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Jean-Yves Blay

Publications and source records attributed to Jean-Yves Blay.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[SOR SAVOIR PATIENT Cancer and fatigue. Information dedicated to cancer patients and relatives].

In response to the evolution of the information-seeking behaviour of patients and concerns from health professionals regarding cancer patient information, the French National Federation of Comprehensive Cancer Centres (FNCLCC) introduced, in 1998, an information and education program dedicated to patients and relatives,the SOR SAVOIR PATIENT program. The methodology of this program adheres to established quality criteria regarding the elaboration of patient information. Cancer patient information, developed in this program, is based on clinical practice guidelines produced by the FNCLCC and the twenty French regional cancer centres, the National League against Cancer, The National Cancer Institute, the French Hospital Federation, the National Oncology Federation of Regional and University Hospitals,the French Oncology Federation of General Hospitals, many learned societies, as well as an active participation of patients, former patients and caregivers. The handbookSOR SAVOIR PATIENT Cancer and Fatigue is an adapted version of different publications regarding fatigue in oncology. It is meant to provide a basis for the explanationof the disease and to facilitate discussions with the healthcare team. It is available from the FNCLCC (101, rue de Tolbiac, 75013 Paris, Tel. (0033) 1, 01 76 64 78 00,www.fnclcc.fr). This document has been validated at the end of 2005 and published in January 2006. SOR SAVOIR PATIENT guides are systematically updated when new research becomes available. This article is extract from the handbook SOR SAVOIR PATIENT Cancer and Fatigue and concerns the causes and effects of fatigue and how to cope with fatigue. This information allow patients to better understand the causes and effects of fatigue, how to cope fatigue...which represent important patient information needs. This article is meant to inform patients and relatives about the disease and its treatments. It also offers health professionals a synthetic evidence-based patient information source which facilitates discussions with the patient.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Early variations of circulating interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 levels during thoracic radiotherapy are predictive for radiation pneumonitis.

PURPOSE: To investigate variations of circulating serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) during three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and correlate these variations with the occurrence of radiation pneumonitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-six patients receiving 3D-CRT for stage I to III disease were evaluated prospectively. Circulating cytokine levels were determined before, every 2 weeks during, and at the end of treatment. Radiation pneumonitis was evaluated prospectively between 6 and 8 weeks after 3D-CRT. The predictive value of clinical, dosimetric, and biologic (cytokine levels) factors was evaluated both in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Forty patients (44%) experienced score 1 or more radiation pneumonitis. No association was found between baseline cytokine levels and the risk of radiation pneumonitis. In the whole population, mean levels of TNFalpha, IL-6, and IL-10 remained stable during radiotherapy. IL-6 levels were significantly higher (P = .047) during 3D-CRT in patients with radiation pneumonitis. In the multivariate analysis, covariations of IL-6 and IL-10 levels during the first 2 weeks of 3D-CRT were evidenced as independently predictive of radiation pneumonitis in this series (P = .011). CONCLUSION: Early variations of circulating IL-6 and IL-10 levels during 3D-CRT are significantly associated with the risk of radiation pneumonitis. Variations of circulating IL-6 and IL-10 levels during 3D-CRT may serve as independent predictive factors for this complication.

Adult↗

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells inhibit natural killer cell functions in a transforming growth factor-beta-dependent manner.

Tumor growth promotes the expansion of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (T reg) cells that counteract T cell-mediated immune responses. An inverse correlation between natural killer (NK) cell activation and T reg cell expansion in tumor-bearing patients, shown here, prompted us to address the role of T reg cells in controlling innate antitumor immunity. Our experiments indicate that human T reg cells expressed membrane-bound transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, which directly inhibited NK cell effector functions and down-regulated NKG2D receptors on the NK cell surface. Adoptive transfer of wild-type T reg cells but not TGF-beta-/- T reg cells into nude mice suppressed NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, reduced NKG2D receptor expression, and accelerated the growth of tumors that are normally controlled by NK cells. Conversely, the depletion of mouse T reg cells exacerbated NK cell proliferation and cytotoxicity in vivo. Human NK cell-mediated tumor recognition could also be restored by depletion of T reg cells from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. These findings support a role for T reg cells in blunting the NK cell arm of the innate immune system.

Animals↗

Lymphopenia: a new independent prognostic factor for survival in patients treated with whole brain radiotherapy for brain metastases from breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To determine overall survival (OS) and independent prognostic factors in patients with brain metastases (BM) from breast cancer treated by whole brain radiotherapy (WBR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty (120) women with BM, treated in a single French cancer center between 02/91 and 06/01, were reviewed. BM were confirmed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Survival time was defined as the time interval from the date of BM to the date of death or last follow-up. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to determine significant prognostic factors in a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Surgery was followed by WBR in 5 patients. One hundred and four (104) patients received exclusive WBR, eight received concomitant chemo-radiation, and one received chemo-radiation after surgery. The median survival time was 5 months (95% CI: 3-7 months). In the multivariate analysis, performance status over 1 and lymphopenia (<0.7 G/L) were found to be independent prognostic factors for poor survival. Based on the number of these independent prognostic factors, we propose a predictive model for survival in brain metastatic cancer patients. Median survival was 7 months for patients presenting none or one poor prognosis factor at diagnosis versus 2 months for patients with 2 poor prognosis factors (p<0.0001) CONCLUSION: Brain metastases from breast cancer remain associated with very poor prognosis and there is a need for better treatment procedures. If confirmed in predictive models, the identification of prognostic subgroups, based on KPS and lymphopenia, among patients with BM from breast cancer would help physicians select patients for future clinical trials.

Adult↗

Primary CNS lymphoma of T-cell origin: a descriptive analysis from the international primary CNS lymphoma collaborative group.

PURPOSE: To describe the demographic and tumor related characteristics and outcomes for patients with primary T-cell CNS lymphoma (TPCNSL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective series of patients with TPCNSL was compiled from twelve cancer centers in seven countries. RESULTS: We identified 45 patients with a median age of 60 years (range, 3 to 84 years). Twenty (44%) had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) of 0 or 1. Twenty-six (58%) had involvement of a cerebral hemisphere and sixteen (36%) had lesions of deeper sites in the brain. Serum lactate dehydrogenase was elevated in 7 (32%) of 22 patients, and CSF protein was elevated in 19 of 24 patients (79%) with available data. The median disease-specific survival (DSS) was 25 months (95% CI, 11 to 38 months). The 2- and 5-year DSS were 51% (95% CI, 35% to 66%) and 17% (95% CI, 6% to 34%), respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted for age (</= 60 v > 60 years), PS (0 or 1 v 2, 3, or 4), involvement of deep structures of the CNS (no v yes), and methotrexate (MTX) use in the primary treatment (yes v no). Only PS and MTX use were significantly associated with better outcome with hazard ratios of 0.2 (95% CI, 0.1 to 0.4) and 0.4 (95% CI, 0.2 to 0.8), respectively. CONCLUSION: This is the largest series ever assembled of TPCNSL. The presentation and outcome appear similar to that of B cell PCNSL. PS 0 or 1 and administration of MTX are associated with better survival.

Adolescent↗

Decision making process in oncology practice: is the information available and what should it consist of?

In terms of systemic chemotherapy, the oncologist is often faced with the difficulty to discriminate between several options, at least according to evidence-based medicine. The aim of the present report was to assess to what extent the efficacy-related parameters required for the decision making process are reported in clinical trials. The analysis was restricted to lung, breast, colorectal and ovarian cancers. It included 135 phase II trials published in 1999, and 79 phase III trials published between 1991 and 2000. Response duration was mentioned in one-half and one-fourth of phases II and III trials, respectively. Only one-half of the trials reported time to progression (TTP). Finally, 28% of phase II and 44% of phase III trials reported RR, TTP and progression rates. The study indicates that the information available from reported clinical trials needs to be upgraded and homogenised in order to improve the decision making process in oncology.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Outcome of patients with advanced gastro-intestinal stromal tumours crossing over to a daily imatinib dose of 800 mg after progression on 400 mg.

In the EORTC-ISG-AGITG trial 946 patients with advanced gastro-intestinal stromal tumours (GIST) were randomised to receive 400 or 800 mg of imatinib daily. An increase in progression free survival (PFS) was demonstrated for patients randomised to the high-dose arm. Patients randomised to low-dose could cross-over to high-dose upon progression. We evaluated the feasibility, safety and efficacy of this policy. Of the 241 patients available for follow-up, 133 patients (55%) crossed over to high-dose imatinib according to the protocol. Of these patients, 92% had not had a prior dose reduction. The cumulative incidence of subsequent dose reductions after cross-over was 17% after six months with 51% discontinuing therapy without requiring a dose reduction. The extent of anaemia and fatigue increased significantly after cross-over, whilst neutropenia was less severe than during low-dose treatment. Objective responses after cross-over included three patients (2%) with a partial response and 36 (27%) with stable disease. The median PFS after cross-over was 81 days, although 18.1% of patients were still alive and progression free one year after cross-over. We conclude that a cross-over to high-dose imatinib is feasible and safe in GIST patients who progress on low-dose therapy.

Adult↗

Genetic predictors for drug resistance in soft tissue sarcoma: a review of publications in 2004.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sarcomas are generally managed through a multidisciplinary approach including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Metastatic tumor cells frequently develop resistance to cytotoxic agents. Several molecular mechanisms of drug resistance have been uncovered recently. RECENT FINDINGS: Among genes governing the apoptosis pathway, overexpression of the bcl2 family or mutations of p53 have recently been reported to be involved in drug resistance in sarcoma. The multidrug resistance genes are involved in the efflux of chemotherapeutic agents. Identification of members of this family of genes may predict resistance for developing new strategies. Several histologic subtypes of sarcomas have specific mechanisms of resistance. Methotrexate is one of the four active drugs for osteosarcoma and penetrates in tumor cell through specific carrier (reduced folate carrier) whose levels of expression or changes in amino acid sequence correlate to resistance to methotrexate. Specific molecular alteration defining nosological entities among sarcoma also correlates to drug resistance. Thirty percent of human sarcomas are characterized by specific translocations that may predict, for specific subtypes, survival and response to treatment. Finally, gastrointestinal tumors harbor specific activating mutations in KIT or PDGFRA genes, which are responsive to imatinib. Specific mutations of the KIT and PDGFRA genes have now repeatedly been found correlated to response or resistance to imatinib. SUMMARY: The molecular alterations present in tumor cells predict influence sensitivity or resistance to chemotherapy. Ultimately, this may delineate specific therapeutic strategies for both cytotoxic and targeted therapies in sarcomas.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Targeted cancer therapies.

The term "targeted cancer therapies" refers to treatment strategies designed to inhibit the product of an oncogene involved in the process of neoplastic transformation. Different categories of targeted therapies can be identified: 1) Therapies directed at oncogenes that are directly involved in the initiation of neoplastic transformation: the use of imatinib for the treatment of CML or GIST is the classical model in this subgroup. Single agent targeted therapies generally produce high response rates in this situation. 2) Therapies directed at oncogenes involved at a later stage of neoplastic transformation. These oncogenes contribute to tumor progression but not necessarily to the onset of malignant transformation. The use of trastuzumab for HER2-amplified breast adenocarcinoma is the classical model in this subgroup. These treatments are associated with low response rates when used as single agent therapy, whereas generally displaying a synergistic or additive effect with classical chemotherapy in models currently available. In contrast, when these targeted therapies are applied to tumor models where the targeted gene is present but not directly involved in the process of malignant transformation, no antitumor efficacy is generally observed. Recently, the identification of HER1 mutations in subsets of lung carcinoma as a predictive factor for response to gefitinib and erlotinib provided an example of how the empiric use of a targeted treatment may enable to identify new nosological entities. The present paper reviews examples of targeted cancer therapies and their results.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

[Recommendations for the management of GIST patients].

BACKGROUND: The management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) has evolved very rapidly in the last years. A national consensus meeting was therefore organized in order to identify the optimal management procedures for patients with GIST in localized and advanced stages. METHODS: A panel of different specialties, including pathology, molecular biology, imaging, surgery, gastroenterology, medical oncology reviewed the current literature, in particular the recent Lugano conference, to identify consensus points and topics for future research in four different working groups: pathology and molecular biology, early management of small tumors and imaging, surgery, and medical treatment. Consensus points were categorized according to the Standard Options Recommendations (SOR) of the French Federation of Cancer Centers. RESULTS: The standard histological examination with immunohistochemical analysis using CD117, CD34, PS100, desmin and smooth muscle actin is considered standard. Molecular biology for the identification of KIT and PDGFRA mutation is advisable for GIST with negative CD117 staining, and otherwise is considered a research procedure. Complete tumor resection with negative tumor margins is the standard surgical treatment. Adjuvant imatinib after optimal tumor resection as well as neo-adjuvant imatinib remain experimental approaches to be performed within prospective clinical studies. Imatinib should be started at the date of diagnosis of metastatic relapse and given until development of intolerance or progressive disease. Resection of metastases is also considered as an experimental procedure which can not be recommended routinely. The criteria for tumor response to imatinib should include not only tumor size reduction or disease stabilization, but also reduction of tumor density (Hounsfield units) on computed tomography, metabolic activity (i.e. reduction of FDG uptake on positron emission tomography), and reduction of vascularisation of the tumors using contrast enhanced ultrasound evaluation. An increase in tumor size may be associated with pathologic response to imatinib therapy, and available survival data indicate that the survival of these patients is similar to that of patients with conventional tumor response. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus points in clinical management of GIST in this national conference adopted the majority of consensus points published in the Lugano conference. This multidisciplinary work will be published in the reference oncology, gastroenterology, and pathology journals in French languages.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Proteasome inhibition: a new approach for the treatment of malignancies.

Since last years, the proteasome has emerged as a real and exciting target for anticancer therapy. Velcade (bortezomib, formerly known as PS341) remains the first selective proteasome inhibitor that has demonstrated significant preclinical activity in several tumor models and a significant efficacy in patients with refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma, resulting in an accelerated approval in US and Europe in such a setting. The major biological effect of bortezomib is the inhibition of the nuclear transcription factor NFkappaB, with subsequent inhibition of the growth tumor cells, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis and of cellular adhesion. The better understanding of the role of proteasome in the regulation of tumor cell growth has led to the development of new therapeutic approaches, notably in patients with multiple myeloma but also seems to hold interesting promises in other hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. This review provides a summary of the rationale for using proteasome inhibitors and an update on available and ongoing clinical studies involving human malignancies.

Animals↗

CD4 lymphopenia as a risk factor for febrile neutropenia and early death after cytotoxic chemotherapy in adult patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Lymphopenia is frequently observed in patients with cancer and correlates with the risk of febrile neutropenia and early death after chemotherapy. The phenotype of the depleted lymphocyte populations was investigated in the current study. METHODS: Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD56) were quantified on Day 1 using fluorescence-activated cell sorting in a prospective study of 213 patients with cancer treated with chemotherapy in a single oncology ward during 12 months. Correlations between lymphocyte phenotype, clinical characteristics, and the risk of febrile neutropenia and early death within 31 days after chemotherapy were investigated in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Total lymphocyte count and CD3, CD4, and CD8 lymphocyte subsets were significantly lower in patients who experienced febrile neutropenia. Total lymphocyte count and CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, and CD56 lymphocyte subsets were significantly lower in patients who died within 31 days after chemotherapy. Using logistic regression, CD4 lymphopenia (< 450/muL; odds ratio [OR] = 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5-5.9) and the dose of chemotherapy (OR = 3,9, 95% CI = 2.0-7.8) were both identified as independent risk factors for febrile neutropenia. Fifty-four percent of patients with both risk factors experienced febrile neutropenia. CD4 lymphocyte count < 450/muL was also an independent risk factor for early death (OR = 7.7, 95% CI = 1.7-35). Thirteen percent of patients with a CD4 lymphocyte count </= 450/muL died within 31 days after chemotherapy. Eighty-seven percent (14 of 16) of patients who died before Day 31 had a CD4 lymphocyte count < 450/muL. CONCLUSIONS: A low CD4 count was an independent risk factor for febrile neutropenia and early death in patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Adolescent↗

Dendritic cell infiltration and prognosis of early stage breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Although dendritic cells (DC) and T cells can infiltrate primary breast carcinoma, it remains unclear whether the immune response influences the clinical outcome. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: T lymphocytes and DC infiltration within primary tumors was investigated in 152 patients with invasive nonmetastatic breast cancer. CD1a, CD3, CD68, CD123, CD207/Langerin, and CD208/DC-LAMP expression was assessed with semiquantitative immunohistochemical analysis. Expression of chemokines involved in DC migration (MIP-3a/CCL20, MIP-3b/CCL19, and 6Ckine/CCL21) was also examined. The correlation between these markers and the characteristics of the tumors, as well as relapse-free and overall survival was analyzed. Significant prognostic parameters were then tested in a validation series. RESULTS: Infiltration by immature CD207/Langerin+ DC was found in a third of the cancers and did not correlate with clinicopathological data. Presence of mature CD208/DC-LAMP+ DC (56%) and CD3+ T cells (82%) strongly correlated with lymph node involvement and tumor grade. Among the chemokines analyzed, only the presence of MIP-3b/CCL19 in 57% of the tumors correlated with prolonged overall survival. CD123+ plasmacytoid DC (pDC) infiltrated 13% of the primary tumors. Their presence was strongly associated with shorter overall survival (93% versus 58% at 60 months) and relapse-free survival (90% versus 37% at 60 months) and was found to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and relapse-free survival and confirmed in an independent validation series of 103 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Infiltration by pDC of primary localized breast tumor correlates with an adverse outcome, suggesting their contribution in the progression of breast cancer.

Adult↗

Interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and vascular endothelial growth factor in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: prognostic value of interleukin-6--from the Groupe Francais d'Immunotherapie.

PURPOSE: Few clinical prognostic factors have been identified for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (MRCC), and no biomarker is known in this disease. Several endogenous cytokines have demonstrated interesting and significant correlations with survival in these patients. Our objective was to analyze the prognostic value of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, and VEGF were measured in patients with MRCC. Their prognostic value for response to treatment and progression-free and overall survival was evaluated. Pretreatment samples were obtained from 138 patients of a large randomized multicentric trial. Endogenous cytokine levels were determined using immunoassays. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the prognostic value of each factor further controlled by an internal validation test. Threshold values for serum IL-6 and VEGF were determined using the quartile method. RESULTS: Serum IL-6 was detectable in 70% of the patients. IL-10 and VEGF were elevated in 8% and 71% of the patients, respectively. None of these circulating factors was correlated with response to treatment. IL-10 was not significantly correlated with progression-free or overall survival. Despite significant correlation with survival, VEGF was not an independent prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis. Finally, IL-6 was significantly correlated with progression-free survival and overall survival, and has prognostic value for overall survival. CONCLUSION: Circulating IL-6 level appears to be an important independent prognostic factor in patients with MRCC; if confirmed in further studies, it could be considered for treatment decisions in these patients.

Adult↗