Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Dowsett

Publications and source records attributed to M Dowsett.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Chemical and morphological changes of historical lead objects as a result of the use of electrolytic reduction as a stabilization treatment.

This paper focuses on the evaluation of the treatment related to chemical and morphological changes of corroded lead artifacts when using electrolytic reduction as a stabilization method. Synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to study the chemical changes of the corrosion layer and on the top nanometer of surface, respectively. Neutron tomography and scanning electron microscopy were used to visualize potential morphological changes on millimeter and micrometer level, respectively. The results of this study have shown that electrolytic reduction is a reliable way to stabilize and conserve active corroded lead artifacts. The corrosion products are actually converted into metallic lead, while the morphological changes due to the treatment are limited.

Journal Article↗

Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridisation of breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

We analysed the molecular genetic profiles of breast cancer samples before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with combination doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC). DNA was obtained from microdissected frozen breast core biopsies from 44 patients before chemotherapy. Additional samples were obtained before the second course of chemotherapy (D21) and after the completion of the treatment (surgical specimens) in 17 and 21 patients, respectively. Microarray-based comparative genome hybridisation was performed using a platform containing approximately 5800 bacterial artificial chromosome clones (genome-wide resolution: 0.9 Mb). Analysis of the 44 pretreatment biopsies revealed that losses of 4p, 4q, 5q, 12q13.11-12q13.12, 17p11.2 and 17q11.2; and gains of 1p, 2p, 7q, 9p, 11q, 19p and 19q were significantly associated with oestrogen receptor negativity. 16q21-q22.1 losses were associated with lobular and 8q24 gains with ductal types. Losses of 5q33.3-q4 and 18p11.31 and gains of 6p25.1-p25.2 and Xp11.4 were associated with HER2 amplification. No correlations between DNA copy number changes and clinical response to AC were found. Microarray-based comparative genome hybridisation analysis of matched pretreatment and D21 biopsies failed to identify statistically significant differences, whereas a comparison between matched pretreatment and surgical samples revealed a statistically significant acquired copy number gain on 11p15.2-11p15.5. The modest chemotherapy-driven genomic changes, despite profound loss of cell numbers, suggest that there is little therapeutic selection of resistant non-modal cell lineages.

Adult↗

Sex hormone status may modulate rate of expansion of proximal femur diameter in older women alongside other skeletal regulators.

CONTEXT: Little is known of associations between hip geometry and skeletal regulators. This is important because geometry is a determinant of both hip function and resistance to fracture. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the effects of sex hormone status and other candidate regulators on hip geometry and strength. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A random sample of 351 women aged 67-79 had two to four hip dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans performed over 8 yr of follow-up. Hip structural analysis software was used to measure subperiosteal diameter (PD) and the distance from the center of mass to the lateral cortical margin (d-lat) on three 5-mm-thick cross-sectional regions: narrow neck, intertrochanter, and shaft. Section modulus (Z), bone mineral density (grams per centimeter squared), and an index of bone mineral content (cross-sectional area) were calculated as estimators of bone strength. Serum analytes measured at baseline included SHBG, estradiol, PTH, creatinine, albumin, vitamin D metabolites, and glutamate- and gamma-carboxyglutamate-osteocalcin (OC). A linear mixed model was used to model associations with predictor variables, including testing whether the predictors significantly modified the effect of aging. RESULTS: Aging was associated with increasing PD and d-lat, and higher baseline SHBG significantly modified this effect, in the case of PD, increasing the rates of change at the narrow neck region by 19% for SHBG level 2 sd higher than population mean (P = 0.026). Higher baseline creatinine was independently associated with faster increases in PD and d-lat with aging (P < 0.041). Z declined faster with aging if baseline PTH was higher, and higher albumin had a contrary effect. Z was positively associated with free estradiol and inversely associated with SHBG and glutamate-OC. CONCLUSION: These results show large effects of SHBG on the regulation of proximal femur expansion and bending resistance, probably acting as a surrogate for low bioavailable estrogen. Potentially important effects for fracture resistance in old age were also revealed for PTH, markers related to renal function and the nutritional markers albumin and undercarboxylated OC.

Aged↗

Combination therapy with aromatase inhibitors: the next era of breast cancer treatment?

Long-term endocrine therapy with either aromatase inhibitors (AIs) or tamoxifen may lead to endocrine resistance and disease progression. Recent years have seen advances in our understanding of the complex biological mechanisms associated with resistance. Growth factor signaling pathways appear to be upregulated in hormone-resistant tumours and interact with oestrogen-receptor (ER) signaling, which remains functional even after long-term endocrine deprivation. Signaling through the human epidermal and insulin-like growth-factor receptor (HER and IGFR, respectively) pathways may promote ligand-independent ER gene transcription and stimulate growth factor signaling. Therapeutic agents that inhibit these signal transduction pathways, when combined with AIs, may offer breast cancer patients new hope for more robust, longer-term remissions. Preliminary data from phase II studies of combination therapies are encouraging. There is a large programme of ongoing randomised, controlled trials, the results of which should pave the way for integrating combination therapies into clinical practice. To identify which patients will respond best to particular combinations of treatments, biomarkers and gene expression profiles are being investigated as predictors of sensitivity or resistance. In time, breast cancer treatment will become truly individualised because physicians will be able to match patients with a variety of disease phenotypes to optimal combination therapies.

Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal↗

Benefit from adjuvant tamoxifen therapy in primary breast cancer patients according oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, EGF receptor and HER2 status.

BACKGROUND: Most women with oestrogen receptor (ER) positive primary breast cancer receive adjuvant tamoxifen after surgery. The measurement of tumour biomarkers should allow better selection of patients for such treatment or for therapies such as aromatase inhibitors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Histopathological blocks of primary breast cancer patients who had been randomized to receive 2-years tamoxifen or no adjuvant therapy in two mature randomised clinical trials were retrieved. Immunohistochemical staining for ER, progesterone receptor (PgR), HER2 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was undertaken. The primary endpoint was relapse free survival. RESULTS: 813 patients were included in the study. Benefit from tamoxifen was seen in ER-positive patients [Relative risk (rr) 0.77, ci 0.63-0.93]. ER-negative patients also showed a strong trend to benefit from tamoxifen (rr 0.73, ci 0.52-1.02) which was largely confined to the PgR-positive group. Amongst the ER-positive group, PgR-positive and PgR-negative patients showed similar benefit (rr 0.81; ci 0.65-1.02 and 0.70; ci 0.49-0.99, respectively). Patients positive for HER2 did not benefit significantly (rr 1.14; ci 0.75-1.73) but this group was small. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of PgR status in ER-negative patients defines a group of patients that benefit from tamoxifen but would be excluded from tamoxifen therapy on the basis of ER status alone. The data are consistent with HER2 positive tumours being resistant to tamoxifen.

Adult↗

Caution: Vaginal estradiol appears to be contraindicated in postmenopausal women on adjuvant aromatase inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are increasingly used in early breast cancer and there is a growing interest in associated long-term side-effects of profound estrogen suppression. Urogenital side-effects due to atrophic vaginitis are often managed with vaginal estrogen preparations. These are generally perceived to result in minimal systemic absorption of estrogen. We followed serum estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) levels in seven postmenopausal women using vaginal estrogen preparations whilst on AIs for breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum was analysed for estradiol, FSH and LH at baseline then 2, 4, 7-10 and 12 weeks since commencement of vaginal estradiol. Estradiol was measured on an assay specifically developed for measuring low levels in postmenopausal women. RESULTS: Serum estradiol levels rose from baseline levels < or = 5 pmol/l consistent with AI therapy to a mean 72 pmol/l at 2 weeks. By 4 weeks this had decreased to < 35 pmol/l in the majority (median 16 pmol/l) although significant further rises were seen in two women. CONCLUSIONS: The vaginal estradiol tablet Vagifem significantly raises systemic estradiol levels, at least in the short term. This reverses the estradiol suppression achieved by aromatase inhibitors in women with breast cancer and is contraindicated.

Aromatase Inhibitors↗

Comparative effects of anastrozole, tamoxifen alone and in combination on plasma lipids and bone-derived resorption during neoadjuvant therapy in the impact trial.

BACKGROUND: Estrogen has beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and bone preservation. The IMPACT trial evaluated neoadjuvant therapy with anastrozole or tamoxifen alone, or a combination. The comparative effects of these treatments on serum lipids and bone resorption were assessed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Non-fasting clotted blood samples were taken from 176 postmenopausal patients at baseline, 2 and 12 weeks for assessment of serum levels of estradiol, the bone resorption marker CTx and lipid profiles [total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and non-HDL cholesterol (N-HDL-C)]. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, tamoxifen was associated with a significant increase in HDL-C (26.5%), and a decrease in TC (6.5%) and N-HDL-C (12.3%). Anastrozole was associated with a significant increase in HDL-C (11.2%), and a non-significant increase in TC (2.9%) and N-HDL-C (3.4%), both of which were significantly different from tamoxifen. The combination was associated with a significant increase in HDL-C (9.4%), and a decrease in TC (10.9%) and N-HDL-C (13.9%). For tamoxifen and the combination, there were non-significant decreases in CTx compared with a significant increase (45.6%) with anastrozole. No correlation between serum estradiol and CTx was seen in any of the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Anastrozole did not have a detrimental effect on lipid profiles following 3 months of therapy. There was a significant increase in CTx with anastrozole in contrast to tamoxifen.

Aged↗

Detection of circulating epithelial cells in the blood of patients with breast cancer: comparison of three techniques.

This study compares the sensitivities and specificities of three techniques for the detection of circulating epithelial cells in the blood of patients with breast cancer. The number of circulating epithelial cells present in the blood of 40 patients with metastatic breast cancer and 20 healthy volunteers was determined by: immunomagnetic separation (IMS) and laser scanning cytometry (LSC), cell filtration and LSC and a multimarker real-time RT-PCR assay. Numbers of cytokeratin-positive cells identified and expression of three PCR markers were significantly higher in the blood of patients with breast cancer than in healthy volunteers. Using the upper 95% confidence interval of cells detected in controls to determine positive patient samples: 30% of patients with metastatic breast cancer were positive following cell filtration, 48% following IMS, and 60, 45 and 35% using real-time RT-PCR for cytokeratin 19, mammaglobin and prolactin-inducible peptide. Samples were significantly more likely to be positive for at least one PCR marker than by cell filtration (83 vs 30%, P<0.001) or IMS (83 vs 48%, P<0.001). The use of a multimarker real-time RT-PCR assay was therefore found to be the most sensitive technique for the detection of circulating epithelial cells in the blood of patients with breast cancer.

Adult↗

The anti-oestrogen ICI 182,780, but not tamoxifen, inhibits the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells refractory to long-term oestrogen deprivation through down-regulation of oestrogen receptor and IGF signalling.

Long-term culture of MCF-7 wild-type (wt) cells in steroid-depleted medium (LTED) results in hypersensitivity to oestradiol (E2) coinciding with elevated levels of ERalpha and enhanced growth factor signalling. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of the pure anti-oestrogen ICI 182,780 (ICI) with the competitive anti-oestrogen tamoxifen (TAM) on oestrogen and IGF signalling in these cells. Wt MCF-7 and LTED cells were treated with a log 7 concentration range of E2, TAM or ICI. Effects on cell growth, ERalpha transactivation, expression of ERalpha, ERbeta and components of the IGF pathway were measured with and without insulin. In the presence of insulin, growth of LTED cells was refractory to TAM but inhibited by ICI and E2. In the absence of insulin, LTED cells showed persistent hypersensitivity to E2, and remained inhibited by ICI but were largely unaffected by TAM. ICI but not TAM inhibited ER-mediated gene transcription and treatment with ICI resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in ERalpha levels whilst having no effect on ERbeta expression. IGF-I receptor and insulin receptor substrate 2 levels were increased in LTED versus the Wt MCF-7 cells, and ICI but not TAM reduced their expression in a dose-dependent fashion. Thus IGF signalling as well as ERalpha expression and function are enhanced during LTED. While the resultant cells are resistant to TAM, ICI down-regulates ERalpha, reducing IGF signalling and cell growth. These results support the use of ICI in women with ER-positive breast cancer who have relapsed on an aromatase inhibitor.

Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal↗

Growth factor signalling and response to endocrine therapy: the Royal Marsden Experience.

De novo resistance to endocrine therapy is a near-universal feature of oestrogen receptor (ER)- negative breast cancer. Although many ER-positive breast cancers also show no response to tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors on objective clinical grounds the large majority show reduced proliferation indicating that some oestrogen dependence is present in almost all ER-positive breast cancer. In neoadjuvant studies HER2 positivity is associated with poor response rates to tamoxifen but not aromatase inhibitors, consistent with preclinical models. Acquired resistance to tamoxifen is associated with decreases in ER positivity but most recurrent lesions remain ER-positive. A small proportion of these show increased HER2 expression and in these patients increased phospho-p38 may contribute to the tamoxifen-resistant phenotype. There is an unfortunate paucity of clinical and biological data on acquired resistance to aromatase inhibitors.

Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal↗

Consensus statement. Workshop on therapeutic resistance in breast cancer: impact of growth factor signalling pathways and implications for future treatment.

Anti-hormones (notably tamoxifen), chemotherapy and modern radiotherapeutic approaches are invaluable in the management of breast cancer, and collectively have contributed substantially to the improved survival in this disease. Moreover, there is promise that these successes will continue with the emergence of other endocrine agents (for example, aromatase inhibitors and pure anti-oestrogens). However, de novo and acquired resistance comprises a significant problem with all treatment approaches examined to date. This Workshop aimed to evaluate the contribution made by growth factor signalling pathways in the various resistant states, primarily focusing on resistance to anti-hormonal strategies and spanning experimental models and, where possible, clinical breast cancer data. The successes and limitations of therapeutic targeting of these pathways with various signal transduction inhibitors (STIs) were evaluated in model systems and from emerging clinical trials (including epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors such as gefitinib). It was concluded that growth factor signalling is an important contributor in the development of endocrine resistance in breast cancer and that use of STIs provides a promising therapeutic strategy for this disease. However, the cancer cell is clearly able to harness alternative growth factor signalling pathways for growth and cell survival in the presence of STI monotherapy and, as a consequence, the efficacy of STIs is likely to be limited by the acquisition of resistance. A number of strategies were proposed from studies in model systems that appeared to enhance anti-tumour actions of existing STI monotherapy, notably including combination therapies targeting multiple pathways. With the increased availability of diverse STIs and improved drug delivery, there is much hope that the more complex therapeutic strategies proposed may ultimately be achievable in clinical practice.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Hormonal impact of the 17alpha-hydroxylase/C(17,20)-lyase inhibitor abiraterone acetate (CB7630) in patients with prostate cancer.

A series of three dose escalating studies were conducted to investigate the ability of the 17alpha-hydroxylase/C(17,20)-lyase inhibitor abiraterone acetate, to cause maximum suppression of testosterone synthesis when delivered to castrate and noncastrate males with prostate cancer. Study A was a single dose study in castrate males. Study B was a single dose study in noncastrate males and study C was a multiple dose study in noncastrate males. The drug was given orally in a once-daily dose and blood samples taken to assess pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters and hormone levels in all patients. The study drug was well tolerated with some variability in PKs. Suppression of testosterone levels to <0.14 nmol l(-1) was seen in four out of six castrate males treated with a single dose of 500 mg. At 800 mg given days 1-12 in noncastrate males, target suppression was achieved in three out of three patients, but a two- to three-fold increase of Luteinising Hormone (LH) levels in two out of three patients overcame suppression within 3 days. All patients in the multiple dose study developed an abnormal response to a short Synacthen test by day 11, although baseline cortisol levels remained normal. This is the first report of the use of a specific 17alpha-hydroxylase/(17,20)-lyase inhibitor in humans. Repeated treatment of men with intact gonadal function with abiraterone acetate at a dose of 800 mg can successfully suppress testosterone levels to the castrate range. However, this level of suppression may not be sustained in all patients due to compensatory hypersecretion of LH. The enhanced testosterone suppression achieved in castrate men merits further clinical study as a second-line hormonal treatment for prostate cancer. Adrenocortical suppression may necessitate concomitant administration of replacement glucocorticoid.

Abiraterone Acetate↗

A cancer research (UK) randomized phase II study of idoxifene in patients with locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer resistant to tamoxifen.

Idoxifene is a novel selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) which had greater binding affinity for the oestrogen receptor (ER) and reduced agonist activity compared with tamoxifen in preclinical studies. In a randomized phase II trial in 56 postmenopausal patients with progressive locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer we assessed whether idoxifene showed evidence of activity compared with an increased 40 mg/day dose of tamoxifen in patients who had previously demonstrated resistance to the standard 20 mg/day dose of tamoxifen. Of 47 patients eligible for response (25 idoxifene, 22 tamoxifen), two partial responses and two disease stabilizations (SD) for >6 months were seen with idoxifene (overall clinical benefit rate 16%, 95% CI 4.5-36.1%). The median duration of clinical benefit was 9.8 months. In contrast, no objective responses were seen with the increased 40 mg/day dose of tamoxifen, although two patients had SD for 7 and 14 months (clinical benefit rate 9%, 95% CI 1.1-29.2%). Idoxifene was well tolerated and the reported possible drug-related toxicities were similar in frequency to those with tamoxifen (hot flushes 13% vs 15%, mild nausea 20% vs 15%). Endocrine and lipid analysis in both groups showed a similar significant fall in serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone after 4 weeks, together with a significant rise in sex hormone binding globulin levels and 11% reduction in serum cholesterol levels. In conclusion, while idoxifene was associated with only modest evidence of clinical activity in patients with tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer, its toxicity profile and effects on endocrine/lipid parameters were similar to those of tamoxifen.

Adult↗

High incidence of HER-2 positivity in inflammatory breast cancer.

HER-2 is over-expressed in around 25% of human breast cancers, and is associated with poor outcome. We examined the incidence of HER-2 status in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Forty-nine newly diagnosed IBCs were studied. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded pre-treatment tissue biopsies were examined immunohistochemically for the over-expression of the HER-2 protein and gene using the HercepTest and FISH assay. Clinical outcome was compared between the HER-2 positive (HercepTest score 3 + and FISH positive) and negative groups. Fifty-two per cent of the IBCs examined were HER-2 positive. The HER-2 positive group were demographically comparable to the HER-2 negative group. Ninety-six per cent of the HER-2 positive patients responded to primary chemotherapy compared to 76% of the HER-2 negative (P = 0.09). No significant differences in outcome emerged between the two groups. In conclusion, this study found the incidence of HER-2 protein over-expression in IBC is higher than previously reported in non-IBC. Early HER-2 directed therapy (such as the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab) as a part of multimodal treatment may improve outcome in this poor prognosis cancer.

Adult↗

Anastrozole demonstrates clinical and biological effectiveness in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancers, irrespective of the erbB2 status.

Overexpression of erbB2 in breast tumours can predict resistance to tamoxifen therapy. We conducted a small trial to determine if erbB2 status correlates with tumour response and biochemical changes in postmenopausal women receiving neoadjuvant therapy with the aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole. Twenty-four postmenopausal women with oestrogen receptor (ER)-rich, large, operable breast tumours received three months of neoadjuvant anastrozole, 1 or 10 mg daily, then surgery, followed by another five years of anastrozole 1 mg daily. Response to the treatment was based on changes in clinical and ultrasound measurements of tumour volume and changes in tumour proliferation and progesterone receptor (PgR) status. After follow-up for a median duration of four years therapy, there was no apparent difference between erbB2 0/1+ and erbB2 3+ tumours in clinical response or changes in proliferation and PgR expression. In conclusion, anastrozole appears to be an effective endocrine option in this patient population, irrespective of the erbB2 status.

Aged↗

Best Practice No 176: Updated recommendations for HER2 testing in the UK.

This paper serves to update previously published guidance on rationale and methodology for HER2 laboratory testing following the recommendation for the use of HER2 targeted treatment in the management of advanced breast cancer in the UK. Emphasis is placed on the standardisation of methodology and assessment and strategies to achieve high quality performance. A two phase testing algorithm based on first line immunocytochemistry evaluation and second line fluorescence in situ hybridisation assessment of borderline cases is recommended. To ensure maintenance of expertise, an annual caseload volume of at least 250 cases is recommended for laboratories providing a testing service.

Algorithms↗

Early changes in apoptosis and proliferation following primary chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Patients undergoing primary chemotherapy for invasive breast cancer consented to a core biopsy of the invasive breast primary pre- and 24 h postchemotherapy. The resulting tissue was analysed for apoptosis, Ki67, ER and HER-2 using immunohistochemical techniques. These data were then used to evaluate the relationship between these biological markers and response to chemotherapy and overall survival. Response rate to chemotherapy in this group was 86%, 16 patients (25%) achieved a clinical complete response and 41 (63%) a partial response. Prechemotherapy there was a significant correlation between Ki67 and apoptotic index (AI), r=0.6, (P<0.001). A significant rise in AI (P<0.001), and fall in Ki67 (P=0.002) was seen 24 h following chemotherapy. No relationship was seen between pretreatment AI and clinical response, but higher Ki67 and growth index (Ki67/AI ratio, GI) did correlate with clinical response (both r=0.31, P<0.025). No correlation was seen between the change in AI or Ki67 at 24 h and clinical response or survival. Significant changes in apoptosis and proliferation can be demonstrated 24 h following chemotherapy, but these changes do not relate to clinical response or outcome in this study. Pretreatment proliferation and GI are however predictive of response to chemotherapy in breast cancer.

Adult↗

Body mass index, serum sex hormones, and breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with increased breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women. We examined whether this association could be explained by the relationship of body mass index (BMI) with serum sex hormone concentrations. METHODS: We analyzed individual data from eight prospective studies of postmenopausal women. Data on BMI and prediagnostic estradiol levels were available for 624 case subjects and 1669 control subjects; data on the other sex hormones were available for fewer subjects. The relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of breast cancer associated with increasing BMI were estimated by conditional logistic regression on case-control sets, matched within each study for age and recruitment date, and adjusted for parity. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: Breast cancer risk increased with increasing BMI (P(trend) =.002), and this increase in RR was substantially reduced by adjustment for serum estrogen concentrations. Adjusting for free estradiol reduced the RR for breast cancer associated with a 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI from 1.19 (95% CI = 1.05 to 1.34) to 1.02 (95% CI = 0.89 to 1.17). The increased risk was also substantially reduced after adjusting for other estrogens (total estradiol, non-sex hormone-binding globulin-bound estradiol, estrone, and estrone sulfate), and moderately reduced after adjusting for sex hormone-binding globulin, whereas adjustment for the androgens (androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and testosterone) had little effect on the excess risk. CONCLUSION: The results are compatible with the hypothesis that the increase in breast cancer risk with increasing BMI among postmenopausal women is largely the result of the associated increase in estrogens, particularly bioavailable estradiol.

Aged↗