scholarly journals Combining 308-monochromatic excimer phototherapy with monthly IM triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of resistant alopecia totalis

Author(s):  

Background: Treatment of resistant alopecia totalis AT is a major problem in general practice. Some studies reported the use of either excimer-308 or intra-muscular triamcinolone acetonide as a monotherapy, with conflicting results. Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of combining 308-excimer phototherapy and intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of alopecia totalis. Methods and Material: Ten patients with alopecia totalis were evaluated in this prospective interventional study. All patients were assigned to receive the thera-peutic regimen that includes monthly IM triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) for a maximum of six pulses and twice-weekly excimer phototherapy for 24 sessions. Results: The overall response rate for this regimen was 90%, with four patients 40% achieving complete regrowth of hair (100%). Three patients have exhibited a satisfactory response (>70% regrowth). Unsatisfactory response ( >10-< 70% regrowth) was reported in two patients . Younger patients responded better, as did those with a shorter history of the disease P < 0.05. At follow-up, which continued for 8–12 months, recurrence was noted in two (22.2%) of the nine responders. Conclusions: Combining excimer phototherapy with triamcinolone acetonide showed a promising effect on resistant AT. This treatment modality was effective and well tolerated particularly in young patients.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 2522-2522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hagop Kantarjian ◽  
Susan O’Brien ◽  
Francis Giles ◽  
Farhad Ravandi-Kashani ◽  
Stefan Faderl ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Decitabine (DAC), a hypomethylating agent, has shown activity in MDS. DAC 150 mg/m2 by continuous infusion has been associated with CR rates of 10% to 20%. We investigated optimizing the dose schedule of DAC in MDS. Study Group and Methods Patients (pts) with IPSS intermediate 1–2 & high risk MDS were randomized to one of 3 schedules of DAC: 1) 20 mg/m2 IV over 1 hour daily x 5; 2) 10 mg/m2 IV over 1 hour daily x 10; or 3)10 mg/m2 subcutaneously (SQ) BID x 5. A total of 95 pts are to be treated; Bayesian randomization is implemented based on CR rates. Courses were given every 28 days. Delays to allow counts recovery were permitted every 3 courses, or if myelosuppression without disease, or severe myelosuppression complications. Pts were allowed to receive erythropoietin 40,000 units weekly for anemia, or GCSF if needed. Response criteria for CR & PR were as for AML (PR requiring also ↓ blasts by &gt;50%). Clinical benefit (CB) referred to one or more of: platelets î by ≥ 50% and &gt;30 x 109/L, or granulocytes increase by ≥ 100% and to &gt;109/L, or hemoglobin î by ≥ 2 g/dl or transfusion independence, or splenomegaly ↓ by 50% or more, or monocytes ↓ by 50% or more (pretreatment &gt;5 x 109/L). Results 92 pts have been treated; median age 65 (31–90) yrs; 66% &gt;60 yrs old. IPSS: intermediate-1 25%; intermediate-2 38%; high 19%; CMML 17% Cytogenetic abnormalities 57%; secondary MDS 17%; marrow blasts &gt; 10% in 31%. 27 pts had prior erythropoietin; 17 had prior GCSF; 22 had other prior therapies. Presently, 89 pts have received 1 course. Results: 32 CR (36%); 7 PR (8%); 13 marrow CR + CB (15%); 16 CB (18%); overall response 68/89=76%. Median courses to CR 3 (range 1 to 6). Median follow-up of 9 months; 48 pts continue on DAC. Compared with a 114 pts with MDS who received intensive chemotherapy (2000–2004), CR rate was lower with DAC (36% vs. 45%), overall response rate was favorable; 6-week mortality was lower with DAC (1% vs. 21%); and estimated survival favorable (p = 0.00007). CR rates by schedule: 5 days IV 24/58 (41%); 5 days SQ 4/14 (28%); 10 day IV 4/17 (24%). There was more myelosuppression with 10 day IV. After 55 patients were randomized, the 5 day IV arm was determined statistically superior, therefore, remaining patients were not randomized, but were treated with 5 days IV therapy. Conclusions DAC has significant anti-MDS activity; 2) optimal schedule: 20 mg/m2 IV over 1 hour daily x 5; 3) timely repeated courses needed for optimal response.


Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 4739-4739
Author(s):  
Ewa Kalinka ◽  
Jaroslaw Wajs ◽  
Kazimierz Sulek ◽  
Tadeusz Robak ◽  
Maria Blasinska-Morawiec ◽  
...  

Abstract The aim of the study was to comparatively assess first-line treatment with cladribine alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide (CCR, cladribine-containing regimens) and COP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone) in different subtypes of low-grade lymphoma. End points were complete remission (CR), overall response rate (ORR), incidence of chemotherapy-related side effects as well as freedom from progression (FFP) and overall survival (OS). From June’2000 to June’2005, 178 previously untreated patients (pts) were randomly allocated to receive 6 monthly courses of either CCR or COP in 17 centers in Poland. This analysis included 107 pts who have completed scheduled chemotherapy, including 45 pts with small lymphocytic (SLL, median age=64 years), 26 marginal zone (MZL, median age=58 years) and 36 follicular (FL, median age=65 years) lymphoma. Compared to COP, CCR induced higher CR rates in all treated groups (65% vs 15%, p=.005; 57% vs 10%, p=.02; 58% vs 12%, p=.03, respectively) but differences in ORR were not significant (92% vs 69%; 92% vs 60%; 79% vs 62%, respectively). Incidence of side effects did not differ significantly in CCR- as compared to COP-treated pts, e.i. infections (10% vs 7%; 14% vs 20%; 15% vs 0%, respectively), myelosuppression (31% vs 7%; 21% vs 20%; 30% vs 0%, respectively), and non-hematological adverse events (10% vs 14%; 7% vs 30%; 7% vs 22%, respectively). With a median follow-up of 12 months, median FFP was superior in CCR- as compared to COP-treated treated pts with SLL (43 vs 12 months, log-rank p<.03) or MZL (37 vs 7 months, log-rank p<.03) but not with FL (17 vs 22 months). Although the median OS has not been reached in any of the histological group so far, no difference in its duration is detected between CCR- or COP-treated pts. In summary, for pts with SLL, MZL and FL, first-line CCR regimens provided better CR and similar toxicity rates as compared to COP, which translated into longer FFP in SLL and MZL but not in FL pts. Although these results warrant larger number of pts and longer follow-up, they might suggest the choice of different front-line chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy in particular histological subtypes of low-grade lymphoma.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 1793-1793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristiana A Costa ◽  
Bassem I Zaki ◽  
Stephanie P Yen ◽  
Eric S Winer ◽  
Helen Ryan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Y90-Ibritumomab tiuxetan (90YIT) is approved for use for follicular lymphoma (FL) patients who have achieved a complete or partial response to frontline chemotherapy; however, its use after bendamustine and rituximab (BR) has not been reported. BR has proven to be a superior frontline therapy over R-CHOP in the treatment of FL and is a widely used initial treatment strategy. This analysis focuses on the long-term outcomes and safety of untreated follicular lymphoma patients treated with a short induction course of BR for 4 cycles followed by consolidation with 90YIT. Methods: Patients greater than 18 years with chemotherapy-naïve FL (grade 1-2 and 3a) requiring treatment were eligible. All patients had Stage II-IV disease and had adequate hematologic, liver, and renal function. Treatment consisted of an initial dose of rituximab 375 mg/m2. One week later, bendamustine 90 mg/m2 was administered on days 1 and 2, and rituximab 375 mg/m2 was given on day 1. BR was given for 4 cycles every 28 days. Patients were restaged 4-6 weeks after the last dose of BR. Patients were eligible for consolidation with 90YIT if they obtained at least a partial response after induction, had a platelet count greater than 100,000/mm3, a granulocyte count greater than 1,500/mm3, and bone marrow infiltration less than 25%. 90YIT was given 6-12 weeks after completion of the last cycle of BR. The primary endpoint is complete and unconfirmed complete response (CR/CRu) rate after sequential therapy with BR followed by 90YIT. Secondary endpoints are overall response rate after 4 cycles of BR, conversion rate from partial response (PR) after BR to CR/CRu after 90YIT, progression-free survival, and safety. The 1999 NHL Working Group Criteria was used to assess response. Results: From October 2010 to May 2014, forty-four patients were enrolled in this study (NCT01234766). 39 patients initiated treatment, and 5 were screen failures. Median age was 57 years [range 31-75]. The study enrolled FLIPI low (18%), intermediate (44%), and high (38%) risk patients; 33 of 39 (85%) were Grade 1-2 and 6 (15%) were Grade 3a. Twenty-two of 39 patients achieved CR/CRu (56%) and 16 of 39 patients had a PR (41%) for an overall response rate (ORR) of 97%. One patient had stable disease (SD). Four patients were not randomized to receive 90YIT: one in CR and one in PR were unable to receive 90YIT due to thrombocytopenia, one only achieved SD after BR, and one declined treatment. Thirty of 35 evaluable patients were in CR/CRu (86%), 4 remained in PR (11%) after 90YIT and one progressed during 90YIT, for an ORR of 97%. The number of patients in PR after BR who reached CR/CRu immediately after 90YIT were 10 of 16 (63%). Three (19%) additional patients converted to CR/CRu during follow-up, the latest occurring 16 months after 90YIT. After a median follow up of 30 months, 25 patients (71%) remain in CR/CRu, 10 patients (29%) have progressed/relapsed with a 24-month PFS of 80% (95% CI 63-90) [Figure]. The median PFS was not reached. Grade 3-4 hematologic toxicities during the 90YIT period included: neutropenia (34%), leukopenia (37%), thrombocytopenia (40%), lymphopenia (15%), and anemia (6%). There were no incidences of febrile neutropenia. One patient developed JC Virus/Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, 13 months after receiving the last dose of rituximab and 90YIT on study. One patient developed chronic myeloid leukemia 11 months after, one patient developed acute myeloid leukemia 15 months after, and one patient developed uterine cancer 52 months after all study treatment. One patient died to progression of the lymphoma, 35 months after treatment. There have been no reported cases of myelodysplasia. Conclusions: In this 2.5 year report of patients that received BR followed by 90YIT, the CR/CRu rate of patients completing all study therapy is 71% and the 24-month PFS is 80%. There is a high rate of conversion in partial responders to CR/CRu (81%), some occurring more than one year after treatment with 90YIT. The durable PFS is comparable to what is reported in the FIT trial (Morschhauser et al. JCO 2013) and the phase II Spanish intergroup study (Canales et al. ASH 2013). BR followed by 90YIT is a well-tolerated regimen for follicular lymphoma with high response rates that is a safe and highly effective as first-line therapy. Long-term safety reflects the natural history of patients with indolent lymphomas. Figure Figure. Disclosures Lansigan: Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Teva: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy, Research Funding.


Author(s):  
S. Sze ◽  
P. Pellicori ◽  
J. Zhang ◽  
J. Weston ◽  
I. B. Squire ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Frailty is common in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and is associated with poor outcomes. The natural history of frail patients with CHF is unknown. Methods Frailty was assessed using the clinical frailty scale (CFS) in 467 consecutive patients with CHF (67% male, median age 76 years, median NT-proBNP 1156 ng/L) attending a routine follow-up visit. Those with CFS > 4 were classified as frail. We investigated the relation between frailty and treatments, hospitalisation and death in patients with CHF. Results 206 patients (44%) were frail. Of 291 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HeFREF), those who were frail (N = 117; 40%) were less likely to receive optimal treatment, with many not receiving a renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitor (frail: 25% vs. non-frail: 4%), a beta-blocker (16% vs. 8%) or a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (50% vs 41%). By 1 year, there were 56 deaths and 322 hospitalisations, of which 25 (45%) and 198 (61%), respectively, were due to non-cardiovascular (non-CV) causes. Most deaths (N = 46, 82%) and hospitalisations (N = 215, 67%) occurred in frail patients. Amongst frail patients, 43% of deaths and 64% of hospitalisations were for non-CV causes; 58% of cardiovascular (CV) deaths were due to advancing HF. Among non-frail patients, 50% of deaths and 57% of hospitalisations were for non-CV causes; all CV deaths were due to advancing HF. Conclusion Frailty in patients with HeFREF is associated with sub-optimal medical treatment. Frail patients are more likely to die or be admitted to hospital, but whether frail or not, many events are non-CV. Graphical abstract


EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Yalin ◽  
B Ikitimur ◽  
T Aksu ◽  
AU Soysal ◽  
E Lyan ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Pulmonary vein automaticity is an established trigger of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) making pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)  the cornerstone for catheter ablation. However, data on triggers of AF and catheter ablation strategy in very young (&lt;30 years old) patients are sparse. Methods and results: Sixteen young patients (mean age 25.2 ± 4.9 years; 75% men) with recurrent drug refractory PAF underwent EP study and ablation at 3 EP centers. None of the patients had structural heart disease or family history of AF. EP study revealed degeneration of induced supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) into AF in 5 patients (n = 5, 31.2%). Induced SVTs were left lateral concealed accessory pathway mediated orthodromic AVRT in two patients, typical AVNRT in two patients, and left superior PV tachycardia in one patient respectively. In patients with induced SVTs, SVT ablation without PVI was performed as an index procedure. Remaining patients underwent second generation cryoballoon (CB-2) based PVI (n = 11, 68.7%). There were no major complications related to ablation procedures. Follow-up was based on outpatient visits including 24-h Holter-ECG at 3, 6 and, 12 months post ablation, or additional Holter-ECG was ordered in case of symptoms suggesting recurrence. Recurrence was defined as any atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) episode &gt;30s following a 3-month blanking period. After a median follow-up of 18.3 ± 6.2 months, 13 of 16 (81.2%) patients were free of ATA recurrence. None of the patients belonging to SVT ablation only group experienced ATA recurrence. Three patients with previous CB-2 PVI recurred, one had typical atrial flutter and underwent CTI ablation, remaining 2 patients had AF recurrence and medically followed. Conclusion In a considerable fraction of young adult patients with history of PAF SVTs may be responsible and SVT ablation without PVI may be sufficient as an index procedure. Catheter ablation AF seems to be safe and effective in this population.


2020 ◽  
pp. JCO.20.02259
Author(s):  
Paul G. Richardson ◽  
Albert Oriol ◽  
Alessandra Larocca ◽  
Joan Bladé ◽  
Michele Cavo ◽  
...  

PURPOSE Melphalan flufenamide (melflufen) is a first-in-class peptide-drug conjugate that targets aminopeptidases and rapidly and selectively releases alkylating agents into tumor cells. The phase II HORIZON trial evaluated the efficacy of melflufen plus dexamethasone in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), a population with an important unmet medical need. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with RRMM refractory to pomalidomide and/or an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody received melflufen 40 mg intravenously on day 1 of each 28-day cycle plus once weekly oral dexamethasone at a dose of 40 mg (20 mg in patients older than 75 years). The primary end point was overall response rate (partial response or better) assessed by the investigator and confirmed by independent review. Secondary end points included duration of response, progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety. The primary analysis is complete with long-term follow-up ongoing. RESULTS Of 157 patients (median age 65 years; median five prior lines of therapy) enrolled and treated, 119 patients (76%) had triple-class–refractory disease, 55 (35%) had extramedullary disease, and 92 (59%) were refractory to previous alkylator therapy. The overall response rate was 29% in the all-treated population, with 26% in the triple-class–refractory population. In the all-treated population, median duration of response was 5.5 months, median progression-free survival was 4.2 months, and median overall survival was 11.6 months at a median follow-up of 14 months. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 96% of patients, most commonly neutropenia (79%), thrombocytopenia (76%), and anemia (43%). Pneumonia (10%) was the most common grade 3/4 nonhematologic event. Thrombocytopenia and bleeding (both grade 3/4 but fully reversible) occurred concomitantly in four patients. GI events, reported in 97 patients (62%), were predominantly grade 1/2 (93%); none were grade 4. CONCLUSION Melflufen plus dexamethasone showed clinically meaningful efficacy and a manageable safety profile in patients with heavily pretreated RRMM, including those with triple-class–refractory and extramedullary disease.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Moloney ◽  
John Drumm ◽  
Deirdre M. Fanning

Soft-tissue sarcomas of the genitourinary tract account for only 1-2% of urological malignancies and 2.1% of soft-tissue sarcomas in general. A 69-year-old male complained of a 4 month history of a painless right groin swelling during routine urological review for prostate cancer follow-up. Clinical examination revealed a non-tender, firm right inguinoscrotal mass. There was no discernible cough impulse. Computed tomography of abdomen and pelvis showed a non-obstructed right inguinal hernia. During elective hernia repair a solid mass involving the spermatic cord and extending into the proximal scrotum was seen. The mass was widely resected and a right orchidectomy was performed. Pathology revealed a paratesticular sarcoma. He proceeded to receive adjuvant radiotherapy. Only around 110 cases of leiomyosarcoma of the spermatic cord have been described in the literature. They commonly present as painless swellings in the groin. The majority of diagnoses are made on histology.


2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-69
Author(s):  
Julieta G. S. P. Melo ◽  
Ricardo S. Centeno ◽  
Suzana M. F. Malheiros ◽  
Fernando A. P. Ferraz ◽  
João N. Stávale ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: In this study the authors review the outcomes of 22 patients with medically refractory epilepsy and slow growth brain tumors. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the clinical, electrophysiological, operative, and histopathological features. PATIENTS AND RESULTS: The majority of the tumors were located in the temporal lobe (n = 20) and involved the cortical gray matter. The most frequent tumors were gangliogliomas (n = 9), astrocytomas grade I and II (n = 6), dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (n = 5) and ganglioneuroma (n = 2). The biological behavior of the tumors was strikingly indolent, as indicated by a long preoperative history of chronic seizures (mean, 14 years). Mean follow-up time after resection was 27 months, and according to Engel’s classification, 85% were seizure-free, 10% showed a reduction of seizure frequency of at least 90%, and 5% had reduction in seizure frequency at least 75%. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that neoplasms associated with pharmacoresistent epilepsy constitute a distinct clinicopathological group of tumors that arise in young patients, involve the cortex, and exhibit indolent biological behavior for many years. Complete surgical removal of these tumors, including the epileptogenic area, can achieve excellent seizure control.


2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo S. Silvetti ◽  
Fabio A. Saputo ◽  
Rosalinda Palmieri ◽  
Silvia Placidi ◽  
Lorenzo Santucci ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundRemote monitoring is increasingly used in the follow-up of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. Data on paediatric populations are still lacking. The aim of our study was to follow-up young patients both in-hospital and remotely to enhance device surveillance.MethodsThis is an observational registry collecting data on consecutive patients followed-up with the CareLink system. Inclusion criteria were a Medtronic device implanted and patient’s willingness to receive CareLink. Patients were stratified according to age and presence of congenital/structural heart defects (CHD).ResultsA total of 221 patients with a device – 200 pacemakers, 19 implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and two loop recorders – were enrolled (median age of 17 years, range 1–40); 58% of patients were younger than 18 years of age and 73% had CHD. During a follow-up of 12 months (range 4–18), 1361 transmissions (8.9% unscheduled) were reviewed by technicians. Time for review was 6±2 minutes (mean±standard deviation). Missed transmissions were 10.1%. Events were documented in 45% of transmissions, with 2.7% yellow alerts and 0.6% red alerts sent by wireless devices. No significant differences were found in transmission results according to age or presence of CHD. Physicians reviewed 6.3% of transmissions, 29 patients were contacted by phone, and 12 patients underwent unscheduled in-hospital visits. The event recognition with remote monitoring occurred 76 days (range 16–150) earlier than the next scheduled in-office follow-up.ConclusionsRemote follow-up/monitoring with the CareLink system is useful to enhance device surveillance in young patients. The majority of events were not clinically relevant, and the remaining led to timely management of problems.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana-Maria Bucalau ◽  
Illario Tancredi ◽  
Martina Pezzullo ◽  
Raphael Leveque ◽  
Simona Picchia ◽  
...  

Aim: Evaluation of safety and efficacy of selective balloon-occluded transarterial chemoembolization using polyethylene glycol embolizing microspheres in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Materials & methods: Twenty-four consecutive patients were included in this monocentric prospective trial. Adverse events were evaluated at 24 h and 1 month. Imaging response according to modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors was assessed at 1, 3 and 6 months. Results: The median time of follow-up was of 22.8 months (interquartile range (IQR) 17.38–26.22). Clinical grade 1/2 toxicities (0% >grade 2) were reported in 25.7% of patients, with abdominal pain being the most frequent complication (17.1%). No 30-days mortalities or liver decompensation were observed. The 1-month follow-up MRI showed an overall response rate of 74.3% Conclusion: Balloon-occluded transarterial chemoembolization was shown to be safe and effective.


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