Current medical research and opinion
-
ABP 501 is a biosimilar to the anti-tumor necrosis factor-alfa monoclonal antibody adalimumab and despite its effectiveness and safety in the treatment of psoriasis was demonstrated in randomized clinical trials, no real-life data are available, in particular in patients undergoing non-medical switch from originator to biosimilar. ⋯ AB- 501 is an effective treatment for plaque-type psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis regardless if patients are originator-naïve or if they were switched from the reference product.
-
Those invested in the outcome of specific decisions may seek to inform the decision-maker by generating relevant evidence. With multiple decision-makers, the evidence generator benefits from understanding whether their needs differ. This was explored using relevant stakeholders' preferences on quality indicators (QIs) of rare disease patient registries (RDRs), a common vehicle for generating evidence, to support the adoption of new medicines. ⋯ A multiple stakeholder approach for generating real-world evidence can be justified. The potential mismatch of 54.9% between pharma and non-pharma stakeholders indicates a critical misalignment between generator and consumer of its RWE. Pharmaceutical SHG's were highlighted for greater alignment with Patients and Payor (non-pharma) groups.
-
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare but treatable hematological cancer, which makes the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) an important patient-report outcome measure in clinical studies. The Quality of Life Questionnaire Multiple Myeloma Module (QLQ-MY20) was developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) to measure HRQoL in people with MM. However, the Brazilian Portuguese version of QLQ-MY20 has not yet been validated for Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the instrument for application in Brazilian patients with MM. ⋯ The study allowed us to conclude that the Brazilian version of the QLQ-MY20 module is valid and reliable, and thus suitable for application in Brazilians living with MM.
-
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism is the main genetic modulator of homocysteine. Data suggest a potential association of homozygosity for the TT MTHFR genotype with premature myocardial infarction (MI). We explored whether TT homozygosity is associated with long-term prognosis in patients with premature ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI). ⋯ Homozygosity for the TT MTHFR is an independent long-term predictor of cardiac death in patients with premature STEMI.