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INTRODUCTION: This randomized, double-blind trial aimed to test effect of a Chinese herbal medicine, Qinggongshoutao (QGST) pill, on the cognition and progression of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). METHODS: Patients with aMCI were randomly assigned to receive QGST, Ginkgo biloba extract, or placebo for 52 weeks. The primary outcome measures were progression to possible or probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) and change in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale scores; secondary outcome measures included assessments for cognition and function. RESULTS: Total 350 patients were enrolled, possible or probable AD developed in 10. There were significant differences in the probability of progression to AD in the QGST group (1.15%) compared with placebo group (10%). There was significant difference in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale scores in favor of QGST over the placebo group. Secondary outcome measure (Mini-Mental State Examination) also showed benefit in QGST at end point. DISCUSSION: In patients with aMCI, QGST showed lower AD progression rate than placebo at 8.85%, and may have benefit on global cognition.
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AIM: The economic outcome of crizotinib in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer harboring anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement would be investigated. MATERIALS & METHODS: Based on a mathematical model, the economic outcome of three techniques for testing ALK gene rearrangement combing with crizotinib would be evaluated and compared with traditional regimen. The impact of the crizotinib patient assistance program (PAP) was assessed. RESULTS: Ventana immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and IHC testing plus fluorescent in situ hybridization confirmation for anaplastic lymphoma kinase testing following crizotinib treatment leaded to the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of US$16,820 and US$223,242, US$24,424 and US$223,271, and US$16,850 and US$254,668 per quality-adjusted life-year gained with and without PAP, respectively. CONCLUSION: Gene-guided crizotinib therapy might be a cost-effective alternative comparing with the traditional regimen in the PAP setting.