Citations

Objective: Allelic variation (rs738409C→G) in adiponutrin (patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing protein 3, PNPLA3) has been associated with hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis. The physiologic impact of the PNPLA3 G allele may be exacerbated in patients with severe obesity. In this study, we investigated the interactions of PNPLA3 rs738409 with a broad panel of metabolic and histologic characteristics of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with medically complicated obesity.Design and Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing bariatric surgery were selected for a prospective study. They underwent extensive laboratory and histologic (liver biopsy) assessment, as well as evaluation of rs738409 polymorphism by TaqMan assay.Results: Only 12 (8.3%) of the 144 patients had normal liver histology, with 72 (50%) NASH, of whom 15 (10.4% of total patients) had fibrosis stage 2‐3. PNPLA3 GG genotype correlated positively (P < 0.05) with serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, fibrinogen, and insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, homeostasis model assessment—insulin resistance, and presence of NASH. Multivariate analysis indicated that PNPLA3 rs738409 G versus C allele remained an (independent) risk factor for NASH, in addition to CK‐18 >145 IU/l, glucose >100 mg/dl, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) >0.8 mg/dl. The probability of NASH increased from 9% (no risk factor) to 82% if all four risk factors were present.Conclusions: In this cohort of patients with medically complicated obesity, PNPLA3 rs738409 G allelic expression is associated with hepatic (NASH) and nonhepatic complications of obesity, such as insulin resistance. These novel findings may be related to a greater impact of PNPLA3 variant in magnitude and scope in patients with severe obesity than in less obese populations. Further studies are needed to characterize the nature of these associations.

Abstract Bisphosphonates reduce the incidence of skeletal-related events (fractures, pain, hypercalcemia) in patients (pts) with bone metastases from breast cancer. By inhibiting osteoclast function and subsequent bone turnover they may inhibit the growth of bone (and other) metastases. Their role in preventing or delaying the development of bone (or other) metastases in pts with early breast cancer is uncertain. Three previous trials of oral clodronate have given mixed results. The largest trial (placebo-controlled) and a smaller open-label trial suggested that oral clodronate benefitted pts with improved bone metastases-free survival (BMFS) and overall survival (OS), but a third open-label study showed no benefit with an apparent detrimental effect on survival. Studies of IV zoledronate in open-label trials in early breast cancer have also shown mixed results: the AZURE trial in pts with node positive breast cancer showed no benefit in disease-free survival (DFS) or OS with a possible effect in pts aged over 60. The ABCSG-12 trial in GnRH (plus tamoxifen or anastrozole) treated women with early breast cancer showed a small DFS benefit for those receiving IV zoledronate but no BMFS or OS benefit. Methods: B-34 is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, phase III clinical trial in pts with stage 1, 2 or 3 breast cancer assessing oral clodronate 1600mg daily for 3 years compared to placebo given alone or in addition to adjuvant chemo- or hormone therapy. Stratification is by age (&lt;50, +50), number of positive nodes (0, 1–3, 4+) and ER/PR status. The primary end-point is DFS. Secondary endpoints are the incidence of skeletal metastases, OS, relapse-free survival, incidence of non-skeletal metastases, and incidence of skeletal morbid events. Results: 3323 patients were accrued — 1662 in Group A and 1661 in Group B. As of March 31, 2011, 54 pts were declared ineligible: 23 in Group A and 31 in Group B. The average time on study is 101.3 months. Patient characteristics were evenly distributed throughout both groups. Approximately 75% of pts in each group had negative axillary lymph nodes and some 78% in each group were ER and/or PR positive. About 64% of pts were age 50 or over. Oral clodronate was generally tolerable, toxicities observed being mainly due to the concomitant systemic chemotherapy. One pt in Group A had a 1 mm area of osteonecrosis on the palatal taurus. Compliance, as expected with trials of oral medications, has been a problem. 1910 pts completed 3 years of therapy. Event rates were slower than anticipated. This final analysis assesses a total of 598 events in the two arms. Conclusions: This trial is the largest placebo-controlled study of an oral bisphosphonate in patients with early breast cancer and will provide further information on the role of bisphosphonates in breast cancer management. Supported for NSABP by NCI U10CA12027, −37377, 69651, 69974; and Bayer Schering Pharma Oy; for ECOG by U10CA021115; for NCCTG by U10CA25224; for SWOG by U10CA38926. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr S2-3.

AbstractBackground and AimsLiver‐related clinical consequences of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are seen only in the minority of patients with advanced fibrosis. The aim of our study was to generate insight into a potential endocrine basis of steatohepatitis with advanced fibrosis in NAFLD.MethodsBiopsy and blood samples were prospectively collected from patients with medically complicated obesity. Patients were categorized, according to liver histology, into: (i) normal, (ii) simple steatosis (SS), (iii) non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with fibrosis stage (FS) 0–1 and (iv) NASH with FS ≥ 2. A broad panel of potential biomarkers included DHEA‐S, growth hormone (GH), homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), leptin, resistin, adiponectin and cytokeratin 18 (CK‐18) fragments.ResultsWe studied 160 patients (mean BMI 46.8 ± 8.2 kg/m2). Liver biopsies demonstrated normal histology in 10%, SS in 45%, NASH with FS 0–1 in 37.5% and NASH with FS ≥ 2 in 7.5%. C‐reactive protein, IL‐6, GH, CK‐18, adiponectin, HOMA‐IR and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were significantly associated with NASH in univariate analysis, but overall predictivity of these parameters was low (AUC ROC = 0.62–0.68). In contrast, all patients with NASH with FS ≥ 2 had insulin resistance, as measured by QUICKI, and GH levels <0.45 ng/ml and all but one patient with NASH FS 2–3 had low DHEA levels (<123 μg/dl).ConclusionsLow serum levels of GH and DHEA are very common in patients with NASH with more advanced fibrosis. Other biomarkers, including CK‐18 fragment levels, have predictivity characteristics that would be of low clinical utility for distinguishing patients with normal histology or SS from those with NASH. These findings demonstrate an endocrine profile associated with advanced fibrosis.

Abstract Abstract #76 Background: QOL and MH outcomes were integrated into the NSABP B-30 trial as secondary outcomes to the efficacy analyses which are being presented separately. Explicit secondary aims of the NSABP B-30 study were 1) to compare toxicities among the regimens, 2) to compare QOL, and 3) to examine differences in amenorrhea and its relationship to symptoms, QOL, and efficacy. Here we examine the secondary aims of the study as a companion to the efficacy results that are presented separately.&#x2028; Materials and Methods: 5351 pts with cT1-3, N0-1, M0 were enrolled from 3/1/99 to 3/31/2004. 2170 were enrolled on the QOL study, and 2449 were enrolled on the MH study and were randomized to one of three treatment groups: Group 1 [doxorubicin (A) 60 mg/m2 and C 600 mg/m2 q 3 weeks (wks) x 4 followed by docetaxel (T) 100 mg/m2 q 3 wks x 4; Group 2 [A 50 mg/m2 and T 75 mg/m2 q 3 wks x 4]; Group 3 [A 50 mg/m2 T 75 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide (C) 500 mg/m2 q 3 wks x 4]. All patients with ER-positive tumors received hormonal therapy after completing chemotherapy. Preliminary results from Group 1 have been reported previously (Swain, et al. Breast Cancer Res Treat, 2008).&#x2028; Results: The protocol specifies that 800 deaths are required for the definitive analysis of treatment, QOL, and MH outcomes, which are expected to occur by fall 2008. For this final report, results from a comparison of the three arms will be analyzed and presented. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 76.

Abstract Abstract #75 Background: The primary aims of this study were to determine 1) if a concurrent regimen of therapy containing cyclophosphamide compared to a sequential regimen containing cyclophosphamide would prolong disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) and 2) if a regimen without cyclophosphamide was at least as efficacious as the two regimens containing cyclophosphamide. The secondary aims were to compare toxicities among the three regimens and to compare differences in amenorrhea in premenopausal women in each arm and its relationship to outcome.&#x2028; Materials and Methods: 5351 pts with cT1-3, N0-1, M0 were enrolled from 3/1/99 to 3/31/2004. 1783 pts were randomized to Group 1 [doxorubicin (A) 60 mg/m2 and C 600 mg/m2 q 3 weeks (wks) x 4 followed by docetaxel (T) 100 mg/m2 q 3 wks x 4], 1784 pts to Group 2 [A 50 mg/m2 and T 75 mg/m2 q 3 wks x 4], and 1784 to Group 3 [A 50 mg/m2 T 75 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide (C) 500 mg/m2 q 3 wks x 4]. All patients with ER-positive tumors received hormonal therapy after completing chemotherapy. The protocol specifies that 800 deaths are required for the definitive analysis. This is expected to occur by Fall 2008.&#x2028; Results: Mean time on study is currently 79 months. At entry, 46% of pts were &lt; 49 yrs; 54% were &gt; 50 yrs. 82% were white, 10% black, 4% Hispanic. 66% had 1-3 positive nodes, 26% had 4-9, and 8% had 10+. 75% of pts were ER pos. 49% had lumpectomy, 51% mastectomy, and 24% local/regional radiotherapy. Mean tumor size was 2.5 cm. The presentation will include the first results of DFS, OS, and relevant toxicities from the trial. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 75.