Stereotactic ultrahypofractionated MR-guided radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer - Acute toxicity and patient-reported outcomes in the prospective, multicenter SMILE phase II trial.

Background: Due to superior image quality and daily adaptive planning, MR-guided stereotactic body radiation therapy (MRgSBRT) has the potential to further widen the therapeutic window in radiotherapy of localized prostate cancer. This study reports on acute toxicity rates and patient-reported outcomes after MR-guided adaptive ultrahypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer within the prospective, multicenter phase II SMILE trial. Materials and methods: A total of 69 patients with localized prostate cancer underwent MRgSBRT with daily online plan adaptation. Inclusion criteria comprised a tumor stage ≤ T3a, serum PSA value ≤ 20 ng/ml, ISUP Grade group ≤ 4. A dose of 37.5 Gy was prescribed to the PTV in five fractions on alternating days with an optional simultaneous boost of 40 Gy to the dominant intraprostatic lesion defined by multiparametric MRI. Acute genitourinary (GU-) and gastrointestinal (GI-) toxicity, as defined by CTCAE v. 5.0 and RTOG as well as patient-reported outcomes according to EORTC QLQ-C30 and -PR25 scores were analyzed at completion of radiotherapy, 6 and 12 weeks after radiotherapy and compared to baseline symptoms. Results: There were no toxicity-related treatment discontinuations. At the 12-week follow-up visit, no grade 3 + toxicities were reported according to CTCAE. Up until the 12-week visit, in total 16 patients (23 %) experienced a grade 2 GU or GI toxicity. Toxicity rates peaked at the end of radiation therapy and subsided within the 12-week follow-up period. At the 12-week follow-up visit, no residual grade 2 GU toxicities were reported and 1 patient (1 %) had residual grade 2 enteritic symptoms. With exception to a significant improvement in the emotional functioning score following MRgSBRT, no clinically meaningful changes in the global health status nor in relevant subscores were reported. Conclusion: Daily online-adaptive MRgSBRT for localized prostate cancer resulted in an excellent overall toxicity profile without any major negative impact on quality of life.

Whole-pelvic irradiation with boost to involved nodes and prostate in node-positive prostate cancer-long-term data from the prospective PLATIN-2 trial.

PURPOSE: Node-positive prostate cancer is a potentially curable disease. Definitive radiotherapy to the prostate and lymphatic drainage is an effective treatment option but prospective long-term outcome data are scarce. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of definitive radiation therapy for men with prostate cancer and nodal metastases using modern irradiation techniques. METHODS: A total of 40 treatment-naïve men with node-positive prostate cancer were allocated to the trial. All patients received definitive radiation therapy at two German university hospitals between 2009 and 2018. Radiation was delivered as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with 51 Gy to the lymphatic drainage with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) up to 61.2 Gy to involved nodes and 76.5 Gy to the prostate in 34 fractions. Feasibility and safety, overall and progression-free survival, toxicity, and quality of life measurements were analyzed. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 79 months, median overall survival was 107 months and progression-free survival was 78 months. Based on imaging follow-up, no infield relapse was reported during the first 24 months of follow-up. There were 3 (8%) potentially treatment-related grade 3 toxicities. Common iliac node involvement was associated with a higher risk of progression (HR 15.8; 95% CI 2.1-119.8; p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Definitive radiation to the lymphatic drainage with SIB to the involved nodes and prostate is a safe and effective treatment approach for patients with treatment-naïve, node-positive prostate cancer with excellent infield tumor control rates and tolerable toxicity. Location rather than number of involved nodes is a major risk factor for progression.

Detecting and Locating the Site of Local Relapse Using 18F-PSMA-1007 Imaging After Primary Treatment of 135 Prostate Cancer Patients-Potential Impact on PSMA-Guided Radiation Therapy.

PURPOSE: Due to limited imaging options, the visualization of a local relapse of prostate cancer used to pose a considerable challenge. However, since the integration of 18F-PSMA-1007-PET/CT into the clinic, a relapsed tumor can now easily be detected by hybrid imaging. The present study aimed to evaluate and map the allocate relapse in a large cohort of prostate cancer patients focusing on individual patient management conclusions for radiation therapy. PROCEDURES: The current study included 135 men with prostate cancer after primary treatment who underwent 18F-PSMA-1007-PET/CT due to biochemical relapse detecting a local relapse. Imaging data were reassessed and analyzed with regard to relapse locations. For the correlation of tumor foci with clinical data, we used binary logistic regression models as well as the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: In total, 69.6% of all patients (mean age: 65 years) underwent prostatectomy while 30.4% underwent radiation therapy. PET imaging detected most frequently a unifocal relapse (72.6%). There was a statistically significantly higher rate of ipsilateral cases among the relapsed tumors. Comparing both treatment approaches, tumors relapsed most commonly within the posterior region after surgery and transition/peripheral zone after radiation therapy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms that 18F-PSMA-1007-PET/CT is highly suitable for the localization and allocation of a local relapse in patients with prostate cancer. The data enable further optimizing dose prescriptions and target volume delineations of radiation therapy in the future.

[Imaging of oligometastatic disease in selected urologic cancers]. / Bildgebung oligometastasierter Tumoren des Harntraktes.

BACKGROUND: Local treatment of the primary or metastatic sites in urologic malignancies is promising when compared to systemic therapy alone, leading to the definition of a potentially curative oligometastatic state. OBJECTIVES: Comparison of imaging modalities regarding local and metastatic tumor sites in urologic cancers. METHODS: Review of comparative trials addressing quality criteria of imaging modalities. RESULTS: Depending on primary tumor and metastatic site, conventional imaging modalities such as computer tomography (CT) and bone scintigraphy still represent the standard of care in Germany. Due to superior quality criteria, hybrid-imaging techniques were widely adopted for oncological staging and particular due to the new PSMA-ligand (PSMA-PET/CT) in prostate cancer imaging. The development of new radioisotopes as well as their clinical application remains a focus of current research. CONCLUSIONS: High-quality diagnostic imaging modalities lay the groundwork for a precise definition of an oligometastatic state. By enabling treatment of the entire tumor burden, a delay of systemic therapy, longer progression-free survival, or even curative treatment may become achievable.

Synthesis and biological activity of novel potent endothelin-converting enzyme-1 inhibitors.

Through directed screening of metalloprotease inhibitors, CGS 30084 (1) has been identified as a potent endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) inhibitor in vitro (IC50 = 77 nM). Herein we report the syntheses and biological activities of analogues derived from this lead, based on modifications of the biphenyl moiety. Compound 10, the thioacetate methyl ester prodrug derivative of compound 6m, was found to be an orally active and potent inhibitor of ECE-1 activity in rats.

Design and synthesis of potent thiol-based inhibitors of endothelin converting enzyme-1.

Through directed screening of compounds prepared as metalloprotease inhibitors a compound, CGS 30084, that had potent endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) in vitro inhibitory activity (IC50 = 77 nM) was identified. Herein we report the synthesis and optimization of ECE-1 inhibitory activity of additional analogues from this lead. Compound 3c, the thioacetate methyl ester derivative of compound 4c, was found to be a long acting inhibitor of ECE-1 activity in rats after oral administration.

Design and synthesis of thiol containing inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases.

A series of thiol containing derivatives was prepared. Several of these compounds were found to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases 1, 3, and 9 with selectivity towards 3 and 9. Compounds 15, 20, and 22 were administered to rats orally at 75 mumol/kg. Drug levels of compounds 20 and 22 in the plasma were found to exceed the IC50 values for MMP 3 and 9 four hours after administration.

Antihypertensive and natriuretic effects of CGS 30440, a dual inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase 24.11.

Dual angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)/neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitors, by decreasing angiotensin-II production and by preventing the degradation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), may be useful for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. The thiol dipeptide CGS 30440 (prodrug of CGS 30008, IC50: ACE/NEP = 19/2 nM) administered to rats (10 mg/kg p.o.) inhibited lung tissue ACE activity by 98% and 61% at 1 and 24 hr (P < .001) and inhibited the angiotensin-I pressor response by 75 to 90% for more than 6 hr. Renal tissue NEP activity was reduced by 80% at 1 hr and 73% at 24 hr (P < .001). In rats supplemented with exogenous ANP, CGS 30440 (1 mg/kg p.o.) elevated the concentration of circulating ANP (133%, P < .025) for 4 hr and increased the excretion of urine (300%, P < .001), sodium (194%, P < .025) and cyclic GMP (238%, P < .005). CGS 30440 (10 mg/kg p.o.) administered to hypertensive rats with aortic ligation between the renal arteries (mean arterial blood pressure, 209 +/- 4 mm Hg) produced a 48 mm Hg blood pressure reduction (P < .001) within 4 hr. CGS 30440 given to cynomolgus monkeys at 2 mg/kg inhibited plasma ACE activity by 96% within 1 hr (P < .001), and this inhibition was maintained for 7 and 21 days in monkeys receiving the compound orally at 2.5 mg/kg b.i.d. These studies demonstrate that CGS 30440 is an orally active agent which produces tissue ACE and NEP inhibition in rats and plasma ACE inhibition in primates and suggest that the compound may be useful in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure.

Mercaptoacyl dipeptides as orally active dual inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase.

Dual inhibitors of the two zinc metallopeptidases, neutral endopeptidase (NEP, EC 3.4.24.11) and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE, EC 2.4.15.1), have been the focus of much clinical interest for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. We have previously reported that compound 2 (N-[[1-[(2(S)-mercapto-3-methyl-1-oxobutyl) amino]-1-cyclopentyl]-carbonyl]-L-tyrosine) was a potent dual inhibitor in vitro (IC50 (ACE) = 7.0 nM, IC50 (NEP) = 1.5 nM) (Fink et al. J. Med. Chem. 1995, 38, 5023-5030). This compound was found to have oral activity; however, its duration of effect was short. A series of thioacetate carboxylic acid ester analogs of compound 2 was prepared. Modifications were also made to the tyrosine phenol. These compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit plasma ACE activity when administered orally to conscious normotensive rats. Most of the compounds prepared were found to be orally active with longer durations of effect than compound 2. Compound 38 (N-[[1-[(2(S)-(acetylthio)-3-methyl-1-oxobutyl) amino]-1-cyclopentyl]carbonyl]-O-methyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester), administered at 11.7 mg/kg po, was found to be more efficacious than captopril at 10 mg/kg po. This compound was also found to inhibit plasma NEP activity following oral administration to conscious rats and was more efficacious than acetorphan. Compound 38 was found to lower blood pressure in the aorta-ligated rat and the spontaneously hypertensive rat when administered orally. The synthesis and biological activity of these dual inhibitors are discussed.

Tyrosine hydroxylase- and nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive nerve fibers in mitral valve of young adult and aged Fischer 344 rats.

Using confocal fluorescence microscopy we studied, in whole mounts of heart mitral valves of young adult and aged Fischer 344 rats, the distribution of nerves containing the catecholamine marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or the synthetic enzyme marker for nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase (NOS). TH-IR was localized in two separate nerve plexuses which do not intermingle. The 'major' plexus arose from the annulus region, traversed the basal zone of the valve, and ramified in the intermediate zone to form a dense network of fine fibers. The 'minor' plexus was restricted to the distal zone and originated from bundles that ascended the chordae tendineae to enter the valve cusp. A concentric zone located between the major and minor plexuses was devoid of TH-IR nerve fibers. Both plexuses demonstrated (i) nerves that contained numerous varicosities along the length of each fiber, (ii) many terminal axons and (iii) different shaped terminal axon endings. With age, the density of TH-IR innervation in the mitral valve was markedly reduced; and nerve fibers of the minor plexus were limited to the chordae tendinae, without extending into the valve cusp itself. NOS-IR fibers in the mitral valve formed a loose network that extended from the annulus to more than halfway down the cusp. The varicose beads of the terminal NOS-IR axons appeared to become progressively smaller and less intensely fluorescent until they disappeared at the terminal endings, which showed no specializations. No NOS-IR fibers were observed in the distal zone of the valve leaflet or in the chordae. In the aged mitral valve, the density of NOS-IR nerves was decreased, as compared with NOS-IR innervation in the young adult valve. The existence of TH and NOS as well as other signal molecule markers in heart valve nerves and the disparate patterns of their distribution and localization provide evidence supporting the theory that heart valve nerves form a complex reflexogenic control system in the mitral heart valve. In summary, two distinct neural architectures are described for TH-IR and NOS-IR valve nerves, respectively. The former are believed to be axons dedicated to sympathetic motor functions. The NOS-IR valve nerves may have sensory and/or postganglionic parasympathetic motor functions. An implication of these findings is that different, but perhaps related, valve functions may be mediated by separate, dedicated circuits.

New alpha-thiol dipeptide dual inhibitors of angiotensin-I converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase EC 3.4.24.11.

Dual inhibitors of the two zinc metallopeptidases, neutral endopeptidase (NEP, EC 3.4.24.11) and angiotensin-I converting enzyme, have been the focus of much clinical interest for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. A novel series of alpha-thio dipeptides containing central cyclic non-natural amino acids were prepared and were evaluated for their ability to inhibit these two metallopeptidases in vitro and in vivo. Most of these compounds were found to be excellent dual inhibitors of ACE and NEP in vitro and several were also found to inhibit angiotensin-I (AI) pressor response in conscious rats when given by intravenous administration. Compound 6n, one of our most potent dual inhibitors in vitro, was found to be more efficacious than captopril in the AI pressor experiment when administered orally to conscious rats. This compound was also found to inhibit plasma NEP activity following oral administration to conscious rats and was more efficacious than acetorphan. The structure-activity relationships and biological activity of these dual inhibitors will be discussed.

Differential effects of the BKCa channel openers NS004 and NS1608 in porcine coronary arterial cells.

The effects of newly claimed BKCa channel openers NS004 (5-trifluoromethyl-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazo le-2- one) and NS1608 (N-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-N'-(2-hydroxy-5-chlorophenyl)urea) were investigated on whole-cell K+ current (IK) in enzymatically isolated porcine coronary arterial cells using patch-clamp technique with a double holding potential protocol. When cells were held at 0 mV, IK was augmented by NS004 in a concentration-dependent manner. With a holding potential of -60 mV, however, IK was moderately inhibited by NS004 between 0.5 and 10 microM, but robustly stimulated by 50 microM NS004 at highly depolarized potentials. The effects of NS1608 on IK did not differ due to change in holding potential. At -60 mV and 0 mV, NS1608 activated IK with bell-shaped concentration-response curves peaked between 5 and 10 microM. The differential mode of action of the two compounds suggested an involvement of mechanism(s) other than an opening of BKCa channel.

Early angiography cannot predict postthrombolytic coronary reocclusion: observations from the GUSTO angiographic study. Global Utilization of Streptokinase and t-PA for Occluded Coronary Arteries.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether early qualitative or quantitative angiographic features can predict reocclusion after initially successful coronary thrombolysis. BACKGROUND: Although both the benefits of early reperfusion and the consequences of subsequent reocclusion after thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction have been well described, efforts to describe angiographic markers of lesions at high risk for reocclusion have produced conflicting results. The Global Utilization of Streptokinase and t-PA for Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO) angiographic trial provides the opportunity to examine these relations in the largest single, prospective patient cohort studied to date. METHODS: We studied 559 patients undergoing follow-up angiography at 90 min and 5 to 7 days after thrombolysis in the GUSTO trial. Patients received one of four thrombolytic regimens: 1) streptokinase with intravenous heparin; 2) streptokinase with subcutaneous heparin; 3) accelerated-dose recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) with intravenous heparin; or 4) a combination of streptokinase and conventionally dosed rt-PA with intravenous heparin. Qualitative variables examined at 90-min angiography included Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade, visible thrombus and lesion morphology. Quantitative variables included percent diameter stenosis, percent area stenosis, minimal lumen diameter and lesion length. The study contained a power > 0.85 to detect clinically important differences in percent diameter stenosis, percent area stenosis and minimal lumen diameter between the groups with subsequent reocclusion and sustained patency at the p = 0.05 level. RESULTS: At follow-up, 33 patients (5.9%) had reocclusion. The reocclusion rate for patients with early TIMI grade 2 flow was 6.3% versus 5.6% for TIMI grade 3 flow (p = NS). When the group with reocclusion was compared with the group with continued patency, there were no differences in presence of early visible thrombus, complex lesion morphology, percent diameter stenosis, percent area stenosis, minimal lumen diameter or lesion length. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that neither qualitative nor quantitative angiographic variables at 90 min after initiation of thrombolytic therapy can be used to predict subsequent coronary reocclusion.

The hydration pressure between lipid bilayers. Comparison of measurements using x-ray diffraction and calorimetry.

The hydration pressure between dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl-N,N-dimethylethanolamine (DPPE-Me2) bilayers has been analyzed by both x-ray diffraction measurements of osmotically stressed liposomes and by differential scanning calorimetry. By the x-ray method, we obtain a magnitude (Po) and decay length (lambda) for the hydration pressure which are both quite similar to those found for bilayers of other zwitterionic lipids, such as phosphatidylcholines. That is, x-ray analysis of DPPE-Me2 in the gel phase gives lambda = 1.3 A, the same as that previously measured for the analogous gel phase lipid dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and Po = 3.9 x 10(9) dyn/cm2, which is in excellent agreement with the value of 3.6 x 10(9) dyn/cm2 calculated from the measured Volta potential of DPPE-Me2 monolayers in equilibrium with liposomes. These results indicate that the removal of one methyl group to convert DPPC to DPPE-Me2 does not markedly alter the range or magnitude of the hydration pressure. Calorimetry shows that the main gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperature of DPPE-Me2 is approximately constant for water contents ranging from 80 to 10 water molecules per lipid molecule, but increases monotonically with decreasing water content below 10 waters per lipid. A theoretical fit to these temperature vs. water content data predicts lambda = 6.7 A. The difference in observed values of lambda for x-ray and calorimetry measurements can be explained by effects on the thermograms of additional intra- and intermolecular interactions which occur at low water contents where apposing bilayers are in contact. We conclude that, although calorimetry provides important data on the energetics of bilayer hydration, it is difficult to obtain quantitative information on the hydration pressure from this technique.