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Executive Summary of the National Cancer Institute Workshop: Highlights and recommendations.

Prostate cancer chemoprevention represents a relatively new and promising strategy for reducing the immense public health burden of this devastating cancer of men in the United States and Western societies. Chemoprevention is defined as the administration of agents (drugs, biologics, and natural products) that modulate (inhibit) one or more steps in the multistage carcinogenesis process culminating in invasive adenocarcinoma of the prostate. In 2000, there were an estimated 170,000 new cases of prostate cancer and 31,000 deaths in the United States. During the past decade, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) organized the chemoprevention research program and began testing the first generation of promising agents (eg, 4-(hydroxy)-fenretinide [4-HPR], difluoromethylornithine [DFMO], antiandrogens) in high-risk cohorts and launched the first-large scale US phase 3 primary prevention trial, known as Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT-1), in 18,000 average-risk men (age more than 55 years and prostate-specific antigen [PSA] less than 3 ng/mL) treated for 7 years with finasteride or placebo. In the summer of 1998, the NCI Prostate Cancer Progress Review Group (PRG) Report to the director of NCI was published in response to the leadership of the prostate cancer advocacy community in conjunction with Congress. To further elucidate and address critical issues identified in this report and to develop a research agenda for the newly created Prostate and Urologic Cancer Research Group in the Division of Cancer Prevention at NCI, the NCI organized the workshop "New Clinical Trial Strategies for Prostate Cancer Chemoprevention." The major objectives were to promote understanding and cooperation among the NCI, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), academia, pharmaceutical industry, and the public regarding new opportunities for clinical prevention trials for prostate cancer. The workshop was divided into three concurrent breakout panels and a fourth joint integrative panel. The workshop addressed multiple key areas identified in the PRG report in the following panels: (1) Molecular Targets and Promising Agents in Clinical Development; (2) Intermediate Endpoint Biomarkers for Prevention Trials; (3) High-Risk Study Populations for Prevention Trials, and (4) Preventive Clinical Trial Designs and Regulatory Issues. Expert panelists were drawn from leading academic, pharmaceutical, and government scientists in basic research and clinical investigation. Key pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, and National Institutes of Health scientists presented overviews of their new agents and products in clinical development (representing the next generation of promising agents). Senior FDA physicians from the Center for Drugs and Center for Biologics presented on current standards for new drug and biologic approval for chemoprevention efficacy. Some of the key topics included recent advances in the state of knowledge of promising agents in the clinic based on molecular targets as well as bottlenecks in drug development for pharmaceutical sponsors; strategic modulable biomarkers that can serve as primary endpoints in phase 1/2 trials to assess preventive efficacy; high-risk cohorts with precancer (high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia) and representative clinical trial designs that are ready for immediate translation into efficient prevention trials, such as Bayesian sequential monitoring for early assessment of biologic activity and factorial designs for assessment of multiagent combinations. Finally, each expert panel generated recommendations for areas of future research emphasizing opportunities and infrastructure needs.

Anticarcinogenic Agents↗

Summary of workshop findings for porcine B-cell markers.

Based on cluster groups from the first-round analyses of the Third International Swine CD Workshop, 38 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) including eight internal controls were analysed by flow cytometry (FCM) and immunohistochemistry (IH) in the second-round analysis of the B-cell section of this workshop. Targets in this section included peripheral blood lymphocytes and cells isolated from ileal Peyer's patches (PP), mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of adult animals, bone marrow cells from newborn piglets and thymus cells isolated from foetuses at day 105 of gestation. Immunohistochemistry of these 38 MAbs identified four sets, whose ligands were co-expressed with CD21, which showed a tissue distribution compatible with specificity for cells including those of the B-cell lineage. Another group of miscellaneous antibodies appeared to identify other cells, several antibodies were negative. Two-colour flow cytometry (2C-FCM) was carried out by pairing each antibody of interest with antibodies to SWC7, CD21, sIgM and a polyclonal rabbit anti-swine immunoglobulin antiserum (RaSwIg). The anti-CD21 MAb BB6-11C9 (no. 20) and IAH-CC51 (no. 19), established in previous workshops, as well as the cross-reactive anti-human CD21 B-1y4 (no. 146), clustered together in FCM analyses of the first round and showed similar cellular distribution in IH. A further cluster was formed by the standard CC55 (no. 55) and 2A10/8 (no. 102) submitted as SWC7 specific. The second SWC7 standard 2F6/8 (no. 100) clustered separately, but IH showed an identical pattern of reactivity to the other SWC7 MAb.Unfortunately, this work could not identify any other novel clusters with specificity for B-cells, as the statistical clustering of other MAbs could not be substantiated by IH or subsequent two-colour-FCM work. However, we could identify MAb with similar cellular distribution. The ligands for the cross-reactive anti-human CD40 G28.5 (no. 25) and STH224 (no. 153) were expressed on very similar targets, similarly the ligands for the MAb pair JM1H1 (no. 139) with BB6-10A10 (no. 142) and the MAb pair 3F7/11 (no. 115) with 1C2F10 (no. 187).

Animals↗

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies assigned to the CD45 subgroup of the Third International Swine CD Workshop.

As a result of the first-round cluster analysis, a panel of 16 novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was assigned for detailed analysis to the CD45 subgroup of the Third International Swine CD Workshop. The specificity of the mAbs was initially determined by examining their reactivity with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells engineered to express individual isoforms of porcine CD45. These analyses indicated that seven of the mAbs (PG77A, PG96A, PG167A, PGB78A, 3C/9, MIL13, NHT 101) recognized the portion of the CD45 molecule encoded by the A exon (CD45RA), while one (MIL15) was specific for that portion encoded by the C exon (CD45RC). In each case, the designation was supported by the demonstration that the molecular weight(s) of the recognized antigen(s) in porcine mononuclear cells, as determined by immunoprecipitation, corresponded to the predicted size(s) according to their specificity. As expected, a similar correlation was obtained for five standard mAbs whose specificity for either common or restricted epitopes of porcine CD45 had been established in previous workshops. Screening of the remaining 174 mAbs that comprised this workshop but were excluded from the CD45 subgroup by cluster analysis failed to detect any additional ones reactive with the porcine CD45-expressing cells.

Animals↗

Summary of the first round analyses of the Second International Swine CD Workshop.

The reactivity of 176 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) submitted to the Second International Swine CD Workshop, together with 19 internal standards, was analyzed by flow cytometry on 16 different cell types as a means of establishing the proper cell subset for later detailed clustering analyses. The exact CD subset reactivity of the 19 internal standard mAb had been characterized in the First International Swine CD Workshop. The flow cytometric analyses resulted in 40 data sets which were then subjected to statistical clustering using the Leukocyte Typing Database IV (LTDB4) software. As result of this work, 22 clusters were defined. After review of these results, panels of mAb from the defined first round clusters were assigned to cell subsets. The respective mAb in those first round clusters were then distributed to subset group researchers for further examination during the second round of the workshop.

Animals↗

Porcine myelomonocytic markers: summary of the Second International Swine CD Workshop.

Forty five mAbs submitted to the Second International Swine CD workshop were analyzed by six different laboratories for their possible reactivity with porcine myelomonocytic cells using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. As a result of these analyses, a new swine workshop cluster, SWC9, composed of two mAbs that recognize an antigen selectively expressed on mature macrophages, was defined. In addition, several mAbs were identified, allowing the differentiation of granulocytes from monocytes/macrophages, or monocytes from macrophages. Further work is required to identify the antigen recognized by these mAbs. Nevertheless, they should already prove useful for the identification of different stages in the macrophage maturation/differentiation, and will certainly aid analyses on the complexity of the mononuclear phagocyte system in the pig. Finally, the cross-reactivity of three anti-human CD14 mAbs with porcine myelomonocytic cells was established in this workshop.

Animals↗

Promoting adherence and retention to clinical trials in special populations: a women's health initiative workshop.

This paper describes a Women's Health Initiative workshop on promoting adherence and retention in randomized clinical trials among ethnic minority women, participants of lower socioeconomic status, and older women. Workshop objectives were: (1) to increase knowledge of demographic and cultural characteristics of diverse groups, (2) to increase awareness of how diversity can affect interactions in clinical research, (3) to explore how research staff behavior can influence adherence and retention, and (4) to increase knowledge of strategies to enhance adherence and retention in special populations. The workshop emphasized the importance of understanding beliefs, values, and experiences that are common in diverse groups of individuals, while at the same time recognizing and respecting individual differences that result from varying life circumstances and experiences. We discuss strategies to increase cultural competence, reduce stereotypes and discrimination, and create a culturally relevant and sensitive research environment.

Age Distribution↗

Practical application of non-whole animal alternatives: summary of IRAG workshop on eye irritation testing. Interagency Regulatory Alternatives Group.

In November 1993, the Interagency Regulatory Alternatives Group (IRAG) sponsored a workshop to examine the current scientific status of alternatives to the Draize eye irritation test by assessing the current practical application of methods used to predict in vivo eye irritation. Laboratories from around the world were invited to submit detailed in vitro and in vivo data in parallel according to a specific set of guidelines in a consistent format. In vitro scores were compared with individual tissue scores. Over 60 data sets from 41 laboratories were received for 29 different test methods. Methods were grouped into five categories: organotypic models, chorioallantoic membrane-based assays, cell function-based assays, cytotoxicity assays and other systems. Data submissions and correlation analyses have been used to demonstrate the application of guidelines in method evaluations. Findings are summarized and future directions are indicated. A significant outcome of the workshop was the co-operation demonstrated among representatives of industry, academia and government in sharing test data on more than 2000 chemicals, products and product formulations for evaluation by their peers. Information obtained from this workshop will add to the weight of scientific evidence and scientific consensus about in vitro test methods and will establish credibility for regulatory acceptance of non-whole animal alternatives for ocular irritation.

Animal Testing Alternatives↗

A report of the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Paternity Testing Workshops of the English Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics.

We present the results of the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Paternity Testing Workshops of the English Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics. The numbers of participating laboratories were 24 (1997), 31 (1998) and 32 (1999). In 1997, all laboratories drew the correct conclusion that the alleged father was the biological father of the child. In 1998, the alleged father was the biological brother of the child and all laboratories excluded him. The scenario in 1999 was a deficiency case consisting of mother, child and the parents of the alleged father and all but one laboratory drew the correct conclusion.The percentage of laboratories routinely performing variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) investigations using single locus probes (SLPs) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) decreased from 83% in 1997 to 66% in 1999. In the three workshops, more than 90% of the laboratories used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based systems. In 1999, 80% of the laboratories performing PCR, used commercially available short tandem repeat (STR) kits. Other commonly used systems were HLA and PolyMarker investigated with PCR. Conventional systems and RFLP investigations of VNTRs with multi loci probes (MLPs) were used routinely by approximately 20% of the participating laboratories. All laboratories submitting results in the three workshops used RFLP-based VNTRs or/and PCR based VNTRs/STRs. Inter-laboratory comparisons of the results showed a very high concordance. The overall coefficients of variation between the laboratories of the results of RFLP typing of the commonly used VNTRs D2S44, D7S21, D7S22 and D12S11 were 1.2-1.3%. Consistent results were obtained in the great majority of the systems investigated by PCR and typing errors counted for less than 0.3% of the PCR based results.

Accreditation↗

A report of the 2000 and 2001 paternity testing workshops of the English speaking working group of the international society for forensic genetics.

During the last 10 years, the English Speaking Working Group (ESWG) of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) has once a year arranged a Paternity Testing Workshop in which blood samples as well as a questionnaire concerning laboratory strategies were distributed to the participating laboratories. In 2000 and 2001, paper challenges were included in the workshops. Here, we present the results of the 2000 and 2001 Paternity Testing Workshops. The numbers of participating laboratories were 33 (2000) and 36 (2001). A total of 36% (2000) and 31% (2001) of the laboratories submitted typing results of variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) investigated with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and single locus probes (SLPs). A total of 91% (2000) and 86% (2001) submitted typing results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based systems. Typing errors occurred in 0.3% of the submitted PCR-based results in 2000 and in 0.1% in 2001. The results of the paper challenges showed a high degree of variation in the formulas used for calculation of the weight of evidence of rare events such as inconsistencies or possible silent alleles. The majority of the laboratories used the same formulas for calculations of frequently occurring events.

Alleles↗

Harmonization of rat fetal external and visceral terminology and classification. Report of the Fourth Workshop on the Terminology in Developmental Toxicology, Berlin, 18-20 April 2002.

This article is a report on the Fourth Berlin Workshop on Terminology in Developmental Toxicology, which was held in April 2002. The workshop is part of an international project in the field of harmonization of terminology in developmental toxicology supported by IPCS. The goal of the Harmonization Project is to ensure better chemical risk assessment. The aim of this Fourth Workshop was to discuss the results of a previously conducted survey on classification of external and visceral anomalies, which are listed in the international glossary, developed under the auspices of IFTS (1997 glossary). The discussions among experts from research institutions, regulatory agencies, and industries were mainly focussed on terms for which there was disagreement and/or uncertainties and the possible reasons. For the illustration of "gray-zone" anomalies, pictures were provided by the participants, which constituted the basis for detailed discussions. There was high agreement that most of the external anomalies (>66%) should be classified as malformations. The few external anomalies for which there was low agreement to classify as a malformation were discussed in detail. None of the external findings, which had in the survey a high agreement, were categorized as a variation.A high agreement regarding the classification of approximately one-third of visceral anomalies was achieved with 34 and 2% being described as malformation and variation, respectively. Most of the visceral findings had low agreement indices and there appeared to be several reasons for this. Thus, the response, 'Not known/not used in the laboratory' (N) was often given. A couple of reasons for difficulties in the classification of an anomaly were that it is only rarely seen upon fetal examination or tends to be species specific. Furthermore, the classification of some anomalies as malformation or variation will remain vague as the decision must be made on a case-by-case basis. Factors affecting the decision include: the availability of appropriate historical control data, description of the grading and severity, whether the anomaly occurs in isolation or whether there is a relationship with an abnormal process, and finally, if the change represents an irreversible one, affecting human and/or animal health. It was concluded that a severity grading, supported by pictures of the anomaly, would be especially helpful to classify certain changes as malformation or as variation. Several of the soft tissue changes were considered likely to be the consequence of functional disorders and thus not strictly developmental anomalies. The possibility to describe a finding as 'Not Malformation' (Unclassified) was agreed upon. As a general conclusion it was emphasized that the observation of a permanent structural change should be considered to be a warning of possible consequences to humans, even when there is no apparent adverse effect on health and survival in adult animals of the species under investigation. Therefore, research is needed to further investigate postnatal consequences. Future collaboration in the field of reproductive and developmental toxicology should aim to further develop and implement a harmonized approach to the interpretation of study data. Therefore, this terminology work will continue in close cooperation with the IPCS Harmonization Project. A Steering Group should be established to facilitate the implementation of harmonized terminology into daily scientific work and its regulatory application.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

Early microdose drug studies in human volunteers can minimise animal testing: Proceedings of a workshop organised by Volunteers in Research and Testing.

Testing the safety and efficacy of a successful human medicine involves many laboratory animals, which can sometimes be subjected to considerable suffering and distress. Also, it is necessary to extrapolate from the test species to humans. UK and European legislation requires that Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal procedures (the Three Rs) are implemented wherever possible. Over the last decade, there has been substantial progress with applying in vitro and in silico methods to both drug efficacy and safety testing. This paper is a report of the discussions and recommendations arising from a workshop on the role that might be played by human volunteer studies in the very early stages of drug development. The workshop was organised in November, 2001 by Volunteers in Research and Testing, a group of individuals in the UK which launched an initiative in 1994 to identify where and how human volunteers can participate safely in biomedical studies to replace laboratory animals. It was considered that conducting pre-Phase I very low dose human studies (sub-toxic and below the dose threshold for measurable pharmacological or clinical activity) could enable drug candidates to be assessed earlier for in vivo human pharmacokinetics and metabolism. Moreover, accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and positron emission tomography (PET) are potentially useful spectrometric and imaging methods that can be used in conjunction with such human studies. Some, limited animal tests would still be required before pre-Phase I microdose studies, to take account of the potential risk posed by completely novel chemicals. The workshop recommended that very early volunteer studies using microdoses should be introduced into the drug development process in a way that does not compromise volunteer safety or the scientific quality of the resulting safety data. This should improve the selection of drug candidates and also reduce the likelihood of later candidate failure, by providing in vivo human ADME data, especially for pharmacokinetics and metabolism, at an earlier stage in drug development than is currently the case.

Animal Testing Alternatives↗

A report on the 3rd Workshop on Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue.

The 3rd Workshop on Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue was held at the National Institutes of Health from 16th to 18th November, 2000. The Workshop was sponsored by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH Office of Rare Diseases, March of Dimes, Coalition for Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue, and the Foundation for Basic Cutaneous Research. It was supported by specific grants R13 AR46912 (US Public Health Service) and 4-FY00-4511 (March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation). The Workshop was divided into six sessions, featuring 29 invited presentations. In addition to the invited participants, more than eighty guests (scientists, NIH staff, and members of the Coalition for Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue) attended.

Collagen↗

Functional markers of selenium status: UK Food Standards Agency workshop report.

The workshop was organised to discuss the validity and limitations of existing functional markers of Se status in human subjects and to identify future research priorities in this area. Studies presented as part of this workshop investigated: the bioavailability of Se from different dietary sources; potential functional markers of Se status; individual variation in response to Se; the effect of marginal Se status on immune function. The workshop highlighted the need to define the relationship between functional markers of Se status and health outcomes.

Absorption↗

Assuring quality and performance of sustained and controlled release parenterals: AAPS workshop report, co-sponsored by FDA and USP.

This is a summary report of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, the Food and Drug Administration, and the United States Pharmacopoeia cosponsored workshop on "Assuring Quality and Performance of Sustained and Controlled Release Parenterals." Experts from the pharmaceutical industry, the regulatory authorities, and academia participated in this workshop to review, discuss, and debate formulation, processing, and manufacture of sustained and controlled release parenterals and identify critical process parameters and their control. Areas were identified where research is needed to understand the performance of these drug delivery systems and to assist in the development of appropriate testing procedures. Recommendations were made for future workshops, meetings, and working groups in this area.

Delayed-Action Preparations↗

Pathways to obesity prevention: report of a National Institutes of Health workshop.

There is an extensive research base on obesity treatment and on the health benefits of weight loss, but relatively little research has focused on obesity prevention. This article summarizes results of a workshop conducted by investigators funded under a National Institutes of Health initiative designed to stimulate novel research for obesity prevention. The 20 pilot studies funded under this initiative involved study populations that were diverse with respect to life stage and ethnicity, were conducted in a variety of natural and research settings, and involved a mix of interventions, including face-to-face group and individual counseling, as well as mail, telephone, and internet-based approaches. The workshop, which occurred approximately halfway through the 3-year funding period, emphasized concepts and experiences related to initiating and conducting obesity prevention studies. Investigators discussed theoretical perspectives as well as various challenges encountered, for example, in study implementation in different clinical and community settings, in working with children and families, and in studying pregnant and postpartum women. Other topics discussed included the difficulty of motivating individuals for prevention of weight gain, relevant cultural and racial/ethnic considerations, and the particular need for valid and practical measures of energy balance, body composition, and physical fitness in obesity prevention research. A key conclusion was that using obesity treatment as the primary paradigm may be a limiting perspective for considering obesity prevention issues. Further insights derived from the workshop deliberations are reflected in a detailed list of recommendations for future obesity prevention research.

Humans↗

Report of a Joint Cancer Research UK/Medical Research Council workshop on cancer cachexia research at the Royal College of Physicians, Tuesday, 2 December 2003.

A joint workshop held by Cancer Research UK and the Medical Research Council aimed to stimulate interest in further research into the area of cancer cachexia. The workshop was divided into four sessions: an overview of cancer cachexia, potential mechanisms involved and methodologies that might be used to understand cachexia, and also the experience of cachexia from other disease areas. The workshop identified a need to develop a multimodal therapeutic approach to cancer cachexia and a need to undertake more multidisciplinary research.

Cachexia↗

The human leucocyte differentiation antigens (HLDA) workshops: the evolving role of antibodies in research, diagnosis and therapy.

The 8th International Workshop on Human Leucocyte Differentiation Antigens (chaired by Zola H and managed by Swart B) was run over a 4-year period and culminated in a conference in December 2004. Here we review the achievements of the HLDA Workshops and provide links to information on CD molecules and antibodies against them, including the 93 new CDs assigned in the 8th Workshop. We consider what remains to be achieved (including an estimate of the number of leucocyte surface molecules still to be discovered), and how the field can best move forward.

Allergy and Immunology↗

Workshop on spinal cord injuries (SCI) management: the Chiang Mai experience.

OBJECTIVES: To give an opportunity to health workers in South Asia (SEA) to improve their knowledge in the comprehensive management of SCI. SETTING: Chiang Mai, Thailand; 5-7 November 1997. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen faculty members (from Europe, Australia and Thailand) and 160 participants (94 Thais, 66 from SEA, China, India and Bangledesh). METHODS: Two days of lectures and 1 day of workshops and discussion. Evaluation was performed by questionnaires. Suggestions and comments are reported. RESULTS: Ninety-two per cent of participants said the workshop was really useful. Eighty-eight per cent were very satisfied with the quality of the programmes and 92% with the workshops and discussion on the last day. CONCLUSIONS: A follow-up study should be conducted by the Educational Committee of IMSOP. This will help to plan more efficacious training programmes for the future.

Asia↗