Elimination of High-grade Gliomas Through Induced Cytolysis, Elucidated by Two Patient Cases.

Background/aim: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of primary malignant tumors in the central nervous system of adults. In practice, all patients with GBM experience relapse, and treatment options become limited following first-line therapy. We previously reported a new, successful treatment approach for a GBM patient, implemented in direct conjunction with surgical intervention.

Intrathecal baclofen therapy for the symptomatic treatment of hereditary spastic paraplegia.

Objective: We study the effectiveness and safety of intrathecal baclofen therapy for the treatment of spasticity and gait improvement in patients suffering from hereditary spastic paraplegia.

Methods: Sixteen patients diagnosed with hereditary spastic paraplegia (mean age: 43 years) were enrolled in this open prospective study. The main inclusion criteria were: spastic paraparesis with a negative laboratory and imaging work-up (apart from spinal cord atrophy), unsuccessful trial of oral anti-spasticity drugs.

Intrathecal baclofen associated with improvement of consciousness disorders in spasticity patients.

Objective: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump is a therapeutic option for persistent vegetative state and minimal conscious state patients that have associated spasticity. We investigated whether this treatment modality can affect their level of consciousness.

Method: In this prospective, open label, observational study, we implanted ITB pumps for the treatment of spasticity in eight patients with disorders of consciousness (vegetative state and minimally conscious state) and we followed them with the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance scale, and the Modified Ashworth spasticity scale.

Pharmacokinetics of doripenem in CSF of patients with non-inflamed meninges.

Objectives: To investigate intact blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration by doripenem and characterize doripenem pharmacokinetics in CSF using a pharmacokinetic model.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-eight neurological patients with no active neurological disease or CNS infection received a single 500 mg doripenem dose before pump implantation surgery, or lumbar puncture, for intrathecal baclofen administration. In most cases single CSF and blood samples were collected per patient and analysed for doripenem with HPLC.