– September 1, 2005
September 1, 2005
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Pharmacology Watch
Beta-Blockers May Be Useful for Noncardiac Surgery; Promising New Weight Loss Drug?; Treating Shift-Work Disorder; Another Flu Vaccine Shortage?; FDA Actions -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement
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EPO and G-CSF for MDS: No Risk of Increased Progression
MDS is a relatively common disorder managed by oncologists; but, until recently, few therapies have been available. In this observation study, patients with MDS who were treated with erythropoietin and G-CSF (EPO/G-CSF) for anemia with prolonged follow-up were assessed and then compared to another large cohort of MDS subjects. The response rate was 46% in the low-risk subjects according the IPSS score. Subjects treated with EPO/G-CSF demonstrated no increased risk of AML progression or death, providing reassurance that such treatment is unlikely to hasten disease progression. -
Vinorelbine and Prednisone in Frail Elderly Patients with Intermediate-High Grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Advanced age is an adverse prognostic factor in aggressive non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL). The analysis of the cumulative case series of aggressive NHL carried out by The International Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Prognostic Factor Project has shown that patients aged older than 60 years have a worse prognostic outcome than younger patients, although a direct comparison of response and survival of patients aged older than 70 years with younger patients is complicated by the fact that the randomized studies were specifically designed for patients aged < 70 years. -
Combination of PET and CT to Assess Response in Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
In a retrospective review of clinical outcomes in non-Hodgkins lymphoma patients who underwent response assessment at the end of treatment, the addition of PET to the standard International Workshop Criteria (IWC) improved staging accuracy and gave a better prediction of overall progression-free survival. -
Evidence (Albeit Modest) of Improved Survival for AR Lymphoma Patients over the Last Quarter Center
Although remissions have been more frequent and treatments more aggressive, there are little data in the literature that overall survival for follicular lymphoma has been improved. Examination of the SEER database, however, clearly demonstrates that over the last quarter century, overall survival for follicular lymphoma patients has improved. Explanations could include the sequential application of more effective therapies and/or improvement in supportive care. -
The Prognostic Significance of Pretreatment Marrow Fibrosis in Imatinib-Treated CML
Imatinib mesylate treatment has dramatically altered clinical outcomes for patients with CML and the question has arisen whether those prognostic factors shown to be relevant in the pre-imatinib era remain so today. This report from M.D. Anderson would suggest that although treatment responses have improved across the board, bone marrow fibrosis remains a significant indicator of lower treatment response and shorter survival.