Systematic review and meta-analysis of anti-thymocyte globulin dosage as a component of graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis.

Rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) has been used in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) for graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis. Since the best dose has not been defined yet, this study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of different doses of ATG in Allo-HSCT. Data sources were MEDLINE/PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, LILACS, and SciELO.

Comparison of cyclophosphamide-thalidomide-dexamethasone to bortezomib-cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone as induction therapy for multiple myeloma patients in Brazil.

Objective/background: Chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the standard treatment for multiple myeloma (MM). Thalidomide or bortezomib may be combined with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone, in what are known as the CTD and VCD protocols, respectively. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and response rates obtained with CTD and VCD, observing whether the inclusion of bortezomib to treat MM patients in Brazil increases therapeutic efficiency.

Characterization of Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Unresponsive to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Who Underwent Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were the first drugs to use an intracellular signaling molecule as a therapeutic target. Unresponsiveness to TKIs limits therapeutic options, making allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) the only option leading to molecular remission. The aim of this study is to characterize CML patients unresponsive to first- and/or second-generation TKI therapy who underwent HSCT and to describe the main factors associated with treatment failure.

Immunosuppressive serum levels in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: pharmaceutical care contribution.

Background: Cyclosporine and tacrolimus are limited by a narrow therapeutic window. Maintaining immunosuppressive drugs at desired levels may be difficult. Pharmaceutical care emerges as a philosophy of practice that enhances medication use and leads to a better control of serum concentration.

Compliance with a critical pathway for the management of febrile neutropenia and impact on clinical outcomes.

Febrile neutropenia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Managing infectious in neutropenic patients remains a dynamic process, making necessary timely and efficient empirical antibiotic therapy. The implementation of critical pathways has been suggested as a strategy to improve clinical effectiveness.