Adenosine Signaling Is Prognostic for Cancer Outcome and Has Predictive Utility for Immunotherapeutic Response.

PURPOSE: There are several agents in early clinical trials targeting components of the adenosine pathway including A2AR and CD73. The identification of cancers with a significant adenosine drive is critical to understand the potential for these molecules. However, it is challenging to measure tumor adenosine levels at scale, thus novel, clinically tractable biomarkers are needed. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We generated a gene expression signature for the adenosine signaling using regulatory networks derived from the literature and validated this in patients. We applied the signature to large cohorts of disease from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and cohorts of immune checkpoint inhibitor-treated patients. RESULTS: The signature captures baseline adenosine levels in vivo (r 2 = 0.92, P = 0.018), is reduced after small-molecule inhibition of A2AR in mice (r 2 = -0.62, P = 0.001) and humans (reduction in 5 of 7 patients, 70%), and is abrogated after A2AR knockout. Analysis of TCGA confirms a negative association between adenosine and overall survival (OS, HR = 0.6, P < 2.2e-16) as well as progression-free survival (PFS, HR = 0.77, P = 0.0000006). Further, adenosine signaling is associated with reduced OS (HR = 0.47, P < 2.2e-16) and PFS (HR = 0.65, P = 0.0000002) in CD8+ T-cell-infiltrated tumors. Mutation of TGFß superfamily members is associated with enhanced adenosine signaling and worse OS (HR = 0.43, P < 2.2e-16). Finally, adenosine signaling is associated with reduced efficacy of anti-PD1 therapy in published cohorts (HR = 0.29, P = 0.00012). CONCLUSIONS: These data support the adenosine pathway as a mediator of a successful antitumor immune response, demonstrate the prognostic potential of the signature for immunotherapy, and inform patient selection strategies for adenosine pathway modulators currently in development.

Identification of CCR2 and CD180 as Robust Pharmacodynamic Tumor and Blood Biomarkers for Clinical Use with BRD4/BET Inhibitors.

Purpose: AZD5153 is a novel BRD4/BET inhibitor with a distinctive bivalent bromodomain binding mode. To support its clinical development, we identified pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers for use in clinical trials to establish target engagement.Experimental Design: CCR2 and CD180 mRNAs, initially identified from whole transcriptome profiling, were further evaluated by quantitative PCR in hematologic cell lines, xenografts, and whole blood from rat, healthy volunteers, and patients with cancer. MYC and HEXIM1 mRNAs were also evaluated.Results: RNA-sequencing data showed consistent decreases in CCR2/CD180 expression across multiple hematologic cell lines upon AZD5153 treatment. Evaluation of dose dependence in MV4,11 cells confirmed activity at clinically relevant concentrations. In vivo downregulation of CCR2/CD180 mRNAs (>80%) was demonstrated in MV4,11 and KMS-11 xenograft tumors at efficacious AZD5153 doses. Consistent with in vitro rat blood data, an in vivo rat study confirmed greater inhibition of CCR2/CD180 mRNA in whole blood versus MYC at an efficacious dose. Finally, in vitro treatment of whole blood from healthy volunteers and patients with cancer demonstrated, in contrast to MYC, almost complete downregulation of CCR2/CD180 at predicted clinically achievable concentrations.Conclusions: Our data strongly support the use of CCR2 and CD180 mRNAs as whole blood PD biomarkers for BRD4 inhibitors, especially in situations where paired tumor biopsies are unavailable. In addition, they can be used as tumor-based PD biomarkers for hematologic tumors. MYC mRNA is useful as a hematologic tumor-based biomarker but suboptimal as a whole blood biomarker. Utility of HEXIM1 mRNA may be limited to higher concentrations. Clin Cancer Res; 23(4); 1025-35. ©2017 AACR.

AZD5153: A Novel Bivalent BET Bromodomain Inhibitor Highly Active against Hematologic Malignancies.

The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein BRD4 regulates gene expression via recruitment of transcriptional regulatory complexes to acetylated chromatin. Pharmacological targeting of BRD4 bromodomains by small molecule inhibitors has proven to be an effective means to disrupt aberrant transcriptional programs critical for tumor growth and/or survival. Herein, we report AZD5153, a potent, selective, and orally available BET/BRD4 bromodomain inhibitor possessing a bivalent binding mode. Unlike previously described monovalent inhibitors, AZD5153 ligates two bromodomains in BRD4 simultaneously. The enhanced avidity afforded through bivalent binding translates into increased cellular and antitumor activity in preclinical hematologic tumor models. In vivo administration of AZD5153 led to tumor stasis or regression in multiple xenograft models of acute myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The relationship between AZD5153 exposure and efficacy suggests that prolonged BRD4 target coverage is a primary efficacy driver. AZD5153 treatment markedly affects transcriptional programs of MYC, E2F, and mTOR. Of note, mTOR pathway modulation is associated with cell line sensitivity to AZD5153. Transcriptional modulation of MYC and HEXIM1 was confirmed in AZD5153-treated human whole blood, thus supporting their use as clinical pharmacodynamic biomarkers. This study establishes AZD5153 as a highly potent, orally available BET/BRD4 inhibitor and provides a rationale for clinical development in hematologic malignancies. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(11); 2563-74. ©2016 AACR.

Hip resurfacing versus total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review comparing standardized outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing was developed for younger, active patients as an alternative to THA, but it remains controversial. Study heterogeneity, inconsistent outcome definitions, and unstandardized outcome measures challenge our ability to compare arthroplasty outcomes studies. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked how early revisions or reoperations (within 5 years of surgery) and overall revisions, adverse events, and postoperative component malalignment compare among studies of metal-on-metal hip resurfacing with THA among patients with hip osteoarthritis. Secondarily, we compared the revision frequency identified in the systematic review with revisions reported in four major joint replacement registries. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of English language studies published after 1996. Adverse events of interest included rates of early failure, time to revision, revision, reoperation, dislocation, infection/sepsis, femoral neck fracture, mortality, and postoperative component alignment. Revision rates were compared with those from four national joint replacement registries. Results were reported as adverse event rates per 1000 person-years stratified by device market status (in use and discontinued). Comparisons between event rates of metal-on-metal hip resurfacing and THA are made using a quasilikelihood generalized linear model. We identified 7421 abstracts, screened and reviewed 384 full-text articles, and included 236. The most common study designs were prospective cohort studies (46.6%; n = 110) and retrospective studies (36%; n = 85). Few randomized controlled trials were included (7.2%; n = 17). RESULTS: The average time to revision was 3.0 years for metal-on-metal hip resurfacing (95% CI, 2.95-3.1) versus 7.8 for THA (95% CI, 7.2-8.3). For all devices, revisions and reoperations were more frequent with metal-on-metal hip resurfacing than THA based on point estimates and CIs: 10.7 (95% CI, 10.1-11.3) versus 7.1 (95% CI, 6.7-7.6; p = 0.068), and 7.9 (95% CI, 5.4-11.3) versus 1.8 (95% CI, 1.3-2.2; p = 0.084) per 1000 person-years, respectively. This difference was consistent with three of four national joint replacement registries, but overall national joint replacement registries revision rates were lower than those reported in the literature. Dislocations were more frequent with THA than metal-on-metal hip resurfacing: 4.4 (95% CI, 4.2-4.6) versus 0.9 (95% CI, 0.6-1.2; p = 0.008) per 1000 person-years, respectively. Adverse event rates change when discontinued devices were included. CONCLUSIONS: Revisions and reoperations are more frequent and occur earlier with metal-on-metal hip resurfacing, except when discontinued devices are removed from the analyses. Results from the literature may be misleading without consistent definitions, standardized outcome metrics, and accounting for device market status. This is important when clinicians are assessing and communicating patient risk and when selecting which device is most appropriate for individual patients.

Temperature and Pressure Effects of Desalination Using a MFI-Type Zeolite Membrane.

Zeolites are potentially a robust desalination alternative, as they are chemically stable and possess the essential properties needed to reject ions. Zeolite membranes could desalinate "challenging" waters, such as saline secondary effluent, without any substantial pre-treatment, due to the robust mechanical properties of ceramic membranes. A novel MFI-type zeolite membrane was developed on a tubular α-Al2O3 substrate by a combined rubbing and secondary hydrothermal growth method. The prepared membrane was characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and single gas (He or N2) permeation and underwent desalination tests with NaCl solutions under different pressures (0.7 MPa and 7 MPa). The results showed that higher pressure resulted in higher Na+ rejection and permeate flux. The zeolite membrane achieved a good rejection of Na+ (~82%) for a NaCl feed solution with a TDS (total dissolved solids) of 3000 mg·L-1 at an applied pressure of 7 MPa and 21 °C. To explore the opportunity for high salinity and high temperature desalination, this membrane was also tested with high concentration NaCl solutions (up to TDS 90,000 mg·L-1) and at 90 °C. This is the first known work at such high salinities of NaCl. It was found that increasing the salinity of the feed solution decreased both Na+ rejection and flux. An increase in testing temperature resulted in an increase in permeate flux, but a decrease in ion rejection.

Outcomes from the REACH Registry for Australian general practice patients with or at high risk of atherothrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: To report on 1-year cardiovascular (CV) event rates in patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) or with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND SETTING: Prospective cohort study of 2873 patients at high risk of atherothrombosis based on the presence of multiple risk factors and overt coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CerVD) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) presenting to 273 Australian general practitioners; this study was conducted as part of the international REACH Registry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: One-year rates of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalisation for cardiovascular procedures. RESULTS: The cardiovascular death rate at 1 year was 1.4%. The combined cardiovascular death, non-fatal MI, stroke and hospitalisation rate for vascular disease affecting one location at 1 year was 11%. Even for patients with no overt disease, but with multiple risk factors, the 1-year combined event rate was 4.2%. The highest combined event rate was in patients with PAD (21.0%), and in patients with atherothrombotic disease identified in all three locations (coronary arteries, cerebrovascular system and peripheral arteries) at 39%. CONCLUSION: The rate of clinical events in community-based patients with stable atherothrombotic disease increases dramatically with the severity of disease and the number of vascular beds involved. Where disease was evident in all three locations, and for patients with PAD alone, the 1-year risk of cardiovascular events was substantially increased. Poor adherence to statin therapy in the secondary preventive setting is a major treatment gap that needs to be closed; the influences of obesity and diabetes warrant further investigation.

Australians at risk: management of cardiovascular risk factors in the REACH Registry.

BACKGROUND AND RATIONAL: Atherothrombosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Australia and around the world. The evidence base for appropriate management of these subjects has increased over the past decade through the conduct of randomised controlled trials. However little is known of the translation of evidence into clinical practice in terms of current management practice and risk factor control in high-risk patients in Australia. METHODS: As part of the international REACH (Reduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health, protocol number C 8903) Registry, subjects at high risk of atherothrombosis based on the presence of multiple risk factors or overt coronary artery (CAD), cerebrovascular (CVD) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) underwent a cardiovascular risk factor review. Demographic data and current medication management was also assessed. The subjects were recruited entirely through Australian general practice. RESULTS: Globally 67,888 patients were involved in the REACH registry of whom 2783 were recruited from 273 general practitioners around Australia. In comparison to the global population sample the Australian cohort was older (72 years versus 68 years) and had a lower prevalence of current smoking (7% versus 14%). Seventy-three percent of the Australian cohort had CAD and 15% had vascular disease in more than one location. Seventy-four percent of the cohort was either overweight or obese. Despite the widespread use of antihypertensive and lipid lowering therapy, half of the total group had a blood pressure recorded as >or=140/90 mmHg and 24% of the cohort had a total cholesterol level >5.2 mmol/L. CONCLUSION: The REACH registry offers the opportunity to provide a better understanding of the management of cardiovascular risk factors in patients at high-risk of atherothrombosis in Australia. Reducing the high rates of overweight and obesity and increasing the proportion of patients achieving therapeutic targets should remain priority areas in the management of this group of high-risk patients.

Treatment of an infected total hip replacement with the PROSTALAC system. Part 2: Health-related quality of life and function with the PROSTALAC implant in situ.

INTRODUCTION: Infection after total hip replacement (THR) adversely affects patients' function and health-related quality of life (HRQL). A prosthesis with antibiotic-loaded acrylic cement (PROSTALAC) was designed to improve the function and quality of life of patients undergoing treatment for infected THR. METHODS: We assessed 23 patients with the PROSTALAC implant in situ for treatment of an infected THR for function and HRQL, using standardized outcome measures. These patients were compared with a referent cohort of patients who had undergone assessment of function and HRQL before and 6 months after primary THR in the same tertiary health centres. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) Western Ontario MacMaster (WOMAC) scores for PROSTALAC patients were 70.0 (21.1), 65.8 (20.4) and 63.0 (21.1) for pain, stiffness and function, respectively. The median Harris Hip score was 62.3 (minimum 20.4, maximum 86.3) and median global hip range of motion was 100.0 (minimum 80.0, maximum 140.0) degrees. CONCLUSION: The mean WOMAC scores for pain, stiffness and function were better than they were for patients awaiting THR but not as good as 6 months after primary THR. The PROSTALAC implant allows patients to have reasonable function and quality of life during the interim treatment for deep joint infection.

Treatment of an infected total hip replacement with the PROSTALAC system. Part 1: Infection resolution.

INTRODUCTION: Infection after total hip replacement (THR) is a serious medical complication with significant negative ramifications for both the patient and the health care system. The prosthesis of antibiotic-loaded acrylic cement (PROSTALAC) was designed to treat the joint infection while maintaining functional movement in the hip. METHODS: We identified 28 patients treated for infected THR with the PROSTALAC system, by retrospective chart review. Preoperative and intraoperative cultures were taken to identify the causative organism. After PROSTALAC insertion, patients underwent at least 6 weeks of intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Prior to undergoing posttreatment cultures, patients were required to be antibiotic-free for a minimum of 6 weeks, with normal laboratory values. We defined resolution infection as retention of a joint prosthesis for a minimum of 2 years. RESULTS: Infection was identified in 28 patients in either the joint aspirate or intraoperative cultures. Of these patients, 2 failed to clear infection, requiring repeat PROSTALAC insertion. Two additional patients had positive 48-hour cultures post-second stage, treated with additional IV antibiotics. Retention of the post-PROSTALAC prosthesis is 100% at 2 years. CONCLUSION: PROSTALAC has acceptable infection resolution outcomes and appears effective for treating infected THR.

Aging networks in Caenorhabditis elegans: AMP-activated protein kinase (aak-2) links multiple aging and metabolism pathways.

Molecular genetics in lower organisms has allowed the elucidation of pathways that modulate the aging process. In certain instances, evolutionarily conserved genes and pathways have been shown to regulate lifespan in mammals as well. Many gene products known to affect lifespan are intimately involved in the control of energy metabolism, including the fuel sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). We have shown previously that over-expression of an AMPK alpha subunit in Caenorhabditis elegans, designated aak-2, increases lifespan. Here we show the interaction of aak-2 with other pathways known to control aging in worms. Lifespan extension caused by daf-2/insulin-like signaling mutations was highly dependent on aak-2, as was the lifespan extension caused by over-expression of the deacetylase, sir-2.1. Similarly, there was partial requirement for aak-2 in lifespan extension by mitochondrial mutations (isp-1 and clk-1). Conversely, aak-2 was not required for lifespan extension in mutants lacking germline stem cells (glp-1) or mutants of the eating response (eat-2). These results show that aging is controlled by overlapping but distinct pathways and that AMPK/aak-2 represents a node in a network of evolutionarily conserved biochemical pathways that control aging.

The AMP-activated protein kinase AAK-2 links energy levels and insulin-like signals to lifespan in C. elegans.

Although limiting energy availability extends lifespan in many organisms, it is not understood how lifespan is coupled to energy levels. We find that the AMP:ATP ratio, a measure of energy levels, increases with age in Caenorhabditis elegans and can be used to predict life expectancy. The C. elegans AMP-activated protein kinase alpha subunit AAK-2 is activated by AMP and functions to extend lifespan. In addition, either an environmental stressor that increases the AMP:ATP ratio or mutations that lower insulin-like signaling extend lifespan in an aak-2-dependent manner. Thus, AAK-2 is a sensor that couples lifespan to information about energy levels and insulin-like signals.