Genetic Variations in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Subtypes and Treatment Resistant Cases

OBJECTIVE: ObjectiveaaWe evaluated the distribution of alpha-2A adrenergic receptor (ADRA2A) and catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among ADHD subtypes and other homogeneous patient populations including treatment-resistant cases and patients with high symptom severity. METHODS: Methodsaa121 ADHD patients aged 6-18 years were included in the study. Diagnosis and subtypes designation were confirmed using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS) and symptoms were evaluated using the Conners' Parent (CPRS) and Teacher Rating Scales (CTRS). The response to methylphenidate was assessed objectively using the Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S) and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAS) as well as the Continuous Performance (CPT) and Trail Making tests (TMT-A, B). Patients were genotyped for ADRA2A (rs1800544) and COMT (rs4680) SNPs by PCR/RFLP and compared to a gender-matched control group. RESULTS: Although there was no association of COMT (rs4680) SNP with symptoms or diagnosis, the ADRA2A polymorphism, low socioeconomic status (SES), and comorbid psychiatric diagnosis were all associated with poor response to methylphenidate in logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Clinicians may consider adjuvant strategies when these negative factors are present to increase the success of tailored ADHD treatments in the future.

Is Human Kallikrein 11 in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Treated Chemoradiotherapy Associated with Survival? / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Involvement of human kallikreins (hKs) in human cancers has been reported and several hKs are promising biomarkers of various cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of hK11 expression in patients with non-metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 44 patients with NSCLC. hK11 expression was determined by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: The estimation of disease-free and overall survival by Kaplan-Meier was 11 months and 17 months, respectively. The estimation of overall survival by Kaplan-Meier was significantly higher in patients with hK11 strongly positive (2+) than in those with hK11 weakly positive (1+) (20 months vs. 11 months, p=0.032). Although not statistically different, the estimation of disease-free survival by Kaplan-Meier was higher in patients with hK11 strongly positive (2+) than in those with hK11 weakly positive (1+) (12 months vs. 9 months, p=0.113). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the overall survival rates were significantly associated with response to chemoradiotherapy and the degree of staining with hK11. CONCLUSION: The stronger hK11 expression in NSCLC appears to be associated with better survival rates. hK11 may be a prognostic biomarker of NSCLC.

Concomitant chemoradiotherapy with docetaxel and cisplatin followed by consolidation chemotherapy in locally advanced unresectable non-small cell lung cancer

To evaluate treatment results and toxicities in patients who received concomitant chemoradiotherapy [CRT] followed by consolidation with docetaxel and cisplatin in locally advanced unresectable non-small cell lung cancer [NSCLC]. Ninety three patients were included in this retrospective study. The patients received 66 Gy radiotherapy and weekly 20 mg/m[2] docetaxel and 20 mg/m[2] cisplatin chemotherapy concomitantly. One month later than the end of CRT, consolidation chemotherapy with four cycles of docetaxel 75 mg/m[2] and cisplatin 75 mg/m[2] were administered at each 21 days. Median age of the patients was 57 [range, 30-74]. Following concomitant CRT, 14 patients [15%] showed complete and 50 patients [54%] showed partial response [total response rate was 69%]. The median follow-up was 13 months [range: 2-51 months]. The median overall survival was 18 months [95% confidential interval [Cl]: 13.8-22.1 months]; local control was 15 months [95% Cl: 9.3-20.6 months]; progression-free survival was 9 months [95% Cl: 6.5-11.4 months]. Esophagitis in eight [9%] patients, neutropenia in seven [8%] patients and pneumonitis in eight [9%] patients developed as grade III-IV toxicity due to concomitant CRT. Concomitant CRT with docetaxel and cisplatin followed by docetaxel and cisplatin consolidation chemotherapy might be considered as a feasible, and well tolerated treatment modality with high response rates despite the fact that it has not a survival advantage in patients with locally advanced unresectable NSCLC