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British Journal of Cancer Oct 2003Rituximab is a chimeric human/mouse monoclonal antibody that is approved for the treatment of relapsed and refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and in combination... (Review)
Review
Rituximab is a chimeric human/mouse monoclonal antibody that is approved for the treatment of relapsed and refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and in combination with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) chemotherapy as first-line therapy for diffuse large B-cell NHL, where it has shown the first survival advantage over CHOP alone in more than 20 years. Strategies to help define the optimal therapeutic usage of rituximab are being assessed, including first-line and maintenance or extended therapy, and the combination of rituximab with chemotherapy in indolent NHL. Emerging data suggest that earlier use may yield higher response rates, extended therapy can prolong remission, and the addition of rituximab to chemotherapy can increase clinical and molecular remission rates when compared with those achieved using chemotherapy alone. Studies in the peritransplant setting suggest a role for rituximab in vivo purging prior to transplant and/or maintenance rituximab as a means of clearing minimal residual disease. Rituximab has also shown activity in other B-cell disorders such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The full potential of this immunotherapeutic agent remains to be defined in ongoing and future clinical trials.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; Antineoplastic Agents; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Clinical Trials as Topic; Cyclophosphamide; Doxorubicin; Drug Administration Schedule; Hematologic Neoplasms; Humans; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation; Prednisone; Rituximab; Vincristine
PubMed: 14562003
DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6601187 -
Cryobiology Dec 2020It has been known that different protocols are used for embryo preservation at different stages due to different sensitivity to the physical and physiological stress...
It has been known that different protocols are used for embryo preservation at different stages due to different sensitivity to the physical and physiological stress caused by vitrification. In this study, we developed a common vitrification protocol using carboxlated ε-poly-l-lysine (COOH-PLL), a new cryoprotective agent for the vitrification of mouse embryos at different stages. The IVF-derived Crl:CD1(ICR) x B6D2F1/Crl pronuclear, 2-cell, 4-cell, and 8-cell, morula and blastocyst stage embryos were vitrified with 15% (v/v) ethylene glycol (EG) and 10% (w/v) COOH-PLL (E15P15) or 15% (v/v) EG and 15% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide (E15D15) using the minimal volume cooling method. The survival of vitrified embryos from pronuclear to blastocyst stages was equivalent between E15P15 and E15D15 groups. However, the rate of development to blastocysts was significantly lower in E15P15 than E15D15. The rates of survival and development to blastocysts were dramatically improved by a slight modification of EG and COOH-PLL concentrations (E20P10). After transferring 17 (E20P10) and 15 (E15D15) vitrified/warmed blastocysts, 8 and 7 pups were obtained (47.1% and 46.7%, respectively). Taken together, these results indicate that our vitrification protocol is appropriate for the vitrification of mouse embryos at different stages.
Topics: Animals; Blastocyst; Cryopreservation; Cryoprotective Agents; Ethylene Glycol; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Polylysine; Vitrification
PubMed: 33035552
DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.10.004 -
Lasers in Medical Science Feb 2015The aim of this randomized, longitudinal clinical study was to evaluate different protocols for dentin hypersensitivity treatment with low-power laser at different... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The aim of this randomized, longitudinal clinical study was to evaluate different protocols for dentin hypersensitivity treatment with low-power laser at different dosages, desensitizing agent, and associations, for a period of 6 months. After analysis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria of volunteer participants, those who present pain resulting from non-carious cervical lesions were selected. Twenty-seven patients participated in the study, and 55 lesions were recorded. The lesions were divided into five groups (n = 11), treated, and evaluated: G1: Gluma Desensitizer (Heraeus); G2: low-power laser (Photon Lase, DMC) at low dose (three vestibular points and one apical point of irradiation: 30 mW, 10 J/cm(2), 9 s per point with wavelength of 810 nm), three sessions were performed with an interval of 72 h between them; G3: low-power laser at high dose (application at one cervical and one apical point: 100 mW, 90 J/cm(2), 11 s per point with wavelength of 810 nm), three sessions were performed with an interval of 72 h between irradiations; G4: low-power laser at low dose + Gluma Desensitizer; and G5: low-power laser at high dose + Gluma Desensitizer, the level of sensitivity of each volunteer was evaluated with a visual analog scale of pain (VAS) with the use of air from a triple syringe and exploration with a probe after time intervals of 5 min, 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Data were collected and subjected to statistical analysis. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to verify the distribution of the data, and nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests were performed for comparison among the experimental groups and time intervals studied, respectively. Statistically significant differences between the studied time intervals (p < 0.05) were detected. From the difference in pain, it was observed that for both stimuli, the protocol with the Gluma desensitizing agent presented immediate effects of pain reduction. For low-level lasers, it was observed that there were distinct effects for the different doses; however, both were efficient in reducing pain up to the 6 months of clinical follow-up. Therefore, it could be concluded that all the desensitizing protocols were effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity, but with different effects. The combination of protocols is an interesting alternative in the treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Dentin; Dentin Desensitizing Agents; Dentin Sensitivity; Female; Glutaral; Humans; Lasers; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Methacrylates; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Statistics, Nonparametric; Time Factors; Tooth; Young Adult
PubMed: 24197517
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-013-1441-z -
Journal of Oral Science 2020The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of various polishing protocols on the surface roughness of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and identify an effective...
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of various polishing protocols on the surface roughness of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and identify an effective polishing method of dental prostheses at the chairside. The PEEK specimens were assigned to seven groups with different protocols: no additional polishing (NT); polishing using a rubber point (C); polishing using "silky shine" (S); polishing using "aqua blue paste" (A); protocol C followed by protocol S (CS); protocol C followed by protocol A (CA); and protocol C followed by protocols S and A (CSA). The surface roughness (Sa and Ra) of the polished surfaces was measured. The surface roughness decreased in the following order of groups: NT, C, S, CS, CSA, CA, and A. In Groups C and S, wide deep pits formed by abrasive grains of SiC paper were observed, whereas only fine linear structures were observed on the surface in other groups. With respect to the polishing protocol of PEEK, clinically acceptable surface roughness was obtained using a soft polishing brush and agent for more than 3 min.
Topics: Benzophenones; Dental Polishing; Ketones; Materials Testing; Polyethylene Glycols; Polymers; Surface Properties
PubMed: 31996521
DOI: 10.2334/josnusd.18-0473 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Jan 1998Much attention is being given to developing clinical practice guidelines for management of mental health disorders. The aim of this study was to field test a prototype... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
BACKGROUND
Much attention is being given to developing clinical practice guidelines for management of mental health disorders. The aim of this study was to field test a prototype protocol for the pharmacologic treatment of Major Depression.
METHOD
The protocol consisted of four, six week, treatment phases with critical choices in therapy defined by scores on the MADRS (Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale). Observational data as collected on the behaviour of the protocol in terms of relevance, acceptability, ease of use and effectiveness.
RESULTS
Effectiveness of the protocol was good for those patients who were retained within it, with three quarters of them attaining remission. However more than half of all patients dropped out-non attendance and adverse events being the most common reasons for this.
CONCLUSION
The protocol for the treatment of Major Depression appeared relevant, easy to use and potentially effective.
LIMITATION
Problems with non-adherence by both doctors and patients posed major challenges to the protocol's design. Such difficulties demonstrate the need to field test any proposed design as preconceptions about a protocol's performance may be misplaced.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The protocol tested represents progress towards the goal of developing optimal strategies for the use of pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of depression.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Clinical Protocols; Depressive Disorder; Female; Humans; Lithium; Lofepramine; Male; Middle Aged; Paroxetine; Patient Compliance; Patient Dropouts; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Research Design; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 9476748
DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0327(97)00124-9 -
Bulletin Du Cancer Dec 2011The outcome for patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is dismal. In this article, we will review current first-line treatments for metastatic... (Review)
Review
The outcome for patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is dismal. In this article, we will review current first-line treatments for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma focusing on phase III randomized studies. Single-agent gemcitabine, the reference treatment since 1995, offers only slight benefit. Numerous trials using gemcitabine in combination with different cytotoxic agents have resulted in no major improvement compared to gemcitabine alone. Only the gemcitabine-erlotinib combination has shown a small, but statistically improvement in survival. In selected patients with good performance status ECOG 0-1, no cardiac ischemia and almost normal bilirubin level, the Folfirinox regimen, when compared to gemcitabine as single agent, was associated with more toxicities, but also with significant increased survival and delay in the degradation of quality of life. So, Folfirinox is a new more toxic and more efficient regimen that may be considered in patients with good performance status.
Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; Deoxycytidine; ErbB Receptors; Erlotinib Hydrochloride; Fluorouracil; Humans; Leucovorin; Organoplatinum Compounds; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Quinazolines; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Gemcitabine
PubMed: 22133915
DOI: 10.1684/bdc.2011.1494 -
Journal of Conservative Dentistry : JCD 2018Composite resin restorations are normally replaced after the internal bleaching of endodontically treated-teeth because the bleaching agent does not alter the color of...
PURPOSE
Composite resin restorations are normally replaced after the internal bleaching of endodontically treated-teeth because the bleaching agent does not alter the color of the restorative material. This study evaluated the effect of 10% sodium ascorbate (SA) applied at different protocols on bleached dentin.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
One-hundred slabs of intracoronary bovine dentin were divided into 5 groups: 2 controls-GI without bleaching (positive), GII bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) (negative); and 3 experimentals - GIII. 35% HP + SA at protocol 1 (dripping, washing and drying the solution), GIV. 35% HP + SA at protocol 2 (dripping and aspirating the solution) and GV. 35% HP + SA at protocol 3 (dripping, rubbing and aspirating the solution). Sixty fragments were restored and subjected to shear bond strength test ( = 12). Forty fragments ( = 8) were prepared for chemical analysis (energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry) and surface morphology (scanning electron microscopy). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test ( < 0.05).
RESULTS
GI (3.169 ± 1.510a) had the highest means values, similar to GIV (2.752 ± 0.961a) and GV (2.981 ± 1.185a) ( < 0.05). Inferior values were obtained in GII (1.472 ± 0.342b) and GIII (2.037 ± 0.742ab) had intermediate values ( > 0.05). Oxygen concentration was reduced in groups treated with SA, and the surface exhibited residual granules of the solution.
CONCLUSION
The 10% SA solution reestablishes the bond strength of restorative material to bleached dentin, especially if active protocols of application and aspiration were used.
PubMed: 29628643
DOI: 10.4103/JCD.JCD_80_17 -
Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Apr 2017Pain management after abdominal surgery is a critical issue in cancer patients undergoing laparotomy. Opioid analgesics commonly used postoperatively have significant...
BACKGROUND
Pain management after abdominal surgery is a critical issue in cancer patients undergoing laparotomy. Opioid analgesics commonly used postoperatively have significant side effects and can postpone restoring normal life. Administration of analgesics before the surgery by inhibiting pain cascades may be an effective method for more efficient pain control.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to investigate the effect of the preemptive use of oral pregabalin-acetaminophen-naproxen on pain control and morphine consumptions in cancer patients undergoing laparotomy.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A total of 40 cancer patients scheduled for open abdominal surgery were randomized into the two groups. one group received combination of pregabalin 150 mg, acetaminophen 1 g and naproxen 250 mg (the PAN group) an hour before laparotomy. Following the surgery, morphine was administered on a protocolized schedule based on patients' demand for pain control. Postoperative pain level was assessed using universal pain assessment tool (UPAT) at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after the operation. The postoperative morphine dose and complications were noted. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.
RESULTS
Patients in the PAN group had significantly lower UPAT scores at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after the surgery than those in the control group (P = 0.008, 0.021, 0.008, 0.047, 0.004, 0.001, and 0.001). The mean dose of postoperative morphine consumption in the PAN group was 37% less than the control group (P = 0.001). The complications were not significantly different between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Preemptive use of pregabalin-acetaminophen-naproxen decreases intensity of pain and morphine consumption in the cancer patients after laparotomy without significant complications.
PubMed: 28824854
DOI: 10.5812/aapm.33269 -
Seminars in Oncology Feb 2002Efforts to improve further therapy for advanced ovarian carcinoma currently focus on addition of a third active agent to front-line chemotherapy. Three agents with... (Review)
Review
Efforts to improve further therapy for advanced ovarian carcinoma currently focus on addition of a third active agent to front-line chemotherapy. Three agents with activity against disease clinically resistant to paclitaxel and the platinum compounds are of greatest interest: gemcitabine, topotecan, and liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin. Three strategies to add a third agent include a triplet regimen that adds a third agent concurrently; a sequential doublet regimen giving three to four cycles of the new agent plus a platinum followed by three to four cycles of paclitaxel plus a platinum; and sequential single agents consisting of three to four cycles of the new agent with three to four cycles each of paclitaxel and a platinum. Gemcitabine in combination with another agent has been evaluated to develop doublet regimens for the second of these three strategies. Combinations both feasible and active include gemcitabine plus cisplatin or carboplatin, gemcitabine plus paclitaxel, gemcitabine plus topotecan, gemcitabine plus liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin, gemcitabine plus vinorelbine, and gemcitabine plus treosulfan. The combinations of gemcitabine plus a platinum compound appear most promising with synergism suggested by the data. A gemcitabine/carboplatin doublet for four cycles followed by four cycles of paclitaxel/carboplatin is currently under evaluation in a randomized phase III trial (Gynecologic Oncology Group [GOG] protocol 0182).
Topics: Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Busulfan; Carboplatin; Cisplatin; Clinical Trials as Topic; Deoxycytidine; Doxorubicin; Etoposide; Female; Humans; Ovarian Neoplasms; Paclitaxel; Topotecan; Vinblastine; Vinorelbine; Gemcitabine
PubMed: 11840415
DOI: 10.1053/sonc.2002.31590 -
International Journal of Urology :... Jul 2014The American Cancer Society estimates that 73 510 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed and 15 000 deaths will result this year. The paper summarizes the... (Review)
Review
The American Cancer Society estimates that 73 510 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed and 15 000 deaths will result this year. The paper summarizes the clinical evidence for the use of platinum-based, non-platinum-based and new targeted biological agents, while reporting the future directions in the treatment of metastatic bladder cancer. For cisplatin-base regimens, the combination of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin (M-VAC) has been the mainstream treatment for both advanced and metastatic bladder cancers. It showed significant improvement in the complete response rate and overall survival time in comparison with single-agent cisplatin. For cisplatin-ineligible patients, namely patients with renal impairment, symptomatic cardiac disease and poor performance status, alternative therapies consisting of paclitaxel, gemcitabine and carboplatin were shown to be of benefit. Pemetrexed and vinflunine have also shown effectiveness, with small but demonstrable overall survival benefits. Gemcitabine-based doublet therapies (combined with paclitaxel, docetaxel, irinotecan, oxaliplatin or epirubicin) have all been shown to be effective and well-tolerated. Several new targeted therapies, such as gefetinib, sorafenib and lapatinib, have received attention in recent years; however, their effectiveness as single agents in a relapse setting have not been optimal and more studies are warranted.
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Carboplatin; Cisplatin; Doxorubicin; Humans; Methotrexate; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Vinblastine
PubMed: 24455982
DOI: 10.1111/iju.12407