scholarly journals Treatment-Based Strategy for the Management of Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis Patients in the Sudan

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Musa ◽  
E. A. G. Khalil ◽  
B. M. Younis ◽  
M. E. E. Elfaki ◽  
M. Y. Elamin ◽  
...  

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a dermatosis that affects more than 50% of successfully treated visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients in Sudan. PKDL is considered an important reservoir for the parasite and its treatment may help in the control of VL. Currently, treatment is mainly with sodium stibogluconate (SSG), an expensive and fairly toxic drug and without universally in treatment protocols used. A literature review, a consensus of a panel of experts, and unpublished data formed the basis for the development of guidelines for the treatment of PKDL in the Sudan. Six treatment modalities were evaluated. Experts were asked to justify their choices based on their experience regarding of drug safety, efficacy, availability, and cost. The consensus was defined by assigning a categorical rank (first line, second line, third line) to each option. Regarding the use of AmBisome the presence of the drug in the skin was confirmed in smears from PKDL lesions. Recommendations: AmBisome at 2.5 mg/kg/day/20 days or SSG at 20 mg/kg/day/40 days plus four/weekly intradermal injection of alum-precipitated autoclaveL. majorvaccine are suggested as first- and second-treatment options for PKDL in the Sudan, respectively. SSG at 20 mg/Kg/day/60 or more days can be used if other options are not available.

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 5881-5881
Author(s):  
Keri Keri Yang ◽  
Beth Lesher ◽  
Eleanor Lucas ◽  
Tony Caver ◽  
Boxiong Tang

Introduction: MCL is an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and was reported associated with early relapse and poor long-term survival. Treatment options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and molecular targeted therapies. As of 2019, molecular targeted therapies available in the United States indicated for the treatment of MCL include the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, the immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide (following two previous lines of therapy), and the Burton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKIs) ibrutinib and acalabrutinib (following at least one previous line of therapy). Objective/Methods: To examine the real-world treatment patterns of patients with MCL globally, a systematic literature review was performed (2010-2019) with predefined methodology and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Embase and Medline were searched via ProQuest and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL) via the Cochrane Library. Results: Of the 2207 publications identified, 6 publications (US, n = 4; EU, n = 2) provided information on the first-line treatment of MCL (Table). The most commonly administered first-line treatments were bendamustine-rituximab; high dose cytarabine ± rituximab; and cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride, vincristine sulfate, and prednisone (CHOP) ± rituximab although differences were noted across studies. Most patients received rituximab first-line either in combination with chemotherapy (54.2%-87.5%) or as monotherapy (12.9%-28.9%); although in some studies, rituximab maintenance therapy could not be excluded. The most commonly administered second-line therapies were cytarabine, rituximab monotherapy, and ibrutinib while third-line therapies were rituximab monotherapy, ibrutinib, and temsirolimus. Nine studies provided data on the real-world treatment of MCL with the BTKI ibrutinib (EU, n = 3; US, n = 5; EU/US, n = 1; Table); no real-world studies were identified for acalabrutinib. Six studies enrolled patients only with relapsed or remitting MCL; 3 studies enrolled patients (≤7.5%) who received ibrutinib as first-line therapy. Ibrutinib second-line therapy was administered to 13%-20% of patients and third-line therapy to 21% of patients. Ibrutinib discontinuation rates in 7 studies varied from 38.7%-83.6%. Non-response, including relapse or progression (34.6%-100%), was the main cause of discontinuation, followed by toxicity/adverse events (8.1%-25.6%). Across studies, toxicity/adverse events causing ibrutinib discontinuation included atrial fibrillation, bleeding/hemorrhage, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diarrhea, herpes zoster, infection, leukocytosis/ lymphocytosis, lung cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome, and thrombocytopenia. Two studies provided information on ibrutinib dose reductions (16.4% of patients) and ibrutinib dose interruptions (7.8%-30.2% of patients). Treatment options administered post-ibrutinib included rituximab (52.7%), hyper-CVAD + rituximab (16.7%-25.8%), lenalidomide-based regimens (9.7%-41.5%), and bortezomib-based regimens (8.4%-34.4%). Conclusion: Our analyses showed that most patients with MCL received first-line chemoimmunotherapy, although regimens varied across studies. Approximately 13%-21% of patients received ibrutinib following first-line therapy. Most ibrutinib discontinuation was due to progression followed by toxicity/adverse events. Upon discontinuation of ibrutinib, considerable variation in treatments was seen and no standard therapy identified. Given the limitations of current therapies, there is a need for additional second- and third-line treatments for patients with MCL. Quantitative assessments of clinical endpoints from real-world studies evaluating BTKI therapies are also warranted. Disclosures Yang: BeiGene, Ltd.: Employment. Lesher:Pharmerit: Employment. Lucas:Pharmerit: Employment. Caver:BeiGene, Ltd.: Employment. Tang:BeiGene, Ltd.: Employment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (9) ◽  
pp. 2085-2093
Author(s):  
Anne Sophie Kubasch ◽  
Jens Kisro ◽  
Jörg Heßling ◽  
Holger Schulz ◽  
Hans-Jürgen Hurtz ◽  
...  

Abstract Clinical research has resulted in an improvement of treatment options for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) over the last years. However, only few data exist on the real-life management of patients with ITP. To expand the knowledge, a multicenter, national survey was undertaken in 26 hematology practices distributed all over Germany. All patients with a diagnosis of ITP were documented using questionnaires, irrespective of the diagnosis date over a period of 2 years. Overall, data of 1023 patients were evaluated with 56% of patients being older than 60 years. Seventy-nine percent of the patients had chronic (> 12 months), 16% persistent (> 3–12 months), and 5% newly diagnosed (0–3 months) ITP. In 61% of cases, the disease lasted 3 or more years before survey documentation started. Main strategies applied as first-line therapy consisted of steroids in 45% and a “watch and wait” approach in 41% of patients. During second- and third-line strategies, treatment with steroids decreased (36% and 28%, respectively), while treatment modalities such as TPO-RAs increased (19% and 26%, respectively). As expected, patients with a low platelet count and thus a higher risk for bleeding and mortality received treatment (esp. steroids) more frequently during first line than those with a higher platelet count. Up to a third of patients were treated with steroids for more than a year. Overall, our study provides a cross-section overview about the current therapeutic treatment landscape in German ITP patients. The results will help to improve therapeutic management of ITP patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 78 (11) ◽  
pp. 741-752
Author(s):  
Rogério Adas Ayres de Oliveira ◽  
Abrahão Fontes Baptista ◽  
Katia Nunes Sá ◽  
Luciana Mendonça Barbosa ◽  
Osvaldo José Moreira do Nascimento ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background: Central neuropathic pain (CNP) is often refractory to available therapeutic strategies and there are few evidence-based treatment options. Many patients with neuropathic pain are not diagnosed or treated properly. Thus, consensus-based recommendations, adapted to the available drugs in the country, are necessary to guide clinical decisions. Objective: To develop recommendations for the treatment of CNP in Brazil. Methods: Systematic review, meta-analysis, and specialists opinions considering efficacy, adverse events profile, cost, and drug availability in public health. Results: Forty-four studies on CNP treatment were found, 20 were included in the qualitative analysis, and 15 in the quantitative analysis. Medications were classified as first-, second-, and third-line treatment based on systematic review, meta-analysis, and expert opinion. As first-line treatment, gabapentin, duloxetine, and tricyclic antidepressants were included. As second-line, venlafaxine, pregabalin for CND secondary to spinal cord injury, lamotrigine for CNP after stroke, and, in association with first-line drugs, weak opioids, in particular tramadol. For refractory patients, strong opioids (methadone and oxycodone), cannabidiol/delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, were classified as third-line of treatment, in combination with first or second-line drugs and, for central nervous system (CNS) in multiple sclerosis, dronabinol. Conclusions: Studies that address the treatment of CNS are scarce and heterogeneous, and a significant part of the recommendations is based on experts opinions. The CNP approach must be individualized, taking into account the availability of medication, the profile of adverse effects, including addiction risk, and patients' comorbidities.


Author(s):  
B. González Astorga ◽  
F. Salvà Ballabrera ◽  
E. Aranda Aguilar ◽  
E. Élez Fernández ◽  
P. García-Alfonso ◽  
...  

AbstractColorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. For metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients, it is recommended, as first-line treatment, chemotherapy (CT) based on doublet cytotoxic combinations of fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) and fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX). In addition to CT, biological (targeted agents) are indicated in the first-line treatment, unless contraindicated. In this context, most of mCRC patients are likely to progress and to change from first line to second line treatment when they develop resistance to first-line treatment options. It is in this second line setting where Aflibercept offers an alternative and effective therapeutic option, thought its specific mechanism of action for different patient’s profile: RAS mutant, RAS wild-type (wt), BRAF mutant, potentially resectable and elderly patients. In this paper, a panel of experienced oncologists specialized in the management of mCRC experts have reviewed and selected scientific evidence focused on Aflibercept as an alternative treatment.


2020 ◽  
pp. 5213-5227
Author(s):  
Mhairi Copland ◽  
Tessa L. Holyoake

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) has a worldwide incidence of 1 to 2 per 100 000 of the population. Most cases are caused by translocation of the distal end of chromosome 9 on to chromosome 22 which leads to the creation of a fusion protein expressed from the fusion gene formed by juxtaposition of parts of the BCR and ABL1 genes. The resulting oncoprotein is a constitutive tyrosine kinase and appears to operate as an initiator for the development of the leukaemia. Clinical features—many patients are asymptomatic at diagnosis, which is made following a routine blood test. Others present with signs and symptoms including fatigue, sweats, fever, weight loss, haemorrhagic manifestations, and abdominal discomfort (due to splenomegaly). Diagnosis—this is typically made by the examination of a peripheral blood film and the demonstration of the Ph chromosome by conventional cytogenetics in a bone marrow aspirate or peripheral blood sample. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of peripheral blood confirms the presence of a BCR-ABL1 transcript and characterizes the BCR-ABL1 junction. Treatment—the original TKI, imatinib, has had a very significant impact on the first-line management of patients with CML. It induces durable complete cytogenetic responses in the majority of patients and prolongs overall survival substantially. Second- and third-generation TKIs show enhanced potency against BCR-ABL1 activity and are licensed within Europe for first-line (dasatinib, nilotinib) or second-line or subsequent (dasatinib, nilotinib, bosutinib, ponatinib) use in CML. Patients with suboptimal responses to first-line treatment can be offered a different second-line TKI; or a third-line TKI, such as ponatinib; or allogeneic stem cell transplantation—for patients less than 65 years of age and with a suitable donor.


2009 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 645-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip J. Saylor ◽  
M. Dror Michaelson

Systemic treatment options for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have expanded considerably with the development of targeted therapies. Clear cell RCC commonly features mutation or inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau gene and resultant overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The first drug to validate VEGF as a target in the treatment of clear cell RCC was the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab. Since then, anti-VEGF receptor therapy with multitargeted kinase inhibitors also has shown substantial efficacy. Sunitinib is now a standard first-line therapy for advanced disease and sorafenib is among the second-line treatment options. Other kinase inhibitors are in development. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a second validated therapeutic target as the mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus has been shown to prolong survival in first-line treatment of poor prognosis RCC of all histologies. Everolimus is an oral mTOR inhibitor and has been shown to prolong progression-free survival when used in second-line treatment. Non-clear cell and sarcomatoid RCC are both underrepresented in completed trials but are the subject of active research. Ongoing and planned studies will also evaluate the use of combinations of targeted agents, a strategy that is not advisable outside of clinical trials. Finally, postnephrectomy adjuvant treatment with targeted agents is not yet standard but is under investigation in phase III trials.


Rheumatology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amany Tadrous ◽  
Kishore Warrier ◽  
Archana Pradeep ◽  
Nikki Camina ◽  
Satyapal Rangaraj

Abstract Background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the commonest cause of uveitis in children. Uveitis is a significant cause of visual impairment in children with potential complications such as band keratopathy, cataract, posterior synechiae, glaucoma, cystoid macular oedema and a retinal problems. Following the initial treatment with topical and systemic corticosteroids, a wide variety of immunosuppressant agents have been used in the treatment of non-infective uveitis including methotrexate (MTX) and biologic therapy, most of which are administered parenterally. Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) is an oral immunosuppressant that inhibits the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes, which has been tried in children with uveitis with mixed results. We started using MMF in children seen in our paediatric uveitis clinic initially as a third line agent when the inflammation is not well controlled despite therapeutic doses of MTX and Adalimumab, as the NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy does not recommend the use of Infliximab in uveitis not associated with JIA. Buoyed by some favourable result, we have since then used MMF as second line and even first line agent in children with uveitis. Methods Retrospective analysis of the clinical profile of children with uveitis on MMF at a tertiary paediatric rheumatology centre with focus on response to treatment. Results Of the 8 patients who received MMF, six (75%) were girls. Half of them (4/8) had idiopathic uveitis and the rest, associated with JIA. 2/8 patients had MMF as third line agent on top of MTX and Adalimumab, while five of them had it as second line agent on top of Adalimumab due to either MTX intolerance or needle phobia. One patient was started on MMF as first line agent following topical steroids. 6 (75%) of the patients responded/stayed in remission following the addition of/switch to MMF. Conclusion MMF has shown initial promise in the treatment of uveitis in children with uveitis in this small cohort, in line with some existing evidence. It was initially used in patients who were not keen on injections/intolerant to MTX or had failed all existing options. This is a small cohort of patients and we would welcome more research in this area. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 4701-4701
Author(s):  
Araceli Rubio-Martinez ◽  
Valle Recasens ◽  
Ana Godoy ◽  
Noelia Padron ◽  
Pilar Giraldo

Abstract Introduction: The occurrence of unexplained peripheral blood cytopenia, particularly neutropenia, has been recently reported after rituximab ®. Its prevalence may be underestimated since it may occur late after treatment (Cattaneo C et al Leuk Lymphoma. 2006 Jun;47(6):965–6, Chaiwatanatorn K et al Br J Haematol 2003). Apparently the risk is higher when R is associated with Fludarabine in combination therapy, producing a decrease in bone marrow precursors. Patients and methods: observational and retrospective study in order to determine the incidence of WHO grade III – IV neutropenia (neutrophils: ≤ 0.6×109/L) and the development of infection complications in patients treated with R-CMF or R-CF in our hospital from 6/8/2003 to 20/3/2006. We have compared these data with the incidence of delayed neutropenia during 621 courses of R or R-CHOP administered as outpatient schedule in the same period. Data source: clinical reports. Variables: demographic data (age, gender), date of diagnosis, histological type, schedule therapy, number of cycles, clinical response (complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR), and non response (NR), prophylaxis with G-CSF, blood counts (leucocytes, neutrophils, hemoglobin and platelets) during all treatment and follow-up, infections and number of admissions in the hospital. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression were calculated. Results: From 78 courses of Immuno-chemotherapy in 16 consecutive patients diagnosed of follicular NHL: 10, B-CLL: 5, mantle NHL: 1. R-CMF (14 patients), R-CF (2 patients). (9 males/7 females), mean age 58.75 (20–78). In first line 8, second line 6 and third line 2. Number of courses received: mean 4,8 (1–6). Response: CR:13, NR: 1, Non valuable: 2. G-CSF prophylaxis during therapy in 50%. 9 patients (56.2%) developed neutropenia during the treatment or in the following year, one of them had also anemia and thrombocytopenia. In 4 patients the combination therapy was administered in first line, 3 as second line and 2 as third line therapy. Patients received 5 (6 courses), 1 (5 courses), 1 (3 courses), 1 (2 courses) and 1 (1 course), 8 developed infections that required admission into hospital (1 died after third course by sepsis). Another two patients developed severe infections without neutropenia. A late and persistent neutropenia after to finish therapy (1–6 months later), was observed in 4 patients (duration:3, 12, 11 and 4 months); 2 patients got over at 11 and 12 months after and in two of them is present now. They were treated with G-CSF, prednisone and cyclosporine in 2 cases without response and reached normal values when we associated IV immunoglobulins extract. OS: mean 26.4 months (6–49), RFS: 10.6 months (1–30). Conclusions: Delayed-onset cytopenia, particularly neutropenia, is a clinically significant complication of rituximab treatment when it is administered in combination with Fludarabine increasing the risk of severe infections.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 5511-5511
Author(s):  
Anil V. Kamat ◽  
Raphael Ezekwesili ◽  
Majid Kazmi

Abstract Introduction-This is a retrospective audit of thalidomide use in haematology practice at a district general hospital in UK over past 6 years from 2000 to June 2006. Thalidomide is not yet licensed in the UK. Audit summary-Thalidomide was administered to 44 patients (31 males 13 females). The median age range was −71–80 years (n=19). None of the 13 females had childbearing potential. Only one patient was enrolled in a clinical trial - Myeloma IX. Thalidomide usage ranged from 4–682 days (multiple myeloma),2–443 days (non – Hodgkin’s lymphoma),72–856 days (myeloproliferative disorder/myelofibrosis), 21–134 days (myelodysplastic syndrome) & 2239 days in a patient with oral ulceration secondary to Behcets disease. Thalidomide was administered alone (n=12), in combination chemotherapy (22) [Thalidomide/Dexamethasone 6, Thalidomide/Prednisolone 2, attenuated Cyclophosphamide/Thalidomide/Dexamethasone (CTD) 3 & CTD 11] & both (10). Minimum & maximum tolerated dose was 50 mg alternate day & 300 mg od, respectively. 20 patients needed dose reductions. Multiple Myeloma (n=20) First line of treatment in one patient (survival post initiation 16 months +), second line 5 patients (6days to 38 months), third line 5 patients (15 days to 19 months), fourth line 6 (6months to 19 months+), fifth line 2 patients (1 ½ months to 4 ½ months) & sixth line 1 patient(66 months+). Outcome-loss of response (n=15), good response/minimal residual disease (3), partial response (1) & side effects (14).13 patients died. Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (n=13) Second line of treatment in one patient (survival post initiation 2 days), third line 4 (20 days to 14 months +), fourth line 4 (13 days to 31 months +), fifth line 1 (7 ½ months) & eighth line 2 (9 days to 4 months). Outcome-side effects (8), stable disease (1) & progressive disease (9). 10 patients died. Myeloproliferative disorder/Myelofibrosis (n=6) First line of treatment in one patient (survival post initiation 14months+), second line 2 (12 to 17 months+), third line 2 (26 months to 31 months) & fourth line 1 (10 months). Outcome - loss of response (4), no response (1) & side effects (6). 4 patients died. Myelodysplastic syndrome (n= 4) Second line of treatment in 1 patient (survival post initiation 53 months +), third line 2 (11 to 27 months), fourth line 1 (13 months). Outcome-no response (1), disease progression (1) & side effects (3). 3 patients died. Oral ulceration secondary to Behcets disease later complicated by myelodysplasia (n=1) First line treatment. Outcome-loss of response (survival post initiation 74 months). Side-effects (31 of 44 patients)-Paresthesia n=13, somnolence 6, tiredness 6, constipation 6, neutropenia5, giddiness 4, unsteady gait 3, bodyache 3, deep vein thrombosis 3, tremors 3, nausea 2, , anorexia 2, visual blurring 2, dry skin 2, sepsis 2, unconfirmed pulmonary embolism 1 & other 11.16 patients discontinued thalidomide. There were 4 venous thromboembolic episodes (3 DVT, 1 unconfirmed pulmonary embolism) in 3 patients. Conclusion- Analysis of thalidomide usage offers a better understanding of it’s utility by identifying practice, outcome & safety concerns.


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