Effects of Marine Fish Oils on the Anticoagulation Status of Patients Receiving Chronic Warfarin Therapy.

The purpose of this placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blinded, parallel study was to determine the existence and magnitude of effect of various doses of fish oil supplements on International Normalized Ratio (INR) determinations in patients receiving chronic warfarin therapy. Patients from anticoagulation clinics from both the Brady Green Community Health Center and Audie L. Murphy Veterans Administration in San Antonio, Texas were enrolled in the study.

Phase I and pharmacologic study of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor SU101 in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical feasibility and pharmacologic behavior of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) tyrosine kinase inhibitor SU101, administered on a prolonged, intermittent dosing schedule to patients with advanced solid malignancies.

Patients And Methods: Twenty-six patients were treated with SU101 doses ranging from 15 to 443 mg/m(2) as a 24-hour continuous intravenous (IV) infusion weekly for 4 weeks, repeated every 6 weeks. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed to characterize the disposition of SU101 and its major active metabolite, SU0020.

Phase I and pharmacokinetic trial of oral irinotecan administered daily for 5 days every 3 weeks in patients with solid tumors.

Purpose: We conducted a phase I dose-escalation trial of orally administered irinotecan (CPT-11) to characterize the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), pharmacokinetic profile, and antitumor effects in patients with refractory malignancies.

Patients And Methods: CPT-11 solution for intravenous (IV) use was mixed with CranGrape juice (Ocean Spray, Lakeville-Middleboro, MA) and administered orally once per day for 5 days every 3 weeks to 28 patients. Starting dosages ranged from 20 to 100 mg/m2/d.

Phase I trial of paclitaxel and gemcitabine administered every two weeks in patients with refractory solid tumors.

Purpose: Paclitaxel and gemcitabine possess broad spectra of clinical activity, distinct mechanisms of cytotoxicity, and are differentially affected by mutations in cell-cycle regulatory proteins, such as bcl-2. This phase I trial was designed to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose limiting toxicities (DLT) of paclitaxel and gemcitabine when both drugs were given together on a once-every-two-week schedule in patients with solid tumors.

Patients And Methods: A total of 37 patients were treated at nine different dose levels ranging from paclitaxel 75-175 mg/m2 administered over three hours followed by gemcitabinc 1500-3500 mg/m2 administered over 30-60 minutes.

Pharmaceutical aspects of docetaxel.

Clinical trials, pharmacokinetics, and pharmaceutical aspects of docetaxel are reviewed. In Phase I trials, the maximum tolerated dose of docetaxel ranged from 80 to 115 mg/m2. The main dose-limiting toxicity was brief neutropenia.

A statistical and clinical evaluation of fingerstick and routine laboratory prothrombin time measurements.

Study Objective: To compare prothrombin time measurements by fingerstick and routine laboratory methods.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: University-affiliated anticoagulation clinic.

Adapting a commercially available software program to improve ADR reporting.

To facilitate the long-term storage, retrieval, and analysis of adverse drug reaction (ADR) data, the drug information service at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio selected a computer software program with the capability to compile sets of relational databases. Five subsets were created to form the ADR database--patient demographics, medications, American Hospital Formulary Service classifications, adverse reactions, and case reports. This computerized system allows for quick information retrieval as well as the generation of monthly ADR reports.

Sexually transmitted diseases: an update.

Although the 1993 CDC treatment guidelines for STDs contained relatively few changes from the 1989 guidelines, some recently marketed medications now appear in the list of recommended and alternative treatment regimens. Pharmacists must consider differences in dosage formulations (intramuscular versus oral), cost, and length of treatment when choosing the antibiotic or antiviral to be listed in a hospital or managed care formulary. Additionally, pharmacists should recognize that some STD therapies are now given once daily instead of in a 7-day course.