Prostate cancer and antidepressants: A nationwide population-based nested case-control study.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the association between antidepressant and prostate cancer by comparing exposures to antidepressants between those with and without prostate cancer.

Methods: A nationwide insurance claims database was used to identify our case subjects. Age- and gender-matched controls were selected at a 1:5 ratio.

Efficacy of levomilnacipran extended release in treating major depressive disorder.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of disability worldwide with a heterogeneous symptom profile. Levomilnacipran extended release (ER) (Fetzima), a SNRI, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of MDD. While categorized as a SNRI, in contradistinction to other approved SNRIs, levomilnacipran exhibits differential affinity for the norepinephrine reuptake transporter when compared to the serotonin reuptake transporter.

A proposal: a comprehensive platform to characterize tumors in Chinese and improve success in cancer drug discovery and development.

Cancer is a collection of complex diseases in which cell proliferation and apoptosis are dysregulated due to the acquisition of genetic changes in cancer cells. These genetic changes, combined with the interrelated physiologic adaptations of neo-angiogenesis, recruitment of stromal support tissues, and suppression of immune recognition, are measurable characteristics in tumor gene expression profiles and biochemical pathways. These measures can lead to identification of disease drivers and, ultimately, can be used to assign therapy.

A first in human study of SB-743921, a kinesin spindle protein inhibitor, to determine pharmacokinetics, biologic effects and establish a recommended phase II dose.

Purpose: To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of SB-743921 when administered as a 1-h infusion every 21 days to patients with advanced solid tumors or relapsed/refractory lymphoma.

Methods: Patients who failed prior standard therapy or those without any standard options were eligible. Forty-four patients were enrolled using an initial accelerated dose-escalation phase followed by a standard dose-escalation phase.

A phase I study of ispinesib, a kinesin spindle protein inhibitor, administered weekly for three consecutive weeks of a 28-day cycle in patients with solid tumors.

Purpose: To establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), safety, and pharmacokinetic profile of ispinesib when administered as a 1-h intravenous infusion weekly for three consecutive weeks of a 28 day treatment period to patients with advanced solid tumors.

Experimental Design: Thirty patients were enrolled using an initial accelerated dose-escalation phase followed by a standard dose-escalation phase at doses ranging from 1-8 mg/m(2)/week. Pharmacokinetic samples, skin punch biopsies, and tumor biopsies (in patients with accessible tumor) were obtained during cycle 1 of treatment.

Phase I dose escalation and pharmacokinetic study of lapatinib in combination with trastuzumab in patients with advanced ErbB2-positive breast cancer.

Purpose: The combination of lapatinib and trastuzumab has been observed to have a synergistic, antiproliferative effect against ErbB2-positive breast cancer cells in vitro. This phase I study assessed the safety, clinical feasibility, optimally tolerated regimen (OTR), pharmacokinetics (PK), and preliminary clinical activity of this combination in patients with ErbB2-positive advanced breast cancer.

Patients And Methods: Cohorts of three patients with ErbB2-positive advanced breast cancer were treated with escalating doses of lapatinib (750 to 1,500 mg) administered once daily (continuous) in combination with trastuzumab (4 mg/kg loading dose then 2 mg/kg weekly) to determine the OTR.

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of lapatinib in combination with capecitabine in patients with advanced solid malignancies.

Purpose: This phase I trial (EGF10005) assessed the safety, optimally tolerated regimen (OTR), and pharmacokinetics of lapatinib and capecitabine in combination in patients with advanced solid malignancies.

Patients And Methods: Patients with previously treated, advanced solid malignancies were eligible. Cohorts of at least three patients each received once-daily oral lapatinib (continuous) and capecitabine (twice daily for 14 days every 21 days).

Psychosocial Experiences of East and Southeast Asian men who use gay Internet chatrooms in Toronto: an implication for HIV/AIDS prevention.

Objectives: In recent years we have witnessed an increase in Asian men who use gay Internet chatrooms in Toronto. Previous research has shown that many men who had sex with men (MSM) sought sex partners through the Internet and that meeting sex partners via the Internet increases sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV risk. This study aims to (1) explore psychosocial issues relating to Asian men who use gay chatrooms and (2) identify culturally appropriate HIV prevention strategies for this population.

Regulatory approvals of pediatric oncology drugs: previous experience and new initiatives.

Purpose: To review the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) experience with approvals of new drugs for pediatric oncology and to discuss new regulatory initiatives directed at pediatric oncology.

Methods: A retrospective review of FDA archival documents and the published literature.

Results: More than 100 drugs have been approved by the Division of Oncology Drug Products of the FDA for the treatment of malignancies.

Phase I study of perillyl alcohol in patients with refractory malignancies.

We treated 21 patients in a dose-finding and pharmacokinetic study of the monoterpene perillyl alcohol with the drug given orally in 3 divided doses on a chronic basis. The average number of days that patients remained on study was 48 (range 11-172). Fatigue and low-grade nausea were dose limiting.