Showing papers in "Investigational New Drugs in 2009"
TL;DR: P-gp and BCRP have only a modest effect on the ADME of imatinib in comparison to metabolic elimination, and P-gp is the most prevalent factor for systemic clearance and limiting the brain penetration.
Abstract: Imatinib is transported by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP), however, the exact impact of these transporters on absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of imatinib is not fully understood due to incomplete data. We have performed a comprehensive ADME study of imatinib given as single agent or in combination with the well known BCRP/P-gp inhibitors, elacridar and pantoprazole, in wild-type and P-gp and/or BCRP knockout mice. The absence of P-gp and BCRP together resulted in a significantly higher area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) after i.v. administration, whereas the AUC after oral dosing was unaltered. Both elacridar and pantoprazole significantly increased the AUC of orally administered imatinib in wild-type but also in P-gp/BCRP knockout mice. This lower clearance was not due to a (further) reduction in biliary excretion. Fecal excretion was significantly reduced in P-gp and P-gp/BCRP knockout but not in BCRP knockout mice, whereas the brain penetration was significantly higher in P-gp/BCRP knockout mice compared to single P-gp or BCRP knockout or wild-type mice. In conclusion, P-gp and BCRP have only a modest effect on the ADME of imatinib in comparison to metabolic elimination. P-gp is the most prevalent factor for systemic clearance and limiting the brain penetration. The considerable drug-drug interaction observed with elacridar or pantoprazole is only partly mediated by inhibition of P-gp and BCRP and far more by the inhibition of other elimination pathways.
138 citations
TL;DR: Findings substantiate the chemopreventive potential of hesperidin against chemically induced lung cancer in mice and show potent anticancer effect in lung cancer.
Abstract: Chemoprevention is regarded as one of the most promising and realistic approaches in the prevention of cancer. Several bioactive compounds present in fruits and vegetables have revealed their cancer curative potential on lung cancer. Hesperidin is one such naturally occurring flavonoid widely found in citrus fruits. The aim of the present study is to divulge the chemopreventive nature of hesperidin during benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) induced lung cancer in Swiss albino mice. Administration of B(a)P (50 mg/kg body weight) to mice resulted in increased lipid peroxides (LPO), lung specific tumor marker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and serum marker enzymes aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), 5'nucleotidase (5'ND) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) with concomitant decrease in the levels of tissue antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), vitamin E and vitamin C. Hesperidin supplementation (25 mg/kg body weight) significantly attenuated these alterations thereby showing potent anticancer effect in lung cancer. Further the antiproliferative effect of hesperidin was confirmed by histopathological analysis and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunostaining. Overall, these findings substantiate the chemopreventive potential of hesperidin against chemically induced lung cancer in mice.
118 citations
TL;DR: A decrease in Bcl-2/Bax ratio with increased expression of Apaf-1 and caspase-3, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase provide compelling evidence that nimbolide-induced apoptosis is mediated by the mitochondrial pathway.
Abstract: We investigated the cytotoxic effects of nimbolide, a limonoid present in leaves and flowers of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) on human choriocarcinoma (BeWo) cells. Treatment with nimbolide resulted in dose- and time-dependent inhibition of growth of BeWo cells with IC50 values of 2.01 and 1.19 μM for 7 and 24 h respectively, accompanied by downregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Examination of nuclear morphology revealed fragmentation and condensation indicating apoptosis. Increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that was reversed by addition of reduced glutathione suggested ROS involvement in the cytotoxicity of nimbolide. A decrease in Bcl-2/Bax ratio with increased expression of Apaf-1 and caspase-3, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase provide compelling evidence that nimbolide-induced apoptosis is mediated by the mitochondrial pathway. The results of the present study suggest that nimbolide has immense potential in cancer prevention and therapy based on its antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing effects.
101 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate that morin could exert a significant chemopreventive effect on colon carcinogenesis induced by DMH, and showed decreased levels of liver enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants and increased levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products in DMH treated rats.
Abstract: Colon cancer is the third most malignant neoplasm in the world and it remains today an important cause of death, especially in western countries. In this study, we have evaluated the chemopreventive efficacy of morin on tissue lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status, which are used as biomarkers in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon carcinogenesis in a rat model. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups and received high fat diet. Group 1 served as control, groups 2 and 4 were given a daily treatment of morin (50 mg/kg body weight) orally, everyday for a total period of 30 weeks. Groups 3 and 4 were given weekly subcutaneous injections of DMH at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight in the groin for 15 weeks. Animals were sacrificed at the end of 30 weeks. The liver, intestine, colon and caecum from different groups were subjected to histopathological studies, determination of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status. Our results showed decreased levels of liver enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants and increased levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products such as tissue thiobarbituricacid substances (TBARS), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and conjugated dienes (CD) in DMH treated rats, which were significantly (P < 0.05) reversed on morin supplementation. Moreover, intestinal, colonic and caecal TBARS, LOOH, CD and also the antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were significantly diminished in DMH treated rats, which were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated on simultaneous morin supplementation. Moreover, enhanced activity of intestinal, colonic and caecal ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol levels were also observed in DMH alone treated rats, which were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced on morin supplementation. These results indicate that morin could exert a significant chemopreventive effect on colon carcinogenesis induced by DMH.
91 citations
TL;DR: Although the primary endpoint was not achieved, there is evidence of biologic activity of TG4010 in patients with PSA progression, and further investigation in prostate cancer is warranted.
Abstract: Purpose: TG4010 is a recombinant MVA vector expressing the tumor-associated antigen MUC1 and IL2. We explored the effect two schedules of TG4010 on PSA in men with PSA progression. Patients and methods: A randomized phase II trial was conducted in 40 patients with PSA progression. Patients had PSA doubling times less than 10 months, with no overt evidence of disease. Patients received either weekly subcutaneous injection (sc) of TG4010 108 pfu for 6 weeks, then one injection every 3 weeks or sc injection of TG4010 108 pfu every 3 weeks. Results: The primary endpoint of a 50% decrease in PSA values from baseline was not observed. Nevertheless, 13 of 40 patients had a more than two fold improvement in PSA doubling time. Ten patients had their PSA stabilized for over 8 months. Therapy was well tolerated. Conclusions: Although the primary endpoint was not achieved, there is evidence of biologic activity of TG4010 in patients with PSA progression, further investigation in prostate cancer is warranted.
82 citations
TL;DR: Romidepsin at this dose and schedule is ineffective in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after prior chemotherapy and future trials might evaluate combinations of romidepsIn with chemotherapeutic or other agents.
Abstract: Introduction: Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who progress on standard chemotherapy have limited treatment options. New and effective drugs are needed for these patients. Romidepsin is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that can alter chromatin structure and gene transcription leading to multiple changes in cellular protein production. This may result in cell cycle arrest and tumor growth inhibition. Romidepsin has shown anti-proliferative activity in vitro against multiple mouse and human tumor cell lines and in vivo in human tumor xenograft models. Patients and methods: Patients were required to have pathologically verified, measurable, metastatic or locally advanced colorectal cancer that was surgically unresectable. They must have failed either one or two prior chemotherapy regimens, had performance status of 0–1, adequate bone marrow, renal and hepatic function, and no significant cardiac disease. Patients were treated with romidepsin at a dose of 13 mg/m2 as a 4-h iv infusion on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. The study had a two stage design. The primary objective of the study was to determine the confirmed response probability in this group of patients treated with romidepsin. Results: Twenty-eight patients were registered to the study, two of whom were ineligible. One eligible patient refused all treatment and was not analyzed. For the 25 remaining patients, performance status was 0 in 16 patients and 1 in nine patients. Ten patients had received one prior chemotherapy regimen and fifteen 2 prior regimens. Out of the 25 eligible and analyzable patients accrued in the first stage of the protocol, no objective responses were observed and the study was permanently closed. Four patients had stable disease as the best response. Twenty-five patients were assessed for toxicity. No grade 4 or greater toxicities were seen. Fourteen of the 25 patients experienced grade 3 toxicities the most common of which were fatigue or anorexia. Conclusion: Romidepsin at this dose and schedule is ineffective in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after prior chemotherapy. Future trials might evaluate combinations of romidepsin with chemotherapeutic or other agents.
74 citations
TL;DR: The most cytotoxic triphenyltin(IV) compound in the present report is found to be more cytot toxic for all the cell lines studied than doxorubicin, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and etoposide.
Abstract: Potassium 2-{[(2Z)-(3-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-butenylidene)]amino}-4-methyl-pentanoate (L1HK) and potassium 2-{[(E)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)alkylidene]amino}-4-methyl-pentanoates (L2HK-L3HK) underwent reactions with PhnSnCl4-n (n = 2 and 3) to give the amino acetate functionalized Schiff base organotin(IV) complexes [Ph3SnLH]n (1–3) and [Ph2SnL] (4), respectively. These complexes have been characterized by 1H, 13C, 119Sn NMR, IR spectroscopic techniques in combination with elemental analyses. The crystal structures of 1 and 3 were determined. The crystal structures reveal that the complexes exist as polymeric chains in which the L-bridged Sn-atoms adopt a trans-R3SnO2 trigonal bipyramidal configuration with the Ph groups in the equatorial positions and the axial locations occupied by a carboxylate oxygen atom from one carboxylate ligand and the alcoholic or phenolic oxygen atom of the next carboxylate ligand in the chain. The carboxylate ligands coordinate in the zwitterionic form with the alcoholic/phenolic proton moved to the nearby nitrogen atom. The solution structures were predicted by 119Sn NMR spectroscopy. When these organotin(IV) complexes were tested against A498, EVSA-T, H226, IGROV, M19 MEL, MCF7 and WIDR human tumor cell lines, the average ID50 values obtained were 55, 80 and 35 ng/ml for triphenyltin(IV) compounds 1–3, respectively. The most cytotoxic triphenyltin(IV) compound in the present report (3) with an average ID50 value of around 35 ng/ml is found to be more cytotoxic for all the cell lines studied than doxorubicin, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and etoposide.
69 citations
TL;DR: At this dose and schedule, L-alanosine was ineffective in patients with advanced MTAP-deficient tumors, and there were no objective responses.
Abstract: Objective: Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP)–deficient tumors are dependent on the de novo purine synthesis pathway. These cancers are potential targets for selective chemotherapy with inhibitors of de novo adenine synthesis such as L-alanosine [L-2-amino-3-(N-hydroxy-N-nitrosamino) propionic acid]. This phase II study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of L-alanosine in patients with MTAP-deficient solid tumors. Methods: Patients with mesothelioma, non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), soft tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma, or pancreatic cancer whose tumors were MTAP deficient by immunohistochemistry were eligible. Patients received L-alanosine at a starting dose of 80 mg/m2 by continuous intravenous infusion daily for 5 days every 21 days. Computed tomography scans or magnetic resonance imaging were performed every 3 cycles. Results: 65 patients (16 mesothelioma, 13 NSCLC, 15 soft tissue sarcoma, 7 osteosarcoma, 14 pancreatic cancer) were enrolled at 19 centers; 55 were evaluable for response. There were no objective responses; 24% had s disease, including 2 patients with mesothelioma who had prolonged stable disease lasting 7.5 and 15.2 months, respectively. Grade 3/4 toxicities included mucositis 11%, fatigue 6%, nausea 3%, and renal failure 1.5%. Conclusion: At this dose and schedule, L-alanosine was ineffective in patients with advanced MTAP-deficient tumors.
67 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that hesperetin at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight showed a significant beneficial effect against chemically induced colonic carcinogenesis in rats as compared to the other two doses.
Abstract: Colon cancer is still one of the leading causes of death in USA and is increasing at an alarming rate in Asia. It is one of the major causes of death in industrialized countries, and its etiology is known to be a combination of hereditary, environmental, dietary factors and lack of physical activity. Chemoprevention plays a potential role in colorectal cancer. The present study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of hesperetin supplementation on colonic aberrant crypt foci, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induced colon carcinogenesis in male Wistar rats. The rats were segregated into six groups viz., group 1, control rats received modified pellet diet; group 2 rats received modified pellet diet along with hesperetin (30 mg/kg body weight/day); groups 3-6 administrated DMH (20 mg/kg body weight) subcutaneous injection once a week for the first 4 weeks; in addition groups 4-6 received hesperetin at three different doses of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg body weight/day for 16 weeks. All the rats were sacrificed at the end of the experimental period of 16 weeks. Increased tumor incidence and increased number aberrant crypt foci (ACF) accompanied by a decrease in the tissue lipid peroxidation, glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were observed in DMH-treated rats. Administration of hesperetin to DMH treated rats significantly decreased the tumor incidence, the number of aberrant crypt foci with simultaneous enhancement of tissue lipid peroxidation, GST, GPx, SOD, and CAT activities. The results of this study suggest that hesperetin at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight showed a significant beneficial effect against chemically induced colonic carcinogenesis in rats as compared to the other two doses.
64 citations
TL;DR: It is confirmed that ECD exhibits preventive effect against chemically induced HCC in rats and can be a potent chemopreventive drug for HCC.
Abstract: Medicinal plants are a promising source for identification of lead molecules for cancer therapy. In our continuous search to discover bioactive compounds from natural products, we isolated (5R, 10R)-4R, 8R-dihydroxy-2S, 3R:15, 16-diepoxycleroda-13(16), 17, 12S:18,1S-dilactone (ECD), a diterpenoid from Tinospora cordifolia and studied its chemopreventive potential in diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rats. Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group I served as normal control. Group II-IV were given DEN (0.01% in drinking water) for twenty weeks. In addition, Group III (preventive treatment) received ECD (10 mg/kg body weight) throughout the study. Group IV (curative treatment) received ECD (10 mg/kg body weight) for the last 8 weeks. Group V received ECD alone (10 mg/kg body weight) throughout the experimental period. At the end of the experimental period all the animals were sacrificed and analyzed for biochemical end points to assess the effect of ECD treatment in DEN induced HCC. The animals treated with DEN showed a decrease in the activities of antioxidant (SOD, CAT) and detoxification enzymes (GSH, GPx) with increase in the activities of the hepatic markers (SGOT, SGPT, LDH). Treatment of ECD in both preventive and curative DEN induced animals increased the level of antioxidants and detoxification enzymes, and decreased serum transaminase level and hepatic marker enzymes to near normal. Histopathological and nodular incidence also confirmed that ECD remarkably reduced tumor incidence and reversed damaged hepatocytes to normal. Our findings confirm that ECD exhibits preventive effect against chemically induced HCC in rats. ECD can be a potent chemopreventive drug for HCC.
63 citations
TL;DR: The present article will review the most relevant CDK inhibitors with emphasis on the newer molecules in clinical development and the biological rationale of this therapeutic approach.
Abstract: Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are core components of the cell cycle machinery that govern the transition between phases during cell cycle progression. Genes involved in cell cycle are frequently mutated in human cancer and deregulated CDK activity represents a hallmark of malignancy. This knowledge provides a rationale for regarding CDKs and their associated molecules as potential targets for new drug development in anticancer research. The present article will review the most relevant CDK inhibitors with emphasis on the newer molecules in clinical development and the biological rationale of this therapeutic approach.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that artemisinin induces cell growth arrest in A375M, and affects A375P cells viability with cytotoxic and growth inhibitory effects, while it was not effective in contrasting proliferation of other tumor cell lines (MCF7 and MKN).
Abstract: Artemisinin and its derivatives are well known antimalarial drugs, particularly useful after resistance to traditional antimalarial pharmaceuticals has started to occur in Plasmodium falciparum. In recent years, anticancer activity of artemisinin has been reported both in vitro and in vivo. Artemisinin has inhibitory effects on cancer cell growth and anti-angiogenetic activity. In the present investigation, we analyzed the inhibitory effects of artemisinin on migratory ability of melanoma cell lines (A375P and A375M, low and medium metastatic properties, respectively). We demonstrate that artemisinin induces cell growth arrest in A375M, and affects A375P cells viability with cytotoxic and growth inhibitory effects, while it was not effective in contrasting proliferation of other tumor cell lines (MCF7 and MKN). In addition, artemisinin affected the migratory ability of A375M cells by reducing metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) production and down-regulating αvβ3 integrin expression. These findings introduce a potential of artemisinin as a chemotherapeutic agent in melanoma treatment.
TL;DR: Novel derivatives prepared from Aconitum alkaloids, not but natural alkaloid, clearly showed anti-proliferative activity in human tumor cell lines.
Abstract: Little information has so far been reported regarding the antiproliferative properties of Aconitum alkaloids against human tumor cells despite of their intense toxicities. In the present study, the antitumor properties and radiation sensitizing effects were investigated by various types of novel derivatives prepared from Aconitum alkaloids. The antitumor properties were investigated against human tumor cell lines, A172, A549, HeLa and Raji, respectively, by a cell growth, a clonogenic assay, cell cycle distribution, cell cycle related molecules and γH2AX expression. The novel compounds derived from C20-diterupenoid alkaloids showed a significantly suppressive effect in all cell lines. In contrast, natural C19-norditerpenoid alkaloids and their derivatives showed either no effect or only a slight effect. One of the compounds also showed radiosensitizing properties on A549 cells. These effects are not related to either the cell cycle distribution, the enhancement of apoptosis or the γH2AX expression. Novel derivatives prepared from Aconitum alkaloids, not but natural alkaloids, clearly showed anti-proliferative activity in human tumor cell lines.
TL;DR: It is speculated that boldine may be a promising compound for evaluation as an anti-cancer agent because it had no toxic effect on non-tumor cells when used at the same concentrations as those used on tumor cells.
Abstract: Malignant gliomas are the most common and devastating primary tumors of the central nervous system. Currently no efficient treatment is available. This study evaluated the effect and underlying mechanisms of boldine, an aporphine alkaloid of Peumus boldus, on glioma proliferation and cell death. Boldine decreased the cell number of U138-MG, U87-MG and C6 glioma lines at concentrations of 80, 250 and 500 μM. We observed that cell death caused by boldine was cell-type specific and dose-dependent. Exposure to boldine for 24 h did not activate key mediators of apoptosis. However, it induced alterations in the cell cycle suggesting a G2/M arrest in U138-MG cells. Boldine had no toxic effect on non-tumor cells when used at the same concentrations as those used on tumor cells. Based on these results, we speculate that boldine may be a promising compound for evaluation as an anti-cancer agent.
TL;DR: This regimen of high-dose calcitriol with docetaxel may have activity in incurable pancreatic cancer, with a modest increase in TTP when compared to historical findings using single-agent docetAXel, however, results do not appear superior to those seen with gemcitabine, with or without erlotinib.
Abstract: Purpose: To determine the safety and efficacy of weekly high-dose oral calcitriol and docetaxel, given to patients with non-resectable, incurable pancreatic cancer. Patients and Methods: Twenty-five patients were enrolled onto this phase II study. Patients were treated with oral calcitriol 0.5 μg/kg on day 1, followed by docetaxel 36 mg/m2 IV on day 2, administered weekly for three consecutive weeks, followed by 1 week without treatment. Patients followed a low-calcium diet and increased their hydration. The primary end-point of the trial was time-to-progression. Results: Three of 25 patients attained a partial response (12%, 95% CI 3 to 31) and seven (28%) achieved stable disease. Median time-to-progression was 15 weeks, and median overall survival was 24 weeks. Toxicities observed (hyperglycemia, fatigue) were mostly attributable to the docetaxel or its pre-treatment. Conclusions: This regimen of high-dose calcitriol with docetaxel may have activity in incurable pancreatic cancer, with a modest increase in TTP when compared to historical findings using single-agent docetaxel. However, results do not appear superior to those seen with gemcitabine, with or without erlotinib.
TL;DR: TM can be safely added to IFL without compromising dose intensity or diminishing the expected RR, and changes in serum VEGF, IL-8, and IL-6 after treatment may directly reflect changes in CRC tissue angiogenesis.
Abstract: Tetrathiomolybdate (TM) is an oral copper chelator under development as an anti-angiogenic agent. We evaluated TM in combination with irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin (IFL). Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-8 were measured to evaluate the anti-angiogenic effect. Twenty-four patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were treated. The combination with IFL was well tolerated and dose intensity of IFL was maintained during combination therapy with TM. By intention to treat analysis, the overall response rate (RR) was 25% (95% CI 9.8–46.7) and the median time to progression (TTP) was 5.6 months (95% CI 2.7–7.7). VEGF levels were correlated with TTP, as were changes in VEGF, IL-8, and IL-6. TM can be safely added to IFL without compromising dose intensity or diminishing the expected RR. Changes in serum VEGF, IL-8, and IL-6 after treatment may directly reflect changes in CRC tissue angiogenesis.
TL;DR: Treatment with intensified MAID did not improve response rate neither survival and cannot be recommended for advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma.
Abstract: Multidrug chemotherapy increases responses in advanced soft tissues sarcoma. Can a 20% increase of relative dose intensity of the MAID regimen, more improve responses? From 1994 to 1997, 162 patients were randomized in a phase III study to the conventional drug combination (6 cycles of MAID: 60, 7,500, 900 mg/m2 for doxorubicin, ifosfamide and dacarbazine respectively), or at doses 20–33% higher per cycle (5 cycles of intensified MAID for similar cumulative doses) with systematic G-CSF. Primary endpoint was response rate; secondary were toxicity, event-free and overall survival. The objective response rate in assessable patients was 38% with intensified MAID and 35% with MAID (p = 0.72). Event-free and overall survivals were similar in both arms. Only grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia and anemia were significantly higher in intensified arm. Treatment with intensified MAID did not improve response rate neither survival and cannot be recommended for advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma.
TL;DR: The study showed that 3-BrPA exhibits a strong anti-glycolytic effect on RMT cells implanted in rats, and FDG uptake did not significantly decrease in normal tissues after treatment.
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the anti-glycolytic effects of 3-BrPA on rats bearing RMT mammary tumors, by determining FDG uptake after intravenous administration of the therapeutic dose. Materials and Methods: Sixteen rats bearing RMT tumors were treated either with 15 mM 3-BrPA in 2.5 ml of PBS or with 2.5 ml of PBS. After treatment, all rats received FDG and were sacrificed 1 h later. Results: 3-BrPA treatment significantly decreased FDG uptake in tumors by 77% (p = 0.002). FDG uptake did not significantly decrease in normal tissues after treatment. Conclusion: Our study showed that 3-BrPA exhibits a strong anti-glycolytic effect on RMT cells implanted in rats.
TL;DR: Treatment with sunitinib was pursued and extensive pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis was shown, and focal areas of ulceration of the mucosa withtransmural acute and chronic inflammation and giant cellreaction were found.
Abstract: Keywords Pneumatosis.Intestinalperforations.Sunitinibtreatment.RenalcellcarcinomaCase historiesPatient 1 A woman with renal cell carcinoma (RCC)presented with sudden right sided flank pain and anuria.Two years earlier she was diagnosed with RCC clear celltype and had a left-sided nephrectomy performed at thattime. Her initial staging evaluation revealed multiplepulmonary nodules consistent with metastatic disease andshe was started on sorafenib therapy. She remained on thistherapy for 9 months, but was then found to haveprogressive disease and high-dose interleukin-2 (IL2) wasinitiated. The patient developed bilateral pulmonary edemaduring her initial course of IL2 which was believed to besecondary to IL2-induced capillary leak and requiredendotracheal intubation. Accordingly, IL2 was abandonedwithout completing a full course and treatment withsunitinib (50 mg daily for 4 weeks followed by a 2 weekbreak) was pursued.Thirteen months after starting sunitinib, the patientdescribed approximately 12 h of acute right-sided flankpain with no urine output over that time period. Her pasthistory included a tiny calculus in the right kidney. Shedenied vomiting, diarrhea or recent change in her bowelmovements. Laboratory analysis revealed a lactate of3.5 mmol/l (normal range 0.5–2.2 mmol/l). A computedtomography (CT) exam of the abdomen and pelvis wasordered, showing colonic pneumatosis on the right andpneumoretroperitoneum (Fig. 1a–d). The patient proceededto surgery, with placement of a ureteral stent and a right-sided hemi-colectomy. Cystoscopy and an intraoperativeretrograde ureteropyelogram did not demonstrate an ob-structive stone and the anuria was attributed to gastrointes-tinal perforation (GIP). Pathologic examination of the rightcolon showed extensive pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis(Fig. 1e) and focal areas of ulceration of the mucosa withtransmural acute and chronic inflammation and giant cellreaction (Fig. 1f); microthrombi were observed in thevessels of the lamina propria. Three regional lymph nodes
TL;DR: Oral administration of Withaferin-A to DMBA-painted hamsters not only completely prevented oral squamous cell carcinoma formation but also significantly prevented the alterations of p53 and bcl-2 expressions.
Abstract: Oral cancer, the fifth most frequent cancer worldwide, is a major health problem and accounts for highest morbidity and mortality in human populations. This form of cancer accounts for 40–50% of all cancers in developing countries including India. Despite recent advancement in the treatment, imaging and diagnosis of oral carcinoma, a 5-year survival and mortality rate for this cancer is still at 50%. Our aim was to study the protective effect of Withaferin-A on molecular pathogenesis of oral cancer by evaluating the immunoexpression of p53 and bcl-2 proteins. Oral squamous cell carcinoma was developed in the left buccal pouch of golden Syrian hamsters by painting with 0.5% 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA), three times a week for 14 weeks. We observed 100% tumor formation with high tumor volume and burden in the DMBA alone painted hamsters as compared to control hamsters. We also observed markedly altered expression of p53 and bcl-2 proteins in tumor tissues of oral cancer bearing hamsters. Oral administration of Withaferin-A to DMBA-painted hamsters not only completely prevented oral squamous cell carcinoma formation but also significantly prevented the alterations of p53 and bcl-2 expressions. Our results thus suggest that Withaferin-A has significant protective role against DMBA induced molecular alterations in the buccal mucosa of golden Syrian hamsters.
TL;DR: Dietary supplementation of silymarin exerted beneficial effects on liver carcinogenesis by attenuating the recruitment of mast cells and thereby decreased the expressions of MMP-2 and M MP-9.
Abstract: Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide but because of very poor prognosis, it is the third most common cause of death from cancer. There are currently limited therapeutic regimens available for effective treatment of this cancer. Silymarin is a naturally derived polyphenolic antioxidant, is the active constituent in a widely consumed dietary supplement milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extract. Mast cells play an important role in the inflammatory component of a developing neoplasm; they are also a major source for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are involved in invasion and angiogenesis. In the present study, we investigated whether dietary supplementation of silymarin has any role in mast cell density (MCD) and in the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in N-nitrosodiethylamine induced (NDEA) liver cancer in Wistar albino male rats. NDEA administered rats showed increased MCD as revealed by toluidine blue staining along with upregulated expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Silymarin treatment inhibited this increase in MCD and downregulated the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as revealed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, silymarin exerted beneficial effects on liver carcinogenesis by attenuating the recruitment of mast cells and thereby decreased the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9.
TL;DR: Patients with recurrent gliomas with localization in the basal ganglia survive significantly longer than those with tumors at lobar localization and presence of PTBE contributes to symptoms, likely to be implicated in the morbidity and invading potential of malignant glioma.
Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to establish a correlation of tumor topography and peritumoral brain edema with the therapeutic response to intranasal administration of perillyl alcohol (POH) in a cohort of patients with recurrent malignant gliomas. Methods: The retrospective study reviewed clinical and neuroradiological data from patients with recurrent malignant gliomas who received intranasal daily administration of POH 440 mg. The following parameters were assessed: demographic characteristics, initial symptoms, overall survival, tumor topography and tumor size, presence of midline shift and extent of peritumoral edema. Statistical analysis was carried out with log rank tests and overall survival as assessed by Kaplan–Meier method including 95% confidence intervals. Results: A cohort of 67 patients included 52 (78%) with glioblastoma (GBM), ten (15%) with anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) and five (7%) with anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AO). Accordingly to tumor topography lobar localization was present in all (5/5) AO; eight (8/10) and 41 GBM patients whereas in the basal ganglia two AA and 11 GBM patients. It was also observed a relation between the tumor size and area of peritumoral brain edema (PTBE). Patients with good therapeutic response showed reduction of tumor size and PTBE area, but poor prognosis was associated with lack of response to treatment and persistence of high PTBE. Patients with tumor in the basal ganglia survived significantly longer than those with lobar gliomas (log rank test, p = 0.0003). Presence of midline shift (>1 cm) was a statistically significant risk factor for shorter survival (log rank test, p = 0.0062) Conclusions: This study suggests that: (1) patients with recurrent gliomas with localization in the basal ganglia survive significantly longer than those with tumors at lobar localization; (2) presence of PTBE contributes to symptoms, likely to be implicated in the morbidity and invading potential of malignant gliomas. These findings support the theory that interaction between glioma cells at distinct brain microenvironment can influence the oncobiological behavior of glioma cells and ultimately to the prognosis.
TL;DR: The position and number of substituents in benzyl group attached to N−8 of diazaspiro bicyclo hydantoin nucleus interacted selectively with specific targets leading to the difference of biochemical and pharmacological effects.
Abstract: To study the structure activity relationship (SAR) on the cytotoxic activity and probe the structural requirement for the potent antitumor activity, a series of novel diazaspiro bicyclo hydantoin derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, LCMS and IR analyses. The antiproliferative effect of these compounds were determined against human leukemia, K562 (chronic myelogenous leukemia) and CEM (T-cell leukemia) cells using trypan blue and MTT assay, and the SAR associated with the position of N-terminal substituents in diazaspiro bicyclo hydantoin have also been discussed. It has been observed that these compounds displayed strong, moderate and weak cytotoxic activities. Interestingly, compounds having electron withdrawing groups at third and fourth position of the phenyl ring displayed selectively cytotoxic activities to both the cell lines tested with IC50 value lower than 50 μM. In addition, the cytotoxic activities of the compounds 7(a–o) bearing the substituents at N−3 position of diazaspiro bicyclo hydantoin increases in the order alkene > ester > ether and plays an important role in determining their antitumor activities. The position and number of substituents in benzyl group attached to N−8 of diazaspiro bicyclo hydantoin nucleus interacted selectively with specific targets leading to the difference of biochemical and pharmacological effects.
TL;DR: Modulation of M4-LDH by this compound in a T-cell lymphoma (Dalton’s Lymphoma: DL) vis a vis regression of the tumor in vivo is described to suggest that Ru(II)-CNEB is able to regress Dalton’'s lymphoma in vivo via declining M4 -LDH and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction–apoptosis pathway without producing any toxicity to the normal tissues.
Abstract: A novel ruthenium(II)-complex containing 4-carboxy N-ethylbenzamide (Ru(II)-CNEB) was found to interact with and inhibit M4-lactate dehydrogenase (M4-LDH), a tumor growth supportive enzyme, at the tissue level. The present article describes modulation of M4-LDH by this compound in a T-cell lymphoma (Dalton’s Lymphoma: DL) vis a vis regression of the tumor in vivo. The compound showed a dose dependent cytotoxicity to DL cells in vitro. When a non toxic dose (10 mg/kg bw i.p.) of Ru(II)-CNEB was administered to DL bearing mice, it also produced a significant decline in DL cell viability in vivo. The DL cells from Ru(II)-CNEB treated DL mice showed a significant decline in the level of M4-LDH with a concomitant release of this protein in the cell free ascitic fluid. A significant increase of nuclear DNA fragmentation in DL cells from Ru(II)-CNEB treated DL mice also coincided with the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c in those DL cells. Importantly, neither blood based biochemical markers of liver damage nor the normal patterns of LDH isozymes in other tissues were affected due to the treatment of DL mice with the compound. These results were also comparable with the effects of cisplatin (an anticancer drug) observed simultaneously on DL mice. The findings suggest that Ru(II)-CNEB is able to regress Dalton’s lymphoma in vivo via declining M4-LDH and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction–apoptosis pathway without producing any toxicity to the normal tissues.
TL;DR: Fenretinide is well tolerated in patients with SCLC and stabilization of disease was noted in 24% of patients with this aggressive disease, however, after the first stage of enrollment, the response rate did not meet criteria to proceed with full trial accrual.
Abstract: Background Alterations in retinoid signaling appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Fenretinide [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide], a synthetic retinoid, inhibits the growth of SCLC cells in vitro via the induction of apoptosis. Since these data suggested that SCLC is the adult solid tumor that is most susceptible to fenretinide, a trial to evaluate the clinical activity of fenretinide in patients with SCLC was considered the definitive test of its clinical potential in adult oncology. Methods Patients with progressive SCLC after one or two prior chemotherapy regimens and a performance status of 0–2 were eligible for the study. Patients with stable, treated brain metastases were eligible. Fenretinide 900 mg/m2 twice daily was administered orally on days 1–7 of each 21-day cycle. Blood and saliva were collected pre-treatment and on day 7 of cycle 1 to measure fenretinide and retinol levels by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results Nineteen patients were enrolled. Fifteen patients had one prior chemotherapy regimen and four patients had two prior regimens. The median time from diagnosis to enrollment was 10 months. A median of two cycles of fenretinide was administered. There were no objective responses, but four of 17 evaluable patients (24%) had stable disease after 2–17 cycles. The median time to treatment failure was 5.7 weeks overall, while the four patients with stable disease demonstrated treatment failure at 11, 13, 19, and 52 weeks. Median survival was 25 weeks, with one patient alive 22 months after the start of treatment. The 1-year survival rate was 29%. Toxicity included mild, reversible visual changes (haziness, altered night vision), grade 1–3 nausea/vomiting, and grade 1–2 diarrhea. The mean day 7 plasma fenretinide level was 2.90 ± 1.66 μg/ml (7.40 ± 4.25 μM; n = 14). The mean pre-treatment and day 7 plasma retinol levels were 0.47 ± 0.16 μg/ml and 0.05 ± 0.07 μg/ml (n = 8), respectively. The mean day 7 salivary fenretinide level was 0.08 ± 0.18 μg/ml, with no correlation between salivary and plasma drug levels. Conclusions Fenretinide is well tolerated in patients with SCLC and stabilization of disease was noted in 24% of patients with this aggressive disease. However, after the first stage of enrollment, the response rate did not meet criteria to proceed with full trial accrual. Plasma concentrations of fenretinide that induce cytotoxicity in vitro in SCLC cell lines are clinically achievable, but there were no objective responses. Non-invasive drug monitoring using saliva underestimates systemic exposure.
TL;DR: Bortezomib can be regarded as a promising agent for the treatment of ovarian cancer and could be administered as a single agent or in combination with TRAIL, but a combination treatment with taxanes may not be beneficial and may even be less effective.
Abstract: Bortezomib, an approved drug for the treatment of certain haematological neoplasms, is currently being tested in clinical trials as a potential therapeutic agent against several types of solid cancer, including ovarian cancer. We have analyzed the effect of bortezomib on ovarian cancer cells and tissue explants either as a single agent or in combination with carboplatin, taxol, or TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand). Bortezomib alone efficiently induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. Apoptosis was preceded by an upregulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress sensor ATF3, and increased the expression of cytoplasmic heat shock proteins. Bortezomib enhanced the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells and tissue explants to an apoptosis-inducing TRAIL receptor antibody by upregulating the TRAIL receptor DR5. In contrast to the synergistic effect observed for TRAIL, the efficacy of the taxol treatment was reduced by bortezomib, and bortezomib inhibited the G2/M phase accumulation of ovarian cancer cells treated with taxol. Bortezomib alone or in combination with taxol induced a cell cycle arrest within the S phase, and downregulation of cdk1, a cyclin-dependent kinase that is necessary for the entry into the M phase. Thus, bortezomib can be regarded as a promising agent for the treatment of ovarian cancer and could either be administered as a single agent or in combination with TRAIL. However, a combination treatment with taxanes may not be beneficial and may even be less effective.
TL;DR: There must always remain a high index of suspicion regarding bowel perforation in patients developing acute abdominal pain under bevacizumab therapy, even if they have no apparent risk factors.
Abstract: Background: Bevacizumab is increasingly used in combination with chemotherapy for treatment of unresectable non-small cell lung cancer. The aim of this report is to underline possible risks associated with this otherwise well-tolerated drug. Patient: A 69-year-old patient with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer was started on a palliative chemotherapy regimen containing carboplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab. Results: After the second cycle of chemotherapy, the patient developed abdominal pain. On emergency laparotomy, there was diffuse perforation of the colonic wall, so the patient underwent a Hartmann's procedure with subtotal colectomy. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ischemic colitis. Conclusion: Gastrointestinal perforation is a known adverse event of bevacizumab therapy which so far has occurred only in patients with predisposing risk factors. Our patient illustrates that there must always remain a high index of suspicion regarding bowel perforation in patients developing acute abdominal pain under bevacizumab therapy, even if they have no apparent risk factors.
TL;DR: In patients with advanced CRC, once-daily vandetanib (100 or 300 mg) with mFOLFOX6 was generally well tolerated and preliminary efficacy results included one complete response and three confirmed partial responses.
Abstract: Background: Vandetanib (ZACTIMA™) is a once-daily oral inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor and RET receptor tyrosine kinases. The safety and tolerability of vandetanib plus mFOLFOX6 was investigated in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: Patients eligible for first- or second-line chemotherapy received once-daily oral doses of vandetanib (100 or 300 mg) plus 14-day treatment cycles of mFOLFOX6. Results: Seventeen patients received vandetanib 100 mg (n = 9) or 300 mg (n = 8) plus mFOLFOX6. The protocol definition of a tolerable dose (vandetanib-related dose-limiting toxicity [DLT] in less than two patients) was met in both dose cohorts, with one DLT of diarrhoea reported in each. Overall, the most common adverse events were diarrhoea, nausea and lethargy (all n = 11). There was no pharmacokinetic interaction between vandetanib and mFOLFOX6. Preliminary efficacy results included one complete response and three confirmed partial responses. Conclusions: In patients with advanced CRC, once-daily vandetanib (100 or 300 mg) with mFOLFOX6 was generally well tolerated.
TL;DR: Flexible heteroarotinoids (Flex-Hets) compounds regulate growth, differentiation and apoptosis in cancer cells through alteration of angiogenic factor secretion by cancer cells and through direct effects on endothelial cells.
Abstract: Flexible heteroarotinoids (Flex-Hets) compounds regulate growth, differentiation and apoptosis in cancer cells. The hypothesis of this study was that the lead Flex-Het, SHetA2, inhibits angiogenesis by blocking cytokine release from cancer cells. SHetA2 altered secretion of thrombospondin-4 (TSP-4), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) proteins from normal and cancerous ovarian and renal cultures. Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) expression was inhibited in cancer, but not normal cultures. Endothelial tube formation was stimulated by conditioned media from cancer but not normal cultures, and SHetA2 reduced secretion of this angiogenic activity. SHetA2 directly inhibited endothelial cell tube formation and proliferation through G1 cell cycle arrest, but not apoptosis. Recombinant TP reversed SHetA2 anti-angiogenic activity. SHetA2 inhibition of in vivo angiogenesis was observed in Caki-1 renal cancer xenografts. In conclusion, SHetA2 inhibits angiogenesis through alteration of angiogenic factor secretion by cancer cells and through direct effects on endothelial cells.
TL;DR: It is found that KITC exerted considerable antitumor activity against human pancreatic cancer cells and could be a promising candidate for further investigations to establish a new chemotherapeutic regimen.
Abstract: Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive malignant disease due to lack of early diagnosis and chemotherapeutic resistance of the tumor cells. There is distinct evidence that food derived polyphenols possess chemopreventive effects in the development of several cancers including pancreatic carcinoma. Resveratrol is one of those phenolic compounds found in grape skins and other fruits with known anticancer activity. Various polymethoxylated resveratrol derivatives showed stronger antiproliferative effects than resveratrol in tumor cell lines. The aim of our study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and biochemical effects of a newly synthesized polymethoxylated resveratrol analogue, N-hydroxy-N′-(3,4,5-trimethoxphenyl)-3,4,5-trimethoxy-benzamidine (KITC) in two human pancreatic cancer cell lines. The human pancreatic cancer cell lines, AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 were used to test the potential inhibitory effect of the resveratrol derivative on cell proliferation and the underlying mechanisms of this effect. After 7 days of incubation, KITC inhibited the growth of AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells with IC50 values of 9.6 and 8.7 μM, respectively. KITC (40 μM) arrested cells in the G0/G1 phase and depleted cells in the S phase of the cell cycle (−105% and −35% of control, respectively). KITC induced dose-dependent apoptosis in both pancreatic cancer cell lines and was found to significantly reduce the in situ activity of ribonucleotide reductase, the key enzyme of DNA synthesis. Employing growth inhibition assays, KITC acted synergistically with gemcitabine in both cell lines. In summary, we found that KITC exerted considerable antitumor activity against human pancreatic cancer cells and could be a promising candidate for further investigations to establish a new chemotherapeutic regimen.