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The Lancet. Haematology Jun 2024Follicular helper T-cell lymphomas (TFHL) harbour frequent alterations in genes that regulate DNA methylation. Preliminary reports suggest that treatment with... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Oral azacitidine compared with standard therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory follicular helper T-cell lymphoma (ORACLE): an open-label randomised, phase 3 study.
BACKGROUND
Follicular helper T-cell lymphomas (TFHL) harbour frequent alterations in genes that regulate DNA methylation. Preliminary reports suggest that treatment with 5-azacitidine has clinical activity in patients with relapsed or refractory TFHL. We aimed to compare the oral form of azacitidine with investigator's choice standard therapy (ICT; ie, gemcitabine, bendamustine, or romidepsin) in patients with relapsed or refractory TFHL.
METHODS
Patients older than 18 years with relapsed or refractory TFHL (angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, or nodal T-cell lymphoma with phenotype, ie, positive with two or more markers among CD10, BCL6, CXCL13, PD1, or ICOS) based on the 2017 WHO classification of haematological neoplasms, with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 0-3, were recruited in university hospitals from five European countries and from Japan. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to treatment with either azacitidine given at a dose of 300 mg once a day (200 mg in Japanese patients) for 14 days in a 28-day cycle or gemcitabine, bendamustine, or romidepsin according to the investigator's choice. Random assignment was stratified by the number of previous lines of therapy and by the presence of previous or concomitant myeloid malignancy. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival, presented in the intention-to-treat population. This Article is the final analysis of this trial, registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Europe NCT03593018 and Japan NCT03703375).
FINDINGS
86 patients (median age 69 years [IQR 62-76], 50 patients were male, 36 were female) were enrolled between Nov 9, 2018, to Feb 22, 2021; 42 in the azacitidine group and 44 in the ICT group. With a median follow-up of 27·4 months (IQR 20·2-32·9), the median progression-free survival was 5·6 months (95% CI 2·7 -8·1) in the azacitidine group versus 2·8 months (1·9-4·8) in the ICT group (hazard ratio of 0·63 (95% CI 0·38-1·07); 1-sided p=0·042). Grade 3-4 adverse events were reported in 32 (76%) of 42 patients in the azacitidine group versus 42 (98%) of 43 patients in the ICT group. The most adverse grade 3 or worse adverse events were haematological (28 [67%] of 42 patients vs 40 [93%] of 43 patients), infection (8 [19%] and 14 [33%]), and gastrointestinal (5 [12%] vs 1 [2%] for azacitidine and ICT, respectively). There were two treatment-related deaths in the azacitidine group (one endocarditis and one candidiasis) and three in the ICT group (one heart failure, one COVID-19, and one cause unknown).
INTERPRETATION
Although the pre-specified primary outcome of the trial was not met, the favourable safety profile suggests that azacitidine could add to the treatment options in these difficult to treat diseases especially in combination with other drugs. Trials with combination are in preparation in a platform trial.
FUNDING
Bristol-Myers Squibb.
TRANSLATION
For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Aged; Middle Aged; Azacitidine; Administration, Oral; Bendamustine Hydrochloride; Gemcitabine; Lymphoma, Follicular; Deoxycytidine; Depsipeptides; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38796193
DOI: 10.1016/S2352-3026(24)00102-9 -
Lancet (London, England) Jun 2024Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa have substantial unmet clinical needs and scarce therapeutic options. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of bimekizumab, a... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy and safety of bimekizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II): two 48-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre phase 3 trials.
BACKGROUND
Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa have substantial unmet clinical needs and scarce therapeutic options. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of bimekizumab, a monoclonal IgG1 antibody that selectively inhibits interleukin (IL)-17F and IL-17A, in patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa.
METHODS
BE HEARD I and II were two identically designed, 48-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre phase 3 trials. Patients aged 18 years or older with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa were randomly assigned 2:2:2:1 using interactive response technology (stratified by worst Hurley Stage at baseline and baseline systemic antibiotic use) to receive subcutaneous bimekizumab 320 mg every 2 weeks; bimekizumab 320 mg every 2 weeks to week 16, then every 4 weeks to week 48; bimekizumab 320 mg every 4 weeks to week 48; or placebo to week 16, then bimekizumab 320 mg every 2 weeks. The primary outcome was an hidradenitis suppurativa clinical response of at least 50%, defined as a reduction in total abscess and inflammatory nodule count of at least 50% from baseline with no increase from baseline in abscess or draining tunnel count (HiSCR50) at week 16. Efficacy analyses included all randomly assigned study patients (intention-to-treat population). Safety analyses included all patients who received at least one full or partial dose of study treatment in the safety set, and of bimekizumab in the active-medication set. These trials are registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04242446 and NCT04242498, and both are completed.
FINDINGS
Patients for BE HEARD I were recruited from Feb 19, 2020, to Oct 27, 2021, and 505 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned. Patients for BE HEARD II were recruited from March 2, 2020, to July 28, 2021, and 509 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned. The primary outcome at week 16 was met in the group who received bimekizumab every 2 weeks using modified non-responder imputation; higher responder rates were observed with bimekizumab versus placebo in both trials: 138 (48%) of 289 patients versus 21 (29%) of 72 patients in BE HEARD I (odds ratio [OR] 2·23 [97·5% CI 1·16-4·31]; p=0·0060) and 151 (52%) of 291 patients versus 24 (32%) of 74 patients in BE HEARD II (2·29 [1·22-4·29]; p=0·0032). In BE HEARD II, HiSCR50 was also met in the group who were administered bimekizumab every 4 weeks (77 [54%] of 144 vs 24 [32%] of 74 with placebo; 2·42 [1·22-4·80]; p=0·0038). Responses were maintained or increased to week 48. Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 40 (8%) patients in BE HEARD I and in 24 (5%) patients in BE HEARD II treated with bimekizumab over 48 weeks. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events to week 48 were hidradenitis in both trials, in addition to coronavirus infection and diarrhoea in BE HEARD I, and oral candidiasis and headache in BE HEARD II. One death was reported across the two trials, and was due to congestive heart failure in a patient with substantial cardiovascular history treated with bimekizumab every 2 weeks in BE HEARD I (considered unrelated to bimekizumab treatment by the investigator). No new safety signals were observed.
INTERPRETATION
Bimekizumab was well tolerated by patients with hidradenitis suppurativa and produced rapid and deep clinically meaningful responses that were maintained up to 48 weeks. Data from these two trials support the use of bimekizumab for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa.
FUNDING
UCB Pharma.
Topics: Humans; Hidradenitis Suppurativa; Double-Blind Method; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Severity of Illness Index; Interleukin-17
PubMed: 38795716
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00101-6 -
Archives of Oral Biology Aug 2024This study investigated C. albicans strain diversity and maintenance in the oral cavity of HIV positive women over a 6 month period.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated C. albicans strain diversity and maintenance in the oral cavity of HIV positive women over a 6 month period.
STUDY DESIGN
C. albicans strains were isolated from 17 HIV positive women at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, Johannesburg at 3 intervals over a 6 month period. Strains were genotyped using ABC and Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) techniques. In the MLST technique, for each strain, a Diploid Sequence Type (DST) number was obtained. Using cluster analysis, an Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) dendrogram and a matrix of strain similarities were generated. Strains were also compared to the previous South African isolates documented in the MLST database.
RESULTS
Ninety four percent of women carried the same ABC genotype for 6 months. MLST technique, showed that ten women (58.8%) carried the same DST at 2 visits, while seven (41.2%) carried different DST at all visits. Further analysis showed that 64.7% of women were recolonised with different strains and 35.3% carried the same strains of C. albicans with heterozygosity. A total of 40 diploid sequence types were identified of which 27 DSTs were unique to this study group that were added to the MLST database. Most of the strains were closely related to previously isolated strains from South Africa.
CONCLUSION
Recolonization of the oral cavity with different strains and microevolution of the original strains of C. albicans can occur, which can be a potential problem for HIV patients, in whom highly virulent and drug resistant strains can emerge.
Topics: Humans; Female; South Africa; Candida albicans; Adult; Multilocus Sequence Typing; Candidiasis, Oral; Genotype; HIV Infections; Mouth; Genetic Variation; Mycological Typing Techniques; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38795522
DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.106007 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Fluconazole (FZ) is a potential antifungal compound for treating superficial and systemic candidiasis. However, the use of conventional oral drug products has some...
Fluconazole (FZ) is a potential antifungal compound for treating superficial and systemic candidiasis. However, the use of conventional oral drug products has some limitations. The development of buccal film may be a potential alternative to oral formulations for FZ delivery. The present study involved the development of novel FZ-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (FZ-SLNs) in pectin solutions and the investigation of their particle characteristics. The particle sizes of the obtained FZ-SLNs were in the nanoscale range. To produce pectin films with FZ-SLNs, four formulations were selected based on the small particle size of FZ-SLNs and their suitable polydispersity index. The mean particle sizes of all chosen FZ-SLNs formulations did not exceed 131.7 nm, and the mean polydispersity index of each formulation was less than 0.5. The properties of films containing FZ-SLNs were then assessed. The preparation of all FZ-SLN-loaded pectin films provided the mucoadhesive matrices. The evaluation of mechanical properties unveiled the influence of particle size variation in FZ-SLNs on the integrity of the film. The Fourier-transform infrared spectra indicated that hydrogen bonds could potentially form between the pectin-based matrix and the constituents of FZ-SLNs. The differential scanning calorimetry thermogram of each pectin film with FZ-SLNs revealed that the formulation was thermally stable and behaved in a solid state at 37 °C. According to a drug release study, a sustained drug release pattern with a burst in the initial stage for all films may be advantageous for reducing the lag period of drug release. All prepared films with FZ-SLNs provided a sustained release of FZ over 6 h. The films containing FZ-SLNs with a small particle size provided good permeability across the porcine mucosa. All film samples demonstrated antifungal properties. These results suggest the potential utility of pectin films incorporating FZ-SLNs for buccal administration.
Topics: Pectins; Nanoparticles; Fluconazole; Particle Size; Antifungal Agents; Administration, Buccal; Lipids; Drug Carriers; Drug Liberation; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Drug Delivery Systems; Mouth Mucosa; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Animals; Liposomes
PubMed: 38791451
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105413 -
BMJ Paediatrics Open May 2024To develop evidence-based guidance for topical steroid use in paediatric eosinophilic oesophagitis (pEoE) in the UK for both induction and maintenance treatment. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To develop evidence-based guidance for topical steroid use in paediatric eosinophilic oesophagitis (pEoE) in the UK for both induction and maintenance treatment.
METHODS
A systematic literature review using Cochrane guidance was carried out by the British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN) Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE) Working Group (WG) and research leads to determine the evidence base for preparation, dosing and duration of use of swallowed topical steroid (STS) formulations in EoE. Seven themes relating to pEoE were reviewed by the WG, alongside the Cochrane review this formed the evidence base for consensus recommendations for pEoE in the UK. We provide an overview of practical considerations including treatment regimen and dosing. Oral viscous budesonide (OVB) and, if agreed by local regulatory committees, orodispersible budesonide (budesonide 1 mg tablets) were selected for ease of use and with most improvement in histology. A practical 'how to prepare and use' OVB appendix is included. Side effects identified included candidiasis and adrenal gland suppression. The use of oral systemic steroids in strictures is discussed briefly.
RESULTS
2638 citations were identified and 18 randomised controlled trials were included. Evidence exists for the use of STS for induction and maintenance therapy in EoE, especially regarding histological improvement. Using the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation criteria, dosing of steroids by age (0.5 mg two times per day <10 years and 1 mg two times per day ≥10 years) for induction of at least 3 months was suggested based on evidence and practical consideration. Once histological remission is achieved, maintenance dosing of steroids appears to reduce the frequency and severity of relapse, as such a maintenance weaning regimen is proposed.
CONCLUSION
A practical, evidence-based flow chart and guidance recommendations with consensus from the EoE WG and education and research representatives of BSPGHAN were developed with detailed practical considerations for use in the UK.
Topics: Humans; Eosinophilic Esophagitis; Child; Budesonide; Administration, Topical; Evidence-Based Medicine; Glucocorticoids; United Kingdom; Administration, Oral
PubMed: 38782481
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002467 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science Jul 2024A 14-year-old male tiger developed anorexia with elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. The patient had a palpable abdominal mass and demonstrated...
A 14-year-old male tiger developed anorexia with elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. The patient had a palpable abdominal mass and demonstrated neutrophilic leukocytosis and anaemia. Leukocytes, yeast and bacteria were present in the urine. The animal was non-responsive to therapy and was subsequently euthanised. Extensive acute renal papillary necrosis (RPN) with pyelonephritis, chronic nephritis and polycystic renal disease were evident during gross and microscopic pathology examinations. The histologic occurrence of fungal spores and pseudohyphae morphologically consistent with Candida species were observed within the necrotic papillary regions of the kidney and within multiple foci of mild parakeratotic hyperkeratosis present in the gingiva and tongue. Candida albicans along with a slight growth of Escherichia coli were recovered from kidney cultures. Possible contributory factors for the renal candidiasis and associated RPN include predisposing oral candidiasis, polycystic renal disease, ischaemic nephrosclerosis, age-associated or other forms of immunodeficiency and therapy with meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The absence of apparent lower urinary tract involvement coupled with the presence of intravascular renal 'Candida emboli' suggest that chronic oral candidiasis was the probable source of the kidney infection.
Topics: Animals; Male; Tigers; Candidiasis; Kidney Papillary Necrosis; Candida albicans; Animals, Zoo; Kidney Diseases
PubMed: 38779883
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1421 -
Journal of Oral Biosciences Jun 2024The use of prostheses in the oral cavity creates favorable conditions for Candida colonization, which may subsequently lead to Candida-associated denture stomatitis... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The use of prostheses in the oral cavity creates favorable conditions for Candida colonization, which may subsequently lead to Candida-associated denture stomatitis (CADS). Due to its many contributing factors and frequent relapses, CADS is difficult to manage. Given the rise in drug resistance among fungal species, it is critical to develop new therapeutic approaches, reduce the required dosage of medications, and minimize the toxicity and side effects of therapy.
HIGHLIGHT
Salivary lactoferrin, a multifunctional glycoprotein, is thought to be the first line of defense against microbial invasion of mucosal surfaces.
CONCLUSION
Current research emphasizes the capability of lactoferrin and its derivatives to eliminate a broad spectrum of Candida species. It may be an appealing option for use in monotherapy or in combination with common medications for oral stomatitis treatment. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of lactoferrin's anti-fungal effects in oral candidiasis.
Topics: Lactoferrin; Humans; Stomatitis, Denture; Candidiasis, Oral; Antifungal Agents; Candida
PubMed: 38777122
DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2024.05.007 -
Einstein (Sao Paulo, Brazil) 2024This study aimed to verify oral candidiasis, identify the causative species, and investigate the antifungal susceptibility of yeasts isolated from liver transplant...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to verify oral candidiasis, identify the causative species, and investigate the antifungal susceptibility of yeasts isolated from liver transplant patients.
METHODS
A descriptive analysis of 97 patients who underwent liver transplantation was conducted at a hospital. Two clinical examinations (Collections A and B) of the oral cavity were performed. Oral material was collected from all patients, inoculated in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, and incubated at 35℃ for 48 hours. Samples were identified by molecular sequencing of the internal trascribed space region of rDNA.
RESULTS
An antifungal susceptibility test with fluconazole, amphotericin B, and micafungin was performed using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute yeast broth microdilution method. Among the patients, 15 presented with oral candidiasis: eight in Collection A and seven in Collection B. The primary type of candidiasis was atrophic, followed by pseudomembranous candidiasis. The most prevalent species was Candida albicans (nine), followed by Candida glabrata (three), Candida tropicalis (two), and Candida dubliniensis (one). Regarding susceptibility to fluconazole, of the 15 samples, 11 were susceptible, three were susceptible in a dose-dependent manner, and one was resistant.
CONCLUSION
The most commonly identified type of candidiasis was atrophic, with C. albicans and C. glabrata being the most prevalent causative species. One fluconazole-resistant isolate each of C. tropicalis and C. albicans were identified.
Topics: Humans; Antifungal Agents; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Liver Transplantation; Male; Candidiasis, Oral; Female; Middle Aged; Candida; Fluconazole; Adult; Amphotericin B; Aged; Drug Resistance, Fungal; Micafungin; Young Adult
PubMed: 38775603
DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2024AO0138 -
Research Square May 2024Oropharyngeal species are part commensal microflora in the the oral cavity of health individuals. Commensal species can become opportunist and transition to pathogenic...
Evaluation of the Virulence Attributes of Oropharyngeal Species Isolated from People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus with Oropharyngeal Candidiasis on Antiretroviral Therapy.
BACKGROUND
Oropharyngeal species are part commensal microflora in the the oral cavity of health individuals. Commensal species can become opportunist and transition to pathogenic causes of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) in individuals with impaired immunity through ecological cues and expression of virulence factors. Limited studies have evaluated virulence attributes of oropharyngeal species among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) with OPC on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Uganda.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of the Virulence Attributes of Oropharyngeal Species Isolated from People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus with Oropharyngeal Candidiasis on Antiretroviral Therapy.
METHODS
Thirty-five (35) isolates from PLHIV with OPC on ART were retrieved from sample repository and evaluated for phospholipase activity using the egg yolk agar method, proteinase activity using the bovine serum albumin agar method, hemolysin activity using the blood agar plate method, esterase activity using the Tween 80 opacity test medium method, coagulase activity using the classical tube method and biofilm formation using the microtiter plate assay method .
RESULTS
Phospholipase and proteinase activities were detected in 33/35 (94.3%) and 31/35 (88.6%) of the strains, respectively. Up to 25/35 (71.4%) of the strains exhibited biofilm formation while esterase activity was demonstrated in 23/35 (65.7%) of the strains. Fewer isolates 21/35 (60%) of the strains produced hemolysin and coagulase production was the least virulence activity detected in 18/35 (51.4%).
CONCLUSION
Phospholipase and proteinase activities were the strongest virulence attributes of oropharyngeal species.
PubMed: 38766148
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4371952/v1 -
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira... 2024COVID-19 infection poses significant risks, including life-threatening consequences and fungus synchronization, making it a significant concern. This study seeks to...
OBJECTIVE
COVID-19 infection poses significant risks, including life-threatening consequences and fungus synchronization, making it a significant concern. This study seeks to assess the effect of concurrent infection of COVID-19 with Thrush Candida albicans on the patient's health state by measuring the proportion of immune cells and certain interleukins such as IL-8, -10, -17, and -33.
METHODS
The study involved 70 patients (30 patients with COVID-19, 17 patients with thrush candidiasis, and 23 patients with Thrush Candida albicans) and 50 healthy individuals as a control group. COVID-19 was identified using RT-PCR, while C. albicans were identified through culture media, biochemical testing, and oral swabs. Ruby equipment and ELISA kits were used for blood counts and interleukin detection.
RESULTS
COVID-19, thrush candidiasis, and Thrush Candida albicans infections occur in a wide range of age groups (4-80 years), with no significant differences between sexes (p>0.05). Immunologically, our study found that Thrush Candida albicans patients had the highest rate of neutrophils (89.6%) and basophils (2.01%), while corona patients had the highest percentage of lymphocytes (70.12%) and eosinophils (7.11%), and patients with thrush candidiasis had the highest percentage of monocytes. Thrush Candida albicans patients showed increased IL-8 (56.7 pg/mL) and IL-17 (101.1 pg/mL) concentrations, with the greatest concentration of IL-33 (200.5 pg/mL) in COVID-19, and a decrease in the level of IL-10 in patient groups compared with controls.
CONCLUSION
Patient groups showed increased neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and IL-8 levels, with a significant linear association between proinflammatory interleukins and these cells.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Biomarkers; Aged; Adolescent; Young Adult; Case-Control Studies; Coinfection; SARS-CoV-2; Candidiasis, Oral; Interleukins; Aged, 80 and over; Candida albicans; Child; Child, Preschool
PubMed: 38747876
DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20230845