Final analysis of survival outcomes in the phase 3 FIRST trial of up-front treatment for multiple myeloma.

This FIRST trial final analysis examined survival outcomes in patients with transplant-ineligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) treated with lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone until disease progression (Rd continuous), Rd for 72 weeks (18 cycles; Rd18), or melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide (MPT; 72 weeks). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS; primary comparison: Rd continuous vs MPT). Overall survival (OS) was a key secondary endpoint (final analysis prespecified ≥60 months' follow-up).

IgM multiple myeloma with an extremely rare non-aggressive presentation: A case report.

In the present study, the case of a 41-year-old man with immunoglobulin (Ig)M multiple myeloma (MM) that presented with an unusually non-aggressive clinical course who has survived for >9 years to date, is presented. Initial diagnosis of symptomatic MM was established according to the International Myeloma Working Group consensus statement and guidelines. Due to the mild symptoms, no therapy was administered and the patient was closely followed up.

Lenalidomide and dexamethasone in transplant-ineligible patients with myeloma.

Background: The combination melphalan-prednisone-thalidomide (MPT) is considered a standard therapy for patients with myeloma who are ineligible for stem-cell transplantation. However, emerging data on the use of lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone warrant a prospective comparison of the two approaches.

Methods: We randomly assigned 1623 patients to lenalidomide and dexamethasone in 28-day cycles until disease progression (535 patients), to the same combination for 72 weeks (18 cycles; 541 patients), or to MPT for 72 weeks (547 patients).

Emerging options for the management of non-small cell lung cancer.

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in industrialized and developing countries. Approximately 80% of patients are diagnosed with non-small cell histology. Although a multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the treatment of patients at early or locally-advanced stages of the disease, further successes in the treatment of patients with advanced disease will largely rely on improved systemic tumor control.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 and -2 in normal and diseased canine eyes.

Objective:   To immunohistochemically evaluate expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR1) and -2 (VEGFR2) in ocular tissue of healthy dogs and dogs affected with primary glaucoma, uveitic glaucoma, and intraocular neoplasia.

Sample Population:   Enucleated globes from five dogs with primary glaucoma, five dogs with uveitic glaucoma, six dogs with intraocular neoplasms and three ophthalmically normal control dogs.

Procedure:   Ocular tissues were obtained from enucleated globes of clinical cases or immediately following euthanasia for control dogs.

Acremonium keratomycosis in a cat.

A 14-year-old, female spayed Domestic Short-haired cat was presented for evaluation of progressive superficial corneal ulceration with mucoid ocular discharge, blepharospasm, and conjunctival hyperemia OD. Upon examination, ulcerative keratitis with stromal loss, chemosis, corneal edema, miosis, aqueous flare, and hyphema were noted. Corneal cytology revealed branching, septate fungal hyphae with bulbous terminations and associated ovoid structures, with suppurative inflammation.

Pulmonary toxicity among cancer patients treated with a combination of docetaxel and gemcitabine: a meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Purpose: The combination of docetaxel and gemcitabine was tested in several studies in patients with lung, breast, and pancreatic cancers and other tumor entities. Some studies reported cases of severe or even fatal pulmonary toxicity that led to early termination of some trials. We created a meta-analysis model of published studies to identify explanatory factors for docetaxel-gemcitabine-dependent pulmonary toxicity.

Erlotinib in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: impact of dose reductions and a novel surrogate marker.

Erlotinib is a relatively well-tolerated treatment option for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Some patients suffer from severe skin toxicity or diarrhea, making dose reductions or even treatment cessation necessary. Recent clinical trials usually defined a 100 mg daily dose as the lowest acceptable dose, whereas little is known about the efficacy with lower doses.

Evaluation of nasolacrimal fluorescein transit time in ophthalmically normal dogs and nonbrachycephalic cats.

Objective: To evaluate fluorescein nasolacrimal transit (NLT) times in ophthalmically normal dogs and nonbrachycephalic cats by use of 2 methods of the Jones test.

Animals: 73 dogs and 36 cats.

Procedures: Fluorescein dye was applied to the ocular surface of both eyes by means of a wetted fluorescein strip and, in a subsequent test, by administration of a drop of 0.

A phase II study of weekly docetaxel-cisplatin as first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Introduction: The combination of docetaxel and cisplatin is an effective first-line regimen in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. However, the recommended three-weekly schedule is associated with frequent neutropenia and infections. Because of the toxicity of cisplatin, patients may need to be hospitalized to ensure adequate hydration.

A highly sensitive particle agglutination assay for the detection of P53 autoantibodies in patients with lung cancer.

Background: Numerous assays have been described for the detection of p53 autoantibodies. These assays are highly specific with low sensitivity. In this report, the authors describe a highly sensitive and simple particle agglutination immunoassay using superparamagnetic particles for capturing p5 autoantibodies, p53 protein, and p53 protein-antibody complexes from large volumes of serum samples (2 mL).

Outcomes of nonsurgical management and efficacy of demecarium bromide treatment for primary lens instability in dogs: 34 cases (1990-2004).

Objective: To determine outcome of initial conservative management for primary lens luxation and evaluate topically administered demecarium bromide miotic treatment for prevention of anterior lens luxation, glaucoma, and vision loss in dogs.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Animals: 34 dogs with primary lens luxation.

Duration of corneal anesthesia following topical administration of 0.5% proparacaine hydrochloride solution in clinically normal cats.

Objective: To determine duration of corneal anesthesia following topical administration of 0.5% proparacaine hydrochloride solution in domestic shorthair (DSH) cats.

Animals: 20 clinically normal DSH cats.

Mitochondrial DNA depletion analysis by pseudogene ratioing.

The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion status of rho(0) cell lines is typically assessed by hybridization or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments, in which the failure to hybridize mtDNA or amplify mtDNA using mtDNA-directed primers suggests thorough mitochondrial genome removal. Here, we report the use of an mtDNA pseudogene ratioing technique for the additional confirmation of rho0 status. Total genomic DNA from a U251 human glioma cell line treated with ethidium bromide was amplified using primers designed to anneal either mtDNA or a previously described nuclear DNA-embedded mtDNA pseudogene (mtDNApsi).

Molecular characterization of mtDNA depleted and repleted NT2 cell lines.

Transmitochondrial cytoplasmic hybrids (cybrids) enable functional assessment of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded proteins. Cybrid production often utilizes cell lines depleted of endogenous mtDNA (rho0 cells), and a number of suitable rho0 cell lines exist for this purpose. We now provide molecular data characterizing an NT2 human teratocarcinoma rho0 cell line, as well as NT2 cybrid derivatives.