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Biomedical subjects

T L Chen

Publications and source records attributed to T L Chen.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Perioperative changes of plasma endothelin-1 concentrations in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery.

Twenty-one patients who underwent cardiac valvular replacement procedures were studied to determine the perioperative changes of plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentration and disposition of ET-1 in the pulmonary and systemic vasculature between patients with elevated (over 20 mmHg) mean pulmonary artery pressure and patients with normal pulmonary artery pressure. The overall profile alterations of plasma ET-1 concentration did not differ between the two groups of patients. The plasma ET-1 levels in the pulmonary artery and right atrium were significantly higher in patients with high pulmonary artery pressure than in patients with normal pulmonary artery pressure. Before cardiopulmonary bypass, significant pulmonary extraction of the plasma ET-1 existed in patients with high pulmonary artery pressure but the pulmonary extraction was not seen after bypass. There was no transpulmonary difference of the plasma ET-1 concentration in patients with normal pulmonary artery pressure either before or after bypass. The high levels of ET-1 in the pulmonary circuit and the pulmonary extraction of the ET-1 in patients with high pulmonary artery pressure might be a protective mechanism for rheumatic valvular patients with elevated pulmonary artery pressure.

Endothelin-1↗

Phase I and pharmacologic study of topotecan in patients with impaired renal function.

PURPOSE: To determine the toxicities, pharmacokinetics, and recommended doses of the topoisomerase I inhibitor, topotecan, in patients with varying degrees of renal excretory dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with normal renal function [creatinine clearance (CrCl) > or = 60 mL/min] and 28 patients with varying degrees of renal dysfunction were treated with topotecan 0.4 to 2.0 mg/m2/d as a 30-minute infusion for 5 consecutive days every 3 weeks. Plasma and urine samples were obtained to determine the disposition of topotecan. RESULTS: In patients with mild renal dysfunction (CrCl = 40 to 59 mL/min), dose-limiting hematologic toxicity was observed in three of eight patients receiving topotecan 1.0 mg/m2/d and in two of five patients receiving topotecan 1.5 mg/m2/d. In patients with moderate renal dysfunction (CrCl = 20 to 39 mL/min), dose-limiting hematologic toxicity was observed in three of eight patients who received topotecan 0.5 mg/m2/d, and in two of four patients receiving topotecan 1.0 mg/m2/d; these events were more frequently observed in extensively pretreated patients. Pharmacokinetic analyses showed significant correlations between CrCl and the plasma clearance of both total topotecan [Spearman's correlation coefficient (r2) = 0.65, P = .00001] and topotecan lactone (r2 = 0.65, P = .00003). Mean systemic plasma clearance of total topotecan was significantly reduced in patients with mild (P = .04) and moderate (P = .00006) renal dysfunction. There was no evidence of changes in the pharmacodynamic relationship between topotecan exposure (AUC) and myelotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Dose adjustments are required in patients with moderate, but not mild, renal impairment. For patients with moderate renal dysfunction, the recommended starting dose of topotecan is 0.75 mg/m2/d for 5 days every 3 weeks. Moreover, extensively pretreated patients need further dose reductions.

Adult↗

Sequences of topotecan and cisplatin: phase I, pharmacologic, and in vitro studies to examine sequence dependence.

PURPOSE: A phase I and pharmacologic study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of administering the topoisomerase I (topo I) inhibitor topotecan (TPT) in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) in minimally pretreated adults with solid tumors. The study was designed to evaluate the magnitude of the toxicologic and pharmacologic differences between the two sequences of drug administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TPT was administered as a 30-minute infusion daily for 5 days and CDDP was given either before TPT on day 1 or after TPT on day 5. Each patient was treated with both schedules on an alternating basis every 3 weeks. Sequential dose escalation of TPT or CDDP resulted in three dosage permutation of TPT/CDDP (mg/m2): 0.75/50, 1/50, and 0.75/75. After the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) level was achieved, the feasibility of using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to permit further dose escalation was studied. To examine the interaction of TPT and CDDP in vitro, human A549 lung cancer cells were exposed to these agents concurrently and sequentially. RESULTS: Dose-limiting neutropenia and thrombocytopenia resulted after the doses of TPT or CDDP were increased to greater than 0.75 and 50 mg/m2, respectively, without and with G-CSF. The sequence of CDDP before TPT induced significantly worse neutropenia and thrombocytopenia than the alternate sequence. In vitro studies failed to provide any evidence for the differences in the cytotoxicity of these two sequences. Instead, pharmacokinetic studies suggested that the differences in toxicity were due, in part, to lower TPT clearance and exposure when CDDP preceeds TPT, possibly due to subclinical renal tubular toxicity induced by CDDP. CONCLUSION: The sequence of CDDP before TPT at doses of 50 and 0.75 mg/m2, respectively, is recommended for subsequent clinical trials in tumor types in which both agents have significant single-agent activity. The potential for sequence-dependent cytotoxic, toxicologic, and pharmacologic effects should be evaluated in concurrent clinical and laboratory studies in the course of developing combination chemotherapy regimens that consist of topo I-targeting agents and other antineoplastic agents, particularly DNA-damaging agents.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Phase I and pharmacologic study of sequences of paclitaxel and cyclophosphamide supported by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in women with previously treated metastatic breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Pacltaxel is active in metastatic breast cancer, but limited information is available on combinations of this agent with other cytotoxic agents. Study aims were to determine the maximum-tolerated doses (MTDs) of paclitaxel (24-hour infusion) and cyclophosphamide (1-hour infusion) administered every 21 days with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, filgrastim) to determine the effect of drug sequence on toxicity and pharmacology and to evaluate the activity of this combination in women with anthracycline-resistant disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven women with metastatic breast cancer were treated. Starting doses were paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2, with filgrastim 5 microG/kg/d subcutaneously beginning 24 hours after chemotherapy. Four patients were treated at each dose level. The sequence of drug administration was alternated between sequential patients, and with subsequent courses of therapy in each patient, to enable evaluation of effects of drug sequence on toxicity and pharmacology. Patients were treated every 21 days and disease status was reevaluated every two courses. RESULTS: Paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 1,250 mg/m2 is the MTD for this combination on this schedule. The hematopoietic toxicity of therapy was sequence-dependent. Paired analysis of toxicity data indicated more severe toxicity in courses in which paclitaxel was administered first. Sequence-dependent pharmacologic effects did not account for this phenomenon. Responses were noted in 29% of patients with anthracycline-resistant disease. CONCLUSION: Paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 1,250 mg/m2 with filgrastim administered every 21 days are the doses recommended for further study.

Adult↗

Blood and central venous pressure responses after serial tourniquet deflation during bilateral total knee replacement.

Thirty-five patients who underwent one-stage bilateral total knee replacement were included in this study to determine whether there was any difference in hemodynamic effects following the deflation of the first and second tourniquets. The values of hemodynamic variables were not significantly different immediately before either the first or the second tourniquet release as compared to preoperative values. The changes in heart rate after the release of the first and second tourniquets showed similar patterns. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly after deflation of the first and second tourniquets. However, the decrease was more marked after the second tourniquet deflation. The level of central venous pressure decreased significantly after the release of the first and second tourniquets but the patterns of change were not significantly different. The need for administration of ephedrine was also higher after the deflation of the second tourniquet than after the first. We conclude that the blood pressure changes after the second tourniquet deflation are more pronounced than those following the first tourniquet deflation. Anesthesiologists must be aware of this phenomenon and prevent marked hemodynamic changes that could be detrimental to high-risk patients.

Aged↗

Perioperative alterations of the thromboelastography in patients receiving one-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty is associated with activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic system in the perioperative period. The coagulation and fibrinolytic activation in one-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty has not been described before. Thromboelastography is a real-time aid in the monitoring of coagulation and is clinically valuable in the evaluation of whole blood hemostasis. We evaluated the coagulation and fibrinolysis system activation during and after one-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty by thromboelastography. METHODS: Twenty patients, ASA class I-II, undergoing one stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty were included in this study. All patients received continuous spinal anesthesia with isobaric 0.2% bupivacaine. Arterial blood samples were obtained for thromboelastography in the following sequences (1) after induction of anesthesia (baseline), (2) 20 min after releasing tourniquet of the first leg (3) 20 min after releasing tourniquet of the second leg, (4) 2 h postoperatively, (5) 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: There was a significant shortening of reaction time (R value) after deflation of the first leg tourniquet, and a further decrease of R value after deflation of the second leg tourniquet and two hours postoperatively. The perioperative change of coagulation time was similar to that of R value. The maximum amplitude decreased after releasing tourniquet of the second leg and two hours postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The activation of coagulation, as monitored by thromboelastography, is predominant in one-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty after releasing tourniquet of the second leg and returns to baseline 24 h postoperatively.

Aged↗

Prophylaxis against acid aspiration in regional anesthesia for elective cesarean section: a comparison between oral single-dose ranitidine, famotidine and omeprazole assessed with fiberoptic gastric aspiration.

BACKGROUND: Acid aspiration syndrome is still an important cause which contributes to maternal mortality in obstetric anesthesia. In this study, we compared famotidine, ranitidine, omeprazole with placebo for prophylaxis against aspiration pneumonitis in elective Cesarean section under regional anesthesia. METHODS: One hundred and sixty patients undergoing elective Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were allocated randomly into four groups: Group P (n = 40) received placebo only; Group F (n = 40) received famotidine 40 mg Group R (n = 40) received ranitidine 300 mg; and Group O (n = 40) received omeprazole 40 mg. All drugs were given orally at least three hours before the patients entering the operating room. Gastric content was directly aspirated and measured respectively with a flexible fiberoscope under visualization and by a pH meter after delivery. RESULTS: Although these three drugs (F, R, and O) were all effective in controlling the secretion of gastric acid, from gastric analysis it was demonstrated that famotidine and ranitidine could be more defective to neutralize acidity than omeprazole (p < 0.05). Percentages of patients with pH < or = 2.5 in Groups P, F, R, and O were respectively 88%, 10%, 8%, and 21%, showing that the innate pH of gastric juice was far lower than expected. Patients receiving omeprazole in single oral dose regimen retained a greater gastric volume (> or = 0.4 ml/kg) than those who received famotidine or ranitidine (p < 0.005). From the criteria defining the patients "at risk" (pH < or = 2.5 and gastric volume > or = 0.4 ml/kg), it is speculated that all these three regimens could potentially reduce the incidence of patients with calculated risk. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated that parturients under regional anesthesia were at a higher risk of aspiration pneumonitis than generally thought. Single dose of ranitidine or famotidine administered orally three hours before surgery provided a more effective means to control and neutralize gastric secretion than omeprazole in parturients.

Administration, Oral↗

A phase I and pharmacological study of topotecan infused over 30 minutes for five days in patients with refractory acute leukemia.

The principal objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of escalating doses of the hydrophilic topoisomerase I (topo I) inhibitor topotecan (TPT) as a 30-min infusion daily for 5 days in adults with refractory or relapsed acute leukemia and to study the pharmacokinetic behavior of high doses of TPT and pharmacodynamic determinants of TPT activity. Fourteen patients received 27 courses of TPT at doses ranging from 3.5 to 5.75 mg/m2/day every 3 weeks. A constellation of unusual adverse effects, consisting of high fever, rigors, precipitous anemia, and hyperbilirubinemia, was the principal dose-limiting toxicity of high doses of TPT on this schedule. These toxicities were consistently intolerable at the 5.75 mg/m2/day dose level; however, they were neither severe nor common at lower doses. Although the precise etiology of these effects is not known, high doses of TPT may induce acute hemolytic reactions in this patient population. Severe, albeit transient, mucositis was experienced by two of eight patients in 2 of 17 courses at the next lower dose level, 4.5 mg/m2/day, which was determined to be the maximum tolerated dose and the dose recommended for further trials. The pharmacokinetic behavior of TPT at high doses was not dose dependent and resembled that at lower doses. In view of preclinical data suggesting that TPT sensitivity might correlate with topo I levels, topo I content in leukemia blasts was assessed by Western blotting. Variations in topo I content were observed. Moreover, strong correlations were evident between topo I content and two markers of proliferation, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and nuclear protein B23, raising the possibility that differences in topo I content observed among various leukemia specimens might reflect differences in the proliferating fractions of cells in various leukemia samples. Although complete clearance of circulating leukemia blasts occurred in most courses, neither sustained responses nor hematopoietic recovery were observed in the heavily pretreated, poor-risk patients enrolled in this study, and it was not possible to correlate these differences in topo I content with clinical response. These results indicate that substantial dose escalation of TPT as a 30-minute infusion for a 5-day schedule above myelosuppressive doses is feasible in adults with refractory or relapsed leukemias; however, further development of alternate high-dose schedules in leukemia may be warranted in view of the nature of the dose-limiting toxicity and the lack of sustained clinical responses in this preliminary investigation.

Acute Disease↗

Cyclophosphamide and 4-Hydroxycyclophosphamide/aldophosphamide kinetics in patients receiving high-dose cyclophosphamide chemotherapy.

Using a recently developed gas chromatography and mass spectrometry method to determine whole-blood cyclophosphamide (CP) and 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide/aldophosphamide (4-HO-CP/AP) concentrations, we investigated their pharmacokinetics in women receiving CP therapy. Patients (n = 18) received one or two courses of CP: (a) a 90-min i.v. infusion (4 g/m2) followed by a 96-h i.v. infusion (6 g/m2) in combination with high-dose thiotepa; or (b) a 96-h i.v. infusion (6 g/m2) in combination with high-dose thiotepa. Whole-blood exposures to CP [area under the whole blood concentration versus time curve (AUCCP)] and 4-HO-CP/AP (AUC4HOCP) between courses 1 and 2 were compared after normalization to dose (g/m2). A nonproportional increase was observed for the AUCCP between the first course [1112 micrometer. h/g/m2 +/- 14% coefficient of variation (CV)] and the second course (1579 micrometer . h/g/m2 +/- 28% CV) (P < 0.001). In contrast, the AUC4HOCP (27 micrometer . h/g/m2 +/- 25% CV) determined for the first course was 29% higher than the AUC4HOCP (21 micrometer . h/g/m2 +/- 26% CV) for the second course (P < 0.01). The interpatient whole-blood exposures to both CP and 4-HO-CP/AP were remarkably consistent in this patient population with percent CVs ranging from 14 to 28%. Because thiotepa (800 mg/m2) was administered simultaneously with CP during the second course of treatment, possible inhibition of CP metabolism by thiotepa was investigated using human liver microsomes in vitro. IC50 values determined for inhibition of CP metabolism in three individual liver donors ranged from 1.0 to 40 micrometer. However, the clinical relevance of this observation has not been established.

Adolescent↗

Both the amino and carboxyl termini of Dictyostelium myosin essential light chain are required for binding to myosin heavy chain.

Dictyostelium myosin deficient in the essential light chain (ELC) does not function normally either in vivo or in vitro (Pollenz, R. S., Chen, T. L., Trivinos-Lagos, L., and Chisholm, R. L. (1992) Cell 69, 951-962). Since normal myosin function requires association of ELC, we investigated the domains of ELC that are necessary for binding to the myosin heavy chain (MHC). Deleting the NH2-terminal 11 or 28 amino acid residues (delta N11 or delta N28) or the COOH-terminal 15 amino acid residues (delta C15) abolished binding of the ELC to the MHC when the mutants were expressed in wild-type (WT) cells. In contrast, the ELC carrying deletion or insertion of four amino acid residues (D4 or I4) in the central linker segment bound the MHC in WT cells, although less efficient competition with WT ELC suggested that the affinity for the MHC is reduced. When these mutants were expressed in ELC-minus (mlcE-) cells, where the binding to the heavy chain is not dependent on efficient competition with the endogenous ELC, delta N28 and delta N11 bound to the MHC at 15% of WT levels and delta C15 did not bind to a significant degree. I4 and D4, however, bound with normal stoichiometry. These data indicate that residues at both termini of the ELC are required for association with the MHC, while the central linker domain appears to be less critical for binding. When the mutants were analyzed for their ability to complement the cytokinesis defect displayed by mlcE- cells, a correlation to the level of ELC carried by the MHC was observed, indicating that a stoichiometric ELC-MHC association is necessary for normal myosin function in vivo.

Animals↗

Comparison of flow and image cytometry for DNA content analysis of fresh and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue in breast carcinoma.

DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction are considered to be prognostic variables in breast carcinoma. DNA content of 35 cases of breast carcinoma of varying histologic types and nuclear grades was analyzed by flow cytometry and image analysis in both fresh and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Fresh cell and deparaffinized nuclear suspensions were used for flow cytometry. Fresh and deparaffinized tumor tissue samples were used for image analysis. The results of analysis for DNA ploidy, DNA index of DNA aneuploid Go/G1 peaks, and S-phase fraction were compared in different tissue preparations for both techniques. The two techniques produced comparable DNA ploidy results with both fresh and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Sensitivity for detection of DNA aneuploidy was somewhat greater by image analysis, particularly in deparaffinized tissue. There was 89% agreement in detection of DNA aneuploidy by flow cytometry in fresh and paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissue; the coefficients of variation of the DNA diploid Go/G1 peaks were much wider in the latter. In image analysis there was 91% agreement between fresh and fixed specimens. Agreement between the flow cytometry and image analysis in fresh specimens was 91%; in deparaffinized nuclear suspensions it was 94%. There is a high degree of correlation between the values of DNA index of DNA aneuploid Go/G1 peaks; the estimates of S-phase fraction are much more variable. Results also show a good correlation of the DNA ploidy with the nuclear grades.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗

Increased levels of glycoproteins containing mannose 6-phosphate in human breast carcinomas.

Newly synthesized enzymes destined for lysosomal localization contain mannose 6-phosphate (Man6-P) residues, allowing interaction with Man6-P receptors (MPRs) and subsequent intracellular targeting to the lysosome. In most cultured cells, lysosomal enzymes are rapidly dephosphorylated after targeting, but in some transformed cell lines, these proteins retain the Man6-P marker. To investigate the significance of this in human malignancy, we examined the persistence of the Man6-P marker in human breast biopsy specimens using MPR derivatives as affinity probes. In one approach, extracts of frozen tissue were standardized to protein content, fractionated by SDS-PAGE, immobilized on nitrocellulose, and probed with iodinated MPR. On average, carcinomas contained 4-fold higher levels of Man6-P glycoproteins than did benign tumors or normal breast samples. In about 15% of the carcinomas, levels of Man6-P glycoproteins were highly elevated (7-10-fold). Multiple Man6-P glycoproteins were detected, suggesting a general alteration in the synthesis or processing of many lysosomal enzymes in carcinomas. In a second approach, sections of formalin-fixed breast biopsy specimens were probed with biotinylated MPR. Malignant cells in 25 of 75 carcinomas exhibited granular cytoplasmic staining in what appears to be intracellular vesicles. Staining was specifically inhibited by Man6-P and was not observed in stromal components or lymphocytes. In addition, Man6-phosphorylated proteins were not detected in the 14 normal or benign biopsy samples examined. Staining appeared to be independent of most prognostic factors examined, including p53, cathepsin D, DNA ploidy, and hormone (estrogen and progesterone) receptor status. However, positive staining was significantly associated with high histological and nuclear grades (P < 0.05) and potentially with c-erbB-2 (P < 0.10), suggesting that elevated levels of Man6-P glycoproteins are associated with the more aggressive tumors.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Nonlinear pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide in patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous bone marrow transplantation.

The pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide has been evaluated in 15 patients with metastatic breast cancer undergoing high-dose chemotherapy with alkylating agents followed by autologous bone marrow transplantation. Each patient received two courses of chemotherapy: 4 g/m2 of cyclophosphamide by 90-min infusion prior to peripheral blood progenitor cell collection (the first course) and 6 g/m2 of cyclophosphamide with 800 mg/m2 of thiotepa by 96-h constant infusion before marrow and stem cell reinjection (the second course). In the first course, plasma cyclophosphamide concentration-time data of 9 of 15 patients were fit by a one-compartment model with Michaelis-Menten saturable elimination in parallel with first-order renal elimination. The mean (SD) Vmax and Km values were 1.47 (0.89) microM/min and 575 (347) microM, respectively. The first course data of the remaining six patients were fit using first-order elimination only. In the second drug course, plasma cyclophosphamide disposition curves of 13 of 15 patients demonstrated a decline in concentration following attainment of an initial steady state. The plasma cyclophosphamide disposition data of these patients were fit by a one-compartment pharmacokinetic model, in which the decline of plasma cyclophosphamide concentration after reaching the initial steady state was modeled as being due to an increase in the clearance rate of cyclophosphamide. The mean (SD) initial and final clearance rates were 51 (16) ml/min and 106 (48) ml/min, respectively. Michaelis-Menten elimination was not apparent in the second course because the plasma concentration of cyclophosphamide was much lower. The mean renal clearance rate was 17 ml/min in the first course and 16 ml/min in the second course. Urinary excretion of cyclophosphamide accounted for 17% and 23% of the total dose administered in the first and the second course, respectively. No change in cyclophosphamide clearance rate was apparent in a patient who was taking phenytoin, but a change was present in a patient who was taking phenobarbital. A drug interaction between cyclophosphamide and thiotepa may explain the smaller initial clearance rate for cyclophosphamide during the second drug course.

Adult↗

Human cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase system is suppressed by propofol.

We have studied the effect of propofol on the cytochrome P450-dependent mono-oxygenase system in human liver microsomes by assaying mono-oxygenase activities toward specific cytochrome P450 isoform test substrates, aniline, 7-ethoxycoumarin, benzphetamine and benzo(a) pyrene. Propofol inhibited benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylation to a greater extent than the oxidative metabolism of the other test substrates, even at 0.05 mmol litre-1. The degrees of inhibition of benzphetamine N-demethylation and 7-ethoxy-coumarin O-de-ethylation were similar, while aniline hydroxylation was least affected by propofol. Spectral analysis showed that propofol competed with carbon monoxide for binding to the haem moiety of haemoprotein in the P450 enzyme. The variable inhibition observed may be caused by the differential binding of propofol to P450 isoforms. Propofol 0.05-1.0 mmol litre-1 exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on human cytochrome P450 2E1, 2B1 and 1A1. These inhibitory actions of propofol on human liver microsomal enzymes in vitro suggest that potential drug interactions may exist between propofol and other drugs administered clinically.

Aniline Compounds↗

Difference between in vivo and in vitro effects of propofol on defluorination and metabolic activities of hamster hepatic cytochrome P450-dependent mono-oxygenases.

We have compared the in vivo and in vitro effects of propofol on cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase activities in hamster liver microsomes. Propofol (Diprivan) 10 mg/100 g body weight was injected i.p. twice a day for 2 weeks to induce cytochrome P450 enzymes. Liver microsomes were prepared by differential centrifugation. Metabolism of the cytochrome P450-dependent mono-oxygenase system was evaluated by measuring aniline hydroxylation, benzphetamine demethylation and benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylation. Defluorination of enflurane was assayed by detecting free fluoride metabolites. At similar concentrations as in the in vivo group, propofol in vitro exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of metabolism of benzphetamine and benzo(a)pyrene. Aniline hydroxylation and defluorination of enflurane were inhibited to 78% of control with propofol 0.25 mmol litre-1. In propofol-treated hamsters, there was only minimal inhibitory or inductive effects on either mono-oxygenase activities or capacity for defluorination. This difference between the in vitro and in vivo effects of propofol on cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase activities emphasizes the need for care when comparing in vitro and clinical data.

Anesthetics, Intravenous↗

Phase I and pharmacologic study of the alkylating agent modulator novobiocin in combination with high-dose chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Resistance to alkylators may potentially be overcome by drugs that inhibits DNA repair, thus improving the efficacy of high-dose chemotherapy. This trial was performed to determine if novobiocin, an agent that inhibits DNA repair, could be given with high-dose alkylators. Study aims were to define the toxicities and maximal-tolerated dose (MTD) of novobiocin and the pharmacokinetics of novobiocin and high-dose cyclophosphamide and thiotepa. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight women with responsive metastatic breast cancer received high-dose cyclophosphamide (3 to 6 g/m2 over 4 days), thiotepa (400 to 800 mg/m2), and novobiocin (0.5 to 5.0 g/d x 7, orally) with autologous marrow support. Toxicity was monitored. The pharmacology of novobiocin, cyclophosphamide, and thiotepa was evaluated. RESULTS: There were no toxic deaths. The MTD of novobiocin was 4 g/d. All seven patients treated at 5 g/d developed grade III/IV mucositis and vomiting. The severity of mucositis correlated with the plasma levels of novobiocin. Other severe toxicities were not observed. Plasma novobiocin levels > or = 100 micrograms/mL, which are associated with reversal of drug resistance in animal models, were consistently seen at dose levels greater than 2 g. The dispositions of cyclophosphamide and thiotepa were not altered by novobiocin. CONCLUSION: Novobiocin may be given with high-dose alkylators in doses that produce plasma levels that augment the activity of these cytotoxics in experimental models. The pharmacology of high-dose cyclophosphamide and thiotepa is unaffected. Novobiocin 4 g/d orally for 7 days is recommended for future study.

Adult↗

Phase I and pharmacologic studies of pyrazoloacridine, a novel DNA intercalating agent, on single-dosing and multiple-dosing schedules.

PURPOSE: To determine the maximum-tolerated doses (MTDs), principal toxicities, and pharmacologic behavior of pyrazoloacridine (PZA), a novel DNA intercalator with a unique mechanism of action, on single- and multiple-dosing schedules. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PZA was administered on a single-dosing schedule as a 1- to 3-hour infusion and on a multiple-dosing schedule as a 1-hour infusion daily for 5 days to cancer patients at doses ranging from 400 to 935 mg/m2 and 40 to 180 mg/m2/d every 3 weeks, respectively. RESULTS: On the single-dosing 1-hour schedule, CNS toxicity, characterized by neuropsychiatric and neuromotor effects, prompted prolongation of the infusion duration to 3 hours and led to a study of PZA on a multiple-dosing schedule. Both measures resulted in lower incidence of CNS toxicity. Neutropenia was the principal toxicity and precluded dose escalation to levels greater than 750 mg/m2 on the single-dosing (3-hour) schedule and 150 mg/m2/d x 5 (total dose, 750 mg/m2) on the multiple-dosing schedule. Thrombocytopenia, anemia, and nonhematologic effects occurred less frequently. Responses were observed in several patients with platinum- and taxane-refractory ovarian carcinoma; antitumor activity was also noted in patients with cervical and colorectal carcinomas. Significant intraindividual variability characterized by the presence of multiple drug peaks and troughs was observed in the pharmacologic studies. The maximal PZA concentrations achieved in both studies exceeded drug concentrations associated with significant cytotoxicity in preclinical studies and correlated with the occurrence of CNS toxicity. CONCLUSION: Neutropenia is the dose-limiting toxicity on both schedules and 750 mg/m2 and 150 mg/m2/d are the recommended starting doses of PZA on single- and multiple-dosing schedules, respectively, for minimally pretreated patients in phase II studies; slightly lower doses are recommended for more heavily pretreated subjects. The favorable toxicity profile of PZA and its antitumor activity in several refractory tumors warrant broad phase II evaluations of this agent.

Acridines↗