Rapid LC-MS/MS method for quantification of vinorelbine and 4-O-deacetylvinorelbine in human whole blood suitable to monitoring oral metronomic anticancer therapy.

A rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for therapeutic drug monitoring oral vinorelbine (VRL) metronomic anticancer chemotherapy has been developed and validated. Analysis of VRL and its main active metabolite 4-O-deacetylvinorelbine (M1) was performed in whole blood matrix. Both analytes were extracted by protein precipitation and separated on an Onyx monolith C , 50 × 2 mm column then quantified by positive electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring mode.

Germ line polymorphisms as predictive markers for pre-surgical radiochemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer: a 5-year literature update and critical review.

Purpose: Locally advanced rectal cancer is currently treated with pre-surgical radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Approximately one-half of patients obtain a relevant shrinkage/disappearance of tumour, with major clinical advantages. The remaining patients, in contrast, show no benefit and possibly need alternative treatment.

Age affects pegylated liposomal doxorubicin elimination and tolerability in patients over 70 years old.

Purpose: Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is often used in elderly people, due to its improved tolerability. However, clinical and pharmacological data in the subset of patients over 70 are scanty.

Methods: PLD safety was evaluated in 35 patients (aged ≥70 years) who were treated with PLD as a single agent for 165 cycles.

Cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic profile of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in chronic and acute lymphoproliferative disorders.

The possibility that human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) may derive from the malignant clone in hematological malignancies (HM) is a controversial issue. In order to clarify hMSC origin and disclose possible cytogenetic heterogeneity in hMSC belonging to different patients, bone marrow (BM)-derived hMSC samples from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were expanded in culture, characterized by flow cytometry, and screened by conventional cytogenetic analysis and fluorescent in situ hybridization for the presence of possible cytogenetic aberrations, related or not to the hematopoietic neoplastic clone. Our data showed that the presence of cytogenetic aberrations in successfully expanded HM-MSC stromal layers derives from the persistence of contaminating hemopoietic cells (HC), which is greatly supported by in vitro culture conditions that could mimic in vivo microenvironmental niche.