scholarly journals Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins (LMWH) for Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Tropique, a Prospective Non-Interventional Observational Study

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 4273-4273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique Farge ◽  
Philippe Debourdeau ◽  
Norbert Claude Gorin ◽  
Anne Lamblin ◽  
Francis Cajfinger

Abstract Introduction Long-term treatment with LMWH is the standard therapy for patients with cancer-associated VTE. Recommended treatment regimen include the prescription of LMWH at treatment doses according to approved administration schedule for at least 3 months in the absence of severe renal insufficiency (CrCl<30 mL/min) [1, 2]. The TROPIQUE study documented the prescription and use of long-term treatment with LMWH in cancer patients. Here we report the findings on the secondary outcomes, clinical efficacy and safety. Methods Adult patients with cancer-associated VTE receiving antineoplastic treatment or palliative care were eligible to participate. Efficacy outcomes measures were VTE recurrence including deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), visceral thrombosis and central venous catheter (CVC)-associated thrombosis. Safety outcomes included all and major bleeding according to ISTH definition [3], thrombocytopenia and deaths. Incidences of 7% of VTE recurrence and 6% of major bleeding were expected. With a sample of 384 patients, the rate of VTE recurrence and major bleeding would be detected with a precision of ±2.6% and ±2.4%, respectively, with a 95% confidence interval. A total of 400 patients were therefore planned to be included in the study. Results A total of 409 patients with symptomatic cancer-associated VTE (Table 1) aged 65±12.1 years of whom 49.9% female were consecutively included from November 2012 to August 2013. A history of previous VTE was found in 54 (13.2%), surgery or trauma in 100 (24.4%), CVC in 303 (74.1%) and an immobilization over 1 month in 47 (11.5%) patients, respectively. At study inclusion, 30 (7.3%) patients had platelet count ≤ 100 x109/L, and 129 (31.5%) had reported anemia while 16 (3.9%) patients had a history of bleeding in the last month. At baseline, more than 80% of patients presented with at least a PE or a lower-limb DVT of s. Table 1 VTE diagnosis at baseline (patients at least with one of the following) VTE diagnosis (at least one of the following) n (%) PE 145 (35.5) DVT lower limb 193 (47.2) Proximal 107 (56.0) Distal 72 (37.7) DVT upper limb 45 (11.0) Visceral thrombosis 16 (3.9) CVC-associated thrombosis 66 (16.1) Mean treatment duration was 5.28 ± 2.07 months. As the majority of patients were treated with tinzaparin (73.6%), clinical outcomes are therefore presented for tinzaparin, other LMWH and all LMWH (Table 2). A total of 21 events of VTE recurrence occurred in 19 patients during the overall study period, with a Kaplan-Meir estimate of the probability of VTE recurrence at 6 months of 6.1%. Table 2 Outcomes in patients with cancer-associated VTE treated with long-term LMWH [n (%)]. Patients treated Tinzaparin n=301 Other LMWH n=108 All LMWH n=409 Patients documented n=292 n=100 n=392 Patients with at least 14 (4.8) 5 (5) 19 (4.8)  one VTE recurrence - - - Events (2 patients had 3 4 7  more than one event) 5 1 6 DVT 0 1 1 PE 6 1 7 Visceral thrombosis CVC-associated thrombosis Bleeding n=292 n=100 n=392 All 44 (15.1) 11 (11.0) 55 (14.0) Major 16 (5.5) 7 (7.0) 23 (5.9) Thrombocytopenia n=290 n=100 n=390  (n platelets/mm3) 53 (18.3) 15 (15.0) 68 (17.4) All n=65 n=17 n=82 < 50,000 22 5 27 Drop > 50% 15 2 17 Deaths n=301 n=107 n=408 All 102 (33.9) 44 (41.1) 146 (35.8) Cause of death* n=100 n=44 n=144 LMWH treatment** 1# 0 1## Cancer 87 39 126 Sepsis 4 1 5 Bleeding 4 1 5 Antineoplastic treatment 1 0 1 PE 0 1 1 Other 7 3 10 *Multiple causes of death may have been reported in the same patient; **fatal bleeding reported as LMWH-related; #n=99; ## n=143 Kaplan-Meier estimate of the probability of bleeding at 6 months was 15.9% while corresponding estimates were 18.1% for thrombocytopenia and 34.5% for deaths. Of the five (3.5%) patients who reported fatal bleedings one was reported as related to the LMWH treatment. No heparin-induced thrombocytopenia was reported in the study. Conclusion Clinical outcomes were consistent with previous observations in this patient population except a lower incidence of VTE recurrence compared with previous studies. Study results tend to confirm the favorable efficacy and safety profile of LMWH for the long-term treatment of patients with cancer-associated VTE, when used according to recommended treatment duration and respecting contra-indications. Schulman. J Throm Haemost. 2005 Apr;3(4):692-4.Farge J Thromb Haemost. 2013 Jan;11(1):56-70.Debourdeau P, J Thromb Haemost. 2013 Jan;11(1):71-80 Disclosures Farge: Pfizer: Research Funding; LEO Pharma: Research Funding. Debourdeau:Pfizer: Research Funding; LEO Pharma: Research Funding. Cajfinger:Pfizer: Research Funding; LEO Pharma: Research Funding.

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 4056-4056
Author(s):  
Heinz Gisslinger ◽  
Veronika Buxhofer-Ausch ◽  
Josef Thaler ◽  
Ernst Schlögl ◽  
Gunther Gastl ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Ropeginterferon alfa-2b (AOP2014/P1101) is a novel long-acting pegylated IFN-alpha-2b, composed of mainly one isoform, resulting in longer half-life and exposure time. Reduced dosing frequencies, better tolerability, improved compliance and more favorable long-term treatment outcomes in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) are expected. The drug has Orphan designation by EMA and FDA and is currently in the phase III stage of development. Study design Efficacy and safety data are being collected in the follow-up extension stage of the study (collecting the data of both Phase I and Phase II portions of the study), after the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of ropeginterferon alfa-2b, administered subcutaneously every 14 to 28 days, has been defined earlier. Patients with confirmed diagnosis of PV, age ≥18 years, both naïve and cytoreductively pre-treated were eligible. After establishing the MTD, an extended cohort of 25 additional patients has been planned to be recruited. Complete hematological response (CR) is defined by hematocrit (Hct)<45%, platelet count≤400*109/L, WBC count≤10*109/L, normal spleen size by sonography, and absence of thromboembolic events. Partial response (PR) is defined as Hct<45% without phlebotomy but with persistent splenomegaly or elevated (>400*109/L) platelet count, or reduction of phlebotomy requirements by at least 50%. Complete molecular response has been defined as reduction of any molecular abnormality to undetectable levels; partial molecular response as: reduction ≥ 50% in patients with < 50% mutant allele burden, or a reduction ≥ 25% in patients with > 50% mutant allele burden. The present analysis was focused on long-term tolerability and safety in correlation with the dose of ropeginterferon alfa-2b in PV. Results Data on treatment as by July, 24, 2015, are covered by the current analysis. Baseline characteristics of the study cohort during short-term treatment were already presented earlier (Gisslinger et al, ASH 2013). The full analysis set and efficacy set were composed of 51 and 47 patients, respectively. Currently, the median reported treatment duration is 138 weeks, 33 patients completed their follow up for two years, 19 for three years. Starting with the week 10, Hct-level, platelet- and WBC-counts could be constantly maintained within normal range in the majority of patients. In a group of patients with the mean administered dose of <300 µg ("low dose", n=36), CR as best individual response was achieved in 20 (56%) patients, and PR in 14 (39%) compared to the CR and PR in the high dose (>300 µg, n=11) group of 8 (73%) and 3 (27%) respectively. However, no statistical significance can be observed if correlation between the dose and response status was analyzed. 30 patients are still being treated in the study. Similarly, no association between the dose and occurrence of adverse events in the study could be observed. Complete molecular response as best individual response was observed more frequently in the high dose group 4 (36%) compared to 8 (23%) in the low dose group, while partial molecular responses were equally frequent in both dose groups (in 6/55% and 20/57%, respectively). 21 patients discontinued the study, 18 being treated with AOP2014 doses corresponding to low, and 3 to the high dose arms, corresponding to the drop-out rate of 50% and 27% in the respective arms. Interestingly, all discontinuations in the high dose group occurred within the first year of treatment (at weeks 16, 18 and 32), while the drop-outs in the low dose group (6 patients, 33%) discontinued the study after completion of their first year of treatment. Conclusions Efficacy and safety profile remain in line with expectations from other (pegylated) interferons. Overall response rate of >80% with cumulative CRs in 45-50%, accompanied by phlebotomy independence, normalization of hematological parameters and spleen size reduction in majority of patients have been observed. Significant and sustained JAK2 allelic burden decrease, starting from week 28 of treatment, was seen. No significant difference between the two mean dose levels regarding response rates or adverse events even during long-term treatment and observation could be observed. These finding are to be further verified in a larger prospective setting. Disclosures Gisslinger: Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; AOP ORPHAN: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Geron: Consultancy; Sanofi Aventis: Consultancy; Janssen Cilag: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Buxhofer-Ausch:AOP Orphan: Research Funding. Thaler:AOP Orphan: Research Funding. Schlögl:AOP Orphan: Research Funding. Gastl:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AOP Orphan: Research Funding. Ban:AOP Orphan: Research Funding. Egle:AOP Orphan: Research Funding. Melchardt:AOP Orphan: Research Funding. Burgstaller:AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria; Mundipharma: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Willenbacher:COMET Center ONCOTYROL: Research Funding; AOP Orphan: Research Funding. Kralovics:AOP Orphan: Research Funding; Qiagen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Zörer:AOP Orphan: Employment. Ammann-Mwathi:AOP Orphan: Employment. Kadlecova:AOP Orphan: Consultancy. Zagrijtschuk:AOP Orphan: Employment. Klade:AOP Orphan: Employment. Greil:Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; GSK: Research Funding; Boehringer-Ingelheim: Honoraria; AOP Orphan: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Genentech: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria; Astra-Zeneca: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ratiopharm: Research Funding; Sanofi Aventis: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria; Mundipharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria; Cephalon: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Roche, Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4063-4063 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Domenica Cappellini ◽  
Silverio Perrotta ◽  
Leyla Agaoglu ◽  
Yesim Aydinok ◽  
Marcello Capra ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 4063 Poster Board III-998 Background In a large, 1-yr Phase 3 clinical trial, patients (pts) with β-thalassemia (aged ≥2 yrs) were randomized to receive deferasirox (Exjade®) or deferoxamine (DFO), with doses assigned according to baseline liver iron concentration (LIC). Pts completing the 1-yr core were permitted to enter a 4-yr extension; those receiving deferasirox continued on this therapy (deferasirox cohort), while those receiving DFO crossed over to deferasirox (crossover cohort). This analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of deferasirox over 5 yrs. Methods Based on analyses showing that iron burden and transfusional iron intake need to be considered for appropriate dosing of deferasirox, dose adjustments were permitted in the extension to ensure optimal dosing. Deferasirox dose in the extension was initially based on dose response in the core (deferasirox cohort only) and end-of-core LIC (biopsy or SQUID); subsequent adjustments in steps of 5–10 mg/kg/day were based on serum ferritin (SF) levels and safety markers. Efficacy was assessed by monthly SF levels and LIC at baseline, end of 1-year core and end of study (EOS) (or upon discontinuation). Safety was assessed by incidence and type of adverse events (AEs) and changes in laboratory parameters. Results 296 pts (deferasirox cohort) and 259 pts (crossover cohort) received ≥1 dose of deferasirox; 181 (61%) & 190 (73%) pts from each cohort respectively completed the extension. Most common reasons for discontinuation: consent withdrawal (n=62) and AEs (n=43). Most common AEs leading to discontinuation: increased ALT [n=5], increased transaminases [n=4], glycosuria [n=4]. 2 deaths occurred during the extension in the deferasirox cohort (cardiac failure, cardiomyopathy); 2 in the crossover cohort (cardio-respiratory arrest, road traffic accident); none considered to be related to study drug. Median duration of deferasirox treatment was 61.2 & 48.1 mths in deferasirox & crossover cohorts, respectively. At start of deferasirox, mean LIC was 14.0 ± 9.8 & 10.4 ± 7.6 mg Fe/g dry weight (dw) and median SF was 2211 & 1758 ng/mL in deferasirox and crossover cohorts, respectively. Transfusion requirements at start of deferasirox were comparable; most pts (81% & 83%, respectively) receiving 7–14 mL/kg/mth. Mean deferasirox dose during study: 21.6 ± 6.4 & 23.2 ± 5.9 mg/kg/d (final actual dose: 24.4 ± 8.7 & 27.0 ± 8.0 mg/kg/d) in deferasirox and crossover groups, respectively. Most pts were receiving 15–<35 mg/kg/day at EOS (75% & 78%, respectively); 11% & 17% were receiving ≥35 mg/kg/day. In pts who received at least 5 yrs of deferasirox and at least 4 yrs in the crossover group, mean absolute change in LIC were –5.3 ± 10.1 mg Fe/g dw (n=173; P<0.001) & –2.4 ± 7.6 mg Fe/g dw (n=99; P<0.001) and median absolute change in SF were –775 ng/mL (range: –10164–2572; n=182; P<0.001) & –371 ng/mL (range: –4498–2636; n=151; P<0.001), respectively (Figure). Percentage of pts with LIC<7 mg Fe/g dw increased from 35% to 45% & SF≤1000 ng/mL increased from 12% to 33% from the start of deferasirox to EOS (LIC: EOS, last available value; SF: EOS, average of at most 3 available values after start of deferasirox). Most common drug-related AEs (≥5% overall) after start of deferasirox in deferasirox & crossover cohort, respectively: increased blood creatinine (n=42, 14%; n=20, 8%), nausea (n=28, 10%; n=13, 5%), vomiting (n=18, 6%; n=17, 7%), diarrhea (n=13, 4%; n=15, 6%) & rash (n=17, 6%; n=19, 7%). Frequency of drug-related AEs decreased from year to year. In deferasirox & crossover cohorts, 26 (9%) & 11 (4%) pts had 2 consecutive serum creatinine increases >33% above baseline & upper limit of normal (ULN) & 3 (1%) & 2 (1%) pts had ALT >10 x ULN on 2 consecutive visits, respectively, after start of deferasirox. Conclusions Long-term treatment with deferasirox (for up to 5 yrs) significantly decreased iron burden in β-thalassemia pts aged ≥2 yrs with an increasing percentage of pts achieving therapeutic goals of LIC<7 mg Fe/g dw and SF≤1000 ng/mL. Significant improvements in LIC and SF were also observed after switching from DFO. Deferasirox was well tolerated over this long-term treatment, and the frequency of AEs decreased over time. Disclosures: Cappellini: Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Genzyme: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Perrotta:Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding. Aydinok:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Porter:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Vifor International: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Piga:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Apopharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Griffel:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Lagrone:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Clark:Novartis Pharma AG: Employment. Kattamis:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 4237-4237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A Brodsky ◽  
Carlos de Castro ◽  
Hubert Schrezenmeier ◽  
Antonio M. Risitano ◽  
Joerg Schubert ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 4237 PNH is a chronic, life-threatening, acquired disease associated with deficiency of GPI-anchored complement inhibitory proteins on blood cells. The resulting defective regulation of terminal complement activation is responsible for hemolysis and can lead to thromboembolism (TE), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and pulmonary hypertension. The risk of TE is high, with an observed 6.24 venous TE events per 100 patient years, or approximately 62-fold higher compared to the general population: in fact, TE accounts for 40–67% of PNH related deaths. The effectiveness of anticoagulation (AC) in PNH patients (pts) is uncertain, as AC treated PNH may still experience TE. The terminal complement inhibitor eculizumab reduces intravascular hemolysis rapidly and significantly; it also leads to a reduction in TE events, pulmonary hypertension and improvements in CKD and quality of life. Here, we report on prolonged treatment of PNH patients with eculizumab for safety and sustained patient outcomes. Methods: All pts (N=195) in the PNH eculizumab clinical trials (Pilot (N=11), TRIUMPH (N=87) and SHEPHERD (N=97)) and subsequent Extension studies were assessed for long term safety and efficacy. Median age was 40 yrs, 54% female, 29% had a history of aplastic anemia and 1.5% with history of myelodysplasia. TE was reported in 32% (63/195) of pts prior to eculizumab treatment. There was high adherence to long term treatment; 90% (175/195) of pts completed the parent and extension trials. Results: The median eculizumab treatment duration was 29 mo (1 -66; IQR:23-32m); with a total eculizumab exposure of 474.1 patient-years. Intravascular hemolysis was rapidly reduced in 100% of pts after eculizumab treatment. LDH was reduced from a median of 2,133 U/L (∼10x ULN) at baseline to 310 U/L at 1 month of treatment (P<0.0001) and was sustained at 272U/L at 36 months (P<0.0001). There was an 81% (P<0.0005) reduction in TE events from 52 pre treatment events to 10 trial events using a match time analysis (P<0.0005). Of the 7 (7/195) pts who experienced a TE on drug, 5 had a history of TE and 2 were concomitantly treated with AC. Of pts treated with AC, 59% (58/98) experienced at least 1 TE prior to treatment. In 11 pts who discontinued AC, there were no TE reported with eculizumab treatment during or following AC discontinuation. Prevalence of CKD was reduced from 69% of pts at baseline to 31% (n=29) after 36 months of treatment, consistent with previous results. A fraction of pts still require blood transfusions and a fraction of pts, even without need for blood transfusions, had no significant increase (>1gm/dL) in steady state hemoglobin level over baseline. Eculizumab was well tolerated. Twenty pts (∼10%) did not complete the trial including 9 pts following a reported adverse event (AE). In 16 week follow-up to the 20 pts who discontinued eculizumab treatment, TE was reported in 3 pts, including 1 death. Most AEs (95%) were mild or moderate in severity and 90.8% of adverse events were deemed unrelated to study drug. Frequent AEs were: nasopharyngitis, (40%); headache (37%) and upper respiratory tract infection, (31%). There were 2 cases of meningococcal sepsis and both were successfully treated without sequelae. Serious infections were reported in 21% of pts and 2 pts discontinued therapy due to infections (meningococcal, staphylococcal sepsis: both resolved). Most commonly reported serious infections included pyrexia (4.6%) and viral (3.1%), lower respiratory tract (1.5%) and urinary tract (1.5%) infections. There were 4 patient deaths during treatment. Three deaths were considered not related to study drug and 1 possibly related to study drug by the investigator. Causes of death were progression from myelodysplasia to chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, adenoma progressing to adenocarcinoma, brain herniation following trauma injury, and TE of the small bowel. Conclusion: Long term treatment of PNH pts with eculizumab is associated with a favorable benefit/risk ratio and the clinical benefits demonstrated at earlier timepoints are sustained over 36 months. Improvement in TE and CKD was maintained over 36 months when compared to baseline and previous published data. Considering that thrombosis and CKD have been demonstrated to be significant causes of death in PNH, it is reasonable to expect that eculizumab treatment, by decreasing the risk of thrombosis and improving renal function, may increase the life expectancy of PNH pts. Disclosures: Brodsky: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. de Castro:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Speakers Bureau. Schrezenmeier:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Risitano:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Schubert:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Consultancy, Honoraria. Maciejewski:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Consultancy. Duehrsen:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Honoraria, Research Funding. Luzzatto:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Muus:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Szer:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Socié:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Consultancy. Hillmen:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 4272-4272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique Farge ◽  
Philippe Debourdeau ◽  
Norbert Claude Gorin ◽  
Anne Lamblin ◽  
Francis Cajfinger

Abstract Introduction Long-term treatment with LMWH is the recommended standard for patients with cancer-associated VTE [1, 2]. Data on the long-term prescription of LMWH and treatment follow-up in clinical practice, and particularly the patient’s view on the treatment, are scarce. The main objective of TROPIQUE was to document the prescription and use of LMWH in these patients. A sub-study aimed to assess patients’ perception of long-term anticoagulant treatment with LMWH based on the validated Perception AntiCoagulant Treatment Questionnaire (PACT-Q) [2]. Methods Adult cancer patients with recent symptomatic VTE from the TROPIQUE study were asked to fill-in a PACT-Q at inclusion and at 6 months or study end. PACT-Q1 administered at study start included “Treatment Expectations” (7 items) measured by separate scores expressed on a 5-point Likert scale. PACT-Q2 performed at 6 months or at the end of the study included “Convenience” and “Anticoagulant Treatment Satisfaction” (13 and 7 items, respectively) measured by global scores on a 0-to-100 scale. Results A total of 409 patients (49.9% female), aged 65±12.1 years, were consecutively included from November 2012 to August 2013. Most of cancers were solid tumors; 81% of patients received chemotherapy and 60.9% of cancers were metastatic. Mean treatment duration was 5.28 ± 2.07 months and 98.0% of patients were treated for 3 months or more. PACT-Q1 and PACT-Q2 were collected on a voluntarily basis from 269 (67.8%) and 139 (34.0%) patients, respectively. At study start patients’ treatment expectations were high, particularly regarding the confidence in the treatment to prevent blood clots (mean 3.94 ± 0.75), the expectations of symptom relief (mean 3.98 ± 1.04) and the importance of ease of use (mean 4.22 ± 0.9) while 54.3% of patients had low or no expectations of treatment-related side effects (bruise, bleeding) (mean 2.45±1.1). The treatment was considered convenient (global score 79.7 ± 17.1), with the majority of patients reporting small or no difficulties with taking the treatment (subcutaneous injections) and with regards to impact on daily life. The impact of treatment-related side effects on activities was reported as low. A proportion of 69.1% of patients were overall satisfied or very satisfied with their anticoagulant treatment whereas the experience with treatment-related side effects was worse or much worse than expected for only 12.9% of patients. The “Anticoagulant Treatment Satisfaction” global score was 62.9 ± 16.7. Abstract 4272. Table 1: Cancer patient’s perception of long-term anticoagulant treatment with LMWH [n (%)] Selected perception items* Not at all or to a small extent Moderately Very much or extremely Mean score on Likert scale ± SD PACT-Q1 Treatment expectations (n=269) Confident in preventing clots Symptom relief Side effects (n=267) Importance of ease to use - 10 (3.7) 22 (8.2) 145 (54.3) 17 (6.3) - 45 (16.7) 38 (14.1) 76 (28.5) 14 (5.2) - 214 (79.6) 209 (77.7) 46 (17.2) 238 (88.5) - 3.94 ± 0.75 3.98 ± 1.04 2.45 ± 1.1 4.22 ± 0.9 PACT-Q2 Convenience (n=138) Difficulty in taking treatment (n=137) Difficulties regarding daily life Bother in follow-up required Difficulties on regular intake Side effects impact on activities - 92 (67.2) 101 (73.2) 101 (73.2) 114 (82.6) 116 (84.1) - 37 (27) 26 (18.8) 16 (11.6) 17 (12.3) 14 (10.1) - 8 (5.8) 11 (8.0) 7 (5.1) 7 (5.1) 8 (5.8) 79.7 ± 17.1 Treatment satisfaction (n=137) Experience with side effects (n=132) Worse or much worse 17 (12.9) As expected 55 (41.7) Better or much better 60 (45.5) 62.9 ± 16.7 Overall satisfaction (n=136) Unsatisfied or very unsatisfied 10 (7.4) Neutral 32 (23.5) Satisfied or very satisfied 94 (69.1) *Only some items selected from the PACT questionnaire are shown Conclusion Patients with cancer-associated VTE had high expectations regarding anticoagulant treatment and long-term treatment with LMWH is perceived as convenient with a high degree of patient satisfaction. These results suggest that cancer patient’s capability to accept long-term injectable anticoagulant treatment is probably underestimated. These encouraging observations of patient perception of the anticoagulant therapy are essential in view of improving health professional’s adherence to established treatment recommendations on cancer-associated VTE [3]. 1- Farge D, J Thromb Haemost. 2013 Jan;11(1):56-70. 2- Prins MH, Health Qual Life Outcomes, 2009. 7: p. 9. 3- Debourdeau P, Support Care Cancer. 2008 Dec;16(12):1333-41 Disclosures Farge: Pfizer: Research Funding; LEO Pharma: Research Funding. Debourdeau:Pfizer: Research Funding; LEO Pharma: Research Funding. Cajfinger:Pfizer: Research Funding; LEO Pharma: Research Funding.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jódar Esteban ◽  
Jose Luis Perez-Castrillon ◽  
Dueñas Antonio ◽  
Gonzalo Hernandez ◽  
Nieves Fernandez ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Gennaro Ratti ◽  
Antonio Maglione ◽  
Emilia Biglietto ◽  
Cinzia Monda ◽  
Ciro Elettrico ◽  
...  

Long term treatment with ticagrelor 60 mg and low-dose aspirin are indicated after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We retrospectively reviewed aggregate data of 187 patients (155 M and 38 F) (mean age 63.8±9 years) in follow up after ACS with at least one high risk condition (Multivessel disease, diabetes, GFR<60 mL/min, history of prior myocardial infarction, age >65 years) treated with ticagrelor 60 mg twice daily (after 90 mg twice daily for 12 months). The results were compared with findings (characteristics of the patients at baseline, outcomes, bleeding) of PEGASUS-TIMI 54 trial and Eu Label. The highrisk groups were represented as follows: multivessel disease 105 pts (82%), diabetes 63 pts (33%), GFR< 60 mL/min 27 pts (14%), history of prior MI 33 pts (17%), >65 year aged 85 pts (45%). Treatment was withdrawn in 7 patients: 3 cases showed atrial fibrillation and were placed on oral anticoagulant drugs, one developed intracranial bleeding, in three patients a temporary withdrawal was due to surgery (1 colon polyposis and 2 cases of bladder papilloma). Chest pain without myocardial infarction occurred in 16 patients (revascularization was required in 9 patients). Dyspnea was present in 15 patients, but was not a cause for discontinuation of therapy. Long term treatment with ticagrelor 60 mg twice daily plus aspirin 100 mg/day showed a favourable benefit/risk profile after ACS.  In this study all patients had been given ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily for 12 months and the 60 mg twice daily dosage was started immediately thereafter, unlike PEGASUS-TIMI 54 trial in which it was prescribed within a period ranging from 1 day to 1 year after discontinuation of the 90 mg dose. This makes our results more consistent with current clinical practice. However, a careful outpatient follow-up and constant counseling are mandatory to check out compliance to therapy and adverse side effects.


2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 1080-1087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nalinee Poolsup ◽  
Chutamanee Suthisisang ◽  
Patchareeya Channark ◽  
Wararat Kittikulsuth

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the structural and symptomatic efficacy and safety of glucosamine in knee osteoarthritis (OA). DATA SOURCES: Clinical trials of glucosamine were identified through electronic searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, EMB review, the Cochrane Library) using the key words glucosamine, osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, degenerative arthritis, osteoarthrosis, gonarthrosis, knee, disease progression, and clinical trial. The bibliographic databases were searched from their respective inception dates to August 2004. We also hand-searched reference lists of relevant articles. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Studies were included if they were double-blind, randomized, controlled trials that evaluated oral glucosamine long-term treatment in knee OA; lasting at least one year; and reporting as outcome measures the symptom severity and disease progression as assessed by joint space narrowing. Two authors interpreted data independently. Disagreements were resolved through discussion. DATA SYNTHESIS: Glucosamine sulfate was more effective than placebo in delaying structural progression in knee OA. The risk of disease progression was reduced by 54% (pooled RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.73; p = 0.0011). The number-needed-to-treat was 9 (95% CI 6 to 20). The pooled effect sizes for pain reduction and improvement in physical function were 0.41 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.60; p < 0.0001) and 0.46 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.66; p < 0.0001), respectively, in favor of glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate caused no more adverse effects than placebo. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence suggests that glucosamine sulfate may be effective and safe in delaying the progression and improving the symptoms of knee OA. Due to the sparse data on structural efficacy and safety, further studies are warranted.


2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-34
Author(s):  
K. Pecova

Abstract The author is presenting the case of a 23-year-old female patient with a severe form of acne conglobata, with the first symptoms of the disease occurring as far back as the prepubertal age. In the past year the disease has combined with hidradenitis suppurativa (to be referred to henceforth as “HS”), Hurley stage I, in the axillae and both sides of the inguinal region, with a family history of acne conglobata (both her mother and brother were affected). Further examinations ruled out inflammatory bowel disease because of a lack of further associated symptoms, except for sideropenic anaemia (lesser form) and lower serum values of vitamin D. Up until now the disease has been resistant to treatment, including the long-term treatment of methylprednisolone in combination with isotretinoid as well as dapsone and antibiotics.


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