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Background: Cornea-derived transcript 6 (CDT6, also known as AngX) has been described to inhibit tumour growth in a human melanoma growing in nude mice. In another report, however. enhancement of tumour growth in comparable circumstances occurred. We therefore studied the effect of the same gene in different circumstances, using an immune competent mouse model. Materials and Methods: In this report we describe the generation of a stably CDT6-expressing clone of the murine melanoma cell line B-16-F10. These cells were implanted in female C57/B16 mice with empty vector transfected cells as control. Results: We found no significant inhibition or stimulation of either lag-time or doubling-time of the tumours. In addition no effect of the CDT6 gene product was found on proliferation of endothelial cells in vitro. Conclusion: In contrast to air immune deficient mouse model, no anti-tumour effect could be detected with the CDT6 gene product in an immune competent mouse model.

Background: Cornea-derived transcript 6 (CDT6 = AngX) has been shown to have an anti-tumor effect. Materials and Methods: We transfected the murine melanoma cell line B16-F10 with the CDT6 gene and compared the sensitivity to cytostatic drugs of the resulting cell line, B16-CDT6, to that of the empty vector-transfected control cell line B16-CMV. Results: The B16-CDT6 line showed a significantly increased sensitivity to doxorubicin as well as a tendency towards a decreased sensitivity to cisplatin. To further resolve the mechanism of the increase in sensitivity to doxorubicin, we also tested the cytotoxic agents vincristine, etoposide and taxol. However no difference in sensitivity for these drugs was found between the B16-CDT6 and the control cell line. Conclusion: CDT6 increased the sensitivity to doxorubicin in a mechanism probably not related to interference with the efflux pumps MRP, Pgp or the DNA-associated target enzyme topoisomerase II. Altered gene expression induced by gene therapy might influence tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy.

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Introduction: African Americans (AAs) and Hispanics/Latino Americans (HLAs) are underrepresented in clinical trials research. The purpose of this study was to conduct focus groups with AAs and HLAs to elicit their solutions to trial participation barriers. Methods: Thirty-two AAs and 25 HLAs participated in six racially and ethnically homogenous focus groups conducted in South Carolina (n=3 focus groups per racial/ethnic group). Focus group questions were based on a modified conceptual framework from the Institute of Medicine's report, Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare. The coding process using the NVIVO software program provided a systematic approach to identifying themes in the data. Statements identified from the data were coded using a structured coding technique and grouped into conceptual categories, themes, or axial codes by consensus among the investigators. Themes related to questions that were common across both racial/ethnic groups were identified, as well as themes unique to a particular group. Results: Participant-derived solutions to barriers to clinical trial participation from both racial and ethnic groups. As a solution to: (a) lack of willingness to take part in clinical trials, participants suggested that if other physical and emotional risks could be reduced, altruism could serve as a prime motivator for clinical trials; (b) fears related to the responsibility of the research system for adverse effects, participants wanted personal guarantees about their safety. They understood researcher responsibility to include: guarantees that free healthcare would be provided to those who experienced adverse effects and reassurance that a drug would not cause harm or exacerbate other conditions; (c) the cost of trial participation, participants believed that these costs could be alleviated through fair compensation and by holding trial appointments at night or on weekends, and (d) recruitment challenges in diverse populations, members of both racial and ethnic focus groups advocated recruitment in community contexts, such as churches, ethnic gathering places, and support groups. AA participants made the following suggestions. As solutions to: (a) concern over past abuses of the health care system, participants suggested that medical universities advertise their improved clinical climate and apologize for past discriminatory conduct; and (b) lack of diversity in research teams, participants suggested coaching clinicians in better patient communication and developing diverse research teams. HLA participants made the following suggestions. As a solution to: lack of availability of study materials in Spanish, participants stressed the importance of having Spanish-speaking clinicians and patient advocates as well as Spanish-language study materials. Conclusions: Responses from AA and HLA participants reflect their unique cultural backgrounds and historical experiences in the United States. Recruitment interventions need to be tailored to the characteristics of the groups that are being recruited to ensure that their concerns/needs are met during the recruitment process. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A39.

During a period of 11 years in specialist practice, the authors notified 309 cases of occupationally-conditioned disease and occupational accidents. The majority of diseases were in the locomotor system. The authors reviewed the sex and age distributions and the distribution of the conditions involved. Their share of notifications from specialist practice during the period 1983-1986 was also reviewed together with the relevant specialties and the action taken by the Workers Supervision Authorities. The authors found their share in the notifications was relatively excessive but that it was declining because a great number of specialists have begun to notify conditions in the locomotor system. In addition, the authors have observed a considerable reduction in the rime taken to analyse cases by the Workers Supervision Authorities and an increase in the number of factory visits. The number of factory visits on account of the authors' notifications constituted 11% which shows that notification of occupationally-conditioned diseases is worth while.