Pembrolizumab-induced agranulocytosis.

INTRODUCTION: With the widespread use of anti-programmed death-1 monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, rare side effects appear in clinical practice. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a man diagnosed with non-keratinizing squamous lung carcinoma stage IVB with programmed death-ligand 1 70% who developed agranulocytosis 10 days after a single dose of pembrolizumab as monotherapy. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: Pembrolizumab was discontinued immediately. Grade 4 neutrophil decrease is mentioned in the product information sheet as a rare side effect. The patient was admitted in poor physical condition with grade 4 neutropenic fever, mucositis and anemia. Agranulocytosis did not improve despite treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, intravenous corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins. He experienced a rapid worsening and died 3 weeks after admission. The causal relationship between pembrolizumab and the appearance of agranulocytosis was determined as possible according to Naranjo's modified Karch and Lasagna's imputability algorithm. DISCUSSION: Hematologic immune-related adverse events are uncommon but important side effects among patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Agranulocytosis and neutropenia are infrequently reported but can be life-threatening. The main approach for agranulocytosis consists of intravenous corticosteroids, granulocyte colony-stimulating factors and blood products. Depending on bone marrow characteristics, treatments for refractory patients include intravenous immunoglobulins or cyclosporine. After an immune-related adverse event, benefits and risks must be considered before continuation with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Detection and communication of adverse drug reactions to the Pharmacovigilance Systems have special relevance for rare side effects.

Severe hepatotoxicity during treatment with capmatinib.

INTRODUCTION: Capmatinib is a mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) inhibitor authorized for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with MET exon 14 skipping mutation treatment in adult patients. CASE REPORT: We report a case of an elderly female with a diagnosis of metastatic NSCLC with MET exon 14 skipping mutation who developed a severe hepatotoxicity after 7 weeks under treatment with capmatinib. MANAGEMENT & OUTCOME: Capmatinib was immediately discontinued. Hepatotoxicity is included as "warning and precautions" in the product information sheet. The patient was admitted with severe acute hepatitis, secondary hypocoagulability and acute deterioration of renal function. She experienced a rapid worsening with a fatal outcome three days after admission. The causal relationship between capmatinib and the appearance of hepatotoxicity was determined as probable according to Naranjo's modified Karch and Lasagna's imputability algorithm. DISCUSSION: The recognition and diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) are often difficult and delayed. Molecularly targeted agents require careful assessment of liver function both prior to and during therapy. Capmatinib hepatotoxicity is an infrequent but severe adverse drug reaction (ADR). Prescribing information includes recommendations about liver function monitoring. The main approachment for DILI is the removal of the causative agent. Detection and communication of ADRs to the Pharmacovigilance Systems have special relevance for novel drugs, with little data in real life setting.

Adherencia y calidad de vida en los pacientes con leucemia linfocítica crónica tratados con antineoplásicos orales / Adherence and quality of life in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with oral antineoplastic drugs

Objetivos: evaluar la adherencia y la calidad de vida de los pacientes con leucemia linfocítica crónica tratados con antineoplásicos orales. Comparar la adherencia y la calidad de vida según el fármaco recibido y según la línea de tratamiento.Métodoestudio descriptivo prospectivo realizado de junio a noviembre de 2021 en un hospital terciario. Se incluyeron pacientes con leucemia linfocítica crónica, atendidos en la consulta de Farmacia Oncológica y tratados con antineoplásicos orales desde al menos 6 meses antes de la inclusión en el estudio. Se estimó la adherencia mediante el cuestionario Morisky’s 8 item Medication Adherence Scale y el recuento de medicación sobrante, considerándose adherentes si su tasa de adherencia era ≥ 90%. Para evaluar la calidad de vida, se utilizó el cuestionario EQ-5D-3L del grupo EuroQol, la escala Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Fatigue y el QLQ-C30 de la European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Se programaron 2 entrevistas: en el momento de la inclusión y a los 3 meses. Se revisó la historia clínica, recogiéndose variables demográficas y clínicas. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa SPSS® 25.0.Resultadosse incluyeron 23 pacientes, todos fueron adherentes según el recuento de medicación, 20 presentaron adherencia alta, y 3 media, según Morisky’s 8 item Medication Adherence Scale. Los resultados del cuestionario EQ-5D-3L mostraron que los pacientes eran autónomos para su cuidado personal y sus actividades cotidianas, el 69,6% no tenían problemas de movilidad, el 78,3% no tenía ansiedad/depresión y el 56,5% presentaba algún tipo de dolor. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate adherence and quality of life to oral antineoplastic treatment in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. To compare adherence and QoL according to treatment subgroups and treatment-line subgroups.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive prospective study from June to November 2021 in a tertiary care hospital. Patients treated at the Oncology Pharmacy with a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and treatment with oral antineoplastics for at least 6 months before inclusion in the study were included. Adherence was assessed using Morisky’s 8 item Medication Adherence Scale and leftover pills counts, considering adherents if their adherence rate was ≥ 90%. Quality of life was assessed with Euro-Qol EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Fatigue scale and QLQ-C30 questionnaire from European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Two interviews were scheduled: at the time of inclusion and at 3 months. Variable collected: demographic data, clinical data (disease and treatment); and response (scores obtained from questionnaires and adherence rate). The data statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS® 25.0 software.ResultsTwenty three patients were included, all of them showed an adherence rate higher than 90%; 20 patients were considered high adherent, and 3 patients medium adherent to treatment according to Morisky’s 8 item Medication Adherence Scale. (AU)

[Translated article] Adherence and quality of life in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with oral antineoplastic drugs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adherence and quality of life to oral antineoplastic treatment in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. To compare adherence and quality of life according to treatment subgroups and treatment-line subgroups. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive prospective study from June to November 2021 in a tertiary care hospital.  Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, seen at the Oncology Pharmacy and treated with oral antineoplastic drugs for at least 6 months prior to inclusion in the study were included. Adherence was assessed using Morisky's 8 item Medication Adherence Scale and leftover pills counts, considering adherents if their adherence rate was ≥90%. Quality of life was assessed with Euro-Qol EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue scale and QLQ-C30 questionnaire from European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Two interviews were scheduled: at the time of inclusion and at 3 months. The clinical history was reviewed and demographic and clinical variables were collected. The data statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS® 25.0 software. RESULTS: Twenty three patients were included, all of them showed an adherence rate higher than 90%; 20 patients were considered high adherent, and 3 patients médium adherent to treatment according to Morisky's 8 item Medication Adherence Scale. The results of the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire showed that the patients were all of them autonomous in their personal care and daily activities, 69.6% did not have any mobility problems and 78.3% did not have anxiety/depression; 56.5% had some type of pain. Eighteen patients had no fatigue, and 5 had mild/moderate fatigue according to Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue scale. The results of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire showed that patients had a high /healthy functional level, a good quality of life and a low level of symptoms. Analysis by treatment subgroups and by treatment-line subgroups did not show statistically significant differences in adherence or quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and treated with oral antineoplastic therapies showed a high adherence rate and referred a good quality of life.

Adherence and quality of life in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with oral antineoplastic drugs. / Adherencia y calidad de vida en los pacientes con leucemia linfocítica crónica tratados con antineoplásicos orales.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adherence and quality of life to oral antineoplastic treatment in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. To compare adherence and QoL according to treatment subgroups and treatment-line subgroups. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive prospective study from June to November 2021 in a tertiary care hospital. Patients treated at the Oncology Pharmacy with a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and treatment with oral antineoplastics for at least 6 months before inclusion in the study were included. Adherence was assessed using Morisky's 8 item Medication Adherence Scale and leftover pills counts, considering adherents if their adherence rate was ≥ 90%. Quality of life was assessed with Euro-Qol EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue scale and QLQ-C30 questionnaire from European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Two interviews were scheduled: at the time of inclusion and at 3 months. Variable collected: demographic data, clinical data (disease and treatment); and response (scores obtained from questionnaires and adherence rate). The data statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS® 25.0 software. RESULTS: Twenty three patients were included, all of them showed an adherence rate higher than 90%; 20 patients were considered high adherent, and 3 patients medium adherent to treatment according to Morisky's 8 item Medication Adherence Scale. The results of the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire showed that the patients were all of them autonomous in their personal care and daily activities, 69.6% did not have any mobility problems and 78.3% did not have anxiety/depression; 56.5% had some type of pain. Eighteen patients had no fatigue, and 5 had mild/moderate fatigue according to Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue scale. The results of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire showed that patients had a high /healthy functional level, a good quality of life and a low level of symptoms. Analysis by treatment subgroups and by treatment-line subgroups did not show statistically significant differences in adherence or quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and treated with oral antineoplastic therapies showed a high adherence rate and referred a good quality of life.

Classification of non-antineoplastic intravenously administered drugs according to their toxicity risk: the path towards safe drug administration.

OBJECTIVE: Extravasation is a potential complication resulting from parenteral administration of drugs. The purpose of this study was to characterise the physicochemical properties of non-antineoplastic parenterally administered drugs and determine their potential to cause a toxic effect on tissue. METHODS: A list of drugs administered by intermittent or continuous intravenous (IV) infusion was prepared. A database was also established to collect information from the literature. Each active substance was classified according to its risk to cause tissue damage using the following criteria: (1) High risk: active substances presenting with any of the following characteristics: osmolarity of the IV solution form >500 mOsm/L; vasoconstriction; vesication; cellular toxicity; very common, common or uncommon adverse events such as phlebitis, necrosis or pain at the site of administration according to the Summary of Product Characteristics. (2) Moderate risk: active substances where the pH range was <3 or >11 or where adverse events at the site of administration occurred rarely, very rarely or with unknown frequency. (3) Low risk: active substances where the osmolarity of the IV solution was <500 mOsm/L and the pH ranged between 3 and 11. These active substances did not cause vasoconstriction, neither were they classified as vesicant or cytotoxic or presented with adverse events at the site of administration. RESULTS: The risk classification list included 138 active substances, of which 86 were classified as 'high risk', 18 as 'moderate risk' and 34 as 'low risk'. CONCLUSION: The classification of intravenously administered drugs according to their risk profile is useful to ensure their safe use, as it can be used to implement the necessary safety measures to prevent adverse events.

Predictive value of immune-related adverse events during pembrolizumab treatment in non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Several studies have reported the role of immune-related adverse events as a predictor of clinical benefit, but few have properly described these findings in advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated with pembrolizumab. This study aimed to evaluate the association between immune-related adverse events development and clinical outcomes in the aforementioned group of patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treated with pembrolizumab. Overall response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival were evaluated according to the appearance, subtype and number of immune-related adverse events developed. We report the results of the immune-related adverse events analysis and the potential correlation between immune-related adverse events and clinical outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate this relationship. RESULTS: A total of 94 patients were analysed; 60 of them developed immune-related adverse events. Patients with immune-related adverse events had a significantly higher overall response rate compared with the non-immune-related adverse events group (34% vs 8.5%, χ2=0.005). Median progression-free survival was statistically significant in favour of patients with at least one immune-related adverse event (p=0.015). Median overall survival was not reached in patients with ≥1 immune-related adverse events, compared with 8 months (95% CI 0.6 to 15.4 months) in those without immune-related adverse events. Patients who developed ≥2 immune-related adverse events had longer median progression-free survival (11 vs 4 months, not statistically significant) and overall survival (not reached vs 11, p=0.022) compared with those with ≤1 immune-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained data showed that patients with immune-related adverse events occurrence had significantly better overall response rate and longer progression-free survival and overall survival. This study highlights the role of immune-related adverse events as a predictor of survival in a real-life setting.

Overview of treatments used in transthyretin-related hereditary amyloidosis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out a systematic review of the literature to analyse the efficacy and safety of treatments available or under investigation for amyloidosis due to mutations in the transthyretin gene (ATTR). METHODS: A bibliographic search was carried out in the following electronic databases up to September 2017: PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE. The inclusion criteria were: efficacy and/or safety studies conducted in humans, studies that included treatments, including treatments in the research phase, and studies that included 10 or more patients. RESULTS: A total of 21 articles were included; 16 were clinical trials, eight of them (50%) phase III trials, and five were observational studies. Of the total number of studies selected, 11 were on tafamidis, four on diflunisal, two on liver transplantation, two on patisiran and two on other therapeutic alternatives. Of the 11 studies related to the drug, the pivotal trial, the results of its two extension studies and an additional post hoc analysis were selected. In addition, two phase III trials were included in specific populations, two phase II studies, one safety study and two observational studies. Regarding the four included studies related to the drug, one was the pivotal trial that gave the indication to diflunisal, another a safety summary of the pivotal trial, and the other two trials were carried out in specific populations, one in a Japanese population and another phase I trial in cardiac amyloidosis in the USA. As far as other alternatives are concerned, of the six studies included in this section, two were related to liver transplantation, two to patisiran and two to different therapeutic alternatives. CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient evidence has not been found that demonstrates superiority among the available oral alternatives, diflunisal or tafamidis, in the treatment of ATTR. Direct comparisons between both drugs and pharmacoeconomic studies would be necessary to select the most efficient treatment.

Concentraciones sanguíneas infraterapéuticas de everólimus asociado al consumo de caramelos con extracto de hipérico (Hypericum perforatum o hierba de San Juan) / Decreased everolimus blood concentration associated with consumption of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) extract sweets

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