Shorter Infusion Time Research Articles

Onset Time and Durability of Huntingtin Suppression in Rhesus Putamen After Direct Infusion of Antihuntingtin siRNA.

One possible treatment for Huntington's disease involves direct infusion of a small, interfering RNA (siRNA) designed to reduce huntingtin expression into brain tissue from a chronically implanted programmable pump. Here, we studied the suppression of huntingtin mRNA achievable with short infusion times, and investigated how long suppression may persist after infusion ceases. Rhesus monkeys received 3 days of infusion of Magnevist into the putamen to confirm catheter patency and fluid distribution. After a 1-week washout period, monkeys received radiolabeled siRNA targeting huntingtin. After 1 or 3 days of siRNA delivery, monkeys were either terminated, or their pumps were shut off and they were terminated 10 or 24 days later. Results indicate that the onset of huntingtin mRNA suppression in the rhesus putamen occurs rapidly, achieving a plateau throughout the putamen within 4 days. Conversely, loss of huntingtin suppression progresses slowly, persisting an estimated 27–39 days in the putamen and surrounding white matter. These findings indicate the rapid onset and durability of siRNA-mediated target gene suppression observed in other organs also occurs in the brain, and support the use of episodic delivery of siRNA into the brain for treatment of Huntington's disease and possibly other neurodegenerative diseases.

Phase 2 Trial of Paclitaxel Polyglumex with Capecitabine for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Capecitabine and paclitaxel are established effective treatments, alone and combined with other cytotoxic and targeted agents, for metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Paclitaxel polyglumex (a macromolecular conjugate of paclitaxel bound to poly-L-glutamic acid) has potential advantages over conventional paclitaxel, including little alopecia, short infusion time with no premedication, enhanced tumor permeability/retention effect, and improved tolerability. We therefore examined tolerability and efficacy of paclitaxel polyglumex with capecitabine in patients with MBC. This was a single-stage phase 2 study, with interim analysis conducted with endpoints of tumor response, adverse events (toxicities), time to progression, and overall survival. The main eligibility criteria were: age >18 years, no prior MBC chemotherapy, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score <2, disease measurable by RECIST criteria, no HER2 overexpression or amplification, no brain metastases or peripheral sensory neuropathy. Treatment consisted of paclitaxel polyglumex (135 mg/m) by intravenous infusion on day 1+capecitabine (825 mg/m) orally twice daily on days 1 to 14, repeated on a 3-week cycle. Forty-one evaluable patients were required to test the null hypothesis that the complete and partial tumor response rate (CR+PR) was at the most 40% against the alternative of at least 60%. Paclitaxel polyglumex+capecitabine would be considered promising in this population if ≥21 responses were observed among first 41 evaluable patients. Forty-eight patients were enrolled between April 2006 and April 2007; all patients were evaluable. The median number of treatment cycles administered was 6. Eighteen patients [38%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 24%-53%] had a confirmed tumor response (2 CR, 16 PR) by RECIST criteria. Fifteen (38%; 95% CI, 23%-53%) responses occurred in first 41 patients, falling short of prespecified goal of 21 responses. Median duration of tumor response was 13.2 months. Three of the responders were progression free at last follow-up with a median follow-up of 43 months. Median progression-free survival was 5.1 months (95% CI, 4.0-7.6 mo). Six-month progression-free survival was 42% (95% CI, 30%-58%). Median dose level administered was paclitaxel polyglumex (135 mg/m) and capecitabine (825 mg/m) for cycles 1 to 7. Most common severe (grade 3/4) toxicities (at least possibly related to study drug) were: leukopenia 9 (19%), neutropenia 8 (17%), neurosensory 4 (8%), skin reaction-hand/foot 4 (8%), and dyspnea 2 (4%). Forty-six percent (22/47) of patients experienced grade ≥3 toxicity and 8% (4/48) experienced grade ≥4 toxicity. No alopecia was reported. Although the trial failed to reach goal of 21 confirmed tumor responses among the first 41 evaluable patients, paclitaxel polyglumex and capecitabine is well tolerated and effective in MBC.

Anti-Rh(D) Utilization Prior To and Following The FDA Mandate For Hemoglobinuria Screening 03/11/10

Background Anti-Rh(D) has appeal for use in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) due its rapid onset of action (24 hours) and short infusion time (10 minutes). There is reluctance by some physicians to use anti-Rh(D), however, following FDA reports in 2000 of 15 cases of acute hemoglobinemia and/or hemoglobinuria (Gaines Blood 2000) and in 2005 of 6 cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation in association with acute hemoglobinemia and/or hemoglobinuria (Gaines Blood 2005). On 03/11/10, the FDA issued a black box warning stating that patients with ITP treated with WinRho (anti-Rh(D)) should be monitored in a healthcare setting for 8 hours following infusion for symptoms of intravascular hemolysis and for hemoglobinuria. Our institution adopted this 8-hour monitoring practice. Specific Aims To determine if the FDA black box warning has impacted on anti-Rh(D) utilization at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Methods Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. The charts of consecutive patients with ITP treated with anti-Rh(D) who were followed in a hematology-oncology practice between 01/01/06 and 06/30/13 were reviewed. The ICD-9 code 287.31 for ITP was used to identify inpatients treated with anti-Rh(D) between 01/01/06 and 06/30/13. The number of outpatient and inpatient anti-Rh(D) infusions per annum was computed. Results The annual number of outpatient and inpatient anti-Rh(D) infusions is shown in Table 1. Infusions occurred predominantly in the outpatient setting. Eight-hour monitoring has been adhered to. While there has been some fluctuation in anti-Rh(D) utilization, there has not been a significant decline. Conclusion Despite the FDA requirement for patients to spend increased time at health care centers following anti-Rh(D) infusions, anti-Rh(D) utilization at our institution has not declined. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Pharmacokinetics of a Single 150‐mg Intravenous Infusion of Fosaprepitant: Effects of Concentration and Infusion Time in Healthy Japanese Men

Fosaprepitant dimeglumine (Proemend® for Injection; formerly ONO-7847) is a phosphorylated prodrug that is rapidly converted to aprepitant, an oral selective neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist approved for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. This Phase 1 study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of fosaprepitant after a single intravenous dose in healthy Japanese men. All fosaprepitant- or placebo-treated subjects were assessed for the occurrence of adverse events. Ninety subjects were randomized into treatment and placebo groups. The plasma fosaprepitant concentrations generally reached steady state by 15 minutes after the start of infusion. Although the maximum concentration was proportional to the infusion time, no clinically important pharmacokinetic differences were noted in the cohorts examined. Most adverse events observed in this study were associated with infusion site reactions, which tended toward a higher incidence with shorter infusion times. These events were mild in severity. These findings demonstrate that fosaprepitant at different concentrations and over different infusion times has a pharmacokinetic and safety profile that is comparable to the intravenous dose previously established as efficacious and well tolerated. The dosing flexibility afforded by the single-dose fosaprepitant formulation should lead to greater convenience for patients and health care providers.

Safety assessment of trastuzumab diluted in 100 ml of saline in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

e11555 Background: The infusion rate is considered to affect incidence and severity of infusion reaction (IR) caused by infusion of protein formulations. Trastuzumab (TRS) is approved for 90-minute infusion as the initial dose followed by 30-minute infusion with 250 ml saline. We evaluated the safety of TRS intravenously administered over 30minutes with 100 ml saline to reduce burden of patients although safety of infusion with 250 ml saline is established. Methods: Women with HER2 positive breast cancer, ≥18 years and ≥55% left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were registered in the study. Patients received 8mg/kg of TRS 250 ml over 90 minutes diluted in 250 ml saline followed by 6mg/kg of TRS in 100 ml saline over 30 minutes in a three-week cycle. The primary endpoint of this study was the incidence of infusion reactions, and secondary endpoints were as follows: incidence of adverse events and effects on cardiac function. Results: Between June 2011 and June 2012, a total of 31 patients were recruited; 24 for adjuvant therapy and seven with metastases. The median age was 59 years (range, 39 to 82). Hormone receptor was positive in 18 patients (58%). Previous treatment with anthracyclines was reported in seven patients and radiation therapy in fourteen patients. The total number of TRS doses ranged from 5 to 17 with the median of 15. Mild IR occurred in two patients and rash occurred in one patient at the first dose. However, no IR and adverse events were observed after reducing to 100 ml saline. The average LVEF measured every 3 months was between 62.3% and 64.8%. No significant decrease in LVEF was reported with the largest decrease of 8% in one patient at the 12th month on treatment. Conversely, brain natriuretic peptide levels tended to decrease as the number of received doses increased. None of the subgroup analysis (age groups, adjuvant vs. metastatic setting, previous anthracycline treatment, and previous radiotherapy) showed statistical significance. Conclusions: Intravenous infusion of TRS with 100 ml saline over 30 minutes in breast cancer patients is considered safe based on results from the study. The safe treatment with shorter infusion time has benefit for both healthcare professionals and patients. Clinical trial information: UMIN000006710.

GRP-059 Ethanol Content in Chemotherapy

BackgroundEthanol is used as an excipient to enhance the solubility of substances partially soluble in water. For this reason, gemcitabine and paclitaxel, when supplied as an injection concentrate instead of...

GRP-128 Parenteral Iron: French Pharmacistsí Choices For Preventing Iatrogenic Events

BackgroundFerric carboxymaltose (FCM) (Ferinject) is a new parenteral iron used to treat iron deficiency anaemia. Infusion modalities are different from ferric hydroxide sucrose complex (FHSC), formerly used in our hospital...

The Role of Paclitaxel Albumin-Stabilized Nanoparticle Formulation (Nab-Paclitaxel) in the Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Short Review

The efficacy of conventional cytotoxic drugs has reached a plateau in breast cancer therapeutics. Targeted and tumor-directed therapies are required to improve the outcome and reduce toxicity. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) is a novel solvent-free formulation of paclitaxel. It demonstrates several practical advantages over paclitaxel, including a shorter infusion time, no need for premedication and endogenous albumin transport to concentrate paclitaxel within the tumor cells. A pivotal phase III study demonstrated superior efficacy and less toxicity of nab-paclitaxel in comparison to the traditional solvent containing paclitaxel as second-line therapy for metastatic breast cancer patients. Furthermore, in a randomized phase II study, nab-paclitaxel has shown clinical benefit versus docetaxel as first-line treatment in metastatic breast cancer and based on the results of this trial recently gained approval as single-agent therapy in this setting. In addition, many small phase II studies have shown that nab-paclitaxel is effective in the adjuvant and neo-adjuvant setting when combined with other cytotoxic or biological agents. These data are summarized in this short review providing evidence that nab-paclitaxel is an active treatment option with favorable toxicity profile for women with breast cancer.

Zoledronic dose adjustment in cancer patients

BackgroundZoledronic acid (ZA) is used in the prevention of skeletal related events in patients with advanced malignancies involving bone as well as in the treatment of tumour-induced hypercalcaemia. Due to...

Experience with the safety of albumin-bound paclitaxel in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BackgroundNanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) is a protein-bound derivative of paclitaxel with improved solubility over conventional paclitaxel. This allows a shorter infusion time, reduces the risk of hypersensitivity reactions and eliminates...

Scalp cooling for hair preservation and associated characteristics in 1411 chemotherapy patients - Results of the Dutch Scalp Cooling Registry

Background. Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is a frequently occurring side effect of cancer treatment with a high psychological impact which can be prevented by scalp cooling. With this multi-centre patient series we estimated the results of scalp cooling for currently used chemotherapies to provide patient information and we identified characteristics associated with the results. Material and methods. The Dutch Scalp Cooling Registry collected data on scalp-cooled patients in 28 Dutch hospitals. Nurses and patients completed questionnaires on patients, chemotherapy and scalp cooling characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associated characteristics of the scalp cooling result. Results. Overall, 50% of the 1411 scalp-cooled patients did not wear a head cover during their last chemotherapy session. Patients were satisfied with the results in 8% of cases after TAC chemotherapy and up to 95% after paclitaxel treatment. Besides type of chemotherapy, higher dose and shorter infusion time, older age, female gender and non-West-European type of hair significantly increased the proportion head cover use. Hair length, quantity, chemical manipulation (dyeing, waving, colouring), wetting hair before scalp cooling, and treatment with chemotherapy ever before did not influence the degree of head covering among patients. Conclusions. Scalp cooling results as recorded in this open patient registry were positive for most regimens, justifying it's use by all eligible patients, except for those needing TAC. Lengthening infusion time may improve the results.

Enhancing intracellular taxane delivery: current role and perspectives of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel in the treatment of advanced breast cancer

Introduction: Docetaxel and paclitaxel are among the most active agents for the treatment of breast cancer. These first-generation taxanes are extremely hydrophobic; therefore, solvents are needed for its parenteral administration. Albumin nanoparticle technology allows for the transportation of such hydrophobic drugs without the need of potentially toxic solvents. Nab-paclitaxel can be administered without premedication, in a shorter infusion time and without the need for a special infusion set. Moreover, this technology allows the selective delivery of larger amounts of anticancer drug to tumors, by exploiting endogenous albumin pathways.Areas covered: An overview of the albumin nanoparticle technology, from a clinical perspective, is reported in this paper. The preclinical and clinical development of nab-paclitaxel is reviewed, in the context of available therapies for advanced breast cancer, with a focus on safety data. Preclinical and clinical data on the prognostic and predictive role of SPARC (secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine) are also reported.Expert opinion: Nab-paclitaxel is approved at present for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, after the failure of first-line standard therapy, when anthracyclines are not indicated. Efficacy and safety data, along with a more convenient administration, confirm the potential for nab-paclitaxel to become a reference taxane in breast cancer treatment.

Results of A Phase I Study of Milatuzumab, a Humanized Anti-CD74 Antibody, and Veltuzumab, a Humanized Anti-CD20 Antibody, In Patients with Relapsed and Refractory B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma,

Abstract 3707 Background:Preclinical studies conducted at our institution (Alinari et al. Blood. 2011;117:4530–41) demonstrated superior efficacy of milatuzumab (Immunomedics, Inc.), a humanized anti-CD74 antibody, in combination with rituximab in vitro and in an in vivo preclinical model of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), compared to either agent alone. Veltuzumab (Immunomedics, Inc.), a humanized anti-CD20 antibody, has been reported to have several advantages over rituximab including slower off-rates, shorter infusion times, higher potency, and improved therapeutic responses in animal models. As a result of the anti-tumor activity observed in vitro with combined veltuzumab and milatuzumab, we initiated a phase I/II trial in pts with relapsed or refractory B-cell NHL after at least 1 prior therapy to determine the safety, tolerability, and overall response rate with this combination. Methods:Pts received veltuzumab 200 at mg/m2 weekly combined with escalating doses of milatuzumab at 8, 16, and 20 mg/kg twice per wk of wks 1–4, 12, 20, 28, and 36. All pts received premedication with acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, hydrocortisone 50 mg, and famotidine prior to veltuzumab and milatuzumb doses. Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined during weeks 1–4. Although not defined as DLT, 3 of the first 6 pts enrolled at dose levels 1–2, had significant grade 3 infusion reactions with milatuzumab. The study was amended to separate veltuzumab and milatuzumab dosing days and add 20 mg dexamethasone immediately prior to and 10 mg post-milatuzumab. Enrollment resumed with 3 additional pts at dose levels 1 and 2 in order to determine if tolerability was improved. Results:The phase I study has completed enrollment with 18 pts (follicular NHL grade 1–2 n=5; grade 3 n=5; transformed follicular n=1; diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) n=4; marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) n=1; MCL n=1; and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma n=1) that have completed at least 4 weeks of combination therapy. Median age was 65 years (range 44–81), and pts received a median of 3 prior therapies (range 1 – 9), including 3 pts who had undergone prior autologous stem cell transplant. Ten of 18 (56%) pts were refractory to rituximab defined as having less than a partial response to the last rituximab-containing regimen. No DLTs were observed, and no pts experienced grade 3 infusion reactions after the protocol was modified. Other grade 3–4 toxicities at least possibly related to protocol therapy consisted of lymphopenia (n=8, 44%), fatigue (n=2, 11%), neutropenia (n=1, 6%), hyperglycemia (n=1, 6%), and anemia (n=1, 6%). Grade 1–2 infections (n=5, 27%) included thrush, sinusitis, and pneumonia with no pts requiring dose delays or hospitalization. Other frequently observed grade 1–2 toxicities were transient hyperglycemia (n=12, 66%), thrombocytopenia (n=11, 61%), reversible infusion reactions (n=9, 50%), fatigue (n=8, 44%), leukopenia (n=8, 44%), and anemia (n=7, 39%). Human anti-veltuzumab and anti-milatuzumab antibodies, collected pretreatment and day 1 of weeks 4, 12, and 36, have not been detected in any pt. Pharmacokinetic data available from 16 pts through week 10 indicated mean plasma veltuzumab and milatuzumab concentrations immediately post-infusion were 108 ± 7 and 296 ± 22 μg/mL, and mean trough levels were 47 ± 7 and 3 ± 0.3 μg/mL, respectively. All 18 pts were assessable for response at wk 5 with 5 pts currently remaining on active therapy and 4 pts completing treatment through wk 36. To date, complete response was observed in 1 pt with grade 1–2 follicular NHL (3 prior therapies) who was rituximab-refractory and ultimately underwent allogeneic transplant. Partial responses were observed in 3 pts; 2 with grade 3 follicular NHL refractory to rituximab (3 prior therapies including autologous transplant and 5 prior therapies, respectively) and 1 with MZL (1 prior therapy). All responding pts achieved response following induction therapy. Stable disease was observed in 10 pts; of these pts, 6 pts had SD of a median duration of 6 months (range 2.5–10 months) and 4 remain on active therapy. Conclusions:Combination therapy with veltuzumab and milatuzumab was well-tolerated in a population of heavily pre-treated pts with relapsed or refractory NHL. 14/18 pts had evidence of antitumor activity with 22% having an objective overall response, including rituximab-refractory pts. Disclosures:Christian:Immunomedics, Inc.: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Veltuzumab and milatuzumab in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is off-label drug use. Wegener:Immunomedics, Inc.: Employment, Management and Stock / Stock-options. Goldenberg:Immunomedics, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Comparison of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Formulations: Product Formulary, and Cost Considerations

Purpose A review of the different formulations of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) replacement therapy for primary immunodeficiency and other severe diseases, focusing on the comparative efficacy, safety, and tolerability of these formulations. This review discusses the manufacturing processes, physicochemical properties, and other attributes of IVIG therapy that affect its clinical utility. Summary IVIG therapy is a preferred treatment for patients with certain types of primary immunodeficiency, neuroimmunologic, and autoimmune hematologic disorders, as well as for immunomodulation in bone marrow and some solid organ transplants. The IVIG products available in the United States include lyophilized, 5% liquid, and 10% ready-to-use liquid formulations. Differences among these formulations in their manufacturing processes, excipients, pH, and physicochemical properties may be reflected as differences in clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability. For example, compared with lyophilized and 5% liquid IVIG formulations, 10% ready-to-use IVIG liquid formulations may be associated with better tolerability because of lower IgA concentrations, optimal pH, use of glycine or proline stabilizers, low sodium content, and less osmolality. Liquid formulations (both 5% and 10%) may provide greater convenience than lyophilized formulations for both patients and health care providers, because they do not require further dilution before administration and have shorter infusion times. Conclusion Before selecting an IVIG product for a hospital formulary, pharmacists should be knowledgeable about the product's concentration to ensure delivery of the proper dosage, the staff training needed for proper administration, the potential benefits and problems of brand substitution, the safety and efficacy of each formulation, the hospital's policies on off-label use of IVIG, and the impact of reimbursement.

Development and Validation of a Test Dose Strategy for Once-Daily i.v. Busulfan: Importance of Fixed Infusion Rate Dosing

Intravenous (i.v.) busulfan (Bu) administered once daily in myeloablative transplant regimens is convenient, effective, and relatively well tolerated. Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended as nonrelapse mortality increases when daily exposure, as determined by the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC), exceeds 6000 μM·min. We describe sequential studies to achieve accurate prediction of treatment doses of Bu based on the kinetics of a smaller test dose. A total of 335 patients with hematologic malignancies were given daily i.v. Bu 3.2 mg/kg × 4 and fludarabine 50 mg/m(2) × 5. Pharmacokinetic monitoring was conducted for both the test dose and first treatment dose of Bu (day -5). Three different test dose schedules were evaluated: 12 mg Bu administered over 20 minutes, 0.8 mg/kg over 3 hours, and 0.8 mg/kg infused at 80 mg/h. The 3.2 mg/kg treatment doses were infused over a fixed time of 3 hours for the first 2 test dose trials and at a fixed rate of 80 mg/h for the final protocol. All test dose infusions were on day -7. In the first 2schedules, Bu administered over a fixed time had significantly higher clearance for the test dose compared with the treatment dose. However, when both the test and the treatment doses were administered at the same infusion rate, clearance of the drug between the 2 dosing days was equivalent. Predicted day -5 AUC (AUC(-5)) showed a high linear correlation (r(2) = 0.74) to the actual AUC(-5). The error of these predictions was <20% in 98% of patients and <10% in 80%. In 24 individuals, the test dose predicted an AUC >5500μM·min; therefore, the first Bu treatment dose was reduced to a desired target AUC. All adjusted doses fell within 20% of the targeted exposure. We conclude that a test dose strategy for therapeutic drug monitoring of daily i.v. Bu is accurate if the test and treatment doses are infused at the same rate. This approach allows targeting of therapeutic doses of Bu to desired levels and the potential for improved safety and efficacy.

Short versus long duration infusions of paclitaxel for any advanced adenocarcinoma.

Paclitaxel has become a standard drug used in a number of common cancers. At first long infusions were used to reduce the rate of inflow of the drug and as a result reduce the occurrence of hypersensitivity types of allergic reactions. Trials with shorter durations of infusion, and using a cocktail of anti-allergic drugs to prevent hypersensitivity reactions, some randomised, were begun. These were interpreted as showing that effectiveness of treatment was not lessened by a short infusion time. These studies also appeared to show that some important toxicities were less common with short infusions and that they were more convenient for the patient and the hospital. To assess the effectiveness and toxicity of short versus long infusions of paclitaxel for any advanced adenocarcinoma. We searched the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Review Group Specialised Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) Issue 1, 2009, MEDLINE and EMBASE up to March 2009. We also searched registers of clinical trials, abstracts of scientific meetings, reference lists of included trials and contacted experts in the field, as well as drugs companies. The review was restricted to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of single agent paclitaxel or paclitaxel with other drugs, where the only variable was the duration of paclitaxel infusion. The review only includes patients with advanced adenocarcinoma. Two review authors independently abstracted data and assessed risk of bias. Where possible the data were synthesised in meta-analyses. We identified six trials that met our inclusion criteria. The trials compared 3, 24 and 96 hour infusions and one trial examined different schedules (1 versus 3 day). From the included RCTs we found no evidence of a difference between short and long infusions in terms of overall and progression-free survival and tumour non-response. In most cases a greater proportion of adverse events and severe toxicity occurred in the 24 hour infusion group compared to the 3 hour group with many of the analyses being highly statistically significant (RR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.22, 0.47, RR = 0.06, 95% CI 0.02, 0.17, RR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.40, 0.88, RR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.28, 0.97 for severe hypersensitivity, febrile neutropenia, sore mouth and diarrhoea outcomes respectively). Although a meta analysis of three trials found that 3 hour infusions were associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk of neurosensory changes compared with 24 hour infusions (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.46). Adverses events were not comprehensively reported for any of the other comparisons. Outcomes were incompletely documented and QoL outcomes were not reported in any of the trials. The strength of the evidence is weak in this review as it is based on meta analyses of very few trials or single trial analyses and all trials were at moderate risk of bias and two were published in abstract form only. Ideally, large, multi-centre supporting trials are needed as outcomes were incompletely reported in included trials in this review. It may be beneficial to design a multi-arm trial comparing 3, 24 and 96 hour infusions or maybe looking at different schedules. In the absence of such trials, the decision to offer short or long infusions in advanced adenocarcinoma may need to be individualised, although it certainly appears that women have less toxicity, apart from sensory nerve damage, with a shorter infusion. Efficacy appearing similar regardless of infusion duration.

A comparative study of the physicochemical properties of iron isomaltoside 1000 (Monofer®), a new intravenous iron preparation and its clinical implications

The treatment of iron deficiency anemia with polynuclear iron formulations is an established therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease but also in other disease areas like gastroenterology, cardiology, oncology, pre/post operatively and obstetrics’ and gynecology. Parenteral iron formulations represent colloidal systems in the lower nanometer size range which have traditionally been shown to consist of an iron core surrounded by a carbohydrate shell. In this publication, we for the first time describe the novel matrix structure of iron isomaltoside 1000 which differs from the traditional picture of an iron core surrounded by a carbohydrate. Despite some structural similarities between the different iron formulations, the products differ significantly in their physicochemical properties such as particle size, zeta potential, free and labile iron content, and release of iron in serum. This study compares the physiochemical properties of iron isomaltoside 1000 (Monofer®) with the currently available intravenous iron preparations and relates them to their biopharmaceutical properties and their approved clinical applications. The investigated products encompass low molecular weight iron dextran (CosmoFer®), sodium ferric gluconate (Ferrlecit®), iron sucrose (Venofer®), iron carboxymaltose (Ferinject®/Injectafer®), and ferumoxytol (Feraheme®) which are compared to iron isomaltoside 1000 (Monofer®). It is shown that significant and clinically relevant differences exist between sodium ferric gluconate and iron sucrose as labile iron formulations and iron dextran, iron carboxymaltose, ferumoxytol, and iron isomaltoside 1000 as stable polynuclear formulations. The differences exist in terms of their immunogenic potential, safety, and convenience of use, the latter being expressed by the opportunity for high single-dose administration and short infusion times. Monofer is a new parenteral iron product with a very low immunogenic potential and a very low content of labile and free iron. This enables Monofer, as the only IV iron formulation, to be administered as a rapid high dose infusion in doses exceeding 1000 mg without the application of a test dose. This offers considerable dose flexibility, including the possibility of providing full iron repletion in a single infusion (one-dose iron repletion).

Eribulin Mesylate: A Promising New Antineoplastic Agent for Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer

More than one million women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. For those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, the 5-year survival rates are low as, ultimately, patients develop tumors that become refractory to treatment. In clinical trials, eribulin mesylate (E7389) - a novel nontaxane microtubule dynamics inhibitor - demonstrated efficacy in patients with various solid tumors, in particular, those with heavily pretreated metastatic breast cancer. The Eisai Metastatic Breast Cancer Study Assessing Physician's Choice Versus E7389 (EMBRACE) study observed a significant increase in overall survival with eribulin compared with treatment of physician's choice (median: 13.1 vs 10.6 months, respectively). Based on these results, eribulin recently received approval by the US FDA for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer who have received at least two prior chemotherapeutic regimens including an anthracyline and a taxane. In addition, eribulin has a manageable tolerability profile, requires no premedication and has shorter infusion times than most other microtubule-targeted agents.

Safety and Efficacy of nab-Paclitaxel in the Treatment of Patients with Breast Cancer

Taxanes are highly active chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. Novel formulations have been developed to improve efficacy and decrease toxicity associated with these cytotoxic agents. nab-paclitaxel is a solvent free, albumin-bound 130-nanometer particle formulation of paclitaxel (Abraxane®, Abraxis Bioscience), which was developed to avoid toxicities of the Cremophor vehicle used in solvent-based paclitaxel. In a phase III clinical trial, nab-paclitaxel demonstrated higher response rates, better safety and side-effect profile compared to conventional paclitaxel, and improved survival in patients receiving it as second line therapy. Higher doses can be administered over a shorter infusion time without the need for special infusion sets or pre-medications. It is now approved in the US for treatment of breast cancer after failure of combination chemotherapy for metastatic disease or relapse within 6 months of adjuvant therapy, where prior therapy included an anthracycline. Recently, several phase II studies have suggested a role for nab-paclitaxel as a single agent and in combination with other agents for first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

A model of competing saturable kinetic processes with application to the pharmacokinetics of the anticancer drug paclitaxel

A saturable multi-compartment pharmacokinetic model for the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel is proposed based on a meta-analysis of pharmacokinetic data published over the last two decades. We present and classify the results of time series for the drug concentration in the body to uncover the underlying power laws. Two dominant fractional power law exponents were found to characterize the tails of paclitaxel concentration-time curves. Short infusion times led to a power exponent of -1.57 ± 0.14, while long infusion times resulted in tails with roughly twice the exponent. Curves following intermediate infusion times were characterized by two power laws. An initial segment with the larger slope was followed by a long-time tail characterized by the smaller exponent. The area under the curve and the maximum concentration exhibited a power law dependence on dose, both with compatible fractional power exponents. Computer simulations using the proposed model revealed that a two-compartment model with both saturable distribution and elimination can reproduce both the single and crossover power laws. Also, the nonlinear dose-dependence is correlated with the empirical power law tails. The longer the infusion time the better the drug delivery to the tumor compartment is a clinical recommendation we propose.