Risk factors determining adherence to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukaemia.

Objective: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have successfully changed the natural course of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Although they are highly effective drugs, their clinical benefit is conditioned by adherence. This study aims to analyse the adherence of CML patients treated with TKIs and to identify the main factors influencing their adherence to TKIs treatment.

Imatinib plasma levels in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumour under routine clinical practice conditions.

Objectives: Imatinib is the first therapeutic option for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumours. Previous studies have shown an improvement in patient survival rates following the use of imatinib. Nevertheless, adequate plasma concentrations of imatinib are necessary to achieve such improvement in survival and limit the toxicity of the drug.

Imatinib plasma levels in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia under routine clinical practice conditions.

Introduction: The addition of imatinib to the therapeutic arsenal for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) has changed the natural course of the disease, in such a way that it is now considered a chronic pathology. However, to achieve therapeutic success, it is necessary to reach adequate plasma concentrations to ensure efficacy and safety.In this study, we aimed to evaluate the plasma concentration of imatinib, analysing its influence on effectiveness and safety in patients with CML.

Pharmacokinetics of Trastuzumab After Subcutaneous and Intravenous Administration in Obese Patients.

Subcutaneous trastuzumab (T-SC) administration does not allow the historical target concentration of 20 µg/mL for efficacy to be reached, from the start of treatment in patients with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m. To analyze the influence of the strategy of dosification (fixed vs adjusted patient's body weight dose) on the initial minimum plasma concentration () of trastuzumab in obese patients. This was an observational, prospective study, which included patients with HER2-positive nonmetastatic breast cancer treated with trastuzumab.

Long-term stability of trastuzumab in plasma and whole blood samples stored under different conditions.

Objective: The present work analyzed the stability of trastuzumab  concentrations in blood and plasma samples stored at 4 °C and -20 °C.

Method: Blood samples of patients treated with trastuzumab (Herceptin ®)  were analyzed. Stability of trastuzumab was analyzed under different conditions: whole blood stored at 4 °C during 72 hours, blood  plasma stored at 4 °C during 120 hours and blood plasma stored at -20 °C during 365 days.

Effect of UGT, SLCO, ABCB and ABCC polymorphisms on irinotecan toxicity.

Background And Objectives: Evaluate the relationship between the presence of polymorphisms in genes involved in the pharmacodynamics of irinotecan (UGT1A, SLCO1B1, ABCB1 and ABCC2) and the safety of irinotecan in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Patients And Methods: Prospective observational, single-centre study of 30 months duration, which included patients diagnosed with mCRC treated with FOLFIRI was carried out. Toxicity was evaluated in each treatment cycle according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v.

Cost-effectiveness study of closed system transfer devices for the preparation of antineoplastic agents.

Most cytostatic drugs cannot be administered directly to patients in their marketed presentation, but require previous reconstitution conducted in the Pharmacy Unit areas for cytostatic preparation. There are systems that allow drug reconstitution and transfer once it has been diluted, in order to protect staff from any potential contamination during handling. These are commonly known as Closed Systems, and generally have a piece for vial attachment and a syringe adapter with a built-in filter, that replace the traditional needles.

Reducing the degree of colonisation of venous access catheters by continuous passive disinfection.

Introduction: The advent of Luer-type needleless venous access catheters has been accompanied by a growing number of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Our main objective was to compare rates of colonisation and phlebitis between our standard of care and the new passive disinfection system, using a Luer SwabCap bearing a sponge impregnated with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Methods: We performed a prospective experimental study involving patients attending our day hospital oncology unit, with central venous (CV) or peripheral venous (PV) access lines with needleless connectors for antineoplastic treatment delivery.