IB Program Research Articles

전북 IB 프로그램 운영학교 지원 방안

The Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Provincial Office of Education is promoting various projects based on the ‘IB Program Operation Plan’ and this year’s 10 tasks ‘Expansion of the IB Program’. In order to promote more sophisticated projects, a detailed analysis of the actual needs of schools is needed. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to derive support measures for schools operating the Jeonbuk IB program. Face-to-face interviews and written consultations were conducted with 26 people, including IB school coordinators and administrators, and analyzed using a consensual qualitative research method. The categories of consensus and cooperative culture, teacher expertise, leadership and support, educational environmental foundation, and support from students and parents were identified as factors promoting the operation of IB program schools, and the burden of teachers, lack of consensus, and IB were identified as hindering factors. Misunderstandings, material and financial constraints, and differences in curriculum were identified. Policy suggestions to encourage these promoting factors and overcome inhibiting factors were presented in terms of establishing objectives, establishing an environment, creating a culture, and supporting learning according to the IB PSP category. The results of this study will increase practical understanding of schools operating the IB program and will be used as basic data for support measures at the education office level.

경기도교육청의 IB 도입 현황 및 과제 탐색

Objectives This study will examine the status of the IB program imported by Gyeonggido Office of Education and measures to adopt and operate the program.
 Methods IB program-related data issued by Gyeonggido Office of Education were collected. In order to under-stand the IB program, the characteristics of the IB curriculum, the teaching-learning system, and the IB perform-ance evaluation were reviewed. The progress and challenges of the IB program in introducing the IB program were studied as well as its implication to explore the introduction and operation initiatives for the IB program.
 Results Gyeonggido Office of Education originally links the local curriculum with the school curriculum under the guidelines of the national curriculum. It can also be devised as a method of introducing and operating the IB pro-gram to restructure the school curriculum, to establish IB program-related subjects and to utilize school autono-mous time, to manage a joint curriculum, to earn credit form extra curricular learning.
 Conclusions To this end, a long-term and systematic roadmap for the introduction of the IB program is required along with IB school operation costs. Legal and institutional regimes must be prepared for teacher training and supply. In addition, it is necessary to expand opportunities for IB DP graduates to map out their careers.

An Interview with AIB 2023 International Educator of the Year Salvador Carmona

Salvador Carmona, Rector of IE University and Professor and Dean at the IE University Business School in Madrid, Spain, was selected as the 2023 AIB International Educator of the Year by the Fellows of the Academy of International Business (AIB). In this interview, he discusses with Maria Tereza Fleury and William Newburry what led him to become a professor of accounting, his career path to his current position, and the keys to success for IE University. He also provides advice to both emerging scholars and IB program administrators regarding important success factors in the current academic environment.

IB MYP 학교 교육적 실행 양상과 과제

Objectives This study aimed to obtain educational implications for the settlement of IB public education by identifying the educational practice patterns and perceptions of teachers applying the program in IB MYP schools introduced into public education. Methods To this end, data were collected through group focus group interviews, class observations, and teachers' council visits with 16 IB MYP candidate schools and world school teachers (as of ΄21) in A region that are introducing the IB program in public education. Analyzed and organized. Results As a result, teachers' curriculum literacy improved in the process of understanding the national curriculum for the application of the IB program, and professionalism, autonomy, and responsibility increased in the composition of classes and assessments. Although the IB evaluation system was cited as the biggest factor in improving class instruction, under the current situation, they felt the burden of operating dual evaluation systems such as nice evaluation and summative evaluation, relative evaluation and absolute evaluation, and short answer and multiple choice evaluation. Most of the teachers said that systematic IB education contributes greatly to the development of teacher professionalism and the strengthening of students' competence, but it is very important to secure the research time necessary for teachers' class design and preparation. Teachers said that the ‘evaluation system’, ‘school quality management system’, and ‘structure that induces collaboration’ were attractive in IB education, while lack of research time, sense of responsibility and pressure for IB program application classes and evaluation, and individual feedback The large number of students managed and the burden as a leading teacher appeared as job stress. Teachers thought that the IB program was a very good educational device, but it should be accompanied by training support, work reduction, and changes in the form of entrance exams to secure teacher expertise. Conclusions Therefore, in this study, in order for IB education to stably settle in public education, the feasibility of introducing IB education and the formation of strong consensus among members on the educational effects, securing teacher research time, supporting IB teacher network establishment, and developing IB school teachers and student growth. Necessities such as development of measuring tools, improvement of teacher training system, accumulation of data on introductory evaluation method, and exploration of the IB program applied curriculum education implementation process were suggested.

Analisis Faktor-faktor Penentu Keberhasilan Inseminasi Buatan (Ib) Ternak Sapi Potong di Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Barat

This study aims to determine the dominant factors, both direct and indirect, to the success rate of the IB program in West Tanjung Jabung Regency. This research was carried out from 12 December 2020 to 6 January 2021. The objects observed in this study were all inseminators and a sample of breeders from each inseminator. The data obtained from this study are primary data and secondary data. The data were analyzed using Stepwise Multiple Regression analysis and processed using SPSS. The results of the analysis show that the success of Artificial Insemination in West Tanjung Jabung Regency has been good, this can be seen from the S/C value per inseminator of 1.54 ± 0.46. The dominant factors directly and indirectly influence the success of AI in West Tanjung Jabung Regency such as the length of time of raising livestock, the skill factor of the inseminator, the work area factor, the age factor of the acceptor. Based on this research, it can be concluded that the success of the Insemination program (Artificial AI) in West Tanjung Jabung Regency is quite good. This can be seen from the Service Perception (S/C) value in Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency, which is 1.54 ± 0.63, which shows the fertility level of acceptor cattle is quite good, the dominant factors that influence the success of AI in West Tanjung Jabung Regency are length of breeding, inseminator factors, area factors and acceptor age factors, while the farmer's knowledge factor and BCS factor do not significantly affect the success of AI in Tanjung Regency. West Jabung, the BCS factor does not have a significant effect because livestock from the study in the West Tanjung Jabung Regency area have a homogeneous BCS score.

IB 프로그램 적용에 대한 중학교 교사의 실천적 지식과 협업에 대한 인식 탐색

Objectives In the course of applying the IB MYP introduced to public education, the contents of the interview survey on the teacher's classroom experience were analyzed. The purpose of this study was to examine the process of enhancing professionalism through the practical knowledge and cooperation of teachers in the IB MYP school.
 Methods The results of a focus group interview conducted and analyzed through a school visit in November 2021 for teachers of three MYP schools in the 2021 certification and candidate stages in regions that are introducing the IB program in public education are summarized. A schematic was theoretically constructed to explain the teachers' adaptation process to the IB MYP through a grounded theory approach. In addition, two themes were presented, focusing on the teacher-practical knowledge formation process and the teacher collaboration process.
 Results According to the paradigm model of grounded theory proposed by Strass and Corbin(1998), causal conditions, contextual conditions, central phenomena, interventional conditions, action/interaction, and outcome categories were derived. In addition, two analysis results were presented, focusing on teacher collaboration and professional development as central phenomena of the paradigm model. First, it was the formation of practical knowledge of IB MYP school teachers, ‘things you have to do to know’, and ‘learning through trial and error’. Second, it is the rediscovery of collaboration as an experience of teacher collaboration and professional development in the IB MYP school, and the search for confidence through daily and continuous exchange of ideas.
 Conclusions In November 2021, we examined what kind of perception and experience teachers of IB MYP schools introduced to public education had in the process of class design, application, and evaluation. By examining the importance of teacher collaboration and the meaning of the process of forming practical knowledge, we tried to obtain implications for the application of the IB program.

Motivasi Peternak Sapi Dalam Adopsi Inovasi Inseminasi Buatan (IB): Studi Kasus Municipio Bobonaro Dan Municipio Covalima, Timor Leste

Since 2016, cattle farmers in Municipio Bobonaro and Municipio Covalima have carried out IB for their livestock, although there are still some farmers who do not or cannot do due to lack of access. This is related to the motivation of farmers with artificial insemination programs. The aim of our study was to determine the level of motivation regarding the cattle artificial insemination (IB) program, the level of adoption of IB program and to analyze the relationship between farmer characteristics and motivation regarding the IB program and the level of adoption of IB program innovation in cattle business in the municipality of Bobonaro and Covalima municipality. This research was conducted using a survey method approach and was carried out in the Municipio Bobonaro and Municipio Covalima. A total of 44 farmers participated in the program were included in the sample using a census strategy. Chi squared correlations, Spearman Rho, and quantitative descriptive analysis were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the level of motivation of farmers regarding the artificial insemination program included high criteria, while the level of innovation adoption of artificial insemination programs included medium criteria. Experience of raising cattle had a significant relationship with the motivation of farmers.

An Analysis of IB Program Adoption Issues in Public Education in Korea

목적 이 연구의 목적은 국제 바칼로레아(IB)의 국내 공교육 도입에 대해 개진한 내용을 분석하여 찬반 쟁점의 기준 영역과 하위범주를 드러내는 데 있다.방법 이를 위한 자료 수집 및 분석은 두 단계로 이루어졌다. 1단계에서는 언론 보도 기사 270건과 학술 논문 및 연구보고서 33건, 총 303건의 원자료를 처리하고 분석하여 찬반 쟁점 개념을 도출하였다. 2단계에서는 1단계에서 도출된 개념의 공통된 성질들을 묶어 하위범주로 범주화하고, 하위범주를 쟁점 기준 영역인 상위범주로 범주화하였다.결과 연구 결과, 쟁점의 기준이 될 수 있는 영역을 교육철학, 교육사회학, 교육정책학, 교육평가로 설정하였다. 각 영역에 따른 하위범주는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 교육철학적 쟁점으로는 2015 개정 교육과정 대 IB 교육과정 실행 문제와 학생의 학습 측면, 둘째, 교육사회학적 쟁점으로는 교육격차⋅교육 불평등⋅교육 양극화 문제, 사교육 발생 문제, 셋째, 교육정책학적 쟁점으로는 단위학교의 교육과정 운영 자율성 및 교육 거버넌스 주권 침해 문제, 교육예산 배분의 형평성 문제, 교원 수급 문제, 넷째, 교육평가 쟁점에서는 대입제도와의 연계 문제, IB 평가 결과에 대한 공정성과 신뢰성 보장 문제이다.결론 IB의 국내 공교육 도입에 있어 쟁점 기준과 하위범주를 도출하기 위해 303건의 자료를 분석하여 쟁점 기준 영역을 4가지로 범주화하고, 각 기준 영역에 따른 하위범주별로 찬반 내용을 구체적으로 비교하여 제시하였다. 연구 결론을 통해 자기주도적인 학습 능력을 갖춘 창의융합형 인재 양성이 절실한 불확실한 국제화 시대에 IB가 우리나라 공교육에 주는 영향력이 큼을 유념하여 지속적인 관심을 가져야 함을 제언하였다.

Analysis up-stream agribusiness and counselling beef cattle development in Jember

The study was to analyse the upstream agribusiness subsystem (upstream agribusiness). Data collection methods used were interviews, observation and questionnaires. Data analysis used Capacity Analysis for Ruminant Livestock Population Increase (KPPTR). The results of this study are seen from SDA, Jember Regency is a location that is not suitable for beef cattle business because of its narrow land. Land availability in the provision of feed (Effective KPPTR), has a negative value of 679,727. The human resources of Jember Regency are quite potential for the development of beef cattle business because in general, breeders have the main job as farmers (55%), although their education is still low because the average formal education is SD (38.3%). In addition, the agricultural counselling However, the role of agricultural extension agents has been effective because farmers have joined the IB program. Overall, Jember Regency has the potential as an area for fattening or ready-to-slaughter cattle business because the presence of cattle in the area is only temporary so that it does not interfere with the carrying capacity of the land in providing feed for beef cattle.

PYP Journey at KNUES

Education in our era calls for global learners who reflect on themselves with an open minded and inquiring attitude and lead positive changes in the world in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the transition to a hyper-connected society. Therefore, our school is working hard on researching and implementing innovation in elementary education by running a program that incorporates the characteristics of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP) for the first time in public schools. Kyungpook National University Elementary School (KNUES) has been conducting the Primary Years Program (PYP) since September 1, 2019, after being certified as an IB candidate school. The IB PYP has only been implemented at a few foreign private schools in Korea, and this is the first time that the curriculum has been introduced at a non-private elementary school. As a school leading the national curriculum, the foremost purpose of our school in implementing the IB PYP is to seek practical methodologies to enhance the effectiveness of the Korean National Curriculum. Therefore, based on the Korean National Curriculum, the IB program naturally incorporates the characteristics of the education system and continues to review the optimization of the Korean elementary education program. This is the major difference between IB education and main education at foreign schools in Korea. Our students are growing into self-directed lifelong learners by asking themselves questions and cooperating with friends through concept-based inquiry classes that transcend the subject. Through implementing the IB PYP education program, our school will improve the student-centered classroom culture and the curriculum-based teaching methods.

A Case Study on the Application of International Baccalaureate MYP Program to Kyungpook National University Middle School in Korea

Kyungpook National University Middle School received a verification visit from December 16 to 17, 2020, after two years of running a candidate school after obtaining IB MYP candidate school qualification in March 2019. On January 22, 2021, the school became the first national public school in the country as an authorized IB school. As a result, the IB MYP program will be operated as a member of IB World School from March 2. In this paper, the introduction process of IB MYP program and the success factors of Kyungpook National University Middle School and the opinions of the school members on the operation of IB program are examined. Through this, three proposals that can help other middle schools in Korea which introduce the IB MYP program in the future will be presented. First, schools preparing to introduce the IB MYP program should pay attention to the IB framework. The IB framework is the basis for the application of IB program. Therefore, it is wise to prepare for the introduction of the IB MYP program in accordance with the situation facing each school, focusing on the IB framework. Second, the decisive factor in the introduction of the IB MYP program is teaching and learning. Therefore, how schools can support teachers to design and guide the understanding-based curriculum and concept/inquiry-based classes is a very important question. Some examples of Kyungpook National University Middle School provide a good answer to this question. Schools considering the introduction of the IB MYP program should think about what systems should be designed to foster teachers’ professional development in teaching and assessment based on the unique context of each school. Third, the International Baccalaureate Organization(IBO) provides only a guide for the school to apply the program, and all practical application can be flexibly operated according to the situation of the country and the context of the school. Therefore, if the school is ready to introduce the IB MYP program, the school members need to think deeply about how to flexibly operate the IB MYP program in consideration of each school’s educational philosophy and context rather than trying to find the right answer.

Penambahan Level Ekstrak Wortel (Daucus carota) pada Pengencer Andromed Dalam Mempertahankan Kualitas Spermatozoa Sapi Bali pada Suhu 5 OC

A good diluents must have the ability to reduce the rate of decline in the quality of spermatozoa, by choosing the right diluents that is able to maintain the quality of spermatozoa. The addition of antioxidants is believed to be able to maintain spermatozoa life longer, one of which is the addition of carrot extract. The purpose of this study was to maintain the quality of Bali cattle spermatozoa stored at 5 0C by utilizing the quality of bali cattle spermatozoa because they contain antioxidants. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 5 treatments and 5 replications, namely: P0 = cement + andromed, P1 = cement + andromed + 5 % carrot extract, P2 = cement + andromed + 10 % carrot extract, P3 = cement + andromed + 15 % carrot extract, P4 = cement + andromed + 20 % carrot extract. The variables measured were the quality of the spermatozoa microscopically, namely the motility and viability of the spermatozoa. The result showed that the increase in the level of carrot extract in andromed diluent in maintaining spermatozoa motility at 5 0C was not significant (P>0,05), meaning that each treatment had the same effect in maintaining spermatozoa motility. The percentage of motility in all treatments is feasible to be applied to the IB program because is still shows a value of more than 40 %.

Uluslararası bakalorya diploma programı ve ulusal programda öğrenim gören öğrencilerin çevreye yönelik tutum ve çevre farkındalık düzeyleri

This research will be covering the comparison of TED Ankara College IB and national program students’ attitudes toward environment, and their their levels of awarness in terms of this subject. The research also covers the variable of gender in comparison of levels of awarness and attitude toward environment between the students who are taking the IBDP ‘’ESS’’ course and who aren’t. The statistics in the research is obtained by ‘’Attitude toward environment scale’’ and ‘’Environmental awarness scale’’. The scales and the research had been done on 25 students from IBDP Turkish-Mathematics track, 45 students from IBDP Math-Science track and 39 students from the national program. The 109 students who had taken part in the research consists of 57 female and 52 male students. The findings of the survey show that there is a significant relation between students' attitudes toward environment and environmental awareness levels and gender, but there is not a significant difference of students’ attitudes toward environment and environmental awareness levels when the track and program variables are taken into consideration. Results also show that there is a linear correlation between the attitude toward environment and environmental awareness levels of both students in IBDP taking the Environmental Systems and Societies course and the students taking the national program curriculum. Findings put forth in the study are important for mirroring the levels of attitudes toward environment and environmental awareness levels of students who are taking an intensive environmental education in an international programme and of students who are taking environmental education in biology curriculum of the national programme. In the light of the findings of the investigation, importance of expert advice in the process of preparing curriculum about the environmental education and encouraging students to actively participate in the activities about environment is highlighted. Ozet Bu arastirma, TED Ankara Koleji Vakfi Ozel Lisesi’nde uygulanan Uluslararasi Bakalorya Diploma Programi ve ulusal programda ogrenim goren ogrencilerin cevreye yonelik tutum ve cevre farkindalik duzeylerinin karsilastirilmasini amaclamaktadir. Arastirmada ayrica cinsiyet degiskenine gore ve UBDP’de “Cevre Sistemleri” dersi alan ve almayan ogrencilerin de cevreye yonelik tutum ve cevre farkindalik duzeylerinin karsilastirilmasi amaclanmistir. Arastirmada sunulan veriler, “Cevre Tutum Olcegi” ve “Cevre Farkindalik Olcegi”nden elde edilmistir. Olcekler, TED Ankara Koleji’nde ogrenim goren UBDP Matematik- Fen alanindaki 45 ogrenciye, UBDP Turkce-Matematik alanindaki 25 ogrenciye ve ulusal programdaki 39 ogrenciye uygulanmistir. Arastirmaya katilan 109 ogrencinin 57’si kiz, 52’si erkektir. Arastirmanin bulgulari, ogrencilerin cevreye yonelik tutum ve farkindalik duzeyleri ile cinsiyetleri arasinda anlamli bir iliski oldugunu, fakat ogrencilerin cevreye yonelik tutum ve farkindalik duzeylerinde alan ve program degiskeni goz onunde tutuldugunda anlamli bir farklilik olmadigini ortaya koymustur. Bulgular ayrica UBDP’inda “Cevre Sistemleri” dersi alan ve ulusal program ogrencilerinin cevreye yonelik tutum ve cevre farkindalik duzeyleri arasinda anlamli lineer bir iliski oldugunu gostermistir. Calismada ortaya konulan bulgular, uluslararasi bir programda yogun bir sekilde cevre egitimi ile ilgili ders alan ogrencilerle ulusal biyoloji ogretim programi dahilinde cevre egitimi goren ogrencilerin cevreye yonelik tutumlari ve cevre farkindalik duzeylerini yansitmasi acisindan onem tasimaktadir. Arastirmanin bulgulari isiginda cevre egitimi programlari hazirlanirken uzman goruslerine basvurulmasinin ve cevre ile ilgili aktivitelere ogrencilerin aktif katilimlarinin onemine dikkat cekilmektedir.

EVALUASI TINGKAT KEBERHASILAN PELAKSANAAN PROGRAM INSEMINASI BUATAN SAPI PERANAKAN FRISIEN HOLSTEIN (PFH) DI DESA SEMEN KECAMATAN GANDUSARI KABUPATEN BLITAR

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the success rate of Artificial Insemination (IB) in the Village of Semen Gandusari District, Blitar Regency. This research method is done in 2 ways, namely, descriptive and quantitative analytical. Quantitative data types are data in the form of numbers including: Number of IB services, number of females in IB, all pregnant females IB results, number of pregnant females first IB results, Data Realization of Artificial Insemination activities and recapitulation data on Artificial Insemination births, Number of Days / Months between one birth and the next, the number of farmers applying the IB program. The type of data used is primary and secondary data. The results of the research in the form of primary and secondary data obtained qualitatively are processed descriptively, while the quantitative ones are processed statistically with an average value then interpreted according to the statistics. The results that have been obtained evaluating the success rate of IBs in the working area of Semen KUD, especially Semen village, are as follows: Non Return Rate (NRR) 38.42 ± 32.91%, Conception Rate (CR) 38.42 ± 32.91%, Service Per Conception (S / C) 2.23 ± 0.95 times, 433.2 ± 57.3 days of Calving Interval (CI). It can be concluded that dairy cows in the Semen village pretty good value even though not optimal. Suggestions that need to be carried out further research on factors that influence the success of artificial insemination programs (IB).

Getting the class out of the box: learning through cooking

Based on Project Based Learning and the International Baccalaureate profile the cooking classes approach to teach subjects in English at UENS school was implemented. The approach was taken as a change needed inside the classroom to focus on the student learning and creating the space for collaborative and social learning. The approach was led by teachers and junior and senior students of the IB program. The pilot classes were planned with the purpose of creating fun classes. However, it evolved to using them to access knowledge of different subjects and became a transdisciplinary approach. The classes were planned with the IB planner, applied and then had reflection section for both the teacher and students. The cooking classes have the benefits of PBL outcomes and IB Learner profile in shaping the knowledge and personality of students. This methodology becomes relevant to adapt to globalization and fast pace changes in societal systems.

Strategies for Enhancing Ib Leadership Skills in the Arkansas Delta Region – A Decision Science Approach

Modern business managers operate under intense performance pressures in a turbulent, globalized environment, while dealing with reduced workforces, and hyper-competition. Literature offers a preponderance of evidence to suggest that future global leadership would be founded on the tenets of sustainability and social responsibility. The Bird and Osland Pyramid Model of Global Leadership suggests a progression of knowledge and traits that are cumulative, advancing from bottom to top. At the base lies knowledge of how business is done across borders, basic concepts of international marketing, finance and human resource management. The IB program of the Arkansas State University could be developed to build global leadership capacity. A survey of students and faculty of ASU, and northeast Arkansas business professionals confirmed the need for curricula development to achieve learning in the leadership pyramid.

Metode Penyuluhan Dalam Adopsi Inovasi Inseminasi Buatan (Ib) Pada Usaha Peternakan Sapi Di Kabupaten Dharmasraya

This research was conducted in the area Dharmasraya Regency, West Sumatra Province. The purpose of this study determined : a) Method of extention in innovation adoption of artificial insemination (AI) in the cattle farm in the District Dharamasraya, and b) Social and economic factors that influence adoption of innovation Artificial Insemination (AI) in the cattle farm in the District Dharmasraya. This research used survey method and approach to the analysis of secondary data. The number of samples in this study were determined by quota sampling technique by reason of homogeneous samples, the farmers were already adopting innovations and cattle ranchers IB program participants snapping Birahi Artificial Insemination (GBIB) thus took a sample of 40 people. The data collected were primary data with the help of question naires and secondary data with the literature study and related agencies. Descriptive analysis of quantitative data which was calculated using a Likert scale. The results showed that the extension method in the adoption of IB in cattle breeding business in the Regency Dharmasraya been implemented, namely the extension methods home and farm visits with category, extension methods demonstrations by both categories, and the campaign extension methods with the medium category. Social and economic aspects such as business scale farmers, revenue, risk, active participation in the innovation adoption had no effect on aspects of the IB whereas age despite being influential in the adoption of innovation, but still in the category of less influential.

The Effect of International Baccalaureate Program on High School Students’ Misconceptions Regarding Plagiarism

Writing research and project assignments based on scientific ethical principles becomes challenging for high school students when they have lack of research and writing experiences. Plagiarism is the most encountered problem for students while writing their research assignments. Students can act to plagiarize not only consciously but unconsciously in cases of misconceptions. The main aim of the present study is to find the success of the IB program which includes targets of enhancing academic honesty and related skills in deleting plagiarism related misconceptions. The research is carried out including 114 students who participate in IB program and those 225 students who did not participate in an IB program. Data is collected via 3 Likert type test which was constructed by the researchers. SPSS program was utilized for data analysis. Frequencies and percentages for each test item was calculated and discussed. Adding Chi-square statistical analysis was used to reveal and discuss the significant differences, if so, between the two groups of students regarding each test item. The IB program was found to be successful in specific plagiarism types, but must be improved for more significant results.

A Multi-perspective Study of Students' Critical Thinking in the IB Program

A Multi-perspective Study of Students' Critical Thinking in the IB Program

Abstract 2232: Immune-inflammatory markers predict the outcome of metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with the thymidylate synthase poly-epitope peptide (TSPP) vaccine: results from a multi-arm TSPP/VAC phase Ib program

Abstract Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a tumor-associated enzyme critical for DNA replication. TSPP is a poly-epitope-peptide vaccine to TS, which elicits a multi-epitopic CTL response with antitumor activity in preclinical models. TSPP has been tested in 50 advanced cancer patients enrolled in a multi-arm dose-finding TSPP/VAC1 phase Ib trial program (Eudract:# 2009-016897-33)(Table1) between May 2011 and January 2013. The trial results revealed that TSPP is safe and immune-biologically active, and provided preliminary evidence of a antitumor activity in pretreated mCRC patients (Cusi MG et al 2015 and Correale P et al 2015). This population of 41 patients presented a progression-free-survival and an overall-survival (OS) of 6.9 and 11.3 months, respectively, with a one-year survival rate of 32% (13 patients). We focused on mCRC patients as they represented the most relevant and homogeneous population in the trial. We performed Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests and regression curves to correlate immunobiological findings and patients’ outcome. We found that their OS correlated with lower (under the median) ECOG scores (p:0.039), CEA levels (p:0.021), and serum levels of inflammatory markers (NLR, CRP, ESR, and LDH/LDHNR and ENA; p inferior 0.04) at baseline. Patients’ OS also correlated with greater (over the median) baseline levels of IL4 (p:0.028) and 17 (P:0.049), and with a post-treatment increase in anti-neutrophil-cytoplasm-antibodies/anti-proteinase-3 (Fold change to baseline values grater than 1; p:0.039). Activating K-ras mutations did not correlate with survival, however, inflammatory markers, cytokines, and autoantibodies lost their correlation with the survival in patients bearing these mutations. These results suggest that TSPP-antitumor activity in mCRC patients is affected by their baseline inflammatory/immunological status at baseline. TSPPVAC1 Phase Ib program; patients’ distributionARM A1. ADJ + TSPP 100 μg (n = 3)2. ADJ + TSPP 200 μg (n = 3)3. ADJ + TSPP 300 μg (n = 6)ARM B1. ADJ + TSPP 100 μg + IG-1 (n = 3)2. ADJ + TSPP 200 μg + IG-1 (n = 3)3. ADJ + TSPP 300 μg + IG-1 (n = 3)ARM C (DL1-3)1. GOLFIG + ADJ+TSPP 100 μg + IG-1 (n = 3)2. GOLFIG + ADJ+TSPP 200 μg + IG-1 (n = 3)3. GOLFIG + ADJ+TSPP 300 μg + IG-1 (n = 11)ARM C(DL0) 1. GOLFIG (12 courses) -> ADJ + TSPP 300 μg + IG-1 (n = 10)Figure legend: ADJ = montanide; n = number of patients; IG1 = sc. GM-CSF and sc. Aldesleukine; GOLFIG = gemcitabine + FOLFOX4 polychemotherapy + IG1 regimen Citation Format: Pierpaolo Correale, Cirino Botta, Elodia Claudia Martino, Valerio Nardone, Cristina Ulivieri, Claudia Gandolfo, Tatiana Cosima Baldari, Stefano Lazzi, Alessandro Ginori, Antonella Fioravanti, Giacomo Maria Guidelli, Luigi Pirtoli, Antonio Giordano, Pierfrancesco Tassone, Pierosandro Tagliaferri, Maria Grazia Cusi. Immune-inflammatory markers predict the outcome of metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with the thymidylate synthase poly-epitope peptide (TSPP) vaccine: results from a multi-arm TSPP/VAC phase Ib program. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2232.