Controversies in the Management of Advanced Melanoma

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (11) ◽  
pp. 1456-1468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Jarkowski ◽  
LeAnn Norris ◽  
Van Anh Trinh
Keyword(s):  
Targeted Therapy ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
English Language ◽  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Braf Inhibitor ◽  
Advanced Melanoma ◽  
Braf Inhibitors ◽  
Treatment Sequencing

Objective: To examine the current controversies and discuss consensus recommendations regarding treatment sequencing and the role of BRAF inhibitor at disease progression. Data Source: An English-language literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed (1966-May 2014), using the keywords advanced melanoma, ipilimumab, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4, dabrafenib, vemurafenib, BRAF inhibitor, trametinib, MEK inhibitor, and treatment sequencing was conducted. Data were also obtained from package inserts, meeting abstracts, and clinical registries. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All relevant published articles and abstracts on ipilimumab, vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and trametinib were reviewed. Clinical trial registries and meeting abstracts were used for ongoing studies. Data Synthesis: The availability of new agents has made therapy selection more complex. Immunotherapy supporters reason that immunotherapy offers the best chance for long-term benefit and does not compromise the antitumor activity of subsequent BRAF inhibitors. Targeted therapy advocates rely on the high probability and rapid onset of response to BRAF inhibitors. Currently, there is insufficient evidence regarding the role of BRAF inhibitor at disease progression. Conclusions: Therapy should be individualized based on patient- and disease-specific factors. Immunotherapy represents the best option for durable remission; however, targeted therapy is more appropriate for patients who are symptomatic or have rapidly growing tumors. The novel therapies have also demonstrated meaningful intracranial activity; thus, the presence of brain metastases should be taken into consideration in selecting therapy. Limited data exist about the continuation of BRAF inhibitors after therapeutic failure. Active research is ongoing to define the best option for patients with BRAF inhibitor refractory disease.

scholarly journals Advanced melanoma, a pharmacological evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anabela Andrade ◽  
Jorge Balteiro
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Targeted Therapy ◽  
Braf Inhibitor ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Mek Inhibitor ◽  
Advanced Melanoma ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Dismal Prognosis

Abstract Background Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive cancer that occurs in melanocytes, located in the epidermis. Historically it has a high rate of morbidity and mortality, due to the resistance and toxicity of traditional therapies. Its incidence has increased annually by 4% to 8%. Until 2011 it was still considered a devastating and almost always fatal disease in a few months. Advances in therapies have significantly improved the results of most patients with advanced melanoma, especially those with a BRAFV600 mutation, which account for almost 50% of tumors. Before the recent evolution in treatment, the prognosis and overall survival were considered very bad. The introduction of new drugs has improved progression-free survival and overall survival, as well as producing faster clinical responses. Methods Comparison of endpoints such as progression-free survival and overall melanoma survival from the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) studies of each drug in the therapeutic groups under assessment used in the disease. The variables used were the Endpoints Global Survival at various times (12 months, 24 months, 36 months and the median) and Progression-Free Survival. Results Combined immunotherapy (Nivolumab and Ipilimumab) improves overall survival and progression-free survival, achieving better results than targeted therapy. In this, the combination of a BRAF inhibitor and a MEK inhibitor, presents better results with the combination of Encorafenib and Binimetinib. Conclusions Both targeted therapy and immunotherapy transform melanoma with a dismal prognosis into a life-threatening illness.

Role of Ambrisentan in the Management of Pulmonary Hypertension

2008 ◽  
Vol 42 (11) ◽  
pp. 1653-1659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra L Hrometz ◽  
Kelly M Shields
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
English Language ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
Improve Exercise Capacity

Objective: To review the role of ambrisentan in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Data Sources: Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1950-June 2008), Iowa Drug Information Service (1966–March 2008), EMBASE (1966-June 2008), bibliographies of pertinent articles, and unpublished data provided by the manufacturer and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Search terms included ambrisentan, endothelin antagonist, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Due to limited literature available, additional criteria to limit searches were not used. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Abstracts and original preclinical and clinical research reports available in the English language were Identified for review. All manufacturer-provided data were also evaluated. Literature related to ambrisentan, endothelin antagonists, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary arterial hypertension were included. Four clinical trials evaluated the efficacy of ambrisentan in adults with symptomatic PAH. Data Synthesis: Ambrisentan is the latest endothelin-receptor antagonist (ERA) to obtain FDA approval for the treatment of PAH. It joins the first FDA-approved ERA, bosentan. Like bosentan, ambrisentan is available orally (with once-daily dosing compared with bosentan's twice-daily dosing) and has been shown to improve exercise capacity and delay clinical worsening. As with bosentan, the most significant safety concerns with ambrisentan relate to potential liver injury and a contraindication in pregnancy. Although ambrisentan has higher affinity for the endothelin type A receptor than for the endothelin type B receptor, specific advantages of this selectivity, in terms of efficacy compared with bosentan, a nonselective agent, have not been demonstrated. Conclusions: Ambrisentan has been shown to be an effective ERA in patients with PAH. A significant advantage of ambrisentan is the lack of any clinically important drug interactions with warfarin and sildenafil, which are frequently used by patients being treated for PAH.

scholarly journals The Progression of Hemophilic Arthropathy: The Role of Biomarkers

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (19) ◽  
pp. 7292
Author(s):  
Gianluigi Pasta ◽  
Salvatore Annunziata ◽  
Alberto Polizzi ◽  
Laura Caliogna ◽  
Eugenio Jannelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
English Language ◽  
Hemophilia A ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Hemophilic Arthropathy ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Potential Use

Background: Hemophilia A and B are X-linked congenital bleeding disorders characterized by recurrent hemarthroses leading to specific changes in the synovium and cartilage, which finally result in the destruction of the joint: this process is called hemophilic arthropathy (HA). This review highlights the most prominent molecular biomarkers found in the literature to discuss their potential use in the clinical practice to monitor bleeding, to assess the progression of the HA and the effectiveness of treatments. Methods: A review of the literature was performed on PubMed and Embase, from 3 to 7 August 2020. Study selection and data extraction were achieved independently by two authors and the following inclusion criteria were determined a priori: English language, available full text and articles published in peer-reviewed journal. In addition, further articles were identified by checking the bibliography of relevant articles and searching for the studies cited in all the articles examined. Results: Eligible studies obtained at the end of the search and screen process were seventy-three (73). Conclusions: Despite the surge of interest in the clinical use of biomarkers, current literature underlines the lack of their standardization and their potential use in the clinical practice preserving the role of physical examination and imaging in early diagnosis.

scholarly journals Combining Targeted Therapy With Immunotherapy in BRAF-Mutant Melanoma: Promise and Challenges

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (21) ◽  
pp. 2248-2254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siwen Hu-Lieskovan ◽  
Lidia Robert ◽  
Blanca Homet Moreno ◽  
Antoni Ribas
Keyword(s):  
Targeted Therapy ◽  
Braf Inhibitor ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Braf Inhibitors ◽  
Oncogenic Signaling ◽  
Pathway Activation ◽  
Prolonged Duration ◽  
Trial Testing ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein ◽  
Braf Mutant

Recent breakthroughs in the treatment of advanced melanoma are based on scientific advances in understanding oncogenic signaling and the immunobiology of this cancer. Targeted therapy can successfully block oncogenic signaling in BRAFV600-mutant melanoma with high initial clinical responses, but relapse rates are also high. Activation of an immune response by releasing inhibitory check points can induce durable responses in a subset of patients with melanoma. These advances have driven interest in combining both modes of therapy with the goal of achieving high response rates with prolonged duration. Combining BRAF inhibitors and immunotherapy can specifically target the BRAFV600 driver mutation in the tumor cells and potentially sensitize the immune system to target tumors. However, it is becoming evident that the effects of paradoxical mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation by BRAF inhibitors in non–BRAF-mutant cells needs to be taken into account, which may be implicated in the problems encountered in the first clinical trial testing a combination of the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib with ipilimumab (anti-CTLA4), with significant liver toxicities. Here, we present the concept and potential mechanisms of combinatorial activity of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, review the literature for evidence to support the combination, and discuss the potential challenges and future directions for rational conduct of clinical trials.

Sequential treatment with ipilimumab and BRAF inhibitors in patients with metastatic melanoma: Data from the Italian cohort of ipilimumab expanded access programme (EAP).

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9035-9035 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Antonio Ascierto ◽  
Ester Simeone ◽  
Vanna Chiarion-Sileni ◽  
Paola Queirolo ◽  
Michele Del Vecchio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Median Overall Survival ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Braf Inhibitor ◽  
Stage Iv ◽  
Sequential Treatment ◽  
Braf Inhibitors ◽  
A Prospective Study

9035 Background: Ipilimumab and vemurafenib have recently been approved as single agents for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Currently, limited data exist on the sequential treatment with these agents in patients (pts) with the BRAF mutation; here we evaluate the efficacy outcomes of pts enrolled in the EAP in Italy who sequentially received a BRAF-inhibitor and ipilimumab, or vice versa. Methods: Ipilimumab was available upon physician request for pts aged ≥16 years with unresectable stage III/stage IV melanoma who had either failed systemic therapy or were intolerant to ≥1 systemic treatment and for whom no other therapeutic option was available. Ipilimumab 3 mg/kg was administered intravenously every 3 weeks for 4 doses. Tumour assessments were conducted at baseline and after completion of induction therapy using immune-related response criteria. Patients were considered for this analysis if they tested positive for the BRAF mutation and had received a BRAF-inhibitor before or after ipilimumab treatment. Results: In total, 855 Italian pts participated in the EAP from June 2010 to January 2012 across 55 centres. Out of 173 BRAF positive pts, 93 (53.7%) were treated sequentially with both treatments: 48 pts received a BRAF inhibitor upon disease progression with ipilimumab and 45 pts received ipilimumab upon disease progression with a BRAF inhibitor. As of December 2012, median overall survival was 14.5 months (11.1-17.9) and 9.7 months (4.6-14.9) for the two groups, respectively (p=0.01). Among the 45 BRAF inhibitors pretreated pts, 18 (40%) had rapid disease progression (median overall survival: 5.8 months) and were unable to complete all four induction doses of ipilimumab, while the remaining 27 (60%) pts had slower disease progression (median overall survival: 19.3 months) and were able to complete the therapy with ipilimumab. Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that, in BRAF-mutated pts, to start the sequential treatment with ipilimumab can provide a better survival than the reverse sequence. These findings deserve confirmation in a prospective study.

scholarly journals The Role of Ganciclovir for the Management of Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in HIV Patients: Pharmacological Review and Update on New Developments

1996 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Tseng ◽  
Michelle Foisy
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Medical Subject Headings ◽  
Aids Patients ◽  
Intravenous Ganciclovir ◽  
Medline Search ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Cmv Retinitis

OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of intravenous, oral and intraocular ganciclovir, and to discuss the role of these various formulations in the management of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in AIDS patients.DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (1987 through November 1995) of English-language literature using the main medical subject headings ‘ganciclovir’ and ‘cytomegalovirus’, and the subheading ‘acquired immunodeficiency syndrome’. Relevant articles were also selected from references of identified articles. Abstracts from recent medical conferences of infectious diseases, pharmacology and human immunodeficiency virus were screened for additional data.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All articles and abstracts discussing the use of ganciclovir for the management or prophylaxis of CMV retinitis in AIDS patients were considered for inclusion. Pertinent information, as judged by the authors, was selected and synthesized for discussion.DATA SYNTHESIS: Ganciclovir has demonstrated virustatic activity against CMV, and is often administered 5 mg/kg intravenously every 12 h as first-line therapy for CMV retinitis. Intravenous maintenance therapy at 5 mg/kg daily is usually effective at delaying retinitis progression for approximately 60 to 70 days. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia are observed frequently, often necessitating interruption or discontinuation of therapy. Local drug administration may delay disease progression even further, and may be considered for patients who are intolerant to or failing intravenous therapy. However, systemic ganciclovir should be encouraged to reduce the risk of developing contralateral eye or end-organ CMV disease. Oral ganciclovir at 1 g tid is almost as effective as intravenous ganciclovir 5 mg/kg/day in delaying retinitis progression and is associated with fewer line-related complications. Absorption, drug interactions, cost and compliance should also be considered.CONCLUSIONS: Until recently, ganciclovir was available only for intravenous use. Recent developments allow for intraocular and oral administration of this agent. A clear understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of these new formulations is required in order to select the most appropriate product for managing CMV retinitis in AIDS patients.

scholarly journals Complete therapeutic response to anti-PD1 therapy in patient with advanced melanoma and resistance to targeted therapy of BRAF inhibitors

Onkologie ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ondřej Kodet ◽  
Kristýna Němejcová ◽  
Lukáš Lacina ◽  
Ivana Krajsová
Keyword(s):  
Targeted Therapy ◽  
Therapeutic Response ◽  
Advanced Melanoma ◽  
Braf Inhibitors

scholarly journals Proboitics and their Role in GI Diseases

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaila Perveen ◽  
Mir Azimuddin Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Medline Search ◽  
Objective Evidence ◽  
Probiotic Treatment

Objective: To evaluate role of probiotics in human physiology, metabolism, health, immunity and GI disorders.It is important for gastroenterologists to improve their understanding of the mechanisms of probiotics and the evidence that support their use in clinical practice.Data Sources: A medline search (1948-December 2014) was conducted using GI diseases and probiotics as terms for identifying pertinent studies. Search limits included English language. Additional information was obtained from bibliographies.Data Selection And Data Extraction: The information provided is based on review of primary literature from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, expert consensus panel recommendations and society-based practice recommendations. References are provided for more reading and figure summarizes key information about their mechanism of action.Data Synthesis: The need for objective, evidence-based guidance on the role of probiotics is becoming increasingly important as public awareness grows. This consensus is intended as a practical reference to help physicians make appropriate, evidence-based recommendations to patients who might benefit from probiotic treatment. Overall, the randomised, placebo-controlled trials included in this article support, with a high evidence level, the therapeutic effects of probiotic agents for several disorders including antibiotic or Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and the inflammatory bowel diseases. Although probiotic research is a rapidly evolving field, there are sufficient data to justify a trial of probiotics for treatment or prevention of some of these conditions. However, the capacity of probiotics to modify disease symptoms is likely to be modest and varies among probiotic strains and not all probiotics are right for all diseases. The goal of this review is to provide clinicians with an overview of the rationale and data which support or refute the role of probiotics for treating commonly encountered gastrointestinal disorders.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2016; 34(2): 92-99

The Emerging Role of Inflammation in Cardiovascular Disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (8) ◽  
pp. 801-809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon K. Martinez ◽  
C. Michael White
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
English Language ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To review the role of inflammatory suppression in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) with a focus on the interleukin-1β blocker canakinumab. Data Sources: An Ovid MEDLINE literature search (1946 to February 2018) was performed using search terms inflammation, ASCVD, atherosclerosis, C-reactive protein, canakinumab. Additional references were identified from a review of literature citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language studies assessing the impact of pharmacological agents, including canakinumab, on inflammation as measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and the association with reducing ASCVD events were evaluated. Data Synthesis: Nine studies were included to describe the effect of ASCVD drugs on hsCRP. Aspirin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, gemfibrozil, and statins exhibit varying degrees of hsCRP reduction and are associated with a reduction of ASCVD events. The Canakinumab Antiinflammatory Thrombosis Outcome Study (CANTOS), showed a significant reduction of ASVCD events in patients with elevated baseline hsCRP levels without affecting cholesterol. Conclusions: Patients with elevated inflammatory markers such as hsCRP are at risk for ASVCD events. Several drug classes have shown the ability to decrease hsCRP levels, but the extent to which this reduces ASCVD events in lieu of other drug mechanisms was not clear. Canakinumab specifically targets the inflammatory process in ASCVD and was proven to be effective in preventing ASCVD events in patients with elevated hsCRP levels.

Genomic profiles of BRAF inhibitor resistance mechanisms in metastatic colorectal cancer.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15527-e15527
Author(s):  
Ting Xu ◽  
Xicheng Wang ◽  
Qi Changsong ◽  
Zhenghang Wang ◽  
Jian Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Progression ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Braf Inhibitor ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Genetic Alterations ◽  
Braf V600e ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Braf Inhibitors ◽  
Braf Mutations

e15527 Background: BRAF mutations are present in 5-10% of metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRCs). Patients with mCRC whose tumors harbor BRAF V600 mutation generally respond poorly to standard chemotherapy. Treatment with BRAF inhibitors has been shown to improve outcomes, whereas the resistance develops through undefined mechanisms. Therefore, it is imperative to accurately comprehend the genomic profiling of resistance mechanisms to BRAF inhibitors in mCRC for exploring its clinical treatment strategies. Methods: We analyzed next-generation sequencing results in 520 cancer-associated genes for 22 patients who had BRAF V600E mutant mCRC in order to characterize genomic predictors of treatment outcome and track the acquired resistance (AR) mechanisms during the vemurafenib/dabrafenib/encorafenib treatment in combination with cetuximab +/- trametinib. The median age of the patients was 61 years old, 54.5% were male, 54.5% had right-sided mCRC, and 81.8% received one or more prior chemotherapy lines. Tissue and/or plasma samples were collected at baseline (prior to anti-BRAF treatment) and upon disease progression (PD). Objective tumor responses were radiologically assessed every 6 weeks according to RECIST v1. 1. Results: By Feb 2021, treatment had been discontinued in 15 (63.2%) of the patients due to disease progression, while the other 7 cases were still under treatment. The median PFS (mPFS) for all patients was 4.5 months. The overall response rate was 32%, and the disease control rate was 86%. In addition to BRAF V600E, the most common concomitant mutations were identified in TP53 (20/22), RNF43 (8/22), LRP18 (7/22), APC (7/22) and PIK3CA (5/22). Patients with baseline alterations in RNF43 (n = 8; p = 0.0466), or RECQL4 (n = 4; p = 0.0406) had significantly longer PFS than their respective wild type counterparts. In contrast, baseline alterations in PPP2R2A (n = 3; p = 0.0131), RUNX1T1 (n = 3; p = 0.0147), and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathway genes (n = 6; p = 0.0057) were each significantly associated with shorter PFS. Among the 15 patients whose disease progressed, 9 were identified with newly developed AR mutations in PD tumor or plasma samples. MET amplification was the most common AR mechanism (n = 4) followed by BRAF amplification, KRAS, NRAS mutations (n = 3 each), and MAP2K1, PIK3R1 mutations (n = 1 each). Q61 substitution was the most dominant form for both KRAS and NRAS AR mutations (83%, 5/6). In terms of signaling pathway, MAPK (67%, 6/9) and RTK (44%, 4/9) pathway alterations were most frequently observed. Conclusions: Our study illustrated the landscape of genetic alterations in patients with BRAF V600E mutant mCRC upon BRAF inhibitor treatment, which could be critical to predict responses to BRAF inhibitors and guide personalized clinical decision-making after disease progression.

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