent neutropenia, recurrent neutropenic sepsis, and vasculitic syndromes, all of which were responsive to immunosuppressive therapy. No patient had palpable lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly. Compared with the patients with T-LGL leukemia, patients with chronic NK cell leukemia has similar lymphocyte counts, associated conditions, treatment responses, and survival but had less neutropenia and anemia.

Spectrum of diseases associated with increased proportions or absolute numbers of peripheral blood natural killer cells.

In a retrospective review of 1501 lymphoid flow cytometric studies of peripheral blood, we identified an increased proportion of natural killer cells in 125 cases (8%), 49 (3%) of which had a concomitant increase in absolute number of natural killer cells. Of the latter, the most frequent associated disorder was chronic natural killer cell lymphocytosis. Substantial quantitative increases in natural killer cells were also observed in some patients with lymphoma, leukaemia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, or myelodysplastic syndrome. Our study provides incidence figures and clinical associations of an increased number of natural killer cells in the peripheral blood.

A randomized trial of a nonabsorbable antibiotic lozenge given to alleviate radiation-induced mucositis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine whether a nonabsorbable antibiotic lozenge could alleviate radiation-induced oral mucositis. METHODS: Patients scheduled to receive radiation therapy to more than one-third of the oral cavity mucosa were selected for the study. After stratification, patients were randomized to receive either a nonabsorbable antibiotic lozenge or a placebo. Both groups were then evaluated for mucositis by health care providers and self-report instruments. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were randomized to receive the antibiotic lozenge and 58 to receive the placebo. There were no substantial differences or trends in mucositis scores between the two study arms as measured by the health care providers. However, the mean patient-reported mucositis score and the duration of patient-reported Grade 3-4 mucositis were both lower in the patients randomized to the antibiotic lozenge arm (P = 0.02 and 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective, controlled trial provides evidence to suggest that a nonabsorbable antibiotic lozenge can decrease patient-reported radiation-induced oral mucositis to a modest degree. Nonetheless, this evidence does not appear to be compelling enough to recommend this treatment as part of standard practice.

Phase II Trial of Dolastatin-10, a Novel Anti-Tubulin Agent, in Metastatic Soft Tissue Sarcomas.

PATIENTS: Soft tissue sarcomas are uncommon malignancies with few therapeutic options for recurrent or metastatic disease. Dolastatin-10 (Dol-10) is a pentapeptide anti-microtubule agent that binds to tubulin sites distinct from vinca alkaloids. Based on the novel mechanism of action, limited activity of other anti-microtubular agents, and anti-neoplastic activity in pre-clinical screening of Dol-10, this multi-institutional phase II study was conducted to determine the objective response rate of Dol-10 in recurrent or metastatic soft tissue sarcomas that had not been treated with chemotherapy outside of the adjuvant setting. METHODS: Dol-10 was given intravenously at a dose of 400 mug/m(2) and repeated every 21 days. Toxicities were assessed using the Common Toxicity Criteria (version 2.0). Radiographic studies and tumor measurements were repeated every two cycles to assess response [Miller AB, et al. Cancer 1981; 47(1): 207]. RESULTS: Dol-10 was associated with hematological toxicity and with some vascular toxicities. There was no significant gastrointestinal, hepatic or renal toxicity. There was one death on study due to respiratory failure. There were no objective responses in 12 patients treated with Dol-10. DISCUSSION: Based on this phase II trial, further study of Dol-10 on this schedule is not recommended in advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcomas.

Phase I trial of gemcitabine and CPT-11 given weekly for four weeks every six weeks.

BACKGROUND: Our previous studies have shown that the in vitro cytotoxicity of gemcitabine and SN-38, the active metabolite of irinotecan (CPT-11), is synergistic in human tumor cell lines. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with solid tumors, refractory to standard chemotherapy or for whom no effective therapy existed (age range 31-74; 7 female, 17 male; ECOG PS 0 = 12, 1 = 11, 2 = 1), received gemcitabine and CPT-11 weekly for four weeks out of every six weeks. Fifty courses of treatment (median 2, range 1-8) were given through five dose levels of gemcitabine/CPT-11 (600/75, 800/75, 800/100, 1000/100, 1000/125 mg/m2). RESULTS: Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia occurred in eight and two patients, respectively. Grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in one and three patients, respectively. Hematologic toxicity resulted in > or = 2 missed doses of treatment in two out of six patients and was therefore dose limiting at gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and CPT-11 125 mg/m2. Grade 3 and 4 diarrhea occurred in two and one patients, respectively. Other moderate non-hematologic toxicities included alopecia, anorexia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum tolerated dose for this study recommended for phase II testing is gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and CPT-11 100 mg/m2. A partial response was seen in transitional cell carcinoma.