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Abstract

AbstractEncouraging start for abirateronePromising results from a UK phase I study of the CP17 inhibitor abiraterone have received wide coverage in the media (J Clin Oncol, published online 21 July, 10.1200/JCO.2007.15.9749). The dose‐escalation trial in 21 men with hormone‐refractory prostate cancer showed that abiraterone suppressed serum PSA by at least 50 per cent in 12 men (57 per cent). This was associated with improvement in symptoms and radiologic regression, with a plateau effect at a dose of 1mg/day. Adverse effects included hypertension, hypokalaemia and lower‐limb oedema.A phase III trial of abiraterone is now in progress, due for completion in 2011.OTC antibiotic for chlamydiaAzithromycin is to be made available over the counter for the treatment of chlamydia infection, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has announced.Branded as Clamelle (azithromycin 500mg), a single 1g dose of azithromycin will be licensed for the treatment of over‐16s who have tested positive for infection but have no symptoms; their partners may also be treated. Pharmacists will be able to use a new urine testing kit introduced to support the brand. The diagnosis must be confirmed by a nucleic acid amplification test.The move coincides with a call from the Health Protection Agency for annual screening for chlamydia among young people. Its latest report (available at www.hpa.org.uk) emphasises that 16‐ to 24‐year‐olds are at highest risk of sexually transmitted infections, accounting for two‐thirds of all chlamydia infections and half of genital warts and gonorrhoea infections diagnosed in genitourinary medicine clinics last year.Diagnosed chlamydia infections increased by 7 per cent compared with 2006, reflecting not only increased unsafe sexual behaviour but also improved detection.HPV testing more sensitive in the long termScreening women for HPV is more sensitive than conventional cytology in detecting women who will develop cervical abnormalities (CIN2+) over a period of nine years, according to the Hammersmith study (Int J Cancer 2008; 122: 2294‐300). After a normal cytology, the risk of developing CIN2+ was 0.33, 0.83 and 2.20 per cent at one, five and nine years compared with 0.19, 0.42 and 1.88 per cent after a negative HPV test. HPV‐positive status was associated with a sixfold increased risk of developing CIN2+ lesions compared with negative status.Goserelin licence reflects survival benefitsThe product licence for the luteinising hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue goserelin (Zoladex) has been updated to reflect its positive impact on survival in men with prostate cancer following positive results from clinical trials. Manufacturer AstraZeneca says goserelin is the only LHRH analogue for which survival benefits have been demonstrated for all stages of prostate cancer.Erectile dysfunction guideline now onlineA guideline on the management of erectile dysfunction in primary and secondary care, prepared by the British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM) in 2007, has now been published (Br J Sexual Med 2008; 5: 1841‐65) and is available from the Society's website (www.bssm.org.uk).Continence care criticisedNHS trusts are cost‐cutting continence care to the detriment of patients, says the Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturers' Association (www.ahpma.co.uk). Its survey of UK continence services found long waiting times, restricted patient choice and poorly defined eligibility criteria. A radical review of services is needed, the Association concludes. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd