NASA Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports

esearch into the next decade, and resulted in the establishment of a list of the top 21 research priorities) and 2) success in
measuring its safety and health outcomes. The author was invited to participate as a member of the panel. This report
generalizes a document that the author prepared for the NIOSH workshop, and was further refined during preparation for a
DOE-sponsored workshop on S&T benefits, 4-5 March 2002. The paper focuses on key metrics for evaluating progress in a
mission-oriented research program. The results and conclusions of the analyses are sufficiently generic for applicability to any
science and technology (S&T) sponsoring organization.
DTIC
Health; Research and Development; Research Management; Technologies
20040050754 Wayne State Univ., Detroit, MI
Enhancing the Effectiveness of Breast Cancer Immunotherapy Through Manipulation of the T Cell Cytoskeleton
Ratner, Stuart; Sep. 2003; 12 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations
Contract(s)/Grant(s): DAMD17-01-1-0454
Report No.(s): AD-A421062; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy
A limitation of adoptive immunotherapy is the poor survival and tumor localization of activated T cells after infusion. This
problem arises in part from the polarized, adhesive form of activated T cells, which makes them prone to embolize in
microvasculature. We hypothesized that transient inhibition of T cell polarization, induced just before infusion, will improve
the survival and circulation of activated T cells. We found previously that T cells can be depolarized by the myosin light-chain
kinase inhibitor ML-7. During the first project year we developed an ML-7 pretreatment protocol which depolarized activated
T cells for 1-2hr,then allowed them to recover normal cytotoxicity and proliferation within 24 hi. Initial experiments
indicated that this protocol increased fourfold the homing of ErbB2-specific T cells to the ErbB2-expressing murine mammary
tumor D2F2/E2. We have now confirmed this finding and tested whether the improved localization increased therapeutic
effects. ML-7 pretreatment was found neither to enhance nor reduce the tumor- delaying effects of T cell infusion. This work
is the first proof that cytoskeletal alteration of T cells can improve their trafficking behavior. Our first test, however, could not
confirm that this strategy alone is enough to enhance adoptive immunotherapy.
DTIC
Cancer; Mammary Glands
20040050755 McMaster Univ., Hamilton, Ontario
Development and Evaluation of Computer-Based Versions of the Decision Board for Early Breast Cancer
Whelan, Timothy J.; Oct. 2003; 18 pp.; In English
Contract(s)/Grant(s): DAMD17-98-1-8100
Report No.(s): AD-A421063; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A03, Hardcopy
Women with breast cancer have indicated their desire to be involved in decisions about their care. We have developed
a decision aid, called the Decision Board for women regarding choices in breast cancer with respect to surgical treatment and
the use of adjuvant chemotherapy. Randomized trials have demonstrated that the Decision Board not only increases patient
knowledge, but improves patient satisfaction, decreases decisional conflict, and facilitates a shared decision-making between
the oncologist and the patient. This present study builds on previous work and involves the development of different versions
of the Decision Board using different types of media in order to improve the effectiveness of these instruments and to facilitate
their wider use in the community. Two new versions have been produced: a computer- based version, which is presented on
a laptop computer, and an easy-to-use paper-based version. These versions are currently being compared with a standard poster
size foam-core version in a randomized trial. Important outcomes will include patient comprehension and acceptability. Newer
versions of the Decision Board that are easier to use and present will lead to wider use in the community resulting in more
knowledgeable and satisfied breast cancer patients.
DTIC
Cancer; Computer Techniques; Decision Support Systems; Mammary Glands; Medical Services
20040050757 Academy of Health Sciences (Army), Fort Sam Houston, TX
Pharmacy Utilization: A Study to Predict BAMC Outpatient Pharmacy Usage by Dual-Eligible Military Retiree/
Medicare-Eligible Beneficiaries Resulting From Implementation of the TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Program (TSRx)
Lankowicz, Andrew J.; Jun. 25, 2001; 59 pp.; In English
Report No.(s): AD-A421065; HCA-3-01; No Copyright; Avail: CASI; A04, Hardcopy
On April 1, 2001 a new outpatient pharmacy benefit called the TRICARE senior Pharmacy Program (TSRx) was extended
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