Management of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs).

Purpose: To provide up to date guidance, practice recommendations and highlight barriers to medication adherence in the long-term management of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).

Aim: Current drug therapy for MPN is not curative and has not been shown to prolong survival. The main indication for treatment is the prevention of thrombosis and medication adherence remains a challenge in this group of patients.

Comparison of closed system transfer devices for turnaround time and ease of use.

Objective/purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to compare three closed-system transfer devices with differing mechanical interfaces for their suitability for adoption into our daily practice. The secondary purpose was to use the results of this study to support the selection of one of the closed-system transfer devices, which would suit both the pharmacy and nursing staff at our institution, furthermore promoting the enculturation of international recommendations into our clinical practice.

Study Design/methods: The hazardous drug preparation process was observed and timed continuously from the moment the technician started compounding until the finished product was handed to the designated checker by raising hands.

Intracranial hypertension secondary to high dose cytosine arabinoside - A case study.

We report a rare case of intracranial hypertension following high dose cytosine arabinoside (HiDAC) in a 20-year-old man, with precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A five drug induction protocol for ALL was initiated; post induction consolidation was with HiDAC (3 g/m IV every 12 h on days 1, 3 and 5). Post consolidation, cytogenetic remission was attained and he received an intensification and maintenance regimen for ALL, for a period of approximately 24 months.

A three-year study of a first-generation chemotherapy-compounding robot.

Purpose: Results of a performance evaluation of an automated system for compounding antineoplastic preparations are reported.

Methods: Three years after the pharmacy department of a hospital in Saudi Arabia installed an i.v.

Methotrexate for the Treatment of Graft-versus-Host Disease after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Glucocorticoids have been the primary treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) over the past decade. Complete responses to steroid therapy are usually expected in almost one-third of aGVHD cases and partial response is anticipated in another one-third of patients. However, for those patients not responding to corticosteroid treatment, there is no standard second-line therapy for acute or chronic GVHD.