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Other Treatment Options (other + treatment_option)
Selected AbstractsLenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma: dosing of lenalidomide according to renal function and effect on renal impairmentEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Meletios A. Dimopoulos Abstract Objectives:, Lenalidomide and dexamethasone (LenDex) is an active regimen for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). However, there is limited data for the effect of LenDex on renal impairment (RI) and on renal reversibility. Patients & Methods:, Fifty consecutive patients with relapsed/refractory MM received LenDex in 28-d cycles. Median lines of previous therapies were 2 (range: 1,6). Lenalidomide was administered on days 1,21 according to creatinine clearance (CrCl), while dexamethasone was given at a dose of 40 mg on days 1,4 and 15,18 for the first four cycles and only on days 1,4 thereafter. Results:, Twelve patients (24%) had RI at baseline, defined as CrCl < 50 mL/min. Most patients were pretreated with either thalidomide or bortezomib and > 50% of them were refractory to both drugs. At least partial response was documented in 60.5% and 58% of patients with and without RI. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients was 9 and 16 months, respectively. RI was not associated with an inferior PFS or OS. There were no differences in the incidence of adverse events among patients with and without RI. Three of 12 patients with RI (25%) achieved complete renal response and two (16%) achieved minor renal response with LenDex. Conclusions:, We conclude that LenDex is an active treatment even in heavily pretreated MM. With dosing of lenalidomide according to renal function, LenDex can be administered to patients with RI (who may not have other treatment options) without excessive toxicity. Furthermore, LenDex may improve the renal function in approximately 40% of patients with RI. [source] Basal cell carcinoma of the nose: An Australian and New Zealand Radiation Oncology patterns-of-practice studyJOURNAL OF MEDICAL IMAGING AND RADIATION ONCOLOGY, Issue 4 2008MJ Veness Summary Patients with a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the nose may be recommended radiotherapy (RT) with a wide variation in techniques and prescribed dose fractionation schedules between clinicians. The aim of this study was to ascertain variability in the patterns of practice among Australian and New Zealand radiation oncologists (ROs) when treating BCC arising on the nose. A postal survey was sent to 222 practising ANZ ROs detailing 12 different clinical scenarios of a BCC arising on the nose. The treatment selected for each scenario was analysed according to clinician's attitudes, training, experience and the availability of resources. The response rate was 74% (165/222) with 90 respondents treating non-melanoma skin cancer. Training was perceived to have a marked influence on treatment practice by most (79%). In total, 72% of ROs were ,very certain' in their choice of a dose fractionation schedule for obtaining local control and 61% for a satisfactory cosmetic outcome, respectively. Most (76%) favoured low-voltage photons over electrons as the optimal method of treatment, although for certain clinical scenarios most would use electrons. Dose fractionation schedules were highly variable with a lower total dose and hypofractionation favoured for older patients. Low-voltage photons were favoured for the T1 BCC and electrons for the T2 and T4 BCC. Nearly one-third of the ROs chose megavoltage photons for the T4 lesion. There is marked variation in treatment practices in terms of recommending RT over other treatment options, the choice of RT method, the dose fractionation schedule, the extent of field margins and the point of dose prescription. [source] Biofeedback therapy in fecal incontinence and constipationNEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY & MOTILITY, Issue 11 2009P. Enck Abstract, We examine the collected evidence for efficacy of biofeedback therapy (BFT) in incontinence and constipation by means of meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed search was performed to identify treatment trials that match quality criteria (adequate control groups, randomization). They were entered into meta-analyses using fixed effect models and computing odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of treatment effects. For constipation, eight BFT trials were identified. In four trials, electromyographic (EMG) BFT was compared to non-BFT treatments (laxatives, placebo, sham training and botox injection), while in the remaining four studies EMG BFT was compared to other BFT (balloon pressure, verbal feedback) modes. Meta-analyses revealed superiority of BFT to non-BFT (OR: 3.657; 95% CI: 2.127,6.290, P < 0.001) but equal efficacy of EMG BFT to other BF applications (OR: 1.436; CI: 0.692,3.089; P = 0.319). For fecal incontinence, a total of 11 trials were identified, of which six compared BFT to other treatment options (sensory training, pelvic floor exercise and electrical stimulation) and five compared one BFT option to other modalities of BFT. BFT was equal effective than non-BFT therapy (OR: 1.189, CI: 0.689,2.051, P = 0.535). No difference was found when various modes BFT were compared (OR: 1.278, CI: 0.736,2.220, P = 0.384). Included trials showed a substantial lack of quality and harmonization, e.g. variable endpoints and missing psychological assessment across studies. BFT for pelvic floor dyssynergia shows substantial specific therapeutic effect while BFT for incontinence is still lacking evidence for efficacy. However, in both conditions the mode of BFT seems to play a minor role. [source] Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: A Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain and Failed Back Surgery Syndrome?NEUROMODULATION, Issue 1 2009Paul Verrills MD ABSTRACT Objective., This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of peripheral nerve stimulation as a treatment option for patients with chronic low back pain. Materials and Methods., More than 12 months, we collected data on consecutive patients who had successful trials and were subsequently implanted with octrode percutaneous leads placed subcutaneously within the major area of pain. Eleven patients met diagnostic criteria for failed back surgery syndrome. A questionnaire assessed outcomes including: pain, analgesic use, and patient satisfaction. The response rate was 93% (13/14): average follow-up time was seven months. Results., There was a significant decrease in pain levels: an average reduction of 3.77 visual analog scale points. Eleven patients (85%) reported successful outcomes and an average pain reduction of 4.18 points but two reported a poor response. Pain relief was highly correlated with reduced analgesia and patient satisfaction. No complications were reported. Conclusion., This study demonstrates a treatment option that is safe, nonpharmacologic, reversible, and effective for patients with chronic low back pain that have exhausted other treatment options. [source] 4. Cervical Radicular PainPAIN PRACTICE, Issue 1 2010FIPP, Jan Van Zundert MD Abstract Cervical radicular pain is defined as pain perceived as arising in the arm caused by irritation of a cervical spinal nerve or its roots. Approximately 1 person in 1,000 suffers from cervical radicular pain. In the absence of a gold standard, the diagnosis is based on a combination of history, clinical examination, and (potentially) complementary examination. Medical imaging may show abnormalities, but those findings may not correlate with the patient's pain. Electrophysiologic testing may be requested when nerve damage is suspected but will not provide quantitative/qualitative information about the pain. The presumed causative level may be confirmed by means of selective diagnostic blocks. Conservative treatment typically consists of medication and physical therapy. There are no studies assessing the effectiveness of different types of medication specifically in patients suffering cervical radicular pain. Cochrane reviews did not find sufficient proof of efficacy for either education or cervical traction. When conservative treatment fails, interventional treatment may be considered. For subacute cervical radicular pain, the available evidence on efficacy and safety supports a recommendation (2B+) of interlaminar cervical epidural corticosteroid administration. A recent negative randomized controlled trial of transforaminal cervical epidural corticosteroid administration, coupled with an increasing number of reports of serious adverse events, warrants a negative recommendation (2B,). Pulsed radiofrequency treatment adjacent to the cervical dorsal root ganglion is a recommended treatment for chronic cervical radicular pain (1B+). When its effect is insufficient or of short duration, conventional radiofrequency treatment is recommended (2B+). In selected patients with cervical radicular pain, refractory to other treatment options, spinal cord stimulation may be considered. This treatment should be performed in specialized centers, preferentially study related. [source] Implants, Mechanical Devices, and Vascular Surgery for Erectile DysfunctionTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 1pt2 2010Wayne J.G. Hellstrom MD ABSTRACT Introduction., The field of erectile dysfunction (ED) is evolving and there is a need for state-of-the-art information in the area of treatment. Aim., To develop an evidence-based, state-of-the-art consensus report on the treatment of erectile dysfunction by implants, mechanical devices, and vascular surgery. Methods., To provide state-of-the-art knowledge concerning treatment of erectile dysfunction by implant, mechanical device, and vascular surgery, representing the opinions of 7 experts from 5 countries developed in a consensus process over a 2-year period. Main Outcome Measure., Expert opinion was based on the grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate. Results., The inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is indicated for the treatment of organic erectile dysfunction after failure or rejection of other treatment options. Comparisons between the IPP and other forms of ED therapy generally reveal a higher satisfaction rate in men with ED who chose the prosthesis. Organic ED responds well to vacuum erection device (VED) therapy, especially among men with a suboptimal response to intracavernosal pharmacotherapy. After radical prostatectomy, VED therapy combined with phosphodiesterase type 5 therapy improved sexual satisfaction in patients dissatisfied with VED alone. Penile revascularization surgery seems most successful in young men with absence of venous leakage and isolated stenosis of the internal pudendal artery following perineal or pelvic trauma. Currently, surgery to limit venous leakage is not recommended. Conclusions., It is important for the future of the field that patients be made aware of all treatment options for erectile dysfunction in order to make an informed decision. The treating physician should be aware of the patient's medical and sexual history in helping to guide the decision. More research is needed in the area of revascularization surgery, in particular, venous outflow surgery. Hellstrom WJG, Montague DK, Moncada I, Carson C, Minhas S, Faria G, and Krishnamurti S. Implants, mechanical devices, and vascular surgery for erectile dysfunction. J Sex Med 2010;7:501,523. [source] Aortic aneurysm repair with a functioning renal transplant: therapeutic optionsANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 1-2 2004Denise M. Roach Background: Aortic aneurysm repair in the presence of a functioning renal transplant carries significant risks of renal ischaemia. We describe the management of patients undergoing this treatment by using a temporary, externally sited axillofemoral bypass and discuss other treatment options. Methods: Three patients underwent a temporary, externally sited axillary artery to common femoral artery bypass. The aneurysm was then dissected via a transperitoneal incision. When the aneurysm was clamped, the axillofemoral graft was opened allowing retrograde perfusion to the renal transplant. Results: All three patients made a good recovery without postoperative deterioration of renal function. Conclusion: Numerous methods of protecting the transplanted kidney have been described, including expeditious surgery with no renal protection or some form of temporary shunt to perfuse the donor iliac artery. Temporary insertion of an axillofemoral bypass adds 45,60 min of extra operating time if two surgeons are present. However, this technique should completely avoid transplant ischaemia and is an excellent technique for dealing with abdominal aneurysms in patients with functioning transplants. [source] Tiagabine in treatment refractory bipolar disorder: a clinical case seriesBIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 5 2002Trisha Suppes Objectives:, Anticonvulsants have provided major treatment advances for patients with bipolar disorder. Many of these drugs, including several with proven efficacy in bipolar mania or depression, enhance the activity of the ,-amino butyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system. A new anticonvulsant, tiagabine, has selective GABAergic activity and is approved for patients with partial epilepsy. Few reports of its potential effectiveness in bipolar disorder, however, have been published. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of tiagabine added to ongoing medication regimens in patients with bipolar disorder inadequately responsive to or intolerant of usual treatments. Methods:, Seventeen treatment-refractory patients participating in the Stanley Foundation Bipolar Network (SFBN) long-term follow-up study were offered open treatment with add-on tiagabine after discussion of the risks, benefits, other treatment options and giving informed consent. Patients' clinical symptoms and somatic complaints were closely monitored with SFBN longitudinal and cross-sectional ratings. Four patients discontinued low-dose tiagabine prior to the second visit and were excluded from data analysis. Results:, Thirteen patients received a mean of 38 days of treatment at a mean dose of 8.7 mg/day of tiagabine. On the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Bipolar Disorder Overall category, three (23%) patients showed much or very much improvement and 10 (77%) patients showed no change or worsening. Three significant adverse events were noted, including two presumptive seizures. Conclusions:, Open add-on tiagabine for treatment-refractory patients with bipolar disorder demonstrated limited efficacy with the majority of patients showing no change or worsening of clinical symptoms. In addition, patients experienced serious side-effects attributed as likely due to the medication, which resolved without lasting consequence when tiagabine was discontinued. [source] | ||||||||||