Activity of mevalonate pathway inhibitors against breast and ovarian cancers in the ATP-based tumour chemosensitivity assay

Previous data suggest that lipophilic statins such as fluvastatin and N-bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid, both inhibitors of the mevalonate metabolic pathway, have anti-cancer effects in vitro and in patients. We have examined the effect of fluvastatin alone and in combination with zoledronic acid in the ATP-based tumour chemosensitivity assay (ATP-TCA) for effects on breast and ovarian cancer tumour-derived cells. Both zoledronic acid and fluvastatin showed activity in the ATP-TCA against breast and ovarian cancer, though fluvastatin alone was less active, particularly against breast cancer. The combination of zoledronic acid and fluvastatin was more active than either single agent in the ATP-TCA with some synergy against breast and ovarian cancer tumour-derived cells. Sequential drug experiments showed that pre-treatment of ovarian tumour cells with fluvastatin resulted in decreased sensitivity to zoledronic acid. Addition of mevalonate pathway components with zoledronic acid with or without fluvastatin showed little effect, while mevalonate did reduced inhibition due to fluvastatin. These data suggest that the combination of zoledronic acid and fluvastatin may have activity against breast and ovarian cancer based on direct anti-cancer cell effects. A clinical trial to test this is in preparation

Rationale and design of the cangrelor versus standard therapy to achieve optimal management of platelet inhibition PHOENIX trial

Background: Despite robust efficacy in the reduction of ischemic events in patients who require percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), current P2Y 12 inhibitors have limitations. In particular, they require hours to be effective, and they can only be administered orally. Cangrelor is an intravenous, potent, and reversible P2Y12 inhibitor with fast onset and offset of action. We designed CHAMPION PHOENIX to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cangrelor in patients with atherosclerosis undergoing PCI. Trial Design: The CHAMPION PHOENIX is a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, superiority trial comparing cangrelor with clopidogrel standard of care in approximately 10,900 patients who have not previously received a P2Y 12 inhibitor and who require PCI, including patients with stable angina and with acute coronary syndromes (with or without ST-segment elevation). The primary objective of the study is to demonstrate that cangrelor will reduce the incidence of the composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), ischemia-driven revascularization, or stent thrombosis in the 48 hours after randomization compared with clopidogrel without excessive periprocedural bleeding. The key secondary objective is to demonstrate that cangrelor will reduce the incidence of stent thrombosis. Myocardial infarction will be defined according to the universal MI definition, adapting the definition of PCI-related (type 4a) MI. Bleeding will be assessed according to the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction, GUSTO, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) scales. Conclusion: The CHAMPION PHOENIX may establish the role of cangrelor in the care of patients who require PCI across the spectrum of stable and unstable coronary diseases in the setting of current treatment strategies. © 2012 Mosby, Inc