Panobinostat: A histone deacetylase inhibitor for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Purpose: The mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, interaction potential, adverse effects, and place in therapy of panobinostat are reviewed.

Summary: Panobinostat (Farydak, Novartis) is a novel pan-deacetylase inhibitor approved for use in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least two regimens containing an immunomodulatory drug and bortezomib. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend the use of panobinostat plus bortezomib and dexamethasone as a preferred regimen for previously treated multiple myeloma (MM).

Redox balance influences differentiation status of neuroblastoma in the presence of all-trans retinoic acid.

Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial solid tumor in childhood; and patients in stage IV of the disease have a high propensity for tumor recurrence. Retinoid therapy has been utilized as a means to induce differentiation of tumor cells and to inhibit relapse. In this study, the expression of a common neuronal differentiation marker [neurofilament M (NF-M)] in human SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells treated with 10μM all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) showed significantly increased expression in accordance with reduced cell number.

Student Perceptions of Team-based Learning vs Traditional Lecture-based Learning.

Objective: To evaluate pharmacy student perceptions of team-based learning (TBL) vs traditional lecture-based learning formats.

Methods: First professional year pharmacy students (N=111) at two universities used TBL in different courses during different semesters (fall vs spring). Students completed a 22-item team perceptions instrument before and after the fall semester.

Pharmacologic Agents That Promote Airway Clearance in Hospitalized Subjects: A Systematic Review.

Pharmacologic agents to promote mucus clearance may reduce the sequelae of obstructive secretions. We systematically reviewed comparative studies of pharmacologic agents for mucus clearance in hospitalized or postoperative subjects without cystic fibrosis and over 12 months of age. We searched MEDLINE and other databases from January 1970 to July 2014 to identify relevant literature.

Feasibility of Extended-interval Follow-up for Patients Receiving Warfarin.

Aims: The 2012 American College of Chest Physician Evidence-Based Management of Anticoagulant Therapy guidelines suggest an international normalized ratio (INR) testing interval of up to 12 weeks, rather than every 4 weeks, for patients with consistently stable INRs while taking vitamin K antagonists. We aimed to examine the feasibility of extended-interval follow-up in a real-world setting.

Methods: Patients receiving stable warfarin therapy for ≥ 12 weeks at baseline began extended-interval follow-up with visits occurring at 6 weeks, 14 weeks, and every 12 weeks thereafter to a maximum of 68 weeks or until they were no longer suitable for extended-interval follow-up.

Hemolytic anemia following rasburicase administration: a review of published reports.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a potentially lethal complication of anticancer treatment. It is caused by the rapid death of malignant cells after initiation of cytotoxic therapy and is typically observed in patients with bulky or highly proliferative malignancies. Currently, rasburicase is one of the recommended therapies for this oncologic emergency.

Staging a reflective capstone course to transition PharmD graduates to professional life.

Objective: To develop and implement a capstone course that would allow students to reflect on their development as a professional, assess and share their achievement of the college's outcomes, complete a professional portfolio, establish a continuing professional development plan, and prepare to enter the pharmacy profession.

Design: Students were required to complete a hybrid course built around 4 online and inclass projects during the final semester of the curriculum.

Assessment: Faculty used direct measures of learning, such as reading student portfolios and program outcome reflections, evaluating professional development plans, and directly observing each student in a video presentation.

Comparison of tamoxifen and letrozole response in mammary preneoplasia of ER and aromatase overexpressing mice defines an immune-associated gene signature linked to tamoxifen resistance.

Response to breast cancer chemoprevention can depend upon host genetic makeup and initiating events leading up to preneoplasia. Increased expression of aromatase and estrogen receptor (ER) is found in conjunction with breast cancer. To investigate response or resistance to endocrine therapy, mice with targeted overexpression of Esr1 or CYP19A1 to mammary epithelial cells were employed, representing two direct pathophysiological interventions in estrogen pathway signaling.

Energy drink-induced acute kidney injury.

Objective: To report a case of acute renal failure possibly induced by Red Bull.

Case Summary: A 40-year-old man presented with various complaints, including a recent hypoglycemic episode. Assessment revealed that serum creatinine was elevated at 5.

Effect of an intervention on medical resident knowledge and adult immunization rates.

Background And Objectives: This study evaluated a change in immunization rates and medical resident knowledge following an educational intervention. Differences in immunization rates based on resident or patient characteristics were also assessed.

Methods: This pre- and post-intervention retrospective chart review targeted family medicine and internal medicine residents at the St.

Pharmacist-developed sedation protocol and impact on ventilator days.

Background: Up to one-third of intensive care unit (ICU) patients require mechanical ventilation. Mechanical ventilation is associated with numerous complications including ventilator-induced lung injury and gastrointestinal bleeding due to ulcerations.(1) Sedation protocols are used in order to optimize treatment and decrease days spent on mechanical ventilation.