Therapy with high-dose dexamethasone (HD-DXM) in previously untreated patients affected by idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a GIMEMA experience.

In idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), corticosteroids have been widely recognized as the most appropriate first-line treatment, even if the best therapeutic approach is still a matter of debate. Recently, a single high-dose dexamethasone (HD-DXM) course was administered as first-line therapy in adult patients with ITP. In this paper we show the results of 2 prospective pilot studies (monocentric and multicentric, respectively) concerning the use of repeated pulses of HD-DXM in untreated ITP patients.

Real-time contrast-enhanced specific ultrasound in staging and follow-up of splenic lymphomas.

From January 2003 to April 2005 we studied 25 lymphoma patients (10 with HD, 4 with low-grade NHL, 6 with high-grade NHL and 5 with chronic lymphatic leukaemia; 14 men, 11 women, age range 28-79 years). After a baseline US study we rapidly injected 4.8 mL of the second-generation microbubble contrast agent SonoVue (Bracco, Italy).

Phase I study of temozolomide and lomustine in the treatment of high grade malignant glioma.

Systematic reviews and meta-analysis have demonstrated an improved prognosis by chemotherapy of malignant glioma patients. The effects of clinical research therefore have the aim to find more active drugs or new combination therapies. The combination of Temozolomide (TMZ) and nitrosoureas was evaluated preclinically with an evidence of therapeutic synergy.