Cellular Fitness Phenotypes of Cancer Target Genes from Oncobiology to Cancer Therapeutics.

To define the growing significance of cellular targets and/or effectors of cancer drugs, we examined the fitness dependency of cellular targets and effectors of cancer drug targets across human cancer cells from 19 cancer types. We observed that the deletion of 35 out of 47 cellular effectors and/or targets of oncology drugs did not result in the expected loss of cell fitness in appropriate cancer types for which drugs targeting or utilizing these molecules for their actions were approved. Additionally, our analysis recognized 43 cellular molecules as fitness genes in several cancer types in which these drugs were not approved, and thus, providing clues for repurposing certain approved oncology drugs in such cancer types.

Clinically Impressive Tophaceous Gout With Significant Bony Destruction.

To prevent complications of gout, health care providers should educate patients about its risks, institute regular checkups, and start medications early to control uric acid levels.

Lesinurad, a Selective URAT-1 Inhibitor With a Novel Mechanism in Combination With a Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor, for Hyperuricemia Associated With Gout.

Objective: To review the pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, and role of lesinurad for the management of hyperuricemia associated with gout.

Data Selection: A MEDLINE search (2000 to April 2017) was conducted using the terms hyperuricemia, gout, URAT-1, URAT-1 transporter, and lesinurad. Published articles and scientific posters relevant to the efficacy and safety of lesinurad were reviewed and summarized.

Discharge Diuretic Dose and 30-Day Readmission Rate in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

Background: Loop diuretics play a crucial role in symptom management in patients with fluid overload. There is a paucity of data regarding optimal diuretic dose at hospital discharge for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients requiring loop diuretics.

Objective: To compare all-cause 30-day readmission in ADHF patients on chronic loop diuretics who had an increase in loop diuretic dose at discharge (relative to their preadmission dose) with patients without a change or a decrease in loop diuretic dose at discharge.

Translating research into practice: is evidence-based medicine being practiced in military-relevant orthopedic trauma?

Orthopedic trauma remains one of the most survivable battlefield injuries seen in modern conflicts. Translating research into practice is a critical bridge that permits surgeons to further optimize medical outcomes. Orthopedic surgeons serving in the military may treat little to no trauma in their stateside practice.

Alternative schedules of levothyroxine administration.

Purpose: Published evidence on bedtime versus prebreakfast administration of levothyroxine is reviewed.

Summary: Because levothyroxine absorption has been shown to increase when the drug is administered to patients in a fasted state, the standard recommendation is that levothyroxine be taken one half to one hour prior to breakfast and at least four hours before or after potentially interacting drugs. However, compliance with this recommendation may be problematic for patients with unpredictable or variable schedules.

Implementation of a nontraditional postgraduate year 1 pharmacy residency program.

Purpose: The development and implementation of a nontraditional pharmacy residency program at a Veterans Affairs medical center (VAMC) are described.

Summary: The nontraditional pharmacy residency program at Lebanon VAMC was designed in accordance with the ASHP accreditation standard. The residency program was structured to meet staff needs without compromising patient care or significantly affecting the pharmacy services provided.

Identification of a subpopulation of metastatic breast cancer patients with very high HER2 expression levels and possible resistance to trastuzumab.

Background: Patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) overexpressing HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) are currently selected for treatment with trastuzumab, but not all patients respond.

Patients And Methods: Using a novel assay, HER2 protein expression (H2T) was measured in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary breast tumors from 98 women treated with trastuzumab-based therapy for MBC. Using subpopulation treatment effect pattern plots, the population was divided into H2T low (H2T < 13.

Continuous subcutaneous infusion of opiates at end-of-life.

Objective: To review pertinent controlled trials using the continuous subcutaneous infusion of opioids (CSIO) at end-of-life and offer insight to pharmacists and clinicians into the appropriate use of this route of administration.

Data Sources: A MEDLINE search for information regarding the subcutaneous administration of opioids in terminally ill patients (1975-December 2002) was conducted using the key words subcutaneous, narcotics, morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl, pain, hospices, and palliative care. Additional references were located through review of bibliographies of the articles cited.

Nateglinide.

The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, interactions, and dosage of nateglinide are reviewed. Nateglinide is an oral hypoglycemic agent approved for use alone or in combination with metformin as an adjunct to diet and exercise for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nateglinide, an amino acid derivative of D-phenylalanine, stimulates the secretion of insulin by binding to the ATP potassium channels in pancreatic beta cells.