[Current status and regulation of bioanalytical laboratories engaged in quantifying immunosuppressants for transplant patients in Argentina].

Objective Determine the status of analytical laboratories that quantify immunosuppressants in transplant patients who are under therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for these drugs in Argentina in order to identify potential perfectible areas for action. Methods A survey of the clinical and analytical TDM centers in Argentina was conducted between September 2013 and November 2014 under the direction of the Garrahan Hospital Clinical Pharmacokinetics Unit and the National Unified Central Institute for Ablation and Implant Coordination. Results A nationally representative sample of 27 clinical and analytical centers was identified, of which 45% were public hospitals.

Ocular topotecan pharmacokinetics following topical administration to rabbits for diffused anterior retinoblastoma.

Objectives: We characterized and compared the in-vivo absorption of topotecan into the aqueous humor after instillation of aqueous and ointment formulations.

Methods: A lanolin/petrolatum ointment was used. New Zealand rabbits were instilled with topotecan solution (6 μg, group A), a single 10 μg dose of topotecan ointment (group B) or with five 10 μg doses of topotecan ointment (group C).

Sustained-release hydrogels of topotecan for retinoblastoma.

Treatment of retinoblastoma, the most common primary ocular malignancy in children, has greatly improved over the last decade. Still, new devices for chemotherapy are needed to achieve better tumor control. The aim of this project was to develop an ocular drug delivery system for topotecan (TPT) loaded in biocompatible hydrogels of poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethyleneglycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) block copolymers (PCL-PEG-PCL) for sustained TPT release in the vitreous humor.

Topotecan Delivery to the Optic Nerve after Ophthalmic Artery Chemosurgery.

Extraocular retinoblastoma is a major challenge worldwide, especially in developing countries. Current treatment involves the administration of systemic chemotherapy combined with radiation, but there is a clear need for improvement of chemotherapy bioavailability in the optic nerve. Our aim was to study the ophthalmic artery chemosurgery (OAC) local route for drug delivery assessing ocular and optic nerve exposure to chemotherapy and to compare it to exposure after intravenous infusion (IV) of the same dose in an animal model.

Ocular pharmacology of topotecan and its activity in retinoblastoma.

Purpose: To review the ocular pharmacology and antitumor activity of topotecan for the treatment of retinoblastoma by an evaluation of different routes of administration.

Methods: Systematic review of studies available at PubMed using the keywords retinoblastoma, topotecan, and camptothecins, including preclinical data such as cell lines and animal models, as well as clinical studies in patients with retinoblastoma.

Results: Forty-two available studies were reviewed.

Clinical pharmacokinetics of intra-arterial melphalan and topotecan combination in patients with retinoblastoma.

Purpose: To assess the antitumor activity, toxicity, and plasma pharmacokinetics of the combination of melphalan and topotecan for superselective ophthalmic artery infusion (SSOAI) treatment of children with retinoblastoma.

Design: Single-center, prospective, clinical pharmacokinetic study.

Participants: Twenty-six patients (27 eyes) with intraocular retinoblastoma.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy is more effective than sequential periocular and intravenous chemotherapy as salvage treatment for relapsed retinoblastoma.

Background: Treatment of eyes with retinoblastoma failing systemic chemoreduction and external beam radiotherapy is seldom efficacious. This study compares the efficacy and toxicity of intra-arterial ophthalmic artery chemotherapy (IAO) to our historical cohort of sequential periocular and systemic chemotherapy in such patients.

Patients And Methods: Eighteen eyes (15 consecutive patients) were retrospectively evaluated.

Pharmacokinetic analysis of melphalan after superselective ophthalmic artery infusion in preclinical models and retinoblastoma patients.

Purpose: To characterize melphalan pharmacokinetics after superselective ophthalmic artery infusion (SSOAI) in animals and children with retinoblastoma.

Methods: Vitreous and plasma samples of five Landrace pigs were obtained over a 4-hour period after SSOAI of melphalan (7 mg). Melphalan cytotoxicity was evaluated in retinoblastoma cell lines with and without topotecan.