Proteins from Avastin® (bevacizumab) Show Tyrosine Nitrations for which the Consequences Are Completely Unclear

Avastin® (bevacizumab) is a protein drug widely used for cancer treatment although its further use is questionable due to serious side effects reported. As no systematic proteomic study on posttranslational modifications (PTMs) was reported so far, it was the aim of the current study to use a gel-based proteomics method for determination of Avastin®-protein(s)

Targeted therapies in colorectal cancer: an integrative view by PPPM

In developed countries, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy, but it is the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death. Clinicians are still faced with numerous challenges in the treatment of this disease, and future approaches which target the molecular features of the disorder will be critical for success in this disease setting. Genetic analyses of many solid tumours have shown that up to 100 protein-encoding genes are mutated. Within CRC, numerous genetic alterations have been identified in a number of pathways. Therefore, understanding the molecular pathology of CRC may present information on potential routes for treatment and may also provide valuable prognostic information. This will be particularly pertinent for molecularly targeted treatments, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody therapy. KRAS and BRAF mutations have been shown to predict response to anti-EGFR therapy. As EGFR can also signal via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) kinase pathway, there is considerable interest in the potential roles of members of this pathway (such as PI3K and PTEN) in predicting treatment response. Therefore, a combined approach of new techniques that allow identification of these biomarkers alongside interdisciplinary approaches to the treatment of advanced CRC will aid in the treatment decision-making process and may also serve to guide future therapeutic approaches

0.3% Tacrolimus gel and 0.5% Tacrolimus cream show efficacy in mild to moderate plaque psoriasis: Results of a randomized, open-label, observer-blinded study.

Contains fulltext : 49726.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)The efficacy and safety of 0.3% tacrolimus gel and 0.5% tacrolimus cream compared with calcipotriol ointment were evaluated in adults (n = 124) with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. Treatment was twice daily for a maximum of 12 weeks. Clinical efficacy was assessed by the percentage change in the local psoriasis severity index of a target lesion between baseline and week 12. By week 12, the median percentage changes in local psoriasis severity index of the target lesions in the tacrolimus gel, tacrolimus cream and calcipotriol groups were 55.6%, 50.0% and 58.6%, respectively (no statistically significant differences). Clinical improvement was observed after one week and increased throughout the study. Tacrolimus-treated patients experienced more application site skin burning (tacrolimus gel and cream both 31.0% versus 7.5% for calcipotriol; p = 0.011). Skin burning was mostly mild in intensity and decreased substantially after 1 week of treatment. There were no differences in the nature and incidence of infections and no clinically relevant changes in laboratory values

Prospective randomized non-blinded clinical trial on the use of dapsone plus antihistamine vs. antihistamine in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria

Background Treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is difficult

Assessing the impact of efalizumab on nail, scalp and palmoplantar psoriasis and on quality of life: Results from a multicentre, open-label, phase IIIb/IV trial

This post-approval, open-label trial (n = 1266) assessed the efficacy of efalizumab, administered in accordance with the European label at that time, in patients with concomitant nail, scalp or palmoplantar psoriasis. Patients received subcutaneous efalizumab 1.0 mg/kg weekly for up to 20 weeks. By Week 12, an improvement from baseline of 50% or more was observed in 21.4% (181/844) of patients with nail psoriasis, 62.4% (718/1150) of patients with scalp psoriasis, and 51.4% (127/247) of patients with palmoplantar psoriasis. Quality of life improved throughout the trial, with a 50% median improvement in DLQI score after 12 weeks of treatment. Efalizumab showed promising efficacy in the treatment of nail, scalp and palmoplantar psoriasis, which was reflected in improvements in quality of life. © 2009, Archives of Drug Information