scholarly journals AB0332 IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE AND IMMONOMODULATING AGENTS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CLINICAL TRIALS AND THEIR CURRENT DEVELOPMENT STAGE

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1464.1-1465
Author(s):  
J. Blaess ◽  
J. Walther ◽  
J. E. Gottenberg ◽  
J. Sibilia ◽  
L. Arnaud ◽  
...  

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most frequent chronic inflammatory diseases with an incidence of 0.5% to 1%. Therapeutic arsenal of RA has continuously expanded in recent years with the recent therapeutic progress with the arrival of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), biological (bDMARDs) and targeted synthetic (tsDMARDs), JAK inhibitors. However, there are still some unmet needs for patients who do not achieve remission and who continue to worsen despite treatments. Of note, only approximately 40% of patients are ACR70 responders, in most randomized controlled trials. For these patients, finding new therapeutic avenues is challenging.Objectives:The objective of our study was to analyze the whole pipeline of immunosuppressive and immunomodulating drugs evaluated in RA and describe their mechanisms of action and stage of clinical development.Methods:We conducted a systematic review of all drug therapies in clinical development in RA in 17 databases of international clinical trials. Inclusion criterion: study from one of the databases using the keywords “Rheumatoid arthritis” (search date: June 1, 2019). Exclusion criteria: non-drug trials, trials not related to RA or duplicates. We also excluded dietary regimen or supplementations, cellular therapies, NSAIDs, glucorticoids or their derivatives and non-immunosuppressive or non-immunomodulating drugs. For each csDMARD, bDMARD and tsDMARD, we considered the study at the most advanced stage. For bDMARDs, we did not take into account biosimilars.Results:The research identified 4652 trials, of which 242 for 243 molecules met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The developed molecules belong to csDMARDs (n=21), bDMARDs (n=117), tsDMARDs (n=105).Among the 21 csDMARDs molecules: 8 (38%) has been withdrawn, 4 (19%) are already labelled in RA (hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, methotrexate and sulfasalazine) and 9 (43%) are in development: 1 (11%) is in phase I/II, 5 (56%) in phase II, 3 (33%) in phase IV.Among the 117 bDMARDs molecules: 69 (59%) has been withdrawn, 9 (8%) are labeled in RA (abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, sarilumab, tocilizumab) and 39 (33%) are in development: 9 (23%) in phase I, 3 (8%) in phase I/II, 21 (54%) in phase II, 5 (12%) are in phase III, 1 (3%) in phase IV. bDMARDs currently under development target B cells (n=4), T cells (n=2), T/B cells costimulation (n=2),TNF alpha (n=2), Interleukine 1 or his receptor (n=3), Interleukine 6 or his receptor (n=7), Interleukine 17 (n=4), Interleukine 23 (n=1), GM-CSF (n=1), other cytokines or chemokines (n=5), integrins or adhesion proteins (n=3), interferon receptor (n=1) and various other targets (n=4).Among the 105 tsDMARDs molecules: 64 (61%) has been withdrawn, 6 (6%) JAK inhibitors, have just been or will probably soon be labelled (baricitinib, filgotinib, peficitinib, tofacitinib and upadacitinib), 35 (33%) are in development: 8 (24%) in phase I, 26 (74%) in phase II, 1 (3%) in phase III and. tsDMARDs currently under development target tyrosine kinase (n=12), janus kinase (JAK) (n=3), sphingosine phostate (n=3), PI3K pathway (n=1), phosphodiesterase-4 (n=3) B cells signaling pathways (n=3) and various other targets (n=10).Conclusion:A total of 242 therapeutic trials involving 243 molecules have been or are being evaluated in RA. This development does not always lead to new treatments since 141 (58%) have already been withdrawn. Hopefully, some of the currently evaluated drugs will contribute to improve the therapeutic management of RA patients, requiring a greater personalization of therapeutic strategies, both in the choice of molecules and their place in therapeutic sequences.Disclosure of Interests:Julien Blaess: None declared, Julia Walther: None declared, Jacques-Eric Gottenberg Grant/research support from: BMS, Pfizer, Consultant of: BMS, Sanofi-Genzyme, UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly and Co., Roche, Sanofi-Genzyme, UCB, Jean Sibilia: None declared, Laurent Arnaud: None declared, Renaud FELTEN: None declared

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S746-S754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerhard Rogler

Abstract Inhibition of Janus kinases [JAKs] in Crohn’s disease [CD] patients has shown conflicting results in clinical trials. Tofacitinib, a pan-JAK inhibitor, showed efficacy in ulcerative colitis [UC] and has been approved for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe UC. In contrast, studies in CD patients were disappointing and the primary end point of clinical remission could not be met in the respective phase II induction and maintenance trials. Subsequently, the clinical development of tofacitinib was discontinued in CD. In contrast, efficacy of filgotinib, a selective JAK1 inhibitor, in CD patients was demonstrated in the randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase II FITZROY study. Upadacitinib also showed promising results in a phase II trial in moderate to severe CD. Subsequently, phase III programmes in CD have been initiated for both substances, which are still ongoing. Several newer molecules of this class of orally administrated immunosuppressants are being tested in clinical programmes. The concern of side effects of systemic JAK inhibition is addressed by either exclusively intestinal action or higher selectivity [Tyk2 inhibitors]. In general, JAK inhibitors constitute a new promising class of drugs for the treatment of CD.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e16053-e16053 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Alberto Lopez ◽  
Elham Azimi-Nekoo ◽  
Su Yun Chung ◽  
James Newman ◽  
Janice Shen ◽  
...  

e16053 Background: Fluoropyrimidines such as 5-FU and capecitabine are known to be cardiotoxic drugs. TAS-102 (trifluridine-tipiracil) is a novel oral fluoropyrimidine that was recently FDA approved to treat gastric and colon cancer. However, the incidence of cardiac related events of TAS-102 is not fully ascertained. We performed a meta-analysis and systematic review to determine the incidence of cardiotoxic events associated with TAS-102. Methods: We performed a literature search through PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify any publications in any language up to December 31st, 2019 where TAS-102 (and equivalent terms such as “trifluridine-tipiracil” and “Lonsurf”) was used. These were then manually reviewed to identify any publications reporting cardiac events. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included for meta-analysis to determine the incidence of cardiotoxic events, which were summarized as pooled odds ratios (OR) when compared to placebo. Non-randomized, non-controlled clinical trials (phase I and phase II studies) were included in the systematic review but excluded from the pooled OR calculation. Results: 869 publications were identified in the initial literature search, of which 17 trials (3 Phase III studies, 6 Phase II studies, and 8 phase I studies) met inclusion criteria. A total of 1,877 patients among 4 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, TAS-102 did not increase the risk of myocardial infarction (OR 1.97 95% CI [0.22-17.89]), hypertension (OR 0.73 95% CI [0.37, 1.44]), palpitations (OR 1.51 95% CI [0.30, 7.56]), cardio-pulmonary arrest (OR 0.83 95% CI [0.11-6.32]), or syncope (OR 1.50 95% CI [0.06-37.14]). Among the 1,252 patients receiving TAS-102, the overall incidence of cardiovascular events was low, with hypertension being the most common side effect (21 events), followed by palpitations (6 events), cardiopulmonary arrest (2 events), and myocardial infarction (3 events), though there was no statistically significant increased risk compared to placebo. No deaths were reported. Conclusions: Unlike other fluoropyrimidines, TAS-102 appears to be a cardiogentle drug, with no increased risk of cardiac events compared to placebo. Since fluoropyrimidines remain the backbone of treatment for gastrointestinal malignancies, TAS-102 can offer an alternative to patients who developed cardiotoxicities from other agents. Prospective studies with consideration of cardiac risk factors are required.


Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 26-27
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ans Sharif ◽  
Muhammad Salman Faisal ◽  
Yazan Samhouri ◽  
Laila Hashim ◽  
Muhammad Yasir ◽  
...  

Background: The JAK-STAT pathway is a vital signaling pathway for various cytokines and growth factors. An abnormal upregulation of this pathway is seen in myeloproliferative disorders, especially the classic BCR-ABL negative myelofibrosis (MF). Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) have been evaluated in various clinical trials regarding their efficacy in improving the outcomes for MF patients. In this review, we looked at the reduction of splenomegaly and symptom improvement as markers for efficacy of JAKi. Methods: We did a comprehensive literature search, following PRISMA guidelines, on PubMed, Cochrane, clinicaltrials.gov and Embase databases. We used MeSH terms and related keywords for MF and JAKi, including generic and trade names. We screened 3261 articles and selected 23 trials for our study. Case reports, case series, meta-analysis, review articles, observational studies, phase I trials and studies not reporting spleen response were excluded. Spleen and symptom responses were used to determine the efficacy of JAK inhibitors. Spleen volume reduction (SVR) by >35%, spleen length reduction (SLR) by >50% and total symptom score (TSS) improvement by >50% were set as benchmarks for a positive response. Results: We included 23 trials (n= 4739) in our review. There were 15 phase II trials (n=964) and 8 phase III trials (n=3775). Of these 23 trials, 7 trials (n=598) included patients with median age below 65 years, while 16 trials (n=4141) included patients of median age more than 65 years. Of the 9 of trials of ruxolitinib, 4 were phase III trials (n= 2809) and 5 were phase II trials (n= 416). The dose of ruxolitinib used in these trials ranged from 5 mg twice daily to 20 mg twice daily. The percentage of patients who achieved spleen response ranged from 15.6% to 71.7%. There were 5 trials (n= 861) that evaluated efficacy of momelotinib. Three were phase II trials (n= 221), while 2 were phase III trials (n=326). The doses ranged from 150mg to 300mg. The splenic response in patients ranged from 7% to 48%. In one phase 3 randomized control trial, efficacy of momelotinib (N=215)and roxulotinib (N=217) were compared, and were found to be equally efficacious in terms of spleen response (26.5% in the momelotinib group while 29% in the ruxolitinib group) and symptom response (28.4% in the momelotinib group and 42.2% in the ruxolitinib group). In 4 trials (n= 453) of fedratinib, there were 2 phase II trials (n= 127) and 2 phase III trials (n=326). The splenic response ranged from 31% to 73% of the patient population. In phase II JAKARTA2 study, patients who were resistant or intolerant to ruxolitinib showed SVR of 31%. Lestaurtunib, Ilgitanib, pacritinib and itacitinib were studied in 2,1,1, and 1 phase II trials, respectively. The splenic response was 75%, 31%, 31%, and 68.8% respectively. Symptom response was reported in 12 studies (N=1477). The percentage of patients who achieved symptom response receiving roxulotinib were 20.8-49%, momelotinib (28.4-30.7%), ictatinib (51.1-59.4%), practinib (48%), and fedratinib (27-36%). In terms of safety, the most common hematological side effects seen were anemia (15% - 65%), thrombocytopenia (1.3% - 64%) and neutropenia (1% - 28%). These side effects were seen equally with different medications. The most common non hematological adverse effects included diarrhea (4% - 32%), abdominal pain (2.6% - 27.1%) and fatigue (1.3% - 10%). Conclusion Splenomegaly and associated symptoms are major source of morbidity in MF patients. The rapid advancement in novel agents in the last decade changed the treatment paradigm in this disorder. Our systematic review summarizes the effect of JAKi on spleen and symptom responses. Disclosures Anwer: Incyte, Seattle Genetics, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie Pharma, Astellas Pharma, Celegene, Millennium Pharmaceuticals.: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Fazal:Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Karyopharm: Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Agios: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Gilead/Kite: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Stemline: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Jazz: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Speakers Bureau.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 1759720X2095997
Author(s):  
Julien Blaess ◽  
Julia Walther ◽  
Arthur Petitdemange ◽  
Jacques-Eric Gottenberg ◽  
Jean Sibilia ◽  
...  

Aims: With the arrival of conventional synthetic (csDMARDs), biological (bDMARDS) and then targeted synthetic (tsDMARDs) disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, the therapeutic arsenal against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has recently expanded. However, there are still some unmet needs for patients who do not achieve remission and continue to worsen despite treatments. Of note, most randomized controlled trials show that, for methotrexate-inadequate responders, only 20% of patients are ACR70 responders. With our better understanding of RA pathogenesis, finding new treatments is a necessary challenge. The objective of our study was to analyse the whole pipeline of immunosuppressive and immunomodulating drugs evaluated in RA and describe their mechanisms of action and stage of clinical development. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of all drugs in clinical development in RA, in 17 online registries of clinical trials. Results: The search yielded 4652 trials, from which we identified 243 molecules. Those molecules belong to csDMARDs ( n = 22), bDMARDs ( n = 118), tsDMARDs ( n = 103). Twenty-four molecules are already marketed in RA in at least one country: eight csDMARDs, 10 bDMARDs and six tsDMARDs. Molecules under current development are mainly bDMARDs ( n = 34) and tsDMARDs ( n = 33). Seven of those have reached phase III. A large number of molecules (150/243, 61.7%) have been withdrawn. Conclusion: Despite the availability of 24 marketed molecules, the development of new targeted molecules is ongoing with a total of 243 molecules in RA. With seven molecules currently reaching phase III, we can expect an increase in the armamentarium in the years to come.


Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 5477-5477
Author(s):  
Ali Younas Khan ◽  
Muhammad Junaid Tariq ◽  
Muhammad Usman ◽  
Awais Ijaz ◽  
Abdul Rafae ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Myelofibrosis (MF), a BCR-ABL negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), has an annual incidence of 1 in 100000 for the primary MF and 0.3-0.7 in 100000 for secondary MF in the USA. MF patients have a median survival of 6.5 years. The primary mutation, JAK2V617F, occurs in 40-60% of MF cases. Ruxolotinib, a JAK inhibitor, has been the mainstay in treating high risk, debilitating MF but largely clinical needs are unmet. Methods A comprehensive literature research was performed using PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science and Clinicaltrials.gov. We included all trials that were under development in phase I/II/III trials. Our search identified 1642 full-length manuscripts or abstracts with published results in the last decade ( Jan 2007 till Dec 2017) were screened for relevant studies. After screening by 2 independent reviewers, 212 articles were finalized for our final analyses. We have reviewed the mechanism of action, safety and efficacy of 2nd generation JAK inhibitors in this review. Results JAK1 inhibitor: Itacitinib reduced total symptom score (TSS) ≥ 50% in 15/42 (36%) patients. Mild gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances and some grade 3-4 myelosuppression (anemia: 33%, thrombocytopenia: 29%) were reported. JAK2 inhibitors: In PERSIST-1, pacritinib when compared to best available therapy (BAT) showed SVR ≥ 35% in 19.1% vs. 4.7% patients, with lower rates of myelosuppression (thrombocytopenia: 17%, anemia: 11%). In PERSIST-2, a phase III trial of pacritinb vs. BAT in patients with baseline cytopenias, similar efficacy was demonstrated (SVR ≥ 35%: 18% vs. 3%). Increasing rates of heart failure and intracranial hemorrhages led to a temporary hold which was lifted in August 2017. Lestaurtinib showed CI in 7 (44%) patients in a phase I trial (n=16) and 6 (27%) patients in a phase II trial (n=22). Most notable toxicities were G 1/2 GI disturbances, anemia occurred in 14% and thrombocytopenia in 23% of patients. In a phase III trial (n=193), fedratinib showed a SVR ≥ 35% and a TSS ≥ 50% in 40% and 36% patients, respectively. However, incidence of significant neurotoxicity and Wernicke's encephalopathy led to its suspension. Similarly, a trial of XL019 was terminated due to emergence of central and peripheral neurotoxicity. In a phase I trial (n=48), NS-018 exhibited a spleen length reduction (SLR) ≥ 50% in 20 (56%) patients along with prompt improvement in bone marrow fibrosis (37%). Anemia and thrombocytopenia were reported in 15% and 27% of patients, respectively. Dizziness (23%) and nausea (19%) were also reported. Gandotinib demonstrated SLR ≥50% in 62% patients, in a phase I trial (n=38). G1 diarrhea (55.3%) and nausea (42.1%) were the most common toxicities. JAK 1/2 inhibitors: SIMPLIFY-1 (S1), a phase III clinical trial (n=432) of momelotinib vs. ruxolotinib in JAK inhibitor-naïve patients, demonstrated non-inferiority for momelotinib, in spleen volume reduction (SVR) ≥ 35% (26.5% vs. 29%; p=0.01). However, SIMPLIFY-2 trial (S2), that compared these two drugs in JAK inhibitor exposed patients did not achieve similar responses with momelotinib (6.7% vs. 5.8%; p=0.90). Interestingly, momelotinib excelled at achieving transfusion independency in both trials (S1: 66.5% vs. 49.3%; p=0.001, S2: 43.3% vs 21.2%; p=0.001). Grade ≥ 3 infections and peripheral neuropathy were the major toxicities noted. These trials were suspended after 89% of patients failed to achieve the primary endpoint of SVR. AZD1480 demonstrated clinical improvement (CI) in four (11%) patients in a phase I trial (n=35). Most common adverse events included grade (G) 1-2 dizziness and anemia. Conclusion Novel JAK pathway inhibitors have shown promising efficacy in MF but safety concerns regarding the hematological (cytopenias) and non-hematological adverse effects needs to be addressed until their use in clinical practice is established. Momelotinib success in achieving anemia related endpoints is note-worthy and should be further explored in this regard. A phase II study [NCT03165734] evaluating pacritinib monotherapy as a second line treatment in patients with baseline thrombocytopenia is ongoing. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


RMD Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. e001395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley B Cohen ◽  
Yoshiya Tanaka ◽  
Xavier Mariette ◽  
Jeffrey R Curtis ◽  
Eun Bong Lee ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We report the largest integrated safety analysis of tofacitinib, as of March 2017, using data from phase I, II, III, IIIb/IV and long-term extension studies in adult patients with RA.MethodsData were pooled for patients with RA who received ≥1 tofacitinib dose. Incidence rates (IRs; patients with events/100 patient-years [PY]; 95% CIs) of first-time occurrences were obtained for adverse events (AEs) of interest.Results7061 patients received tofacitinib (total exposure: 22 875 PY; median [range] exposure: 3.1 [0 to 9.6] years). IRs (95% CI) for serious AEs, serious infections, herpes zoster (all), opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis [TB]) and TB were 9.0 (8.6 to 9.4), 2.5 (2.3 to 2.7), 3.6 (3.4 to 3.9), 0.4 (0.3 to 0.5) and 0.2 (0.1 to 0.2), respectively. IRs (95% CI) for malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer [NMSC]), NMSC and lymphomas were 0.8 (0.7 to 0.9), 0.6 (0.5 to 0.7) and 0.1 (0.0 to 0.1), respectively. IRs (95% CI) for gastrointestinal perforations, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, venous thromboembolism, arterial thromboembolism and major adverse cardiovascular events were 0.1 (0.1 to 0.2), 0.2 (0.1 to 0.2), 0.1 (0.1 to 0.2), 0.3 (0.2 to 0.3), 0.4 (0.3 to 0.5) and 0.4 (0.3 to 0.5), respectively. IR (95% CI) for mortality was 0.3 (0.2 to 0.3). IRs generally remained consistent across 6-month intervals to >78 months.ConclusionThis represents the largest clinical dataset for a JAK inhibitor in RA to date. IRs remained consistent with previous reports from the tofacitinib RA clinical development programme, and stable over time.Trial registration numbersNCT01262118; NCT01484561; NCT00147498; NCT00413660; NCT00550446; NCT00603512; NCT00687193; NCT01164579; NCT00976599; NCT01059864; NCT01359150; NCT02147587; NCT00960440; NCT00847613; NCT00814307; NCT00856544; NCT00853385; NCT01039688; NCT02187055; NCT00413699; NCT00661661.For summary of phase I, phase II, phase III, phase IIIb/IV and LTE studies included in the integrated safety analysis, see online supplemental table 1.


Praxis ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 107 (17-18) ◽  
pp. 951-958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Wilhelm

Zusammenfassung. Herzinsuffizienz ist ein klinisches Syndrom mit unterschiedlichen Ätiologien und Phänotypen. Die überwachte Bewegungstherapie und individuelle körperliche Aktivität ist bei allen Formen eine Klasse-IA-Empfehlung in aktuellen Leitlinien. Eine Bewegungstherapie kann unmittelbar nach Stabilisierung einer akuten Herzinsuffizienz im Spital begonnen werden (Phase I). Sie kann nach Entlassung in einem stationären oder ambulanten Präventions- und Rehabilitationsprogramm fortgesetzt werden (Phase II). Typische Elemente sind Ausdauer-, Kraft- und Atemtraining. Die Kosten werden von der Krankenversicherung für drei bis sechs Monate übernommen. In erfahrenen Zentren können auch Patienten mit implantierten Defibrillatoren oder linksventrikulären Unterstützungssystemen trainieren. Wichtiges Ziel der Phase II ist neben muskulärer Rekonditionierung auch die Steigerung der Gesundheitskompetenz, um die Langzeit-Adhärenz bezüglich körperlicher Aktivität zu verbessern. In Phase III bieten Herzgruppen Unterstützung.


2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 136-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Vickers ◽  
Joyce Kuo ◽  
Barrie R. Cassileth

Purpose A substantial number of cancer patients turn to treatments other than those recommended by mainstream oncologists in an effort to sustain tumor remission or halt the spread of cancer. These unconventional approaches include botanicals, high-dose nutritional supplementation, off-label pharmaceuticals, and animal products. The objective of this study was to review systematically the methodologies applied in clinical trials of unconventional treatments specifically for cancer. Methods MEDLINE 1966 to 2005 was searched using approximately 200 different medical subject heading terms (eg, alternative medicine) and free text words (eg, laetrile). We sought prospective clinical trials of unconventional treatments in cancer patients, excluding studies with only symptom control or nonclinical (eg, immune) end points. Trial data were extracted by two reviewers using a standardized protocol. Results We identified 14,735 articles, of which 214, describing 198 different clinical trials, were included. Twenty trials were phase I, three were phase I and II, 70 were phase II, and 105 were phase III. Approximately half of the trials investigated fungal products, 20% investigated other botanicals, 10% investigated vitamins and supplements, and 10% investigated off-label pharmaceuticals. Only eight of the phase I trials were dose-finding trials, and a mere 20% of phase II trials reported a statistical design. Of the 27 different agents tested in phase III, only one agent had a prior dose-finding trial, and only for three agents was the definitive study initiated after the publication of phase II data. Conclusion Unconventional cancer treatments have not been subject to appropriate early-phase trial development. Future research on unconventional therapies should involve dose-finding and phase II studies to determine the suitability of definitive trials.


Author(s):  
Shuji Daimaru ◽  
Ryuji Takeuchi ◽  
Masaki Takeda ◽  
Masayuki Ishibashi

The Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory (MIU) is now under construction by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency in the Tono area of central Japan. The MIU project is being implemented in three overlapping Phases: Surface-based Investigation (Phase I), Construction (Phase II) and Operation (Phase III). The changes of groundwater pressure due to shaft excavation can be considered analogous to a large-scale pumping test. Therefore, there is the possibility that the site scale groundwater field (several km square) can be approximated by the long-term groundwater pressure monitoring data from Phase II. Based on the monitoring observations, hydrogeological characteristics were estimated using the s-log(t/r2) plot based on the Cooper-Jacob straight line method. Results of the s-log(t/r2) plots are as follows. The groundwater flow field around the MIU construction site is separated into domains by an impermeable fault. In other words, the fault is a hydraulic barrier. Hydraulic conductivity calculated from s-log(t/r2) plots are in the order of 1.0E−7(m/s). The above results from the long term monitoring during Phase II are a verification of the hydrogeological characteristics determined in the Phase I investigations.


2003 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 2926-2932 ◽  
Author(s):  
David H. Ilson ◽  
Manjit Bains ◽  
David P. Kelsen ◽  
Eileen O’Reilly ◽  
Martin Karpeh ◽  
...  

Purpose: To identify the maximum-tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of weekly irinotecan combined with cisplatin and radiation in esophageal cancer. Patients and Methods: Nineteen patients with clinical stage II to III esophageal squamous cell or adenocarcinoma were treated on this phase I trial. Induction chemotherapy with weekly cisplatin 30 mg/m2 and irinotecan 65 mg/m2 was administered for four treatments during weeks 1 to 5. Radiotherapy was delivered weeks 8 to 13 in 1.8-Gy daily fractions to a dose of 50.4 Gy. Cisplatin 30 mg/m2 and escalating-dose irinotecan (40, 50, 65, and 80 mg/m2) were administered on days 1, 8, 22, and 29 of radiotherapy. DLT was defined as a 2-week delay in radiotherapy for grade 3 to 4 toxicity. Results: Minimal toxicity was observed during chemoradiotherapy, with no grade 3 or 4 esophagitis, diarrhea, or stomatitis. DLT caused by myelosuppression was seen in two of six patients treated at the 80-mg/m2 dose level, thus irinotecan 65 mg/m2 was defined as the recommended phase II dose. Dysphagia improved or resolved after induction chemotherapy in 13 (81%) of 16 patients who reported dysphagia before therapy. Only one patient (5%) required a feeding tube. Six complete responses (32%) were observed, including four pathologic complete responses in 15 patients selected to undergo surgery (27%). Conclusion: Cisplatin, irinotecan, and concurrent radiotherapy can be administered on a convenient schedule with relatively minimal toxicity and an acceptable rate of complete response in esophageal cancer. Further phase II evaluation of this regimen is ongoing. A phase III comparison to fluorouracil or taxane-containing chemoradiotherapy should be considered.


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