Optimal sequencing of enzalutamide and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: a multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase 2, crossover trial.

Background: Abiraterone acetate plus prednisone and enzalutamide are both used for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. We aimed to determine the best sequence in which to use both drugs, as well as their second-line efficacy.

Methods: In this multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase 2, crossover trial done in six cancer centres in British Columbia, Canada, we recruited patients aged 18 years or older with newly-diagnosed metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer without neuroendocrine differentiation and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 2 or less.

CDKN2A founder mutation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients without cutaneous features of Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome.

Background: Approximately 5% to 10% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a hereditary basis. In most of these defined hereditary cancer syndromes, PDAC is not the predominant cancer type. Traditional criteria for publicly funded genetic testing typically require the presence of a set combination of the predominant syndrome-associated cancer types in the family history.

A randomized phase II study of pelareorep and docetaxel or docetaxel alone in men with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer: CCTG study IND 209.

Background: Pelareorep is an oncolytic virus with activity in many cancers including prostate. It has synergism with microtubule-targeted agents. We undertook a clinical trial evaluating pelareorep in mCRPC patients receiving docetaxel.

A prognostic model for stratifying clinical outcomes in chemotherapy-naive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with abiraterone acetate.

Introduction: Recently, a prognostic index including six risk factors (RFs) (unfavourable Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status [ECOG PS], presence of liver metastases, short response to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone [LHRH] agonists/antagonists, low albumin, increased alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]) was developed from the COU-AA-301 trial in post-chemotherapy metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients treated with abiraterone acetate. Our primary objective was to evaluate this model in a cohort of chemotherapy-naive mCRPC patients receiving abiraterone.

Methods: We identified 197 chemotherapy-naive patients who received abiraterone at six BC Cancer Agency centres and who had complete information on all six RFs.

Targeted therapy for advanced renal cell cancer (RCC): a Cochrane systematic review of published randomised trials.

Objective: To estimate the effects of drugs with molecular targets on patients with advanced renal cell cancer (RCC).

Patients And Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Collaboration Library were systematically searched on-line through to June 2011 to identify eligible randomised trials. We also searched abstract reports from major oncology and urology meetings.

A phase 1 study of mapatumumab (fully human monoclonal antibody to TRAIL-R1) in patients with advanced solid malignancies.

Purpose: Mapatumumab (TRM-1, HGS-ETR1) is a fully human agonistic monoclonal antibody that targets and activates tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor 1 (death receptor 4). Mapatumumab functions like the natural receptor ligand, TRAIL, a tumor necrosis factor superfamily member that is an important mediator of apoptosis in cancer cell lines. Promising preclinical activity with mapatumumab has been observed.

Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in anal canal carcinoma.

Most anal canal carcinomas (ACCs) are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). SCCs in other tumor sites strongly express epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs), the inhibition of which might result in favorable changes in tumor growth. A review of the published scientific literature reveals no information regarding the expression of EGFR in ACCs.

Phase I study of the multidrug resistance inhibitor zosuquidar administered in combination with vinorelbine in patients with advanced solid tumours.

Background: Zosuquidar (LY335979) is an oral P-glycoprotein modulator. This phase I study was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of zosuquidar in combination with vinorelbine. The effects of zosuquidar on vinorelbine pharmacokinetics were also examined.

Identification of serum amyloid A as a biomarker to distinguish prostate cancer patients with bone lesions.

Background: Prostate cancer has a propensity to metastasize to the bone. Currently, there are no curative treatments for this stage of the disease. Sensitive biomarkers that can be monitored in the blood to indicate the presence or development of bone metastases and/or response to therapies are lacking.

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of fostriecin given as an intravenous bolus daily for five consecutive days.

Fostriecin (CI-920) is a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and protein phosphatase 4(PP4) found to have anticancer activity in preclinical testing. A phase I study was conducted to evaluate the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), toxicity profile, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of this drug. Forty-six patients were treated with escalating doses of fostriecin (2-47 mg/m2) administered as a daily bolus infusion for five consecutive days.