scholarly journals Combination Therapy for HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis—A Success Story

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 1098
Author(s):  
William J. Hurt ◽  
Thomas S. Harrison ◽  
Síle F. Molloy ◽  
Tihana A. Bicanic
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Cryptococcal Meningitis ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Success Story ◽  
Phase Ii Studies

Cryptococcal meningitis is the leading cause of adult meningitis in patients with HIV, and accounts for 15% of all HIV-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. The mainstay of management is effective antifungal therapy, despite a limited arsenal of antifungal drugs, significant progress has been made developing effective treatment strategies by using combination regimens. The introduction of fluconazole as a safe and effective step-down therapy allowed for shorter courses of more fungicidal agents to be given as induction therapy, with higher doses achieving more rapid CSF sterilisation and improved treatment outcomes. The development of early fungicidal activity (EFA), an easily measured surrogate of treatment efficacy, has enabled rapid identification of effective combinations through dose ranging phase II studies, allowing further evaluation of clinical benefit in targeted phase III studies. Recent clinical trials have shown that shorter course induction regimens using one week of amphotericin paired with flucytosine are non-inferior to traditional two-week induction regimens and that the combination of fluconazole and flucytosine offers a viable treatment alternative when amphotericin is unavailable. Access to drugs in many low and middle-income settings remains challenging but is improving, and novel strategies based on single high dose liposomal amphotericin B promise further reduction in treatment complications and toxicities. This review aims to summarise the key findings of the principal clinical trials that have led to the success story of combination therapy thus far.

scholarly journals AMBIsome Therapy Induction OptimisatioN (AMBITION): High dose AmBisome for cryptococcal meningitis induction therapy in sub-Saharan Africa: economic evaluation protocol for a randomised controlled trial-based equivalence study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e026288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ponego Lloyd Ponatshego ◽  
David Stephen Lawrence ◽  
Nabila Youssouf ◽  
Sile F Molloy ◽  
Melanie Alufandika ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Evaluation ◽  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Cryptococcal Meningitis ◽  
Liposomal Amphotericin ◽  
Standard Treatment ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Historical Cohort ◽  
Single High Dose

IntroductionCryptococcal meningitis is responsible for around 15% of all HIV-related deaths globally. Conventional treatment courses with amphotericin B require prolonged hospitalisation and are associated with multiple toxicities and poor outcomes. A phase II study has shown that a single high dose of liposomal amphotericin may be comparable to standard treatment. We propose a phase III clinical endpoint trial comparing single, high-dose liposomal amphotericin with the WHO recommended first-line treatment at six sites across five counties. An economic analysis is essential to support wide-scale implementation.Methods and analysisCountry-specific economic evaluation tools will be developed across the five country settings. Details of patient and household out-of-pocket expenses and any catastrophic healthcare expenditure incurred will be collected via interviews from trial patients. Health service patient costs and related household expenditure in both arms will be compared over the trial period in a probabilistic approach, using Monte Carlo bootstrapping methods. Costing information and number of life-years survived will be used as the input to a decision-analytic model to assess the cost-effectiveness of a single, high-dose liposomal amphotericin to the standard treatment. In addition, these results will be compared with a historical cohort from another clinical trial.Ethics and disseminationThe AMBIsome Therapy Induction OptimisatioN (AMBITION) trial has been evaluated and approved by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of Botswana, Malawi National Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Mulago Hospital and Zimbabwe Medical Research Council research ethics committees. All participants will provide written informed consent or if lacking capacity will have consent provided by a proxy. The findings of this economic analysis, part of the AMBITION trial, will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and at international and country-level policy meetings.Trial registrationISRCTN72509687; Pre-results.

scholarly journals Unconventional Anticancer Agents: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 136-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Vickers ◽  
Joyce Kuo ◽  
Barrie R. Cassileth
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Dose Finding ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Phase Ii Trials ◽  
Off Label

Purpose A substantial number of cancer patients turn to treatments other than those recommended by mainstream oncologists in an effort to sustain tumor remission or halt the spread of cancer. These unconventional approaches include botanicals, high-dose nutritional supplementation, off-label pharmaceuticals, and animal products. The objective of this study was to review systematically the methodologies applied in clinical trials of unconventional treatments specifically for cancer. Methods MEDLINE 1966 to 2005 was searched using approximately 200 different medical subject heading terms (eg, alternative medicine) and free text words (eg, laetrile). We sought prospective clinical trials of unconventional treatments in cancer patients, excluding studies with only symptom control or nonclinical (eg, immune) end points. Trial data were extracted by two reviewers using a standardized protocol. Results We identified 14,735 articles, of which 214, describing 198 different clinical trials, were included. Twenty trials were phase I, three were phase I and II, 70 were phase II, and 105 were phase III. Approximately half of the trials investigated fungal products, 20% investigated other botanicals, 10% investigated vitamins and supplements, and 10% investigated off-label pharmaceuticals. Only eight of the phase I trials were dose-finding trials, and a mere 20% of phase II trials reported a statistical design. Of the 27 different agents tested in phase III, only one agent had a prior dose-finding trial, and only for three agents was the definitive study initiated after the publication of phase II data. Conclusion Unconventional cancer treatments have not been subject to appropriate early-phase trial development. Future research on unconventional therapies should involve dose-finding and phase II studies to determine the suitability of definitive trials.

scholarly journals PO 8719 INTRODUCING A NEW AFRICA MENINGITIS NETWORK – A NORTH-SOUTH COLLABORATION

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A63.1-A63
Author(s):  
Mosepele Mosepele ◽  
Cecilia Kanyama ◽  
David Meya ◽  
Fiona Cresswell ◽  
Timothee Chammard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Diagnostic Strategies ◽  
Cns Infections ◽  
Study Protocols ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Novel Treatment Strategies ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Randomised Controlled

BackgroundCentral nervous system infections, including meningitis, continue to cause significant morbidity in Africa. HIV has contributed to the epidemiology of CNS infections in this setting. Notable advances in the study of CNS infections by several groups have demonstrated the utility of new diagnostic strategies and impact of novel treatment strategies. However, efforts to coordinate meningitis research in Africa, and between Africa and the rest of the world remain very limited.MethodsIn a bid to promote a coordinated study of CNS infections across Africa, and in collaboration with other meningitis groups globally, the researchers of the AMBITION study (High Dose Ambisome on a Fluconazole Backbone for Cryptococcal Meningitis Induction Therapy in Sub-saharan Africa: A Randomised Controlled Non-inferiority Trial) are leveraging the EDCTP support for the AMBITION trial to set up an Africa Meningitis Trials Network.ResultsThe Africa Meningitis Trials Network (AMNET) was launched in Malawi in early 2018. Main achievements since the launch of the network, include an internal review of meningitis research across network sites and launch of the network website. The network also has two study protocols pending ethics review at all sites. These studies will provide much needed information on resources available for meningitis care, research and provide a baseline epidemiology of meningitis in Africa.ConclusionAMNET provides a rare opportunity for investigators interested in meningitis research to leverage the ongoing AMBITION trial to conduct Africa-wide preliminary research on meningitis. The network is recruiting additional members in Africa and globally to collaborate on meningitis research, and also apply for research funding to support meningitis work. Anyone interested in knowing more about the network should contact the AMNET communications officer, Ms Phum’lani Machao, [email protected]

Sequential compared to combination chemotherapy with capecitabine, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin in advanced colorectal cancer (ACC): A Dutch Colorectal Cancer Group (DCCG) phase III study

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 4012-4012 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Punt ◽  
M. Koopman ◽  
J. Douma ◽  
J. Wals ◽  
A. H. Honkoop ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Sequential Therapy ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Cancer Group ◽  
Neutropenic Sepsis ◽  
Hand Foot Syndrome ◽  
Eortc Qlq C30 ◽  
Eortc Qlq

4012 Background: Overall survival (OS) in phase III studies with 1st line combination therapy in ACC may be influenced by imbalances in salvage treatments. This is the first study that prospectively investigates the sequential vs the combined use of all available effective cytotoxic drugs. Methods: Previously untreated patients (pts), WHO PS 0–2 were randomized between 1st line capecitabine (Cap), 2nd line irinotecan (Iri), and 3rd line Cap + oxaliplatin (CapOx) (Arm A, sequential) vs 1st line CapIri and 2nd line CapOx (Arm B, combination). The dose of Cap was 1250 mg/m2 (mono) or 1,000 mg/m2 (combination) b.i.d. day 1–14, Iri 350 mg/m2 (mono) or 250 mg/m2 (combination), and Ox 130 mg/m2. All cycles were q 3 weeks with Iri/Ox given i.v. on day 1. Response was assessed q 3 cycles. Primary endpoint was OS. The study was designed to detect a 20% reduction in the hazard of death (HR=0.80) for an increase in median OS from 14 to 17.5 months (a=0.05, 2-tailed test). Results: 820 pts were randomized between Jan ‘03 and Dec ‘04 in 74 Dutch hospitals. Of 804 eligible pts, 796 received = 1 cycle. Median age was 63 (27–84) yrs, median WHO PS 0 (0–2), median follow-up 32 months. Pts (n) in arm A: 398 (1st line), 248 (2nd line), 141 (3rd line); arm B: 398 (1st line), 210 (2nd line). Median OS in arm A was 16.3 months (95%CI 14.3–18.2) and in arm B 17.7 months (95%CI 15.2–19.4), logrank p=0.2. Overall gr 3–4 toxicity over all lines did not differ significantly except for gr 3 hand-foot syndrome (HFS) (13% in A and 6% in B, p=0.0009). Death was probably related to treatment in 11 pts (neutropenic sepsis and/or diarrhea, 8 arm A, 3 arm B) and involved protocol violations in some. In 1st line significant differences in gr 3–4 toxicity in arm A vs arm B were diarrhea (10% vs 25%, p<0.0001), febrile neutropenia (1% vs 6%, p=0.0001) and HFS (12% vs 5%, p=0.0004). All-cause 60-day mortality was 3.0% (n=12) in arm A and 4.5% (n=18) in arm B. Updated results will be presented at the meeting, including data on QoL (EORTC QLQ C30). Conclusions: Combination therapy does not significantly improve OS compared with sequential therapy. Both treatment strategies are valid options for pts with ACC. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals HIV-associated Cryptococcal Meningitis: a Review of Novel Short-Course and Oral Therapies

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 422-437
Author(s):  
Letumile R. Moeng ◽  
James Milburn ◽  
Joseph N. Jarvis ◽  
David S. Lawrence
Keyword(s):  
Amphotericin B ◽  
Cryptococcal Meningitis ◽  
Liposomal Amphotericin ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Induction Treatment ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Short Course ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose of review HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis remains a significant public health problem in parts of Africa and Asia and a major cause of AIDS-related mortality, accounting for 15% of all AIDS-related deaths worldwide. Cryptococcal meningitis is uniformly fatal if untreated, and access to antifungal therapy in regions with the highest burden is often limited. Outcomes with fluconazole monotherapy are poor, and induction treatment with amphotericin B and high-dose fluconazole for 2 weeks is associated with significant drug-related toxicities and prolonged hospital admissions. This review focuses on the potential of novel short-course and oral combination therapies for cryptococcal meningitis. Recent findings Recent clinical trials have shown that shorter courses of amphotericin, if paired with oral flucytosine, rather than fluconazole, can achieve non-inferior mortality outcomes. In addition, an oral combination of fluconazole and flucytosine is a potential alternative. Liposomal amphotericin B may further simplify treatment; it is associated with fewer drug-related toxicities, and a recent phase II randomised controlled trial demonstrated that a single, high dose of liposomal amphotericin is non-inferior to 14 standard daily doses at clearing Cryptococcus from cerebrospinal fluid. This has been taken forward to an ongoing phase III, clinical endpoint study. Summary The incidence and mortality associated with cryptococcal meningitis is still unacceptably high. There is evidence supporting the use of short-course amphotericin B and oral combination antifungal treatment regimens for cryptococcal meningitis (CM). Ongoing research into short-course, high-dose treatment with liposomal amphotericin may also help reduce the impact of this devastating disease.

Predictive value of skin toxicity severity for response to panitumumab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): A pooled analysis of five clinical trials

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 4134-4134 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Berlin ◽  
E. Van Cutsem ◽  
M. Peeters ◽  
J. R. Hecht ◽  
R. Ruiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Human Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Skin Toxicity ◽  
Pooled Analysis ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Phase Ii Studies ◽  
Common Skin

4134 Background: Panitumumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr), is approved for EGFr-expressing mCRC patients (pts) with disease progression (PD) on or following fluoropyrimidine (5FU)-, oxaliplatin (Ox)-, and irinotecan (Ir)-containing chemotherapy. Skin toxicities are common with panitumumab; we examined the association between severity of skin toxicity and panitumumab efficacy. Methods: Data from 5 clinical trials were pooled (4 phase II studies and 1 phase III study). Pts with mCRC had documented PD on or after 5FU, Ox, and/or Ir. Pts received panitumumab 6 mg/kg every two weeks (Q2W) or 2.5 mg/kg weekly (QW) until PD or intolerability. Tumors were assessed using modified WHO or RECIST criteria (blinded central review in 4/5 studies). Endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). PFS and OS were measured from enrollment. Only pts with =2 infusions (exposure over 2 wks for QW dosing or over 4 weeks for Q2W dosing) were analyzed to help correct for lead-time bias. Results: 612 of 640 pts were included in the analysis set (62% were male, 92% were white, and median age [range] was 61 [21, 88] years). The median (95% CI) duration of PFS was 8.4 weeks (8.0 to 11.3), the median (95% CI) survival was 6.9 months (6.2 to 7.9), and the ORR (95% CI) was 9.0% (6.8 to 11.5). The most common skin toxicities (any grade, grade 3/4) were erythema (54%, 4%) pruritus (53%, 2%), dermatitis acneiform (52%, 5%), and rash (39%, 2%). ORR, PFS, and OS appeared to favor pts with grade 2–4 skin toxicity vs pts with grade 0- 1 skin toxicity ( table ). Conclusion: In this large combined analysis, severity of skin rash was correlated with increased efficacy of panitumumab in terms of ORR, PFS, and OS. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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