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Biomedical subjects

K D Bagshawe

Publications and source records attributed to K D Bagshawe.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT). A three-phase study in ovarian tumor xenografts.

Antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) has been studied in a human ovarian carcinoma xenograft grown subcutaneously in nude mice. Radioimmunoassay of supernatants obtained from tumor homogenates showed these to contain carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Biodistribution studies with 125I-labeled monoclonal anti-CEA antibody, A5B7, and its F(ab')2 fragment showed localization in these xenografts. The AB57-F(ab')2 fragment conjugated to a bacterial enzyme, carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2), and, radiolabeled with 125iodine, also localized in the xenografts. The radiolabeled conjugate cleared from blood faster than the antibody alone. The percentage of injected dose per gram in tumor at 24 h postinjection was about fivefold lower than antibody alone. Tumor-to-blood ratio at 72 h after injection of the radiolabeled conjugate was 7 and the tumor-to-normal tissue ratios at this time point ranged from 20 (liver) to 75 (colon). A three-phase ADEPT antitumor study was carried out in which A5B7-F(ab')2-CPG2 was allowed to localize and was followed by accelerated inactivation/clearance of blood CPG2 by a galactosylated anti-CPG2 antibody (SB43gal). A benzoic acid mustard-derived prodrug was injected 24 h after the conjugate, which led to growth delay in this tumor compared to the control untreated group. Further antitumor studies in this model are in progress.

Animals↗

Antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT). A review of some theoretical, experimental and clinical aspects.

The concept of generating cytotoxic agents from non-toxic prodrugs at tumour sites by antibody vectored enzyme introduces a wide range of opportunities. Various prodrug-enzyme combinations have been described and encouraging results reported in xenograft models. Whilst the mouse model is a valuable tool in this approach translation to the human patient may expose more complex issues. The objective of restricting drug action to tumour sites and thus allowing greatly increased cytotoxic action requires more precise restriction of enzyme activity to tumour sites than has been achieved with an antibody vector and natural clearance alone. Assisted clearance mechanisms have been found effective. Alternatively, or additionally, the difference between prodrug and active drug creates the opportunity to degrade active drug selectively in blood and thus protect normal tissues. In order to give more than one cycle of treatment it will be necessary for the antibody-enzyme conjugate to be nonimmunogenic or for the concurrent administration of immunosuppressive agents. A pilot scale clinical trial with a prototype prodrug indicated the feasibility of antibody directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT).

Animals↗

The long-term outcome of patients who relapse after chemotherapy for non-seminomatous germ cell tumours.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the long-term survival of a group of patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumours, who relapse after chemotherapy and are retreated with a cisplatin and etoposide-based regimen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: At the Charing Cross Hospital between 1979 and 1988 38 patients in relapse were seen. The median interval after primary therapy was 8 months. They were treated with an intensive cisplatin and etoposide-based regimen with cycles repeated at 7-10 day intervals, and with surgery in 22 patients. RESULTS: Forty-seven per cent of patients entered a second complete remission and 88% of these remain disease free. The overall survival was 46% with a median follow-up of more than 4.3 years. Surgery was performed in 14 of 18 patients who entered a second complete remission. Adverse risk factors before initial chemotherapy and the time to relapse did not predict outcome but patients with unresectable radiological masses after relapse therapy had a poor outcome despite normalization of serum tumour markers. The tumours of 68% of patients initially treated with cisplatin-based regimens and 62% of patients who also received etoposide remained responsive to conventional doses of these drugs at relapse. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that there is a group of patients with relapsed teratoma who can be cured without the need for very high dose chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow rescue.

Adolescent↗

Antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy.

A 2- or 3-stage system can overcome some of the limitations of antibody-based attempts to restrict the action of cytotoxic agents to tumour sites. These systems use the antibody to direct an enzyme, which is unique to extracellular locations in humans, to tumour sites. The tumour-located enzyme is used to activate a subsequently administered prodrug. As with any antibody-based system, the main limitation lies in the distribution of the antibody or antibody conjugate. However, in contrast to drugs or radioisotopes, an enzyme can be inactivated in nontumour tissues or subjected to rapid clearance without toxic effects. The conjugation of an enzyme to an antibody increases its immunogenicity and may require the administration of immunosuppressive agents or the development of nonimmunogenic fusion proteins. A small scale pilot clinical trial has shown the general feasibility of this approach.

Animals↗

Optimisation of small-scale coupling of A5B7 monoclonal antibody to carboxypeptidase G2.

Conjugates of F(ab')2 fragment of the monoclonal antibody A5B7 coupled to carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) have been produced using the heterobifunctional reagents 2-mercapto-[S-acetyl]acetic acid, N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (SATA) and m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (SMPB). The effect of various levels of modifying reagent on enzyme activity and antigen binding activity were determined, and it was shown that whilst CPG2 is relatively sensitive to modification, insertion of three maleimide groups per CPG2 resulted in the loss of 30% of enzyme activity; A5B7 F(ab')2 was insensitive to modification, little or no activity being lost. The coupling efficiency of the reaction was shown to be fairly constant over a wide range of substitution levels. There was thus no advantage to be gained in using high substitution levels, which may result in loss of enzyme activity. The formation of undesired high molecular weight aggregates could be controlled by adjustment of the protein concentration during the final coupling step.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Characterisation of UGP and its relationship with beta-core fragment.

Urinary gonadotrophin peptide (UGP) was originally identified by immunoassay in the urine of patients with various types of cancer and by immunohistochemistry in human cancers of various histological types. Extracts of normal adult male urine also contained UGP by immunoassay. Purified UGP from different starting material was subjected to high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) prior to defining amino acid sequences. Chromatographed UGP after HPLC showed three distinct fractions. The N-terminal sequence of peptide 2 was completely homologous with the beta-core fragment of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and this was found associated with two smaller peptides. The N-terminal sequence of peptide 1 has not been described previously whilst the N-terminus of peptide 3 that was sequenced showed complete homology with the N-terminal sequence of eosinophil derived neurotoxin and non-secretory ribonuclease. The monoclonal antibodies 2C2 and 6D3 only bind beta core-fragment (peptide 2) whilst the polyclonal (rabbit) antibody AK12 could bind all three peptides. The radioimmunoassay system using AK12 could be inhibited by all three peptides and the immunoradiometric assay although based on a capture antibody (2C2) that only bound peptide 2, had the potential to measure all three peptides (when bound together as UGP) at the second step when 125I-AK12 was introduced as the detector. A specific radioimmunoassay for peptide 3 was generated using 125I-peptide 3 and the AK12 antibody. Beta core-fragment on iso-electric focusing was found to have a pI > 9.5, peptide 3 showed two bands at pI = 3.5 and 3.8 whilst insufficient purified peptide 1 was available to determine its iso-electric point. Bioassay studies on UGP showed that any biological activity could be attributed to trace contamination with hCG.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Correlation between clinical staging (FIGO) and prognostic groups with gestational trophoblastic disease.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the Charing Cross Hospital scoring system with FIGO staging for gestational trophoblastic disease. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of patients referred to Charing Cross during the period 1979-1989. SETTING: National referral centre. SUBJECTS: Two hundred and seven women with gestational trophoblastic disease presenting between 1979-1989. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The women were classified according to the Charing Cross Hospital scoring system and FIGO clinical staging and the results of treatment compared. RESULTS: Of the 207 women studied, there were 102 low risk, 39 medium risk and 66 high risk according to the Charing Cross system and 26 stage 0, 83 stage 1, 23 stage 2, 51 stage 3 and 24 stage 4 according to the FIGO system. If the FIGO system had been used to determine therapy, 17 women would have been at risk of undertreatment and nine of overtreatment. The main prognostic factors contributing to a higher Charing Cross score and thus more intensive chemotherapy from the outset were: HCG > 10(5), interval from antecedent pregnancy > 12 months and term delivery. CONCLUSIONS: The Charing Cross scoring system incorporates factors predictive of the presence of drug resistant tumour and thus allows more appropriate use of chemotherapy from the start of treatment than is possible with the anatomically based FIGO staging. Moreover, the system is easy to apply relying only on history and clinical examination in addition to a reliable quantitative HCG assay.

Adult↗

Computer system for assisting with clinical interpretation of tumour marker data.

OBJECTIVE: To design and evaluate a computer advisory system for the treatment of gestational trophoblastic tumour. DESIGN: A comparison of clinicians' treatment decisions with those of the computer system. Two datasets were used: one to calibrate the system and one to independently evaluate it. SETTING: Department of medical oncology. PATIENTS: Computerised records of 290 patients with low risk gestational trophoblastic tumour for whom the advisory system could predict the adequacy of treatment. The calibration set comprised patients admitted during 1979-86(227) and the test set patients during 1986-89(63). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The system's accuracy in predicting need to change treatment compared with clinicians' actions. The mean time faster that the system was in predicting the need to change treatment. RESULTS: On the calibration dataset the system was 94% (164/174) accurate in predicting patients whose treatment was adequate, recommending change when none occurred in only 10 (6%) patients. In patients whose treatment was changed the system recommended change earlier than clinicians in 39/53 cases (74%), with a mean time advantage of 14.9 (SE 2.02) days. On the test dataset the system had an accuracy of 91% (31/34) in predicting treatment adequacy and a false positive rate of 9% (3/34). The system recommended change earlier than clinicians in 22/29 cases (76%), with a mean time advantage of 12.5 (2.22) days. CONCLUSIONS: The computer advisory system could improve patient management by reducing the time spent receiving ineffective treatment. This has implications for both patient time and clinical costs.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

The cytotoxicity, DNA crosslinking ability and DNA sequence selectivity of the aniline mustards melphalan, chlorambucil and 4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino] benzoic acid.

Three aniline derivatives melphalan (L-PAM), chlorambucil (CHL) and 4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino] benzoic acid (BAM) have been compared on the basis of their in vitro cytotoxicities, DNA interstrand crosslinking ability and DNA sequence selectivity. Cytotoxicity was assessed in the human colonic adenocarcinoma LS174T and leukaemic K562 cell lines using the sulpho-rhodamine B and tetrazolium dye reduction assays. The order of cytotoxicities was L-PAM greater than CHL greater than BAM in both cell lines with K562 being less sensitive than LS174T. This was different from the order CHL greater than L-PAM greater than BAM which would be predicted from simple chemical reactivity or rate of hydrolysis, parameters which have been used previously as indicators of biological potency for aromatic nitrogen mustards. DNA interstrand crosslinking in cells as determined by alkaline elution showed a correlation with IC50 values. The ranking order of activity was further predicted by the ability of the agents to produce interstrand crosslinks in isolated DNA. The extent of guanine N-7 alkylation, assessed using a modified DNA sequencing technique, mirrored cytotoxicity and crosslinking ability, but at equivalent levels of alkylation there was no significant difference in DNA sequence selectivity. These data demonstrates that simple chemical reactivity or hydrolysis rate is not a good indicator of DNA reactivity or cytotoxicity for a number of aniline mustards, whereas DNA interstrand crosslinking ability either measured directly in cells or in isolated DNA, gives a good indication of biological activity.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗

Gestational and nongestational trophoblastic tumors distinguished by DNA analysis.

In three patients in whom a diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic tumor was possible on the basis of pathology and elevated levels of serum human chorionic gonadotrophin, locus-specific minisatellite probes were used to identify restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) in DNA from the tumor, the patient, and her partner. On the basis of results from these studies, one tumor, originally diagnosed as a germ cell tumor, was reclassified as a gestational choriocarcinoma, whereas a second tumor, diagnosed as gestational choriocarcinoma, was shown to be of nongestational origin. In the third case, a diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic tumor was confirmed, but in this case the androgenetic origin of the tumor indicated that it was derived, not from the antecedent term pregnancy, but from a previous pregnancy with hydatidiform mole. This study clearly demonstrates the value of DNA analysis in the classification of tumors with trophoblastic differentiation.

Adult↗

Doppler assessment of the uterine circulation and the clinical behaviour of gestational trophoblastic tumours requiring chemotherapy.

The haemodynamics of the uterine arteries and myometrium were assessed using Doppler ultrasound in forty consecutive patients requiring treatment for invasive mole and choriocarcinoma. The investigations were performed prior to the commencement of chemotherapy and the subjects followed prospectively. The Doppler waveforms from the uterine arteries were analysed using the pulsatility index. It was found that patients with a pulsatility index of 1.1 or less were significantly more likely to develop drug resistance than those with a higher value (P < 0.04). There was no significant association between the pulsatility index and metastatic disease or uterine bleeding. Five out of eight patients who developed drug resistance could have avoided initial inadequate treatment if the Doppler findings were included in the scoring system for selecting chemotherapy for these tumours. It can be concluded that assessment of the uterine arteries using the pulsatility index prior to the treatment of patients with invasive mole and choriocarcinoma is of help in predicting those who will develop drug resistance.

Arteries↗

Choriocarcinoma. A model for tumour markers.

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) was the first major tumour marker to be identified and in gestational choriocarcinoma remains the closest we have to the ideal indicator of tumour activity. What is measured in assays for this substance is however a complex subject which has to be understood if misinterpretation of the data is to be avoided. It is also necessary to understand the pathology and natural history of the spectrum of hCG producing tumours. The distinction between luteinising hormone (LH) and hCG only became possible with the production of antisera predominantly directed at the beta subunit of hCG. Since then monoclonal antibodies directed at restricted epitopes have revealed that a range of hCG fragments contribute to what is measured. Within the spectrum of hCG producing lesions are those that are self-terminating whilst others are premalignant, malignant but responsive to chemotherapy, or refractory to all present agents. Awareness of this complexity is essential for interpretation of values. For patients with hydatidiform mole hCG measurements form the basis of identifying progressive lesions and thus constituting a still unique biochemical screening programme for cancer. Its roles in diagnosis, prognostication, monitoring the course of the disease and in follow-up for detection of recurrence are unique in many respects. Although hCG measurements provide information critical to the management of each of these lesions that information can only be properly understood through an understanding of the pathological entities involved and the pharmacokinetics of hCG metabolism and excretion.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Comparison of ondansetron and ondansetron plus dexamethasone as antiemetic prophylaxis during cisplatin-containing chemotherapy.

Ondansetron, a serotonin antagonist, is effective in controlling the emesis associated with cancer chemotherapy; however, emesis in patients receiving high-dose cisplatin is poorly controlled by ondansetron alone. Dexamethasone is an effective antiemetic with no known interaction with serotonin receptors and was thus chosen for study in combination with ondansetron. 31 patients (30 male, 1 female; median age 28.5 years, range 18-49) receiving a 4-day course of a chemotherapy regimen containing cisplatin (100-120 mg/m2) for metastatic germ-cell tumours were entered in a randomised, double-blind, cross-over trial comparing oral ondansetron plus placebo with oral ondansetron plus dexamethasone as antiemetic prophylaxis. Ondansetron (8 mg every 8 h) was given to all patients for 8 days from the start of chemotherapy. Patients were given 8 mg of dexamethasone or placebo every 8 h starting 2 h before cisplatin (on day 4) and continuing for six doses (ie, for 2 days only). A second course of chemotherapy began 14 days after the start of the first, during which patients crossed over to the alternative antiemetic regimen. Results were available from 27 patients. In the 24-48 h after cisplatin 78% of patients taking ondansetron plus dexamethasone reported complete or major control of emesis compared with 30% of those taking ondansetron plus placebo (p = 0.001). Cross-over analysis showed a significant advantage for ondansetron plus dexamethasone in the control of nausea (p = 0.013) and emesis (p less than 0.001) over the 8-day study. 24 of 26 patients expressed a preference for the combination therapy (p less than 0.001). Ondansetron plus dexamethasone is effective antiemetic prophylaxis for high-dose cisplatin chemotherapy, has few side effects, and is active when given orally.

Administration, Oral↗

Cytotoxicity and activation of CB1954 in a human tumour cell line.

CB1954 (5-aziridin-1-yl-2,4-dinitrobenzamide) is a monofunctional alkylating agent, to which Walker 256 cells are very sensitive. These cells express a nitroreductase which reduces CB1954 to a bifunctional crosslinking agent 5-(aziridin-1-yl)-4-hydroxylamino-2-nitrobenzamide. In vitro testing on the human colon line LS174T showed that the differential cytotoxicities between the monofunctional agent (CB1954), and the active species (generated in situ by the addition of NADH and the Walker rat nitroreductase) were smaller than anticipated due to the unexpected toxicity of CB1954 (IC50 value for CB1954 on LS174T cells of 78 microM). The toxicity of the chemically synthesised active form was less than if it had been generated in situ (on LS174T cells). Further experiments showed that NADH was toxic at the levels used to generate the active species (500 microM). Gel filtration and electrophoresis experiments demonstrated that the human colon carcinoma and choriocarcinoma cell lines MAWI and JAR, as well as LS174T express an enzyme of similar molecular weight to that of the 33 kD Walker cell nitroreductase, which is capable of reducing CB1954 to its toxic metabolite, and reducing MTT to its insoluble formazan salt. The expression of this enzyme presumably accounts for the unexpected toxicity of CB1954.

Animals↗

A phase-I study of repeated therapy with radiolabelled antibody to carcinoembryonic antigen using intermittent or continuous administration of cyclosporin A to suppress the immune response.

The anti-mouse antibody response was examined in patients receiving repeated i.v. therapy with radiolabelled mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb) to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA): 131I anti-CEA was given approximately every 2 weeks with cyclosporin A, to suppress the anti-mouse antibody response. Two schedules of cyclosporin A--intermittent therapy for 6 days with each course of anti-CEA and continuous therapy--were compared. Suppression of the immune response in the intermittent high-dose (3 patients) and continuous low-dose groups (4 patients) was equivalent, but the latter regimen was less toxic. Repeated therapy led to the formation of small amounts of anti-mouse antibody, but provided that cyclosporin A was continued it did not prevent further therapy or lead to an increase in the rate of clearance of anti-CEA from blood. Without cyclosporin A no more than 2 courses of antibody therapy could be given. Patients received up to 4 doses of 131I anti-CEA. The nadir platelet count was related to the half-life of 131I anti-CEA in blood. Thrombocytopenia limited the amount of 131I anti-CEA that could be given and determined the interval between treatments. Effective suppression of the anti-antibody response is possible and this study has determined that myelosuppression is the principal obstacle to repeated therapy with radiolabelled antibody.

Adult↗

The effect of radiosensitizers on radio-immunotherapy, using 131I-labelled anti-CEA antibodies in a human colonic xenograft model.

Anti-CEA antibodies were used for radio-immunotherapy in an established LS174T colonic xenograft in nude mice. A single IV dose of either 131I-PK4S (polyclonal) or -A5B7 (monoclonal) antibody produced tumour regression, and significantly delayed subsequent tumour growth. Administration of a clearing second antibody, 24 hr post 131I-PK4S and at 5 times the dose, significantly reduced the therapeutic effect of radio-antibody alone. Tumours of mice given non-specific antibody or unlabelled anti-CEA antibody grew like those of untreated controls. In an attempt to enhance therapy without increasing dose, radiosensitizers normally employed with external beam radiation were used in combination therapy. When the hypoxic cell radiosensitizer misonidazole was combined with 131I-A5B7, it significantly prolonged tumour-growth inhibition over radio-antibody alone. Conversely, the therapeutic effect of either radio-antibody was significantly reduced when used in combination with the halogenated pyrimidine radiosensitizer 5-iododeoxyuridine. Neither sensitizer alone affected tumour growth.

Animals↗

Cytoreductive surgery in disseminated non-seminomatous germ cell tumours of testis.

Between 1977 and 1988, 67 patients underwent surgical removal of residual metastatic deposits following an aggressive chemotherapy regimen (cisplatin, vincristine, methotrexate and bleomycin alternating with etoposide, actinomycin D and cyclophosphamide) for disseminated germ cell tumours of the testis (stage IIB or above). Ninety-one surgical procedures were performed. There were 63 (69 per cent) retroperitoneal lymph node dissections, 16 (18 per cent) thoracotomies, three (3 per cent) hepatic resections, three (3 per cent) craniotomies, five (5 per cent) delayed orchidectomies and one anterolateral decompression of the vertebral column. Nine (13 per cent) patients required a repeat retroperitoneal node dissection and one patient needed a repeat thoracotomy to remove recurrent metastatic deposits during the period of follow-up. Multivisceral resections and vascular reconstruction procedures were required in 20 (30 per cent) patients undergoing retroperitoneal node dissection. Fifty-five (82 per cent) patients remain in complete remission with a mean follow-up period of 49.6 months (range 2-121 months). Nine (13 per cent) patients died with metastatic disease between 2 months to 4 years after operation. There were three deaths in the perioperative period (4 per cent). The histology of the resected metastases revealed undifferentiated active tumour in 20 (30 per cent) patients, differentiated mature teratoma in 29 (43 per cent) patients and fibrosis/necrosis in 18 (27 per cent) patients. Twelve (60 per cent) patients with undifferentiated elements and 15 patients (60 per cent) with raised preoperative tumour markers (poor prognostic categories) are in complete remission. Cytoreductive surgery in patients with metastatic germ cell tumours offers the best chance of remission following chemotherapy even in poor prognostic group categories.

Adolescent↗