Randomized comparison of intranasal and transdermal estradiol.

in Obstetrics & Gynecology (2000), 96(6), 906-12

To compare the efficacy and patient acceptability of intranasal versus transdermal 17 beta-estradiol (E2) delivery systems for postmenopausal symptoms. METHODS: Postmenopausal women were randomly assigned ... [more ▼]

To compare the efficacy and patient acceptability of intranasal versus transdermal 17 beta-estradiol (E2) delivery systems for postmenopausal symptoms. METHODS: Postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to intranasal 17 beta-E2, 300 microg daily (n = 176) or transdermal 17 beta-E2 (delivering 50 microg/day), two patches per week (n = 185) for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week period with the alternate treatment. Efficacy was compared between groups using the Kupperman Index and vasomotor symptoms at week 12. Patient acceptability was compared by patient choice of administration route and by questionnaire at week 16. RESULTS: Intranasal and transdermal therapy produced significant reductions in the Kupperman Index and in the occurrence of hot flushes and night sweats at week 12. Alleviation of climacteric symptoms was statistically equivalent in the two treatment groups (P <.001). The difference between groups in the Kupperman Index score of -0.5 +/- 0.9 (95% confidence interval -2.3, 1.3) was within the predetermined interval of equivalence. Both therapies were well tolerated with similar adverse event rates, except for moderate and severe mastalgia which was significantly less frequent with intranasal E2 (7.2%) than with the patch (15.5%, P =.02). Sixty-six percent of patients chose to continue the intranasal therapy and 34% the transdermal therapy (P <.001). Satisfaction was greater with intranasal therapy at week 16 (P <.001). CONCLUSION: Intranasal and transdermal estrogen delivery systems had equivalent efficacy and similar safety profiles. Intranasal therapy was the patients' choice for long-term treatment. [less ▲]

A randomized controlled trial with chondroitin sulfate involving over 600 patients: STOPP (STudy on Osteoarthritis Progression Prevention)

in Osteoporosis International (2007, March), 18(Suppl.1), 14-15

Randomized multicenter phase II study of larotaxel (XRP9881) in combination with cisplatin or gemcitabine as first-line chemotherapy in nonirradiable stage IIIB or stage IV non-small cell lung cancer.

in Journal of Thoracic Oncology (2008), 3(8), 894-901

INTRODUCTION: This randomized phase II study investigated the efficacy and safety of a new taxane, larotaxel (XRP9881), in combination with either cisplatin or gemcitabine in the first-line treatment of ... [more ▼]

INTRODUCTION: This randomized phase II study investigated the efficacy and safety of a new taxane, larotaxel (XRP9881), in combination with either cisplatin or gemcitabine in the first-line treatment of patients with nonirradiable stage IIIB or stage IV non-small cell lung cancer to select the combination having the most promising antitumor activity. METHODS: Patients received either larotaxel (50 mg/m) as a 1-hour infusion, followed by a 1-hour infusion of cisplatin (75 mg/m), every 3 weeks (arm A), or gemcitabine (800 mg/m) as a 30 minute infusion, on days 1 and 8, and larotaxel (60 mg/m) as a 1-hour infusion, on day 8 (following gemcitabine), every 3 weeks (arm B). The primary end point was the objective response rate (per-protocol population). RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were randomized to arm A and 30 to arm B. The response rate was higher in arm A compared with arm B in both the per-protocol (26.7% versus 18.2%) and intention-to-treat (28.1% versus 13.3%) populations. In the intention-to-treat population, median progression-free survival for arm A versus arm B was 4.7 versus 3.3 months and median overall survival was 8.6 versus 7.3 months, respectively. Fifty percent of patients in arm A and 66.7% in arm B experienced at least one National Cancer Institute common toxicity criteria grade 3/4 adverse event and grade 3/4 neutropenia was observed in 46.9% and 41.4% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both larotaxel combinations were effective and manageable, however all measured efficacy parameters (response rate, progression free survival, and survival) seemed to favor the combination with cisplatin. [less ▲]

A randomized phase II pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of indisulam as second-line therapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

in Clinical Cancer Research : An Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (2007), 13(6), 1816-1822

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to measure the objective tumor response rate following treatment with indisulam [E7070; N-(3-chloro-7-indolyl)-1,4-benzenedisulfonamide] as second-line therapy ... [more ▼]

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to measure the objective tumor response rate following treatment with indisulam [E7070; N-(3-chloro-7-indolyl)-1,4-benzenedisulfonamide] as second-line therapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The secondary aims were to determine progression-free survival, to assess the safety and tolerability of indisulam, and to study its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile. Experimental Design: Patients were randomized to receive indisulam every 3 weeks either as a single i.v. dose of 700 mg/m(2) on day one (dx1) or 130 mg/m(2) given on days 1 to 5 inclusive as a daily infusion (dx5). All patients had previously received platinum-based chemotherapy. Results: Forty-four patients were randomized. Only minor responses were seen. Myelosuppression, gastrointestinal symptoms, and lethargy were the most common toxicities and were more frequent in the dx1 arm. The pharmacokinetics of indisulam in each treatment schedule were adequately described using a previously developed population pharmacokinetic model and were mostly consistent with the results of the phase I program. Flow cytometric analysis of endobronchial and metastatic disease revealed a reduction in the fraction of cycling cells and an increase in apoptosis following indisulam compared with pretreatment levels. Conclusions: We conclude that, despite evidence of tumor-specific indisulam-induced apoptosis, neither of these treatment schedules has single-agent activity as second-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. [less ▲]

A randomized study over 13 cycles to assess the influence of oral contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol combined with drospirenone or desogestrel on carbohydrate metabolism

in Contraception (2003), 67(6), 423-429

In this open-label, randomized study we compared the influence of a new oral contraceptive containing 30 microg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone (Yasmin) with a reference preparation containing 30 ... [more ▼]

In this open-label, randomized study we compared the influence of a new oral contraceptive containing 30 microg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone (Yasmin) with a reference preparation containing 30 microg ethinylestradiol and 150 microg desogestrel (Marvelon) on variables of carbohydrate metabolism by means of oral glucose tolerance tests at baseline and in the 6th and 13th treatment cycle. The mean levels of fasting glucose and insulin were similar at baseline and after 13 treatment cycles, whereas C-peptide and free fatty acid levels decreased slightly in both groups. All blood glucose and insulin values measured in the oral glucose tolerance tests were within normal ranges, despite a slight increase in the mean areas under the curves of 0-3 h [AUCs (0-3 h)] of both variables from baseline to treatment cycle 13. Differences between both treatments were not statistically significant. The mean AUCs (0-3 h) for C-peptide were not markedly changed in any treatment group. Free fatty acid levels decreased by 42% in the drospirenone group and increased by 48.9% in the desogestrel group, in terms of means of individual changes. Both preparations were well tolerated and equally efficacious regarding contraception and cycle control. The mean body weight was slightly decreased in most cycles during treatment with the drospirenone combination, as compared to baseline, while it was slightly increased versus baseline in all cycles during treatment with the desogestrel combination. The combination with drospirenone had less impact on blood pressure than the combination with desogestrel. In conclusion, Yasmin, a combined low-dose oral contraceptive with 30 microg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg of the novel progestogen drospirenone, as well as the reference Marvelon, containing 30 microg ethinylestradiol and 150 microg desogestrel had little impact on carbohydrate metabolism when used for 1 year. The observed changes were small and not suggestive of a clinically relevant deterioration of carbohydrate metabolism. [less ▲]

Randomized trial of alendronate plus vitamin D3 versus standard care in osteoporotic postmenopausal women with vitamin D insufficiency.

in Calcified Tissue International (2011), 88(6), 485-94

Vitamin D insufficiency is common in patients with osteoporosis. We conducted a randomized trial comparing alendronate 70 mg combined with vitamin D(3) 5,600 IU in a single tablet (ALN/D5600, n = 257 ... [more ▼]

Vitamin D insufficiency is common in patients with osteoporosis. We conducted a randomized trial comparing alendronate 70 mg combined with vitamin D(3) 5,600 IU in a single tablet (ALN/D5600, n = 257) with standard care chosen by the patients' personal physicians (n = 258) in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (BMD T score </=2.5 or </=1.5 and a prior fragility fracture) who had vitamin D insufficiency (serum 25[OH]D values 8-20 ng/ml) and who were at risk of falls. Virtually all patients randomized to standard care received bisphosphonate therapy, and in approximately 70% of cases this was combined with vitamin D supplements. However, only 24% took >/=800 IU/day of supplemental vitamin D. At 6 months the proportion of patients with vitamin D insufficiency was 8.6% in the ALN/D5600 group compared with 31.0% in the standard care group (P < 0.001). Those in the ALN/D5600 group also had a greater reduction in urinary NTX/creatinine ratio (-57% vs. -46%, P < 0.001) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (-47% vs. -40%, P < 0.001). In the ALN/5600 group, by 12 months the increase in BMD was greater at the lumbar spine (4.9% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.047) and the total hip (2.2% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.035), significantly fewer patients were vitamin D-insufficient (11.3% vs. 36.9%, P < 0.001), and bone turnover marker (BTM) results were similar to those at 6 months. There was no difference between groups in those who experienced falls or fractures, and adverse events were similar. Based on the finding that ALN/D5600 was more effective than standard care at correcting vitamin D insufficiency, increasing BMD, and reducing BTMs in this patient group, greater attention needs to be directed toward optimizing the treatment of osteoporosis and correcting vitamin D deficiency in postmenopausal women. [less ▲]

A randomized trial of pegylated-interferon alpha 2a plus ribavirin with or without amantadine in treatment-naïve or relapsing chronic hepatitis C patients

in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2009), 30

Background The combination therapy of pegylated-interferon-a2a plus ribavirin is considered as the standard of care for patients with chronic hepatitis C. A sustained viral response is obtained in 40–50 ... [more ▼]

Background The combination therapy of pegylated-interferon-a2a plus ribavirin is considered as the standard of care for patients with chronic hepatitis C. A sustained viral response is obtained in 40–50% of naı¨ve patients with genotype 1 and in around 80% of naı¨ve patients with genotype 2 or 3. Aim To assess whether amantadine, added to the conventional combination therapy, could improve the treatment efficacy. Methods In all, 630 patients (intent-to-treat population) with chronic hepatitis C were randomized into two groups: 316 patients (treatment group) received pegylated-interferon-a2a (180 lg once weekly) plus ribavirin (1000–1200 mg⁄ daily) with amantadine (200 mg⁄ daily); 314 patients (control group) received pegylated-interferon-a2a (180 lg once weekly) plus ribavirin (1000–1200 mg⁄ daily) without amantadine. The duration of the treatment was 48 weeks for genotypes 1, 4, 5 and 6, and 24 weeks for genotypes 2 and 3. Results There was no statistically significant difference between treatments groups for any of the variables tested for. Subgroups of patients likely to take advantage of the addition of amantadine were not identified. Conclusions This large study definitely excludes the role of amantadine in addition of conventional combination therapy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients. [less ▲]

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of selamectin in the control of Chirodiscoides caviae infestation in guinea pigs

Poster (2005)

A randomized, open-label, multicenter study evaluating the efficacy of peginterferon alfa-2a versus interferon alfa-2a, in combination with ribavirin, in naïve and relapsed chronic hepatitis C patients.

in Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica (2010), 73

Background/Aims : A large multicenter trial to compare the efficacy of peginterferon alfa-2a with interferon alfa-2a, in combination with ribavirin, in chronic hepatitis C patients. Efficacy data for ... [more ▼]

Background/Aims : A large multicenter trial to compare the efficacy of peginterferon alfa-2a with interferon alfa-2a, in combination with ribavirin, in chronic hepatitis C patients. Efficacy data for prior relapsers are reported because treatment recommendations for this patient population are not well defined. Patients and methods : This study was a multicenter, prospective, randomized clinical trial. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response in naïve patients (n = 348) and relapsers (n = 95). Results : Sustained virologic response rates were similar in naïve patients and relapsers, both for non-pegylated and pegylated interferon (respectively 27 and 26% and 54 and 43%). Pegylated interferon given for 48 weeks did not improved the relapse rate : 15.9 and 27.3% for non-pegylated and 16.7 and 30.4% for pegylated interferon, naïve vs relapsers respectively. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between slow response (detectable HCV RNA at week 12 and undetectable at week 24) and relapse in patients with an end-of-treatment response (55% versus 13% respectively ; p = 0.02 ; odds ratio = 6.07). Conclusions : This trial confirms the value of using peginter - feron alfa-2a in both naïve and relapsed patients and provides support for a more tailored approach to treatment for relapsers and particulary for patients with a slow viral response. (Acta gastro enterol. belg., 2010, 73, 223-228). [less ▲]

Le ranelate de strontium (Protelos)

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2007), 62(11), 685-7

Strontium ranelate, with its unique mode of action combining inhibition of bone resorption and stimulation of bone formation is characterized by a wide scatter of activity, both in terms of skeletal sites ... [more ▼]

Strontium ranelate, with its unique mode of action combining inhibition of bone resorption and stimulation of bone formation is characterized by a wide scatter of activity, both in terms of skeletal sites positively affected and of patients experiencing benefits of its administration. It is currently reimbursed, in Belgium, in osteoporotic patients aged 80 years and older. In this group, it is the only drug which has shown an extensive range of anti-fracture efficacy. [less ▲]