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Introduction YS110, a humanized monoclonal antibody with a high affinity to CD26, exhibited promising antitumor activity and was generally well-tolerated in the phase 1 part of a phase 1 and 2 Japanese trial in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Here we report the results of the phase 2 part of the study. Methods The patients included were aged 20 years and older, had histologically confirmed MPM, were refractory to or intolerant of existing antineoplastic agents, and were not candidates for standard therapy. YS110 6 mg/kg, determined in the phase 1 dose-determination part, was given in 6-weekly cycles (5 × once-weekly infusions, followed by a 1-wk rest). Results The study included 31 patients (median age = 68 y, 90.3% men); 64.5% had stage IV MPM, 90.3% had greater than or equal to 20% CD26 expression in tumor tissue, and 38.7% (12 patients) had previously received nivolumab. The 6-month disease control rate was 3.2%. The best overall response was partial response in one patient and stable disease in 14 patients. The median progression-free survival was 2.8 months (both in patients who had and had not previously received nivolumab—groups A and B, respectively). Respective progression-free survival rates at 6 months were 9.1% and 31.6% in groups A and B. The median overall survival was 9.7 months. A total of 30 patients (96.8%) had at least one adverse event. Common treatment-related adverse events were infusion-related reaction (16.1%), hiccups (9.7%), and interstitial lung disease (9.7%). There were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusions The 6-month disease control rate did not exceed the predefined threshold, but YS110 revealed modest efficacy in response rate as salvage therapy in difficult-to-treat patients with MPM. YS110 was generally well tolerated.

This roundtable presents the proceedings of the “Hokkaidō 150: Settler Colonialism and Indigeneity in Modern Japan and Beyond” workshop held at the University of British Columbia in March 2019. The...

Objectives As first line therapy, pembrolizumab provides longer progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than platinum doublets in programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with tumor propensity scores (TPS) ≥50%. However, clinical trials do not represent real-world patients. Materials and Methods This multicenter retrospective study conducted across 11 medical centers in Japan analyzed clinical data from patients receiving first-line pembrolizumab for NSCLC between February 1, 2017 and April 30, 2018. The efficacy, safety, and suitability of pembrolizumab monotherapy were evaluated. Results The median age of the 213 enrolled patients was 71 (range: 39–91) years. Among them, 176 (82.6%) were male, 20 (9.4%) were never smokers (median Brinkman index: 900), 172 (80.8%) had an ECOG PS of 0–1, 55 (25.8%) had squamous-cell carcinoma (SQ). PD-L1 TPS were 50–74%, 75–89%, and 90–100% in 97 (45.5%), 47 (22.1%), and 69 (32.4%) patients, respectively. Adverse events (AEs) of grades ≥3 were observed in 39 (18.3%) patients. Pneumonitis was the most common severe AE, occurring in 10 patients (4.7%) including 1 with grade 4 toxicity; no severe AE-related deaths occurred. The overall response rate, median PFS, and median OS was 51.2%, 8.3 months, and 17.8 months, respectively. On multivariate analysis, ECOG PS (0–1 vs. ≥2: HR: 1.69, 95.0% CI: 1.05–2.72; p = 0.03138), CRP/Alb (

Activated coagulation factor XI (FXIa) is a serine proteinase that plays a key role in the intrinsic coagulation pathway. The analysis of FXI-knockout mice has indicated the contribution of FXI to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We hypothesized that FXIa exerts vascular smooth muscle effects via proteinase-activated receptor 1 (PAR1). Fura-2 fluorometry revealed that FXIa elicited intracellular Ca2+signal in rat embryo aorta smooth muscle A7r5 cells. The influx of extracellular Ca2+played a greater role in generating Ca2+signal than the Ca2+release from intracellular stores. The FXIa-induced Ca2+signal was abolished by the pretreatment with atopaxar, an antagonist of PAR1, or 4-amidinophenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (p-APMSF), an inhibitor of proteinase, while it was also lost in embryonic fibroblasts derived from PAR1−/−mice. FXIa cleaved the recombinant protein containing the extracellular region of PAR1at the same site (R45/S46) as that of thrombin, a canonical PAR1agonist. The FXIa-induced Ca2+influx was inhibited by diltiazem, an L-type Ca2+channel blocker, and by siRNA targeted to CaV1.2. The FXIa-induced Ca2+influx was also inhibited by GF109203X and rottlerin, inhibitors of protein kinase C. In a wound healing assay, FXIa increased the rate of cell migration by 2.46-fold of control, which was partly inhibited by atopaxar or diltiazem. In conclusion, FXIa mainly elicits the Ca2+signal via the PAR1/CaV1.2-mediated Ca2+influx and accelerates the migration in vascular smooth muscle cells. The present study provides the first evidence that FXIa exerts a direct cellular effect on vascular smooth muscle.

Hintergrund: Osimertinib, ein epidermaler Wachstumsfaktorrezeptor-Tyrosinkinasehemmer (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine-kinase Inhibitor, EGFR-TKI) der 3. Generation, ist mittlerweile die Standardtherapie in Fällen, in denen die Rebiopsie nach der Erstlinienbehandlung mit EGFR-TKI eine T790M-Mutation ergibt. Die Prognose der Patienten nach Rebiopsie, dem wichtigsten Outcome bei Krebspatienten, wurde bislang jedoch nicht ausreichend beschrieben. Die vorliegende systematische Übersichtsarbeit sollte klären, ob die Rebiopsie bei Patienten, die gegenüber den EGFR-TKI der 1. und 2. Generation refraktär sind, zu einer verbesserten Prognose beiträgt. Methoden: Mithilfe freier Wort- und Kontrollbegriffe im Zusammenhang mit «nicht kleinzelligem Bronchialkarzinom» und «Rebiopsie» suchten wir Studien aus dem Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online über PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials und die World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Eingeschlossen wurden Kohortenstudien und Fallberichte in englischer Sprache und es erfolgte eine Beurteilung, ob die jeweilige Studie unsere wissenschaftliche Fragestellung beantwortete. Ergebnisse: Von den 144 eingeschlossenen Studien enthielt nur eine Studie Angaben zur Prognose von Patienten mit/ohne Rebiopsie und zeigte, dass bei EGFR-TKI-refraktären Patienten mit nicht kleinzelligem Bronchialkarzinom das Überleben nach Krankheitsprogression (post-progression survival, PPS) bei Patienten, die eine Rebiopsie sowie eine Behandlung entsprechend dem Resistenzmechanismus erhalten hatten, signifikant länger war (medianes PPS: 24,2 Monate) als bei Patienten die eine Rebiopsie und Salvage-Therapie erhalten hatten (medianes PPS: 15,2 Monate, p = 0,002) und solchen ohne Rebiopsie (medianes PPS: 9,7 Monate, p < 0,001). Die meisten anderen Studien berichteten über die Nachweisrate von T790M-Mutationen oder das Rebiopsieverfahren. Schlussfolgerungen: Nur wenige der bisher durchgeführten Studien untersuchten die Wirksamkeit der Rebiopsie. Daher sind weitere Untersuchungen erforderlich, um die Prognose oder Nebenwirkungen der Rebiopsie zu ermitteln.

Aims Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by progressive increases in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Thrombotic lesions are common pathological findings. The pulmonary artery has a unique property regarding the vasoconstrictive response to thrombin, which is mediated by proteinase-activated receptor 1 (PAR1). We aim to elucidate the role of PAR1 in the development and progression of PH. Methods and results A rat model of monocrotaline-induced PH and a mouse model of hypoxia (Hx)-induced PH were used to investigate the effects of atopaxar (a PAR1 antagonist) and PAR1 knockout on haemodynamic parameters, right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), vascular remodelling and survival. In perfused lung preparations, the pressor response to PAR1 agonist was significantly augmented in monocrotaline-induced PH. Both the preventive and therapeutic administration of atopaxar significantly inhibited the increase in PVR and the development of RVH and prolonged survival. A real-time PCR revealed that the level of PAR1 mRNA in the pulmonary artery was significantly higher than that in any of the systemic arteries examined in control rats, and the level was significantly up-regulated in monocrotaline-induced PH. PAR1 gene knockout significantly attenuated the haemodynamic and histological findings in the mouse model of Hx-induced PH. Conclusion The specific expression of PAR1 in the pulmonary artery and its up-regulation were suggested to play a critical role in the development and progression of experimental PH in murine models. PAR1 is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PH.

Background Recent accumulating evidence suggests that toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9) is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. However, its role in pulmonary hypertension remains uncertain. We hypothesized that TLR9 is involved in the development of pulmonary hypertension. Methods and Results A rat model of monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary hypertension was used to investigate the effects of TLR9 on hemodynamic parameters, vascular remodeling, and survival. Monocrotaline‐exposed rats significantly showed increases in plasma levels of mitochondrial DNA markers, which are recognized by TLR9, TLR9 activation in the lung, and interleukin‐6 mRNA level in the lung on day 14 after monocrotaline injection. Meanwhile, monocrotaline‐exposed rats showed elevated right ventricular systolic pressure, total pulmonary vascular resistance index and vascular remodeling, together with macrophage accumulation on day 21. In the preventive protocol, administration (days −3 to 21 after monocrotaline injection) of selective (E6446) or nonselective TLR9 inhibitor (chloroquine) significantly ameliorated the elevations of right ventricular systolic pressure and total pulmonary vascular resistance index as well as vascular remodeling and macrophage accumulation on day 21. These inhibitors also significantly reduced NF‐κB activation and interleukin‐6 mRNA levels to a similar extent. In the short‐term reversal protocol, E646 treatment (days 14–17 after monocrotaline injection) almost normalized NF‐κB activation and interleukin‐6 mRNA level, and reduced macrophage accumulation. In the prolonged reversal protocol, E6446 treatment (days 14–24 after monocrotaline injection) reversed total pulmonary vascular resistance index and vascular remodeling, and improved survival in monocrotaline‐exposed rats. Conclusions TLR9 is involved in the development of pulmonary hypertension concomitant via activation of the NF‐κB‒IL‐6 pathway. Inhibition of TLR9 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for pulmonary hypertension.

Background Despite the wide-spread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer chemotherapy, reports on patients developing acquired resistance (AR) to ICI therapy are scarce. Therefore, we first investigated the characteristics associated with shorter durable responses of ICI treatment and revealed the clinical patterns of AR and prognosis of the patients involved. Methods We conducted a retrospective multi-center cohort study that included NSCLC patients with PD-L1 tumor proportion scores of ≥50% who received first-line pembrolizumab and showed response to the therapy. Among patients showing response, progression-free survival (PFS) was investigated based on different clinically relevant factors. AR was defined as disease progression after partial or complete response based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Among patients with AR, patterns of AR and post-progression survival (PPS) were investigated. Oligoprogression was defined as disease progression in up to 5 individual progressive lesions. Results Among 174 patients who received first-line pembrolizumab, 88 showed response and were included in the study. Among these patients, 46 (52%) developed AR. Patients with old age, poor performance status (PS), at least 3 metastatic organs, or bone metastasis showed significantly shorter PFS. Among 46 patients with AR, 32 (70%) developed AR as oligoprogression and showed significantly longer PPS than those with non-oligoprogressive AR. Conclusions Patients with old age, poor PS, at least 3 metastatic organs, or bone metastasis showed shorter durable responses to pembrolizumab monotherapy. Oligoprogressive AR was relatively common and associated with better prognosis. Further research is required to develop optimal approaches for the treatment of these patients.

Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for colorectal cancer, and inflammatory cytokines secreted from inflammatory cells and active oxygen facilitate tumorigenesis. Intestinal bacteria are thought to regulate tumorigenesis. The longer the breastfeeding period, the lower is the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Here, we investigated preventive effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus M9 (Probio-M9) on colitis-associated tumorigenesis. An inflammatory colorectal tumor model was established using a 6-week-old male C57BL/6NCrSlc mouse, which was intraperitoneally administered with azoxymethane (AOM: 12 mg/kg body weight). On weeks 2 and 4, 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was administered to mice for 7 days through drinking water. On weeks 8 and 10, Probio-M9 (2 × 109/day) was orally administered for 7 days. Animals were sacrificed at 20 weeks after AOM administration and immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting was performed. The α-diversity of microflora (Shannon index), principal coordinate analysis, and distribution of intestinal bacterium genera and metabolic pathways were compared. The AOM/DSS group showed weight loss, diarrhea, intestinal shortening, increased number of colon tumors, proliferating tumorigenesis, increased inflammation score, fibrosis, increased CD68+, or CD163+ macrophage cells in the subserosal layer of non-tumor areas. Inflammation and tumorigenesis ameliorated after Probio-M9 treatment. Fecal microbial functions were altered by AOM/DSS treatment. Probio-M9 significantly upregulated the fecal microbial diversity and reversed fecal microbial functions. Thus, Probio-M9 could suppress tumor formation in the large intestine by regulating the intestinal environment and ameliorating inflammation, suggesting its therapeutic potential for treatment of inflammation and colitis-associated tumorigenesis.

Introduction We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab-) paclitaxel for previously treated patients with advanced NSCLC. Methods In this randomized, open-label, noninferiority phase 3 trial, we enrolled patients with advanced NSCLC previously treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Patients were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive docetaxel (60 mg/m2) on day 1 or nab-paclitaxel (100 mg/m2) on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 21-day cycle. The primary end point was overall survival (OS) analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results Between May 22, 2015, and March 12, 2018, a total of 503 patients were randomly allocated to the treatment. Median OS was 16.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.4–19.0) for the 252 patients allocated to nab-paclitaxel and 13.6 months (95% CI: 10.9–16.5) for the 251 patients allocated to docetaxel (hazard ratio = 0.85, 95.2% CI: 0.68–1.07). Median progression-free survival was 4.2 months (95% CI: 3.9–5.0) for the nab-paclitaxel group versus 3.4 months (95% CI: 2.9–4.1) for the docetaxel group (hazard ratio = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63–0.92, p = 0.0042). The objective response rate was 29.9% (95% CI: 24.0–36.2) for the nab-paclitaxel group and 15.4% (95% CI: 10.9–20.7) for the docetaxel group (p = 0.0002). Adverse events of grade greater than or equal to 3 included febrile neutropenia (5 of 245 patients [2%] in the nab-paclitaxel group versus 55 of 249 patients [22%] in the docetaxel group) and peripheral sensory neuropathy (24 [10%] versus 2 [1%], respectively). Conclusions Nab-paclitaxel was noninferior to docetaxel in terms of OS. It should, thus, be considered a standard treatment option for previously treated patients with advanced NSCLC.

A perennial task is to prevent the occurrence and/or recurrence of most frequent or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). VF may be lethal in cases without an implantable cardioverter defibrillator or with failure of this device. Incidences of AF, even the asymptomatic ones, jeopardize the patient’s life due to its complication, notably the high risk of embolic stroke. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in subclinical AF screening and searching for novel electrophysiological and molecular markers. Considering the worldwide increase in cases of thyroid dysfunction and diseases, including thyroid carcinoma, we aimed to explore the implication of thyroid hormones in pro-arrhythmic signaling in the pathophysiological setting. The present review provides updated information about the impact of altered thyroid status on both the occurrence and recurrence of cardiac arrhythmias, predominantly AF. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of both thyroid status monitoring and AF screening in the general population, as well as in patients with thyroid dysfunction and malignancies. Real-world data on early AF identification in relation to thyroid function are scarce. Even though symptomatic AF is rare in patients with thyroid malignancies, who are under thyroid suppressive therapy, clinicians should be aware of potential interaction with asymptomatic AF. It may prevent adverse consequences and improve the quality of life. This issue may be challenging for an updated registry of AF in clinical practice. Thyroid hormones should be considered a biomarker for cardiac arrhythmias screening and their tailored management because of their multifaceted cellular actions.

Background A randomized phase 3 study was performed to investigate the efficacy and safety of maintenance therapy with S-1 after induction therapy with carboplatin plus S-1 in patients with advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced or relapsed squamous NSCLC were treated with carboplatin (area under the curve of 5 on day 1 every 3 weeks) plus S-1 (40 mg/m2 twice per day on days 1-14 every 3 weeks) as induction therapy. Patients who did not progress after 4 cycles of induction therapy were randomized to receive either S-1 plus best supportive care (BSC) or BSC alone. The primary objective of the study was to confirm the superiority of S-1 plus BSC in comparison with BSC alone with respect to progression-free survival. Results Of the 365 patients enrolled in the study, 347 participated in the induction phase, and 131 of these individuals were randomized to receive S-1 plus BSC (n = 67) or BSC alone (n = 64). The risk of disease progression was significantly lower for patients in the S-1 plus BSC arm than those in the BSC-alone arm (hazard ratio, 0.548; 95% confidence interval, 0.374-0.802; P = .0019). The most common toxicities during maintenance therapy with S-1 included anorexia, anemia, and fatigue, but most cases were not severe. Conclusions Continued maintenance with S-1 plus BSC is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with advanced squamous NSCLC previously treated with carboplatin plus S-1.

Background Pembrolizumab is effective as first-line therapy against advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression levels ≥50% [1]. However, it is not effective in all patients, and the factors predicting responses among this population remain unknown. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients with NSCLC and a PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) > 50%, who received first-line monotherapy with pembrolizumab from February 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018. The study included 11 hospitals, which participated in the Hanshin Oncology clinical Problem Evaluation group (HOPE). We analyzed the differences between responders and non-responders in terms of age, sex, performance status score, degree of progression, histological type, smoking history, expression of PD-L1, use of steroids prior to treatment, metastasis site, and laboratory data. Results A total of 205 patients were included in this study. Of those, 108 patients exhibiting complete or partial response were defined as responders. Those exhibiting progressive disease (N = 52) were defined as non-responders. In the univariate analysis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score ≥ 2 (p = 0.0832), stage IV disease or recurrence (p = 0.0487), PD-L1 TPS 50–89% (p = 0.0657), use of steroids prior to the administration of pembrolizumab (p = 0.0243), malignant pleural effusion (p = 0.0032), and baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) levels > 1.0 mg/dL (p = 0.0390) were significantly associated with non-response to treatment. In the multivariate analysis, use of steroids prior to the administration of pembrolizumab (odds ratio [OR]: 5.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32–31.8; p = 0.0200), malignant pleural effusion (OR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.15–6.35; p = 0.0228), and baseline CRP > 1.0 mg/dL (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.03–4.68; p = 0.0402) were significantly associated with non-response to treatment. Conclusion In real-world patients with NSCLC and a PD-L1 TPS ≥50%, use of steroids prior to treatment, malignant pleural effusion, and baseline CRP levels > 1.0 mg/dL reduced the response of first-line monotherapy with pembrolizumab.

What are the implications of recovering settler colonialism as a mode of domination that fundamentally shaped Taiwan’s history? The article argues that this uncovering is crucial to understanding the formation of successive polities on the island of Taiwan, but this is not to say that a settler-colonial studies lens should replace a colonial one.

Background and Aims Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a major physiologic gastrotransmitter. Its role in the regulation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function remains unknown. The present study addresses this question. Methods Isometric contraction was monitored in circular smooth muscle strips of porcine LES. Changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and force were simultaneously monitored in fura-2-loaded strips with front-surface fluorometry. The contribution of endogenous H2S to LES contractility was investigated by examining the effects of inhibitors of H2S-generating enzymes, including cystathionine-β-synthase, cystathionine-γ-lyase, and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, on the LES function. Results Porcine LES strips myogenically maintained a tetrodotoxin-resistant basal tone. Application of AOA (cystathionine-β-synthase inhibitor) or L-aspartic acid (L-Asp; 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase inhibitor) but not DL-PAG (cystathionine-γ-lyase inhibitor), decreased this basal tone. The relaxant effects of AOA and L-Asp were additive. Maximum relaxation was obtained by combination of 1 mM AOA and 3 mM L-Asp. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that cystathionine-β-synthase and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, but not cystathionine-γ-lyase, were expressed in porcine LES. AOA+L-Asp–induced relaxation was accompanied by a decrease in [Ca2+]i and inversely correlated with the extracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]o) (25-137.4 mM), indicating involvement of an Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. The reduction in the basal [Ca2+]i level by AOA was significantly augmented in the antral smooth muscle sheets of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger transgenic mice compared with wild-type mice. Conclusions Endogenous H2S regulates the LES myogenic tone by maintaining the basal [Ca2+]i via Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. H2S-generating enzymes may be a potential therapeutic target for esophageal motility disorders, such as achalasia.

12098 Background: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (J-FORCE), we previously reported the efficacy of olanzapine (OLZ) 5 mg plus triplet antiemetic therapy for cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in the delayed phase (24–120 h after CDDP treatment). Here, we report the results of a pre-planned subgroup analysis of this trial (in which risk factors were used as the allocation factors). This analysis was designed to determine which patients benefit more from OLZ. Methods: Subgroup analysis was performed on complete response (CR: no emesis and no rescue medication) in the acute (within 24 h of CDDP treatment) and delayed phase and time to treatment failure (TTF: time from CDDP treatment to the first vomiting or use of rescue medication). Data from 705 patients in the efficacy analysis population (354 in the OLZ group and 351 in the placebo (PLA) group) were analyzed by sex (male/female), age (≥55 years/ < 55 years), and CDDP dose (≥70 mg/m2/ < 70 mg/m2). For CR, we calculated point estimates of differences between groups and 95% confidence intervals and performed a Mantel-Haenszel test. We used the Kaplan-Meier method for the analysis of TTF, and comparisons between groups were made using a log-rank test. Results: Delayed CR (OLZ versus PLA) and risk difference (RD) of delayed CR following OLZ treatment were significantly greater than following PLA in the following subgroups: male (83.1% versus 70.5%, RD 12.6%, p = 0.001), female (70.9% versus 56.4%, RD 14.5%, p = 0.021), age ≥55 years (78.7% versus 67.6%, RD 11.1%, p = 0.003), age < 55 years (81.0% versus 57.4%, RD 23.6%, p = 0.005), and CDDP ≥70 mg/m2 (78.8% versus 65.3%, RD 13.5%, p < 0.001). TTF of all subgroups (male/female, ≥55 years/ < 55 years, and ≥70 mg/m2/ < 70 mg/m2) was significantly longer in the OLZ group than in the PLA group (HR 0.493, p < 0.001; HR 0.612, p = 0.022; HR 0.586, p < 0.001; HR 0.401, p = 0.005; HR 0.546, p < 0.001; HR 0.543, p = 0.031, respectively). Conclusions: Our results suggest a benefit of OLZ 5 mg plus triplet therapy regardless of risk factors for CDDP-based CINV. Clinical trial information: UMIN000024676. [Table: see text]

The kidney expresses protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1). PAR-1 is known as a thrombin receptor, but its role in kidney injury is not well understood. In this study, we examined the contribution of PAR-1 to kidney glomerular injury and the effects of its inhibition on development of nephropathy. Mice were divided into 3 groups: control, doxorubicin + vehicle (15 mg/kg doxorubicin and saline) and doxorubicin + Q94 (doxorubicin at 15 mg/kg and the PAR-1 antagonist Q94 at 5 mg/kg/d) groups. Where indicated, doxorubicin was administered intravenously and PAR-1 antagonist or saline vehicle by subcutaneous osmotic mini-pump. PAR-1 expression was increased in glomeruli of mice treated with doxorubicin. Q94 treatment significantly suppressed the increased albuminuria in these nephropathic mice. Pathological analysis showed that Q94 treatment significantly attenuated periodic acidâSchiff and desmin staining, indicators of podocyte injury, and also decreased glomerular levels of podocin and nephrin. Furthermore, thrombin increased intracellular calcium levels in podocytes. This increase was suppressed by Q94 and Rox4560, a transient receptor potential cation channel (TRPC)3/6 antagonist. In addition, both Q94 and Rox4560 suppressed the doxorubicin-induced increase in activities of caspase-9 and caspase-3 in podocytes. These data suggested that PAR-1 contributes to development of podocyte and glomerular injury and that PAR-1 antagonists have therapeutic potential. Keywords: Protease-activated receptor-1, Podocyte, Transient receptor potential cation channel, Kidney injury

Protein phosphatases 1 and 2A (PP1 and PP2A) are the most ubiquitous and abundant serine/threonine phosphatases in eukaryotic cells. They play fundamental roles in the regulation of various cellular functions. This review focuses on recent advances in the functional studies of these enzymes in the field of smooth muscle physiology. Many naturally occurring protein phosphatase inhibitors with different relative PP1/PP2A affinities have been discovered and are widely used as powerful research tools. Current topics in the chemical biology of PP1/PP2A inhibitors are introduced and discussed, highlighting the identification of the gene cluster responsible for the biosynthesis of calyculin A in a symbiont microorganism of a marine sponge.

Duodenal reflux of fluids containing trypsin relates to refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Esophageal peristalsis and clearance are important factors in GERD pathogenesis. However, the function of trypsin in esophageal body contractility is not fully understood. In this study, effects of trypsin on circular smooth muscle (CSM) and longitudinal smooth muscle (LSM) of the porcine esophageal body were examined. Trypsin elicited a concentration dependent biphasic response, a major contraction and a subsequent relaxation only in CSM. In CSM, contraction occurred at trypsin concentrations of 100nM and relaxation at 1μM. A proteinase-activated receptor (PAR)2 activating peptide, SLIGKV-NH2 (1mM), induced a monophasic contraction. Those responses were unaffected by tetrodotoxin though abolished by the gap junction uncouplers carbenoxolone and octanol. They were also partially inhibited by a transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) antagonist and abolished by combination of neurokinin receptor 1 (NK1) and NK2 antagonists, but not by an NK3 antagonist, suggesting a PAR2-TRPV1-substance P pathway in sensory neurons. Substance P (100nM), an agonist for various NK receptors (NK1, NK2 and NK3) with differing affinities, induced significant contraction in CSM, but not in LSM. The contraction was also blocked by the combination of NK1 and NK2 antagonists, but not by the NK3 antagonist. Moreover, substance P-induced contractions were unaffected by the TRPV1 antagonist, but inhibited by a gap junction uncoupler. In conclusion, trypsin induced a biphasic response only in CSM and this was mediated by PAR2, TRPV1 and NK1/2. Gap junctions were indispensable in this tachykinin-induced response.

Background Organizing pneumonia (OP) is a histopathological response pattern to lung inflammation. It is clinically classified into cryptogenic OP and secondary OP, which is associated with various clinical conditions. Rapid resolution with corticosteroids and frequent relapses are common in OP. However, few studies have investigated the factors associated with OP relapse. Methods The medical records of 75 patients with biopsy-proven OP, diagnosed between January 2010 and August 2015, who underwent corticosteroid therapy were retrospectively reviewed. Initially, the patients were all treated successfully; however, 31 patients experienced relapse thereafter (R group), whereas the others did not (NR group; 44 patients). The clinical, radiological, and pathological characteristics and administered corticosteroid doses were compared between the two groups. Results The neutrophil percentage in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and the level of fibrin deposition in lung biopsy specimens were higher in the R group than in the NR group ( P =0.01 and P =0.002, respectively). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that both factors were statistically significant predictors of OP relapse. Conclusions A high neutrophil percentage in the BAL and the level of fibrin deposition in lung biopsy specimens are considered predictive factors of OP relapse during the tapering or after the cessation of steroid therapy. Patients without these findings may be treated with low-dose corticosteroids.

Background: Pembrolizumab is effective as first-line therapy against advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression levels ≥50%. However, it is not effective in all patients, and the factors predicting responses among this population remain unknown. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with NSCLC and a PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) >50%, who received first-line monotherapy with pembrolizumab from February 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018. The study included 11 hospitals, which participated in the Hanshin Oncology clinical Problem Evaluation group (HOPE). We analyzed the differences between responders and non-responders in terms of age, sex, performance status score, degree of progression, histological type, smoking history, expression of PD-L1, use of steroids prior to treatment, metastasis site, and laboratory data. Results: A total of 205 patients were included in this study. Of those, 108 patients exhibiting complete or partial response were defined as responders. Those exhibiting progressive disease (N=52) were defined as non-responders. In the univariate analysis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score ≥2 (p=0.0832), stage IV disease or recurrence (p=0.0487), PD-L1 TPS 50–89% (p=0.0657), use of steroids prior to the administration of pembrolizumab (p=0.0243), malignant pleural effusion (p=0.0032), and baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) levels >1.0 mg/dL (p=0.0390) were significantly associated with non-response to treatment. In the multivariate analysis, use of steroids prior to the administration of pembrolizumab (odds ratio [OR]: 5.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32–31.8; p=0.0200), malignant pleural effusion (OR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.15–6.35; p=0.0228), and baseline CRP >1.0 mg/dL (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.03–4.68; p=0.0402) were significantly associated with non-response to treatment. Conclusion: In real-world patients with NSCLC and a PD-L1 TPS ≥50%, use of steroids prior to treatment, malignant pleural effusion, and baseline CRP levels >1.0mg/dL reduced the effectiveness of first-line monotherapy with pembrolizumab.

Introduction Previous studies have described an association between immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and better outcomes in patients administered nivolumab for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer. However, the patients in previous studies were not stratified by potential predictive factors, such as programmed cell death ligand 1 status and treatment lines. Additionally, little is known of whether the timing and type of irAEs can inform the prediction of outcomes. Patients and Methods We prospectively investigated the association between irAEs and outcomes in the single-center cohort that included patients administered nivolumab in the second or later line of therapy. Subsequently, we confirmed these findings in a retrospective multicenter cohort that included patients with programmed cell death ligand 1 tumor proportion score of ≥ 50% who had received first-line pembrolizumab. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS). Results In the prospective cohort (n = 76), the median PFS was significantly longer for the patients experiencing irAEs within 2 weeks of beginning nivolumab compared with the PFS for those who did not (median, 5.0 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.1-8.6 months] vs. median, 2.0 months [95% CI, 1.9-2.5 months]; P = .046). The association was stronger with earlier (within 2 weeks) than with later (within 6 weeks) irAEs. In the retrospective cohort (n = 148), the median PFS was significantly longer for the patients with early irAEs (within 3 weeks) than for those without (median, not reached [95% CI, 5.9 months to not reached] vs. median, 6.9 months [95% CI, 4.2-9.7 months]; P = .04). Rash was common and a better predictor of outcomes in both cohorts. Conclusion Our results have provided firmer evidence of the association between the occurrence of irAEs and outcomes and suggest that early irAEs (especially rash) might better predict outcomes.

Objectives Afatinib is an effective treatment in patients who have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its toxicities often require dose adjustment. Exploratory analyses of previous trials have suggested that reducing the dose of afatinib can decrease treatment-related adverse events without negatively affecting effectiveness. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of low starting dose of afatinib with dose modification according to its toxicity in patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC. Materials and methods This study was a multicenter, single-arm, open-label phase II trial. Treatment-naive patients with advanced NSCLC positive for common EGFR mutations received afatinib starting in a dose of 20 mg/day. If tolerated, the dose was increased in 10-mg increments up to 50 mg/day. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results From February 2015 through March 2016, 46 patients were enrolled. The median age was 73 years (range, 43–86), and 35 patients (72%) were women.EGFR mutation subtypes included exon 19 deletion (54%) and Leu858Arg point mutation (46%). Most patients had a performance status of 0 or 1 (91%) and a histological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma (98%). As of the data cut-off date of June 2017, the median follow-up was 18.9 months. The median PFS was 15.2 months (95% CI: 13.2–not estimable). The 1-year overall survival rate was 95.6% (95% CI: 89.7%–100%). The objective response rate was 81.8% (95% CI, 81.3%–98.6%). Adverse events of grade 3 or higher occurred in 14 patients (30.4%) and included rash/acne in 4 patients (8.7%), paronychia in 4 patients (8.7%), diarrhea in 2 patients (4.3%). There was no treatment-related death. Conclusions Low starting dose of afatinib therapy showed promising clinical efficacy and good tolerability. Further investigations are warranted.

Activated coagulation factor XI (FXIa) is a serine proteinase that plays a key role in the intrinsic coagulation pathway. The analysis of FXI-knockout mice has indicated the contribution of FXI to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We hypothesized that FXIa exerts vascular smooth muscle effects via proteinase-activated receptor 1 (PAR

Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Although transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) expression has been presented in SSc fibrosis, the therapeutic potential of targeting CTGF in SSc has not been fully explored. COA-Cl is a novel nucleic acid analog, which is reported to have pleiotropic beneficial biologic effects. Objective We examine the effects of COA-Cl on TGF-β1-induced CTGF expression in normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF). We also examined the effects of COA-Cl on CTGF expression in a mouse SSc model of angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced skin fibrosis. Methods NHDF was cultured for in vitro experiments. For in vivo experiments, C57BL/6J mice were treated with Ang II for 14 days by subcutaneous osmotic pump. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining were performed to examine the expression levels of CTGF and phosphorylation levels of Smad2/3, ERK1/2 and Akt. Results COA-Cl attenuated the TGF-β1-induced expression of both CTGF mRNA and protein in NHDF. Although COA-Cl did not alter the TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3 or ERK1/2, it reduced the TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation levels of Akt in NHDF. Notably, COA-Cl dephosphorylated the Akt of lysates of TGF-β1-treated NHDF. COA-Cl reduced the levels of CTGF mRNA, CTGF protein, dermal thickness, collagen content and Akt phosphorylation in the skin of mice SSc model. Conclusion These results imply that the inhibition of TGF-β1-induced CTGF expression by COA-Cl may be a therapeutic approach for SSc.

Deterioration of adipocyte function due to increased oxidative stress predisposes patients to metabolic disorders in advanced age. However, the roles of tumor suppressors in such conditions remain largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to address their dynamics in aged adipocytes using a long-term culture model. We compared 3T3-L1 adipocytes at 17–19 days (long-term) with those at 8–10 days (short-term) after initiation of adipogenic induction for mimicking ‘aged’ and ‘young’ adipocytes, respectively. H2O2 release and dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was increased, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reduced in long-term cultured adipocytes, which is suggestive of enhanced oxidative stress in this group. Moreover, qRT-PCR revealed increased mRNAs of Nox4 (a subunit of NADPH oxidase complex), Ccl2 (a proinflammatory chemokine) and Il6 [a marker of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)] along with decreased levels of Pparγ, Adipoq and Slc2a4 (genes related to glucose metabolism). These alterations were associated with increased expression of the tumor suppressors alternate-reading-frame protein p19Arf (Arf) and p16Ink4a. However, silencing of Arf reduced mRNAs of Adipoq and Slc2a4 and enhanced release of Il6. The effect was opposite in Arf overexpressing adipocytes, which showed reduced superoxide production as assessed with DHE staining and SOD activity. Western blots showed that Arf negatively regulates the phosphorylation of Akt. Luciferase assay in Hela cells additionally suggested that Arf negatively regulates Il6 transcriptional activity through a PI3 K/Akt mediated pathway. These findings strongly suggest that the enhanced Arf expression in oxidative stress plays compensatory protective roles against aging-related dysregulation of gene expression in adipocytes.

During the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR), discussions on “designing for a safe and secure home and community” referenced various case studies and challenges from the “Build Back Better” (hereafter “BBB”) project. This paper introduces the following achievements of the BBB projects carried out by the authors: 1) leadership from academia that established a framework of practical dialogue (conferences) – more than mere information sharing – for maturing plans, 2) creation of the master plan concepts for each project based on expert perspectives in urban planning, landscape, and architecture, 3) development of an interrelationship between local tsunami defenses, such as river and coastal levees, and community-specific contexts and damaged facilities within the framework of civic design and community-building in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, 4) designing of reconstruction plans achievable through coordination with relevant institutions and through consensus-building with residents amid a high number of reconstruction projects, 5) advanced level of maturation of plans gained through continuous collaboration, and 6) creation of a place for community interaction as one step in recovery process and as a venue to realize the importance of public information disclosure

IntroductionSocioeconomic factors with an influence on human health are known as social determinants of health (SDH). There are some SDH studies in patients with lung cancer, but important exposures such as social isolation and loneliness have not been adequately investigated. This study will assess the influence of SDH, particularly social isolation and loneliness, on patients with advanced lung cancer in Japan.Methods and analysisThe inclusion criteria for this prospective cohort study will be as follows: a diagnosis of advanced lung cancer; unsuitability for curative surgery; and willingness to participate. The primary outcome will be the initial choice of treatment and the secondary outcomes will be overall survival, changes in disease staging or performance status, route to diagnosis and place of death. The exposures will be social isolation, loneliness, employment, insurance type, education and dementia. The study enrolment period will be 1 year and the follow-up duration will be 2 years. The log-rank test will be used to compare overall survival between patients when grouped according to the study exposures and multivariate analysis will be performed using Cox proportional hazards regression. The Χ2test will be used to compare the initial treatment, changes in disease stage and place of death, and logistic regression will be used for multivariate analysis of these factors. A p value Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center (No 29-164). A manuscript summarising the outcome of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and the data will be presented at conferences.Trial registration numberUMIN000031810.

Background The phase II trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of low starting dose of afatinib in patients with advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In primary analysis, progression free survival (PFS) met the primary endpoint. Here, we report updated survival outcomes. Methods This study was a multi-center, single-arm, open-label phase II trial. Treatment-naive patients with common EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC were treated with afatinib starting at a dose of 20 mg/day. If tolerated, the dose is increased by 10- mg increments up to 50mg/day. PFS and overall survival (OS) were re-evaluated at the final data cut-off point (October 2018). Results 46 patients were enrolled. Median age was 73 years (range, 43-86). The median follow-up was 31.9 months. Median PFS of entire population was 15.2 months (95% confident interval (CI), 13.2–21.2), and 2-year PFS rate was 27.7% (95% CI, 17.1-44.7). Median OS was not estimated, and the 2-year overall survival was 76.1% (95% CI, 64.7-89.5). Performance status (PS) and existence of brain metastases at study entry were revealed to have significant impact on the survival with Cox-regression test. Among patients with disease progression on afatinib (n = 36), rebiopsy was performed on 29 patients, and T790M was proved positive on 14 patients. Twelve out of the 14 patients positive for T790M received osimertinib as a second line therapy. Median time from enrollment to progression on the osimertinib (PFS2) was 32.6 months (95%CI: 20.5-NE). Conclusions Low starting dose afatinib therapy demonstrated promising OS outcome. PS and existence of brain metastases were predictive factors of this therapy. Clinical trial identification UMIN 000016444. Legal entity responsible for the study Kyoto Thoracic Oncology Research Group. Funding Has not received any funding. Disclosure T. Yokoyama: Honoraria (self): Boehringer Ingelheim Japan; Honoraria (self): Chugai Pharmaceutical; Honoraria (self): Taiho Pharmaceutical; Honoraria (self): Bristol-Myers Squibb; Honoraria (self): Novartis; Honoraria (self): AstraZeneca; Honoraria (self): Ono pharmaceutical; Honoraria (self): MSD. H. Yoshioka: Honoraria (self): Boehringer Ingelheim; Honoraria (self): Chugai Pharmaceutical; Honoraria (self): Taiho Pharmaceutical; Honoraria (self): Eli Lilly Japan; Honoraria (self): Bristol-Myers Squibb; Honoraria (self): Novartis; Honoraria (self): Merck Serono; Honoraria (self): Kyowa Kirin; Honoraria (self): AstraZeneca; Honoraria (self): Ono pharmaceutical; Honoraria (self): Daiichi Sankyo; Honoraria (self): MSD. D. Fujimoto: Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (self): AstraZeneca KK; Honoraria (self): Ono Pharmaceutical Co Lt; Honoraria (self): Bristol-Myers Squibb Co Ltd; Honoraria (self): Taiho Pharmaceutical Co ; Honoraria (self), Research grant / Funding (self): Chugai Pharmaceutical Co Ltd; Honoraria (self): MSD KK; Honoraria (self): Boehringer Ingelheim Japan Inc; Honoraria (self): Eli Lilly Japan KK. K. Hirano: Honoraria (self): Boehringer Ingelheim Japan. T. Ishida: Honoraria (self): Boehringer Ingelheim Japan. T. Hirai: Research grant / Funding (institution): Boehringer Ingelheim Japan. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Objectives Chemoradiation regimens of greater efficacy are needed for patients with locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and methods In a phase I study, escalating doses of weekly nab-paclitaxel (40 or 50 mg/m2) were administered along with weekly carboplatin at an area under the curve (AUC) of 2 mg mL–1 min and concurrent radiotherapy with 60 Gy in 30 fractions to patients with locally advanced NSCLC. This concurrent phase was followed by a consolidation phase consisting of two 3-week cycles of nab-paclitaxel plus carboplatin. In a phase II study, nab-paclitaxel was administered at the recommended dose (RD) together with carboplatin and radiation. Results In the phase I study, one of six patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity (leukopenia of grade 3 requiring a second consecutive skip in the administration of weekly chemotherapy) with nab-paclitaxel at 50 mg/m2, which was therefore determined to be the RD. Fifty-six patients treated at the RD were evaluable for safety and efficacy. Common toxicities of grade 3 or 4 in the concurrent phase included leukopenia (60.7%) and neutropenia (28.6%). No treatment-related deaths occurred during the study period. The objective response rate was 76.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.2–85.9%), median progression-free survival was 11.8 months (60% CI, 10.6–16.2 months; 95% CI, 8.2–20.8 months), and median overall survival was not reached. Conclusion Our results reveal encouraging feasibility and activity for concurrent chemoradiation with nab-paclitaxel at 50 mg/m2 and carboplatin at an AUC of 2 in patients with locally advanced NSCLC.

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the effectiveness and safety of third‐line chemotherapy in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), compared to conventional supportive care.

Yeast Ndi1 is a monotopic alternative NADH dehydrogenase. Its crystal structure in complex with the electron acceptor, ubiquinone, has been determined. However, there has been controversy regarding the ubiquinone binding site. To address these points, we identified the first competitive inhibitor of Ndi1, stigmatellin, along with new mixed-type inhibitors, AC0-12 and myxothiazol, and thereby determined the crystal structures of Ndi1 in complexes with the inhibitors. Two separate binding sites of stigmatellin, STG-1 and STG-2, were observed. The electron density at STG-1, located at the vicinity of the FAD cofactor, further demonstrated two binding modes: STG-1a and STG-1b. AC0-12 and myxothiazol are also located at the vicinity of FAD. The comparison of the binding modes among stigmatellin at STG-1, AC0-12, and myxothiazol revealed a unique position for the aliphatic tail of stigmatellin at STG-1a. Mutations of amino acid residues that interact with this aliphatic tail at STG-1a reduced the affinity of Ndi1 for ubiquinone. In conclusion, the position of the aliphatic tail of stigmatellin at STG-1a provides a structural basis for its competitive inhibition of Ndi1. The inherent binding site of ubiquinone is suggested to overlap with STG-1a that is distinct from the binding site for NADH.

Background Pembrolizumab (Pem) for NSCLC and PD-L1 TPS ≥50% as a first-line therapy showed the longer PFS and OS compared with chemotherapy in some clinical trial. However, only limited patients in good general condition without organ failure can participate in them and their outcomes may not be entirely representative of real-world setting. Methods We conducted a multicenter retrospective study across 11 medical centers (Hanshin Oncology clinical Problem Evaluation group (HOPE)). We analyzed clinical data from NSCLC patients receiving Pem as a first-line therapy between February 1st 2017 and April 30th 2018. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety and to identify which patients will become more suitable candidates for Pem monotherapy. Results 213 patients were enrolled in this study. The median age was 71 years. Out of 213 patients, 176 (82.6%) were male, 20 (9.4%) were never smokers (Median brinkman index: 900), 172 (80.8%) had ECOG PS of 0-1, 55 (25.8%) had SQ, and PD-L1 TPS were 50-74%: 97 (45.5%), 75-89%: 55 (22.1%), and 90-100%: 69 (32.4%). 39 (18.3%) of all had AEs of grades ≥3. The most frequently severe AEs was pneumonitis (10 (4.7%) including in 1 grade 4), and no patient died of severe AEs. The overall RR/DCR were 51.2%/73.2%, the median PFS/OS was 8.3/18.4 months (M). In the univariate analysis, the ECOG PS (0-1 vs. ≥2: 9.0 vs. 4.0 M, HR: 2.11, p = 0.00061), CRP/ALB ( Conclusions Our results was consistent with the efficacy and safety of previous key clinical trials, although our study had various backgrounds. Furthermore, poor PS, high inflammatory state (CRP/ALB≥0.3), and steroid usage at the time of Pem treatment commencement were independently correlated with a shorter PFS of Pem. On the other hands, higher PD-L1 TPS (90-100%) was independently correlated with a longer PFS of Pem. Clinical trial identification UMIN (University Hospital Medical Information Network in Japan; number 000032470). Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding Has not received any funding. Disclosure M. Tamiya: Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: MSD; Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Taiho Pharmaceutical. A. Tamiya: Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: MSD; Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Taiho Pharmaceutical. Y. Taniguchi: Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: MSD. T. Yokoyama: Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Taiho Phermaceutical. K. Hirano: Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: MSD; Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Taiho Phermaceutical. T. Hirashima: Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Taiho Phermaceutical. M. Kanazu: Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: MSD. T. Kumagai: Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: MSD; Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Taiho Phermaceutical. D. Fujimoto: Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: MSD; Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Taiho Phermaceutical. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

This article provides an overview of late nineteenth-century Japanese settler colonialism in Hokkaido, a land long inhabited by indigenous people, the Ainu, with a particular theoretical question in mind: What was the precise relationship between the settler colonization of Hokkaido and the Japanese government’s drive for primitive accumulation of capital? This question deepens our understanding of the intrinsic relation between the formation of a capitalist nation-state and that of its colony, a relation through which indigenous people such as the Ainu lost their means of sustenance—the land—and were eventually driven nearly to extinction. It also compels us to rethink the way historians and social theorists, especially those informed by Marxian approaches, have discussed the relation between settler colonialism and primitive accumulation. The article suggests that the Marxian analysis of colonialism seriously consider politics of death, or thanatopolitics, which constitutes the matrix of settler...