On the Mechanism of Action of the Antitumor Drug cis-Platin (cis-DDP) and its Second Generation Derivatives

The present article attempts to summarise the elements of the mechanism of action of the antitumor drug cis¯-Platin presented the last few years. Highlights on the discovery, of the drug and the development of it’s second generation derivatives are presented, as well as the ways that cis¯-DDP reacts with biomolecules as DNA and proteins and their models e.g. nucleosides, nucleotides. Also the hydrolysis data are presented for cis¯-DDP and its’ inactive congener trans¯-DDP, as well as for the second generation drug carboplatin. Finally, usefull conclusions are given from this work, pointing out the unanswered questions about the action of cis¯-DDP as well as its differences in action, in comparison with trans¯-DDP

Lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplantation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Medical treatment of emphysema does not alter the natural progression of the disease. Surgical techniques are an attractive conceptual approach to treat hyperinflation in these patients. Lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplantation are appropriate therapeutic options for a selected population with emphysema. We will review the available evidence to support these approaches

High Dose Intravenous Methylprednisone in the Treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

The case of a 72-year-old woman with probable severe acute respiratory syndrome is reported. While on treatment with ribavirin and antibiotics (for community-acquired pneumonia), the patient continued to have progressive clinical deterioration and chest radiographic evidence of respiratory deterioration. Pulse dose intravenous corticosteroids were used in an unsuccessful attempt to treat the inflammatory component of this respiratory illness.Peer Reviewe