Phase 2 Trial of GTx-758, an Estrogen Receptor Alpha Agonist, in Men With Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Novel estrogen therapy has the potential to be efficacious, with a favorable adverse event profile, in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We performed a phase 2 trial to assess the ability of GTx-758, an oral selective estrogen receptor alpha agonist, to result in a ≥ 50% PSA decline by day 90, modulate free testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, and affect estrogen deficiency adverse events. PATIENTS AND METHODS: CRPC patients received GTx-758 in two dose cohorts, 125 and 250 mg/d. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects who experienced a ≥ 50% PSA decline by day 90. Secondary endpoints included changes in testosterone, SHBG, bone turnover markers, and hot flashes, as well as safety. RESULTS: Four (10.5%) of 38 (95% CI, 2.9, 24.8; P = .120) and 10 (25.6%) of 39 patients (95% CI, 13.0, 42.1; P < .001) in the GTx-758 125 and 250 mg/d cohorts, respectively, experienced ≥ 50% PSA decline. SHBG was increased, providing a mechanism for notable decreases in free testosterone. In the 250 mg/d cohort, 9 men presented with moderate to severe hot flashes, and after 12 weeks, 4 (44%) of 9 reported either mild or no hot flashes (P = .001). The rate of venous thromboembolic events was 0% and 5.1% in the 125 and 250 mg/d arms, respectively. CONCLUSION: GTx-758 has clinical activity for CRPC in a dose-dependent fashion. GTx-758 resulted in a reduction in hot flashes. On the basis of these findings, further clinical investigation of novel estrogen therapies is warranted.

Study Design and Rationale for the Phase 3 Clinical Development Program of Enobosarm, a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator, for the Prevention and Treatment of Muscle Wasting in Cancer Patients (POWER Trials).

Muscle wasting in cancer is a common and often occult condition that can occur prior to overt signs of weight loss and before a clinical diagnosis of cachexia can be made. Muscle wasting in cancer is an important and independent predictor of progressive functional impairment, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality. Although several therapeutic agents are currently in development for the treatment of muscle wasting or cachexia in cancer, the majority of these agents do not directly inhibit muscle loss. Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have the potential to increase lean body mass (LBM) and hence muscle mass, without the untoward side effects seen with traditional anabolic agents. Enobosarm, a nonsteroidal SARM, is an agent in clinical development for prevention and treatment of muscle wasting in patients with cancer (POWER 1 and 2 trials). The POWER trials are two identically designed randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, and multinational phase 3 trials to assess the efficacy of enobosarm for the prevention and treatment of muscle wasting in subjects initiating first-line chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To assess enobosarm's effect on both prevention and treatment of muscle wasting, no minimum weight loss is required. These pivotal trials have pioneered the methodological and regulatory fields exploring a therapeutic agent for cancer-associated muscle wasting, a process hereby described. In each POWER trial, subjects will receive placebo (n = 150) or enobosarm 3 mg (n = 150) orally once daily for 147 days. Physical function, assessed as stair climb power (SCP), and LBM, assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), are the co-primary efficacy endpoints in both trials assessed at day 84. Based on extensive feedback from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the co-primary endpoints will be analyzed as a responder analysis. To be considered a physical function responder, a subject must have ≥10 % improvement in physical function compared to baseline. To meet the definition of response on LBM, a subject must have demonstrated no loss of LBM compared with baseline. Secondary endpoints include durability of response assessed at day 147 in those responding at day 84. A combined overall survival analysis for both studies is considered a key secondary safety endpoint. The POWER trials design was established with extensive clinical input and collaboration with regulatory agencies. The efficacy endpoints are a result of this feedback and discussion of the threshold for clinical benefit in patients at risk for muscle wasting. Full results from these studies will soon be published and will further guide the development of future anabolic trials. Clinical Trial ID: NCT01355484. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01355484 , NCT01355497. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01355497?term=g300505&rank=1 .

Selective estrogen receptor alpha agonist GTx-758 decreases testosterone with reduced side effects of androgen deprivation therapy in men with advanced prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: A need remains for new therapeutic approaches for men with advanced prostate cancer, particularly earlier in the disease course. OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of an oral selective estrogen receptor α agonist (GTx-758) to lower testosterone concentrations compared with leuprolide while minimizing estrogen deficiency-related side effects of androgen-deprivation therapy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Hormone-naive advanced prostate cancer patients were randomized to oral GTx-758 1000 mg/d, 2000 mg/d, or leuprolide depot. INTERVENTION: GTx-758 and leuprolide. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary end point was the proportion of patients achieving total testosterone ≤ 50 ng/dl by day 60. Secondary end points included serum free testosterone, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), sex hormone-binding globulin, hot flashes, bone turnover markers, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Of 159 randomized patients, leuprolide reduced total testosterone to ≤ 50 ng/dl in a greater proportion of patients than GTx-758 by day 60 (43.4%, 63.6%, and 88.2% of subjects receiving GTx-758 1000 mg [p<0.001], GTx-758 2000 mg [p=0.004], and leuprolide, respectively). GTx-758 reduced free testosterone and PSA earlier and to a greater degree than leuprolide. GTx-758 led to fewer hot flashes, decreases in bone turnover markers, and alterations in IGF-1 compared with leuprolide. A higher incidence of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) was seen with GTx-758 (4.1%) compared with leuprolide (0.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Although leuprolide reduced total testosterone to ≤ 50 ng/dl in a greater proportion of patients compared with GTx-758, GTx-758 was superior in lowering free testosterone and PSA. GTx-758 reduced estrogen deficiency side effects of hot flashes, bone loss, and insulin resistance but with a higher incidence of VTEs. PATIENT SUMMARY: This paper reports findings that leuprolide lowered total testosterone more than GTx-758 but that GTx-758 lowered free testosterone and prostate-specific antigen more than leuprolide. GTx-758 also reduced estrogen deficiency side effects, albeit at a higher rate of vascular events. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01615120.

Selective androgen receptor modulators for the treatment of late onset male hypogonadism.

Several testosterone preparations are used in the treatment of hypogonadism in the ageing male. These therapies differ in their convenience, flexibility, regional availability and expense but share their pharmacokinetic basis of approval and dearth of long-term safety data. The brevity and relatively reduced cost of pharmacokinetic based registration trials provides little commercial incentive to develop improved novel therapies for the treatment of late onset male hypogonadism. Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) have been shown to provide anabolic benefit in the absence of androgenic effects on prostate, hair and skin. Current clinical development for SARMs is focused on acute muscle wasting conditions with defi ned clinical endpoints of physical function and lean body mass. Similar regulatory clarity concerning clinical deficits in men with hypogonadism is required before the beneficial pharmacology and desirable pharmacokinetics of SARMs can be employed in the treatment of late onset male hypogonadism.

TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion predicts subsequent detection of prostate cancer in patients with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia.

PURPOSE: High-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) is considered a precursor lesion of prostate cancer (PCa). The predictive value of ERG gene fusion in HGPIN for PCa was interrogated as a post hoc analysis in the context of a randomized clinical trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The GTx Protocol G300104 randomly assigned 1,590 men with biopsy-diagnosed HGPIN to receive toremifene or placebo for 3 years or until a diagnosis of PCa was made on prostate biopsy. As part of this phase III clinical trial, a central pathologist evaluated biopsies of patients with isolated HGPIN at baseline and 12, 24, and 36 months of follow-up. ERG immunohistochemistry was performed on biopsies from 461 patients and evaluated for protein overexpression. RESULTS: ERG expression was detected in 11.1% of patients (51 of 461 patients) with isolated HGPIN. In the first year and during the 3-year clinical trial, 14.7% and 36.9% of 461 patients were diagnosed with PCa, respectively. Patients with ERG expression were more likely to develop PCa, with 27 (53%) of 51 ERG-positive and 143 (35%) of 410 ERG-negative patients experiencing progression to PCa (P = .014, Fisher's exact test). ERG expression was not associated with age, baseline PSA, Gleason score, or tumor volume. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the necessity of more stringent follow-up for men with HGPIN that is also positive for ERG overexpression. Clinicians should consider molecular characterization of HGPIN as a means to improve risk stratification.

Effects of enobosarm on muscle wasting and physical function in patients with cancer: a double-blind, randomised controlled phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-induced muscle wasting begins early in the course of a patient's malignant disease, resulting in declining physical function and other detrimental clinical consequences. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial assessed the efficacy and safety of enobosarm, a selective androgen receptor modulator, in patients with cancer. METHODS: We enrolled male (>45 years) and female (postmenopausal) patients with cancer who were not obese and who had at least 2% weight loss in the previous 6 months. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1 ratio, by computer generated list, block size three, stratified by cancer type) to receive once-daily oral enobosarm 1 mg, 3 mg, or placebo for up to 113 days at US and Argentinian oncology clinics. The sponsor, study personnel, and participants were masked to assignment. The primary endpoint was change in total lean body mass from baseline, assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Efficacy analyses were done only in patients who had a baseline and an on-treatment assessment in the protocol-specified window of within 10 days before baseline or first study drug, and within 10 days of day 113 or end of study (evaluable efficacy population). Adverse events and other safety measurements were assessed in the intention-to-treat (safety) population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00467844. FINDINGS: Enrolment started on July 3, 2007, and the last patient completed the trial on Aug 1, 2008. 159 patients were analysed for safety (placebo, n=52; enobosarm 1 mg, n=53; enobosarm 3 mg, n=54). The evaluable efficacy population included 100 participants (placebo, n=34; enobosarm 1 mg, n=32; enobosarm 3 mg, n=34). Compared with baseline, significant increases in total lean body mass by day 113 or end of study were noted in both enobosarm groups (enobosarm 1 mg median 1·5 kg, range -2·1 to 12·6, p=0·0012; enodosarm 3 mg 1·0 kg, -4·8 to 11·5, p=0·046). Change in total lean body mass within the placebo group (median 0·02 kg, range -5·8 to 6·7) was not significant (p=0·88). The most common serious adverse events were malignant neoplasm progression (eight of 52 [15%] with placebo vs five of 53 [9%] with enobosarm 1 mg vs seven of 54 [13%] with enobosarm 3 mg), pneumonia (two [4%] vs two [4%] vs three [6%]), and febrile neutropenia (three [6%vs one [2%] vs none). None of these events were deemed related to study drug. INTERPRETATION: Cancer cachexia is an unmet medical need and our data suggest that use of enobosarm might lead to improvements in lean body mass, without the toxic effects associated with androgens and progestational agents. FUNDING: GTx.

Prostate cancer diagnosis among men with isolated high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia enrolled onto a 3-year prospective phase III clinical trial of oral toremifene.

PURPOSE: Prostate cancer (PCa) prevention remains an appealing strategy for the reduction of overtreatment and secondary adverse effects. We evaluated the efficacy of toremifene citrate 20 mg in PCa prevention among men with isolated high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) on biopsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One thousand five hundred ninety men with HGPIN, or HGPIN and atypia, and no PCa on prostate biopsy were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive toremifene citrate 20 mg or placebo in a 3-year phase III, double-blind, multicenter trial. Men underwent annual biopsy until cancer detection or study end. Efficacy analysis was performed in 1,467 men who underwent at least one on-study biopsy. Baseline risk factors were evaluated to determine influence on cancer detection. RESULTS: Cancer was detected in 34.7% and 32.3% of men in the placebo and treatment groups, respectively, with no observed difference (P = .39, log-rank test) in PCa-free survival. The 3-year Kaplan-Meier PCa-free survival estimate was 54.9% (99% CI, 43.3% to 66.5%) in the placebo group and 59.5% (99% CI, 48.1% to 70.9%) in the treatment group. Exploration of baseline risk factors demonstrated no subset in which a risk reduction was observed. In the placebo group, 17.9%, 12.9%, and 13.6% of men at risk at the beginning of years 1, 2, and 3, respectively, were diagnosed with PCa. CONCLUSION: Although toremifene 20 mg did not lower the PCa detection rate, men with isolated HGPIN have a high likelihood of eventual PCa diagnosis, demonstrating they are ideal candidates for inclusion in chemoprevention trials and require surveillance by periodic prostate biopsy.

Toremifene to reduce fracture risk in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Androgen deprivation therapy is associated with fracture risk in men with prostate cancer. We assessed the effects of toremifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, on fracture incidence in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy during a 2-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo controlled phase III study 646 men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer were assigned to toremifene (80 mg by mouth daily) and 638 were assigned to placebo. Subjects were followed for 2 years. The primary study end point was new vertebral fractures. Secondary end points included fragility fractures, bone mineral density and lipid changes. RESULTS: The 2-year incidence of new vertebral fractures was 4.9% in the placebo group vs 2.5% in the toremifene group, a significant relative risk reduction of 50% (95% CI -1.5 to 75.0, p = 0.05). Toremifene significantly increased bone mineral density at the lumbar spine, hip and femoral neck vs placebo (p <0.0001 for all comparisons). There was a concomitant decrease in markers of bone turnover (p <0.05 for all comparisons). Toremifene also significantly improved lipid profiles. Venous thromboembolic events occurred more frequently with toremifene than placebo with 7 subjects (1.1%) in the placebo group experiencing a venous thromboembolic event vs 17 (2.6%) in the toremifene group. Other adverse events were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Toremifene significantly decreased the incidence of new vertebral fractures in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. It also significantly improved bone mineral density, bone turnover markers and serum lipid profiles.

Racial differences in bone mineral density and fractures in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Whether race influences bone loss and fracture risk during androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer is unknown. Using data from a prospective clinical trial we compared bone mineral density and fracture between African-American and Caucasian men receiving androgen deprivation therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 516 subjects were in the placebo group of a 2-year randomized placebo controlled fracture prevention trial, and were African-American (68) or Caucasian (448). We compared baseline characteristics, changes in bone mineral density and rates of new fractures between races. RESULTS: Compared to Caucasian men, African-American men had higher baseline hip bone mineral density (mean ± SD 0.98 ± 0.15 vs 0.91 ± 0.15 gm/m(2), p = 0.001) and similar spine bone mineral density (1.09 ± 0.22 vs 1.11 ± 0.22, p = 0.51). There was no difference in prevalent vertebral fractures between African-American and Caucasian men (7.4% vs 15.0%, p = 0.13). The percentage change in hip bone mineral density at 2 years was similar between African-American and Caucasian men (mean ± SE -2.21% ± 0.59% vs -2.54% ± 0.26%, p = 0.65). Changes in bone mineral density of the lumbar spine were also similar between African-American and Caucasian men (-1.74% ± 0.69% vs -1.30% ± 0.33%, p = 0.64). No new vertebral fractures were reported in African-American men but 2 fractures were reported in Caucasian men. CONCLUSIONS: In a clinical trial African-American men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer have a greater hip bone mineral density and tended to have fewer prevalent vertebral fractures than Caucasian men. Despite a lower baseline risk of osteoporosis and fracture, African-American men experience a decrease in bone mineral density similar to that of Caucasian men.

The selective androgen receptor modulator GTx-024 (enobosarm) improves lean body mass and physical function in healthy elderly men and postmenopausal women: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: Cachexia, also known as muscle wasting, is a complex metabolic condition characterized by loss of skeletal muscle and a decline in physical function. Muscle wasting is associated with cancer, sarcopenia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, end-stage renal disease, and other chronic conditions and results in significant morbidity and mortality. GTx-024 (enobosarm) is a nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that has tissue-selective anabolic effects in muscle and bone, while sparing other androgenic tissue related to hair growth in women and prostate effects in men. GTx-024 has demonstrated promising pharmacologic effects in preclinical studies and favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles in phase I investigation. METHODS: A 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial was conducted to evaluate GTx-024 in 120 healthy elderly men (>60 years of age) and postmenopausal women. The primary endpoint was total lean body mass assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and secondary endpoints included physical function, body weight, insulin resistance, and safety. RESULTS: GTx-024 treatment resulted in dose-dependent increases in total lean body mass that were statistically significant (P < 0.001, 3 mg vs. placebo) and clinically meaningful. There were also significant improvements in physical function (P = 0.013, 3 mg vs. placebo) and insulin resistance (P = 0.013, 3 mg vs. placebo). The incidence of adverse events was similar between treatment groups. CONCLUSION: GTx-024 showed a dose-dependent improvement in total lean body mass and physical function and was well tolerated. GTx-024 may be useful in the prevention and/or treatment of muscle wasting associated with cancer and other chronic diseases.

Toremifene decreases vertebral fractures in men younger than 80 years receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Androgen deprivation therapy is associated with an increased fracture risk. In a recent phase III trial toremifene significantly decreased vertebral fractures in men on androgen deprivation therapy. Similar to other selective estrogen receptor modulators, toremifene was associated with an increase in venous thromboembolic events with the greatest risk in men 80 years old or older. In this post hoc analysis we evaluated the efficacy and safety of toremifene in men younger than 80 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analysis included 847 men younger than 80 years, of whom 430 received toremifene 80 mg by mouth daily and 417 received placebo for up to 24 months. The primary end point was new vertebral fractures. Secondary end points included fragility fractures, bone mineral density and safety. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, toremifene decreased the relative risk of new vertebral fractures by 79.5% (95% CI 29.8-94.0, p <0.005). The new vertebral fracture incidence was 1.0% for toremifene and 4.8% for placebo (absolute risk reduction 3.8%). Compared with placebo, toremifene significantly decreased the incidence of nontraumatic fracture or greater than 7% bone loss by 24 months (p <0.0001). Toremifene also significantly increased bone mineral density at all measured sites (all comparisons p <0.001). The incidence of venous thromboembolic events was similar in the toremifene and placebo groups (2.1% and 1.0%, respectively, p = 0.26). The rates of other adverse events were also similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Toremifene significantly decreased new vertebral fractures in men younger than 80 years receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. The risk of venous thromboembolic events was lower than in the overall study population, suggesting an improved risk-benefit profile in younger men.

Factors associated with vertebral fractures in men treated with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer causes accelerated loss of bone mineral density and is associated with increased fracture risk. We evaluated risk factors associated with vertebral fractures among men enrolled in a fracture prevention trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis included men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer and enrolled in a phase III fracture prevention trial. All men were 70 years old or older or had a low bone mineral density (T-score less than -1.5 for the lumbar spine or total hip). We analyzed demographic and laboratory characteristics of men with and those without vertebral fractures at study entry. RESULTS: Of the 1,244 subjects 162 (13.0%) had a vertebral fracture at baseline. The 2 factors significantly associated with vertebral fractures were white race (p=0.028 compared with nonwhite race) and osteoporosis (p=0.002 for osteoporosis at any site, p=0.053 for osteoporosis at the spine, p=0.002 for osteoporosis at the hip). Lower bone mineral density was also significantly associated with vertebral fractures when analyzed as a continuous variable. Factors not associated with vertebral fractures included age, country of residence, androgen deprivation therapy duration at baseline, androgen deprivation therapy mode, body mass index, testosterone, estradiol, C-telopeptide, bone specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. Results were similar in analyses limited to men 70 years old or older. CONCLUSIONS: White race and low bone mineral density were significantly associated with vertebral fractures in this study of men treated with androgen deprivation for prostate cancer. These observations should inform the assessment and management of fracture risk among such men.

Toremifene to reduce fracture risk in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Androgen deprivation therapy is associated with fracture risk in men with prostate cancer. We assessed the effects of toremifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, on fracture incidence in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy during a 2-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo controlled phase III study 646 men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer were assigned to toremifene (80 mg by mouth daily) and 638 were assigned to placebo. Subjects were followed for 2 years. The primary study end point was new vertebral fractures. Secondary end points included fragility fractures, bone mineral density and lipid changes. RESULTS: The 2-year incidence of new vertebral fractures was 4.9% in the placebo group vs 2.5% in the toremifene group, a significant relative risk reduction of 50% (95% CI -1.5 to 75.0, p = 0.05). Toremifene significantly increased bone mineral density at the lumbar spine, hip and femoral neck vs placebo (p <0.0001 for all comparisons). There was a concomitant decrease in markers of bone turnover (p <0.05 for all comparisons). Toremifene also significantly improved lipid profiles. Venous thromboembolic events occurred more frequently with toremifene than placebo with 7 subjects (1.1%) in the placebo group experiencing a venous thromboembolic event vs 17 (2.6%) in the toremifene group. Other adverse events were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Toremifene significantly decreased the incidence of new vertebral fractures in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. It also significantly improved bone mineral density, bone turnover markers and serum lipid profiles.

Race, sex, and the regulation of urine osmolality: observations made during water deprivation.

A more concentrated urine is excreted by blacks than whites and by men than women. The purpose of this study was to explore the physiological bases for the race and sex effects during water deprivation when osmoregulation is challenged and differences are amplified. Drinking water was withheld from 17 blacks (10 men) and 19 whites (9 men) for 24 h. Vasopressin (VP) levels and osmolality in plasma (P(osmol)) and urine (U(osmol)) were measured basally and then every 4 h. U(osmol) was higher in blacks at baseline (P = 0.01) and during water deprivation (P = 0.046). Before and during water deprivation, no differences were seen in levels of VP, P(osmol), or the VP-U(osmol) relationship between blacks and whites. Although VP levels were initially higher in men (P < 0.02 for samples collected over the first 12 h), over the last 12 h of water deprivation, U(osmol) was higher (P = 0.027) and more responsive to the level of VP (in terms of slopes, P = 0.0001) in women than men. Our results suggest that, after a period of water deprivation, there develops a sensitivity of the collecting duct to VP that is greater in women. Although U(osmol) is higher in blacks, the race difference in water conservation did not appear to result from differences in the level of VP or the sensitivity of the collecting duct to VP. Upstream effects such as Na(+) uptake in the thick ascending limb, with its ensuing effects on water reabsorption, need to be considered in future studies of the relationship of race to water conservation.

Relationships among severity of osteonecrosis, pain, range of motion, and functional mobility in children, adolescents, and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Up to 38% of children receiving treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) develop osteonecrosis, often without symptoms. Little is known about the association between the degree of osteonecrosis and functional mobility in this population. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships among the degree of osteonecrosis, pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional mobility in people with ALL. SUBJECTS: Thirty-three subjects aged 5 to 27 years with ALL and osteonecrosis participated. METHODS: The extent of osteonecrosis was determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hip and knee according to 2 classification systems, including the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) and a knee staging scale. Pain, hip and knee ROM, and the Timed Up and Down Stairs (TUDS) Test were used as measures. RESULTS: Correlations were observed between ARCO and hip pain (r=.34), between hip flexion ROM and hip pain (r=-.34), and between knee pain and time on the TUDS Test (r=-.35). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Physical therapists should consider that people with ALL may have hip or knee osteonecrosis without clinical symptoms. This notion supports the need for MRI in addition to a comprehensive examination of functional mobility.

Phase I trial of imatinib in children with newly diagnosed brainstem and recurrent malignant gliomas: a Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium report.

This study estimated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of imatinib with irradiation in children with newly diagnosed brainstem gliomas, and those with recurrent malignant intracranial gliomas, stratified according to use of enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant drugs (EIACDs). In the brainstem glioma stratum, imatinib was initially administered twice daily during irradiation, but because of possible association with intratumoral hemorrhage (ITH) was subsequently started two weeks after irradiation. The protocol was also amended to exclude children with prior hemorrhage. Twenty-four evaluable patients received therapy before the amendment, and three of six with a brainstem tumor experienced dose-limiting toxicity (DLT): one had asymptomatic ITH, one had grade 4 neutropenia and, one had renal insufficiency. None of 18 patients with recurrent glioma experienced DLT. After protocol amendment, 3 of 16 patients with brainstem glioma and 2 of 11 patients with recurrent glioma who were not receiving EIACDs experienced ITH DLTs, with three patients being symptomatic. In addition to the six patients with hemorrhages during the DLT monitoring period, 10 experienced ITH (eight patients were symptomatic) thereafter. The recommended phase II dose for brainstem gliomas was 265 mg/m(2). Three of 27 patients with brainstem gliomas with imaging before and after irradiation, prior to receiving imatinib, had new hemorrhage, excluding their receiving imatinib. The MTD for recurrent high-grade gliomas without EIACDs was 465 mg/m(2), but the MTD was not established with EIACDs, with no DLTs at 800 mg/m(2). In summary, recommended phase II imatinib doses were determined for children with newly diagnosed brainstem glioma and recurrent high-grade glioma who were not receiving EIACDs. Imatinib may increase the risk of ITH, although the incidence of spontaneous hemorrhages in brainstem glioma is sufficiently high that this should be considered in studies of agents in which hemorrhage is a concern.

Pleurodesis for effusions in pediatric oncology patients at end of life.

BACKGROUND: Pleurodesis for end-of-life care has been used in adults for decades, but little is known about the usefulness of this technique in improving the quality of care for pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether intractable pleural effusions in pediatric oncology patients at end of life could be sufficiently relieved by pleurodesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven pleurodeses were performed with doxycycline in seven pediatric cancer patients (age 3-21 years) with intractable pleural effusions at the end of life. Five patients had unilateral pleurodeses and two had a unilateral followed by bilateral pleurodeses. RESULTS: Respiratory rates decreased in all seven patients (P = 0.016) and aeration improved significantly after chest tube placement (P = 0.033). The chest tubes were placed a median of 1 day before pleurodesis. Eight of nine chest tubes (89%) were removed before discharge at a median of 3 days after pleurodesis. Pain secondary to the pleurodesis lasted 1 day or less. Improvement in the respiratory rate remained after pleurodesis and chest tube removal (P = 0.031). Five of seven patients (70%) were able to leave the hospital to return home. The five patients discharged lived 10 to 49 days (median 19 days) after discharge. CONCLUSION: Pediatric oncology patients with intractable effusions at end of life can have respiratory benefit from pleurodeses and, as a result, are more likely to return home for terminal care.

Establishing the use of body mass index as an indicator of nutrition risk in children with cancer.

BACKGROUND: The negative health consequences of malnutrition in the pediatric oncology patient are well known. The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of body mass index (BMI) for age as a tool to prospectively identify pediatric cancer patients at risk for malnutrition and to determine the BMI percentile that would be required to identify at-risk patients. METHODS: This study was conducted by a retrospective chart review of 1839 newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Those falling below the 10(th) percentile on any one category of height for age (HFA), weight for age (WFA), or weight for height (WFH) were classified with regard to nutrition risk and compared with those identified as at risk by BMI for age (BFA). The BMI percentiles of the lower 9(th)-11(th) percentile patients on the HFA, WFA, and WFH growth charts were averaged in an attempt to determine a useful value to identify nutrition risk. RESULTS: Lack of agreement was found to exist between BFA and HFA in identifying patients at risk for malnutrition, and also between BFA and WFA. Significant agreement was found to exist between BFA and WFH. The BMI percentile required to identify those at risk for malnutrition by the other growth charts would classify too many patients as being at risk for malnutrition to be considered clinically useful. CONCLUSIONS: Although research has shown BMI is appropriate to use in the nutrition assessment of children, its usefulness has not been confirmed in the pediatric oncology patient; therefore, further study is warranted. BFA assessment should be included in the nutrition survey of new pediatric oncology patients, along with other parameters, but it cannot be recommended as the sole indicator of nutrition status at this time.

Phase II study of oxaliplatin in children with recurrent or refractory medulloblastoma, supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors, and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors: a pediatric brain tumor consortium study.

BACKGROUND: An open-label Phase II study of oxaliplatin was conducted to evaluate its safety and efficacy in children with recurrent or refractory medulloblastoma (MB), supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (SPNET), and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT). METHODS: Patients were stratified as follows: stratum IA, first recurrence MB with measurable disease; IB, recurrent MB with only cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) positivity or linear leptomeningeal disease (LLD); IC, MB > or =second recurrence; stratum II, recurrent SPNET; stratum III, recurrent ATRT. Patients received oxaliplatin, 130 mg/m(2) intravenously over 2 hours every 3 weeks. The primary objective was to estimate the sustained response rate in stratum 1A. Plasma ultrafiltrate platinum pharmacokinetics were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients with a median age of 8.5 years (range, 0.6-18.9 years) were enrolled. In stratum 1A, 2 of 15 had partial responses (PRs, 1 sustained PR). No responses were observed in other strata. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 toxicities included thrombocytopenia (25.6%), neutropenia (16.3%), leukopenia (12%), increase in serum alanine transaminase (ALT) (7%), vomiting (4.7%), and sensory neuropathy (4.7%). No severe ototoxicity or nephrotoxicity was reported. Plasma ultrafiltrate platinum pharmacokinetic parameters were similar to adults, with a median clearance of 12.2 L/hr (range, 4.4-30 L/hr) and median area under the curve (AUC(0-infinity)) of 9.4 microg/mL/hr (range, 6.2-13.9 microg/mL/hr). CONCLUSIONS: Oxaliplatin was well tolerated in children but has limited activity in children with recurrent CNS embryonal tumors previously treated with platinum compounds.