Effectiveness of Nivolumab versus Docetaxel as Second-Line Treatment in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients in Clinical Practice.

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of nivolumab as second-line treatment compared to standard therapy with docetaxel in adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in clinical practice.

Methods: This is an observational, retrospective cohort study of adult patients diagnosed with NSCLC, stage III-IV, treated with docetaxel or nivolumab as second-line treatment. The end points evaluated were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Effectiveness, toxicity, and economic evaluation of ipilimumab for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma in the Spanish outpatient setting.

To evaluate the effectiveness and toxicity profile of ipilimumab treatment and to examine the cost-effectiveness relation in a real-world sample of patients with metastasic melanoma. This was a multicenter, observational, retrospective cohorts study. To assess the effectiveness and safety of ipilimumab treatment progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and adverse events were registered.

Effectiveness, toxicity, and economic evaluation of vinflunine for the treatment of patients with transitional cell carcinoma in the Spanish outpatient setting.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and toxicity profile of the vinflunine chemotherapy regimen and to examine the cost-effectiveness relation in a real-world sample of patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. This is a multicenter, observational, retrospective cohort study. To assess the effectiveness and safety of vinflunine treatment, progression-free survival, overall survival, and adverse events were registered.

Dose modifications of anti-TNF drugs in rheumatoid arthritis patients under real-world settings: a systematic review.

Anti-TNF dose modifications in rheumatoid arthritis have implications on healthcare resource utilization. The objective was to systematically review the dose modifications, both escalations and reductions, of currently available anti-TNF drugs (adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab and infliximab) in the real-world setting. We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE, Indice Médico Español databases and American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism annual congresses databases.

[Pharmacoeconomic assessment of taxanes as first-line therapy for advanced or metastatic non-microcytic lung cancer].

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of taxane-containing regimens versus non-taxane-containing regimens using a metanalysis and its subsequent pharmacoeconomic assessment to define the role of taxanes as first-line therapy for non micro-cytic lung cancer.

Method: A search of the MEDLINE database from 2000 to June 2005 was performed. The search was restricted to phase-III clinical trials, and 29 papers were selected.

[A cost-effectiveness study of first-line hormone therapy in post-menopausal patients with metastatic breast cancer on neoadjuvant treatment].

Objective: Breast cancer is a hormone-dependent tumor, which expands therapy options. The aim of this study was to perform a pharmacoeconomic assessment of these drugs in post-menopausal patients with metastatic breast cancer or on neoadjuvant therapy.

Method: To assess the efficacy of both drug classes a meta-analysis was carried out from papers obtained in a Medline literature search (1997 - June 2004) using the following keywords: breast cancer, postmenopausal, aromatase inhibitors, antiestrogens, tamoxifen, neoadjuvant.

[Principles of phototherapy and its use in cancer patients].

Phototherapy (PHOT) is a therapeutic option whose effectiveness is determined by its capability to destroy cells, with the benefit of discrimination between healthy and diseased tissue. It is based on the previous administration of a drug acting as a photosensitizing agent, and subsequent laser radiation, which brings about cellular destruction. The objective of this study is to review the principles and methods on which this therapeutic modality is based, as well as its use in the cancer field.

[Wasting syndrome in cancer patients: pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and drug therapy].

Wasting is a syndrome related to patient functional impairment that characterizes many conditions, including cancer. The development of wasting includes changes in the metabolism, as well as in hormones and other cell mediators, which trigger a syndrome that cannot be solved by forced nutrient ingestion. The goal of this study is to review the pathophysiological components of wasting, as well as its clinical manifestations and the available specific drug therapy options for the treatment of this condition.

Effectiveness and safety of bemiparin versus low-molecular weight heparins in orthopaedic surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bemiparin in the prophylaxis of thromboembolism in orthopaedic surgery with respect to other low-molecular-weight heparins.

Methods: A meta-analysis of effectiveness and safety of low-molecular weight heparins versus standard heparin in orthopaedic surgery was performed. A literature search was done of Medline and Excerpta Medica from 1988 to 1998.