Thomas Schmelter

One-year outcomes of the da VINCI study of VEGF trap-eye in eyes with diabetic macular edema

PURPOSE To compare different doses and dosing regimens of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Trap-Eye with laser photocoagulation in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). DESIGN Randomized, double-masked, multicenter, phase 2 clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS Diabetic patients (n = 221) with center-involved DME. METHODS Participants were assigned randomly to 1 of 5 treatment regimens: VEGF Trap-Eye 0.5 mg every 4 weeks (0.5q4); 2 mg every 4 weeks (2q4); 2 mg every 8 weeks after 3 initial monthly doses (2q8); or 2 mg dosing as needed after 3 initial monthly doses (2PRN), or macular laser photocoagulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 24 weeks (the primary end point) and at 52 weeks, proportion of eyes that gained 15 letters or more in Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) BCVA, and mean changes in central retinal thickness (CRT) from baseline. RESULTS As previously reported, mean improvements in BCVA in the VEGF Trap-Eye groups at week 24 were 8.6, 11.4, 8.5, and 10.3 letters for 0.5q4, 2q4, 2q8, and 2PRN regimens, respectively, versus 2.5 letters for the laser group (P ≤ 0.0085 versus laser). Mean improvements in BCVA in the VEGF Trap-Eye groups at week 52 were 11.0, 13.1, 9.7, and 12.0 letters for 0.5q4, 2q4, 2q8, and 2PRN regimens, respectively, versus -1.3 letters for the laser group (P ≤ 0.0001 versus laser). Proportions of eyes with gains in BCVA of 15 or more ETDRS letters at week 52 in the VEGF Trap-Eye groups were 40.9%, 45.5%, 23.8%, and 42.2% versus 11.4% for laser (P = 0.0031, P = 0.0007, P = 0.1608, and P = 0.0016, respectively, versus laser). Mean reductions in CRT in the VEGF Trap-Eye groups at week 52 were -165.4 μm, -227.4 μm, -187.8 μm, and -180.3 μm versus -58.4 μm for laser (P < 0.0001 versus laser). Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Trap-Eye generally was well tolerated. The most frequent ocular adverse events with VEGF Trap-Eye were conjunctival hemorrhage, eye pain, ocular hyperemia, and increased intraocular pressure, whereas common systemic adverse events included hypertension, nausea, and congestive heart failure. CONCLUSIONS Significant gains in BCVA from baseline achieved at week 24 were maintained or improved at week 52 in all VEGF Trap-Eye groups. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Trap-Eye warrants further investigation for the treatment of DME.

Intravitreal aflibercept for diabetic macular edema: 100-week results from the VISTA and VIVID studies

PURPOSE To compare efficacy and safety of 2 dosing regimens of intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) with macular laser photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema (DME). DESIGN Two similarly designed, randomized, phase 3 trials, VISTA(DME) and VIVID(DME). PARTICIPANTS Patients (eyes; n=872) with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus who had DME with central involvement. METHODS Eyes received IAI 2 mg every 4 weeks (2q4), IAI 2 mg every 8 weeks after 5 monthly doses (2q8), or laser control. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary end point was mean change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at week 52. This report presents the 100-week results including mean change from baseline in BCVA, proportion of eyes that gained ≥15 letters, and proportion of eyes with a ≥2-step improvement in the Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale (DRSS) score. RESULTS Mean BCVA gain from baseline to week 100 with IAI 2q4, IAI 2q8, and laser control was 11.5, 11.1, and 0.9 letters (P < 0.0001) in VISTA and 11.4, 9.4, and 0.7 letters (P < 0.0001) in VIVID, respectively. The proportion of eyes that gained ≥15 letters from baseline at week 100 was 38.3%, 33.1%, and 13.0% (P < 0.0001) in VISTA and 38.2%, 31.1%, and 12.1% (P ≤ 0.0001) in VIVID. The proportion of eyes that lost ≥15 letters at week 100 was 3.2%, 0.7%, and 9.7% (P ≤ 0.0220) in VISTA and 2.2%, 1.5%, and 12.9% (P ≤ 0.0008) in VIVID. Significantly more eyes in the IAI 2q4 and 2q8 groups versus those in the laser control group had a ≥2 step improvement in the DRSS score in both VISTA (37.0% and 37.1% vs. 15.6%; P < 0.0001) and VIVID (29.3% and 32.6% vs. 8.2%; P ≤ 0.0004). In an integrated safety analysis, the most frequent serious ocular adverse event was cataract (2.4%, 1.0%, and 0.3% for 2q4, 2q8, and control). CONCLUSIONS In both VISTA and VIVID, the 52-week visual and anatomic superiority of IAI over laser control was sustained through week 100, with similar efficacy in the 2q4 and 2q8 groups. Safety in these studies was consistent with the known safety profile of IAI.

Two low-dose levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive systems: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two low-dose levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive systems. METHODS: Nulliparous and parous women aged 18−35 years with regular menstrual cycles (21−35 days) requesting contraception were randomized to 3 years of treatment with one of two levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive systems: 13.5 mg total content or 19.5 mg total content. The primary outcome was the pregnancy rate, calculated as the Pearl Index. RESULTS: Overall, 1,432 and 1,452 women in the 13.5 mg intrauterine contraceptive system and 19.5 mg intrauterine contraceptive system groups, respectively, had a placement attempted and were included in the full analysis set to evaluate efficacy and safety. Mean (standard deviation) age was 27.1 (4.8) years; 39.2% were nulliparous. Over the 3-year study period, 0.33 pregnancies per 100 women-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16–0.60) were observed with the 13.5 mg intrauterine contraceptive system compared with 0.31 per 100 women-years (95% CI 0.15–0.57) with the 19.5 mg intrauterine contraceptive system. Kaplan-Meier estimates for that period were 0.009 and 0.010, respectively. At least partial expulsions occurred in 4.56% and 3.58% and discontinuation rates resulting from a reported adverse event occurred in 21.9% and 19.1%, respectively. Ten of the 20 pregnancies were ectopic. Serious adverse events included six cases of pelvic inflammatory disease and one partial uterine perforation. CONCLUSIONS: Both lower-dose levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive systems were highly effective for 3 years of use and generally well tolerated. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00528112. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I

Monotherapy Administration of Sorafenib in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (MISSION) Trial: A Phase III, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Sorafenib in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Predominantly Nonsquamous Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer after 2 or 3 Previous Treatment Regimens

INTRODUCTION Sorafenib monotherapy has shown benefits in phase II trials as third-/fourth-line treatment in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS The phase III, multinational, double-blind, placebo-controlled MISSION trial randomized patients with advanced relapsed/refractory NSCLC, following 2 or 3 prior treatment regimens, to sorafenib 400 mg bid (n=353) or matching placebo (n=353) plus best supportive care. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS); secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and time-to-progression (TTP). EGFR and KRAS mutation status was analyzed in archival tumor and/or circulating tumor DNA from blood samples obtained during screening. RESULTS Median OS was similar in the sorafenib and placebo groups (8.2 versus 8.3 months; hazard ratio [HR] 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-1.17, p=0.47). Median PFS (2.8 versus 1.4 mo; HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.51-0.72, p<0.0001) and TTP (2.9 versus 1.4 months; HR 0.54; 95% CI 0.45-0.65, p<0.0001) were significantly greater with sorafenib than with placebo. Among the 89 patients with EGFR mutations, OS (13.9 versus 6.5 months; HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.30-0.76, p=0.002) and PFS (2.7 versus 1.4 months; HR 0.27; 95% CI 0.16-0.46, p<0.001) were significantly higher with sorafenib than placebo. PFS was significantly longer with sorafenib than placebo in patients with either wild-type or mutated KRAS, but OS was similar. Common drug-related adverse events were rash/desquamation, diarrhea and fatigue, consistent with the safety profile of sorafenib. CONCLUSIONS Third-/fourth-line sorafenib therapy did not significantly increase OS in patients with relapsed/refractory NSCLC, despite significantly increasing PFS.Introduction: Sorafenib monotherapy has shown benefits in phase II trials as third-/fourth-line treatment in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: The phase III, multinational, double-blind, placebo-controlled Monotherapy admInistration of Sorafenib in patientS wIth nOn–small-cell luNg cancer (MISSION) trial randomized patients with advanced relapsed/refractory NSCLC, following two or three prior treatment regimens, to sorafenib 400 mg twice a day (n = 350) or matching placebo (n = 353) plus best supportive care. The primary end point was overall survival (OS); secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS) and time to progression. Epidermal growth factor receptor and KRAS mutation status was analyzed in archival tumor and/or circulating tumor DNA from blood samples obtained during screening. Results: Median OS was similar in the sorafenib and placebo groups (8.2 versus 8.3 mo; hazard ratio [HR], 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84–1.17; p = 0.47). Median PFS (2.8 versus 1.4 mo; HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.51–0.72; p < 0.0001), and time to progression (2.9 versus 1.4 mo; HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.45–0.65; p < 0.0001) were significantly greater with sorafenib than with placebo. Among the 89 patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations, OS (13.9 versus 6.5 mo; HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.30–0.76; p = 0.002) and PFS (2.7 versus 1.4 mo; HR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.16–0.46; p < 0.001) were significantly higher with sorafenib than placebo. PFS was significantly longer with sorafenib than placebo in patients with either wild-type or mutated KRAS, but OS was similar. Common drug-related adverse events were rash/desquamation, diarrhea, and fatigue, consistent with the safety profile of sorafenib. Conclusions: Third-/fourth-line sorafenib therapy did not significantly increase OS in patients with relapsed/refractory NSCLC, despite significantly increasing PFS.

The Effect of Age, Parity and Body Mass Index on the Efficacy, Safety, Placement and User Satisfaction Associated With Two Low-Dose Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Contraceptive Systems: Subgroup Analyses of Data From a Phase III Trial

Objective Two low-dose levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive systems (LNG-IUSs; total content 13.5 mg [average approx. 8 μg/24 hours over the first year; LNG-IUS 8] and total content 19.5 mg [average approx. 13 μg/24 hours over the first year; LNG-IUS 13]) have previously been shown to be highly effective (3-year Pearl Indices: 0.33 and 0.31, respectively), safe and well tolerated. The present subgroup analyses evaluated whether or not outcomes were affected by parity, age (18–25 vs 26–35 years), or body mass index (BMI, <30 vs ≥30 kg/m2). Methods Nulliparous and parous women aged 18‒35 years with regular menstrual cycles (21‒35 days) requesting contraception were randomized to 3 years of LNG-IUS 8 or LNG-IUS 13 use. Results In the LNG-IUS 8 and LNG-IUS 13 groups, 1432 and 1452 women, respectively, had a placement attempted and were included in the full analysis set; 39.2%, 39.2% and 17.1% were 18–25 years old, nulliparous and had a BMI ≥30 kg/m2, respectively. Both systems were similarly effective regardless of age, parity or BMI; the subgroup Pearl Indices had widely overlapping 95% confidence intervals. Placement of LNG-IUS 8 and LNG-IUS 13 was easier (p < 0.0001) and less painful (p < 0.0001) in women who had delivered vaginally than in women who had not. The complete/partial expulsion rate was 2.2–4.2% across all age and parity subgroups and higher in parous than in nulliparous women (p = 0.004). The incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease was 0.1–0.6% across all age and parity subgroups: nulliparous and younger women were not at higher risk than parous and older women, respectively. The ectopic pregnancy rate was 0.3–0.4% across all age and parity subgroups. Across all age and parity subgroups, the 3-year completion rate was 50.9–61.3% for LNG-IUS 8 and 57.9–61.1% for LNG-IUS 13, and was higher (p = 0.0001) among older than younger women in the LNG-IUS 8 group only. Conclusions LNG-IUS 8 and LNG-IUS 13 were highly effective, safe and well tolerated regardless of age or parity. Trial Registration Clinical trials.gov NCT00528112

Evaluation of a new, low-dose levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive system over 5 years of use

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new, low-dose levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive system (LNG-IUS 12) for up to 5 years of use. STUDY DESIGN In this Phase III study, 2885 nulliparous and parous women aged 18-35 years were randomized to LNG-IUS 8 or LNG-IUS 12 for 3 years. After 3 years, women using LNG-IUS 12 could continue for up to 2 additional years (5 years total). The primary outcome was occurrence of pregnancy (Pearl Index). Secondary outcomes included safety, bleeding, dysmenorrhea, discontinuations, and user satisfaction. RESULTS From August 2007 through May 2008, out of 2885 women who were enrolled, 1453 were randomized to LNG-IUS 12. Placement was attempted in 1452/1453 (full analysis set). Mean age at baseline was 27.1 years; 39.5% were nulliparous. The cumulative 5-year Pearl Index (PI) was 0.29; the 5-year cumulative failure rate was 1.4%. The 5-year PI for ectopic pregnancy was 0.18. Over 5 years, 55.3% of women reported study drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Crude incidences of pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine perforation, and complete/partial LNG-IUS 12 expulsion were 0.6%, 0.2%, and 3.7%, respectively. Women using LNG-IUS 12 generally experienced less frequent bleeding over time. The incidence of amenorrhea during the last 90-day reference interval (end of Year 5) was 22.6%. Overall, 870 (59.9%) and 550 (37.9%) women completed 3 and 5 years of treatment, respectively; 77.8% of women who entered the extension phase completed 5 years of use. Over 5 years, 22.6% discontinued due to TEAEs, including 13 women who discontinued due to pregnancy; 76 discontinued due to bleeding problems including amenorrhea; and 163 discontinued due to desire for pregnancy, 71.2% of whom conceived within 12 months. CONCLUSION In this study including parous and nulliparous women, LNG-IUS 12 was highly effective over 5 years of use and associated with a favorable safety profile. LNG-IUS 12 offers women a low-dose contraceptive option for up to 5 years.

Ovarian cysts: presence and persistence with use of a 13.5 mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the presence of ovarian cysts in women using a new low-dose levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine contraceptive system (LNG-IUS 13.5mg [total content]). STUDY DESIGN A Phase 3 study assessed LNG-IUS 13.5mg use in healthy women with regular menstrual cycles who requested contraception. Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed at screening, baseline, and 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months after placement. RESULTS A total of 1432 women, mean age 27.2±4.8 years, were studied. A total of 10,446 transvaginal ultrasound examinations were performed over 3 years. Ovarian cysts were present in 1.6, 1.1, 2.3, 2.1, 2.4, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 1.9, and 2.1% of participants at screening, baseline, and Months 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36, respectively. One hundred first-time ovarian cysts were identified from baseline through Month 9. The size distribution through Month 12 was ≤30 mm (13%), >30 to ≤50 mm (74%), >50 to ≤80 mm (11%), and >80 mm (0%). The overall persistence of ovarian cysts from one examination to the next in Year 1 was 12% (11/90 with follow-up). Cyst persistence was 36% from baseline to 3 months, 13% from 3 to 6 months, 10% from 6 to 9 months, and 0% from 9 to 12 months. The likelihood of cyst persistence increased for cysts >50mm (36%) as compared to those ≤50 mm (8%). CONCLUSION Ovarian cysts were present in 1.6% of women at screening, 2.0 to 2.4% of LNG-IUS 13.5mg users during Year 1, and 1.9 to 2.1% during Years 2 and 3. The majority were >30 to ≤50 mm in size. The small and diminishing number of persistent cysts-decreasing to 0% from 9 to 12 months-suggests that they were functional in nature. IMPLICATIONS Transvaginal ultrasound follow-up of women during a 3-year clinical trial of LNG-IUS 13.5mg showed that ovarian cysts were present in 1.6% of participants at screening and 1.1-2.4% at each subsequent visit. Eighty-eight percent were ≤5cm, with none >8cm. No ovarian cysts persisted beyond Month 9, suggesting a functional etiology.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the lowest effective dose of drospirenone with 17β-estradiol for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women.

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of daily drospirenone/17&bgr;-estradiol in two low-dose combinations (0.25 mg/0.5 mg and 0.5 mg/0.5 mg, respectively) versus 17&bgr;-estradiol (0.3 mg) or placebo in postmenopausal women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. MethodsSeven hundred thirty-five postmenopausal women aged 40 years or older who experienced a minimum of 7 to 8 moderate to severe hot flushes per day, or 50 to 60 moderate to severe hot flushes per week, participated in a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. The primary efficacy variables were mean changes from baseline to weeks 4 and 12 in the weekly frequency and weekly mean daily severity of moderate to severe hot flushes recorded daily by the participants on diary cards. ResultsAll active treatments were significantly more effective than placebo for the primary efficacy variables for drospirenone/17&bgr;-estradiol (P < 0.0001), and for 17&bgr;-estradiol (P < 0.01) at 4 and 12 weeks. Efficacy was greater for both low-dose drospirenone/17&bgr;-estradiol combinations versus the lower-dose 17&bgr;-estradiol. Change in vaginal pH and vaginal maturation index showed significant improvements (with P values versus placebo of <0.0001 and P ⩽ 0.0028, respectively), and exploratory analysis of the Clinical Global Impressions scale score indicated an overall satisfaction of women with active treatments. All active treatments were generally well tolerated with low rates of adverse event–related dropouts, and the safety profile of drospirenone/17&bgr;-estradiol in both low-dose combinations was consistent with previous studies. ConclusionsDrospirenone 0.25 mg/17&bgr;-estradiol 0.5 mg is concluded to be the lowest dose with demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of postmenopausal women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms.

Bleeding pattern and user satisfaction in second consecutive levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system users: results of a prospective 5-year study

STUDY QUESTION What is the bleeding pattern during second consecutive levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) use? SUMMARY ANSWER Consecutive use of LNG-IUS is associated with a predictable bleeding pattern, characterized by the absence of the initial period of irregular bleeding seen after interval insertion of an LNG-IUS and a non-bleeding pattern in the vast majority of women. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY With increased popularity of the LNG-IUS for long-term birth control and treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), consecutive use of the system is becoming more frequent. One previous study showed 60% amenorrhea rate in consecutive IUS users; however, the sample size was small. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective multicenter study in four European countries recruited women who wished to continue with LNG-IUS use immediately after the first 5-year period. A total of 204 women were followed up until the end of the first year of the second IUS. Thereafter 170 women continued into the extension phase of the study up to the full 5 years of use of the second IUS and 144 women continued to the end of the study. PARTICIPANTS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 170 women (mean age 39 years) who had been using their first LNG-IUS for between 4 years 3 months and 4 years 9 months, either for contraception or for treatment of HMB, and who planned to replace the device with a new LNG-IUS, were recruited and followed up to 5 years of the second IUS use. A total of 17 centers in four European countries were involved in the study. Bleeding patterns were analyzed using daily bleeding diaries using 90-day reference periods (RP) for the first year of the second IUS use and for the last RP of each year during Years 2–5 of use. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Approximately 70% of women were free of bleeding during Years 2–5 and up to 49% were amenorrheic. There was a slight increase in the number of bleeding/spotting days of ∼3 days during the first RP immediately after the placement of the second IUS, whereafter the number of bleeding/spotting days returned to the level preceding the second IUS insertion or below that. Absence of bleeding was associated with high overall satisfaction and continuation rates. No serious adverse events assessed as related to the LNG-IUS use occurred during the 5-year period. The cumulative expulsion rate during the 5-year study period was 1.2%. The sample size was large enough to study bleeding patterns, and subjects are likely to represent typical consecutive IUS users, and therefore, the role of chance is small. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The women represent a selected group as they had already successfully used their first IUS for almost 5 years and were willing to continue its use—however, this is currently a common clinical situation. The results may therefore not be extrapolated to first-time users of the LNG-IUS. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data are of importance when counseling women who are making decisions concerning long-term contraception. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by Bayer Pharma AG. P.I. and T.S. are full-time employees of Bayer Pharma AG. O.H. and K. G-D. have received consultancy fees from Bayer Pharma AG. The publication was developed jointly by all authors without third-party involvement and no honoraria were paid for any authors for their contribution to this manuscript. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT00393198.

One-year randomized study of the endometrial safety and bleeding pattern of 0.25 mg drospirenone/0.5 mg 17β-estradiol in postmenopausal women

Abstract Objectives To investigate the long-term endometrial safety and bleeding pattern of the 0.25 mg drospirenone/0.5 mg 17β-estradiol (DRSP/E2) dose combination compared with 0.5 mg norethisterone acetate (NETA)/1.0 mg E2, in postmenopausal women. Methods A total of 662 postmenopausal women aged between 40 and 65 years with an indication for hormone therapy verified by the investigator were randomized to participate in this 1-year, double-blind, active comparator-controlled study. The primary efficacy variable was the proportion of women with an endometrial biopsy assessment of ‘hyperplasia or worse’ at any time during or after 13 cycles of treatment. Results No evaluable women in the DRSP/E2 or NETA/E2 groups had an endometrial biopsy result of ‘hyperplasia or worse’. The incidence of amenorrhea was higher in the DRSP/E2 group than the NETA/E2 group during months 1–3 (69.0% vs. 56.0%), with comparable amenorrhea rates of approximately 80% during months 10–12. Improvements in menopausal symptoms (exploratory efficacy variables) were similar in the two groups, while there were fewer women with treatment-related adverse events (18.4% vs. 25.6%) or adverse events leading to discontinuation of study drug (8.4% vs. 15.1%) in the DRSP/E2 group than the NETA/E2 group. There were no treatment-related thromboembolic or cardiovascular events in the DRSP/E2 group vs. two events in the NETA/E2 group. Conclusions The low-dose, 0.25 mg DRSP/0.5 mg E2 dose combination met the criteria for endometrial safety and demonstrated a favorable risk/benefit profile in this 1-year, double-blind, randomized study of postmenopausal women.