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The intricate balance that is the hallmark of the immune system shows vulnerability to any chemical, including pesticides, that can cause structural and functional alterations to the system. The immunotoxic effects of xenobiotics include: histopathologic effects in immune tissues and organs; cellular pathology; altered maturation of immunocompetent cells; changes in B and T cell subpopulations; and functional alterations of immunocompetent cells. Pesticides, including fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides, are the only class of chemicals deliberately released into the environment because of their toxicity. Around the world, millions of people are exposed to pesticides at work and/or in their home. This article reviews evidence, from animal and human studies, on the effects of pesticides on the immune system.

8034 Background: Nintedanib (N) is an oral inhibitor of VEGFR, FGFR, and PDGFR. This global phase 3 study investigated the safety and efficacy of N + pemetrexed (PEM) vs placebo (P) + PEM in patients (pts) with advanced, non-squamous NSCLC previously treated with chemotherapy. Methods: Pts were randomized 1:1 to N 200 mg po bid + PEM 500 mg/m2 iv q21d (n=353, Arm A) or P + PEM (n=360, Arm B). Continuation until PD or unacceptable toxicity with N, P, PEM, or a combination was permitted. 1° endpoint was centrally reviewed PFS. The null hypothesis was tested on the ITT population after 394 events had occurred (two sided α=5%). 2° endpoints included OS, investigator-assessed PFS, response rate (RR), safety, and QoL. Results: Baseline pt characteristics were balanced between Arm A vs B (median age 59 y, female 45–42%, ECOG PS 1 62-61%, adenocarcinoma 95–93%, prior bevacizumab 8%). Based on a planned DMC futility analysis of investigator-assessed PFS, enrolment was halted after randomizing 713/1300 planned pts (no safety issues identified). Ongoing pts were unblinded and follow-up continued per protocol. Subsequent ITT analysis of the 1° endpoint (centrally reviewed PFS) favored Arm A vs B (median 4.4 vs 3.6 mo, HR 0.83 [95% CI: 0.7–0.99], p=0.04). Disease control was also significantly improved in N-treated pts (61 vs 53%, odds ratio 1.37, p=0.039). No difference in OS (HR 1.03) or RR (9%) was found. Exploratory analyses identified time since start of 1st-line therapy as a predictive marker of improved outcome with N + PEM (ASCO 2013). There was no increase in SAEs or G5 AEs with N + PEM. Addition of N to PEM resulted in a higher incidence of ≥G3 elevated ALT (23 vs 7%), elevated AST (12 vs 2%), and diarrhea (3 vs 1%), but no difference in ≥G3 hypertension, bleeding, thrombosis, mucositis, or neuropathy. Conclusions: The 1° endpoint was met even though the study was stopped prematurely. Treatment with N + PEM significantly improved centrally reviewed PFS vs P + PEM in pts with advanced non-squamous NSCLC previously treated with chemotherapy, and had a manageable safety profile. Clinical trial information: NCT00806819.

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