Clinical outcomes of second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors versus imatinib in older patients with CML.

Age and comorbidities are important factors to be considered in the selection of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for first-line treatment in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP). However, it is yet unclear whether TKI selection, particularly, imatinib versus second-generation TKIs (2GTKIs), impacts treatment outcomes in the clinical practice. To address this, we compared the clinical outcomes of prospectively registered 452 patients with CML-CP treated with imatinib and 2GTKIs, taking into consideration their age and/or comorbidities. A total of 136 patients (30.1%) were classified into an older cohort (≥65 years) and 316 (69.9%) into a younger cohort (18-64 years). The TKI selection did not vary based on age (70.6% received 2GTKIs in the younger cohort and 66.2% in the older cohort). The median follow-up period was 5.4 years. Treatment responses including the cumulative incidence of deep molecular response (BCR-ABL1 international scale ≤0.0032%) at any time were similar between the two age cohorts regardless of the type of TKI. The 5-year overall survival (OS) in the older cohort was lower than that in the younger cohort (95.9% vs 83.8%; p < 0.0001), whereas the 5-year OS in patients treated with 2GTKIs was not influenced by age factors and comorbidities. Therefore, our results suggest that the selection of 2GTKIs as first-line treatment is an effective option for both younger and older CML-CP patients with or without comorbidities. This trial was registered at UMIN-CTR as 00003581.

Long-term follow-up after R-High CHOP/CHASER/LEED with Auto-PBSCT in untreated mantle cell lymphoma-Final analysis of JCOG0406.

Progression-free survival after R-High CHOP/CHASER/LEED with auto-PBSCT in untreated mantle cell lymphoma in JCOG0406 study. A continuous pattern of relapse was observed.

Prognostic effect of comorbidities in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Comorbidities at diagnosis among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) may affect their overall survival (OS) rate even in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) era. However, the prognostic impact of comorbidities in patients with CML-CP treated with a second-generation TKI (2GTKI) has not been elucidated. We evaluated the effect of comorbidities on survival using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) in patients with CML-CP treated with imatinib or a 2GTKI (nilotinib and dasatinib). From April 2010 to March 2013, 506 patients with CML-CP were registered for the population-based cohort study, and 452 with a median age of 56 y were assessable. Treatment groups included 139 patients receiving imatinib, 169 receiving nilotinib, and 144 receiving dasatinib. Comorbidities were diagnosed in 99 patients. CCI scores were stratified as follows: 2, 353 patients; 3, 72 patients; and ≥4, 27 patients. Treatment response did not vary relative to CCI scores. However, across the entire cohort, the OS rate was significantly lower among patients with higher CCI scores than in those with a CCI score of 2 (94.4% in score 2, 89.0% in score 3, and 72.8% in score ≥4; P < .001). Multivariate analysis identified a CCI score of ≥4 as a strong adverse prognostic factor for OS rather than the disease-specific risk factor, older age, performance status, or selection of TKI (Wald test, P < .01). Our results demonstrated that comorbidities at diagnosis were the most important predictive factor for successful treatment, regardless of the TKI type used in CML-CP. This trial was registered at UMIN-CTR as 00003581.

R-High-CHOP/CHASER/LEED with autologous stem cell transplantation in newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma: JCOG0406 STUDY.

Although induction immunochemotherapy including high-dose cytarabine and rituximab followed by high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is recommended for younger patients (≤65 years old) with untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), no standard induction and HDC regimen has been established. We conducted a phase II study of induction immunochemotherapy of R-High-CHOP/CHASER followed by HDC of LEED with ASCT in younger patients with untreated advanced MCL. Eligibility criteria included untreated MCL, stage II bulky to IV, and age 20-65 years. Patients received 1 cycle of R-High-CHOP followed by 3 cycles of CHASER every 3 weeks. Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) were harvested during CHASER. LEED with ASCT was delivered to patients who responded to R-High-CHOP/CHASER. Primary endpoint was 2-year progression-free survival (PFS). From June 2008 to June 2012, 45 patients (median age 59 years; range 38-65 years) were enrolled. PBSC were successfully harvested from 36 of 43 patients. Thirty-five patients completed ASCT. Two-year PFS was 77% (80% CI 68-84), which met the primary endpoint. Five-year PFS and overall survival were 52% (95% CI 34-68%) and 71% (95% CI 51-84%), respectively. Overall response and complete response rates after induction immunochemotherapy were 96% and 82%, respectively. The most common grade 4 toxicities were hematological. In younger patients with untreated MCL, R-High-CHOP/CHASER/LEED with ASCT showed high efficacy and acceptable toxicity, and it can now be considered a standard treatment option.

Underweight status at diagnosis is associated with poorer outcomes in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia: a retrospective study of JALSG AML 201.

Recent studies have described various impacts of obesity and being overweight on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) outcomes in adult patients, but little is known about the impact of being underweight. We compared the outcomes of underweight patients to those of normal weight and overweight patients. Adult patients with AML who registered in the JALSG AML201 study (n = 1057) were classified into three groups: underweight (body mass index [BMI] < 18.5, n = 92), normal weight (BMI 18.5-25, n = 746), and overweight (BMI ≥ 25, n = 219). With the exception of age and male/female ratio, patient characteristics were comparable among the three groups. Rates of complete remission following induction chemotherapy were similar among the three groups (p = 0.68). We observed a significant difference in overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and non-relapse mortality (NRM) between underweight and normal weight patients (3-year OS 34.8 vs. 47.7%, p = 0.01; DFS 28.6 vs. 39.8%, p = 0.02; 1-year NRM 6.2 vs. 2.6%, p = 0.05), but not between underweight and overweight patients. In multivariate analysis, underweight was an independent adverse prognostic factor for OS (p < 0.01), DFS (p = 0.01), and NRM (p = 0.04). During the first induction chemotherapy, the incidences of documented infection (DI) and severe adverse events (AEs) were higher in underweight patients than those in normal weight patients (DI 16 vs. 8.1%, p = 0.04; AE 36 vs. 24%, p = 0.05). In conclusion, underweight was an independent adverse prognostic factor for survival in adult AML patients.

Phase II study of imatinib-based chemotherapy for newly diagnosed BCR-ABL-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

This study investigated the efficacy of imatinib based therapy with intensified consolidation therapy in patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) to prevent early relapse. We conducted a phase II trial of imatinib-combined chemotherapy for newly diagnosed BCR-ABL-positive ALL in adults. Sixty-eight patients were included in the trial between October 2008 and December 2010. The median age was 49 years, with 28 patients >55 years of age. Sixty-five patients achieved CR (95.6%). The estimated 2-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 62.3% and 67.4%, respectively. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) at initial CR was performed in 43 patients. Thirty-five of 39 patients <55 years and 8 of 26 patients >55 years underwent allo-SCT at first CR. The 3-year OS in patients <55 years receiving allo-SCT at first CR, patients >55 years receiving allo-SCT at first CR, patients <55 years not receiving allo-SCT at first CR, and patients >55 years not receiving allo-SCT at first CR were 80.4%, 41.1%, 32.5%, and 52.0%, respectively (P = 0.058). The three-year EFS in each group was 76.7%, 53.6%, not reached, and 26.4%, respectively (P = 0.150). A high CR rate was observed with imatinib-based chemotherapy allowing allo-SCT in a high proportion of patients, particularly those <55 years. Moreover, intensified consolidation therapy reduced early relapse rates following induction therapy and resulted in improved OS and EFS rates following allo-SCT. This trial was registered with the UMIN (000001226).

Phosphorylated Sp1 is the regulator of DNA-PKcs and DNA ligase IV transcription of daunorubicin-resistant leukemia cell lines.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a serious problem faced in the treatment of malignant tumors. In this study, we characterized the expression of non-homologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) components, a major DNA double strand break (DSB) repair mechanism in mammals, in K562 cell and its daunorubicin (DNR)-resistant subclone (K562/DNR). K562/DNR overexpressed major enzymes of NHEJ, DNA-PKcs and DNA ligase IV, and K562/DNR repaired DSB more rapidly than K562 after DNA damage by neocarzinostatin (MDR1-independent radiation-mimetic). Overexpressed DNA-PKcs and DNA ligase IV were also observed in DNR-resistant HL60 (HL60/DNR) cells as compared with parental HL60 cells. Expression level of DNA-PKcs mRNA paralleled its protein level, and the promoter activity of DNA-PKcs of K562/DNR was higher than that of K562, and the 5'-region between -49bp and the first exon was important for its activity. Because this region is GC-rich, we tried to suppress Sp1 family transcription factor using mithramycin A (MMA), a specific Sp1 family inhibitor, and siRNAs for Sp1 and Sp3. Both MMA and siRNAs suppressed DNA-PKcs expression. Higher serine-phosphorylated Sp1 but not total Sp1 of both K562/DNR and HL60/DNR was observed compared with their parental K562 and HL60 cells. DNA ligase IV expression of K562/DNR was also suppressed significantly with Sp1 family protein inhibition. EMSA and ChIP assay confirmed higher binding of Sp1 and Sp3 with DNA-PKcs 5'-promoter region of DNA-PKcs of K562/DNR than that of K562. Thus, the Sp1 family transcription factor affects important NHEJ component expressions in anti-cancer drug-resistant malignant cells, leading to the more aggressive MDR phenotype.

Decreased level of phosphatidylcholine (16:0/20:4) in multiple myeloma cells compared to plasma cells: a single-cell MALDI-IMS approach.

Lipid metabolic changes under diseased conditions, particularly in solid tumors, are attracting increased attention. However, in non-solid tumors, including most hematopoietic tumors, lipid analyses are scarce. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell disorder arising from bone marrow, and the lipid status of MM cells has not been reported yet. In this study, we analyzed flow cytometry-sorted single MM cells and normal plasma cells (NPCs) using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS), a two-dimensional label-free mass spectrometry technique for biomolecular analysis, to obtain specific lipid information. We isolated 1.31-5.77% of MM cells and 0.03-0.24% of NPCs using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Analysis of purified cells using MALDI-IMS at the single-cell level revealed that the peak intensity and ion signals of phosphatidylcholine [PC (16:0/20:4) + H](+) at m/z 782.5 were significantly decreased in MM cells compared to NPCs. By examining particular cell populations rather than cell mixtures, our method can become a suitable tool for the analysis of rare cell populations at the single-cell level and advance the understanding of MM progression.

Normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia with the CD7+ CD15+ CD34+ HLA-DR + immunophenotype is a clinically distinct entity with a favorable outcome.

Recently, the presence of CEBPA mutation was identified as an important prognostic factor for normal karyotype (NK) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Because AML with CEBPA mutation is closely associated with CD7, CD15, CD34, and HLA-DR expression, we investigated the prognostic implications of CD7+ CD15+ CD34+ HLA-DR + immunophenotype in NK-AML. We analyzed the immunophenotype of 329 patients with NK-AML from the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group (JALSG) AML97 population. NK-AML with the CD7+ CD15+ CD34+ HLA-DR + immunophenotype was classified as the CEBPA type, and NK-AML that did not meet this criterion was considered as the non-CEBPA type. The influence of the CEBPA status on event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) was assessed using log-rank test and a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model. Furthermore, the surface antigen expression profile in AML according to the CEBPA mutation status (monoallelic or biallelic) was also investigated. Of the 329 NK-AML patients that were studied, 39 and 243 were classified as having CEBPA and non-CEBPA type NK-AML, respectively. Patients with CEBPA type NK-AML had significantly better EFS and OS than those with non-CEBPA type NK-AML. Multivariate analysis showed that the CEBPA type and white blood cell (WBC) counts of >20 × 10(9)/L were independent prognostic factors for EFS and OS. Moreover, NK-AML with the biallelic CEBPA mutation was more closely associated with CD34 positivity than that with the monoallelic CEBPA mutation. NK-AML with the CD7+ CD15+ CD34+ HLA-DR + immunophenotype is a clinically discrete entity, and this may have a possible role in risk stratification.

Acquired factor X deficiency developed four years after autologous transplantation in a patient with multiple myeloma associated with systemic AL amyloidosis.

We describe a case of acquired factor X deficiency after high-dose melphalan with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM/ASCT) for multiple myeloma (MM) with systemic AL amyloidosis. A 68-year-old woman with renal amyloidosis was diagnosed as having MM in 2007. She achieved a partial response after VAD (vincristine, adriamycin, dexamethasone) therapy and HDM/ASCT. In December 2011, coagulation tests revealed a prolonged prothrombin time (PT) of 17.6 sec and she was administered vitamin K. In January 2012, she received low anterior resection with colostomy for rectal cancer. She received fresh frozen plasma (FFP) infusion but the perioperative bleeding tendency persisted. In February 2012, she was referred from surgery for colostomy closure. She showed no progression of MM and had prolonged PT, corrected by mixing with normal plasma. Factor X activity was markedly decreased. She was diagnosed as having an acquired factor X deficiency and was given FFP infusion for colostomy closure. Although acquired factor X deficiency after HDM/ASCT for MM with systemic AL amyloidosis is rare, we should be aware of the possibility of this disease in MM patients with a bleeding tendency.

Nilotinib vs dasatinib in achieving MR4.5 for de novo chronic myeloid leukemia: the randomized JALSG CML212 study.

ABSTRACT: Deep molecular response (DMR) is a prerequite for treatment-free remission (TFR) in chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP). The JALSG (Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group) conducted a prospective randomized phase 3 CML212 study for de novo CML-CP to compare the cumulative achievement of molecular response 4.5 (MR4.5; international scale BCR::ABL1 ≤0.0032%) by 18 months between nilotinib and dasatinib treatment as a primary end point. A total of 454 patients were randomly assigned to the 300 mg nilotinib twice daily arm or to the 100 mg dasatinib daily arm (both n = 227). BCR::ABL1 messenger RNA levels were monitored every 3 months. Study treatment was stopped if the patients were judged as failure according to the European LekemiaNet 2009 criteria or showed intolerance. The cumulative achievement rates of MR4.5 by 18 months were 32.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 26.5-39.1) in the nilotinib arm and 30.8% (95% CI, 24.9-37.3) in the dasatinib arm with no significant difference (P = .66). The cumulative achievement rates of early molecular response, complete cytogenetic response, and major molecular response by 12, 18, 24, and 36 months were almost the same between the 2 arms. There was no significant difference in progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) between the 2 arms by log-rank tests (PFS, P = .58; OS, P = .64). These results suggest that nilotinib and dasatinib would be equally effective for patients with de novo CML-CP. This trial was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry as #UMIN000007909.

Role of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia: a retrospective analysis of JALSG-APL97.

For patients with relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), all-trans retinoic acid-based salvage regimens can achieve second complete remission (CR2), but the optimal post-remission strategy for APL patients after CR2 remains unclear. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) during CR2 might be effective, but data on the role of HSCT for APL patients after CR2 are limited in Japan. We retrospectively analyzed outcomes for 57 relapsed APL patients who achieved CR2 in the JALSG APL97 study. Of those, six received autologous (auto)-HSCT, 21 received allogeneic (allo)-HSCT, and 30 received various regimens other than HSCT. The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rate, overall survival (OS) rate and cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) were 50.7%, 77.4% and 51.0% in the non-HSCT group, 41.7%, 83.3% and 58.3% in the auto-HSCT group and 71.1%, 76.2% and 9.8% in the allo-HSCT group, respectively. Both the EFS rate and CIR were significantly better in the allo-HSCT group than in other groups. Allo-HSCT appears effective in APL patients in CR2, with a low relapse rate beyond a relatively early transplantation-related mortality (19%). Among older patients (age ≥40 years), the 5-year OS was significantly better in the non-HSCT group than in the HSCT group (78.0% vs 40.5%; P = 0.04). Further prospective studies with larger patient numbers are required to confirm the impact of HSCT alone and in combination with arsenic trioxide on outcomes for patients with APL in CR2.

JmjC-domain containing histone demethylase 1B-mediated p15(Ink4b) suppression promotes the proliferation of leukemic progenitor cells through modulation of cell cycle progression in acute myeloid leukemia.

The histone demethylase JHDM1B has been implicated in cell cycle regulation and tumorigenesis. In addition, it has been reported that JHDM1B is highly expressed in various human tumors, including leukemias. However, it is not clearly understood how JHDM1B contributes to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell proliferation. In this study, we investigated the cellular and molecular function of JHDM1B in AML cells. In AML cell lines and AML-derived ALDH(hi) (high aldehyde dehydrogenase activity)/CD34(+) cells, the levels of JHDM1B mRNA were significantly higher than in normal ALDH(hi) /CD34(+) cells. Reduction of JHDM1B expression in AML cells inhibited cell proliferation compared to control cells, through induction of G1 cell cycle arrest, an increase in the p15(Ink4b) mRNA and protein expression. JHDM1B mRNA was overexpressed in all 133 AML clinical specimens tested (n = 22, 57, 34, and 20 for M1, 2, 4, and 5 subtypes respectively). Compared to normal ALDH(hi) /CD34(+) cells, JHDM1B gene expression was 1.57- to 1.87-fold higher in AML-derived ALDH(hi) /CD34(+) cells. Moreover, the JHDM1B protein was more strongly expressed in AML-derived ALDH(hi) /CD34(+) cells from compared to normal ALDH(hi) /CD34(+) cells. In addition, depletion of JHDM1B reduced colony formation of AML-derived ALDH(hi) /CD34(+) cells due to induction of p15(Ink4b) expression through direct binding to p15(Ink4b) promoter and loss of demethylation of H3K36me2. In summary, we found that JHDM1B mRNA is predominantly expressed in AML-derived ALDH(hi) /CD34(+) cells, and that aberrant expression of JHDM1B induces AML cell proliferation through modulation of cell cycle progression. Thus, inhibition of JHDM1B expression represents an attractive target for AML therapy.

A randomized comparison of 4 courses of standard-dose multiagent chemotherapy versus 3 courses of high-dose cytarabine alone in postremission therapy for acute myeloid leukemia in adults: the JALSG AML201 Study.

We conducted a prospective randomized study to assess the optimal postremission therapy for adult acute myeloid leukemia in patients younger than 65 years in the first complete remission. A total of 781 patients in complete remission were randomly assigned to receive consolidation chemotherapy of either 3 courses of high-dose cytarabine (HiDAC, 2 g/m(2) twice daily for 5 days) alone or 4 courses of conventional standard-dose multiagent chemotherapy (CT) established in the previous JALSG AML97 study. Five-year disease-free survival was 43% for the HiDAC group and 39% for the multiagent CT group (P = .724), and 5-year overall survival was 58% and 56%, respectively (P = .954). Among the favorable cytogenetic risk group (n = 218), 5-year disease-free survival was 57% for HiDAC and 39% for multiagent CT (P = .050), and 5-year overall survival was 75% and 66%, respectively (P = .174). In the HiDAC group, the nadir of leukocyte counts was lower, and the duration of leukocyte less than 1.0 × 10(9)/L longer, and the frequency of documented infections higher. The present study demonstrated that the multiagent CT regimen is as effective as our HiDAC regimen for consolidation. Our HiDAC regimen resulted in a beneficial effect on disease-free survival only in the favorable cytogenetic leukemia group. This trial was registered at www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ as #C000000157.

Randomized study of induction therapy comparing standard-dose idarubicin with high-dose daunorubicin in adult patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia: the JALSG AML201 Study.

We conducted a multi-institutional randomized study to determine whether high-dose daunorubicin would be as effective as standard-dose idarubicin in remission-induction therapy for newly diagnosed adult patients younger than 65 years of age with acute myeloid leukemia. Of 1064 patients registered, 1057 were evaluable. They were randomly assigned to receive either daunorubicin (50 mg/m(2) daily for 5 days) or idarubicin (12 mg/m(2) daily for 3 days) in combination with 100 mg/m(2) of cytarabine by continuous infusion daily for 7 days as induction therapy. Complete remission was achieved in 407 (77.5%) of 525 patients in the daunorubicin group and 416 (78.2%) of 532 in the idarubicin group (P = .79). Patients achieving complete remission received intensive postremission therapy that consisted of either 3 courses of high-dose cytarabine or 4 courses of standard-dose therapy. Overall survival rates at 5 years were 48% for the daunorubicin group and 48% for the idarubicin group (P = .54), and relapse-free survival rates at 5 years were 41% and 41% (P = .97), respectively. Thus, high-dose daunorubicin and standard-dose idarubicin were equally effective for the treatment of adult acute myeloid leukemia, achieving a high rate of complete remission and good long-term efficacy. This study is registered at http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctrj/ as C000000157.

Down-regulation of Thanatos-associated protein 11 by BCR-ABL promotes CML cell proliferation through c-Myc expression.

Bcr-Abl activates various signaling pathways in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells. The proliferation of Bcr-Abl transformed cells is promoted by c-Myc through the activation of Akt, JAK2 and NF-κB. However, the mechanism by which c-Myc regulates CML cell proliferation is unclear. In our study, we investigated the role of Thanatos-associated protein 11 (THAP11), which inhibits c-Myc transcription, in CML cell lines and in hematopoietic progenitor cells derived from CML patients. The induction of THAP11 expression by Abl kinase inhibitors in CML cell lines and in CML-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells resulted in the suppression of c-Myc. In addition, over-expression of THAP11 inhibited CML cell proliferation. In colony forming cells derived from CML-aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)(hi) /CD34(+) cells, treatment with Abl kinase inhibitors and siRNA depletion of Bcr-Abl induced THAP11 expression and reduced c-Myc expression, resulting in inhibited colony formation. Moreover, overexpression of THAP11 significantly decreased the colony numbers, and also inhibited the expression of c-myc target genes such as Cyclin D1, ODC and induced the expression of p21(Cip1) . The depletion of THAP11 inhibited JAK2 or STAT5 inactivation-mediated c-Myc reduction in ALDH(hi) /CD34(+) CML cells. Thus, the induced THAP11 might be one of transcriptional regulators of c-Myc expression in CML cell. Therefore, the induction of THAP11 has a potential possibility as a target for the inhibition of CML cell proliferation.

Long-term outcome following imatinib therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia, with assessment of dosage and blood levels: the JALSG CML202 study.

A prospective multicenter Phase II study was performed to examine the efficacy and safety of imatinib therapy in newly diagnosed Japanese patients with chronic-phase CML. Patients were scheduled to receive imatinib 400 mg daily. Plasma imatinib concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In 481 evaluable patients, estimated 7-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) at a median follow-up of 65 months were 93% and 87%, respectively. Because imatinib dosage was reduced in many patients due mainly to adverse events, subgroup analysis was performed according to the mean daily dose during the first 24 months of treatment: ≥360 mg (400-mg group; n = 294), 270-359 mg (300-mg group; n = 90) and <270 mg (200-mg group; n = 67). There were no significant differences in OS and EFS between the 300- and 400-mg groups; however, cumulative rates of complete cytogenetic and major molecular responses differed significantly between the two groups. There were no significant differences in mean imatinib trough levels between these two groups for the patients in whom trough levels had been measured. Survival and efficacy in the 200-mg group were markedly inferior to the former two groups. These results suggest that, although a daily dose of 400 mg imatinib is associated with better outcomes, 300 mg imatinib may be adequate for a considerable number of Japanese patients who are intolerant to 400 mg imatinib. Blood level monitoring would be useful to determine the optimal dose of imatinib.

Phase I/II study of decitabine in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome: a multi-center study in Japan.

The management of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) remains challenging. We performed a phase I/II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of decitabine in patients with MDS in Japan. Patients with MDS with red cell transfusion dependence or 5-30% blasts in marrow and with an International Prognostic Scoring System score of intermediate-1 or higher were eligible. Patients received intravenous decitabine at 15 or 20 mg/m(2) daily for 5 days every 4 weeks. A total of 37 patients were enrolled. Three patients received 15 mg/m(2) and experienced no dose limiting toxicity during the first cycle. Thirty-four patients received 20 mg/m(2) . Grade 3 or greater non-hematologic toxicities included cerebral infarction (n = 1), subdural hematoma (n = 1), elevated blood glucose (n = 1), and pulmonary hypertension (n = 1). At 20 mg/m(2) , complete response, partial response, and hematologic improvement were observed in 7 (20.6%), 2 (5.9%), and 7 (20.6%) patients, respectively. Complete cytogenetic response was observed in 30% of evaluable 20 patients. The median number of cycles to clinical response was 4 (range 4-8), and duration of remission was 474+ days (range 294-598+). The 2-year rate of acute myeloid leukemia-free survival was 52%. Correlative studies revealed hypomethylation in multiple genes in peripheral blood cells after treatment. Hypomethylation was generally more profound in CD15 + peripheral blood cells, which reflects myeloid cells, than in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In summary, decitabine was safe and demonstrated efficacy in Japanese patients with high-risk MDS. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00796003).

Impact of cachexia on pharmacokinetic disposition of and clinical responses to oxycodone in cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Cancer cachexia is characterized by hypoalbuminemia and with the hepatic production of acute-phase proteins in response to malignant growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cachexia on the pharmacokinetic disposition of and clinical responses to oxycodone in cancer patients. METHODS: Forty-seven Japanese patients receiving oxycodone extended-release tablets as a starting opioid for cancer pain were enrolled in this study. Cachexia was evaluated using the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS). Predose plasma concentrations of oxycodone and noroxycodone were determined at the titration dose. RESULTS: Seven patients had a GPS of 0, 21 a GPS of 1, and 19 had a GPS of 2. A higher GPS was significantly correlated with a higher oxycodone concentration and a lower concentration ratio of noroxycodone to oxycodone and significantly associated with a lower incidence of dose escalation and a higher incidence of central adverse reactions. Serum albumin, but not α(1)-acid glycoprotein and C-reactive protein, was inversely correlated with the free fraction of oxycodone. Serum albumin concentration was significantly associated with the incidence of dose escalation. In contrast, the free fraction of oxycodone and acute-phase proteins were not related to the clinical responses. CONCLUSIONS: Cachexia had an effect on oxycodone metabolism and the clinical responses to oxycodone. The observed reduction in serum albumin concentration was associated with dose escalation. These findings suggest that cachexia affects the clinical responses to oxycodone through metabolic and nutritional disorders in cancer patients.

Detection of fluoroquinolone-induced tendon disorders using a hospital database in Japan.

PURPOSE: Tendinitis and tendon rupture are well-known side effects of fluoroquinolones (FQs) in Western countries. In Japan, some case reports have been reported; however, the incidence of FQ-induced tendon disorders has not been investigated. The aims of this study were to measure the occurrence of tendon disorders associated with FQs in Japanese patients and to compare the observed risk with that of previous reports. Moreover, the observed risk in FQ-prescribed patients was compared with that in cephalosporin-prescribed patients. METHODS: The Hamamatsu University Hospital database was examined to determine the risk of tendon disorders that occurred in all inpatients and outpatients between the first day of prescription of an oral FQ or cephalosporins to the calculated end date plus 30 days. The risk of tendon disorders, the risk ratio, and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated. RESULTS: From April 1996 to December 2009, FQs were prescribed to 17 147 patients, 14 of whom had tendon disorders (risk: 0.082%, 95%CI: 0.049-0.137). The risk of a tendon disorder in FQ-prescribed patients was significantly higher than that in cephalosporin-prescribed patients (five tendon disorders in 38 517 patients, risk: 0.013%, 95%CI: 0.006-0.030, and p < 0.001). The risk ratio of a tendon disorder in FQ-prescribed patients in relation to cephalosporin-prescribed patients was 6.29 (95%CI: 2.27-17.46). A large discrepancy in the risk of tendon disorders was not observed between our findings and previous reports. CONCLUSION: A hospital database search revealed that the risk of tendon disorders in Japanese patients administered with FQs was higher than in those administered with cephalosporins.