High dose valacyclovir for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most common and clinically significant viral infections following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Currently available options for CMV prophylaxis and treatment present challenges related to side effects and cost.

Methods: In this retrospective medical record review, the incidence of clinically significant CMV infection (CMV disease or reactivation requiring preemptive treatment) following allogeneic HCT was compared in patients receiving valacyclovir 1 g three times daily versus acyclovir 400 mg every 12 h for viral prophylaxis.

American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Pharmacy Special Interest Group Survey on Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy Administrative, Logistic, and Toxicity Management Practices in the United States.

Administration of immune effector cell (IEC) therapy is a complex endeavor requiring extensive coordination and communication of various healthcare and administrative teams. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are the most established IEC therapy available. As of July 2018 two commercial gene therapy products, tisagenlecleucel and axicabtagene ciloleucel, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Maintenance azacitidine after myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for myeloid malignancies.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative option for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), but carries a high risk of relapse. This retrospective review evaluates the effectiveness of maintenance azacitidine in high-risk AML and MDS patients to reduce the probability of relapse. Twenty-five patients who received maintenance azacitidine were matched to historical controls in a two-to-one ratio based on diagnosis, donor type, conditioning regimen intensity, and age.

Intravenous Lidocaine as an Adjuvant for Pain Associated with Sickle Cell Disease.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjuvant intravenous (IV) lidocaine in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). This was a retrospective review. Adults with SCD receiving at least one IV lidocaine infusion from 2004 to 2014 were included.

Evaluation of empiric antibiotic de-escalation in febrile neutropenia.

Introduction: Up until 2010, the recommended duration of empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics for febrile neutropenia was until absolute neutrophil count (ANC) recovery. An updated guideline on the use of antimicrobial agents in neutropenic patients with cancer indicates that patients who have completed an appropriate treatment course of broad-spectrum antibiotics, with resolution of signs and symptoms of infection but persistent neutropenia, can be de-escalated to oral fluoroquinolone prophylaxis until ANC recovery.

Methods: The primary objective of this retrospective investigation was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of de-escalating broad-spectrum antibiotics in patients remaining neutropenic after at least 14 days of empiric broadspectrum antibiotics for febrile neutropenia compared to patients continuing broad-spectrum antibiotics until ANC recovery.