The Concept of Biosimilars: From Characterization to Evolution-A Narrative Review.

Unlabelled: Biologic agents are currently the fastest emerging segment of drug expenditure. Unlike chemically synthesized small-molecule drugs, biologics are more complex, medicinal products produced by a living organism. They have become part of the standard of care in the treatment of a large variety of diseases, such as growth disorders, autoimmune diseases, cancer, cardiovascular illnesses, hemophilia, and rare genetic conditions, to name a few.

Targeting the anterior superior iliac spine yields significantly longer bone marrow cores.

Unlabelled: Pathologists and haematologists generally agree that the length of the biopsy core is a good surrogate for the diagnostic quality of the bone marrow. Previous studies suggested that the angulation of the biopsy needle from the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) could influence the length of the biopsy cores, targeting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) from the PSIS would yield longer specimens than the traditional angulation technique (TAT), where the biopsy needle is directed straight in, perpendicular to the plane of the back. Twenty five adult haematology patients were prospectively recruited by haematologists-in-training (HITs), who were trained to target the ASIS using a lateral angulationtechnique (LAT).

Factors associated with risk of central nervous system relapse in patients with non-core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia.

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse is uncommon in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with the use of high-dose cytarabine containing chemotherapy regimens. The clinical and molecular features associated with a higher risk of CNS relapse are not well defined. We assessed the incidence and outcome of CNS relapses among 1245 patients with relapsed/refractory AML referred to our institution between 2000 and 2014.

Impact of achievement of complete cytogenetic response on outcome in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes treated with hypomethylating agents.

Two hundred and sixteen consecutive patients with MDS and abnormal karyotype treated with hypomethylating agents between 4/04 and 10/12 were reviewed. Median follow-up was 17 months. Using IWG criteria, best responses were complete response (CR) in 79 patients (37%), partial response (PR) in 4 (2%), and hematologic improvement (HI) in 10 (5%).

Hypertension induced by chemotherapeutic and immunosuppresive agents: a new challenge.

Background: Hypertension is a common adverse effect of certain anti neoplastic therapy. The incidence and severity of hypertension are dependent mainly on the type and the dose of the drug.

Methods: We reviewed the literature for studies that reported the effect of anti neoplastic agents on blood pressure in patients with malignancies.

Outcome of acute limb ischemia in cancer patients.

The optimal management strategy for acute limb ischemia (ALI) in patients with a concomitant malignancy is not well established. A very high mortality rate (83-100%) at 1 year has been reported in those who are treated surgically. Accordingly, a conservative management approach has been suggested as the main therapeutic modality.

Cutaneous manifestations of anti-angiogenic therapy in oncology: Review with focus on VEGF inhibitors.

The role of the VEGF signaling pathway in angiogenesis has been extensively investigated, and many new targeted anti-angiogenic drugs have evolved from this knowledge. The recent approval and introduction of these anti-neoplastic drugs has revolutionized the treatment of many types of cancers, but has also revealed numerous toxicities to the skin and its adnexae. Since these cutaneous side effects may have a significant impact on the physical, emotional and psychosocial health of patients, it is important for dermatologists and oncologists alike to be aware of the cutaneous complications of these drugs in order to properly diagnose and treat them.