Stanley J. Goldsmith

Phase I Trial of 177Lutetium-Labeled J591, a Monoclonal Antibody to Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen, in Patients With Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), toxicity, human anti-J591 response, pharmacokinetics (PK), organ dosimetry, targeting, and biologic activity of (177)Lutetium-labeled anti-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) monoclonal antibody J591 ((177)Lu-J591) in patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer (PC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-five patients with progressing androgen-independent PC received (177)Lu-J591. All patients underwent (177)Lu-J591 imaging, PK, and biodistribution determinations. Patients were eligible for up to three retreatments. RESULTS Thirty-five patients received (177)Lu-J591, of whom 16 received up to three doses. Myelosuppression was dose limiting at 75 mCi/m(2), and the 70-mCi/m(2) dose level was determined to be the single-dose MTD. Repeat dosing at 45 to 60 mCi/m(2) was associated with dose-limiting myelosuppression; however, up to three doses of 30 mCi/m(2) could be safely administered. Nonhematologic toxicity was not dose limiting. Targeting of all known sites of bone and soft tissue metastases was seen in all 30 patients with positive bone, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance images. No patient developed a human anti-J591 antibody response to deimmunized J591 regardless of number of doses. Biologic activity was seen with four patients experiencing >or= 50% declines in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels lasting from 3+ to 8 months. An additional 16 patients (46%) experienced PSA stabilization for a median of 60 days (range, 1 to 21+ months). CONCLUSION The MTD of (177)Lu-J591 is 70 mCi/m(2). Multiple doses of 30 mCi/m(2) are well tolerated. Acceptable toxicity, excellent targeting of known sites of PC metastases, and biologic activity in patients with androgen-independent PC warrant further investigation.

NANETS treatment guidelines: Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors of the stomach and pancreas

Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the stomach and pancreas represent 2 major subtypes of gastrointestinal NETs. Historically, there has been little consensus on the classification and management of patients with these tumor subtypes. We provide an overview of well-differentiated NETs of the stomach and pancreas and describe consensus guidelines for the treatment of patients with these malignancies.

Biologic bypass with the use of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of the complementary deoxyribonucleic acid for vascular endothelial growth factor 121 improves myocardial perfusion and function in the ischemic porcine heart☆☆☆★

OBJECTIVES Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic mediator, can be delivered to targeted tissues by means of a replication-deficient adenovirus (Ad) vector. We hypothesized that direct administration of Ad vector expressing the VEGF121 complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (AdGVVEGF121.10) into regions of ischemic myocardium would enhance collateral vessel formation and improve regional perfusion and function. METHODS Yorkshire swine underwent thoracotomy and placement of an Ameroid constrictor (Research Instruments & MFG, Corvallis, Ore.) on the circumflex coronary artery. Three weeks later, myocardial perfusion and function were assessed by single photon emission computed tomography imaging (SPECT) with 99mTc-labeled sestamibi and by echocardiography during rest and stress. AdGVVEGF121.10 (n = 7) or the control vector, AdNull (n = 8), was administered directly into the myocardium at 10 sites in the circumflex distribution (10(8) pfu/site). Four weeks later, these studies were repeated and ex vivo angiography was performed. RESULTS SPECT imaging 4 weeks after vector administration demonstrated significant reduction in the ischemic area at stress in AdGVVEFG121.10-treated animals compared with AdNull control animals (p = 0.005). Stress echocardiography at the same time demonstrated improved segmental wall thickening in AdGVVEGF121.10 animals compared with AdNull control animals (p = 0.03), with AdGVVEGF121.10 animals showing nearly normalized function in the circumflex distribution. Collateral vessel development assessed by angiography was also significantly greater in AdGVVEGF121.10 animals than in AdNull control animals (p = 0.04), with almost complete reconstitution of circumflex filling in AdGVVEGF121.10 animals. CONCLUSIONS An Ad vector expressing the VEGF121 cDNA induces collateral vessel development in ischemic myocardium and results in significant improvement in both myocardial perfusion and function. Such a strategy may be useful in patients with ischemic heart disease in whom complete revascularization is not possible.

Possible axonal regrowth in late recovery from the minimally conscious state

We used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study 2 patients with traumatic brain injury. The first patient recovered reliable expressive language after 19 years in a minimally conscious state (MCS); the second had remained in MCS for 6 years. Comparison of white matter integrity in the patients and 20 normal subjects using histograms of apparent diffusion constants and diffusion anisotropy identified widespread altered diffusivity and decreased anisotropy in the damaged white matter. These findings remained unchanged over an 18-month interval between 2 studies in the first patient. In addition, in this patient, we identified large, bilateral regions of posterior white matter with significantly increased anisotropy that reduced over 18 months. In contrast, notable increases in anisotropy within the midline cerebellar white matter in the second study correlated with marked clinical improvements in motor functions. This finding was further correlated with an increase in resting metabolism measured by PET in this subregion. Aberrant white matter structures were evident in the second patients DTI images but were not clinically correlated. We propose that axonal regrowth may underlie these findings and provide a biological mechanism for late recovery. Our results are discussed in the context of recent experimental studies that support this inference.

The NANETS Consensus Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Neuroendocrine Tumors Well-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Jejunum, Ileum, Appendix, and Cecum

Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the jejunum, ileum, and appendix are also collectively known as midgut carcinoids. Similar to NETs in general, the diagnosed incidence of the midgut NETs is on the rise. Their presenting symptoms vary depending on stage and primary site. Local-regional NETs often present with vague and nonspecific symptoms. Classic carcinoid syndrome is more likely to appear in patients with advanced disease. Local-regional NETs of the small bowel should be resected whenever possible. With the exception of small well-differentiated NETs of the appendix, NETs of the midgut have substantial risk of relapse after resection and need to be followed for at least 7 years. Metastatic/advanced NETs of the midgut are incurable. Optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Somatostatin analogs are effective in the management of carcinoid syndrome. Octreotide long-acting release has also recently been shown to delay disease progression. Liver-directed therapy and surgical debulking can improve quality of life in selected patients. Pivotal phase 3 studies with bevacizumab targeting vascular endothelial growth factor and everolimus targeting mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) are ongoing and may lead to improved outcome. Further studies of novel approaches such as peptide receptor radiotherapy are also warranted.

Phase I Trial of Yttrium-90—Labeled Anti—Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Monoclonal Antibody J591 for Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), toxicity, human antihuman antibody (HAHA) response, pharmacokinetics, organ dosimetry, targeting, and preliminary efficacy of yttrium-90-labeled anti-prostate-specific membrane antigen monoclonal antibody J591 ((90)Y-J591) in patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer (PC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with androgen-independent PC and evidence of disease progression received indium-111-J591 for pharmacokinetic and biodistribution determinations followed 1 week later by (90)Y-J591 at five dose levels: 5, 10, 15, 17.5, and 20 mCi/m(2). Patients were eligible for up to three re-treatments if platelet and neutrophil recovery was satisfactory. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients with androgen-independent PC received (90)Y-J591, four of whom were re-treated. Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was seen at 20 mCi/m(2), with two patients experiencing thrombocytopenia with non-life-threatening bleeding episodes requiring platelet transfusions. The 17.5-mCi/m(2) dose level was determined to be the MTD. No re-treated patients experienced DLT. Nonhematologic toxicity was not dose limiting. Targeting of known sites of bone and soft tissue metastases was seen in the majority of patients. No HAHA response was seen. Antitumor activity was seen, with two patients experiencing 85% and 70% declines in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels lasting 8 and 8.6 months, respectively, before returning to baseline. Both patients had objective measurable disease responses. An additional six patients (21%) experienced PSA stabilization. CONCLUSION The recommended dose for (90)Y-J591 is 17.5 mCi/m(2). Acceptable toxicity, excellent targeting of known sites of PC metastases, and biologic activity in patients with androgen-independent PC warrant further investigation of (90)Y-J591 in the treatment of patients with PC.

Tositumomab and Iodine-131 Tositumomab Produces Durable Complete Remissions in a Subset of Heavily Pretreated Patients With Low-Grade and Transformed Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas

PURPOSE This study is an integrated efficacy analysis of the five clinical trials of tositumomab and iodine-131 tositumomab in patients with relapsed or refractory low-grade, follicular, or transformed low-grade non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) that resulted in the regulatory approval of the iodine-131 tositumomab by the US Food and Drug Administration. PATIENTS AND METHODS This integrated analysis included 250 patients. Patients received a single course of iodine-131 tositumomab. Responses were assessed by an independent panel of radiologists and oncologists. RESULTS Response rates in the five trials ranged from 47% to 68%; complete response rates ranged from 20% to 38%. With a median follow-up of 5.3 years, the 5-year progression-free survival was 17%. Eighty-one (32%) of 250 patients had a time to progression of > or = 1 year (termed durable response population). For the durable response population, 44% had not progressed at > or = 2.5 to > or = 9.5 years and had a median duration of response of 45.8 months. The median duration of complete response was not reached. The durable response population had many poor prognostic characteristics, including bone marrow involvement (41%), bulky disease > or = 5 cm (49%), and transformed histology (23%). Forty-three percent of the patients had been treated with more than four prior therapies and 36% had not responded to their most recent therapy. CONCLUSION The tositumomab and iodine-131 tositumomab therapeutic regimen produces high response rates in patients with relapsed or refractory low-grade, follicular, and transformed low-grade NHL, with a sizable subgroup of patients achieving long-term durable responses.

Vascular Targeted Therapy With Anti–Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Monoclonal Antibody J591 in Advanced Solid Tumors

PURPOSE Based on prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression on the vasculature of solid tumors, we performed a phase I trial of antibody J591, targeting the extracellular domain of PSMA, in patients with advanced solid tumor malignancies. This was a proof-of-principle evaluation of PSMA as a potential neovascular target. The primary end points were targeting,toxicity, maximum-tolerated dose, pharmacokinetics (PK), and human antihuman antibody (HAHA) response. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients had advanced solid tumors previously shown to express PSMA on the neovasculature. They received 111Indium (111ln)-J591 for scintigraphy and PK, followed 2 weeks later by J591 with a reduced amount of 111In for additional PK measurements. J591 dose levels were 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg. The protocol was amended for six weekly administrations of unchelated J591. Patients with a response or stable disease were eligible for re-treatment. Immunohistochemistry assessed PSMA expression in tumor tissues. RESULTS Twenty-seven patients received monoclonal antibody (mAb) J591. Treatment was well tolerated. Twenty (74%) of 27 patients had at least one area of known metastatic disease targeted by 111In-J591, with positive imaging seen in patients with kidney, bladder, lung, breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, and melanoma. Seven of 10 patient specimens available for immunohistochemical assessment of PSMA expression in tumor-associated vasculature demonstrated PSMA staining. No HAHA response was seen. Three patients of 27 with stable disease received re-treatment. CONCLUSION Acceptable toxicity and excellent targeting of known sites of metastases were demonstrated in patients with multiple solid tumor types, highlighting a potential role for the anti-PSMA antibody J591 as a vascular-targeting agent.

Phase II Study of Lutetium-177–Labeled Anti-Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Monoclonal Antibody J591 for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of a single infusion of radiolabeled anti-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) monoclonal antibody J591 (lutetium-177; 177Lu) by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline, measurable disease response, and survival. Experimental Design: In this dual-center phase II study, two cohorts with progressive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer received one dose of 177Lu-J591 (15 patients at 65 mCi/m2, 17 at 70 mCi/m2) with radionuclide imaging. Expansion cohort (n = 15) received 70 mCi/m2 to verify response rate and examine biomarkers. Results: Forty-seven patients who progressed after hormonal therapies (55.3% also received prior chemotherapy) received 177Lu-J591. A total of 10.6% experienced ≥50% decline in PSA, 36.2% experienced ≥30% decline, and 59.6% experienced any PSA decline following their single treatment. One of 12 with measurable disease experienced a partial radiographic response (8 with stable disease). Sites of prostate cancer metastases were targeted in 44 of 47 (93.6%) as determined by planar imaging. All experienced reversible hematologic toxicity, with grade 4 thrombocytopenia occurring in 46.8% (29.8% received platelet transfusions) without significant hemorrhage. A total of 25.5% experienced grade 4 neutropenia, with one episode of febrile neutropenia. The phase I maximum tolerated dose (70 mCi/m2) resulted in more 30% PSA declines (46.9% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.048) and longer survival (21.8 vs. 11.9 months, P = 0.03), but also more grade 4 hematologic toxicity and platelet transfusions. No serious nonhematologic toxicity occurred. Those with poor PSMA imaging were less likely to respond. Conclusion: A single dose of 177Lu-J591 was well tolerated with reversible myelosuppression. Accurate tumor targeting and PSA responses were seen with evidence of dose response. Imaging biomarkers seem promising. Clin Cancer Res; 19(18); 5182–91. ©2013 AACR.

FDG‐PET after 1 cycle of therapy predicts outcome in diffuse large cell lymphoma and classic Hodgkin disease

Early prediction of response to therapy may offer the potential to identify patients who will benefit from standard conventional therapy. The objective of this study was to determine the predictive value of FDG‐PET as an early response indicator after 1 cycle of chemotherapy for progression‐free survival (PFS) in diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLCL) and classic Hodgkin disease (HD).