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Although bevacizumab (Avastin&reg, ) has been approved as an antiangiogenic agent against some cancers, the efficacy is transient and unsatisfactory in other cancers most likely owing to the presence of alternative proangiogenic factors. Therefore, simultaneous blocking of several proangiogenic factors may be a promising strategy for antiangiogenic cancer therapeutics. Accordingly, neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is an attractive target because it serves as a multifunctional receptor for the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family. Here, we aimed to generate and test an anti-VEGFA and anti-NRP1 dual-targeting bispecific antibody (named as IDB0076) by genetic fusion of an NRP1-targeting peptide to the C-terminus of the bevacizumab heavy chain. Similar to the parental antibody (bevacizumab), IDB0076 suppressed VEGFA-induced migration of human endothelial cells. In contrast, IDB0076 inhibited endothelial-cell migration induced by other angiogenesis growth factors and manifested a more potent antitumor activity than that of bevacizumab in a murine tumor xenograft model. When toxicity was preliminarily evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys, IDB0076 showed no substantial adverse effects, e.g., the absence of noticeable nephrotoxicity, which has previously been documented for the combination therapy of bevacizumab and an anti-NRP1 antibody. Thus, VEGFA-and-NRP1 dual-targeting bispecific antibody IDB0076 may be a potent and safe anticancer agent worthy of further preclinical and clinical studies.

Recent advances in childhood cancer treatment have increased survival rates to 80%. Two out of three survivors experience late effects (LEs). From a group of 241 survivors previously described, 193 were followed at the long-term follow-up clinic (LTFC) of Severance Hospital in Korea; the presence of LEs was confirmed by oncologists. We reported the change in LEs during 3 yr of follow-up. The median follow-up from diagnosis was 10.4 yr (5.1-26.2 yr). Among 193 survivors, the percentage of patients with at least one LE increased from 63.2% at the initial visit to 75.1% at the most recent visit (P = 0.011). The proportion of patients having multiple LEs and grade 2 or higher LEs increased from the initial visit (P = 0.001 respectively). Forty-eight non-responders to the LTFC were older and had less frequent and severe LEs than responders at initial visit (all P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, younger age at diagnosis, older age at initial visit, a diagnosis of a brain tumor or lymphoma, and use of radiotherapy were significant risk factors for LEs (all P < 0.05). Adverse changes in LEs were seen among the survivors, regardless of most clinical risk factors. They need to receive comprehensive, long-term follow up.

Invasive fungal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality for childhood patients who underwent stem cell transplantations. Patients who underwent SCT have varying degree of gastrointestinal complications. In this study, invasive fungal infection prophylaxis with intravenous itraconazole (ITR) administration to pediatric patients with SCT was performed in order to evaluate effectiveness and safety. Prospective examination was performed between jan. 2006 and Feb. 2007. Total 30 patients were enrolled. Patient group was divided into autologous and allogenic transplantation due to cyclosporin-A (CsA) use in allogenic transplantation courses. ITR (2.5mg/kg/dose) was administered twice daily from D+1 to D+2. After D+2, once daily administration of ITR (2.5mg/kg/dose) was performed until D+16. Each group constitutes with 15 patients. Sampling was performed after 48 hours after initial administration of ITR. Sampling times were as follows: D+3 (0hr), D+4 (8hr, 19hr, 21hr, 24hr) after infusion of ITR administration for drug level change monitoring, and trough level monitoring for ITR at D+6, D+8, D+11, D+15, D+16. Blood plasma ITR and hydroxyl-itraconazole (OH-ITR) were measured by HPLC technique. CsA level also measured concomittantly. Any evidences for fungal infection, liver and kidney dysfunction were monitored. Mean trough concentrations of ITR were greater than prophylactic level (250 ng/mL), except 1st time (D+3, 0hr) level as 243.39 ± 172.19 in allogenic transplant group (figure). ITR and OH-ITR level were highter in autologous than allogenic group at D+4, 8hr (figure). Trough levels of ITR and OH-ITR for both allogenic and autologous group were not different statistically (figure). Trough level of CsA was 189.9 ± 43.9 ng/mL. Average reduction rate of CsA was 69% (30%–100%, no case for increasing dose) from starting dose. Figure. Itraconazole (A) and hydroxy-itraconazole (B) plasma levels in pediatric stem cell transplantation recipients. Figure One case of mortality due to sepsis (not due to fungal infection) was reported in allogenic transplantation group. No case of proven fungal infection during study period. There are no renal toxicities greater than grade I. Five patients of autologous transplantation group had liver toxicity more than grade I but no more than grade III. Allogenic transplantation group patients showed only 2 patients with liver toxicity of grade I. Prophylactic intravenous ITR for childhood stem cell transplant recipients showed stable trough levels for both autologous and allogenic transplantation conditions with acceptable toxicities. After achievement of trough level, drug level change showed that 8 hour level after infusion of ITR (maintain once daily dose) revealed most high level. CsA level showed stable, but dose should reduce to 69% of original amount. CsA level should be carefully monotored in case of concomittant use of ITR. Figure . / One case of mortality due to sepsis (not due to fungal infection) was reported in allogenic transplantation group. No case of proven fungal infection during study period. There are no renal toxicities greater than grade I. Five patients of autologous transplantation group had liver toxicity more than grade I but no more than grade III. Allogenic transplantation group patients showed only 2 patients with liver toxicity of grade I. Prophylactic intravenous ITR for childhood stem cell transplant recipients showed stable trough levels for both autologous and allogenic transplantation conditions with acceptable toxicities. After achievement of trough level, drug level change showed that 8 hour level after infusion of ITR (maintain once daily dose) revealed most high level. CsA level showed stable, but dose should reduce to 69% of original amount. CsA level should be carefully monotored in case of concomittant use of ITR.